by JB Penrose
Iscar stood to receive their salute, and then returned the gesture. He was always keenly aware he would be working with them, as the generations of Delphi grew older, and already grooming a few for his future Seven. Being immortal kept you practical, among other things.
As they anchored their flags to stanchions on the floor, the drumbeat quickened and two younger children ran out each carrying a cloth rope attached to something like a limber fishing pole.
“Akara wait!”
There was a ripple of laughter from the group on stage and one of the older flag bearers motioned them to stop running. The children remained frozen in their last positions but kept stealing side-glances to the Spokesmon, encouraged by her smile.
In pairs, the four other children followed and anchored their poles across the stage building a beautiful bridge of colorful cloths. Again, the music changed and from behind them a figure in royal purple and gold jumped, rolled, and plaited through the bridge of cloth.
There was Lara’s child, Fairidai. Iscar had to admit her moves were graceful as the long ribbon she carried interwove through the fabric bridge. Around the stage, older children often lifted her, or passed her through the air to one another, and she continued to weave her streamer through the cloth ropes.
The dance was like nothing he had witnessed in earlier ceremonies but it was obviously something the group had practiced often. Bodies ducked under and rolled over each other with rhythm and grace, with only the occasional instruction heard from Fairidai as she moved through them with her long ribbon.
Iscar isolated a contact to Gideon quick enough for Gideon not to realize he’d been mentally probed, and determined instantly that the twins had not been in contact with each other. Where was Gabriel? Where was Kerroon? Why hadn’t Donnally responded?
Iscar could not relax. He tried not to let it look like his mind was wandering as the children danced around them.
The children’s entertainment seemed to have a more profound effect on the Spokesmon than any of the city’s technology or history, and her fascination was returned by the children; they giggled and waved continually throughout their dance.
The product of the children’s gymnastics was a colorful cloth woven from the ribbons. Iscar almost wished he had paid more attention to what they’d done, but as soon as the dance was over Fairidai led the young troupe to the Spokesmon’s side and presented their woven gift.
Rachel’s hug was an open invitation to the other children and Iscar soon found his feet trampled in their rush to hug the Spokesmon.
Rachel pushed away from the table and spread her arms to include as many as possible in the group hug. She rolled to the floor from the weight of them, laughing loudly as the children tried to help her up.
Some councilmember’s thoughts rose with concern but they refrained from restricting the children since the Spokesmon seemed to be enjoying herself. Iscar sent a mental urging to each parent for the children to return to their seats for the sake of time.
It was hardly enough to repel the Spokesmon’s magnetism but, almost as though she heard it, Rachel stood. She led Fairidai to the center of the stage, and let Delphi give her a standing ovation for the performance.
Fairidai pulled Rachel to her seat in the shell of the amphitheater, surrounded by the adoring little ones referred to as her Tribe and patted a place on the bench next for her to occupy. The other children sat quickly and each patted the seats next to their own, urging “Sit here, Spokesmon, sit here!”
Iscar knew from the look on her face when Rachel glanced over her shoulder he had lost control, again. She acted apologetic but he was sensitive enough to feel her relief to not endure the banquet seated beside Iscar, even if buffered by a group of council members.
For him, the rest of the evening was empty. Now that he had achieved his goal of bonding Delphi to the Spokesmon, he felt his time should be used to search for Kerroon. He regretted not sending the entire Seven to the perimeter; he might have gambled too much on Gabriel contacting his brother.
Dinner was finally served and of course, since the Spokesmon was now sitting with the children, they were being served first. The Spokesmon passed her plate back for someone else; that child passed it to another. It became a game of passing plates until everyone was served, except the Council’s table.
Not that Iscar had an appetite. He tried to appear interested but his eyes constantly searched shadows. Kerroon was close and he could feel it; the hair on the back of his neck bristled and the scratches on his arm started to itch.
The evening ended with a grand finale of fireworks; Iscar used the flashes of light to peer into the darkness of the higher peri-strata. Only chance lighting would catch Kerroon or Gabriel, he kept his senses alert.
Like a breeze felt but never seen
I know you in my heart.
You enfold me ever in your Love
And guide me through the dark.
We believe in Thee.
We believe in Thee.
The song began the ceremony and she felt lifted with every note. Their pledge to the Spokesman was as though promised by each one individually, and Rachel felt her heart beat as one with all of Delphi.
She let Iscar lead her to the edge of the parapet and standing together, she felt his accomplishment. She did love Delphi. As he stepped aside, the Spokesmon was bathed in the love from every Delphi citizen, past and present.
For the first time, Rachel felt she could accomplish whatever it was she had to do – that she was not alone and she was not helpless. All of Delphi was here for her.
The orchestra played on a dock in the center of the phosphorus lake at the bottom of the cavern, their shadows amplified by floating candles in the water. Flags of all colors and designs of every fashion hung from every level of the vela. The tri-panel of energy-lights that encircled the cavern were dimmed to one row; it created a twilight effect for the Gathering. The darkness accented the stars above and the Oracle shined as brightly as any full moon.
