Change of Chaos

by Jacinta Jade

Maybe it would be better for her to deny it …

  She considered for a moment longer before she finally answered him.

  ‘Yes.’

  Deson exhaled and raked a hand through his hair. ‘You heard me. You actually heard me.’

  Siray was amazed. Deson was truly anxious. This must be more serious then she thought. ‘So it was you,’ she confirmed.

  Deson sat up straighter and nodded. ‘When I saw the form you had taken, a part of me automatically called out to you. But then I saw you react, and I wondered. And then I heard my name. Which was you, I’m guessing.’

  Siray felt a need to sit down, so took a seat next to Deson on the bench, still holding her towel tightly to her. ‘What does this mean, Deson? Is this normal?’

  Deson leaned back against the wall of the washroom and exhaled slowly. ‘I don’t know. I’ve never heard of this before. I’m not sure whether to ask Honvil about it or not.’

  ‘Why can’t we? He would be sure to know, if anyone would.’

  Deson shook his head. ‘I think it might be risky to let anyone know about this, if it turns out to be an actual ability. We already know the sevonix form is rare and that its most well known as the form of our past and current leaders—news would travel fast if it would turn out that we have some added advantage once everyone learns about our forms.’

  Siray nodded and then frowned as she remembered something. ‘You never said you could take the form of a sevonix. I remember you saying when we all first met that you had already Changed, but you never actually said what form you took.’

  Deson shrugged. ‘It’s why I took charge that day. By diverting attention onto everyone else, I was able to avoid the question.’

  ‘But this never happened before?’

  ‘Speaking to someone else using my mind? No—but then I carefully avoided everyone before I joined the Resistance. I haven’t actually taken my form in front of anyone until today.’

  Deson seemed to think hard for a moment.

  ‘Maybe it’s unique to this form. That might explain why we can both … do whatever it is we did.’

  That might make sense, Siray thought. ‘How do we find out if it is or isn’t?’

  Deson rubbed his chin. ‘There might be someone we can ask about the history of those who have taken the sevonix form.’

  Siray crossed her arms more tightly. ‘Who? Honvil?’

  Deson shook his head. ‘No—although I got the impression today that he was more stunned about our forms than he’s letting on. No, I was thinking of approaching someone who wouldn’t be suspicious about our questions. Someone who’s been with the training camp a long time, and who loves history.’

  Siray nodded as she understood. ‘Falir.’

  Deson nodded.

  A small noise in the main area of the cabin caused them both to turn their heads towards the door to listen intently.

  Siray tapped her fingers against one arm, and when there was no further sound from beyond the door, she said quietly, ‘I’m coming with you. I want to know what this all means.’

  Deson nodded and stood, looking down at her. ‘Stay back late in the meal tent tonight. We can chat with Falir after everyone else has left.’

  He turned and left quietly through the washroom’s sliding door.

  Siray pivoted away from the door and eyed the tap that was still flowing. So much for her relaxed state. Sighing, she walked over to turn off the tap and then proceeded to dry and dress.

  ***

  Later that evening, after having laboured over a small dinner, Siray was waiting in the meal tent for the last of her fellow trainees to leave. After two big days in a row, she was exhausted and badly wanted to see her own bed. But she was determined to get some answers, if only she and Deson could speak to Falir alone.

  Tamot sat opposite her and had yet to tire of talking of battle tactics. Siray kept nodding in the right places, while sneaking looks at Deson, who sat next to Tamot. He was engaged in a conversation with Kovi, who was yet again speaking admiringly of Genlie. She managed to catch Deson’s eye and arched an eyebrow.

  The thinning of Deson’s lips told her that he understood, and he glanced nervously at the kitchen.

  Siray also flicked her eyes in that direction. She could still see Falir moving about as he tidied up after the evening’s meal, and she bit her lip slightly.

  If Falir left for the evening before she and Deson could catch him, then they would have to wait until tomorrow night to try again.

  That didn’t appeal to her at all. Time for action.

