The Awakening

by Gary Alan Wassner

  “Oleander did say something that might be relevant here!” Tamara interrupted Bethany abruptly. “I had almost forgotten. How foolish of me,” she chided herself. “I had been thinking only of my own journey. I apologize, Sisters,” she said sincerely.

  All the other women had turned their full attention on her and awaited her next words. A solemn hush settled upon the room.

  “He said that we will be receiving many visitors here in the near future. He also said that perhaps some of them will help to define our new purpose. I can only imagine that one of them will be the one whom the Tomes refer to, if it is not one of us,” she concluded.

  “Visitors, he said?” Dahlia asked suspiciously. “Did he also inform you how we will know whom to allow to enter the tower?”

  “No, but I think we will know that, Sister,” Tamara replied, as if it was understood.

  Dahlia’s face took on a sheepish expression, thinking that she should have realized that herself.

  “You are so certain?” Emmeline asked.

  “Yes, most definitely,” Tamara replied without hesitation. “I do not know why I am so sure, but I have no doubt that when the travelers arrive here, we will know which ones to trust,” she responded, feeling very confident about her opinion.

  “You speak for us all, but you will be long gone when that occurs,” Jocasta reminded her. “We are the ones who must be sure of our ability to determine which strangers to admit into these premises.”

  “When have we ever forbidden a wanderer from taking shelter here?” Rella asked the others.

  “I cannot recall a time,” Dahlia declared.

  “We have never turned a person in need away,” Emmeline confirmed. “Never.”

  “And we will not do so now, when the countryside is racked with turmoil and the number of refugees grows steadily,” Gretchen concurred.

  “Sisters. I have not suggested that we turn anyone away from the Tower. I merely said that we will recognize which ones to confide in and which ones we should merely offer sustenance and shelter to,” Tamara rejoined.

  Emmeline stood up and leaned in to the table authoritatively. When she had garnered everyone’s attention, she spoke.

  “Tamara has only just returned from a long and arduous journey. She has barely had a moment to remove her cloak and we assault her with questions. Let us convene this meeting later, after she has had a chance to refresh herself.”

  “Forgive us, Tamara,” Gretchen said, embarrassed by the Sisters’ behavior, her own included. “Amidst all the changes, we forget ourselves,” she spoke for everyone.

  “I take no offense, Sisters,” she said sincerely. “But, I would very much appreciate an opportunity to change my clothing and to eat something,” she continued, the thought of food sounding particularly good. “I always said that I think much better on a full stomach,” she smiled.

  “Are we agreed then?” Gretchen asked the others, and everyone nodded forthwith. “Good. Let us reconvene in two hours. Is that sufficient, do you think, Sister,” she asked respectfully, turning to Tamara.

  “I should think so,” the stout Sister responded gratefully.

  “Very well, then,” Emmeline concluded. “Let us all spend the next two hours in contemplation. After all, we have much to consider, and the choices that will loom before us will require great care and attention. I should think that you will all relish the opportunity to ponder these issues.”

  They all rose from the table and one by one made their way out of the chamber. Tamara and Emmeline were the last to depart, and they chose to walk together down the narrow hallway.

  “May I speak with you privately, Sister?” Tamara asked, when the others were out of sight.

  “Certainly, Sister,” Emmeline responded, though somewhat surprised by the request. “Follow me to my rooms,” she replied, and she led the way down the stairway. Turning backward, she asked concerned, “Is there something that you wish to tell me that the others should not hear?”

  “No. I have nothing to say that I wish to conceal from anyone,” Tamara answered, uncomfortable with the secrets she needed to keep. “But, I would like to show you something that might upset the others,” she said.

  “Am I of stronger stock, Sister, that what you have to reveal will not disturb me?” she asked, surprised.

  “I believe you are, Emmeline. Besides, I need to disclose this to someone and you are the only one I feel comfortable confiding in just now,” she responded.

