by Kay L. Ling
Elias sighed. “Now Mierek has a genuine complaint against me.”
Lana frowned. “I’ve never understood why human-to-animal transformations take dark gem powers.”
“Transformations often involve unwilling subjects. That was certainly the case during S’s reign. Aside from that, perhaps nature revolts at an intelligent species being changed into one of a lower order.”
“I guess that makes sense,” she said uncertainly.
“We need Franklin to be a bird for a few days. He agreed, and I’m willing to pay the price for using dark powers. What’s another lump or two for a good cause?” Elias said with forced cheerfulness.
Lana hoped he wouldn’t suffer for what seemed like a justifiable use of dark powers. In the Fair Lands, a person could convince himself he was doing nothing wrong and be none the wiser, but here, lumps and deformities were visible proof that you were kidding yourself and needed to turn your life around.
Something occurred to her as she looked at Franklin. “Franklin, are you going back to the barrier?”
“Yes, as soon as I leave here.”
“Could you carry a small pouch of gems around your neck?”
Jules understood immediately. “Turquoise and aventurine for Tyla.”
“I’d be happy to,” Franklin said, tilting his head and looking at her quizzically. “Why does she need them?”
“She has turquoise now, but the ones I’m sending each have a different matrix—that’s the veins of minerals. I think it could make a difference. And the aventurines are the most powerful I’ve ever felt. I would have given them to Tyla myself, but when I got here, she was already gone.”
Everyone went outside to see Franklin off. While Lana put the gem pouch around his neck and made sure it was secure, Elias told him what Aberell had said.
“It sounds like tensions are brewing over there,” Franklin said.
“Yes, I’m afraid so. This world becomes more complicated the more we learn about it. Safe travels Franklin. We’ll tell Raenihel you’re coming with gems for Tyla. Thank you for sending scouts to find the team.”
“Be careful,” Jules warned. “Just because you’re in the air, you’re not immune to hazards in the barrier zone.”
“I know. I’ll be careful.”
This mission was different from the last, Lana thought as she watched him fly away. Franklin was going as a bird, Ben and Tina Ann had gone uninvited, and Elias would be at Elantoth advising everyone. A few days ago, who would have expected any of this?
Chapter 35
When they arrived at Elantoth, there were no guards at the door, and the castle was unusually quiet. It seemed like everyone had gone to the barrier, but Lana knew that wasn’t the case. Only a handful had gone.
They headed for the office with their books, gems, and supplies, but before they’d gone far, they heard a shout from behind them. “You be back!”
Grace, Wally, and Ferdinand hurried toward them. Torchlight reflected off huge, shiny silver disks on their chests that reminded Lana of hubcaps.
“Heard ya be comin’!’” Grace said, grinning. “Glad ya be here ‘fore they ruin everythin’.”
“What they nearly has,” Wally grumbled.
“Carry their stuff, ya worthless lumps,” Grace ordered and grabbed the sack Lana was carrying. Before Jules or Elias could protest, Wally and Ferdinand had theirs. “Goin’ to yer office, I s’pose,” Grace said to Elias, who nodded with a bemused expression and let the breghlin lead the way.
“What’s that on your chests?” Lana asked, trailing after them.
“Them be our badges,” Ferdinand said proudly. “Franklin made ‘em.”
“They show we be erficials,” Wally said.
“With the breghlin ministry,” Grace finished.
After dumping the sacks unceremoniously onto the desk, the breghlin looked around with open curiosity. They had probably never been in the office before.
Lana finally got a better look at their badges, which were five or six inches in diameter and shone like mirrors. Franklin had found a small metal punch and formed the letters MBA in the center. The first thing that sprang to Lana’s mind was Masters of Business Administration. Then she realized it stood for Ministry of Breghlin Affairs. But maybe her first interpretation wasn’t too far off. They did carry on business here.
“Like it?” Wally asked, seeing her staring at his badge.
“It’s beautiful,” she said, grinning.