  She twisted back to Tamot and, catching him between breaths, smiled charmingly.

  ‘You’re really so knowledgeable about tactics, Tamot.’

  Tamot’s mouth worked silently for a moment in response as a flush crept over his face.

  Taking advantage of his momentary speechlessness, Siray twisted to Kovi next and interrupted his gushing to Deson. ‘So, Kovi, are you going to actually speak to Genlie again? I could ask Wexner tomorrow what time she comes in to eat, if you like.’

  The stunned silence at the table grew as Kovi’s voice died away as he shifted, looking both fearful and hopeful at the same time. ‘I don’t know … Really? You’d do that? Discreetly, of course?’

  Siray smiled and crooned, ‘Of course. I’ll tell Wexner that I’m interested in getting to know her better—you know, chat about female things, and so on.’

  Kovi’s head tilted, and his eyes unfocused as he considered.

  Now, Siray thought to herself, all she needed was to get them moving. So she stood up, pivoted away from the table, and began to move slowly in the direction of the tent’s exit, hoping to draw them with her.

  At the edge of her vision, she saw Deson frown a little, but he didn’t say anything as he followed her lead.

  Kovi, excited by the assistance she had offered, automatically stood to follow.

  Tamot, the red still fading from his face, also stood, albeit clumsily.

  As the four of them slowly moved to the tent’s exit, Siray only partly listened as Kovi began suggesting ways she could pump Wexner for information, all of them terrible.

  Once they were outside the tent, however, she slapped a hand to her cheek.

  ‘Oh, I wanted to go ask Falir for a drink that can help me sleep—see if he’s got a good remedy for all the tossing and turning I’ve been doing. I’ll see you all back at the cabin in a few.’

  Siray gave them a quick wave and whirled quickly, hoping to get into the tent before Tamot or Kovi could offer to wait for her.

  Thankfully, Kovi and Tamot seemed to find nothing odd about her excuse, and they turned to go but paused again when Deson piped up.

  ‘Hey, I’ll come with you, as I wanted to ask you what you thought about the theory Honvil covered today on Changing and biomechanics …’

  Siray almost grinned. Deson couldn’t have picked a more dry topic.

  Giving a casual shrug, she said, ‘Sure,’ over her shoulder just before she entered the tent once again.

  A moment later, Deson entered the tent as well and gave her a nod. ‘They’re heading back to the cabin,’ he confirmed.

  Siray sighed and then began walking determinedly down the aisle between the empty tables towards the kitchen.

  As she drew closer, she frowned. She couldn’t see Falir at all.

  But then she heard a scrape, someone curse, and a back bobbed into view briefly before disappearing once more.

  Siray smiled, and she and Deson hurried over to the kitchen bench that faced the main area of the tent.

  Once she was leaning against the bench, she could see Falir bent low on the other side as he scraped up the remains of a plate.

  Siray looked to Deson and gave him a nod of encouragement.

  Deson nodded back and opened his mouth to speak to Falir.

  But then the cook straightened up and saw them. ‘Hello there! You’re a bit late if you’ve volunteered to come help me with the washing up,’ he said, chuckling a
t his own joke.

  Siray gave the cook a small smile, then she stepped lightly on Deson’s foot. He took the hint.

  ‘Actually, Falir, we were wondering if you could tell us some history about the ruling leaders.’

  Falir walked over to the small bin next to his bench and dumped the plate shards into it, brushing his hands off on his apron. Turning around and walking back to the bench, he asked, ‘Ruling leaders? Why the sudden interest?’

  Deson shrugged. ‘We were discussing it today following our first Change—you know, how the second form reflects the nature of an individual, and how our leaders have generally been those with the rarest forms.’

  ‘Ah.’ Falir tapped his chin as he considered them both. ‘I’m sure your trainers could have answered your queries.’

  Siray leaned farther over the bench to give the cook an eager smile. ‘But they would have skipped over all the interesting parts. No one tells stories like you do, Falir.’

