The Eynan

by L. S. Gibson

  Then, almost as if Suvran was in the room talking to him, Patinus heard the message. Suvran wanted him to discover whatever he could about Jhond of the House of Reeve. What was his position in the Reeve family? Did they know how powerful he was? Where did the family believe him to be? When did they expect him back? What were his future plans? Suvran made it clear Jhond Reeve was of very particular interest to him. Suvran needed to capture the young man who was a danger to the empire's plans.

  Patinus was at first confused and then shocked by the message. Suvran didn't exactly say so, but it was clear to Patinus that Suvran believed Jhond Reeve to be a mage, as indicated by that question about how powerful he was. Patinus already knew the answers to some of the questions: Jhond's position in the Reeve family; that they had no idea where he was; they neither knew his plans or when--if--he was ever expected back. For Patinus, the crucial questions--and answers--were why Suvran wanted Jhond Reeve and why he was a danger to the empire. How he could find those answers Patinus didn't know, but Patinus so wished he could find out. Not for Suvran, but for his own purposes, however, he knew there was no way he could keep the answers from Suvran.

  Patinus had a little time. Suvran knew it would take a while for him to find the answers, especially without giving away his true allegiance to his wife's family, and by extension, to the Reeve family, but he would have to provide some answers shortly. Still, he couldn't help but think about the possibilities of there being someone out there who could perhaps be an opponent, an equal, to Suvran.

  Was it possible a member of the Reeve family could be a mage? Could he be impressive enough to make the powerful Suvran afraid? Was it possible that the empire – and Suvran – were not as all powerful as they purported to be?

  * * * *

  Ninian decided to tell Captain Amired of their plans. He didn't know what they might discover on their visit to Jhond's home and the possibility of having a ship available could be important. He knew it would be asking a lot of Amired, but he also knew he had to try.

  Amired listened, raised an eyebrow, and said, "You asking me to tie up my ship while you two go gallivanting around the countryside?"

  "Not exactly." Ninian couldn't help but smile. "We need to visit Jhond's home near Timen to collect something important."

  "And this something will help you in the fight against Suvran and the empire?"

  "That is our hope, and I'm willing to pay you a fee if you'll keep your ship available for two sennights. If we don't return by then, you're free to take on another client. Is that reasonable?"

  "Very. Maybe too reasonable in any other circumstances, my friend." Amired shrugged. "But I'll agree on one condition."

  "Oh, and that is?"

  "That I come with you and Jhond on your trip."

  "What?"

  Amired's expression changed. "I witnessed enough to know I want to help, Ninian. I want to help you keep the southern continent safe from that monster."

  "Which one?" Ninian queried, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

  Amired frowned, but then his face cleared. "Both." He paused. "Am I invited?"

  "What of your crew?"

  "I'll take you up on that extra fee. My men will enjoy shore leave for a time, and I have Aldous to keep an eye on them."

  "Well, if you're sure, then you're welcome to join us."

  * * * *

  They'd been travelling for three days now and were only a little over one day away from his home, and Jhond was no more comfortable with the idea than when Ninian had first suggested it. It wasn't he didn't appreciate the necessity for the journey; he was just afraid of his reaction on facing his family again--and their response to him. As for the possibility of seeing Gallia, he hardly dared think about that.

  "You daydreaming again, Jhond?" Amired queried.

  Jhond glanced at the captain and couldn't help but smile at Amired's expression. One could never take exception to Amired's version of humor. "Not daydreaming, Amired." He shrugged. "Not looking forward to arriving home unexpectedly." Though Ninian was now fully aware of Jhond's history, Jhond hadn't wished to explain himself yet again to Amired, and Ninian had kept faith with his privacy.

  "Surely they'll be happy to see you anyway?"

  Jhond didn't say anything, turning away and urging his mount on. He heard Amired say to Ninian, "What did I say?"

  "Nothing, Amired. Jhond has some, shall we say, family issues. Please bear with him."

  "Of course, I wouldn't have said anything if I'd known."

