Tianoman inclined his head. “Let’s not gift the Emperor more targets, shall we? Allow the host to leave here first, because you know he will place Eurue under scrutiny and if he believes the Valleur collude with the Kemir …”
“Gods,” Savier murmured. “All of you are wary of this man.”
“He has a mighty army too,” Tianoman snapped. “We keep the peace. Whatever it takes.” He shifted to study Gabryl. “Are you certain you need Teighlar in your life?”
Pale blue eyes were unmoving. “He is my father.”
“Very well,” Tianoman murmured in understanding, being a father himself. He gave his attention to Tristan. “The host will require two hours to vacate.”
“Perfect. Time enough to return to the Dome first.” Tristan waved Krestin closer. “Commander, your men remaining on site are welcome to billet on the third floor. Who will be in charge?”
“I shall accompany Lord Savier to Kemirin, if you have need of me, and Jaken will assume command here.”
“Excellent.”
Bowing, Krestin retreated. Moments later, he began issuing commands.
Tristan glanced at Gabryl. “You are coming with us to the Dome.” As Gabryl nodded, he called to Belun. “Centuar, to the Dome! We will discuss duties there.”
Bowing in his direction, Belun too started giving orders.
In the ensuing bedlam, Tianoman drew Tristan aside. “There is something you haven’t told me.”
“I preferred privacy, but it seems we will not get it,” Tristan muttered.
Gesturing to a further corner, away from the chaos of voices and movements, he preceded his cousin there, and waited.
“I saw Torrullin and Elianas.”
Narrowing his eyes, Tianoman asked, “And by ‘saw’ you mean what exactly?”
A brilliant smile erupted upon the Kaval leader’s face.
Tianoman’s mouth gaped open before he snapped it closed. “Actual sight? Did they see you?”
Hand on heart, Tristan said, “They did.”
Inhaling, Tianoman gripped his cousin’s arms. “Are they happy?”
“Yes.”
Laughing then, the men embraced, and when they drew apart, Tianoman murmured, “Now I understand why you are completely whole in your skin.” He chuckled. “Oh dear, I do believe around about now Elianas has been made aware that Avaelyn’s severance from Reaume isn’t as eternal as he believed it to be.”
Chortling, Tristan agreed. “Because around about now Elianas too wishes for that choice!”
Chuckling together, the cousins re-entered the bedlam.
Chapter 41
The Kinfire Tree has many branches
~ Valla Lore ~
The Dome
OGIVE AFTER OGIVE pinged as the Kaval entered via their vaulted arches into the sacred space that was the Gatherers’ Circle.
With a tight grip on Gabryl, Tristan brought him through the Dragon Ogive. Maintaining that grip, he marched the man to the console of lights.
Instant silence reigned in the Dome.
“Present yourself,” Tristan said, releasing the Diluvan in front of the console.
The lights for Knowledge, Sorcery, Communion and Recognition were able to determine friend from foe, and all now waited with bated breath to discover the actual state of Gabryl’s soul and intentions.
“How?” he asked, glancing at the expectation the Dome now contained.
“Lay a hand upon each in turn,” Tristan murmured.
He noticed that Assint and Mahler had not yet transformed into humanoid guise. They maintained their Centuar forms for possible confrontation. Fuma gripped his spear in fighter’s stance, ready to throw.
Gabryl placed one long-fingered hand on light after light.
Nothing happened.
The relief in the Dome was palpable.
Eyes glittering, Tristan murmured, “You passed.”
“Amazing,” Alusin muttered. “You can’t claim a clean soul, after all.”
“No one can,” Gabryl said, “but when the Light is ascendant, it is enough.”
“Indeed,” Tristan affirmed, and eyed Belun. “Summon Jimini and Kila.”
Making a face, Belun did just that, and moments later two more ogives tinkled. The two women strode in and, clearly, they had news as well. Kila grinned at Belun, who studiously ignored her, causing Assint, in the act of transforming, to splutter laughter.