  “If I can be of service to you Sister, then I am grateful,” Emmeline replied. “But I do not like the idea of keeping secrets from the others. We have never practiced the art of deception in the Tower before, and I do not wish to begin to do so now, when we are all already feeling the pressures of change so greatly. We must maintain our traditions in the wake of all else.”

  “I agree wholeheartedly, Sister. And I would never ask you to keep what I am going to show you a secret. After I depart, you may tell whomever you please. By doing so now though, would draw attention to issues that are not relevant to the moment, and thereby might distract us from the more important event,” she said humbly.

  They reached the wooden door to Emmeline’s room and the Sister pushed it open. No rooms in the Tower had locks, though they were heavy and insured one’s privacy thereby. The Sisters of Parth were never prone to prying into other people’s business anyway. Emmeline removed her cloak and placed it on the back of a chair by her desk. She walked toward the fireplace and was about to kindle the flame.

  “May I?” Tamara asked the other woman, referring to the fire.

  “Certainly, Sister, if you so wish,” Emmeline replied, a bit confused by the request. She stood aside and waited for Tamara to approach.

  The heavy-set Sister raised her hands and closed her eyes. Emmeline watched in awe as fire burst from the dry kindling in the hearth and shortly roared into flame. A few of the logs that were piled up alongside the fireplace rose, one at a time, floated into the fire, and then settled upon the already burning wood. Tamara dropped her arms and opened her eyes once more. The sight of Emmeline’s intense stare was the first thing she saw.

  “Yes, Emmeline, it was I who did that,” Tamara explained. “This is what I wanted to tell you, or should I say, show you?”

  Emmeline stood perfectly still and did not speak a word. Although her expression barely changed, it was clear to Tamara that she was thoroughly shocked by what she just saw.

  “On my way to visit Oleander and Liam, I was attacked in the woods by that horrid woman from Talamar, as I explained to the Sisters before. What I did not tell them was that just prior to being rescued by Premoran and Teetoo, I caused quite a ruckus all by myself,” she said, puffing out her broad chest.

  “What exactly do you mean, Sister?” Emmeline said, composed and in control once again.

  “I do not know exactly how I did it, or what prompted me to even try, but I had this strong feeling that the soil and the trees, all the organic and living things around me, were communicating with me somehow. I believe that the stress of the moment triggered it. I thought about concealing myself from the threat that had come upon me so swiftly, and I was able to raise a small maelstrom from the leaves and twigs beneath my feet. It concealed me momentarily, and I attempted to slip away during the distraction. Alas, I failed to elude those who attacked me, and I required the aide of the others in the end, but it was a revelation for me nonetheless. I had really never been exposed to such a situation before. We are so sheltered and safe here,” Tamara related.

  “It is a revelation for me as well, Tamara. I had no idea that you had any magical abilities such as the one you describe to me now. Perhaps that is why you were selected for this mission,” Emmeline pondered.

  “It seemed so natural Sister, that I hesitate to call it magic. My entire impression of the art has changed completely. And that is not the all of it. What I did not want to discuss before the entire group was what Oleander said to me in addition to what I already rev
ealed to you,” she said.

  “There is more? I am not surprised. I assumed that what you said was not the entire story, simply because you are known for your loquaciousness, Sister, and yet you told us of the events you so recently lived in fewer words than you normally used to describe your morning walks before,” Emmeline commented, smiling.

  Tamara’s white skin blushed a deep crimson and she smiled back.

  “I am not good at concealing things, Sister. I was afraid if I began to speak at all, then I could not stop myself”

  “Why do you feel it necessary to keep this information from the rest of the Tower?” Emmeline asked.

  “I was warned by Oleander to be discreet with this knowledge. He told me that the Tower is a magical place, and that those who reside within it have been absorbing the potency that infuses the very foundations of Parth. He also told me that it is not by chance that we are here; that the specific Sisters who reside here now, were meant to be part of the change.”

  “I see,” Emmeline replied, trying to take all of this information in. “You mean the change in our purpose, after the map is gone?” she inquired.

