Fire Margins

by Lisanne Norman

  Brynne returned his attention to the aircar and began to circle down to the vehicle park.

  “We can take a look at the Retreat, then go crystal hunting,” said Ross.

  “Fine by me.”

  *

  “What’s the history behind this place?” asked Ross, as he and Brynne walked toward the entrance. Lhea followed them at a respectful distance.

  “Ah. Give me a moment,” Brynne said, searching through his memories. A stray thought came from Vanna.

  The Retreat?

  Yes. What is it?

  Legend has it as a place where Vartra will answer the prayers of His worshipers. It’s where you go when you really need the God’s help. If you’re actually interested, ask Lhea or one of the lay-priests. They’ll be glad to tell you.

  “Vanna says it’s a place to get close to Vartra,” said Brynne. “Apparently the people believe the God answers their prayers here.”

  “A place of pilgrimage,” nodded Ross. “Very imposing. Do you think we’ll be able to find anyone to guide us round it?”

  “We can ask,” said Brynne. “It isn’t a tourist attraction, though, it’s a working holy place.”

  “They don’t cater for visitors?” Ross stopped to look quizzically at him. “You do surprise me.”

  “Why?”

  “I’d have thought their trading instincts would have made them aware of the commercial possibilities of such a place.” He waved his hand toward the massive wooden doors. “I’m sure any visitors from Earth would love to come and see this.”

  Brynne drew him on again and they passed into the entrance hallway. “This isn’t for the curious, Ross. It’s for people who believe in their God. They don’t make a circus out of their religion, it’s a very personal thing.” He turned to look for his bodyguard.

  “Lhea,” he said, beckoning her closer. “Can you tell us about the Retreat?”

  “What would you like to know?” she asked.

  “How about starting with where we are?” suggested Ross.

  Lhea raised an eye ridge. “In the entrance hall,” she said quietly. “If you look at the paintings on the walls, you’ll see the story of the God’s life.”

  “Take us round them, please, Lhea,” said Brynne.

  She led them past a small group of curious Sholans to the first panel. “This one shows the world as it was before the Cataclysm,” she said, indicating a scene showing large cities, busy roadways and airports. “It wasn’t a pleasant world, as you can see by the dark clouds that sit above the scene.” She moved on to the next panel.

  “Looks just like Earth,” said Ross in an undertone.

  “I think that’s the point,” said Brynne. “Don’t you prefer Shola with its forests and plains to Earth with its highly industrialized cities?”

  “Each has its own merits,” said Ross placidly.

  Lhea stopped at the next panel. “Then came the Cataclysm,” she said.

  The scene depicted a world in chaos, with angry, boiling clouds of darkness in the sky, echoed by floods and earthquakes below. City towers were falling, and everywhere Sholans were shown running for their lives.

  She moved on to the next panel. “This is our God,” she said simply.

  On a rocky parapet, a tall Sholan wearing a Warrior’s harness was standing. Arm upraised, he appeared to be calling to them as they stood looking at the panel. Behind him, the sky was tinged with fire.

  “Powerful,” said Ross. “Primitive imagery always works best.”

  Brynne shifted uncomfortably and Lhea positively scowled.

  “Excuse me,” said a voice from behind. “Perhaps I can be of assistance?”

  Brynne turned to find one of the Brothers standing behind them.

  “News of the arrival of two Terrans travels fast,” said the lay-priest, mouth opening in a slight smile. “I’ve been asked to invite you to visit the Guardian.”

  “The Guardian?” asked Brynne. He felt Ross tap his arm and turned to look at him.

  “What are you talking about?” asked the older man, frowning.

  “The Guardian’s invited us to visit him,” said Brynne.

  “In English,” Ross said, his tone sharp.

  Brynne frowned. He was sure he’d told him in English.

  “You are to meet the Guardian of the Retreat,” said Lhea, coming to the rescue.

  “I’m sorry,” said the Brother, switching to English. “I had not realized you only spoke your own language. You must have been one of the first Humans to arrive on Shola. Nowadays everyone is given a knowledge of our language. Please, come with me.”

