Rhuna, Keeper of Wisdom

by Barbara Underwood

  Rhuna tightened her arm around Tozar’s chest, and he embraced her firmly.

  During the following lunar cycle, Rhuna resumed her normal lessons and often went to the High Council afterwards to listen to the normal proceedings concerning routine matters. Seer of Worlds continued to guide her carefully in new techniques of summoning the Gazing of the Waters, but made no mention of the Dark Master or the revelation that had been discussed. Instead, she learnt how to focus her thought energies more directly on a certain matter that she wanted to summon, and also how to adapt certain incantations by changing one or two words. In her other lessons she progressed to changing water and other less common elements into stone or metal, and her young teacher often expressed surprise at the ease with which Rhuna was able to transform them.

  One evening, Tozar told her that the party had returned from Zitán with comprehensive information which they would present to the High Council the following day, and that she might like to forgo some lessons to attend these discussions. It would be a semi-closed discussion, due to the nature of the topic, and only people directly involved would attend. Rhuna was eager to hear all of the High Council talks about the Zitán territory, so she informed her teachers. Seer of Worlds said he was particularly anxious to know the outcome of those talks.

  Inside the High Council building, the audience area was empty, and Rhuna was asked to sit in the Low Council segments of the outer circle because she was also present with the party and had contributed to the gathering of information. She felt thrilled at being considered an equal member with mostly older Atlans wearing Master robes, so she paid keen attention to everything that was spoken.

  One of the older Masters entered the inner circle first to present an overview of the party’s findings.

  “Our observations and conversations with the people in the Zitán territory have produced a varied but logical overview. The clusters of homes represent the different views held by each group concerning matters of obeying traditions, family laws, customs regarding food, drink and animals, and superstitions concerning reprisals from deceased ancestors. Our investigations have revealed that this people has a single origin in an area beyond the Xoratánn territory, outside current Atlan Empire borders. Most of them walked to the Zitán region to escape unpleasant conditions which arose in their homeland, and which are not yet fully understood.” He paused, and Rhuna wondered if they had found out about the High Priest Mikkel mentioned.

  “Approximately one fourth section of this people,” continued the Master, “demonstrate a negative attitude towards sowing and reaping food, building habitations and caring for animals. They prefer to waste their energies loitering and drinking intoxicating brews and thereafter abusing women and children, often with physical violence. Some of the intoxicated men have forced sexual intercourse on women, and other injuries have also resulted.

  “Another fourth section of the people living in the north-westerly region oppose this aforementioned group, and have expressed a keen desire to learn about proper soil cultivation and the growing of good food. They display genuine interest in Atlan laws of civil behaviour and family cohabitation, and wish to assist in building projects and other Atlan undertakings.

  “Yet another fourth section expressed fear and suspicion of Atlan people and ways, and appear to be confused and unwilling to co-operate with anyone, even others of their own people. The final section is also inclined to resist outside influence, and express a strong desire to return to their homeland and resume their traditional ways without interference. These ones generally demonstrate constructive and positive tendencies and do not become intoxicated or violent.”

  The man left the inner circle and returned to his seat, and a member of the inner High Council circle stood up.

  “Let us review the Atlan statutes on some of the issues raised in this report,” said the woman. Rhuna noticed that she was somewhat smaller and fuller than the others. The hairs on the front of her head had begun to grey. “In the matter of drinking intoxicating beverages; we have deemed it an unacceptable practice due to the harmful consequences to all persons. As with other such behaviour that causes mental, emotional or physical harm to another being, this practice cannot be tolerated in Atlan society.” She turned to one of the outer circle segments. “Are the people in question fully aware of the Atlan stand on this and other matters?”

  One of the younger Masters stood up. “We have communicated these things to them. Some have expressed their desire to abandon either the practice of drinking intoxicating beverages, the practice of having more than one sexual partner at a time which is also emotionally harmful, and the practice of willfully taking animal life for reasons other than food or necessity. However, in making these changes they desire some compensation in the form of better habitation, healthy food and proper enforcement of rules concerning emotionally harmful practices.” He sat down.

  “Therefore, indications reveal a substantial desire to conform to some degree and benefit from Atlan society,” stated the solid woman from the inner circle. “For these ones, the first stage of development and education may proceed.”

  Tozar stood up. “May we deduce from issues discussed thus far, that no display of hostility towards Atlan individuals was evident?”

  A woman from the outer circle stood up and said that they found no aggressiveness or hostility in any of the people they encountered, only a negative or resistant attitude towards Atlan laws.

  Tozar stood up again. “Concerning the people’s superstitions regarding deceased ancestors and obeying their traditions, have attempts been made to counteract these negative beliefs with wholesome education to remove the ignorance which enslaves them?”

  A young man of the Low Council stood up to answer. “After lengthy conversations with those more positively inclined, it appears at least the belief of reprisals from the grave were diminished or even removed. However, their further beliefs and superstitions require more careful investigation and appropriate counter-active education.”

