Spring Showers Box-set

by Avell Kro

  Dark Master when he experimented with unknown elements and forces, which have since been

  forbidden due to the dangers.

  “It is the long-held belief of Atlan Masters that the traditional knowledge and powers given

  to us are all we need to fulfill our purpose towards the rest of mankind. Any superfluous power or

  knowledge has therefore been deemed dangerous, wrong and forbidden to Atlans.”

  Rhuna heard the rustle of agitated movements in some parts of the audience.

  “While the High Council of Atlán accepts Possessor of Discernment’s explanation based on

  his reputation, we nonetheless must persist in our declaration that this Knowledge – traditional or

  new – be confined to mature and responsible Atlan Masters.”

  The audience became more restless as Sun of the Morning summarized the first part of her

  speech, and when a second member of the Council rose to her feet, Rhuna knew it was time for

  interaction with the people in attendance.

  Beacon of Night stood up and waited for complete silence.

  “Why should it be against Atlan principles to assist the poor and ailing?” asked Beacon of the

  Night.“As one of the Atlan professionals involved in making the amulets, I strongly object to your

  words of condemnation,” he said boldly, prompting gasps from some in the audience.

  “You are very outspoken,” said one of the other Council members. “Yet since the Council

  wishes to hear opinions from all people under its jurisdiction, we welcome your input, and open

  the subject to further debate.”

  “Who was that man?” Lozira asked, leaning towards Rhuna so that she could whisper an

  answer in her ear.

  “Beacon of the Night. He was my teacher when I attended school in Atlán,” Rhuna

  whispered back.

  “Your teacher? He looks much too young to have been your teacher!” Lozira said startled.

  Rhuna quickly explained that Beacon of the Night was an exceptionally young teacher, and

  she was an older student, due to her childhood on the island of Chinza, far removed from Atlán. “He

  is actually about my age,” she whispered, and then looked at a Council member who stood up to

  speak.

  “Safu is diverse and expressive, much more so than Atlán,” said another man of the Council

  whose bushy beard reminded Rhuna of Designer of Works. “People of various cultures converge in

  Safu, creating a wide variety of different opinions, which we of Atlán heartily embrace – provided

  these opinions are not too far divergent from Atlan principles, of course. At times, it has been

  necessary to merely educate people in faraway colonies of Atlán to re-direct their ways to align

  with those of Atlán.”

  Next, a woman stood up whom Rhuna recognized as also being a member of the Dark Ones.

  “As a Healer, I am also in favour of curing ailments by any means possible,” she said. In my

  travels to distant lands, I have learned that there are many ways to treat afflictions other than the

  traditional methods taught and used in Atlán.”

  Rhuna heard some murmurs of agreement but others who were still doubtful shook their

  heads or whispered something to the persons next to them.

  Sun of the Morning stepped forward to speak again. “Despite good intentions, the High

  Council of Atlán has decreed these matters to be contrary to The Atlan Way, and as such, a

  potential danger to individuals and to ourpeaceful, harmonious society. May it not become

  necessary to banish anyone who rejects the Council’s directions.”

  “Indeed, let us remind you of the consequences of transgressing Atlan principles,” said the

  bearded man from the Council.

  Sun of the Morning cleared her throat, indicating a new topic to be addressed.

  “Furthermore, there is a certain individual in your midst whom the High Council of Atlan

  has condemned and continues to banish, namely the one once named Keeper of Wisdom, whom

  you have re-named The Star Child, is to be avoided and shunned. Let this serve as a reminder that

  this has not changed.”

  Rhuna felt as if the earth shook and crumbled beneath her, and she reached for Aradin’s

  reassuring hand.

  “She has rejected admonishing on numerous occasions, and been given many chances to

  comply, yet she has willfully caused distress, disruption, injury and even death. Such a person

  cannot represent the High Council of Atlán, nor the people of Atlán anywhere else, and she has

  therefore been stripped of her formal Atlan name, and she is to be as nothing and nobody to

  everyone who bears the name of Atlán and all that it represents.

  “Once again, I strongly object to this ruthless condemnation!” said Beacon of the Night

  springing to his feet again. “Many Atlans residing in Safu are much more informed and aware of

  how Keeper of Wisdom has helped a countless number of people, and that her conduct is no threat

  whatsoever to the average citizen,” he said firmly.

  “You are persistent in your defiance of the Atlan Council,” said the man with the bushy

  beard. “We shall meet with you privately to discuss this with you,” he said sternly.

  Rhuna thought Beacon of the Night would retaliate, but after a silent nod, he sat down

  again. After some more minor announcements concerning domestic and mundane matters, the

  assembly was dismissed. Rhuna waited in the back until most people had left the building, afraid

  of being recognized, only to be ignored and shunned.

  “It was nice of Beacon of the Night to speak up for you like that,” Lozira said as they walked

  outside. Then she embraced her mother with some words of reassurance before saying that she

  had recognized some old friends in the assembly. Rhuna wished her a nice time with friends, and

  watched her disappear in the mingling crowd outside the Council building.

