When they arrived at the green oasis, Rhuna looked around at the large, solid trees with deep shade, the variety of colourful flowers and vegetation, and the creek with fresh water running down from the hills.
“We could even stay here permanently if necessary!” said Aradin cheerfully.
Feeling elated and relieved, Rhuna and many of the others cheered and laughed happily, while others hugged each other and clapped each other on the back in triumph. Shandi started squealing with delight, and for the first time since they were forced to leave Safu, Rhuna could let the small child run around freely on the lush green grass and then on the soft white sand of the beach.
“We should use the wood of these fallen trees and branches,” Damell said, pointing towards a dense cluster of trees.
“For what purpose?” asked Progress of the Wind.
“Shelter from animals at night, as Voyager of the Ocean advised,” Damell answered.
“Atlans are not accustomed to making things with wood,” the young man replied. “Stone and metal, and transforming these superior materials are the prerogative of Atlans!” he said proudly.
“Yet when Atlans are stranded in the wilderness, they are completely helpless,” grumbled Damell sternly. “For instance, do you know how to make textiles water-resilient using natural materials found hereabouts?”
Progress of the Wind tugged at his short beard as he looked around. “I admit, I am helpless,” he said with an exaggerated shrug of his shoulders.
“Certain wood burnt in the proper manner shall produce tar, which can be smeared onto most surfaces to adhere and make water resilient,” Damell said. “Come, young man! Assist me with this fallen tree! You must learn to adapt!” he said enthusiastically, taking some metal tools from a pouch he had carried.
“I can help!” said Panapu, coming up behind them.
“Yes, you certainly can!” said Damell with a broad grin as he handed him the largest of the axes.
Rhuna watched as the most able-bodied men hacked branches and fallen trees, while Damell walked around giving directions. “Now we require thick textiles to cover over them, acting as a roof,” he said, and Rhuna went towards the heavily-laden wagon to retrieve them. Before long, several huts were finished, while others had prepared a place to cook and prepare food. Two others had even erected a small screen wall near the flowing water for privacy while bathing.
“Aaaah! Some privacy at last!” sighed Goram happily when he examined one of the huts only large enough for a couple.
“And I can finally wash my hair!” Lozira chirped, examining the screen and gingerly stepping into the cool, clean water.
Within a few short days they had settled into a comfortable routine, and Rhuna began to feel less anxious as her energy level returned to normal. She observed the spring in the step of many others, especially Aradin. The Guardians of Knowledge kept to their own small groups, as before, and Rhuna noticed that they frequently sat silently together, as if practicing some form of Inside Focussing. Even stranger, she thought, was Seeker of Knowledge, who always sat by herself and appeared to prefer the solitude. At times, she disappeared from the encampment for a considerable length of time.
Rhuna also returned to her daily routine of breathing exercises and Inside Focussing, as well as summoning messages and images by means of the Gazing of the Waters. She had been reluctant to summon any visions of Tozar, even though his actions and consequent condition were never far from her daily thoughts. It was with trepidation therefore, when Tamer of Fire appeared in the water’s surface, responding to her question about Tozar.
“Keeper of Wisdom, it is indeed very magnanimous of you to desire speaking a kind message to Harbinger of Solace,” he began, still looking slightly uncomfortable and emotionally drained. Rhuna wondered what impact Tozar’s derangement must have had on the entire Atlan Council.
“His condition has not yet been fully assessed, and his Healers are not consentient where interaction with others, particularly you, is concerned.” Tamer of Fire paused as he looked down and frowned deeply. “Perhaps you have not observed his state…” he said slowly. “Harbinger of Solace does not speak or respond to any sound, although it appears he is fully aware of his surroundings. His Carers have only recently succeeded in coaxing him to partake of nourishment. He has yet to wash himself, and his Healers have advised to limit physical contact.”
Rhuna was taken aback by this description, and struggled to imagine Tozar in such a terrible state. Everything she heard was in complete contrast to the memories she had of him, and this new knowledge of his present state pressed heavily on her chest.