“Everyone find a seat,” Tristan said, and waited until all surrounded the marble slab, including Gabryl at the far end. “Jimini, the amulets?”
“In full swing. The Grunway reckons they will be done in another two days.”
“You have something more to add?”
Rubbing her palms together, Jimini stood. “We have an idea.” She gestured at Kila across from her. “Seeing as we don’t need the devices to guard against daetal anymore, we thought of something else, something to distract certain folk from creating chaos.”
“Certain folk?” Belun boomed.
“Yes, the shadowy kind which now looks around at our realm with renewed interest after Torrullin’s name moved through the spaces.”
Nodding, Tristan perched on the slab. “I hadn’t thought of that. What are your thoughts?”
“The amulets are meant to not only ward against evil intent, but also to project love and forgiveness …”
“Clever,” Gabryl murmured. “It would have worked on the daetal.”
Ignoring him, Jimini continued. “Consider this, Tristan. If the amulets summon evil intent, rather than simply warding against it, and cloak such intent with love and forgiveness, instead of merely projecting …”
“It will negate intent from the outset,” Tristan grinned. “I like it. It will prevent chaos.” He looked at Kila. “Can this be inserted into the amulets?”
“Already done,” she stated, causing Belun to snort.
“It’s a wide universe. How do we spread these amulets to be effective?” Prima enquired.
Jimini clapped her hands. “The Grunway!”
“I don’t follow,” Tristan frowned, but he noticed how Gabryl inclined his head as if agreeing.
“We did a census while on Stalk.” Again Jimini indicated Kila. “Grunway sorcerers number in the thousands, far more than needed for a farm world. While we won’t say they are extraordinarily gifted, they are, contrary to what we were told initially, able to transport. And they are bored. They have agreed to travel wearing the amulets, and also to hand them out to others like them.”
Kila inserted, “It will take time to reach all corners, but again, with that kind of intent present, it will also lessen the need for the shadowy kind to step forth.”
Thoughtfully, Tristan studied the two women. “If the Grunway receives a formal seal of approval from the Kaval, they may enter virtually any space. And, in leaving amulets with those able to achieve the same, they quietly create a force of magical and universal peacekeepers.”
“Yes!” Jimini burst out, and then contained herself. “Do you agree?”
“I do. Well done, both of you.”
“And Jala,” Kila murmured. “She prompted us into it.”
Smiling, Tristan murmured, “I will be sure to thank her. Prima, if you could create a seal the Grunway can tote around?”
Grinning, Prima nodded. “It will be a pleasure.”
“Man, this will allow us to concentrate on the larger issues in future,” Mahler said.
“I suggest meeting up with the Valleur Web Guardians as well,” Alusin suggested. “They are already well-placed to dampen warmongers and their aid will gift the Grunway status.”
“Excellent,” Tristan agreed. “Galarth, you are most aware of those locations.”
“Consider it done,” Galarth said.
Tristan stood. “Now to what comes next …”
For Jimini and Kila’s benefit, he recapped events to date, and then they moved into tasks to commence the search for Cathian Lowry. Throughout the conclave, Gabryl said not a w
ord.
Luvanor
Grinwallin’s Great Plateau
AUTUMN HAD ARRIVED for northern Luvanor. Leaves turned to russet everywhere and there was a decided bite to the air.
Choosing to alight upon the grassy plateau before Grinwallin proper marched up in stone tiers into the mountain itself, the three men again found themselves in a realm of mist. It was early morning, and the white vapour enshrouded the mighty city.
Disembodied sounds carried in the still air. The rush of a water spout; a bird twittering in lonely trills; the plink of a hammer upon metal - probably at the stables - and the periodic slam of a door. Somewhere a cat meowed.
“Maybe this is not a good idea,” Gabryl muttered, staring fixedly up.
Tristan, too, looked up, but Grinwallin remained veiled from sight. Pity; it was one of his favourite views in the universe. He sent the Diluvan a glance.
“Nervous?”
“Terribly,” Gabryl admitted.
