Rhuna, Keeper of Wisdom

by Barbara Underwood

  “Welcome to Atlán!”

  “I’m so glad to be here at last! And to see you!” said Rhuna.

  “And I am extremely delighted to behold you once more!” said Tozar, still laughing happily. Then he pointed to his right and showed her the way to the capital. Several people were already ahead of them, either carrying bundles or loading goods onto a cart. Rhuna had seen carts and wagons in visions summoned by the Gazing of the Waters, as well as some pack animals used to carry goods or to pull carts, but it was exciting to see them in reality. Soon she was walking next to Tozar at a brisk pace, and she remembered their walk to the plasmos in Medíz when he had told her there would be many long walking journeys ahead of her. She was glad that Tozar was with her on this, her first real and long walking journey up the distant mountains.

  They were soon ahead of the carts and those on foot carrying loads, but Tozar explained that all of them would rest at an inn for the night.

  “This track has smooth paving stones,” noticed Rhuna.

  “It is a proper road, one of many in this large land. It facilitates the transport of wheeled carriages.”

  “And makes walking easier, too,” added Rhuna. She noticed that their conversation was different from how it was more than three solar cycles ago.

  At first they talked about her sea journey and Tozar commented on a few things she had said in her messages to him. Then he told her about a recent discussion in the High Council concerning a new colony and the problems with a group of people there. The road was very straight, and on either side Rhuna saw only flat grass or low shrubs with unfamiliar flowers. Far ahead she saw taller trees and a raised terrain, and above them the sun had begun its evening descent.

  When their flowing conversation finally paused, Rhuna told Tozar that she had not practiced the Inside Focussing again since she experienced the frightening vision.

  “It is indeed perturbing,” said Tozar in a lower tone.

  “I had a strong feeling it was a true vision, of the Dark Master walking up a hillside somewhere, now, in the present.”

  Tozar was silent a while and looked at the road some paces ahead of him.

  “It is possible. He was not so significantly older than I. However… no one has reported the experience of a vision or other information concerning his condition or location.”

  “He looked very tall and thin, and it was very dark around his eyes,” said Rhuna.

  Tozar looked at her quickly with alarm, then looked ahead again. “You received such a vision once before… when you commenced Inside Focussing in your class, do you recall?” said Tozar agitated.

  “There’s something wrong with this, isn’t there,” said Rhuna, seeing Tozar clench his jaw.

  “I am not certain.”

  “And if it’s so? If he’s alive somewhere, what does that mean for us, for Atlán?” asked Rhuna nervously. Tozar hesitated again, then sighed.

  “It is a matter best discussed when resting at the inn … along with another matter,” he said.

  “I’m still undecided about some things, and I wanted to see…”

  “It is not the issue concerning us,” Tozar interrupted quickly, “although perhaps the matter bears upon this issue also. I must discuss your father,” he said bluntly.

  They continued walking in silence as the sun’s light began to diminish, and before too long they arrived at the inn. It was a stone house like the one at the port, made of small and uneven stones, but finished smoothly both inside and out. The wooden roof had a triangular form and was made from large trees. Inside, Rhuna was greeted by pleasant cooking smells and a Master who she assumed lived there and greeted every traveller on the road.

  “I’ve eaten mostly preserved foods the past two lunar cycles, so your fresh meals will be especially welcome and delicious!” said Rhuna after shaking the Master’s hand. The man showed her and Tozar into other rooms where they could eat, wash and then sleep comfortably. Rhuna washed herself quickly and felt refreshed after the long walk and many days of washing only with soap and a wooden bucket of sea water. Then she entered the dining area, took some food and joined Tozar. His silence and tenseness had disquieted Rhuna, and she longed to hear his thoughts. She placed her hand on his knee and it surprised him.

  “Please tell me now,” she said.

  “It concerns your father, and perhaps your disturbing visions have some relevance to the matter,” he began with a deep sigh. “You had asked of me whether I knew your father and I answered merely that I knew of his journeys to faraway lands, such as Chinza. Now I must further reveal that in fact I knew your father well,” he said, and then looked at Rhuna for a reaction. She said nothing and continued to listen intently. “He was… my friend. He sat with me in many High Council discussions…many of which concerned the Dark Master. It was the time of great distress in many parts of the Empire due to the Dark One’s actions, and we, the High Council of Atlan Masters, were helpless against his dark forces.” Tozar stopped again and Rhuna saw his pain and reluctance to talk about these things.

  “He was also among us… he, the one we call the Dark Master… he sat among us as a skilled and wise Atlan Master. He had done many good deeds, and I… your father and I were merely young newcomers to the Council. When he parted from us and tried to subvert the Atlan Empire and its people, your father took it upon himself… to find the Dark Master and… if possible.. to kill him.” Tozar closed his eyes tightly as if he were in pain. Rhuna put her hand back on his knee.

  “You see, Rhuna,” he said looking at her with deep distress in eyes, “your father had exceptional skills, unmatched by any of us except, perhaps, the Dark One. You, Rhuna, are demonstrating similar abilities and an aptitude far beyond those of others. Your father also had these visions of the Dark Master, of his actions and his location, and therefore he was able to pursue him.”

