by Lincoln Law
He assumed that was why he felt least in control around those points. It was a mental mechanism to protect the mind through which he walked.
He arrived at Matthon’s room, and awaited his arrival. Sure enough, he arrived a few minutes later, fading into the headspace, giving the world a solid quality it had not held before.
“Evening, Rhene,” he said.
“Good evening, Matthon,” Rhene replied.
“So what I wanted to speak about our war on the Oen’Aerei,” he explained. “We have much to do in the case of preparation with what time we have left. As I have discovered, I have reason to believe that the Dreamers will be ready to strike back once the battle begins. And as we know, their playground is the mind. We need to be ready for that. So what I am hoping is that you can be trained and ready to battle here if the need should arise.”
Rhene couldn’t hide his surprise. He took a step backwards. “But all of the soldiers will be awake when we fight.”
“It doesn’t mean they can’t infiltrate our minds later on. Or even use some form of espionage on us to discover the plans of attack. There are surely Sturdings within those halls, and they can use any mind they wish to exit, so long as that mind is resting.”
Rhene said nothing. He nodded, his mind reeling
“I wanted to ask you whether you would be willing to battle from the Frequencies if the need should arise,” he said. “They can be dangerous battles. When a person’s mind fights another mind, the damage can go beyond physical. People have walked away from a battle of wills without their sanity, and I just want to be sure you’re willing to risk that for your fellow soldiers. It would mean you wouldn’t need to train as a general in the physical realm, but I would expect you to practice your Dreaming so that you’re far from novice level when the time comes for battle.”
“I can do that,” Rhene replied. “I mean, if you want me to.”
“I do,” he said. “You’re still allowed in meetings related to the battle, and you’re welcome to train with us if you wish, but there’s no expectation for you to keep up physical training.”
“Naturally.”
Rhene considered the opportunity. Dreamers were dangerous. Oen’Aerei were worse, when he considered these battles of the mind as more than just ghostly memories forcing themselves against one-another. Knowing he was a Sturding reminded him that he had his physical self to think about, too. Death in the frequencies was, for him, just as final as death in the material world. Matthon didn’t need to know that, though. Not yet.
“I’m happy to do that,” Rhene said, nodding. “I—” He stopped himself. A gentle tinkle of music echoed distantly, the scent of cologne—almost a memory of the scent—wafting in on the unseen wind.
“Yes?” asked Matthon.
Count Therron is here, he thought. He’s listening. He considered stopping himself, but withholding information from the man would result in more cuts, more threats. He needs to know. I don’t want to tell him…but I have to.
“Is there anything you’re allowed to tell me about the battle?”
“Very little at this point,” Matthon said. “Suffice it to say that since we are fighting Dreamers, we’re going to battle in the daytime. We want as few minds for them to jump through as possible. That, and we plan to go to battle within the month. I am still not allowed to reveal the date.”
“Within the month,” Rhene confirmed.
“Yes.”
That seemed answer enough for Count Therron. The music drifted away, the scent fading, and Rhene knew he and Matthon were alone once more.
“Now, if you do end up in physical battle there, against Nhyxes—and I’m sure they’ll be using them to fight—just remember; they may be taking the form of your greatest fear, but they are just shadows. They cannot actually cause any physical harm.”
“Really?” he asked. “I thought Nhyxes could leap out of Dreams and attack people.”
“Oh, the Sturdings can, but not regular ones. I’m assuming the ones you’ll meet will mostly be the normal variety. Best thing to do is kill them with whatever you can dream up. They respond best to bravery. If you can prove you can face your greatest fear, then they will grow scared and flee. That’s when they’re most vulnerable. That’s when you,” he made a stabbing gesture, “kill them.”
Rhene nodded in understanding, wondering if and when he’d have to face a Nhyx. He quietly hoped he wouldn’t, though the more curious part of him wondered what form it would take. He had a handful of fears, but which was his greatest fear? He hoped the Nhyxes knew, because he had no clue.