“I had intended to make them badges, but never got around to it,” Jules confessed. “I’m glad Franklin made them.”
“Sure made a buncha trouble,” Wally said, frowning.
“Why is that?” Jules asked.
“Once they see ‘em, everybody want one,” Wally grumbled.
“Only erficials s’pose to get ‘em,” Ferdinand put in, “but they was all moanin’ an’ Franklin made sommore.”
“But ours be the biggest,” Grace said.
Wally nodded. “And ours be three letters an’ they gets one.”
“Breghlin in barns has B,” Ferdinand explained. “Servers an’ cooks in the kitchen has K.”
“Anythin’ else we kin do fer ya?” Wally asked, scratching his crotch unselfconsciously.
“No, but it’s kind of you to ask.” Elias said. “We’re going down to the communications room in a minute.”
Ferdinand darted a glance toward the door and then said in a confidential tone, “Them down there now be sidin’ with Aberell. They be givin’ ya no trouble.”
Grace and Wally nodded, their expressions darkening, and Wally said, “Yestaday, them that like Mierek and them that don’t near came ter blows.”
Grace crackled his knuckles. “We was itchin’ ter pound some Mierek lovers, but figgered we best stay outta it.”
Ferdinand said hopefully, “Tell us if anybody be needin’ a good thumpin’.”
“I trust that won’t be necessary,” Elias said, his lips twitching with amusement.
“Let’s go,” Wally said to his companions. “They has stuff to do.”
When they were gone, Lana laughed. “You won’t find gnomes that loyal.”
They hesitated outside the communications room, and then Elias led the way inside, looking confident and dignified.
A bored-looking gnome sat facing the pedestals, his back to the door, but at the sound of footsteps he looked around and stood when he saw Elias, Lana, and Jules.
Lana had seen Milliken a few times before. He was a good-natured fellow in his mid-forties, and he wasn’t one of the Anen elders, which was a point in his favor these days.
“Good day,” Elias said.
“Good day to you.” Milliken’s smile looked genuine.
“What’s the latest news from Mierek and Aberell?” Elias asked, coming right to the point.
“Reports from both fortresses say conditions are worsening in the barrier zone. Of course, the reports should agree, since most of Mierek’s information comes from Aberell.”
“So, Mierek isn’t exaggerating the dangers,” Elias said.
“No, but it crossed our minds that they might be,” Milliken said, surprising Lana with his candor. “It could be their way of forcing the Amulet Team to leave right away, but apparently things really are as bad as they say. Even so, some of us don’t like or trust them very much.” He gave an embarrassed laugh. “I guess we’re not alone in that. They haven’t treated you very well. The ban on human involvement was unreasonable and completely unfair.”
Elias said, “We just want to help you. We have no ulterior motives.”
“Most of us know that, and I hope you’ll forgive the rest for letting Mierek fill their heads with nonsense.” He glanced toward the pedestals. “I’d far sooner listen to Aberell. They’re sensible folks. I talked to them not long ago. They have magnifying optics, and they’re watching for any sign of our team, but most of the time the air is so full of swirling dirt, they can’t see much.”
“I’m sure they’r
e anxious for the team to arrive since conditions are worsening on their side as well.”
“They wanted to know if there was anything they could do to help. I asked Raenihel this morning via the pendant, and he talked to Tyla. She said no, and to tell them not to use gem powers near the barrier since it might affect the Focal Gem. I relayed that message to Commander Finnack.”
“It’s best not to take chances,” Elias agreed. “I’m glad Raenihel has the pendant. I’d like to try linking minds with him while the team uses the Focal Gem. That way, I could observe what they’re doing and offer guidance if necessary.”
Milliken’s face lit. “If you can do that, it would be a great help.”
“Let’s hope Raenihel thinks so. Things have been strained between us, and not because of Mierek.”
Milliken nodded. “Kaff. Right. But I assure you, Raenihel is far angrier with himself than with you. He says he should never have asked you to put Kaff on the Amulet Team. That’s where all the trouble began.”