They had dressed for the autumn air in the Dome. Although they were warmly clad after time spent at the fortress, truth was everything they wore at the time was filthy, and thus was a change more than necessary, and particularly for a fastidious Emperor. Gabryl especially was relieved to divest himself of his velvet habit, claiming he had worn it far too long already.
Clad now in dark grey breeches and tunics, with black cloaks swirling in the breeze, they appeared akin to soldiers, a unit of intent. Alusin earlier bemoaned the lack of choice available to them in the Dome.
“I wonder if Teighlar is awake,” Tristan frowned. “I didn’t realise it would be this early.”
“Teighlar is awake.” A voice emanated from the vapour and a figure emerged into indistinct view.
Teighlar, Emperor of Grinwallin.
“Tristan?”
“My lord Emperor,” Tristan murmured, and immediately stepped into ritual clasp with the man.
“What is this? So formal?” Teighlar chuckled, and drew Tristan into a brief embrace. “It is good to see you again, son.”
His flame hair was a beacon in the mist, and his blue eyes pierced the vapour. Teighlar was a man with presence. As ever, Teighlar was immediately aware of who came to his city, even arrivals on the plateau.
“I am assuming you sought the time climbing the tiers would gift you to forewarn me of your arrival.” He winked. “But you know I never act as expected.”
No, he did not. The Emperor was a dangerous man.
Tristan indicated his companions. “We have news.”
Teighlar flicked a glanced at one and then the other, but the mist masked proper sight. Instead he focused on Tristan. “I am not feeling the love, Kaval leader.”
Snorting, Tristan said, “It’s nerves.” He scratched above his ear. “Man, this is harder than I thought it would be.”
Laughing, Teighlar said, “You sound like Alik. When she needs to tell me something she knows I will dispute, she throws the word ‘man’ around. My daughter spent too much time amid the idle rich, I think.” He paused. “Is this about Torrullin?”
“Gods, I wish it was.”
Movement in the vapour indicated a slow nod. “Come into the Great Hall where I can see you and where you may deign to introduce your companions?”
Clearing his throat, Tristan agreed.
“Follow my signature.” Emperor Teighlar vanished.
“Damn,” Tristan muttered, “where the fuck are my wits?”
“Daughter? He has a daughter?” Gabryl said.
“Yes, in this time. Come, let us follow or Senlu soldiers will be at us with crossbows in the next few moments.” Gripping Gabryl’s arm, Tristan dematerialised, knowing Alusin would be on his heels.
Grinwallin
The Great Hall
EARLY AS IT was, the Hall was essentially deserted, although someone had been in to feed the fire in the great fireplace opposite the arches.
With Gabryl in tow and Alusin at his side, Tristan headed to the seating there. Teighlar waited in stillness, hands clasped behind his back, staring into the flames.
Unobtrusive, but present, guards patrolled.
“My lord Emperor, allow me to introduce Alusin Algheri.”
Shifting to face them, Teighlar extended his hand. “Well met, Alusin. I have heard much about you. I did think Tristan would have brought you to Grinwallin before today.”
“Well met, my lord. I have wished to visit.” Alusin clasped the offered hand. “I guess this Valla needed to know how he felt first.”
Chuckling, Teighlar said, “And does he?”
Alusin laughed. “He will have to answer to that.”
Teighlar swung his gaze to a point just over Tristan’s left shoulder. He froze.
With his heart thundering inside his ribcage, Tristan said, “My lord, this is …”
“Gabryl,” Teighlar whispered. His chest expanded mightily. “How is this possible?”
Gabryl stepped forward. “Father, I …”
Teighlar hauled him into an embrace and held on as if his soul depended on the connection. A hand lifted to smooth over the man’s paler red hair; a father offering his blessing to a beloved son.
Shuddering, Gabryl clasped his arms across Teighlar’s back.
For long eternal minutes they stood thus.
Blinking, Tristan glanced at Alusin, to find the Kemir’s eyes suspiciously moist. Right; he wanted to bawl too.
When they released their hold, Teighlar gripped Gabryl’s arms, staring into his face, his own expression of wonder and astonishment.