“In that case, I’ll let you go,” he said. “You enjoy your time in the Frequencies. And don’t forget to practice.”
“I will, Matthon,” Rhene replied. Matthon faded away and Rhene exited the Dreamspace before it could collapse in on itself.
Rhene took an evening he’d left free to take Adabelle out again. It was only their second date, yet since their first they had passed many telegrams between one-another, and he felt he knew her a great deal more from that alone. He had gone to the bank earlier that day to withdraw some money for both of them for the night, and told her to dress warmly again. He intended to take her to the carnival—though again, it was going to be a surprise.
A telegram arrived late in the afternoon from her, and it apologised profusely as Charlotte, her sister, was against being left alone for the night, leaving Adabelle forced to stay home. Wanting nothing more than to see Adabelle, Rhene offered for her sister to join them. Back and forth the telegrams went until they agreed on Charlotte coming. He wondered why the girl was being so difficult, but left that to her perhaps being a little envious of her sister. He didn’t mind, really. Taking both of them out for an evening might be a welcome change from their quiet lives. He imagined Charlotte rarely got to do much aside from what Adabelle could afford. A night at the carnival might put the younger girl at ease.
I wonder if they know of their father’s movements, he thought in the taxi on the way over. I wonder if their father knows any more of the army’s plans. Who else’s mind he might be haunting for information?
When he arrived, he found her dressed in a blue shirt and a black skirt, her hair allowed to fall freely. She stood on the side of the road, and for a moment he thought she was alone, but then he saw a smaller girl beside her. She looked exactly like Adabelle, if only a few years younger. The must be her sister, he thought, marvelling at how alike they were in appearance.
“I’m so sorry,” Adabelle said, as they stepped into the taxi. Charlotte following close behind. “She was so insistent of coming. I’ve brought money to pay for her so that you don’t have to worry about her.”
“Nonsense! It’s my treat to both of you. It’s not every night a young man gets to spend his time with two beautiful young women. Besides, I’ve been looking forward to a fun night out.”
“Where are we going?” Charlotte asked.
“The carnival,” Rhene replied, speaking both to the girls and to the taxi driver.
Both girls inhaled excitedly.
On the way over, Adabelle whispered to Rhene, “Are you sure you don’t want some money for Charlotte? I’ve got some if you need it.”
“No, you put your purse away,” Rhene said. “You are my date for the night. What sort of gentleman would I be if I asked for either of you to pay? I’m actually excited, really. I haven’t been to the carnival since I was Charlotte’s age.”
“Only if you’re sure,” Adabelle said, reluctantly lowering her purse.
“Absolutely,” Rhene said. “And I don’t want to hear it again. Else I’ll drop you home and take Charlotte out instead.” He then laughed.
Adabelle smiled nervously, looking oddly guilty, though he didn’t ask why.
They arrived at the carnival grounds and stepped out of the taxi, only to be greeted by a barrage of light and music and screams. All of the rides were spread out across the grounds, like a farm the way the land was partitioned by a temporary f
ence. A carousel spinning about to one side drew a massive crowd, with people riding an assortment of horses, stags, bears, oversized rabbits and lizards. A band playing jazz, made up of saxophones and drums and trumpets and guitars. On the far side of the field had revellers dancing about wildly on the floor that had been set down. Despite the madness of the gathering, Adabelle found herself curious to join in. A Whirly-swing—Charlotte’s favourite ride—swung around at great speeds to one side, lifting people carried in chairs off the ground and above the gathered crowd, drew the most screams. The three went about the rides one-by-one, lining up and paying once they got to the front of the line. Charlotte seemed sensible enough to keep close for the night, yet still maintained enough distance that Adabelle and Rhene were allowed to enjoy the occasional moment alone. Adabelle seemed to appreciate that, too, and continued to apologise for Charlotte’s joining them.
