The Heretic's Song (The Song's Of Aarda Book 1)

by K Schultz

  “The thread, of course,” said Aibhera.

  “That is correct. The Creator designed each of His creatures with different capabilities. Each one can cope with different energy or stress levels. Man cannot live for long on the Aetherial plane, nor are the Aethera designed to live at ours.”

  “The rope can lift both light objects, and heavy ones. I understand, but why not just use the rope for everything?” asked Simea.

  “That is fine if you only intend to lift things. Imagine threading a needle with a rope and stitching your torn clothing with it,” Aibhera interjected.

  “Exactly,” said Eideron, pleased at the young woman’s quick mind.

  “Each of The Creator’s beings has a special purpose and role. Aetheric beings can discard energy to interact with the physical world. There is a risk for them. This world may trap the Aethera and Nethera, if they cannot replenish their power. Without gaining energy again, they cannot return to their own energy level.”

  “If they became trapped would that destroy them like it would destroy us to stay in their world?”

  “We presume so but we are not sure of it. It takes longer for them to perish here than for us to die in the Aether. A body designed to exist at a higher energy level finds it easier to live at a lower energy state than the reverse. Remember the rope and thread analogy. The rope can lift lighter objects while the thread will break when attempting heavier ones. Another analogy you may find useful is that of a log and a twig on the fire. A twig is consumed rapidly while a log burns for a long time.”

  “So, you’re saying the Aether is the fire and we are the twig that is quickly consumed in it.” said Aibhera

  “That is correct.”

  “Is there an energy state below ours, or are we at the lowest level?” Simea asked.

  “The Sokai always believed Aarda itself, in a sense, is alive. If that is true, that is the lowest level imaginable.”

  “Master, tell us how to travel the way you mentioned, I am tired of walking,” said Simea, with a wry smile.

  Aibhera elbowed him and shot him a fierce look.

  Eideron laughed at the byplay and continued, “That is just one of many things I hope you can manage.”

  “You?” questioned Aibhera. “Do you mean we must do this alone?”

  “I am afraid you are correct my observant youngster. The attempt would kill me. I am too old.”

  “Pardon me, for saying so Master, but walking will kill you. I can see how this journey depletes your strength, although you hide it. Traveling instantaneously must be easier than walking.”

  “Creator, preserve us from sharp-eyed children,” Eideron said with a sigh, slumping, as he gave up his pretense of strength. “To answer your earlier question, Simea, Sokai can only Shift to a place we have seen, and not every Sokai has the ability. I never expected to return from this journey.”

  “Return is not the issue, Master, the survival and success of this mission are,” interrupted Aibhera.

  “We do as we must, to fulfill the will of Him who made us, dear girl. Our future is in His hands, not our own. Let us continue, shall we? Without the interruptions, if you please.”

  “Yes Master,” they both responded.

  “Let me cover the Quickenings common to the three species, but understand the list is not exhaustive. To recap, the Sokai are quickened for Prophecy, Shifting, and Protection.”

  Battlefury is an Eniila Quickening, as are Justice, and Voice of Command. The Abrhaani are quickened for Healing, Compassion, and Mercy.”

  “Besides their spiritual abilities, the Eniila possess great physical power and regenerative capabilities, but without large amounts of food the Eniila grow weak. The Eniila have an affinity with fire and a talent for working and shaping metal, but the Eniila cannot read books and have no written language.”

  “The Abrhaani understand agriculture, the arts, and Healing, they can sense the emotional states of individuals. They understand water, waterpower, and marine craft, for example fishing and sailing.”

  “What is the downside for the Abrhaani?” Aibhera asked.

  “Abrhaani become sick in prolonged darkness and in spite of being creative, they lack concentration. They flit from one interest to the next without completing the tasks they start.”

  “The Sokai are builders and engineers and can master the wind. We see the Aetherial realm better than the others and we can dispel the Dark Ones’ illusions. We retain and protect more history and lore, than the other two species, because we fled the fighting with our library.”