  The discussions continued in this manner and concluded with the direction that three uninhabited areas in the Zitán territory be chosen for their suitableness for planting or mining of earth minerals, and that the Zitán inhabitants be informed of these arrangements. Each individual could then decide whether to reside in one of the new communities and benefit, or remain where they were. However, it was also to be clearly understood that those who were unwilling to give up harmful behaviour would not be welcome in or near these communities in order to safeguard those seeking a peaceful and happy existence. Several Masters, both men and women, were then directed to oversee this amalgamation and to instruct the indecisive ones in the logical and beneficial Atlan ways of living. It was hoped that the more reluctant ones would eventually reconsider after observing the Atlan communities for some time and realizing the positive results of such a course.

  Rhuna wondered whether Mikkel and his friends would come to see the benefits of learning to grow food properly and making nice things for themselves instead of drinking their brew.

  Finally, when most matters had been concluded to everyone’s satisfaction, the High Council member with the high voice stood up and announced the end of this semi-closed discussion, and that the High Council members may continue further resolves in the private chamber. Rhuna wondered if she was included in this special meeting. She stood up with the rest of the Low Council members, but waited for an indication from Tozar. Instead, the grey-bearded Master approached her and spoke to her in his shaky high voice.

  “May I introduce myself personally; I am Revealer of Brightness, and I deem your presence at the private High Council meeting a valuable asset. Follow me,” he stated.

  Rhuna followed the old man and saw Tozar’s look of surprise as they approached the door leading to the small chamber. She then took a seat next to Tozar and waited with bated breath for the discussion to begin.

  “I have included Adopted by the Rain in this discussion due to her involvemen
t thus far, and possibly her continued contribution,” said Revealer of Brightness. Rhuna noticed Tozar’s stiff pose and that his eyes were fixed on the floor in front of him.

  “We have heard the account of a fourth section of Zitán inhabitants desiring to return to their homeland to live in peace,” said Revealer of Brightness. “Therefore I am of the opinion that this constitutes a responsibility on our part to act on behalf of this displaced people.”

  “Should the Dark One be active in their homeland, we shall be unable to act on their behalf,” said Tozar solemnly.

  “Is it a certainty that he is in this region?” asked Revealer of Brightness sharply. “We must establish this before taking any further action. Therefore I suggest a special mission to this region in question.”

  “It is dangerous. The Dark One may observe our approach by the Gazing of the Waters and create an ambush, as it took place on several occasions twenty solar cycles past,” said Tozar.

  “Yes. We are helpless against him,” said another voice gloomily.

  “It would constitute risking Atlan lives for this section of displaced people,” said another.

  “It is our responsibility to assist the helpless and displaced ones desiring a peaceful homeland and cooperation with our ways,” said another member.

  It was finally agreed upon to send a special mission beyond the Xoratán region, and to inform them of the possible risks involved so that they would be aware and be prepared for any hindrance the Dark Master might set before them. Rhuna was not asked any questions, and she did not make any comments, but she felt involved because of what her father had done, and she began to wonder what the High Council members thought or expected of her.

  That evening, Rhuna noticed that Tozar was more silent than usual.

  “Are you feeling vulnerable again?” she asked him. He smiled and said he was, but that he was also learning to face those challenges.

  “You understand, do you not,” he asked, “that my paramount concern is for your wellbeing, that nothing may befall you that caused your father to falter, nor that any further visions or Dark Forces cause you any harm or distress?”

  Rhuna said that she understood, and that she liked it that way, to which Tozar responded by kissing her passionately.

  Part Five

  (Xoratán)

  Rhuna experienced the city of Atlán continue to enjoy warm sunshine and cool breezes, and she watched its people going about their daily activities, unaware of the special mission of two groups of thirty experienced Atlans on a sea and walking journey of four lunar cycles to the region beyond Xoratán. Rhuna also continued to enjoy the daily pleasures of life in the capital, but felt the burden of knowledge that a possible threat loomed over the Atlan Empire, like ominous storm clouds forming over the massive mountains. She regularly asked Tozar if there was any news about the mission, but for the first two lunar cycles everything progressed as expected. Tozar showed her a chart of the entire land of Atlán which had been etched into a soft metal sheet, and showed her the route of the two parties. First, they had walked to the port where she had arrived from Medíz, then boarded ships that journeyed north along the coast. The currents usually moved swiftly along this curved coastline, so that in about half a lunar cycle the parties had arrived at the thin tapered tip of the land which connected to the lower tapered end of the northern landmass. Rhuna had learned that there were several major Atlan colonies along this narrow connecting land, as well as further north where the land widened. Ships regularly journeyed between ports along these coastlines trading food, minerals and other goods.

  Tozar also explained that from a port at the base of the tapering tip, the parties embarked on a walking journey of approximately three lunar cycles, heading in an eastward direction. A direct route between Atlán and Xoratán was not feasible due to the enormous region of dense jungle which earlier Atlan pioneers had deemed almost impossible to traverse. Although many Atlans had surveyed and journeyed along the western coastline and across the isthmus to the great northern landmass, the area east of this route had not been thoroughly surveyed, and the special mission parties relied on the stone markers set by early Atlan pioneers.