  They followed him through the inner doors into the main hall of the building, walking down the side aisle past the rows of padded mats, some of which were occupied by sleeping or meditating Sholans.

  “We’re a working Retreat,” the Brother said quietly. “There are always those who are ill in spirit or body who need to seek the God’s healing.”

  He led them toward the statue of Vartra, where he stopped. Taking a piece of incense from the container, he crumbled it into the glowing brazier held between the God’s hands. Bowing, he stepped past it and waited for the others to follow.

  Brynne felt self-conscious as he paid his respect to the God. He could feel Ross’ critical gaze burning holes in the back of his head. Ross didn’t agree with any of the Sholan religious beliefs and his request to come here had surprised him. Stepping over to join the lay-priest, he watched to see what Ross would do.

  “Sorry,” Ross said, with a gentle smile to the Brother. “This isn’t my faith.” With that, he stepped past the statue to join them.

  Brynne tried not to glance at the Brother, but his eyes slid sideways despite himself. He saw the gentle flick of the lay-brother’s ears in his direction, saying that he understood and it didn’t matter to him.

  Lhea took a moment or two longer to make her obeisance before she joined them. The Brother turned, and, pulling the heavy crimson drapes aside, led them into the residential area of the building.

  *

  “It’s a pleasure to welcome you to the Retreat,” said the Guardian, standing up to receive them.

  Brynne looked round the small lounge. He was surprised to find it no different from any other he’d been in.

  “It’s good to have a homely anchor when one lives in a holy place,” he smiled. “I’m pleased to meet you,” he said, holding out his hand. “Your presence honors us. I’m Dhaika.”

  They touched fingertips briefly.

  “You’ve brought a friend with you, I see. And Sister Lhea.”

  “Guardian Dhaika,” she said, inclining her head to the priest.

  “This is Ross Derwent,” said Brynne, indicating his friend.

  “Please, be seated,” said Dhaika, indicating the easy chairs. He switched to speaking English. “What brings you to the Retreat? You’re the first of our new Guild members to visit us.”

  “Ross asked to come. We were in the area on a rock and crystal gathering expedition.”

  “You’ve certainly come to the right place. The whole mountain range is blessed with a multitude of different crystals, depending on which part you’re in. Are you looking for anything in particular?”

  Brynne looked over at Ross.

  “Oh, I’m interested in comparisons with Earth,” said Ross. “On our world, crystals often give access to great power.”

  “Indeed,” said Dhaika. “I’m afraid you’re more likely to find that kind of crystal a little closer to home. In your comm, to be exact,” he smiled. “The kind of crystals you speak of are grown industrially, not found naturally.”

  “Your world must be very different from ours, then,” murmured Ross. “At home, natural crystals magnify natural energy, and many people can tap that power, people who are attuned to the earth we live on, and believe Her to be a living entity.”

  “We have such a cult here,” nodded Dhaika. “The Green Goddess, we call Her.”

  “Not the same,” smiled Ross,
settling himself more comfortably. “Your Green Goddess isn’t the incarnation of the planet.”

  “I can’t say, Mr. Derwent. As I’m sure you’ll appreciate, we’re of a different belief here,” said the Guardian gently.

  “A reverence for Mother Earth should be common to us all, Guardian Dhaika.”

  “Perhaps, were we on Earth, Mr. Derwent. But as you yourself said, Shola is a different world.” The reprimand, though gentle, was there and Brynne winced. “Perhaps a visit to Her temple at the Ferraki hills would be of more interest to you.”

  “Perhaps. Tell me, Guardian, do you have ley lines on Shola?”

  “Ley lines?” Dhaika raised an eye ridge. “I’m unfamiliar with the term.”

  “Lines of power that cross the planet. They usually join sites of ancient religions.”

  “We’ve certainly got ancient religions, but as for lines of power … What kind of power do you mean?”

  “Psychic power. You can tap into these lines and use the power.”