“I really don’t mind,” he said. “Oh! Look! A photographer!” He nodded over to a small line, at the front of which was a photographer and a painted wooden wall with holes in it. It was one of the novelty ones, painted with a funny scene, and had holes in it to allow the people to poke their heads through. This one depicted and prince and a princess, dressed in their most royal finery, dancing in a ballroom. The people payed up the front, thrust their heads through the holes, and made silly faces while having their photo taken.
“Do you want one?” Rhene asked.
“But it’s so expensive,” Adabelle said, nodding at the price.
“But for a photo with you, I’d pay that. And look, the line’s really short. We won’t have to wait too long.”
Adabelle nodded, if somewhat reluctantly. “Well okay.”
Rhene passed a coin to Charlotte. “Go over to the horse rides and meet us back here,” he said, nodding to a pen on the far side of the showgrounds.
“Okay,” Charlotte said, taking the coin and running off without another word to Rhene.
“I’ve always wanted to be a princess,” Adabelle said, as the pair waited in line.
Rhene couldn’t help but chuckle at that.
“No, really,” Adabelle said. “Ever since I was a little girl. I believed that one day a handsome prince would come and rescue me and take me away, and we would spend our days together and our nights dancing in balls.”
“Well lucky,” Rhene said, holding out a hand towards the painted wall. “Tonight, your dream is about to come true, Princess Adabelle.”
Adabelle laughed. “You’re poking fun at me, aren’t you.”
Rhene couldn’t hide his smile, nor his laughter, for long. “No, of course not.” He paused a moment. “Well, maybe a little.”
She balled up a fist and jabbed him softly on the arm.
“What was that for?” he asked, unable to contain his laughter again.
“For mocking a princess.”
Rhene rolled his eyes, bowing low. “Your majesty.”
By now, it was their turn. They positioned themselves behind the wall, the pair smiling as the photographer’s flash-bulb burst with smoke and light.
“Write down your address here,” the photographer said on a form, “and I’ll post the portrait out.”
“Thank you,” Rhene said, quickly scribbling down his details. By this time, Charlotte had returned from the horse ride.
“Rhene?” she asked.
“Yes, Charlotte?” he replied, as they wandered between the carousel and the Ferris wheel.
“See those toys over there?” she said, pointing to a stand filled with teddy bears and other stuffed animals.
“Yes,” he said, beginning to guess already where this was headed.
“Can you win one for me?”
He had guessed correctly.
“Of course,” he replied. They wandered over to the game. It involved popping a series of balloons lined up along the wall with a dart.
“He’s not going to be able to win,” Adabelle said. “These things are usually rigged. All the good prizes are hard to get to.”
“That may be,” Rhene said, grinning, “but I am a master marksman.” He had three darts. He had to get a score of twenty-five or higher in order to get any of the big stuffed animals.
“Well good luck,” Adabelle said, stepping back.
Three darts and three high scoring balloons later, Charlotte walked away from the stand with a huge stuffed stag, its fur chestnut brown, its antlers a pale gold. It had been a perfect score, too, meaning he also walked away with a huge rainbow lollipop, which he promptly handed to Adabelle.
“For the princess,” he said, mockingly.
“And for the jester,” she said, tapping him on the head with the lolly as he bowed.
“What do you think you’ll name it?” Adabelle asked, turning to Charlotte.
“Ebihyatt,” Charlotte replied quickly, her arms wholly encumbered by the stag toy. “Ebihyatt Oueller.”
Adabelle cocked her brow in surprise. “That’s an awfully specific name.”
“I learnt it in history the other day,” Charlotte replied. “We were learning about the stags in Yeliesia and how they can talk, and we were told about the legendary stag King Ebihyatt Oueller who killed the usurper.”
“They’re called Hyorkrieg,” Rhene corrected, “but I do like that name.”
Charlotte nodded, walking away proudly with her prize.