“Be that as it may, the lad is responsible for his own actions.”
Lana wanted to say, “Hear, hear.” Kaff had put himself in a cell; Elias and the elders had merely closed the door behind him.
“A leader takes responsibility for his clan,” Milliken went on. “Anyway, some of us have told Raenihel he’s treated you unfairly, and he admits it. He’ll come around, and I know he’d never let this issue jeopardize the mission.”
“I feel better hearing you say that.”
“To tell you the truth, when I told him the three of you were coming, he seemed relieved.”
Lana had always liked Raenihel, and his recent behavior seemed very unlike him. They could sort out problems later. Right now, they needed to work together.
Elias went to the Elantoth pedestal and contacted Raenihel, but it was impossible to tell from his expression how things were going. When he finally broke the link, he made the thumbs-up gesture he’d learned from her, and she grinned with relief.
“NE3 and his scouts are with the team,” Elias reported with evident relief. “They’re nearing the barrier. If weather conditions are stable, they’ll set to work as soon as they arrive. I told Raenihel to take the alamaria as close to the barrier as possible. They should dig a pit for it so the wind and the repelling force can’t carry it off.”
“Good thinking,” Jules said.
“The team is under great pressure, and it will be hard to think of such things on their own.”
Milliken said, “You can keep a clear head, since you won’t be in physical danger.”
Elias sighed. “I’d rather be there using my powers than here advising them.”
“Once they have the alamaria in place, what’s next?” Lana asked.
“We’ll perform a test. Raenihel and I will establish our link, the team will use the Focal Gem, and we’ll see if I can access their thoughts. If it works, we’ll try to disrupt the barrier.”
“And if it doesn’t?” Milliken asked.
“They’ll go ahead without me.”
“Do they know Franklin is bringing gems?” Lana asked, wondering if he’d arrive in time.
“Yes, and Raenihel appreciates the help, but they don’t want to miss a good opportunity by waiting. If their first attempt isn’t successful, they’ll try again after he arrives.”
“I realize it was Franklin’s idea to be turned back into a bird, but was Raenihel upset that you used dark powers?” Jules asked.
“I don’t think so. I think he was glad I was willing to bend the rules, but I’m sure Kaff will call me a hypocrite.”
It was a bad pun, but Lana couldn’t resist. “Kaff will have one more thing to squawk about.”
The Amulet Team had left the trail some time ago, and the carts squeaked and rattled over the uneven terrain. Tyla found the inhospitable land depressing. Its dry, stony soil supported little vegetation except scrub brush and thistles. There were very few trees and most were dead, adding to the land’s haunted appearance. Partially exposed rocks poked through the soil. It was impossible to avoid them all, and even though Lant had slowed, it was a rough ride. In the last few minutes the shaking had gotten worse. It was possible that rocks had damaged the cart, but she hoped not.
Tyla glanced at Lant. Beads of sweat glistened on his face, and he was gripping the reins so hard his knuckles were white. Tools were clanking on the cart bed. Something behind her slid and crashed as it tipped over.
Stony ground couldn’t explain this much shaking. A cold prickle of fear ran down her spine, and her stomach gave a sickening lurch.
This was an earthquake.
She looked over her shoulder at the other passengers. They were holding onto whatever immovable objects were closest at hand, their faces rigid with fright.
She swallowed in a dry throat and faced forward again.
NE3 turned to see if the carts were following, and when he saw they were falling farther behind, he motioned to his companions to slow down.
Behind her, one of the females let out a sob, and Raenihel said in a tight voice, “Hold on. We’ll be all right.”
The maraku began to fight the reins, and Tyla grabbed the edge of the driver’s box. If the maraku panicked and pulled them over the larger rocks, it would definitely damage the cart.
The scouts circled back toward them, and the leader lifted his hand, signaling them to stop.
Tyla’s mouth felt as dry as the surrounding landscape. Now that it was becoming more dangerous, would the breghlin abandon them?
