The Eynan

by L. S. Gibson

  The sergeant straightened his back, looking as if he was trying to decide whether he could challenge the demand, but after a second, he took the papers. He skimmed the first page, turning to the second. His back straightened...he had obviously recognized the signature. "Of course, My Lord, at once." He turned to one of the soldiers and ordered him to get the barrier opened. He turned back to Girau, handed over his papers, and added, "You do understand, My Lord, that Illurian soldiers guard the Amister border, just around the bend there." He pointed vaguely toward the forest.

  "Yes, thank you, Sergeant."

  With Girau's encouragement, his horse moved forward at a walk, the others following suit.

  Amired moved alongside and whispered, "Just hope Patinus is right and his signature will engender as much respect with the Illurian guards."

  It was only a short distance, literally just around the bend, to the Illurian barrier, a copy of the layout of the Iroban one.

  This time they were approached by a lieutenant, and Girau went through the same ritual, though this time the Illurian soldier took much longer to read the document carefully. "Prince Patinus, himself eh?" the Illurian queried. "What is your business in Amister?"

  "That is not your concern, Lieutenant. I have the necessary papers to travel to Amister to visit the capital."

  The soldier glanced beyond Girau to look at his companions. "And who are these?" the lieutenant asked, with a glint of suspicion.

  Girau indicated airily, as if it should be obvious. "My advisor, my clerk, my valet and a guard. My papers clearly give permission for a small entourage."

  "We must search for contraband items."

  "Lieutenant," Girau said harshly, "I have official papers, signed and sealed. You have no right to search my party without due cause"--he leaned forward--"cause which can be backed in the courts. You have such cause?"

  The man dropped his gaze and mumbled, "I have my suspicions. It's part of being a border guard."

  "The emperor has signed an accord with the prince. Do you wish to question it?" Girau's tone made it clear he'd had enough.

  "No, My Lord, of course not. I obey my emperor's every command." He returned the papers and ordered the barrier raised, though his tone showed he wasn't content.

  They rode through and Amired heard Girau's sigh of relief. He shared it.

  That's when the first spots of rain fell.

  "Let's pick up the pace and find some shelter."

  * * * *

  Jhond saw the shimmer flow across the room the instant Ninian closed the circle. His eyes widened as the sigils Ninian had carefully drawn shone white with an inner glow. His body stiffened as the light hit him, heat clawing up his body, as if the strange light had been made of tiny flames. The heat died, but left him with a warm afterglow.

  He was suddenly vitally aware of the object held in his hands, though he couldn't remember what it was. Then, as if from a long way away, he heard Ninian's voice intoning words of magic. They were not words he recognized, not any of the spells or incantations Ninian had taught him for the ritual or to draw on his talent or use his power. Jhond turned his head--it was much more difficult than it ought to be--but finally Ninian was in his line of vision. Ninian was kneeling in the narrow space between the two protection lines of black basalt and rock salt. He was reading from a book, and Jhond frowned. He was sure Ninian had no book when he had closed the circle. Then Jhond spotted the wired oval lying by Ninian's right knee and he understood Ninian must have brought both the book and the oval with him in his pocket for just this purpose.

  The scrything block and the crystals had helped Ninian learn what he needed to know to perform the ritual, and the book was one of those they had found in the archive. It had been written at the time of the Withdrawal by the then Doyen of the House of Reeve, so when the time was right, the Eynan could be brought to his power. The final clue to find this vital book had been found in one of the three books only Jhond could read in the long-lost Iclonian language.

  Proof his path had been set long ago and finally, finally Jhond was forced to accept what he'd struggled against since the day he learned of Gallia's true lineage--his life had never been his own. He was a mage; more, he was the mage, the Eynan, and at last he knew what that meant. His destiny was to save his people. To save the world. Lords of Light, could he do this?

  "Are you ready to accept the challenge?" Ninian's words washed over him, as if echoing his own thoughts. He stared at Ninian, meeting the man's pensive stare. Was he ready? No. Was he going to try? Oh, yes!