There was a vid-screen mounted on each side of the stage and she noted more throughout the cavern. One screen showed everything on the stage being broadcast around the city and the other screen rotated images sent from the smaller gatherings around Delphi.
The 49 ministers varied in physical looks as much as backgrounds. Called Counselors for the educational areas and Ministers to represent the Trades, the group was a combined representation of Delphi. Some male, some female, all were humbled, friendly, confident and capable.
“Welcome home,” they kept repeating. In an odd way, she felt more comfortable with each greeting.
The people in Delphi were immediately familiar to her and with every introduction Rachel found herself wanting to know each of them better.
Delphi’s orderliness was a calming change from her neighborhood in Georgetown. Their manners made it so easy for her to relax. Conversation was the modern mode of communication but with all the psi-power she sensed Delphi possessed, they never intruded on another’s thoughts or mass-produced their own. With the exception of Fairidai’s coffee cup presentation, Rachel hadn’t witnessed any telekinesis used to alter the workloads; the work seemed cheerfully done with a modest amount of technology.
She was also glad Fairidai had given her an idea of tonight’s events. Once the introductions were over, she knew the ceremony needed to continue and she returned to the table and her place next to Iscar.
The Master Healer was beside her and with a smile, he offered his hand to Rachel. After clasping hers, he turned to the minister beside him and they grasp hands. The connection continued around the stage, and then threaded through the Tiphereth at every level. It took a bit of time to make the Circle complete and she let herself stand quietly with her eyes closed, feeling every connection individually until she knew the connection was being completed back on the stage.
“From hand to hand we Gather as One,” she heard Iscar project through the cavern. “From heart to mind we share One thought. From beginning t
o end, our lives blend. Acting as One let us always do God’s work, learn the Masters’ lessons, and manifest the Spokesmon’s dreams.”
He clasped her hand. Welcome.
Iscar let the energy enfold her and Rachel wondered if he was mentally encouraging the continued cheers and jubilant reactions throughout the cavern.
She expected the charge of energy from his hand as the Gathering was completed. What she did not expect was how it felt for her heart unfold like a rose, each layer encompassing one more aspect of this beauty called Delphi. She was glad to be holding hands - for fear the energy would lift her to the rafters as it had done in the room of Pathways.
With a slight tug to her hand that he still gripped, Iscar led her once again to the parapet and let the citizens of Delphi say it for him; Welcome Home Spokesmon.
After a moment, he used a slight bow to put a few steps between them. His hand rested at his heart for a few seconds of concentration before she saw the light begin to form in his fist. His eyes closed as he focused his concentration and then, with a sweeping gesture he let the Light fly forth into the darkness at the cavern’s peak.
It grew with intensity as though fed from the cheering citizens; a beautiful star that illumined the higher levels of Delphi’s interior and held its position without physical restraints. Rachel sensed the honor and pride he instilled within his gift and understood that with his gesture he had given her Delphi.
Trishul! The announcement of the star’s name came from the Light, not from Iscar.
The cheering continued and Rachel let the joy of Delphi wash over her. The layers of peace blanketed her until finally she thought to herself: I’m ready now. I am home.
Tonight, she was content to give Iscar the benefit of the doubt. He proved his love for Delphi and his dedication to the Spokesmon; she felt it concentrated within the star now hovering over their heads and knew that it would be a lasting reminder. Tonight, her heart was completely forgiving. The citizens of Delphi rejoiced in their union; she would not allow any sense of judgment from her in his work.
Rachel caught his eye as they returned to their seats; Now do you believe me? he seemed to ask. Tonight, she believed.
The children’s program began with the oldest of the young adults solemnly carrying their flags of the Trades in a parade before their table, each giving her a slight bow and in turn acknowledging the Septorian with a crisp salute.
The younger children entered, although not as solemn as their elder mates did, nor in as formal of procession. Occasional glances toward the Spokesmon caused them to lose their concentration, and she heard instructions relayed mentally to try to keep them in step.
In pairs, they carried poles with fabric cloths secured at each end to another pole and stretched across the stage. The change of music from a march to ballet was the only indication she had of the next performance.
With grace and agility, Fairidai circled, jumped, and rolled on to the platform. She carried a rather long piece of silk cloth and as she slipped in-and-out, over-and-under each of the extended banners she wove a colorfully braided swath of fabric.
Rachel was impressed with every move. Her timing and flexibility was as professional as anything she’d seen. Rachel wondered who was coaching the children in their dance but couldn’t find a “conductor” among any of the members on the stage; everyone seemed equally surprised and impressed with Fairidai’s performance.
The tempo of the music increased and onstage it seemed like a tangled mass of children jumping over each other or rolling across the stage until the synchronicity hypnotized them.
The performance was not finished until the cloth had been woven. Fairidai held it above her head standing in the center of the stage and the children dropped to the floor with an air of finality and accomplishment. All of Delphi stood to applaud the troop of dancers.
Fairidai folded the woven cloth and handed it to the youngest ones to present to the Spokesmon. As Rachel took the gift from them, her arms were quickly full of squirming children, each nudging another to get closer to the Spokesmon. Rachel hardly realized they had pulled her to the floor. Lost in laughter from their tickles, the sea of expressions slowly became one, Fairidai’s. At her silent command, the children disbanded and returned to their table on one side of the stage.