  Jhond heard the slight rebuke in Amired's tone. Ninian tempered it with his response. "Making this journey is painful for Jhond."

  Amired didn't reply, however, Jhond thought he knew the captain well enough to know his reaction. He didn't slow his horse, but his companions soon caught up.

  "We ought to look out for a good place to spend the night," Amired said. They were travelling through the Quotidian Woods, a particularly dense area before the trees finally thinned and disappeared.

  "A good idea," Jhond said, "I've had enough for one day. Just about every muscle is screaming for relief."

  They found a small, well-sheltered clearing and soon made camp. It was Amired's turn to cook dinner, something Jhond had been surprised to find the captain enjoyed. Ninian took Jhond aside and asked how he was feeling.

  "Nervous," Jhond admitted. "The nearer we get, the more I dread it."

  "But why? I mean, I understand your reluctance to see Gallia, but your family has no reason to blame you for anything. Surely they don't know the full truth behind your father's relationship to Gallia? I imagine he would have kept that secret?"

  "I don't know. My father wouldn't have said anything if he had a choice, I'm certain, but I have no way to know how Gallia reacted after I left."

  "As you explained it, Gallia was very close to your family. Would her anger at your father have caused her to want to hurt the rest of your family? Your mother and siblings?"

  Jhond had pondered this question over the last few days. "If she was able to control her emotions, then no. Gallia was never the kind to hurt anyone." He paused. "It's likely she showed her anger to my father, but never told anyone else." He frowned.

  "What is it?" Ninian asked.

  "The rest of my family will have no idea why I departed. I was...upset when I left. I only wrote to my father and asked him to pass a note to Gallia. If, as I expect, they both kept the secret, then the others would only know I disappeared one night without any reason. What will they think of me for abandoning them like that?"

  Ninian stepped closer, meeting Jhond's eyes. "I imagine they'll be pleased to know you're safe. Your family loves you; their questions will be secondary to their joy at your return."

  Jhond dropped his gaze as he was filled with consternation. "Maybe, but what do I say when those questions are asked?"

  * * * *

  Ninian didn't really know what to say to that, so he said nothing. Jhond would have to work through that on his own.

  "After we've eaten," Ninian said, with a glance at Amired, who was happily whistling to himself as he served up a plate of meat and vegetables, "I'm going to take another look at the second crystal."

  "Do you have more idea yet what we'll be looking for when we search the library?"

  "Not yet. As you know, I've learned some more spells to use in conjunction with the sphere and the cylinder, but it's not even all that clear what the results of some of those spells will be."

  "But you do know how to use the strands of time now?"

  "I think I may understand how you can use the strands. I believe there are very few people--very few mages I should say--who can use the strands. Apparently, it's linked with which house the mages belonged to. Certain members of the House of Reeve can obviously use it, and from what I gathered, members of at least two other houses can use the strands, but I don't know which ones they are."

  "From what Suvran said, I gather he belongs to one of the other houses."

  "Yes, it see
ms so, but I don't know which one."

  "Is there no way Jhond can use the strands to spy on Suvran?" Amired asked, as he sat beside them. "I mean, I did understand correctly, he was using something like that to spy on Jhond, and had been for some time, right?"

  "Which still gives me the shivers," Jhond said.

  "I'm not sure what he was using," Ninian said. "I was under the impression the only strands of time existed within the cylinder, but I suppose it's possible a portion was stolen at the time of the Withdrawal. There was so much confusion and disagreement back then, who knows what might've happened."

  "Suvran said he was aware I was the one to find the strands, but he was the one who would use them," Jhond pondered. He glanced at Ninian. "He didn't think or assume this...he knew. He laughed at the idea I was unknowingly working on his behalf."

  "Then we just have to prove him wrong. You have to learn how the use the strands, Jhond, and find a way to defeat him."

  Amired looked from one man to the other then, his expression decidedly reluctant, as he asked, "But if Suvran knows what will happen, doesn't that mean he has some kind of evidence of future happenings and there's nothing we can do about it?"

