Seeker's Revolution

by Boyson, Cassandra

  At long last, the beating tide within Iviana was spent. Dropping her arms, she struggled to remain upright, for she had been used as the Great One’s vessel like none other. Finally, she fell into the water where Darist, Marquen, Flynn and Era carefully lifted her onto the riverbank.

  19

  Iviana

  Iviana awoke to the sound of ringing laughter. Without moving, she opened her eyes. It had come from a group made up of Flynn, Kurnin, Naii, Waymith, Jaela and the rest of the council. To her pleasure, they were chatting as freely as children, their eyes aglow with youth.

  Casting her gaze elsewhere, she was shocked to find most everyone who had previously been there were gone. Either they had moved to another part of the island or they had been taken elsewhere. Seeing how happy the group was, she could safely assume everything had ended peaceably.

  It pleased her to see the few others who remained were yet enjoying the supernatural river’s company. A couple of young women sat on the riverbank, soaking their feet and gazing dreamily into its depths. Others swam contentedly on their backs, staring up at the glory of the orange and pink sky painted by the sun’s departing rays. Others simply sat nearby, conversing in small groups and often pointing to the water as if sharing stories.

  Iviana sat up and found Era sleeping beside her. She comprehended the girl had not wished to leave her on her own and had given up merry-making with the others to guard her. If this was so, Iviana was profoundly touched.

  Seeing Marquen headed in her direction and not wanting to wake Era, she slowly stood and met him halfway.

  “The Glory-bringer has awoken,” he said with a wry grin.

  “Since when did you take up teasing?” she asked.

  He thought a moment, as if this had not occurred to him. “I would gather since I left my hill and began spending time with your friends. You’re all terribly sarcastic. I’m afraid it’s catching. Besides, I wasn’t entirely joking. That is the name the prophesies gave you and it is what you have become. I have much to write about after today.”

  Iviana took his words to heart. Glory-bringer? She would never own that grand title, to be sure... but it was what she had been used to do. The Great One had used her to rescue this world in His utterly mystifying performance and had apparently been planning to do so since long before she was born. She may never understand why He had chosen her and perhaps there was no special reason. But she was grateful He had had a plan... that He had seen what was to come and she had answered His call, else the future Era had seen would have come upon them sooner than she had realized.

  Brushing these thoughts away for another time, she asked, “Where has everyone gone?”

  “Well, the reformed cannibals returned to their village for celebrating. Though, as you see, a few have remained beside the river. I do not blame them.”

  “Fully reformed?”

  He nodded. “The river worked its magic on everyone.”

  “Where is everyone else?”

  “You should have seen it. Just as we were attempting to make plans, Tragor flew in with a great multitude of dragons—more than we ever knew existed, proving there are definitely other lairs in our world—providing transportation for all who needed it. At any rate, Flynn, Kurnin, Naii and Shynn worked to organize where they could be taken for the time being. Some were simply sent to Atlantyss, others to various nearby islands including the Isle of Dragons. Some even opted to remain here. It went remarkably smooth, I have to say.”

  “Tragor, that wonder,” she gasped. “I should have known. Where is he now?”

  Marquen pointed to a green and blue dragon lazing on the far beach. Iviana was immediately drawn that way, but Darist called to her before she could get far.

  “Iviana,” he said as he approached, his eyes sparkling with glee.

  “What is it?”

  “It’s just... I have some people you need to meet.” He gestured to Shynn and Japha, whom she had not even been aware were yet on the island.

  “Oh, I know them, Darist. Didn’t you see me speaking with them before?”

  “But we have only just discovered something,” Shynn put in warmly.

  “All right, I’m listening,” relented Iviana, though she was utterly exhausted.

  “Well... you see, as it turns out… we have just discovered you are our niece.”

  Iviana could not move, could not even remove her eyes from the woman. Could it be true? She had family? Real family? “But I was told there was no one left,” she squeaked.

  “I suppose that is because they did not want you to know, those who knew we were yet alive, that is. The council had not approved of our being missionaries, but there was nothing they could do to stop us as the right to be ministers to other worlds had been instated in the time of Latos. At any rate, they had, as much as they could, disowned us. We had been away from the Greater Archipelagos for so many years they probably had not expected us to ever return. I don’t suppose our circumstances worked in your favor any more than your parents’ did. After all, we left to do our work even before they left.”

  Iviana blinked at them a few times, looking between the two―her aunt and uncle. Then she flew into Shynn’s arms and hugged her tightly. Japha wrapped his large arms around the two.

  Drawing back, Shynn said, “But there is more... I understand you know our son Necoli.”

  This time, Iviana truly was caught up in the wonderment of it all. “Your... your son... Necoli? But he said... I mean he thought you were... dead.”

  Shynn shook her head. “No, though I can rightly understand why he assumed us killed by the cannibals.”

  Iviana laughed. “He will be so elated, you have no idea! How wonderful! Wait, this means Necoli is my cousin.”

  “But there is yet more...” Shynn continued hesitantly.

  Iviana waited, uncertain what more there could possibly be.