  “Yes, I believe that is partially what he meant. Oleander was not as specific as I would have hoped, but he did speak freely, it appeared,” she recounted. “What he was very clear about though, if I understood him correctly, is that my abilities are shared by all of the other Sisters. I am not the only one who is capable of magic,” she exclaimed.

  “Is that possible,” Emmeline asked with her eyes now wide open. “Such a prospect is significant indeed. I cannot imagine where this will lead us. It is almost too difficult to comprehend,” she said, deep in thought. “But of the change, Sister? What change was he referring to, do you suspect?” she asked again.

  “At times, he spoke in generalities. Therefor, I assume he meant all the changes that are occurring throughout the lands, with the passing of the trees and all. The entire world is in flux, and though the Tower had remained isolated from these events for the most part, they have finally reached our doors,” Tamara said. “What bothers me still is that I know he wanted to tell me more, but he could not for some reason. I questioned him about it, but he would not relent. I remember feeling very strongly that he was withholding things. I had this overwhelming feeling that he was saddened by something,” she remembered vividly. “Alas— What was I to do? I could not compel him to reveal things to me that he did not wish to.”

  “It is not your fault, Sister. What you have accomplished is remarkable in any case,” Emmeline said, reflecting upon all of what she had just been told. She sat down upon the nearby chair and bent her head for a moment. “Why though, do you suppose he felt that you should be circumspect when it came to telling the Sisters about their potential?” she finally asked.

  “I do not know for certain. I can only tell you that the feeling of elation at being able to do the simple things that I did was quite strong. Perhaps he felt that this knowledge might cause some of us to act arbitrarily, or maybe he just thought it would frighten the more timid Sisters. I am unsure myself, but who am I to question the advice of a Lalas?” Tamara replied honestly. “He was quite clear in his admonition. Therefor, I could not return home and simply blurt out this news.”

  “Your actions were admirable, Sister,” Emmeline said as she walked to the fire. Her back was upon Tamara and she was thinking deeply.

  “How should we tell them?” Tamara finally asked.

  Emmeline considered the question for quite some time before responding. She beckoned Tamara to pull up the other armchair and sit beside her before the hearth. Turning to face her and taking her hand in her own, she stared at her earnestly.

  “I have believed for a long time that the Sisters of Parth were destined to play a more active role in the events of the coming tiels. Often at night, I sit alone in this very room and I feel the power that courses through this place. There were moments when it seemed to beckon to me, to draw me into it, and I resisted the temptation. I was frightened by it, and I worried that if I were to give in to the attraction, then I might endanger myself or the other Sisters. I did not know that it stemmed from the trees, though it felt so right to me nonetheless,” she related. “There was no one to whom I could appeal for advice. Gretchen and I discussed the matter, and she too experienced the feelings, though not as often, nor as intense as I had. We concluded that it would not be prudent to experiment with things we were so unsure of,” she confided. “There were even times when I believed that it was the Dark Lord luring us into his trap,” she said with a shiver.

  Tamara listened intently. As Emmeline spoke, she recalled sensing similar things herself over the years. Yet, she had never consciously pondered them.

  “Now, after what you tell me, I believe it is time for me to accept what I have denied in the past,” she concluded. “Your news has presented us with a challenge, Sister,” Emmeline said and she stood up excitedly. “It seems we have a new purpose after all,”

  Tamara smiled and bowed her head. She thought of Oleander and Liam and she immediately felt warm and satisfied all over. It did not occur to her at the time that the Lalas spoke to her of these issues, but simply by recognizing what was there all along and bringing this news back to the Sisters, she had inadvertently changed the entire course of the Tower’s future.

  “This news will be welcome once the Sisters have had some time to contemplate it,” Emmeline said. “We have a great contest before us, Sister. We must learn quickly how to best use this knowledge,” she said.

  “We cannot forget the importance Oleander placed upon the visitors he mentioned, Sister,” Tamara repeated once more.

