The Eynan 2: Garileon

by L. S. Gibson

  The vision faded, and Jhond quickly dropped the crystal into the box and closed it. He sealed the chest and exited the room, replacing the spells to reseal and hide the room. He attached the small box to his belt and, concentrating on Ninian, he twisted the pendant against the ring and returned to Remelin's cottage.

  * * * *

  Ninian had just finished eating and was feeling much better.

  "That was good," Remelin said. "I've not eaten as well for a long time before you arrived. I'm going to put on weight." Her mouth curved in a smile, which suddenly morphed into a gasp.

  Ninian turned to see Jhond standing just behind him. "Hope I didn't shock you too much," Jhond said to her. "I forget how strange it must seem to those watching."

  "Shock? Maybe a little. Fascination? Oh yes," she said with a smile.

  "Everything satisfactory?" Ninian asked.

  "Yes, with a little extra."

  Ninian frowned. "Pardon?"

  Jhond saw a third chair was set at the table and sat. After setting the small box on the table, he opened it. "I brought the cracked crystal, and I have yours, too."

  "Mine? Oh, the one that sent me here. But why? It's served its purpose."

  "Has it? I'm not entirely sure why, but I thought perhaps it might be useful, partly due to its storage in proximity to the cracked crystal. Anyway, when I picked it up to put it in the box, I received an image."

  "But that... You got no reaction from it before." This puzzled Ninian. What could have changed?

  "Exactly."

  "What did you see?" Remelin interjected.

  Jhond glanced at her. "You"--then he looked at Ninian--"and you. You were both in the cellar, talking."

  "But we haven't been anywhere while you were gone," Remelin said.

  "I know. It was either a scene from the past or one from the future."

  "A possible future," Ninian said. "Is that it, do you suppose? A warning?"

  "I don't know, not for certain, but it makes more sense that it'll be a future event. Not far into the future because you both looked the same as now. Though it is possible that a past event could be cause for a warning, a prelude to something that'll happen in the future."

  "So either way, it's a warning of something to come," Remelin said.

  "Was there any sign of you in this image?" Ninian queried.

  "No, but it was a narrow angled image. I recognized the cellar steps because behind you I saw the section of wall with the stone block missing, where the journal had been hidden. It's possible I was there, but out of sight. I can't think of any reason why you'd be there without me, but I think we must ensure that doesn't occur."

  "Can I see the crystals?" Remelin asked.

  Jhond looked thoughtful. "You can see, but you must not touch."

  Remelin clucked her disappointment, but didn't comment. She rose and stood behind Jhond to look into the box. "Which is yours, Ninian?"

  "The smaller one." Ninian suddenly felt a reluctance to touch the crystal.

  "Oh my," Remelin said, "I can see why the cracked one would make anyone nervous to touch it."

  "I never have," Ninian commented. He sucked in a breath and reached into the box to take out his ovoid crystal, aware of Jhond's gaze on him.

  It was as if he wasn't holding the crystal. "Well, that's odd."

  "Nothing?" Jhond asked.

  "Not a thing. And compared to the last time..." Ninian let the sentence hang.

  "Perhaps it's told you all it had to," Jhond commented, as Ninian put the crystal back in the box. "I wonder what would happen if you touched the cracked crystal."

  Ninian's head snapped up at the comment, and he stared at Jhond. "Are you seriously suggesting I should?"

  "What's wrong?" Remelin asked, obviously sensing the undercurrent.

  "It was the first time I'd ever even heard of a cracked crystal, let alone seen one," Ninian explained. "I was reluctant to touch it when I saw it, and considering what happened to Jhond when he picked it up, I've even less reason to want to now."

  She turned wide eyes to Jhond. "What was it like really?"

  "It was painful and took me on a tempestuous journey. Even now I can remember it very clearly. I saw the frozen wastes, and my senses were overwhelmed. I could smell heat and decay, taste copper, acrid as if burned. I could hear sobbing and prayers for help, broken by a sudden scream. Pervading all of this was the knowledge of pure evil."

  "And you want me to touch it?" Ninian was incredulous, but Jhond met his gaze head on.