The last ride they went on was the Ferris wheel, and Adabelle and Rhene were given a seat to themselves. It moved slowly, lifting them high above the city, giving them a view of the University and the Halls of the Oen’Aerei, and the clock tower. Up there, alone, the pair snuggled close together to keep away from the frigid wind. Rhene liked holding Adabelle close, and all the while his stomach seemed to flutter and churn.
“Thank you for tonight,” she said quietly. “It’s been nice to take my mind off…” she hesitated. “…things.”
“Is everything okay?” he asked, pulling her closer, gripping her arm tightly.
“I’m fine,” she replied. “Just personal stuff. Nothing you should have to deal with.”
Rhene’s brow furrowed. He didn’t wish to press for information, but he didn’t like seeing her concerned or upset. “Well you can talk to me whenever you wish,” he said, “just know that. I’m always happy to talk. It’s what I’m here for.”
He could see the appreciation in her eyes, and it brought a mighty grin to her face.
“Thank you,” she said, and then she kissed him. It wasn’t a long passionate one, but short and soft and gentle and sweet. There, at the very apex of the Ferris wheel, the pair stared at each other a moment longer, and then kissed again.
“Thank you for tonight,” she whispered, as she embraced him, resting her chin on the space between his neck and his shoulder.
“No need to thank me,” he replied. “You being here with me is enough.”
Chapter Fifteen
Danger from Two Sources
The second date with Rhene, though seeming entirely inappropriate given her situation, was a nice change for Adabelle. Even for just an evening, she welcomed something to keep her mind off her troubles. Charlotte enjoyed the carnival, too, and proudly carried the stuffed stag home with a broad grin.
“Your boyfriend won this for me,” she teased.
“He’s not my boyfriend,” Adabelle retorted. “We’re just…dating. That’s all.”
“So he’s your boyfriend,” Charlotte laughed, before running ahead up the hall towards their room.
“You do know you were only allowed to come because of that damn dream you had,” she said. She couldn’t risk her sister’s mindlock softening for a moment, only for her to be elsewhere. If she could reach into that mindlock and unleash the knowledge within, then she could perhaps solve the mystery of her father’s secrets.
Adabelle simply shook her head and laughed. Despite all the troubles in her life, and despite the danger her father posed in her dreams, it seemed she was doing something right. One thing was working, and that wa
s enough.
And I have Charlotte, and she’s safe, she thought. But still the knowledge that a mindlock was in place disturbed her slightly. What was so valuable to her father that he needed to hide it? What piece of knowledge had to be kept secret in the head of another person, locked by a second mind?
Whatever it was, Adabelle felt she’d need it before she could truly stop her father.
For the time though, Charlotte was safe, Rhene was still interested in her despite everything, and for that she was happy.
It was the morning after the carnival that she arrived at her rooms from breakfast to find the police at her door. Or rather, a detective. Detective Olin, still oddly handsome, waited outside her door knocking rather loudly.
“Miss Blaise,” he called through the door. “It’s Detective Olin. I’m here to speak with you about your cousin’s death. If you could open your door.”
“Yes, Detective?” asked Adabelle, standing behind him. Charlotte stood behind her, quietly confused.
“Ah, Adabelle,” Detective Olin said, straightening up. He pulled his coat together and buttoned it quickly. “I was hoping to find you. I was wondering if I might be able to request another interview with you. You see there have been a few more developments. I was hoping to maybe have a short discussion with you, if I may.”
“Of course,” Adabelle said. “Does Charlotte have to come with me?”
“Not at all.”
She dropped Charlotte off at the room, leaving her to her own devices.
“If you don’t mind, we’ll go to the library for this discussion. We have another witness there who wishes to speak with us and we’d like you present, too.”
Adabelle almost tripped in her walk. “Another witness?” she asked. “Witness to what?”
“Well that’s for them to say. The point is that he has requested you here for this discussion.”
“He?” she asked. Who could it be?