  "I am ready." Jhond took a breath and then repeated the ancient words Ninian had taught him. "Insalla vui, insalla vurt, insalla hi vurist coera!" I was, I am, I will ever be ready! As he said the words, he knew they were true. He wasn't swearing to succeed; he was swearing to be ready to try.

  * * * *

  Ninian took a breath and continued to recite the ancient words, being careful to make the pronunciation accurate, for these words had power. He felt the sweat breaking out on his body and it was an indication of how much this meant to him. He ignored his own discomfort and continued with the ritual. He paused to glance at Jhond and saw his eyes were closed and he was gently rocking in time to the words Ninian was quoting. It came as a surprise to realize he was speaking with a cadence. It wasn't intentional on his part...the words must have been written for that specific effect.

  The first verse came to an end and, as Ninian paused, Jhond opened his eyes and stared at him. Ninian got to his feet and said to Jhond, "Rise."

  Jhond obeyed instantly. He was holding the tube of strands close to his abdomen. Ninian noted his hands were shaking a little.

  Ninian began to speak again, using the ancient tongue, just a few words this time. Then speaking normally, he told Jhond, "Stretch out your hands and rearrange the strands of time so you are holding them by the sides."

  Jhond looked at him, and Ninian knew he was remembering the only other time he'd touched the strands like that, when Jhond had felt he might lose himself in the falling strands within the cylinder. However, he obeyed and turned the cylinder.

  Again, Ninian spoke the ancient words, watching as Jhond stiffened, his eyes snapping shut, head thrown back, hands like claws as they gripped the delicate-looking glass container. He remembered how Jhond described one hand sliding inside and then feeling himself tumbling into the cylinder, tumbling amidst the twisting slivers that shimmered with an unearthly light. He imagined Jhond was experiencing something similar this time, or maybe more dramatic if his expression was any indication. Ninian could only watch and wait, for the only words left for him to speak were those of the sealing, which he could only say when Jhond completed his interaction with the strands of time.

  * * * *

  Jhond was falling again, but this time he didn't remember passing through the glass of the cylinder...he was simply inside. The strands glittered and swirled around him, making him feel disoriented and dizzy. He fought the descent, trying to slow down and right himself, but without success. He could hear sounds, chattering animal sounds, muttering and murmuring, getting louder and louder until the cacophony was so great it felt like knives scoring his flesh. He wanted to scream, but he couldn't. He tried to move his limbs, to twist his head, but nothing worked.

  Panic began to rise up in him and then, like a voice whispering inside his head, he remembered he was the Eynan. He had no cause to fear the strands of time. They were his...allies, here to help him understand.

  Then the noise began to lessen, gradually dropping to a level he could tolerate. It was then he understood the sounds, which had overwhelmed him, were voices; many, many voices, speaking in different tongues, yet he seemed to understand each one. They were calling to him, blessing him and begging for help from the great Eynan. He understood he was hearing the prayers and demands said in his name from long ago, when knowledge of the Eynan's existence was new, yet not really understood. The power of the Eynan hadn't been created for such mundane simple needs, tho
ugh. The Eynan was meant for greater, universal need.

  The old voices faded and disappeared, and Jhond realized that had been the first lesson.

  Now there was only a single voice, strong and powerful, washing over him, soothing and peaceful. He wanted to hear; he needed to listen to each and every word. He closed his eyes and drifted, soaking up more knowledge than he ever knew existed.

  * * * *

  Ninian found it very hard to keep still. He wanted to pace, but there was hardly any room to move between the two circles of protection. Jhond hadn't moved an inch from the moment he'd gripped the strands of time to his body. Ninian had lost track of time as he watched for some reaction from Jhond and it was almost a shock when Jhond's head moved forward and his eyes slowly opened. For an instant, Ninian could have sworn Jhond's eyes looked silver, but as he swiveled his head to look at Ninian, his eyes were their usual shade.

  "Jhond?"

  Jhond opened his mouth, but no words were forthcoming. After a second or two, Jhond said, "Ninian." Just that...just his name.