  Rhuna continued to enjoy her lessons, despite the feeling of pending doom she often had, and impressed her teachers with her initiative and ability to progress rapidly. Seer of Worlds also expressed his pleasure in her fast comprehension and skilled summoning ability. Tozar had told him of the outcome of High Council deliberations, and he had remained silent, giving only a deep brooding look of foreboding. He made no further comments about the Dark Master or related issues, but the subject was often in Rhuna’s thoughts during lessons.

  “Esteemed Teacher,” she began one morning, “I’ve often thought about your theory that the Dark Master causes the impediment of the Gazing of the Waters with his active thought energies, and I’ve been wondering… if that’s true, then wouldn’t it be possible to summon information about my father now, since we assume he died?”

  Seer of Worlds first raised, then lowered his thick brow, and silently paced a few steps across the room. “According to my theory… only information concerning your father that is not connected to the Dark One would be easily accessible… if he no longer lives to create the impediment, “he said slowly.

  “Hasn’t someone tried again lately to find out what happened to my father?” she asked her teacher.

  “Apparently not. Nothing is known, that I am aware,” he said in his usual terse manner.

  Rhuna stood up. “Could we try to summon information about him, according to the more complex methods you’ve taught me?”

  The teacher’s eyes pierced her. “What do you wish to gain by this procedure?” he asked sharply and began to pace again.

  “To know what happened to my father. Whether he still lived a while after he met my mother. She never told me anything about him,” said Rhuna.

  “Have you discussed this with Harbinger of Solace?” asked Seer of Worlds turning sharply towards her.

  “A little. He said it wouldn’t be wise to go along this course, and he explained some of the reasons.”

  “I am inclined to agree with him,” said Seer of Worlds sternly. “However…” he stopped pacing and breathed in loudly. “Your suggestion is most valid. I have overlooked these possibilities.” He stood in his stooping stance a while longer, then instructed Rhuna to sit. He took a seat opposite her and spoke in his usual instruction manner.

  “When intending to summon the Gazing of the Waters, always consider the possible consequences. The Gazing of the Waters may show us disturbing images which are not easily assimilated,” he said. Rhuna looked at his dark eyes and remembered the massacre scene in the old Zao homeland she had once summoned.

  “I’ve already learned that lesson,” she said.

  “What manner of summons would you utilize for the information you seek?” asked her teacher. Rhuna told him what she had thought of, and he nodded. “It is correct.” After another long pause, he suddenly stood up and told Rhuna to wait in her seat. He entered the room of the Gazing of the Waters.

  Rhuna had become restless and her palms were moist when she heard a sound and saw her teacher finally draw apart the heavy curtains of the dark room. His expression remained unchanged, but Rhuna thought she saw a small gleam in his eyes.

  “Come, proceed to summon as you intended,” he said.

  Rhuna entered and looked at Seer of Worlds apprehensively. “Did you see something, Esteemed Teacher?”

  “Yes. Proceed.”

  Nervously, she began to concentrate on her father in the distant past, and spoke the appropriate incantation for general information about a person by name, not personally known to her. Her heart began to race as purple clouds moved about in the water. The white opaque sheet faded and revealed an image of a familiar landscape bathed in sunshine. She recognized it as the road leading out of Atlán. She watched as two Atlan men in white robes appeared on the road leaving Atlán; one of them walkin
g away and the other trying to stop him. Rhuna didn’t understand the vision at first, but recognition struck her when she saw the men’s faces more clearly. One of them was Tozar. He appeared somewhat thinner in his robe, and his face was smooth and fresh. He was arguing vehemently with the other man, trying to persuade him to return to Atlán.

  Rhuna realized that Tozar was trying to prevent her father from pursuing the Dark Master. She looked at the man who was her father and saw an unfamiliar face with light hair and eyes. His face appeared distorted by strong emotions. The vision showed her father give Tozar an intense look from five paces distant, and without any obvious cause, Tozar stumbled backwards and fell to the ground.

  This startling vision began to fade, and Rhuna’s hands clung to the cold stone basin as she continued watching with bated breath.

  The next vision also struck Rhuna as familiar, but she didn’t recognize the scenery immediately. It was the image of a remote hut and a dark woman with long black hair that made Rhuna’s heart jump. She recognized her mother, more slender and youthful than she had known her, and with a soft, kind expression in her face that Rhuna had never seen. The vision showed the Zao woman taking care of an Atlan man who lay on a primitive bed in the small hut. Rhuna saw that this man was her father, and that his face showed even more anguish than in the first vision. She watched as her mother tried to comfort him, and he responded.

  The last vision emerged and Rhuna saw her father running to a beach where several boats were moored a little way offshore. She saw his anguished expression again, then watched as a boulder near him cracked and broke in two pieces. At first Rhuna thought that the Dark Master had caused this large rock to crack, but then she realized such visions connected to the Dark Master would not be possible to summon. The image faded before Rhuna had fully understood it.

  She turned to her teacher who stooped three paces behind her.

  “Did you see these visions, Esteemed Teacher?”