  “Necoli is technically not our son, though he does not know it. We raised him from birth and we love him as if he truly was our own. But, you see, he is our nephew and my brother Redden’s child.”

  This time, Iviana was truly speechless. Redden was her father.

  She looked to Darist, who appeared just as surprised as she at this news.

  Iviana swallowed. “You mean...?”

  Shynn nodded, tears filling her eyes. “He is your twin. It seems you were left with Naphtali and he with us. We were not even told about you, I swear it, or we would gladly have made you our own as well. How I wish you would have been...”

  Iviana’s mind raced with questions. Oh, how could they all be answered?

  “I can only suppose they did not want to feel they were putting too large a burden on anyone, so you were left with Naphtali instead. I suppose she never mentioned you had a brother?”

  “No,” Iviana replied. And she knew her Naphtali had not known of his existence. She had kept many things from her, but this she would never have kept secret; it was too important. Iviana wished she knew why her parents had not kept them, but this day had been too full and that was a question for another day, one on which, perhaps, she had her new-found brother by her side.

  Suddenly, a pair of arms scooped around her from behind and squeezed tightly.

  “Flynn, let me breathe!” she gasped.

  He laughingly released her and turned her about to face him. “I’m so glad you’re awake, Ivi. I’ve been waiting and waiting, but Darist wouldn’t let me bother you. We’ve got to tell you of all we have planned, all the changes and the―”

  “That’s all very well, Flynn, and I’m terribly sorry to put you off, but I think if I learn anything else this day, I’ll burst. Wait until I’ve had some sleep, won’t you?”

  Obviously disappointed, he covered it with a large smile that was very like his former self. Even so, it was clear he had gained in strength and dignity. Even the way he carried himself and the way he spoke when he turned to those who had approached with him showed he would make a true leader thereafter. Iviana could not help
feeling the utter relief of it.

  “If you’ll allow me to interrupt,” said Kurnin, standing before Iviana. “I... would like to apologize to you, Glory-bringer... and to thank you.” He hung his head a moment, but then raised it. “I am a changed man, I assure you. I wish nothing but to see this land prosper in the way you have shown us today. I—I cannot bear facing what we might have lost had you not―”

  “Oh, please, don’t thank me. You think I knew how to do that? Granted, it may have come through me, but I could not have accomplished it on my own.”

  Kurnin bowed his head to show his understanding, but met her gaze again. “I thank you... because you defied me―us―on every level. We needed it, clearly.”

  “Please,” stepped in Grandia, “consider his sentiments ours.” She gestured to the rest of the council, who offered Iviana subtle bows.

  “And I must thank you, as well,” said a man Iviana vaguely remembered. Seeing her confusion, he added, “I am Loloi, the head of this island, a people who shall be forever changed by the gift you bestowed upon us: freedom from our iniquity. You will be remembered for as long as this island is in existence.”

  All of this was terribly uncomfortable for Iviana. Obviously, these people saw her as some grand being, but she was still her. Flynn and Darist made it clear they enjoyed the spectacle of her discomfort as they stood smirking and elbowing one another. How she wished Nimua was there to read her mind and smuggle her away. Even so, she was eternally grateful to hear the promises of change and a better life.

  “I am glad,” she interrupted Loloi. “I am so glad the Great One did such marvelous work. I am grateful for your own sakes and for the Greater Archipelagos. Seeing you all before me, transformed and shining, you are remarkably beautiful ―beautiful, especially, to the One who created you and affected you this day. Please, extend any further thanks to Him... for I must go.” She turned to Flynn and Darist and added, “Tragor and I will go to the Isle of Dragons. I’ll meet you there.”

  With that, she turned from them and made her way in the direction of the shoreline. But coming upon the banks of the river of glory, she stopped and stared down at the water. Peering down the river’s way, she found it stretched clear to the end of the island and flowed into the sea, but it was evident by the unnatural current it was not receiving any of the ocean water and, therefore, would not be diluted.

  Slowly, she stepped into the river and noticed at once the peculiar sensations it sent through her, tingling under her skin as it had when it had been waiting and building inside her, though this version was much milder. Seeing those floating about and soaking their feet, she doubted it affected them this way. They appeared peaceful, but she felt strange and exhilarated, as if filled with lightning. Swiftly, she splashed across and leaped from its depths onto dry land.

  She then turned and peered into it again, taking note of its silky consistency, not quite water, but not quite not water. It sparkled and shimmered like no other liquid she had ever seen and seemed to sing as the wind blew through. It was utterly impossible and magnificent at once. She could scarcely believe it was truly there―that it is had come through her—could not quite believe it had revolutionized a people and would transform the whole world, if she had anything to say about it.

  At last, she drew away, searching the beach to find Tragor with Era, who was rubbing his face as if he was a pet... a very pampered pet. Iviana had never thought of him this way and might never have treated him so, but he certainly did not seem to mind it from Era. Iviana was glad he had opened his heart to another.

  “My, how he likes you,” she commented as she approached. Raising her arm to touch his sleek green face, she was cut short.