  “Do we have a weakness too?” Simea questioned.

  “We do. The Sokai are prone to rigidity. We are often the prisoners of tradition because we refuse new methods and fresh ideas. We obsess over details at the expense of compassion and mercy. Some say we cannot see the mountain because of the rock.”

  “That explains a great deal doesn’t it Sim?” Aibhera said.

  “When we escaped to the Eastern Wasteland, most of our knowledge remained intact. Learning and education was always paramount in our culture. We lost information and technology during the journey to Abalon and the centuries since, but we retained more than the Abrhaani and the Eniila. It is possible they have descended into barbarism because of their constant feuding.”

  “There is another thing of enormous value we lost. It is a book called the Chronicles of Aarda or the Aetheriad. An Aethera named Naom’han wrote it. The Aetheriad might contain knowledge to help stem the dark tide, but enough about the book. We do not possess it.”

  “There is a legend of a faithful remnant of Eniila who follow The Creator. The story alleges that, our ancestors entrusted them with the book, since they believed the Eniila warriors could best protect the precious volume. It is an unsubstantiated legend. The book may be lost after so many years because the Eniila cannot read and might not value the Aetheriad enough to preserve it. I doubt our forebear expected millennia passing before someone thought to look for it. By now the Eniila might have used the pages to kindle a fire, not realizing the book’s importance.”

  “Tomorrow night I will teach you what I know about Shifting, instantaneous travel between two points. You must prepare, and concentrate. We are exhausted and hungry. So ends the first lesson.”

  After eating and drinking, they rolled themselves in their bedrolls. Aibhera soon fell asleep. Simea memorized his reference points to try Shifting tomorrow. He placed a medallion, a birthday gift from his mother, in a crack in the rock. Sim felt it might help identify his location better than the landscape alone. When satisfied, he joined Aibhera in sleep.

  Neither of the youngsters awoke, when the old man rose before dawn and fed the fire. Eideron wrote on a parchment, before he returned to his bedroll.

  At dawn, Aibhera awoke, to the sound of her own teeth chattering. “How can it be so blasted cold,” she muttered. “We broiled during the day and now I am freezing to death.”

  “The March of the Five Thousand reports that this effect is common here,” Eideron answered, his voice muffled, from inside his blankets

  “I’m sorry to wake you,” she said.

  “I was awake. It’s too cold to sleep,” Eideron said. “We should get started, moving around will keep us warm.”

  Aibhera woke Simea. The sun had just risen, by the time they finished eating, and packed their gear.

  “Which way are we going?” Simea asked.

  “The ancient records say our people took several routes to Abalon. The majority of the survivors came from that direction.” Eideron pointed to the horizon opposite the brightening dawn. “I hope the sunrise bodes well for our success.”

  “We estimated we brought enough water to last us five or six days. Can we find water before it runs out?” Aibhera asked.

  “The last week was the toughest. By then, our ancestors were afoot with little water remaining. Most of the deaths occurred during that week. There should be a canyon, which may contain pools of drinkable water. If we find the canyon we shoul
d be fine,” Eideron replied.

  “And if we can’t?” asked Simea.

  “In that case we shall depend on the mercy of The Creator or your abilities to Shift.”

  “So we have two or three days to either find water or learn to Shift — or both? No pressure, right Aibby?”

  They set out in the direction Eideron chose, picking their way through the broken lava field and the scrubby brush that grew in cracks and crevices. The sun was a pitiless burning eye, staring out of a pale blue sky. They stopped to eat at midday, in the shade of a boulder.

  “We are exhausted Master, and we must rest here until the heat of the day passes. We are using up the water too fast, by exerting ourselves in this heat.”

  “I agree Sim. We did not sleep enough either. We should nap before we continue. Master Eideron you look worn out,” Aibhera said.

  “I will agree, if you try to Shift while I rest.”

  To the youngsters, Eideron’s easy acquiescence highlighted his weakness.

  “Yes, it’s a good idea,” both agreed. “What do we need to know?”