NE3 rode up to their cart. “Not far now,” he said, “but ground shakin’ too hard. We wait.”
“Is it likely to get worse?” Lant asked, wiping sweat from his face.
“Dunno.”
The shaking was more obvious now that the cart had stopped. Tyla had heard Aberell’s description of earthquakes, and she was quite sure many of them were worse than this.
No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than the cart rattled alarmingly. She squeezed her eyes shut with the futile desperation of a child hiding under the covers. Lant grabbed her hand. His was clammy with sweat.
After what seemed like hours, the shaking grew less violent and stopped altogether. Tyla opened her eyes, weak with relief.
“If no more soon, we go,” NE3 said calmly.
He must be used to this by now, but it was hard to believe anyone could remain calm through an earthquake.
NE3 rode back to his companions, and when the shaking didn’t resume after a few minutes, he motioned everyone forward.
Tyla wrapped her arms about herself and stared straight ahead.
“Are you all right?” Lant asked her softly, his face etched with worry.
“I think so.”
The land, and even the air, seemed unnaturally still now, as if trying to lure them forward.
For a time, they drove with no more tremors, but she found it impossible to relax. A sense of foreboding gripped her. Icy fingers squeezed her heart. She should have stayed at Elantoth. Right now, she’d be working in the library or playing with Eemie. How had she let Raenihel talk her into this?
She came out of a deep reverie a few minutes later when she felt a strange sensation that could only be the repelling force. When she looked at Lant, she could tell he felt it too.
The sensation grew stronger. It was like driving into a strong wind. Her companions, completely silent for the last few minutes, began to confer nervously among themselves.
“It’s a strange sensation,” Raenihel said. “Parcune told me what to expect, but it’s different than I imagined.”
“Yes, very unpleasant,” said one of the elders.
“We haven’t arrived yet. It will only get worse,” a third voice said gloomily.
How would they concentrate on their gems with this unpleasant distraction? Tyla tried not to think about that.
Before long, NE3 signaled the team to halt.
Lant glanced at her and said in a worried whisper, “I bet this is as far
as they’re willing to go, and I can’t say as I blame them.”
Once again, NE3 rode back to their cart.
“Erum won’t go no more, but maraku will. Keep goin’ till the force be too strong ta move. Good luck.” And with that, he rode off.
“Just as I thought; we’re on our own now,” Lant said unhappily.
When they neared the crest of the next hill, Tyla turned to look back at the carts coming up the rocky slope behind them. It had been a long day, and the team would be as tired and hungry as the maraku pulling the carts, but the maraku would get a break and they wouldn’t. While conditions were stable, they needed to work.
“Look! I don’t believe it!” Lant cried, and Tyla faced forward again to see what he was looking at.
Below, where the land was level, two figures stood on a maraku cart, waving their arms.
“Ben and Tina Ann!” Tyla exclaimed in delight. “They got here before us!”
“What are they doing here?” Raenihel asked, sounding annoyed.
Tyla was surprised at his attitude. “They were on the first team. They wanted to be here.”
“There were only supposed to be gnomes this time. They’d better not get in the way.”
“They won’t,” she answered stiffly. “If anything, they’ll be a help. For one thing, they can tell us whether we’re farther from the barrier than the first team.”
“I’m sure we will be. Conditions are much worse now. In any case, there’s nothing we can do to get closer.”
Lant stopped the cart near Ben and Tina Ann, and Tyla waved at them. She could hardly wait to get out and stretch her cramped legs. But the repelling force was strong, and it was harder to move than she expected.
After struggling to climb out, she discovered that walking was even more of a challenge. How would they dig a pit for the alamaria under these conditions?
Ben and Tina Ann came to meet her. Tina Ann grabbed Tyla’s shoulders and shook her—the breghlin equivalent of a hug. “Ya made it! Quake an’ all.”
Tyla grinned. “How long have you been here?”
“Not long. Had somethin’ ter eat an’ rested a bit. Did NE3 find you?”