  “Interesting theory,” murmured Dhaika, glancing toward Lhea. “Not one I’ve come across, though. Is that what brings you to our Retreat? A quest for power?”

  “A search for the natural power of the planet,” corrected Ross.

  “Why would you want to locate such areas of power, Mr. Derwent? I must admit to being baffled as to any practical value that these lines of power could have.”

  “They’re a source of energy when you work.”

  The Guardian looked toward Brynne, then back to Ross. “When we work as telepaths, Mr. Derwent, we use our own power and energy. We have no need for any outside source.”

  “Oh, I’m not talking about the commercial work,” said Ross, warming to his theme. “I mean the real work, when you bless a holy site, or when you repair the damage caused to it by thoughtless youths or pollution. Then you need to draw on the power of the earth, and make use of the crystals that channel this power.”

  Brynne was beginning to get concerned. He was increasingly aware of the Guardian’s feelings about Ross and the topics he was determined to discuss. It was time to bring the discussion to an end.

  “Ross, you didn’t tell me you wanted to discuss this with the Guardian,” he said. “If you had, I could have told you we’d come to the wrong temple.”

  “That’s all right, Brynne,” said Ross. “I’m sure that now the Guardian is aware of these powers, he’ll want to look into them for himself. After all, only earth endures forever, doesn’t it, Guardian Dhaika?”

  “If you allow for erosion,” Dhaika murmured in Sholan.

  Brynne bit back his smile. There were times when even he found Ross too much to take seriously. Still, he’d learned a lot that was useful from him in the few months since they’d met him.

  Dhaika rose to his feet, indicating their meeting was at an end. “I won’t keep you from your expedition, Mr. Derwent. It’s been interesting meeting you. Do come again, Brynne, and bring your Leska next time,” he said. “Sister Lhea.”

  They made their way back through the main temple area till they reached the open air.

  “Where now?” asked Brynne.

  “We’ll just have a wander round,” said Ross, sticking his hands in his pockets and strolling toward the exit. “I’ve picked up a ley line around here somewhere and I’d like to follow it. I’m sure it’ll cross another somewhere over there,” he said, nodding toward the south. “We may even find an old shrine or something there that we can look at.”

  “Stronghold lies that way,” said Lhea. “You will not be allowed to visit there.”

  “Oh? What makes you so sure, my dear?” asked Ross.

  “Stronghold doesn’t allow visitors.”

  “I wouldn’t be a visitor if I accompanied you, now would I? There must be some business you have to do there today,” he said, stopping and turning toward her.

  “No,” was her short answer.

  “Brynne, that Guardian chappie said you were a member of the Brotherhood now. What about you? They’d allow you in, surely?”

  “No way, Ross!” said Brynne, beginning to walk on again. “I haven’t been sworn into the Brotherhood yet. That place is just not open to the likes of us, take it from me. Even if it was, I wouldn’t go there! I haven’t forgotten the night they had Vanna kidnapped!”

  Ross frowned. “You’re being overcautious, Brynne. There’s no reason why they shouldn’t let us in, is there? Still, we can always try another day,” he said. “Now, let’s find out exactly where this ley line is, shall we? What I want you to do is be aware of the earth, feel its power under your feet. Watch for any changes in that power, because that’s where you’ll find the ley lines.”

  Lhea walked a few feet behind them, keeping her senses alert for any potential dangers. She was glad Brynne had told the old one to stop talking to the Guardian the way he had. He was always going on like that. Why he had come to Shola, she couldn’t understand. Nothing was as good here as it was back on his Earth. She wished he’d head back there, and as soon as possible! All this mysticism rubbish he was talking was just that—rubbish. Only the younglings he told it to didn’t know that. If Brynne kept company with him for much longer, she was afraid he’d end up in trouble too, and her job was to keep him out of trouble!

  She sighed and shook her head. She felt really sorry for Physician Kyjishi. All the troubles she’d had with him, and now this Ross Derwent came along making more for her.