  Ninian swore. Should he conduct the seal? "Jhond! For the Lords sake, did everything go well?"

  Jhond smiled. "I am now truly the Eynan."

  Ninian breathed a sigh of relief and then immediately spoke the sacred words to seal the ritual.

  Jhond was bathed in a pale blue incandescence that flowed from the center of the circle to encompass the room. Ninian felt the heat of the light as it passed over him and he saw each of the glyphs he had drawn fade and disappear. The inner circle of black basalt lit up in a flash of blue before it burnt away to nothingness. All that remained was the circle of rock salt.

  Ninian walked quickly to Jhond, who still sat on the floor. "You all right? You look pale."

  "Not surprising," Jhond said. "It's not easy becoming the Eynan." But he grinned to take away any pretension. "I feel perfectly fine. Not any different than normal really."

  Ninian frowned, and Jhond laughed. "Don't worry, my friend. All is exactly as it is meant to be."

  He reached out and took Ninian's hand, and immediately Ninian felt it. The power surging through the contact was unbelievable. He stared at Jhond, who held his gaze for a second, and then it was gone. He was just shaking his friend's warm palm.

  * * * *

  There was a knock at the door and Gallia lowered her book, automatically slipping a bookmark in place. A servant approached carrying a tray bearing an envelope. "A message has arrived from the Reeve household. It's for Prince Patinus and you, My Lady. I believe the prince is out riding."

  "Yes." Gallia took the envelope, turning it over in her hand. She recognized Jhond's script. "Please send a message to the stables to inform my husband of the message as soon as he returns."

  "Yes, My Lady."

  Gallia waited until she was alone before she broke the seal. The message was short and direct. We need to talk. The Eynan is sealed. Come soon. Jhond hadn't even signed it, but then he didn't need to. Gallia read the words through again, wondering what sealed meant, though she guessed it must have something to do with the ritual Ninian performed. The door opened abruptly and Patinus strode in.

  "The message, what does it say?"

  Gallia passed him the missive, watching his expression as Patinus read the few words. He frowned, then glanced at her to ask, "What does sealed mean?"

  She shrugged. "I don't know. I'm sure he'll tell us when we get there. Can we go now?"

  "Yes, of course. I told them to saddle two fresh horses. The groom will be bringing them around. Go get changed."

  Gallia hurried from the room and in less than five minutes, she was dashing down the stairs and out through the open door to where Patinus was waiting for her. They mounted and rode off without a word to each other.

  When they arrived at the Reeve residence, Blanel was waiting for them at the entrance. Immediately, he led them to the library where Ninian was seated and Jhond was pacing back and forth in front of the large window.

  "We got here as fast as we were able," Gallia said, a sense of guilt suffusing her, as if they were late for an appointment. Patinus gripped her shoulder, and she glanced at him to see him smiling at her reassuringly.

  Jhond strode over to stand in front of them, and Gallia drew in a breath as she felt the power of his stare boring into her. She knew, how she couldn't say, but she knew this was not the Jhond she had grown up alongside. "Jhond?" she whispered.

  His gaze slipped from her to Patinus and Gallia felt her husband straighten his spine as he drew himself up to his full height. "Eynan." Patinus dipped his head in respect.

  Ninian rose from his seat and came to stand behind Jhond.

  "I must speak to the king. We can delay no longer." Jhond had never sounded so determined, so sure of himself. Gallia thought even his voice sounded different. "My father is not here, so you are my next most direct route."

  Patinus frowned and said, "Forgive me. You are the Eynan. Why do you need help? Could you not see King Corianus without intervention?"

  "You are correct," Jhond said, "but I don't want my first appearance to be so dramatic, so unexpected that the king and his court are fearful and doubtful. The king knows me only as the uncertain young man he met on but a few occasions, if he remembers me at all. Better to arrive with two of his respected friends so my revelation will be more acceptable."

  "More believable?" Patinus queried.

  Jhond smiled. "That, too."