  The following morning, Rhuna was asked to attend a meeting at The Reigning One’s

  residence, and when the messenger told her that the new Atlan Council and Queen Uxbana would

  also be in attendance, she quickened her steps. She greeted Abu-Malech as she entered the grand

  doorway of The Reigning One’s residence, and followed his directions to the Attendance Hall in

  which the important meeting would take place.

  Rhuna stepped inside and saw that everyone was already gathered in the spacious room,

  some sitting on chairs while the Atlan Council members preferred to stand. The man with the

  bushy beard who had spoken at the Council’s address the previous day turned and watched Rhuna

  approach them.

  “Why has she been invited?”the bearded man asked, as his piercing look examined Rhuna

  carefully.

  “This meeting takes place at my invitation, in my residence and at my direction,” The

  Reigning One promptly replied in his formal monotone.

  “The Star Child has told me that Atlans want to share their Knowledge and works with all

  people,” began Uxbana.

  “She does not speak for us!” exclaimed the bearded man, agitated.

  “We have been given specific orders by the High Council of Atlán to be wary of every word

  spoken by the formerly-named Keeper of Wisdom,” said Sun of the Morning in a brusque manner.

  “Does this mean then, that Atlans do not want to share their Knowledge and works with

  others?” Uxbana said as her eyes darted back and forth between Rhuna and the Atlan Council

  members.

>   “Possessor of Discernment has knowledge of the wisdom of the First Atlans,” Rhuna

  interrupted, causing a sudden, uneasy silence. “He said that the day would come when a new Atlan

  generation no longer had the traditional powers and abilities.”

  “Possessor of Discernment is wel known to us,” mumbled the bearded man. “Perhaps his

  words of wisdom should be considered in our further deliberations…”

  “The orders of the High Council must be followed,” Sun of the Morning said loudly before

  the man had finished. He looked at her with indignation, and then stepped forward to introduce

  himself to Rhuna.

  “My name is Stealth of the Fox,” he said, but refused to shake Rhuna’s hand in the

  traditional Atlan greeting. Rhuna greeted him politely, and then looked at Sun of the Morning

  whose pinched expression showed that she did not approve of the exchange.

  “We, the people of the Land of Ubanti, have no Atlan powers, but we want the Knowledge to

  make stone buildings,”Uxbana said forcefully.

  “Of course, Queen Uxbana!” said Stealth of the Fox. “We shall gladly organize a troupe of

  Atlan Masters to journey to your land and establish the Atlan ways…”

  “You mean, make the Land of Ubanti an Atlan colony,” Uxbana spat with outrage and

  indignation.

  “Not exactly…” wavered the man with the bushy beard.

  “Never shall the people of Ubanti become a colony or become subservient to another

  people!” Uxbana shouted, spraying spittle into the Atlan man’s face as she turned and strode out of

  the Attendance Hall.

  Sun of the Morning shot the man an angry look before turning towards Rhuna.

  “A private word,” she said sternly, and Rhuna stepped aside to let the other Council

  members pass her as they left the room.

  “Harbinger of Solace has given us specific instructions,” she began. Rhuna noticed the

  many fine wrinkles around her eyes and lips which deepened when she scowled.

  “His daughter, Melody of the Dawn, is to return to Atlán at the earliest convenience!

  Furthermore, she is being prevented from summoning his messages, and we have been given due

  authority to fulfil his wishes,”

  “His daughter? She is as much my daughter, too!” Rhuna protested angrily. “And I am not

  preventing her from summoning his messages. She is afraid to summon any messages – afraid of

  returning to Atlán, returning to her father!”

  “What is wrong here?” Aradin asked as he entered the Attendance Hall and stood next to

  Rhuna. “I thought you might need me,” he said softly to her as he placed his arm supportively

  around her.

  “Harbinger of Solace has given us clear instructions to carry out,” Sun of the Morning

  repeated, her face showing contempt for Aradin.

  “She does not want to return to him,” Aradin said as gruffly as he could manage.

  “The High Council of Atlán has set this command!”

  “First you said it was by order of Harbinger of Solace, and now by the entire High Council,”

  Aradin said, tightening his grip around Rhuna. “Which is it? And since when does one member

  speak for the entire Council?”

  “You cannot force my daughter to return to Atlán!” Rhuna stated firmly.

  “You must! It has been deemed the only right action in view of your…status among Atlan

  society, and the banishment enforced against you!” spat the angry woman.

  “No! I will not make her leave, and I will not make her summon her father’s messages if

  she doesn’t want those things!”

  “What about respecting the will of others – isn’t that a prime Atlan principle?” interjected

  Aradin.

  “In cases where the person is young and inexperienced, this respect is waived,” Sun of the

  Morning snapped.

  “In all my solar cycles living in Atlán, I never heard of that exception,” Rhuna said as hatred

  for the woman grew rapidly inside her.