Rachel accepted Fairidai’s assistance from the floor and then led the child to the center stage, insisting Fairidai take the acknowledgement due any star of such a performance.
Delphi showered the child with pride and love, and Fairidai, in turn, brought the children, younger and older, to the stage with her. With each addition, Rachel stepped further back. She could feel the bond between the Tribe and their unconditional acceptance of Fairidai as their leader; now it was colored with the admiration of the older ranks.
Rachel watched as the young girl became a young woman in the eyes of Delphi. She was quite sure Iscar didn’t know of the bond with the Tribe, or if so, he dismissed it. Either way, Rachel was sure Fairidai would surprise him sometime in the future.
Fairidai led Rachel away from the banquet table to a spot with the children stageside. Iscar’s displeasure at her seating choice was difficult to ignore. Rachel however, was glad for the chance to study Iscar. He was clearly respected by all of Delphi. It wasn’t just pride of accomplishments that they felt, it was the sense of teamwork they shared. In a place as large as Delphi, that was an unexpected surprise.
A small boy climbed into her lap. He said he was four years old his name was Jovani, and he sent Rachel a mental image of his proud parents. She also sensed the trust his parents gave to Fairidai in her unusual bond with all the children.
Being around the children was the best feeling in all of Delphi. Jovani was alseep in her lap and the feel of his heart beating against hers was comforting. She gave him an unconscious hug.
Rachel had once adopted a child, Carolyn. A young girl dying of luekemenia adopted by an immortal, she despised the irony. Fairidai’s laugh reminded her of Carolyn, and in some sense, it provided closure for Rachel.
Fairidai squeezed her hand. “Do you want me to take him?”
Rachel shook her head. “Let’s not wake him, yet.”
The night had been perfect, with the exception that Peter wasn’t here beside her. She knew he would love it in Delphi. The beauty of the Oracle in the dripstone was unmatched by anything she had ever seen, and the subtle way technology was integrated into their culture only complimented the caverns natural beauty.
There was so much to learn. She wished for the time to explore back crevices of the mountain that called to her. It was hard to remember when she had been exposed to so much beauty. The Pathways room alone would take years to review and she knew the people living here now we just as interesting as the lives she experienced with the journals. It would take decades to know them all.
Rachel sighed. Even Delphi had a reality. There was no time to get to know anyone better. Her Path was chosen before her birth; she was the Spokesmon, here to lead the world through the Awakening. Rachel might not know what the Awakening was about, the whole experience to her was systematic, but at least Delphi’s step was a nice resting place.
Still, she knew it wouldn’t last for long. She sensed Peter was close and his arrival was sure to be an ultimate showdown between he and Iscar; it had been building for centuries.
POP!
The fireworks startled her and Rachel jumped in her seat. Jovani sat up and rubbed his eyes.
“You’re going to miss the fireworks, Jovi.” Fairidai took the boy from Rachel’s lap. “Better wake up,” she told him, “or you’ll be sorry that you slept through the Spokesmon’s Arrival.”
“Fireworks!” Jovani woke up excited.
Rachel laughed and gave his hair a tussle as she transferred him to Fairidai’s lap.
The finale was excellent! Of course, she was also impressed with their talent of manipulation. Rachel couldn’t determind any particular group working the fireworks; it was an effort
on the part of everyone in Delphi, but she definitely sensed a conductor standing on Tiphereth; Cosmos, she knew his name instantly at her question. At the instant of the explosion, his job was to visualize an image. Sent clearly, it was easy to reproduce the picture but it also required fast reactions on the part of the Delphians. The conductor acted as the channel from the Delphians to the sparks of color. The group’s control of something so large for such a short amount of time was truly impressive.
The explosions were random, as firecrackers are, but the bullets of light and color animated their way into patterns clearly manipulated, the Tree of Life, a circled seven, and a ship sailing on moving seas; all very impressive. However, the image of her was unmistakenable, including the gardenia in her hair!
“Well done.” She projected her thought of appreciation to everyone. “Thank you.”
The sparks lingered in front of the dripstone for a longer moment. Her nose, her eyes, she even recognized her smile, and the Oracle shined through her mouth as though speaking. It seemed to brighten as the sparks burned out, a perfect ending to the perfect evening.
Rachel stood, bowing in gratitude to those onstage before moving to the parapet. Delphi had showered her with lights and love. She stood before them, realizing now that Delphi was the home she had always dreamt of having.
The song started again, this time at the lower levels, first with one voice and then joined by thousands.
“We believe in Thee.
We believe in Thee.”
The love and gratitude she contemplated moments ago, was now circling around the city. She joined the singing, and Iscar joined her at the parapet, adding his deep baritone voice. His eyes were shut but his heart was opened.
This is how I will know you, she realized. I have seen your heart.
Rachel remained on the stage after the song finished, and she projected her gratitude to everyone for this celebration of her Arrival in Delphi, adding, It is time for the evening to end.