  "I think perhaps you should try. It might be similar to what happened to me with 'your' crystal, Ninian. Now you're in proximity to the purpose of your vision, you might react to it. You are a very strong mage. You taught me much of what I know." Jhond rose and walked around the table to Ninian, who got to his feet to meet him. Jhond reached out and gripped his shoulders. "I am the Eynan, Ninian. Do you trust me?"

  "You know I do." He took a deep breath. "Very well, I'll do it." He turned from Jhond, who stayed where he was, watching as Ninian reached inside the box. His hand hovered over the cracked crystal for a few seconds as he gathered his courage and then abruptly his fingers reached out and lifted it up.

  Ninian gasped as he was swamped by the power of the crystal, accompanied by a flash of cold making him shiver, but the sensation was overpowered by the pain surging through his hand. It felt as if it was on fire and, though he wanted to let go of it, he gripped the crystal tighter. All his senses were bombarded simultaneously, and he opened his mouth to scream, but he heard no sound beyond the thundering noises of fear and hate. Slowly, the cacophony died into silence and at last he was able to see clearly. The first person he saw was Jhond standing with his back toward him. Jhond was speaking to someone, though Ninian couldn't hear his words. Then Remelin came into view, and it was obvious from her posture and expression she was arguing with Jhond. She stopped directly in front of Jhond and it was then that Ninian could hear what she was saying: "You're wrong and I will prove it to you! You're not as all powerful as you believe. It has given me the power I deserve!"

  The image shifted so it seemed Ninian stood behind Remelin watching Jhond, who lifted a hand, fear clearly visible in his expression, as he called out: "Please, no. You must trust me. Remi!"

  Ninian sensed the fear and distress Jhond felt as he watched Remelin and was surprised at the depth of Jhond's feelings. Without warning, the images became hazy and then faded to be replaced by the awful noise again, though much to Ninian's relief, it swiftly disappeared and the pain in his hand died at the same time. It was with utter relief that he found he was finally able to release his grip on the crystal, but it was then that he heard it. It began as soft lilting laughter, lifting in volume until it was the cackle of madness.

  Chapter 13

  Jhond moved forward to catch Ninian, as it looked as if he might collapse. "Are you all right?"

  Eyes sparkling with interest, Remelin asked, "What did you see?"

  Jhond glared at her, annoyed at her lack of concern. "Give him time to recover." Jhond helped Ninian to a chair so he could sit.

  "It's fine." Ninian gave a lopsided smile. "I'm in one piece, though I'm not sure all the various parts fit correctly."

  Confused, Remelin asked, "What does that mean?"

  Ignoring her, Jhond poured Ninian glass of wine, pushing it toward him. "Here, have a drink."

  Ninian murmured his thanks and took a gulp. He sighed and sat back in the chair. Remelin was hovering by his shoulder.

  Ninian glanced from one to the other, his gaze settling on Jhond as he sat opposite. Taking the hint, Remelin sat, too.

  "It was very unsettling," Ninian began. "I think a lot of it was similar to your description of handling the crystal, Jhond. The cold, except for my hand, which felt as if it was on fire, the overwhelming noise, the sensations. I wanted to scream, but I couldn't. Then everything stilled, and an image began to form. It was of the two of you"--he dropped his head as if he didn't want to see them--"and y
ou seemed to be arguing."

  Jhond was about to ask for more detail when Remelin spoke up. "What about?"

  "I don't know," Ninian said, looking up then. "I could see you both clearly, could tell from your expressions that you were in disagreement about something, but I couldn't hear anything at first. Not until the very end when Remelin stormed out of sight."

  Remelin looked puzzled and was about to speak again, when Jhond asked, "What did you hear?"

  Ninian sighed, and Jhond knew he wasn't happy to reveal whatever it was he'd heard, but it was too late to take back his query now. Remelin was nothing if not eminently curious, and she wouldn't take it well if she knew they excluded her.

  "I only heard the end of the conversation," Ninian admitted. "Remelin said you were wrong and she'd prove it to you. She also said you weren't as powerful as you believe." He glanced at Remelin as he added, "Then she said, and I quote: 'It has given me the power I deserve!'"

  "It? What?" Remelin asked, appearing more confused than disturbed by what she had heard.