  “First, you must focus your mind. It is difficult. If you focus on your breathing, it should help. Then call upon The Creator, while holding the image of the location in your mind. I know the theory, although no one has Shifted in centuries.”

  “But Master, we know only one other place, Abalon. We can’t go back there.” The enormity of the task overwhelmed Aibhera.

  “That is true. You might Shift home, but your dreams of late are vivid —”

  “You think we can Shift to where the others are? Or I could try for last night’s campsite,” he said.

  “You might Shift to their location if they are vivid and fixed in your minds, but we should try something more modest first. Last night’s campsite is test enough.”

  Aibhera closed her eyes and concentrated on a particular rock that dug into her back throughout the previous night. She reached upward with her mind. Aibhera always pictured The Creator above them so it was a natural choice. To calm herself, she hummed a cradlesong her father sang, when she was tiny. It reminded her of home, and as she did; she connected to an ancient powerful mind.

  It spoke sounding both noble and sad. “Be careful little sister. You are lucky you reached me, and not one of the Dark Ones. I am Shel’gharim, of Naom’han’s cohort.”

  Aibhera broke the connection, quivering with fear.

  “What happened? Aibby, what just happened?” asked Simea in a panic. “You became transparent for a moment, and then you were solid again.”

  “Describe what occurred, please, Aibhera,” Eideron said.

  “I reached up as you instructed and I contacted someone. He called himself Shel’gharim. I got frightened and I came back.”

  “Shel’gharim of Naom’han’s cohort?” Eideron asked, in disbelief.

  “Yes. Why?”

  “Shel’gharim was the Aethera given charge of watching over the Sokai in ancient times. He can help us. You must try again, when you are ready.”

  “Shel’gharim warned me to be careful. He said I must avoid meeting the Dark Ones,” she answered, afraid to try again.

  “Well, we will rest and continue when the heat diminishes. Sleep now, while Simea and I keep watch over you.”

  Aibhera awoke to the sound of Simea and Eideron talking.

  “Is it time to continue?” she asked.

  “Yes, we were just discussing whether to wake you. Have a drink and we will leave.”

  The day continued as it began, they stumbled across the broken crust of the plain, the sun burned their skin and sweat stung their eyes. They discussed and dissected Aibhera’s experience, as they walked. Simea suggested he try next. Sim explained his plan to Shift back to last night’s campsite, where he left his medallion. When nightfall approached, they gathered firewood and found shelter, in another of the small craters dotting the landscape.

  Eideron sat by the fire, while Simea and Aibhera prepared the meal. They whispered as they worked.

  “I don’t know which will give out first Aibhera; the Master, or the water.”

  “Both are depleting faster than I expected. I did not expect to use so much water. I thought we had enough for five or six days. Now two days into this desert, we are over halfway through our supply.”

  “We have enough if we turn back now, but if we walk one more day we cannot return.”

  “Unless we master Shifting. No pressure. Right, Simea,” Aibhera jibed.

  “None. Let’s eat. I’ll try Shifting, while the Master rests. Even if we turned around now, he wouldn’t survive the return trip. This is harder than he expected. Eideron should have stayed in Abalon and lived out his life in comfort. It’s hard to remember that last week I was afraid of him. Now I am afraid for him.”

  They ate in silence as Simea prepared.

  “After finishing his food, Eideron broke the silence,” You should leave me here and continue alone, taking the supplies with you. You will get farther without me. I am using up your resources and slowing your progress.”

  “We will discuss this in the morning once you are rested, Master. Definitely not before I determine if I can Shift.”

  Eideron did not possess the strength to argue with Simea. It exposed how exhausted he was.

  With that settled, Simea began the process Aibhera described. He reached up for The Creator and contemplated his medallion.

  Although she was unsure what she should watch for, Aibhera stared at him for signs of distress. Her eyes grew heavy, as she watched the regular rise and fall of his chest. He was no longer a boy, no longer her childhood friend. He was a man attempting more than any other man had for a millennium.