  Falir smiled at Siray and wagged a finger at her. ‘Young Siray, you flatter me. Keep it up.’ The cook chuckled as he pivoted towards the bench behind him, grabbing up a jug and three mugs before he left the kitchen, leading the way to one of the tables.

  After they had settled on the benches, Falir waved a hand at the full jug. ‘Well, then. You just pour us some of that refreshment there, and I’ll do my best to sate your interest.’

  Deson obediently grabbed the jug, lined up the mugs, and poured some into each. He passed the first mug to Falir, who took a large swallow.

  ‘Ah, much better.’

  Deson took Falir’s mug back from him and poured more of the drink.

  Siray took a sip of hers, watching the cook, who was sitting across from her and Deson. Then she gasped a little as she swallowed the liquid—refreshing wasn’t how she would describe it. Potent would be more accurate. She settled her mug back to the table while she adjusted to the drink.

  ‘Well,’ Falir mused, ‘I guess I’ll start at the beginning, so we don’t get ourselves lost.’ He rubbed his chin some more before he picked up his mug again, this time just cradling it.

  ‘As you both know, Kason’s ruling pair are selected through a council of nine elders, who are, in turn, elected by the citizens of their city. A ruling pair can be nominated any time from their mating. Throughout history, the Great Mother, it seems, has gifted all those who became a ruling pair with the form of rarer animals, or those that appear near the top of the food chain. More recently, of course, our last two ruling pairs have all been able to take the form of the sevonix.’

  Falir took a swig from his mug.

  Which meant he didn’t see the nervous look Siray exchanged with Deson.

  Deson managed to ask the follow-up question first. ‘Does anyone know why that is?’

  Falir tilted his head as he considered the question. ‘Officially, there is no comment on the subject. But, there is a theory,’ Falir said, sipping from his mug again.

  Siray skimmed her lips over hers while she tried to hide her frustration over Falir taking his time. She noted as she swallowed some of her drink that its punch hadn’t lessened any.

  ‘As you would have heard today, the animal form of a person reflects their inner selves, their true nature. It is rare for our people to take the form of a sevonix because of the unique mix of qualities the person must have to adopt the form.’

  ‘What unique qualities?’ asked Deson quickly.

  ‘Hmmmm.’ Falir leaned back a little in his chair. ‘Let’s see. Well, these people are usually courageous, driven, fair, natural leaders, of course, and willing to fight for their beliefs.’

  Deson frowned. ‘But that could be anybody.’

  Falir held up a finger. ‘But could you demonstrate those qualities when you have witnessed terrible things, when the world seems to be falling apart around you, and the easier path to travel would be to give up, or worse—become something terrible yourself?’

  A moment of silence fell between them all.

  ‘That,’ Falir said softly, ‘is what distinguishes those who take the form of the sevonix—all those qualities, and the ability to fight on, or to sacrifice your own wants and needs for the greater good. This is why some people think that the fact that our last two ruling pairs have been able to take the form of the sevonix is a sign of the times at hand.’

  Now it was Siray’s turn to frown. ‘So, you think the selection of the most recent ruling pairs has been because of the wars?’

  Falir’s eyes shifted to her. ‘The sevonix works both in packs and alone. It is also fast, intelligent, and a formidable fighter, all the qualities you would expect of leaders in times of crisis. So, yes, I think there is more than mere coincidence at work here.’

  Deson had been listening closely to everything Falir had been saying, but now he shook his head. ‘But if the council chooses the ruling pairs, then maybe it’s more about perception or tradition.’

  Falir shook his head. ‘No. Remember, I said that the ruling pair is selected through the council—they are not actually selected by the council themselves.’

  Siray frowned at that, not understanding the difference.

  Falir leaned back and waved his hand. ‘I’ll tell you more about that some other time.’

  Deson nodded. ‘Is that all of the special qualities or … talents that the ruling pairs had?’

  There it was, Siray thought, her hands tightening on her mug. The real question.