“Therefore, we suggest you speak your message to him before arriving in Varappa, and his Healers shall determine when he may be ready to summon it…if at all.” The tired man looked down again as he spoke a few more words of farewell, and then the image faded.
During the main meal of the day, when everyone had gathered around the food preparation area, information about summoned visions and messages was shared. Rhuna enjoyed this time of day when everyone appeared to enjoy the afternoon either resting or engaging in all manner of conversations.
“The other group has arrived at the Great Sea,” said one of the Guardians of Knowledge.
Rhuna asked about the small group that returned to Safu, and Progress of the Wind eagerly described his summoned visions of the New Arrivals and several other Atlan Masters who were treated respectfully by the Ubanti leaders.
“I hope that continues,” said Aradin.
“We have made the wisest choice,” said Charmer of Snakes. “The Ubanti would not tolerate any of us among them in Safu now.”
“They have settled into all the vacant Atlan homes,” said Rhuna.
“Safu shall never be as we knew it,” nodded Seeker of Knowledge knowingly.
“My attempts to precisely locate Voyager of the Ocean have been successful,” said another Guardian of Knowledge. “The fleet consists of seven large, wooden ships, unlike any I have seen before.”
“How frustrating that Varappa resists any summons by means of the Gazing of the Waters!” said Goram. “We must rely on the descriptions by three people who once resided in Varappa many solar cycles past.”
“I heard that Varappa surpasses Safu and even Atlán in many aspects,” Lozira added.
“This is so,” Damell nodded, and described the advanced city plan and irrigation works. “They have also attempted to replicate the Golden Pyramid, only on a smaller scale,” he added, looking at Possessor of Discernment.
“This is correct,” the old Atlan responded. “It is a fully-functioning pyramid in the style of the First Atlans.”
Rhuna wondered what this meant, but as the shadows were growing long, they slowly dispersed and returned to their individual activities or shelters, and Rhuna turned to her father who had been sitting beside her.
“I haven’t been able to access The Infinite,” she told him. “My thoughts are too distracted with concern for Lozira…and also Tozar.”
Damell nodded and smiled understandingly. “It is better to yield under a great burden than to break one’s back resisting it. We are suffering the effects of displacement,” he said. “Now, in the privacy of our small huts, we shall slowly rebuild our skills.”
“There is something I have to do,” Rhuna said, and walked away to a place she had discovered while exploring one afternoon. She sat down at the tree on the edge of the rocky outcrop overlooking the sea where she felt sheltered. After closing her eyes for a little while, she opened them and began to speak a message to Tozar.
“Tozar,” she said and then paused, the words sticking in her throat. “I…I feel as if I’m talking to a stranger…” She quickly closed her eyes and recalled memories of happy times only a little over three solar cycles past, before her journey to Safu.
“I want you to know that I can understand your distress over Lozira’s wellbeing. And before, when you misunderstood me and I w
asn’t able to tell you the truth and explain what I was doing. You became unbalanced and irrational because of me first, when I chose to start a new life with Aradin, and I still feel bad about the hurt this must have caused you,” she said with difficulty. Taking a deep breath, Rhuna continued her message to Tozar. “And then Lozira, coming here and meeting Beacon of the Night and I…I feel partly responsible for what has happened to you now,” she said with a deep sigh and then opened her eyes.
“Tozar, if you can, summon what I’ve done to prevent Lozira’s involvement with Goram – Beacon of the Night. I tried reasoning with her in all sorts of ways, but she is strong-willed and determined. Sending her back to you would have only caused her emotional harm…although she has been damaged now, by what happened…” Rhuna stopped to swallow hard and wipe a tear from her eye.
