Rhuna watched the Master inspect the new block carefully, and then he stood still and stared at it.
“Is that how the statues near my home moved around overnight?” Rhuna asked.
“You have clear and sharp thought processes,” Tozar replied. “It was indeed done so. In cases of extremely large stones however, it is advisable to utilize any planetary electro-magnetic forces that may be present to assist in the process. The larger and denser the stone, the more concentrated energy is required.” He looked directly at Rhuna. “You may learn all these things and much more when you attend school.”
They continued walking in silence through more thick, moist jungle, interspersed with clusters of houses and some larger villages. Every person near the walking track greeted them cheerfully, and once a small girl ran towards them holding several thick bananas in her arms which she then handed to Tozar and Rhuna. They stopped to sit under a shading tree to eat them, and then resumed walking a while longer. When they finally reached their destination, Tozar stopped and raised his arm to show Rhuna.
They were standing in front of an arched gateway built of small, even stones, providing an opening in the stone wall that ran a considerable length to each side of the gate. Across the top of the archway Rhuna saw a large gold plate with designs etched into it. Once again she stood mesmerized by the gleaming luster of the metal that reminded her of the shining sun.
“These symbols mean PLASMOS,” said Tozar, pointing to the designs on the gold plate, ”which represents planetary, lunar, astronomical and solar measurement and observation site. Let us enter!”
Beyond the archway were a tidy garden and a large area of flat and even grass. Rhuna had never seen such beautiful green grass cover the ground so perfectly. As they walked ahead, she saw another gateway, but this one had no fence alongside it.
“It is the measurement and observation frame,” explained Tozar, as they continued walking towards it. As they approached, Rhuna saw that it stood more than three times her own height. The two giant pillars on each side had straight and smooth sides, and across the top between them lay another large stone, also perfectly shaped. She observed how this top stone sat neatly inside notches cut in the tops of the upright pillars, and the fit was so exact that the three stones appeared to be made out of one whole stone.
“Let us ascend the stairs,” said Tozar.
A wooden structure provided access to a standing platform which ran along the length of the top laid stone. Tozar told Rhuna to step up first and hold onto the railing. She carefully took one step at a time and felt the smooth wood of the railing with her hand. Once on the platform, the top of the stone lay across her chest, and it reminded her of a tall table.
“These are the sighting lines,” said Tozar as he pointed to straight and narrow grooves cut into the top of the large stone, cutting across the short length. “Beyond is the sighting stone,” he said pointing to an erect stone slab many paces away. He bent down so that his eyes were level with the flat top, and then moved his finger along the groove that was in front of his eye. “When one sees the sighting stone in the middle of the eye tunnel, one has the correct alignment to measure the precise position of either lunar, solar or planetary cycles. This line here is for lunar measurements only,” he said pointing to a small symbol etched in a little plaque next to the groove. Others are for solar cycle measurements and the planet often visible in the mornings and evenings. Come, place your eye level with this notch,” he said.
Rhuna bent down to do as Tozar had done, but struggled to find the sighting stone beyond.
“Shut your other eye,” suggested Tozar. “Now observe the straight line of vision when you are in the correct position. When the moon sits perfectly on top of the sighting stone in this line of vision, then it is the day of seasonal change and the commencement of either sowing or reaping of harvest.”
He quickly pointed to some of the other sighting lines in the top block. “This one measures the solar cycles which is approximately the length of thirteen lunar cycles. In many instances stellar constellations are included in the alignments in order to establish precise cycle stages. And this one is only for occasional use. It measures the cycle of the nearby planet which exerts greater electro-magnetic forces at certain stages of its cycle. These special energies can be harnessed and utilized by us for particular purposes on special occasions.”
Tozar stepped down the stairs and began walking back to the entrance gate. When they had almost reached it, Tozar stopped and pointed to a stone platform at his feet. Rhuna saw a long and narrow strip of stone tiles with more symbols on each square.