  That information had struck her at the time as being more significant than the Lalas had made it out to be.

  “The others were correct Sister, to question how we will know whom to admit to our fold. The issue is particularly important now, after the news you have just given me. If we are to learn about ourselves, how can we do so with strangers in our midst?” Emmeline asked.

  “I do not see the conflict, Sister. I can only assume that those who visit us and those we invite to stay for whatever reason, will not disturb the process. Perhaps they will even assist us in our pursuit,” Tamara replied.

  “We must proceed carefully nonetheless. Do you think we are all capable of doing what you have done?” Emmeline asked, wondering about herself for the moment.

  “I only know what Oleander has told me. But if I am able, then I see no reason why the others cannot. Some of the Sisters have resided here far longer than I have. If it is truly this proximity to the energy below that has empowered me, then I assume it has had its effect upon us all.”

  “These are strange times indeed,” Emmeline responded. “By the way, Sister, you continue to speak as if you will be here when all of this occurs. What are your plans?” she asked.

  “On the contrary. I must depart almost immediately. I fear that every moment I remain in the Tower, I endanger it more,” Tamara answered. “Or should I say, by not removing the map from the Tower forthwith jeopardizes it more. I am of no consequence,” she bowed her head. “I will leave on the morrow.”

  “Where will you go?” Emmeline questioned.

  “I cannot say, Sister. It must remain my secret. Should the wrong people question you and the other Sisters, it will be best if you all truly have no idea. There is much evil afoot, and one cannot assume that the enemy’s methods of drawing out the truth would be acceptable to us. It would be best for all concerned if no one needed to conceal her knowledge of this,” Tamara answered. “I do not believe that lying is something the Sisters would be very good at doing.”

  “No, I agree, Tamara,” she said sincerely. “Will you travel alone?” she asked.

  “Angeline will accompany me.”

  “A good choice, Sister,” Emmeline concurred, and she nodded her head. “When will you return?” she asked softly.

  “That I cannot say. I only hope that I will return one day,
” Tamara answered, thinking about this herself now for the first time. “Up until a moment ago, I have thought only about the journey. I have not considered your question before,” she said.

  “Perchance it is best that way,” Emmeline replied. “We cannot know what the future will bring, Sister. But, I feel it in my heart that you will come back to us. I only hope that you do not become too worldly for us when you do reappear.”

  “Are we ever the same from day to day, Sister?” Tamara asked. “Life is change. It differs so from the rocks. I hope you will all be recognizable to me when I return!” she said smiling. “After all, when you start experimenting with your powers, who knows? You may discover that you are able to do things you never dreamed of,” she said.

  “We are who we are, Sister. And you are who you are, Tamara. I have faith that you will come back home all the stronger for your journey,” she said. Emmeline placed her hand atop Tamara’s. “I will miss you more than you can imagine,” she said squeezing her fingers.

  “Thank you, Emmeline,” Tamara replied. “It is not easy for me to leave. I am not frightened, but I sense that my future will not be as simple as my past has been. It is already infinitely more complicated,” she said. “I have spoken with a Lalas, Emmeline,” Tamara exclaimed.

  “You are the fortunate one, Sister. And you have been given a job to do that I am sure was meant for you. I cannot imagine another in whose hands the map would be more secure,” Emmeline commented honestly. “But, I think it is time we informed the others of our conversation. I do not wish to create the semblance of a confidence that might threaten the harmony here. Would you join me, Sister?” Emmeline asked as she rose from her chair.

  “Certainly, Sister,” Tamara replied, standing upright and ready now to accompany her to the great hall.

  Together they left Emmeline’s room and walked through the dimly lit hallways until they reached the chamber where they would all eventually gather once again. They sat together in the empty room and silently waited, all the while contemplating deeply the news and the changes it foisted upon them. The time passed quickly. One by one, the Sisters filed in and took their seats alongside the large, wooden table. When they were all present once again, Emmeline rose and addressed them.