“I spoke to Beacon of the Night, and I believed him when he said that he was not seducing her. If it had been a passing attraction for Lozira, and philandering by him, then the problem would be easily solved, but you see, they really do love each other, and no one can change that! So I tried to make the best of the situation and asked him to leave the Guardians of Knowledge. He said he would do whatever is necessary to keep Lozira safe and happy, and I believe him. He isn’t like Bold as the Falcon and the other Dark Ones who were here when I first came to Safu. His motives are different, and despite his…un-Atlan ways, I think he will be good to Lozira. She is already so happy and healing from the traumas because of him.”
Rhuna paused and looked across the sea. “We are waiting to be taken to Varappa. Beacon of the Night has been forced to take this course, along with the other Guardians of Knowledge and some New Arrivals. Queen Uxbana has invited me to return to Safu with my family to establish Atlan roads and buildings in her land. I miss my home there so much, and would do almost anything to go back and live there in peace. Uxbana offered me a position of power and wealth, but on the condition that Beacon of the Night not come with me. And of course, Lozira refuses to be separated from him, and I can’t leave her all alone with him in a strange new land! This is the sacrifice I have to make for our daughter.”
She paused again and took a deep breath. “I promise you, Tozar that I will be close to her all the time to make sure she is safe, well and happy. You can’t summon visions of Varappa, so you might not be able to observe us there. And I don’t know how long we’ll stay there…” she stopped as tears welled in her eyes again. “I don’t know what will happen, what lies ahead for us, and I’m scared, but I’ll take care of Lozira, no matter what happens, I promise, Tozar! I promise!”
She let the tears fall down her cheeks until her fear and sorrow had dried up.
Rhuna slowly walked back to the encampment, where she saw Possessor of Discernment playing with Shandi, while Panapu sat nearby, watching and laughing. Damell mingled with some of the New Arrivals and Guardians of Knowledge, discussing complex matters as well as mundane things such as whether to add a certain herb to the evening meal. When this issue had been settled, Damell turned and walked towards Rhuna.
“Father, I believe Possessor of Discernment intends to reveal the secrets of the Pyramids to you!” Rhuna said in an excited whisper.
“Really? My assumption would be that you are the intended heir of such knowledge!” he said, eyes sparkling.
“Oh no, not me, Father!” Rhuna laughed. “You are the obvious choice!”
In the evening, a celebration for Goram and Lozira took place. The Guardians of Knowledge had found rocks and sticks to beat out a rhythm while some of them performed a popular song for couples. Others had been busy preparing a special meal with the basic ingredients under primitive circumstances.
“Best food we could conjure, under the circumstances,” said Charmer of Snakes with his usual crooked smile that Rhuna detested.
“Conjure?” repeated Goram before laughing heartily.
“May I say, Brother Goram; we are all pleasantly surprised!” said one of the Guardians of Knowledge.
“No one is more surprised than I myself!” said Goram exuberantly, then looked into Lozira’s loving eyes for a long moment. “Never did I imagine finding an extraordinary woman such as this,” he said giving her hand a tight squeeze.
“Speak! Speak!” the gathering called in unison.
Goram and Lozira stood up and stood in front of the main fire where everyone in the circle could see them. The flicking flames made Lozira’s eyes sparkle, and Goram’s eyes shone like green beacons.
“Most of you know the man I was in the past,” Goram began, keeping his voice level. “A man who believed he lived a better life than most, yet never realized how lonely he was.” He paused and looked at Lozira, whose face glowed with love and joy. “A man who was not able to love, nor could he be loved by anyone. How grateful I am today that I am no longer that miserable, pitiful man! And so, today I make it known to everyone that I shall always love Melody of the Dawn, keeping her safe and happy, and always by my side.”
There was a brief silence as the couple gazed into each other’s eyes again, and then it was Lozira’s turn to speak.
“When I left Atlán to reside in Safu, I had great plans for my life and future,” she began, her words surprising Rhuna. Suddenly she feared that perhaps she did not know her daughter very well at all.
“I thought my life would be happy and fulfilled if I became an Atlan Master, and then learned the Creative Arts and the New Knowledge, but when I met Beacon of the Night, everything changed. In my relatively short life, I feel I have already learned the most important thing: finding true love is the only thing in life that really matters! And so, today I make it known to everyone that I shall always love Beacon of the Night, caring for all his needs, and being at his side always.”