“This is the sighting platform. One stands on the appropriate square to make further accurate measurements of lunar and solar phases,” said Tozar. “Viewing through the measurement and observation frame, the sun or moon lie perfectly against the inner side of the upright pillar at the designated stage of the cycle. He was kneeling and pointing to the symbol at her feet. “Utilizing these devices accurately, one may know at any moment where one stands in the cycle of time.”
“Why?” asked Rhuna.
Tozar laughed, and the sound thrilled her.
“For many practical reasons, of course! For the necessary function of planting, harvesting and preparing for seasonal changes, and for more complex procedures of utilizing lunar, solar or cosmic energies for healing, re-energizing, erecting large stone edifices, summoning the Gazing of the Waters in special events…you will learn about all these things in school, Rhuna.”
“When will I go there?”
“Tomorrow we shall visit the school and introduce you,” he answered. “Behold! The clouds forewarn of stormy rains, therefore let us hasten to return to our shelter,” he said looking up at the sky.
“Did you enjoy visiting the Plasmos, Rhuna?” he asked her as they began their long walk back.
“Yes. But you’re not calling me Child anymore,” she added.
“This is because you are no longer a child.”
Rhuna washed herself with refreshing cool water using the sponge Whisper of the Wind had used the evening before. She used a cake of soap that was lying next to the sponge, and wondered if it was the right one. She thought of the things the graceful woman had told her as she looked at the rows of containers. Then she took her comb out of her bag and slowly combed her hair thoroughly, the way Whisper of the Wind had done.
When she entered the dining hall, many people had already gathered around the table. She saw Sunshine on the Mountain sitting nearby, relishing a large mouthful of cheesy potato. It made her mouth water.
“Hello, hello there!” he called out with his mouth full and waving his arm at her. She said hello in return and then hurried to find Tozar. He held out a plate for her as she approached.
“Today there is chicken with crusty breadcrumbed skin cooked over open flames,” said a deep voice behind her. She instantly knew who it was. A wide set of perfect white teeth greeted her as she turned around. “Have the seasoned cucumber salad with the chicken meat, it’s excellent!” Mala Mahuni added.
“Okay. I’m hungry,” said Rhuna. Mala Mahuni pointed at the many bowls and plates of food, as if to say she could eat everything. “We went to see the plasmos today” she told him.
“Ah, that is excellent! And you know, Rhuna, my home is along this walking track. Maybe you saw my family today, working in their garden or sitting outside the house and talking.” His voice sounded like a continuous deep musical vibration that made her feel good.
“I don’t know. Weren’t you there as well?”
“Oh, I only go home to sleep! I work here most of the day, helping visitors and travellers!” he said with an eager nod and big grin. His skin shone with oil again, and Rhuna noticed that it had a different scent than on the previous day.
Rhuna took the chicken and cucumber as Mala Mahuni had suggested, along with other small morsels she hadn’t tried yet. Then she sat next to Tozar and quietly enjoyed her meal.
When she had cleaned her fi
ngers in the washing bowl and taken a sip of water, Whisper of the Wind sat down beside her and greeted them both.
“We went to see the plasmos today,” Rhuna told her. “And tomorrow we’ll go see the school.”
“You shall like the school,” said Whisper of the Wind. “Many choices of subjects are available to you.”
“I don’t know anything,” Rhuna said sulkily.
“For this reason one attends school, Rhuna. To learn and be freed of the bondage of ignorance!” said Tozar enthusiastically.
“I used the yellow soap next to the sponge when I washed today. Was that the right one?” Rhuna asked Whisper of the Wind. The woman gave Rhuna her usual graceful smile, and Rhuna noticed a flicker in her bright blue eyes.
“Rhuna, would you like to help me in the production of my oils and perfumes?” she asked with raised eyebrows.
Rhuna looked around at Tozar who nodded approvingly.
“Perhaps I may show you the procedure of making your own soaps and oils?” Whisper of the Wind suggested.
Rhuna nodded eagerly.
“My friends call me Windy,” said Whisper of the Wind.
“Do they?”