“Where is your sister?”
Swallowing, Gabryl murmured, “She is the second reason we are here.”
“What is the first?”
“I wished with all my heart to see you again.”
Inhaling a breath, Teighlar again pulled the man into his arms. “By all gods, this I never expected to come to pass.”
Chapter 42
Under the lattices in dappled light, men plotted
~ History of Time ~
Grinwallin
Royal Cavern
BEFORE THE HALL stirred into life for the day, Teighlar led his guests up the stone stairs to the right of the great space, to enter his private chambers, a cavernous suite within the very rock of Grinwallin Mountain.
A stone bridge spanned a stream and then a wondrous garden of moss and fern opened to them, an astonishment so intense, the three men came to a halt.
“Beautiful,” Alusin whispered.
“A soul space,” Gabryl croaked, his pale eyes flitting to every magical nook.
Tristan last saw it as a much younger man, a boy, really, and had forgotten the splendour. He gaped, wordless.
Smiling, Teighlar gestured at a latticed bower where comfortable seating awaited.
Inhaling, Tristan moved. He pointed to an alcove further in. “That was where you put me when I was dreaming of being chased.”
“And Torrullin came to you, and you discovered you dreamed his Hounding.” Teighlar smiled introspectively. “How I miss that damn man.”
“Yes.”
The Emperor’s eyes roamed over his face. “At least looking at you brings him clearly to mind again.” He cocked his head. “Your scars are healed.”
Without meaning to, Tristan glanced at Alusin.
Laughing under his breath, Teighlar murmured, “Say no more. Come, sit.” He waited until the two Kaval had taken seats, and then approached Gabryl.
The Diluvan had frozen after stepping off the bridge, clearly in the grip of emotion too intense to allow for movement. Even a twitch would release what he now sought to contain.
“Gabryl, here you are safe,” Teighlar said in a soothing tone. “I trust Tristan with my life, and thus you can, too. Whatever it is, here it remains.”
“You have no idea what I have done,” Gabryl whispered.
“I am Alexander Diluvan; I know well what it takes to survive.”
Upon hearing that name, Gabryl animated. He thudded to his knees, bowed h
is head, and wept.
With tears rolling unchecked over his pale cheeks, Teighlar carefully knelt with his firstborn and pulled the shaking man close.
LATER, GABRYL SAT with reddened eyes, wrapped in silence, watching and listening to Teighlar pelt questions at the two Kaval men, although only Tristan dared reply.
“Why did this concern you so much that you chose the plateau for arrival?”
“Gabryl is Alexander’s son,” Tristan said. “I am wary of Alexander.”
“You bloody idiot,” the Emperor snapped. “Torrullin and I laid that threat to rest over a century ago. I am Alexander, make no mistake, but in this time I function as Teighlar. You, Tristan, do not ever need to fear either of us. Why is the Valleur host on the move?”
Sending Gabryl a look, Tristan explained about the daetal threat. He added that the threat was negated and the host was already back on Luvanor.
“I am aware they are returned, minus their commander, I believe. Why do you look at Gabryl when you mention these daetal?”
Shaking his head, leaning forward forearms on thighs, Tristan muttered, “Now that is a long story.”
“And Gabryl should tell it,” Alusin murmured.
“Then start talking, all three of you. I want the entire sorry tale. Wait. Who spoke his true name?” Teighlar eyed Tristan.
“I did.”
Teighlar offered a slow nod. “Yes, I thought your resonance now closely matches Torrullin’s. Timekeeper, huh?”
“Timekeepers,” Tristan growled, indicating Alusin.
“One at a time, my friend, you know that. There is only ever one timekeeper at any given time. Be aware, the burden might separate you.”
Tristan glared at him. “We are not here to discuss that future.”
Huffing, the Senlu Emperor shifted his attention to Gabryl. “Start with how, when the first inundation approached on Orb, you and your sister vanished without a trace, leaving this father utterly heartbroken.”
Closing his eyes, Gabryl nodded.
And started talking.
Eurue- The Forgotten World Page 30