  Falir closed his eyes a little as he thought for a moment. ‘Yup. Don’t know of anything else that they have traditionally displayed.’

  Siray relaxed slightly. Maybe what had happened earlier today between her and Deson was something new, unheard of. If so, then they should be able to keep it to themselves.

  Deson had another question. ‘So, if a youth would take the form of a sevonix today…?’

  Siray flicked her eyes at Deson in warning, but when she looked back at Falir, she saw he was chuckling.

  ‘Well, if that youth was with us, I would be grooming them for command.’

  Siray took a slow, deep breath before she asked her question as casually as possible. ‘And if that youth was in one of the cities?’

  Falir’s face turned grave. ‘Once, I might have said that the youth would have been recommended for high duties or given some other kind of accelerated training. But now?’

  He shook his head slowly.

  ‘Our enemies have been seeking youths showing special talents for a while. And they seem to have some way of identifying them before us. Anyone with the ability to take on multiple forms, or who can take the form of a rare creature …’ Falir clicked his fingers. ‘They disappear.’

  The room seemed to grow particularly bright to Siray then, and a low roaring began in her ears. Images began to flash before her.

  A dark cell, a room sparking with pulses of electricity, a chair … she grabbed hold of the table to steady herself as she broke out in a sweat and became dizzy.

  Falir saw her sway a little, and his eyebrows drew together in concern. ‘You’ve gone all pale—what’s the matter?’

  Siray swallowed and then managed to say, ‘Strong drink.’

  Deson was also looking at her in concern, but immediately he worked to direct Falir’s attention back to himself. ‘Well, thanks for answering our questions. It’ll help us understand what Honvil talked about today.’

  Siray also nodded her thanks.

  Falir waved languidly. ‘Ah, no problem at all. Come back if you want another history lesson.’

  The cook’s eyes flicked back to Siray’s, but she forced a smile as she stood with Deson and left the table. Headed towards the tents opening and moving as casually as possible, Siray was about to duck out into the late-evening air when Falir called out to them.

  ‘Oh, I just remembered something else. A little side fact, if you will.’

  Although she was dying to get outside and clear her head a little, Siray paused and turned back.

  Deson shifte
d with her, looking back at Falir expectantly.

  ‘Interestingly, it’s theorised that each ruling pair has also had the ability to communicate in their own special way. It’s not a well-known theory, of course, but those that love their history know of it.’ Falir stood and began to collect the mugs and the jug from the table.

  This was a good thing, as he missed the stunned expressions Siray was sure both she and Deson were openly wearing. She managed to gather her wits enough to say around her dry mouth, ‘Special communication?’

  ‘Mmmmm,’ Falir confirmed as he carried the mugs and jug back into the kitchen. ‘Some people think that each ruling pair in our society has had the ability to communicate through some other means that no one else can hear. The theory goes that this is partly how a ruling pair is identified. But, it’s always just been speculated, never known for certain.’

  The stunned silence emanating from Siray and Deson might have alerted Falir to their shock if it had gone on too long, but somehow, Deson managed to string some words together, bidding Falir a good evening, before he grabbed Siray’s hand and pulled her from the tent and out into the night.

  ***

  Siray was walking fast. She needed to keep moving so that she could try to escape her thoughts.

  She could hear Deson following her, and he called quietly to her when they began to draw closer to the cabin.

  ‘Siray, we need to talk about this.’

  Siray stopped, annoyed. There he went again, giving her orders. ‘I don’t know what to say, Deson. I don’t particularly want to talk about any of this anymore, especially when it means I might have a big target painted on my back.’

  Because that was just what they were—both of them. Two youths who could Change into sevonixes? Who could communicate in only the special way that previous ruling pairs had?

  Yes, they were targets. And the enemy had already tried to take her. They knew she existed.

  ‘And you already knew you could take this form!’

  Siray whirled on Deson as she realised that his earlier admission hadn’t been complete.

  ‘That’s why you never actually said anything about it on that first day,’ she said, ‘because you knew you would be a target.’