“You may call me Windy also.”
“You see, Rhuna? You have many friends in Medíz,” said Tozar after Windy had left them.
That night she heard the patter of raindrops on the roof and remembered Tozar’s prediction of rain. She sank into her soft bed and floated in ecstasy, thinking of her new friends, Windy and Mala Mahuni.
Rhuna awoke the next morning to loud thuds above her head. The rain was much heavier, and outside her window it splashed noisily on the ground. Thin wooden shades had been rolled down to cover the windows completely. The air smelled sweet but heavy. She had never experienced a rain like this before.
She ate a hearty breakfast again, greeted the ever-smiling Mala Mahuni and sat with Tozar until he stood up and said that it was time to visit the school.
In the small area outside the dining hall, a Zao man handed Tozar two large, flat objects made of a dull tan fabric. They each had a long, protruding stick which Tozar held and then moved the large plate-like screen above his head.
“An umbrella, Rhuna,” he said, handing her the stick of the other one. “The cotton shade-cloth has been treated with hardening wax to repel water. Underneath it we remain dry.” Holding their umbrellas, they strode along another track leading in the opposite direction of the plasmos, avoiding puddles and stepping on stones as much as possible, until they reached a large area of several similar-style houses joined by paths or fences. Large trees surrounded most of the buildings, and the gardens were neat and clean. The walls were of solid timber, coated in a white substance so that they were a creamy tan. The large windows all had sheltering blinds rolled down to keep out the rain. They entered through a large doorway and waited.
“Harbinger of Solace! How pleasurable to behold you once again!” said a white-robed Master as he approached them. His hair was a medium brown and his beard was also much darker than those of the other Masters she had seen so far. This man greeted Tozar the same way as Soother of the Seas had done, with the shaking of hands and heartfelt words of greeting and good wishes.
“Most regrettable, the entire incident,” said the man shaking his head. “What good fortune that you have returned to us safely, dear and valued companion!”
“I am relieved to be here, Guardian of Knowledge, ” said Tozar. “The mere five of us departed not a day too early.” He moved his hand to include Rhuna with his statement.
“Ah yes, I have been informed. An unfortunate situation indeed,” said Guardian of Knowledge shaking his head once more.
“It is my intention to make good this girl’s misfortune, Dear Colleague,” began Tozar. “She is of Atlan heritage and would benefit greatly from study in your honourable establishment.”
The man’s face changed and his dark eyes scrutinized Rhuna. His hand stroked his beard and his lips disappeared for a moment as he pondered Tozar’s request.
“Excuse me, Highly Esteemed, but is she not somewhat…. simple?”
“It merely appears so,” answered Tozar sharply. After a moment’s silence he continued in a lower tone. “She is the child of Avenger of Justice.”
Guardian of Knowledge sucked in his breath and raised his eyebrows. Then his face creased into a deep frown and his dark eyes narrowed. Rhuna held her breath as the man looked at her once more.
“Is this a wise course? Is there not considerable risk involved in teaching her Atlan skills?” he shot at Tozar.
“There is no substantial evidence of either nature concerning Avenger of Justice,” Tozar shot back. Then both men looked at each other in silence. Rhuna’s heart pounded heavily in her chest.
“How old are you?” Guardian of Knowledge snapped at Rhuna, who faltered at the man’s tone and question.
“She is in her fourteenth solar cycle,” answered Tozar quickly. Guardian of Knowledge gave a short, sharp laugh.
“She is too old! Students this age are much too advanced for her,” he said firmly.
“Her faculty of comprehension will astound you,” answered Tozar more firmly.
“Is that so?” said Guardian of Knowledge bitterly.
“You may place her with the youngest children and evaluate her progress.” Guardian of Knowledge pursed his lips and stroked his beard several times. “I vouch for her and take full responsibility,” Tozar added.
“Very well. As it is you, Harbinger of Solace, but know that I am not at ease with this situation.”
“I know it and am indebted to you for your co-operation, Guardian of Knowledge,” said Tozar with a slight bow of his head.