  “This is the land of both my people, the Benshi, and the Atlan residents,” boomed The

  Reigning One’s voice behind them, startling everyone in the room, including his attendants. “There

  shall be no forcing of wills upon others in this land,” stated The Reigning One. “Take your petty

  squabbles out of my residence,” he ordered Sun of the Morning, who was taken aback and

  immediately left the room without another word.

  Rhuna walked silently outside with Aradin until they reached the outer courtyard area.

  “You are disobeying an order directly from the High Council of Atlán?” Sun of the Morning asked

  viciously, her eyes darting between Rhuna and Aradin.

  “I am refusing Harbinger of Solace’s request to have his daughter sent back to him,” Rhuna

  answered, glaring back at the woman.

  “We are done here,” Aradin interrupted sharply, and took Rhuna’s arm as he began to walk

  away.

  “They can’t force us to do anything, can they?” Rhuna asked as they walked home.

  “No,” they can’t. That woman is full of hatred towards you, and it’s making her

  unreasonable,” said Aradin.

  “Let’s not even tell Lozira about any of this!” Rhuna said after a while.”She seems so happy

  right now, and so relieved to be here, thinking she is safe!”

  Part Five (Lozira)

  Rhuna sat on the floor practicing the special breathing exercises her father had taught her,

  and then slowly opened her eyes as she finished the last cycle of breathing. She looked out onto

  the courtyard garden, feeling refreshed by the mere sight of lush green leaves and the vibrant

  colours of fresh blooms. A gentle breeze wafted past her, bringing with it a subtle fragrance of the

  roses in the garden.

  Behind her, a door opened and the footsteps Rhuna knew belonged to Lozira made her heart

  leap with joy once more. The deep contentment of her daughter’s presence outweighed the

  injustice she suffered from the Atlan Council’s scathing condemnation of her at the Council

  Address.

  “I went out with some old friends from the Creative Arts School,” Lozira began, and Rhuna

  turned to listen, relieved that her daughter appeared to be unharmed by the stress of escaping her

  father.

  “We went to the pyramids and that’s where I saw Beacon of the Night,” Lozira continued.

  “So I thanked him for speaking in your defense at the Council Address.”

  “You spoke with Beacon of the Night?” Rhuna interrupted with more alarm in her voice than

  she had intended.

  “Yes.Is there something wrong with that?” Lozira asked defensively.

  “At the Council Address I couldn’t tell you about Beacon of the Night,” Rhuna said, standing

  up and preparing to tell her daughter the unpleasant facts about her former teacher.“He has done

  wrong things in the past, and also now. He is not as he seems,” Rhuna said carefully.

  “He told me you would say that about him,” Lozira responded, and Rhuna’s head snapped

  back in shock.

  “You spoke to himabout me? What else did he say?” Rhuna asked sharply, trying to quell

  the alarm that was rising inside her.

  “He told me about what he did when he was your teacher, and that he was banished from

  Atlán for what he did,” Lozira said firmly.

  “He told you that? Why?” Rhuna asked, sounding more aghast than she had intended.

  “Why not?” Lozira retor
ted angrily. “We had a nice long conversation about everything.”

  Rhuna once again felt as if the earth shook beneath her feet.

  “Lozira! You can’t talk to him – him of all people!” Rhuna shouted.

  “Why not?” Lozira retorted, her face reddening with outrage.

  “He is the leader of a group of Atlans involved with those amulets!”

  “That was discussed at the Council Address,” Lozira responded quickly. “But it does not

  sound like something so very wrong,” she added with conviction.

  “But you heard what Sun of the Morning said about Atlan principles and why it is wrong

  and dangerous!” said Rhuna, puzzled by her daughter’s casual dismissal of fundamental Atlan

  ways. “He is a dangerous man, Lozira!”

  “I do not agree!” she retorted with a firm pout as her cheeks flushed again.

  “There is more…just don’t talk to him again, Lozira!” Rhuna implored her daughter, wishing

  she could tell her the knowledge about her former teacher she had acquired by means that must

  still be kept secret.

  Seeing Lozira’s deflated expression, she calmly added, “there are so many other Atlans in Safu

  you could meet and befriend.” Lozira nodded and appeared to shake off her momentary

  disappointment as she turned to enter her sleeping chamber.

  The fol owing morning, as Rhuna was washing her hair with the luxurious soaps and oils

  Aradin had procured for her, she heard someone approach the door of her home. After a moment,

  Faleesh entered the washing chamber to inform Rhuna that a messenger requested her

  attendance at the Atlan Council building. Startled, Rhuna hurried to finish washing and dressing

  appropriately, feeling apprehensive as she prepared to leave.

  Rhuna entered the Council building, hearing the echo of her footsteps in the empty and

  cavernous interior. The new Atlan Council members were seated on cushions in an alcove

  especially designed for more intimate discussions.

  “Harbinger of Solace believes that you intercepted both his messages to the innkeeper at

  the land of the isthmus,” Sun of the Morning said without a greeting as Rhuna lowered herself onto

  a seating cushion. She looked at the Council members’ faces and then noticed Sun of the

  Morning’s creases around her severely pursed mouth.