  Aibhera was more tired than usual. Her short trip into the Aether earlier combined with the day’s exertions tired her more than she expected. The Master had warned them not to linger in the Aether. If her brief experience tired her so much, she could only imagine the exhaustion involved in a longer visit. Aibhera’s eyes drooped, her head dropped forward onto her chest. A pop followed by a slight puff of air jarred her back to wakefulness. She opened her eyes to look at Simea — but he had disappeared.

  Chapter 39

  In the first moments after awakening, Aibhera thought Simea had given up the attempt to Shift and moved to another location. After a careful search, it was obvious he was nowhere nearby. Aibhera hugged her knees and rocked, by the fire, telling herself to be calm.

  “It will be alright. Simea will find his way back.” became her mantra.

  With each passing moment, she found it more difficult to convince herself that nothing was wrong. Aibhera considered waking Eideron, who still slept in front of the fire, but discarded the idea. Eideron was too exhausted to help. Simea must find his own way.

  More time passed and Aibhera became frantic. She had to do something. Without Simea, failure was inevitable. Simea’s loss doomed her and Eideron to die in this harsh environment. In desperation, she prepared to search for him the only way that stood any chance of success. Aibhera reached for Shel’gharim again with her mind, as she did at midday. Aibby’s thoughts scattered like clouds before a strong wind and she had couldn’t control them. The tempest of fear and concern was too strong for her to overcome and she surrendered to it.

  Aibby considered waking Eideron again, but refrained. She tried once more. Driven by instinct she hummed the tune that her father sang to calm her, after she had nightmares. Under the influence of the familiar melody the storm inside abated, enabling Aibby to reach up and outside herself once again.

  Aibhera met Shel’gharim again, but now she was not afraid. This time she saw, and heard him. Shel’gharim was a huge, beautiful, ephemeral being of light that changed color and intensity. Aibhera sensed a profound power and tranquil dignity emanating from Shel’gharim. If he was an Aethera, a created being, The Creator must be infinitely more overwhelming. Someone so incredible frightened and humbled her.

  “You have returned little sister. For what purp
ose?”

  “I fear my friend is lost and I need your help. Simea attempted Shifting to our last campsite. I fear for his safety. Please help us.”

  “It has been a thousand years, since your kind has ventured here. Longer still since one of you tried to use the Aether to travel. I do not doubt he is lost. I shall find him and bring him to you, if I am able. Do not linger, it may cost your life. Your kind is not strong enough to bear it.”

  “I know, Master Eideron warned us of the danger, but may I stay longer to search with you?”

  “You are not safe here. The region under our guardianship is limited and you are near its border.” Shel’gharim pointed out the shadows at the edge of her sight. “Stay here, if you must, and reach out to Simea with your heart. That is safest for you.”

  Shel’gharim’s spirit shrank and vanished. Without his presence, the area darkened and the shadowy border appeared closer.

  Aibhera noted her surroundings. She floated in air filled with luminous clouds of brilliant colors so vibrant they formed melodies. Everything around her, including the air, pulsed with energy and sang with life. The Aether infused her with energy and she felt vibrantly alive. If not for the distraction of Simea’s disappearance, she would stay and learn more. Vitality cascaded through her body in ecstatic waves. She could almost touch the face of God. All her fears and insecurities vanished under the influence of the energy surrounding her.

  In the distance, the dark edge of the border Shel’gharim pointed out earlier blotted out everything beyond that barrier. The impenetrable darkness attempted to pull light and energy from this place. Aibhera sensed it tugging at her, trying to absorb her energy. She ignored it and focused on looking for Simea.

  Aibhera perceived semi-transparent and shadowy shapes below. She saw Eideron clearly and the places they stopped along the way. Even the valley of Abalon lay below her, other locations were indistinct as if seen through a heavy fog. It looked easy to step from the ether and into Aarda. This explained how the Sokai Shifted. They transitioned into the Aetherial realm, and then stepped into Aarda again at a different location.