  Ninian ignored her and continued, "Jhond asked you to stop, asking that you trust him. He called out to you, sounding desperate, but you walked out of view."

  "Could you tell where we were?" Jhond asked.

  Ninian frowned, and Jhond guessed he was trying to recall the scene. "No. The vision concentrated on the two of you. The surroundings weren't clear."

  "Was that all?" Jhond asked quietly.

  "Yes."

  "But what does it mean? What is this it I was talking about and what does Jhond want to stop me from doing?" Remelin pressed. "When is this? Where? The cellar? Here?"

  * * * *

  Ninian licked suddenly dry lips. Why wouldn't she understand he could tell her no more? He took a deep breath, lifting his gaze to the ceiling as if it would help show him the way. He shook his head at his own stupidity and glanced back at Remelin. "I've told you all I saw and what little I heard. I can no more tell the future than you can."

  He dropped his head onto his arms on the table. The only thing he had kept to himself was the belief that Jhond would--perhaps already had--come to develop feelings for the excitable young woman they had journeyed to rescue. He had sensed the emotion swirling around the scene he witnessed, felt Jhond's distress. The thought occurred that perhaps the "rescue" had merely been a method to bring a powerful mage into the same trap Remelin had fallen into. But how could he discuss that with Jhond without revealing Ninian's impression of Jhond's future feelings? Was it possible if he did so that it would in turn influence Jhond's reaction to Remelin? For good or ill?

  Ninian glanced up to see Remelin was staring out the small window, most likely looking toward the nunnery. There wasn't much else out there that the young mage was interested in. Ninian switched his attention to Jhond to find his friend watching Remelin. Out of concern for what he'd just learned perhaps, or was Jhond's interest already caught up in the young woman? Jhond had lost the woman he'd loved and ever since had put all his passion into learning to become a mage, then shouldering the responsibility of being the Eynan. If he could find a woman to care for the way he had for Gallia, Ninian believed it would only make him more powerful. But it had to be the right woman, at the right time. At the moment, Ninian couldn't help but doubt the timing or that Remelin was that person. Ninian found her too volatile and too easily swayed. He found it difficult to trust her.

  Rising to his feet, Jhond stretched, sighing as he did so. "We have to put this aside. There's nothing we can do for now but bear it in mind. All we can do is to carry on with our original intent to try and find out who and what was trapped inside the mountain. I was...careless enough to let it out, but at least it's still trapped inside my shield. I must ensure it stays imprisoned since it clearly has other ideas, while I find a way to finally destroy it."

  "You're right, of course," Remelin said, turning back to face them. "Worrying over some possible future event is pointless. The entity is a danger to us now."

  "We're talking a lot but getting nowhere," Ninian said. "I think we really need to get some rest before we can think clearly about what to do next."

  "But this is too important and--"

  Jhond interrupted her to say, "All the more reason to address it with a fresh mind. Ninian is right."

  It was obvious Remelin wasn't happy, but she obeyed and went back to her bedroom. Ninian recreated the two cots, and Jhond really did look weary as he moved toward his.

  "She is rather a handful," Ninian said softly.

  Jhond glanced at him, a slight smile on his lips. "And we haven't even started to train her yet." He laughed and added, "I can hardly wait."

  Ninian grinned at him. "So, get some sleep."

  Jhond sighed, lay down and immediately closed his eyes. "It's like having a teacher again," he murmured.

  Ninian laughed and climbed into his own cot.

  * * * *

  Jhond felt uncomfortable, as if he was somewhere he wasn't supposed to be. It was very dark, inky black, unnatural. He tried to spell a jewelite, but it didn't work, and in that instant, he knew wherever he was, he was no longer in the natural world. He thought he might be dreaming, but oddly he wasn't certain.

  He had a choice--to stay just where he was and wait for whatever was hiding in the dark to come to him, or to go in search of whatever had brought him here. He was cautious, but he wasn't patient; Ninian had cause to berate him for his impulsiveness, though he was never reckless. At least that's what he told himself as he slowly walked forward.

  He hadn't traveled more than half a dozen steps when the darkness began to lift. He paused to see what might happen, but when it seemed as if nothing changed, he decided to carry on. However, he hadn't gone far when he decided it was more difficult to see now. The darkness had lightened, only to be replaced by a grey mist. His eyes had become used to the dark, but this dim haze distorted everything.

