Rhuna, Keeper of Wisdom

by Barbara Underwood

  “I’ve already come to that conclusion by watching them,” Rhuna replied.

  “I perceive you are a most discerning and skilled healer,” replied Shelter of the Forest respectfully.

  Rhuna wanted to explain that she had barely finished her studies, but Tozar quickly responded by describing the incident with Discerner of Works several days earlier, saying that without doubt, Rhuna’s quick and competent diagnosis prevented far more serious health complications for the man.

  “We are particularly fortunate to have both of you among us!” said Shelter of the Forest with another warm and welcoming gesture.

  Soon Rhuna and Tozar met with other Atlans from their own party who had begun discussing construction plans and were eager to commence. They proposed to construct one house in two to three days, providing there was enough water to be transformed into building stone for each day’s work. Wood was in plentiful supply due to the surrounding forests, and the large storehouse also contained dry firewood and other necessary materials. Rhuna heard that some of the Atlans who had brought the Arawana to Chipka wanted to remain and assist in establishing the settlement, while others preferred to return home to Atlán or a nearby colony. Tozar said he was satisfied with all the plans and proposals, and wished everyone success and rewarding work ahead.

  As they walked around the levelled ground where marking stones for buildings had been placed, Rhuna noticed a moist heaviness in the air. Thick clouds had begun to form over the surrounding mountain peaks, but the sun’s warm rays still bathed the settlement of Chipka. Along with the faint scent of distant rain came the aroma of freshly baked bread, and Rhuna, Tozar and their guide walked towards the cooking area. Several ovens had been built into a long stone wall, and a large open area, partly paved with stones, lay in front of this food preparation center. Several Atlan men and women were busy unwrapping cheeses that had just arrived, while others laid the freshly baked breads on wooden platforms to cool.

  “It has been a considerable challenge feeding such a large number of people on minimal supplies!” said Shelter of the Forest, lifting his hand towards the row of ovens. “During our journey, we were sustained mainly by fruit and vegetation gathered along the way, along with small animals to which the Arawana are accustomed.”

  “Then bread and cheese will be new to them,” said Rhuna, remembering her own first encounter with this food on the ship leaving her home of Chinza. She looked across to the Arawana crowd and saw that about thirty men and women had huddled together on the outer edge of the open and paved area, curious to see what foods were being prepared.

  “Their approach to food is varied,” continued Shelter of the Forest. “Some are extremely cautious and reluctant to take food from us, while others quickly take a large amount to share with their family or group. Some have continued to dig for roots and insects, as they are accustomed.”

  Rhuna listened to this information and wondered how she would ever be able to heal any of them under these conditions of fear and suspicion.

  When some of the bread had cooled sufficiently, it was cut with a large serrated metallic knife into thick slices, and laid on a long wooden table covered by several cloths. The cheeses were also cut into slices, and most of the Atlan men and women began to partake of the bread and cheese. Rhuna also took her portion, and then took a second one. She walked towards the small huddled crowd of Arawana men and women, holding the cheese bread out in front of her.

  When she was about seven paces away from them, Rhuna stopped and observed their faces. Most of them were almost naked, their feet were bare and their long hair unkempt. Their wide dark eyes expressed fear mingled with curiosity and awe. Rhuna remembered her language lessons with the vuda teacher in earlier solar cycles at the school of Atlán, and recalled its words.

  “Don’t be afraid,” said Rhuna in the language she had learned, “this is good food. Look!” She took a mouthful of cheese bread, and watched the people’s faces. “I used to be like you,” Rhuna continued carefully. “Share my food!” She held out the second portion of cheese bread and slowly approached one of the men who had stepped forward. Many of the other Arawana had begun to gather around the original group, and Rhuna heard whispers among them. All eyes were fixed on her and the Arawana man as he took the bread from Rhuna.

  The thin and frail man with very dark brown skin smelled the bread and cheese for a while, and then bit off a piece. Rhuna noticed his blood-shot eyes and swollen tissues underneath them. He chewed expressionlessly for a while, then gave one nod before handing it to a woman behind him. Then he dropped to his knees before Rhuna and looked up at her. Rhuna assumed it was a gesture of thanks, and was about to turn and bring more cheese bread when the man spoke to her.