The gathering erupted into cheers and claps, and Goram and Lozira kissed long and passionately, making Rhuna feel slightly uncomfortable by the public display of emotions.
When the happily united couple sat down again, the food was passed around on plates and in bowls, and Rhuna took the foods she had not eaten since leaving Safu. She was impressed that someone had made the effort to grind wheat and barley flour, mix various ingredients and then bake the barley and date cakes in an earth oven. Despite their circumstances and primitive cooking methods, Rhuna thought she had never tasted such good cake.
The evening became filled with lively and happy banter, and Rhuna took another piece of barley and date cake for Shandi. As the child ate the delicious cake, Rhuna thought about her recurring vision of a ‘dead man’ and asked her if he was among the people attending the celebration for Goram and Lozira. Shandi promptly shook her head with certainty, then looked up at her mother as if trying to communicate that which she was unable to put into words.
“How do you feel?” asked Aradin as he passed another plate of food to Rhuna.
“I’ve accepted the situation,” she said with a long, low sigh.
“Better to accept than continually oppose,” stated Damell, who sat on Rhuna’s other side.
“I’m happy as long as she’s happy,” said Rhuna with another deep sigh of resignation.
“Lozira happy!” chirped Shandi.
In the following days, Rhuna busied herself with mundane yet necessary chores to make their wait for the Varappan ships as comfortable as possible, and found exceptional enjoyment in scouting through the surrounding greenery for food. She discovered berries, mushrooms and some root vegetables which she prepared in various ways, sharing meals with her immediate family, as well as Lozira, Goram, Possessor of Discernment, Panapu and occasionally also Progress of the Wind.
At night, Rhuna felt more secure with a shelter of branches above her, but her sleep was light and often disturbed by confusing dreams. On such occasions, Aradin also seemed restless and awoke during the night, and Rhuna treasured the long nights they both lay awake, whispering to each other until sleep overcame them. Shandi slept peacefully at their feet, and Rhuna was grateful
that the ordeal of being displaced and homeless had not affected her badly in any way.
It was during one such restless night that Rhuna was torn from sleep by a shrill scream which she instinctively recognized as Lozira’s agonized voice. Disoriented from sleep, she stumbled out of the temporary wooden shelter and groped her way in the dark towards the tormented wailing sound.
“It was only a dream, My Precious One,” she heard Goram whisper urgently. Rhuna cupped her daughter’s face in her hands and tried to shake her out of her state of panic.
“There is nothing wrong, Lozira!” she repeated in between Goram’s efforts to calm his new wife.
Aradin had approached and handed Rhuna some water to give Lozira, and Damell placed a comforting hand on his granddaughter’s shoulder. Rhuna thought she could sense a warmth radiate out of her father’s hand and onto Lozira’s shoulder, but then dismissed it as impossible. Nevertheless, Lozira quickly calmed down, as if Damell’s touch conveyed a strong calming effect, and soon her breathing slowed so that she could speak.
“A dream…” she said shakily. “They were coming, the soldiers, to kill us, to kill Goram!” she said, becoming agitated at the mere recollection of the dream.
“It’s normal to have dreams after such an ordeal,” Rhuna said soothingly. “I can prepare some sedative herbs…”
“No, I feel much better already,” Lozira said, and Rhuna noticed that Damell’s hand slowly released her shoulder. They returned to their shelters and beds in silence, but Rhuna lay awake a long time, worrying about her daughter’s emotional condition.
The following morning, Rhuna followed Lozira to the creek of fresh flowing water, and filled her drinking vessels while Lozira prepared to bathe and wash her hair. She turned to see Goram approach her, and sensed his distress over the previous night’s incident.
“Are you not able to do more for her?” he asked in a whisper so that Lozira could not hear. Rhuna nodded, explaining that she had healed many emotional wounds with Solar Light Healing.
Rhuna, The Star Child Page 30