  Chapter 12

  From the safety of the bushes on the rear slopes of the village, he’d kept watch on the comings and goings of the inhabitants for several days now. He’d a good idea where she was—in a small cottage just to the right of where he was concealed. It was one of the few dwellings where the sole inhabitant was obviously ill. Once a day, in the evening, a neighbor would call with hot food. On the third day, by a stroke of good fortune, he’d heard the female call out to her. Khemu! she’d shouted. I’ll be late tonight! The Faithful have called a prayer meeting.

  The next day he stayed hidden till an hour after sunset when all the villagers and Faithful alike closed their doors for the night. Slowly, cautiously, he climbed down the slope to the pathway at the back of her house. Staying close to the wall, he crept along to the partially open window. He stood up, slipping his claw tips between the shutters, easing the left one outward just enough to allow him to see the interior. Across from him there was a bed with a long mound in the center of it. He waited, watching to see if she moved. She didn’t: she must be asleep.

  Pushing the shutter open a fraction more, he vaulted quietly to the window ledge, balancing there momentarily till he could see what was in front of him. It was the sink, and it was empty. To one side of it was a work surface, also clear of any implements. Stepping onto the surface, he leaped quietly to the floor. After a moment or two’s stillness, when he knew he hadn’t wakened her, he turned and drew the shutters closed.

  *

  “Who’s there?” she demanded, suddenly raising herself up on her elbow and peering toward the window. “I know you’re there. Show yourself!”

  Kaid turned round again and stepped out of the shadows, standing so the moonlight from the front window fell full on him. He should have known he couldn’t surprise her.

  Khemu sucked in her breath with an audible hiss. “Tallinu!”

  He stayed where he was, unmoving. “I heard you were ill, Khemu.”

  “You haven’t changed,” she said abruptly. “How did you find me after all these years?”

  “I didn’t. Ghezu did.”

  “He’s still around, is he?”

  Kaid flicked an ear in agreement. “He’s the Leader of the Brotherhood Warriors now.”

  “Huh,” was all she said as she tried to push herself up into a sitting position.

  Kaid came forward, reaching out to help her.

  “I can manage. I don’t need your help,” she snapped, pulling away from him before he could touch her. “What brings you here anyway?”

&n
bsp; “I needed to see you, to apologize for that night…”

  “Apologize?” she said, frowning. “Just how do you intend to apologize, Tallinu?”

  Shifting from one foot to the other, he tried not to look away from her. He’d forgotten how piercing her gaze could be. “It all happened so quickly. I’d never been with a telepath before, I didn’t know what could happen … what would happen,” he said, aware of how lame he sounded.

  “You knew what you were.” Her voice was unforgiving.

  “Suspicions, nothing more. Dammit, Khemu,” he said, trying to keep his voice as low as possible. “I knew nothing for sure! You ran off before I could speak to you—ask you what had happened! By the time I’d made some sense of it all, you wouldn’t see me!”

  “Vartra’s bones, Tallinu! What did you expect of me? I was no older than you! We were just younglings then. You scared the life out of me! I couldn’t cope with what you were—what you’d been.”

  “I realize that now.”

  “Then there was the cub. You left me pregnant, Tallinu!” Her voice cracked and broke, sending her into paroxysms of coughing.

  Turning, he went to the stone water cooler by the sink and fetched her a drink. “Here,” he said, sitting on the edge of her bed and handing her the mug.

  Ears flicking in thanks, she took a couple of shuddering breaths. Her hand closed over his as she took the mug from him. She sipped the drink, not taking her eyes from his face.

  “Did you find the cub?”

  “Yes, I found him,” he replied, moving his hand from under hers so he could reach up to touch her face. “No one guessed who he was except old Jyarti who let me foster him.” He let his hand fall to rest on the covers beside hers.

  She handed the mug back to him. Taking it from her, he leaned forward, placing it on the night table.

  “I kept trying to see you. I called at the house daily,” he said quietly. “I wanted to do what was right, Khemu. Not just for your sake, but for the cub’s. Why didn’t you …”