  Gallia noted how quiet Ninian had been. Before now, he'd always had a lot to say, often speaking for Jhond. "And Ninian?" she queried. "Will he be coming to the palace with us?"

  "Indeed. Where I go, Ninian goes."

  Patinus frowned and addressed Jhond. "No offence to Ninian, but why would you still need him?"

  "Because we are going to destroy a powerful mage and the emperor he serves. Ninian is powerful in his own right, and I want every advantage available to me."

  "I want to help in any way I can to rid the world of that monster," Patinus began, pausing when Gallia gripped his wrist. "We want to help in any way we can," he corrected. "I know we're not mages and have no such power, but we can fight and we're both skilled with swords and crossbows."

  He glanced at Gallia and she saw his desperation, his need to make amends, not only to her, but also to everyone he felt he had wronged. He needed to free his people. She would do all she could to assist. Holding his gaze, she smiled and hoped he read her understanding. Patinus sighed, turned back to Jhond, and said. "I owe you and I want to pay my debt."

  "So, let's mount up and go," Ninian said.

  They headed for the stables and on the way, Gallia said, "Jhond, what did it mean in your note when you said the Eynan was sealed?"

  It was Ninian who replied. "Jhond was already showing many of the talents of the Eynan. That's how I knew I was right in my belief I had finally found him. The ritual I performed was set down at the time of the Withdrawal to center all the talent, all the power, all the abilities of the mage to confirm he has the right to be the Eynan. Jhond is now the bearer of all of it, but it will take time for him to master it. It would only have worked--only sealed--if the candidate was destined to be the Eynan."

  "So, if there was ever any doubt, it's gone now," Patinus said.

  "I never doubted," Ninian said.

  "I did," Jhond murmured.

  Chapter 29

  Girau settled comfortably in the chair across the desk from Egon Rosterus, Amister's Minister of Education. Captain Amired sat to Girau's left. The meeting had been easy to arrange once Girau presented his credentials on arrival at the ministry requesting an appointment with Egon Rosterus. The minister had come down to reception to greet him.

  "My Lord, I'm honored by your visit. Though I must admit to some surprise at seeing you here, it's good to finally meet you in person."

  Girau introduced Amired and then presented the documents provided by Prince Patinus. As soon as Egon saw the seal of Irobi, he immediately invited Girau and Amired to the
privacy of his office.

  "What exactly is your connection with the prince? I know, of course, that he married into the Timendran royal family with which you have close contact." Egon appeared uncertain, and it occurred to Girau the man might think they had come from Bardius, perhaps to trap him.

  "I have a message from the prince," Girau said. "I admit I don't know its meaning, but he said you would. Finister Heights."

  Egon's eyes widened. "That is..." He stopped, took a breath. "My Lord, we have communicated for some months, and I've always understood you to be a cautious man who doesn't take risks. You wouldn't have come all this way into what, for you, is enemy territory without a very important reason. Talk to me and tell me what it is you want from me at this time."

  Girau began to explain Timendra intended to bring the fight to Bardius and that they needed the help from the peoples of as many states as they could reach.

  "I understand we're asking a lot, but if your people are ever going to be free, they have to act for themselves."

  "You ask much. Understand there's nothing my people want more than to rid ourselves of the usurper, but we're powerless against his might."

  "On your own yes, but if every state rebelled at the same time, and you invited Timendra to assist your country by landing on these shores--"

  Egon interrupted, "You make it sound simple when it's anything but!"

  "Tell him," Amired interjected.

  Egon lifted an eyebrow. "Tell me what?"

  "The Eynan has emerged," Girau stated.

  "That's a myth!" Egon was incredulous.

  Girau smiled. "That was what I thought, too, but no longer. I have seen him."

  "I, too," Amired added. "And I saw him defeat the emperor's mage, Suvran. He travelled back from the Isle of Truth in my ship and is now safe in Timendra."

  "The Isle of Truth. It truly exists?"

  "It does."

  "The Eynan is real? He's in Timendra and will join in the fight?"

  "Oh yes. When the time is right, he will lead the way. Do you believe you can help encourage your people into fighting back?"