  “I want to come with you,” Era informed fervently.

  “Of course, you can ride back with us. Tragor and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  “No, not just there.”

  Iviana was taken aback. “Well... where would you like to go? Oh, back to Atlantyss, I suppose?”

  Era shook her head. “You’re going to travel.”

  Iviana thought a moment and realized this was so. “Yes. I am. But how did you know?”

  “Oh, how I long to go, Iviana. Please, bring me with you!” Era was desperate, obviously near tears.

  Iviana did not understand her desperation, but she knew what her answer would be. “Era, you are a remarkable young woman and have proved yourself a worthy friend this day. Unquestionably, you can come. In fact, I would dearly like to have your company.” She stopped to study the face before her and was confused by what she discovered. “I cannot say just why, but I feel quite familiar with you. We’ve only known one another less than a day.”

  Era returned her gaze with an expression that understood something Iviana did not. “We’ll have time enough to catch up,” she promised.

  20

  Iviana

  “I have something I need to ask you,” Flynn said, taking a seat at Iviana’s kitchen table.

  Flynn’s visit was unexpected since his meeting with his current council members was supposed to have gone much longer. There were so many things for them to discuss. The foremost thing on Iviana’s mind was seeing Flynn’s proposal of adding the Atlantian Island Leaders, Ferrol, Jephran and Mae, to his council. If the Atlantian culture was to affect the whole realm, that would be the best and fastest course of action, not to mention they were trustworthy and forward-thinking people.

  “Not until you tell me what I want to know,” she replied.

  “Of course the council accepted them. It was only myself, Naii and a few others. You may, however, be surprised to hear I’ll be moving to Atlantyss soon.”

  Iviana looked up at him. “Seriously?”

  He nodded. “They are the future of our world and it was agreed the Realm Leader should be at the center of it. Therefore, Atlantyss is the new capital island.”

  “New capital island?” she asked in her astonishment. “How open-minded of you all.”

  “Well, we’ve had quite a lot of changes around here, if you hadn’t noticed, ‘Glory-bringer.’”

  Iviana scowled. “Don’t you dare call me that.”

  “And why not? You did a thing none of us ever dreamed could occur and most of us cannot begin to comprehend. Besides, I heard it’s the name you were given in the Atlantian prophecies.”

  “I don’t care. I’m Ivi or dragon-lady, to you, oh, leader of the realm.”

  “All right, all right, point taken. And I’ll remain Flynn or... ‘love of my life’ to you.”

  Iviana snorted. “In your dreams.”

  When Flynn did not laugh quite as hardily as she had expected, she quickly changed the subject. “So, what else was decided in that meeting?”

  “Oh, suggestions were made for new council members. What would you think of re-instating Waymith? And Shynn seems quick. I already asked Jaela. She wasn’t interested.”

  “No, I don’t think Waymith will be interested for the same reason Jaela isn’t. They want to focus on one another after having been apart so long. But I think Shynn would be wonderful… Aunt Shynn.”

  Flynn peered at her with a half-smile. “I’m having a hard time adjusting to it too, thinking of Necoli as your brother and all. I mean, what if you’d fallen―?”

  “Don’t even go there. Besides, the Great One would never have allowed it. It was His plan we met in the first place. Necoli needed us and now he’s going to be reunited with his parents.”

  “Speaking of, have you heard from him and Nimua?”

  “No!” Iviana cried, exasperated. “And are they in for a scolding, I’ll tell you what. I sent that messenger the day before yesterday and after what they would have learned, I surely expected them to be back by now, at least to see Naii!”

  “I’m sure they have a good reason,” comforted Flynn.

  Iviana made a face.

  “Well, what do you think?” he asked.

  “I think they’ve eloped!” she said with irritation.
/>   “What’s wrong with that?”

  “Nimua is one of my best friends! I wanted to see her marry.”

  Flynn grew quiet at that and Iviana took comfort in knowing he understood.

  “Well, you don’t actually know if they have,” he offered. “Perhaps they remained because they were needed for something. Your departure was unexpected and one of the villagers may have needed aid.”

  “I hadn’t thought of that,” she said, considering. “I wonder if I should have gone myself, instead of sending a messenger.”

  Flynn raised a brow. “You were a little busy. Besides, you’re weak after the events of the glory-river. But listen, you haven’t even given me a chance to ask my question yet.”

  Iviana hesitated. “And what is that?”

  “Well... and I know what your reaction will be given your current plans, but give me a chance to finish.”

  “Oh, just spit it out, why don’t you?”

  “Fine. The council and I would dearly like to have you join us―on the council, that is.”

  Iviana opened her mouth, but he interrupted with, “I know, I know. You want to travel the globe. But all we ask is you attend whatever meetings you can and I absolutely promise things are going to be vastly different. Especially for you. I mean, I think if they thought you’d consent, they’d hoist me out and make you Realm Leader. Anyway, at least it would give you a chance to keep an eye on things. I might need you...”

  “You don’t need me, Flynn. All you need is the Great One.”

  “Well, in any case, we would all be honored if you would join us.”