  “But couldn’t you summon the Gazing of the Waters to know where the Dark Master was and what he was doing?” asked Rhuna.

  “No,” said Tozar bluntly, looking down to the floor.

  “But I thought…”

  “Even the most highly skilled among us could not. The Dark One developed his Atlan ability in particular ways. He found a way to… hinder the summoning about him, in order to pursue his dark course with greater power and success. The element of surprise… when we could not summon and therefore not foresee his actions...” Tozar shook his head at the painful memories.

  “But what happened to my father then?”

  “I know nothing!” said Tozar shaking his head more vehemently. “When he departed to pursue the Dark One, he implemented the same method of hindering any summoning about his course of action,” he said with a painful sigh. “He did this for another reason; to protect us, to prevent others - to prevent me - from following his course. Your father risked his life by pursuing the Dark One. However, I made many attempts, utilized many methods to summon and find a way. Finally, I summoned people who had met your father on his journeys and had discussed it among themselves. This is how I came to know of your father’s presence in Chinza. Indications exist that the Dark One journeyed to various lands and islands across the Great Ocean, however after your father’s departure, we received no more reports concerning either the Dark Master nor your father. After twenty solar cycles of peace, we had assumed the Dark One met an end, and I believed, I hoped… that your father caused him to perish…”

  “But he’s still alive, I know it,” said Rhuna gripping Tozar’s knee.

  “I believe this, as I also believed your father. However, you should know that some of my dear colleagues believe otherwise. The Dark One beguiled and subverted a considerable number of Masters to follow his course and depart from us.” He turned to look at Rhuna. “Some believe this of your father.”

  “That’s why Guardian of Knowledge didn’t want me to tell anyone my father’s name,” said Rhuna.

  Tozar nodded, then moved in his seat and took a deep breath. “It was my intention to merely tell y
ou of my friendship with your father and explain the reaction to his name by certain ones…however, your latest vision may change things considerably.”

  Rhuna clutched his knee more tightly. “Does this mean the other issues concerning me and us have changed now?”

  Tozar laid his hand on her tightly clasping hand. “They do not change for me - though perhaps for you?”

  “I don’t think so,” she said.

  “You are not disappointed that I withheld these matters from you?” he asked.

  “No. I would have been scared if you’d told me before, but now that I’m here, and with you…”

  Tozar tightened his hand on hers, then said it was time to rest for the night because a long and strenuous walk lay ahead of them.

  The following day was fine and clear, and after an early hearty breakfast, they set out on their walking journey again. Not long after leaving the inn, the road began to ascend, and Rhuna noticed a change in temperature. She had already felt the climate change during her ocean crossing, but now the air felt different yet again.

  “Why is Atlán situated so far up this mountain range?” asked Rhuna, feeling the effort of the ascent.

  “Do you not know?”

  “Plant and Earth Harmony?” asked Rhuna.

  “Of course. The Capital is situated along a very positive energy flow due to the nature of the mountain range and position of the lakes. It is at a high altitude which provides many other benefits in addition.”

  “I should have known that,” said Rhuna. “But it’s such a long walk from the harbour!”

  Tozar laughed. “In this land, every location is a great distance from another!”

  She tried to imagine the immense size of the land and remembered how she had walked across the island of Medíz in half a day. Then she looked at the changing scenery, at the different trees and plants around them as the road continued upwards and took several turns. At times she could look between the trees and see the deep blue of the ocean behind them. Then her thoughts returned to the previous evening’s discussion.

  “Are you going to tell the High Council about my visions of the Dark Master?” asked Rhuna.

  “This question has caused me considerable distress the entire morning,” he answered.

  “Shouldn’t they know that the Dark Master is still alive somewhere?”

  “Some situations require discernment and caution. Forthright or unconsidered speech is not always the wisest course,” he said. Rhuna thought about his answer and remembered that Tozar had done the best thing by not telling her about her father until now.

  On the third day of their walking journey, Tozar and Rhuna saw the splendid city of Atlán on the horizon. The road had taken them to one of the crests of the mountains, and they could see part of the great lake and the shining city alongside it. Rhuna stopped to admire the scene. The city gleamed like fine jewellery in the sunshine, and even the lake’s water reflected the shiny colours of the buildings and rooftops.

  “It looks like the whole city is made of gold and other beautiful metals!” said Rhuna.

  “Stone and metal,” said Tozar, “mostly transformed elements, especially the abundant gold. The entire city was built by Masters with great abilities and skills. I also shared in some building work,” he added.

  “Did you?” said Rhuna surprised.

  “Indeed. I transformed water to limestone for the…”

  “Water to stone?” exclaimed Rhuna astounded. “I heard about it in my lessons, but…it sounds incredible!”

  “Not at all. Water is merely another element within our range of transforming abilities.”

  “How exactly did you do it?”

  “The preparation is somewhat time-consuming. One must make a large block mould of wood or other solid material, then seal it to contain water. Utilizing water from the lake, I simply applied the usual transforming techniques until a large limestone block resulted.”

  “Did it take long?”

  “A considerable time at first,” said Tozar, “however, my skills were honed by repeated usage.”