  Ninian saw the look of concern on Jhond's face and he gripped Jhond's arm as he spoke. "Suvran might have learned of some future event, but that's only one possible future. Before an event happens, the result can be affected. The future is always fluid."

  "That isn't what you said about my situation," Jhond said roughly. "You told me my fate was set many years ago and it was always meant to be so."

  "That's because it followed its set course. No attempt was made to change your future before it took place. I'm sorry, Jhond. What is, is."

  Amired frowned, but sagely he kept quiet. Instead, he changed the topic and queried, "Will you be able to teach Jhond to use the strands before we reach his home?"

  "Trying to do so in these circumstances would be too risky. We need a quiet, secure location where we're sure not to be disturbed." Ninian looked at Jhond. "Perhaps in the library. You did say you were the only member of your family with any real interest in the books."

  "Yes, I was, in the main library. The family does have a small modern library for normal use, but the other was always my domain. I admit I've been feeling somewhat guilty at abandoning the library when I left."

  "I think the purpose of the library can be fulfilled now," Ninian said. "You are the Eynan for whom the prophecy was written. It is your destiny to fulfill their hopes for the future."

  Chapter 23

  It felt strange, unreal, as Jhond rode along the drive to what he once thought of as home. It hadn't been all that long since he'd left, but somehow his sense of the place had completely changed. He no longer felt he belonged.

  Ninian and Amired rode on either side of him, as if perhaps they felt he needed their support. His mount had slowed to a walk by the time they reached the front door. They dismounted, and Ninian held the horses' reins as Jhond approached the door. He stood staring at it, wanting to knock, yet afraid of his reception.

  "Jhond," Ninian said gently.

  Jhond nodded and reached out to knock.

  The door opened almost at once. "May I be of assistance, gentlemen?" The voice paused and then asked, "Master Jhond, is that you, sir?"

  "Yes, Blanel."

  "Oh, sir. The family will be--" Blanel stopped, perhaps thinking he was overstepping the mark.

  The horses were led away as the servant showed Jhond and his guests into the house.

  "Is Father home?" Jhond asked.

  "Not at present, Master Jhond. I believe he is attending court."

  Blanel moved toward the door to the family room, but it opened before he reached it and Rhou walked out, glancing over his shoulder and calling to someone inside. "I'm sure, Mother, so please don't--" He stopped mid-sentence, his mouth dropping open as he stared at his brother.

  Jhond stepped closer, taking a breath. "Rhou," he said cautiously, stretching out his hand.

  Rhou's mouth snapped shut and he stared at Jhond's hand for an instant before he took it. "It really is you," he whispered.

  "What is it, Rhou?" a voice said from inside the family room, the person obviously coming closer. Jhond instinctively held tight to his brother's hand as his mother stepped through the door.

  "Rhou, why did you-- Jhond! Oh, praise be to the Lords! Jhond." His mother launched herself at Jhond, wrapping her arms around him, pulling him away from Rhou. "Jhond, thank the Lords, you've come home, I was so worried. Are you all right?"

  "Yes, Mother," Jhond said. He kissed her cheek and gently moved out of her embrace. He didn't know what to say, how to behave. He felt so confused. He glanced around. Blanel was gone and he guessed the servants would now be aware of his return. Rhou and his mother were just watching him, waiting for him to say something. He met Ninian's gaze and was warmed by the confident look in his friend's eyes.

  Just then, the front door opened and Jhond's elder brother, Tiran, and his sisters entered, chattering and laughing. The sight of Jhond silenced them for a second, until with hugs and more questions than he could absorb, they surrounded him.

  "Please, please," Jhond murmured.

  Ninian stepped up and said, "Jhond has been through a difficult time and he needs space."

  "And who might you be?" Rhou challenged.

  "Rhou, please?" Jhond said.

  Ninian ignored Jhond's comment and answered Rhou. "I'm a close friend of your brother and have been travelling with him since just after he left home."

  Jhond spoke up. "Please, Rhou, everybody, can we please sit down? I'll introduce everyone. Tiran, I didn't expect you to be home. I thought you'd be with your regiment."