“Hm,” the man grumbled, then turned to Rhuna again. “It would be best,” he hissed, “should you not mention your father’s name to anyone. Do you understand?” Rhuna nodded obediently. “I shall inform Solver of Riddles.” He turned sharply on his heels and walked away with loud footsteps.
“Is that man your friend?” Rhuna asked when he was out of sight.
“Even friends have differing opinions at times,” said Tozar. “Do as he asks of you, and he shall treat you well.”
After they had waited in silence and listened to the downpour thundering on the roof, Rhuna heard lighter footsteps approach. A smaller and more solid man appeared, wearing the usual white robe and belt with brown leather sandals on his feet. He was balding from the crown of his head outwards, and his hair and beard were the colour of wet sand. Rhuna noticed that his nose looked fat and lumpy. He greeted Tozar happily and said that it had been a very long time since they last talked.
“Guardian of Knowledge has informed me,” said Solver of Riddles looking at Rhuna. “I would be most honoured to have her as my student.”
“May your kind soul be rewarded,” said Tozar. “I have confidence in the girl’s aptitude for learning many subjects, and gratefully leave her progress in your wise and discerning care.”
The teacher bowed his head gently, then turned to speak to Rhuna.
“What is your name?” he asked in a friendly tone.
“Rhuna.”
“No other name? Then we shall give you one!” he said cheerfully. He paused, then raised his eyes to the ceiling where the rain pelted down upon it. “Adopted by the Rain. This seems appropriate, does it not?” he said looking at both Rhuna and Tozar.
“It is appropriate for the time being,” said Tozar approvingly.
Rhuna’s classroom had two large windows and thick floor coverings with many sitting cushions scattered about. She guessed there were about ten other children sitting on cushions, all of them somewhat younger than her. All eyes fixed on her as she entered the room behind Solver of Riddles.
“Welcome our new student, Adopted by the Rain. Be seated,” he said to Rhuna.
She sat down on a cushion near the middle of the room and looked expectantly at Solver of Riddles. He began the lesson immediately.
“What was the subje
ct of yesterday’s formal discussion?”
A boy near one of the windows stood up.
“Yes, Run Like the Wind.”
“How far from school the students live, and how many students live at the school,” said the boy, and then sat down again.
“What was the outcome of this discussion?” asked Solver of Riddles.
Another boy on the other side of the room promptly stood up and answered. Rhuna looked at each child that stood up, examining his or her face, hair and clothes, down to the sandals they wore. As her eyes moved from one child to another, her gaze stopped at something in a girl’s lap. It was large with a thick cover of orange-brown and white hairs. Rhuna thought it was a giant rabbit, and it alarmed her. Before she knew it, she had gasped loudly.
“Ahem,” coughed Solver of Riddles, stopping his instruction mid-sentence.
“It’s an animal!” said Rhuna.
“I beg your pardon?”
Rhuna got to her feet. “There’s an animal in that girl’s lap,” she said.
“Would someone elaborate?” asked Solver of Riddles.
A boy stood up but didn’t speak. Rhuna saw the teacher’s hand gesturing her to sit. As soon as she was seated, the boy spoke:
“It is a cat. It lives with Wisp of Lavender and it comes to school with her almost every day.” The boy sat.
“More information?” said Solver of Riddles.
A small girl with long straight hair that was almost white eagerly sprang to her feet.
“Morning Glory. Speak,” directed Solver of Riddles.
The girl’s recital reminded Rhuna of a bird’s melodious twitter. “Cats are the most intelligent animals of the known world. Therefore they are the best-loved and most respected house animal of Atlan society. Their inborn intelligence is evident by the fact that they dig a hole for their excrement and then cover it until it no longer smells. Cats can imitate and learn other human behaviour as well,” she piped proudly and then sat down.
“Excellent,” said Solver of Riddles. “Any other comments or questions?”
Rhuna stood up.
Rhuna, Keeper of Wisdom Page 7