  Abruptly, the center of the haze was suffused with bright light and the image of woman seemed to float there. She was very beautiful, her thick dark hair flowing behind her, her deep blue eyes flashing like a stormy sea. She had the look of Remelin, yet not. This woman was more self-assured, her figure rounded and tempting, but it was the eyes that held his gaze: astute, all-knowing and exuding power.

  In a voice that reverberated all through the space and inside his skull, she said, "I am all-powerful Jhond of Reeve, and you will love me--and die!"

  He awoke, bathed in sweat, confused and not a little afraid.

  He shook his head to clear it, but still felt at odds with himself. He rose and went to the sink, then poured a jug of water over his head. Shoving his dripping hair out of his face, he turned to look at Ninian, still asleep in his cot. He debated waking him to talk over the strange dream, see what Ninian thought of it, but suddenly he felt uncertain. It felt too personal. He thought Ninian might have already guessed the way he felt about Remelin, though the truth was that even Jhond wasn't exactly sure about it himself.

  The volatile young mage was the first woman to affect him since Gallia, and he wasn't sure he trusted those feelings. He admitted the similarity in her general appearance to Gallia had first drawn him to her--her hair, the color of her eyes--but he had no trouble separating one from the other. Gallia had referred to their feelings as the first flush of young love, and she had certainly grown beyond it to fall in love with another. Jhond could admit now that what he felt for Remelin wasn't the same as what he had for Gallia. If he was honest this was less pipe dream and more real, more visceral, but was it less romance and more a young man in need of coupling?

  Lords, if he wasn't sure how he felt, how could he possibly discuss it with another, especially Ninian who perhaps knew him too well?

  No matter, he decided, it was only a dream. Forget it...no need to discuss it with anyone.

  So why did he feel so unsettled?

  Jhond tried to go back to sleep, knowing he still needed rest, but found it impossible. He got up, keeping quiet so as not
to disturb Ninian, and slipped outside. He took a deep breath of the cool air, hoping to clear the cobwebs from his body and mind. He did feel a little better and was considering taking a short walk when he heard the door open behind him. He should have known Ninian would sense his unease and soon follow him.

  "You're unable to sleep, too?"

  Jhond swung around, startled to find Remelin standing there, a blanket wrapped around her. Even disheveled from sleep she still looked beautiful.

  "Something like that," he said.

  "I've been tossing and turning for the last hour. I had a confusing dream," she confessed with a shrug.

  Jhond was tempted to ask about what, but was suddenly afraid of her answer. He turned back to stare at the mountain, tensing as he felt her move to stand beside him.

  "As a girl, I used to find that view amazing. Now, I just find it intimidating."

  "Not surprising after what you've experienced."

  "I reckon not," she replied, her hands clasping the blanket to her as she bounced on her toes.

  Jhond frowned at the feeling of energy he sensed flowing through her. He just felt tired and depressed and wondered what--or maybe that should be who--was making her so...vigorous. Perhaps he ought to have asked her about her dream after all. He'd been so disturbed by his own that he'd made assumptions without any facts.

  He turned and smiled at her. "Your dream, confusing or not, doesn't seem to have depleted your vitality."

  She looked at little amazed. "You're right. If anything, I feel wonderful. How odd is that?"

  "Very," he agreed, still smiling to hide his uncertainty.

  "And I'm hungry." She grinned. "Would Ninian be very annoyed if I tried to use his Judral stone?"

  "I think he would if you did so without his permission."

  "And you wouldn't let me anyway, would you?"

  Jhond didn't speak, but met her gaze steadily. It was answer enough.

  "Oh well, perhaps if we clumsily wake him instead?" She laughed as she went back inside.

  Jhond followed, unable to stop his smile at her antics. He admitted his confusion at his own reaction to the young woman. He recognized she was possibly still involved with--entrapped by?--the entity, but he also believed any actions so caused were contrary to her will. He was certain his power would never allow him to be attracted to an unworthy person, and he could no longer deny he was very attracted to Remelin. Then the words of the dream Remelin flashed through his mind.