  "I'm on leave for a week, due to return to my regiment the day after tomorrow. Just good timing, I suppose."

  "I'm glad to see you." Jhond turned to his mother. "When will Father return?"

  "He's attending a reception at court, but he's expected to return for dinner." She led the way back into the room she'd just exited. She sat in a chair by the fireplace and the rest of the family took their seats, all looking at Jhond for answers.

  Ninian and Amired flanked Jhond, and he took strength from their proximity. He drew a breath.

  "A lot has happened to me since I left, too much to go into just now." He saw Rhou frown, but ignored him; he would have to deal with that later. "I'll explain everything soon, after I have spoken to Father, but I will say that without these two men, I wouldn't be here."

  "Jhond?" his mother breathed his name.

  "Let me introduce you to Ninian, Doyen of the House of Hartees, and Amired, Captain of the Horologue. Gentleman, my mother, Lady Narissa, my brothers Rhou and Tiran, and my sisters Kaylin and Andea."

  "Doyen?" Rhou spoke up. "I don't believe I've heard that term. Nor have I heard of the House of Hartees."

  "Probably not," Ninian agreed. "My home lies across the Estan Sea. It was a great house once, long ago, though now there are very few of us left. Doyen is an old title signifying the head of the household, one no longer used in the south, but it's one of which I am proud. There was once a Doyen of the House of Reeve and there will be again."

  "Where is your ship berthed, Captain?" Tiran queried, redirecting everyone's attention.

  "Tsarn."

  "So you did go to Tandera?" Rhou asked Jhond.

  "Yes."

  "The Temple of the Magi? Was it worth the journey?"

  "More than I can ever say."

  Jhond's statement was met with silence, then his mother asked, "Worth losing Gallia for?"

  "Visiting the temple was not the reason I lost Gallia, Mother. I lost her before I ever decided to take the journey."

  "So why did you let her go?"

  Jhond closed his eyes, aware of the comforting presence of Ninian's hand on his back. He took a breath and opened his eyes. "That's between Gallia and me, and it no longer matters. She is wife to someone else now."

  "But you left beca
use of the...separation?" Lady Narissa pressed.

  "Yes. I knew I couldn't stay here." He let his gaze cover each member of his family. "I'm sorry I left without a word to any of you. It was difficult at the time and just writing to Father was all I could do. I hope he explained things to you as best as he could. I took the opportunity to follow all those clues I'd found in the library to discover what I could about the Temple of the Magi. What happened there was... Let's just say it was so much more than I could ever have imagined."

  "You keep saying things like that and then leaving us wondering," Rhou said.

  "I know. Please bear with me. You'll understand soon."

  Tiran rose and, leaning against the mantelpiece, he queried, "As you've brought a sea captain with you, can we assume you'll leave again eventually?"

  "Jhond, no!" his mother interjected.

  "The truth is I don't know what I'm going to do yet. Please, no more questions until I've spoken with Father."

  Lady Narissa rose. "Dinner will be served in a little over an hour and I think it best if we allow Jhond and his friends to freshen up and change." She reached for the bell pull and turned to Jhond. "You know where your room is," she said, with a smile. "I will get Blanel to show..." She hesitated.

  Ninian bowed and took her hand. "I would be pleased if you call me Ninian, My Lady."

  There was a knock at the door and Blanel entered.

  She nodded at Ninian and, addressing Blanel, said, "Show Master Ninian and Captain Amired to guest chambers."

  * * * *

  The rooms given to Ninian and Amired were opposite each other at the end of a short corridor, which was at right angles to the one leading to Jhond's chamber. Blanel had arranged for their belongings, which had been left in the entrance hall on their arrival, to be brought up to their rooms.

  Ninian enjoyed a leisurely wash before changing into one of his better quality outfits. He felt the need to impress Jhond's family, especially after the way Jhond had introduced him. Rhou had seemed doubtful of both his name and his title. Not surprising, he supposed, considering the family's mode of dress compared with Ninian's attire, dusty and stained from days of travel.