  “I’m impressed,” said Rhuna, and Tozar laughed gently.

  “You may learn these advanced techniques at the school of Atlán. This is the most suitable environment for your advancement.”

  “I know.” said Rhuna.

  In the late afternoon they entered the city where the road became broader and shone with inlaid polished stones and metals. The houses on each side were very spacious, built of large stone blocks, then partly or completely covered in metal panels. Some looked like copper or bronze, others like silver or a dark mixture of various metallic elements.

  “They have metal doors!” noticed Rhuna with amazement. “And the windows! What is it, Tozar?”

  “Glass,” he answered. “It is firm yet as transparent as water. A simple transformation from sand.”

  “From sand? But it shines like the other metals!”

  “It is a reflection. In my home you shall see glass windows and other fine artifacts of glass.”

  As they approached the center of the city, the houses became taller and Rhuna was once again amazed. She had seen these tall buildings in the Gazing of the Waters, but didn’t fully understand.

  “There’s one house on top of another!”

  “No, merely several levels in one house,” Tozar corrected her with a laugh. “My abode is also on a high level. There,” he pointed.

  Rhuna followed his finger to one of the massive pyramid-based structures on top of which stood tall houses gleaming in various metals.

  “There?”

  “It is the residence of High Council members,” he explained. “This area is the Capital, the center of all activity, discussions and travel of the Atlan Empire.”

  Rhuna looked around and saw other majestic buildings towering high above them on tall pyramid bases with many steps leading up to each side of the square houses on top. The enormous open courts between the pyramid buildings had more polished and colourful stone paving, and groups of people stood or walked across it.

  “Come,” said Tozar taking her hand. He led her up one of the high staircases and into a hallway. Rhuna saw more metal doors to each room they passed, and she admired the richly-coloured and textured rugs and tapestries on the walls and floors. They walked up one more level of stairs, and then stood before a large bronze-plated door. Tozar moved a latch and pulled the door open. A bright light welcomed Rhuna and beckoned her inside. The large windows filled the spacious rooms with a pleasant white light, and the red, gold and purple colours of the furnishings gave the rooms a special warmth.

  “Everything’s much more beautiful than I expected, even though I saw them in the Gazing of the Waters,” said Rhuna after looking around each of the rooms in wonderment.

  “The Gazing of the Waters does not adequately represent the beauty and wonder of the subject,” said Tozar. “This I noticed yet again when I welcomed you at the port.”

  There was a noise behind them and Rhuna saw the local inhabitant who had taken her bags of belongings from the ship. He unloaded them in the main entrance room, greeted them both and quickly bid farewell again.

  “You may reside here, as you know,” began Tozar. “There are other rooms - choose the one you prefer; each one has a comfortable bed. Or perhaps later you may wish to share mine.”

  “Why are there so many beds?” asked Rhuna, feeling uneasy.

  “For guests and visitors.”

  As Rhuna looked into some of the rooms, she was overcome by a disturbing thought. She suddenly realized that Tozar had already experienced a full life before she was even born, and that she had only begun to learn a little about it, namely in connection with her father and the Dark Master.

  “Have you…have there also been women living here?” she asked with apprehension.

  “Yes, on several occasions.” Rhuna felt as if icy cold water entered her stomach.

  “Like me?”

  Tozar stepped nearer and examined
her face. “No. Not as a beloved companion,” he said firmly. “I have not felt such a desire until now,” he added.

  “Oh.”

  “Would it perturb you, should I have had such a one before?” he asked hopefully.

  “Yes, I think so.”

  Tozar stepped closer and gently kissed her cheek. Rhuna felt the soft hairs of his beard and the moistness of his lips on her sensitive skin, and a deep warmth flowed through her. She remembered that Morning Glory had said that these things happen instinctively when the feelings are right, so she moved to kiss his face.

  “I want to be your companion… and share your bed,” she said softly into his beard. He looked at her as if he wasn’t sure at first of what she had said.

  “Oh Rhuna,” he said breathlessly, “this is more than I had ventured to expect!” Then he kissed her mouth, first gently and then more passionately.

  The Atlans of the High Council and Capital buildings welcomed Rhuna with either surprise, delight or keen interest as Tozar introduced her as his wife. A celebration feast was organized in the elaborately decorated Atlán Presentation Hall, and they received many gifts. Rhuna received mainly fine clothes and textiles, oils, perfumes and other beauty products, as well as a complex wooden puzzle toy. Tozar had many of them and together they spent many pleasant evenings on the wide bed, leaning on many soft cushions, solving their wooden or metal puzzles. During the day, Tozar showed her the many streets and special buildings of the city, including dining rooms and discussion rooms. There were also larger areas for all kinds of indoor and outdoor games, presentation halls for musical performances and dances, places to hear or make a speech, and quiet green gardens along the lake to sit and enjoy a light meal. At home, Rhuna learnt how to use the spacious bathroom in Tozar’s home where water entered and left through a channel in the walls, and where the bathtub was even grander than the one at the visitor’s inn in Medíz. There was also a separate room without a window for the Gazing of the Waters, where Rhuna regularly summoned messages from Morning Glory.