  “Who are you, Priestess?”

  “I’m not a priestess,” answered Rhuna. “My name is Keeper of Wisdom, but you can call me Rhuna.”

  “Priestess Rhuna!” said the man loudly, still on his knees. “How did you make this food? How do I get some more for all my people?”

  “You don’t have to do anything,” said Rhuna. “We’ve made enough for everyone, look!” She pointed back to the ovens where many more bread loaves were being set out to cool. “Just tell your people that it’s good food and will make all of you healthy again.”

  The man nodded, then stepped back and turned to his group, among which the cheese bread had been shared.

  Rhuna walked back to the food preparation area and saw that Tozar had been watching. “I think they’ll eat the cheese bread now,” she told him as she came nearer.

  “You established yourself as a mediator most naturally,” said Tozar with a big smile. “I believe you are the person most suited to relieve this people of their fear and misery.”

  Rhuna said she hoped so, and then took several other portions of cheese bread to take to the Arawana group. Tozar joined her, but carefully stayed behind Rhuna in order not to break the bond she had just created with the Arawana man and his family group. Behind them, several Atlans placed a large cloth on the stony pavement and laid many more portions of cheese and bread on it so that the Arawana could take the food for themselves.

  As the afternoon sunlight began to fade, Tozar told Shelter of the Forest that he and Rhuna would retire early to their cottage. He gathered a water jug and bowls, then some nuts and fruits, while Rhuna glanced once more across the lower level where the Arawana sat. They appeared more content after their meal of cheese bread, and some of them were talking enthusiastically among themselves. Several torches were lit around the sheltered area, and some of the Arawana huddled closer to the lights.

  “Some of them fear the dark,” said a voice behind Rhuna. It was one of the Atlan men who had escorted the Arawana to their new home. “We provided several small fires during each night for those ones,” he said solemnly.

  Rhuna walked with Tozar up the small hillock to their cottage and then prepared to wash. Several areas near the reservoir had been prepared for washing, and Rhuna longed to have a thorough wash with a fragrant soap. Tozar accompanied her to the washing area, and asked if she was happy to be in Chipka. She said yes with great enthusiasm, and Tozar said he was happy, too.

  The first evening in their cottage felt exciting to Rhuna, and she recalled to mind all the impressions she had taken in that day. Then she made herself comfortable to practice Inside Focussing again, while Tozar did the same. They were not able to practice Inside Focussing during the previous five nights in open areas among the others, so Rhuna intended to make an extra effort. Towards the end of her Inside Focussing session, she decided to call upon another vision of the Dark Master’s activities in case there was a new development.

  Almost instantly, Rhuna received a vision of the tall, dark-clad man walking very determinedly on a paved road, carrying a small walking torch. Rhuna snapped open her eyes.

  “Tozar! He’s walking on a paved Atlan road! The Dark One is in Atlan territory!”

  Tozar was jolted out of his Inside Focussing sessi
on and looked at her aghast. “Is it certain?”

  “Yes,” answered Rhuna firmly. “I saw the road clearly. He was walking very fast, with a torch.”

  Tozar sat motionless for a moment. “He has definite intentions. I must inform the High Council immediately. Should he enter further into Atlan territory…”

  “Could he be coming here? To take back the Arawana?” she asked as a cold shiver went through her.

  Tozar looked at her blankly. “I know not.”

  “The Arawana are so scared that they don’t want to be in the dark at night,” said Rhuna, feeling uneasy.

  Tozar frowned deeply and looked at the floor. “It is a disturbing development,” he said gloomily. “It must be discussed with the High Council immediately.” Then he looked up at Rhuna. “It would be of invaluable assistance, should you receive a vision indicating his location,” he said quietly.

  “Of course. I’ll try again in the morning,” said Rhuna nodding.

  Tozar reached over to grab her hand and squeeze it. “Do not be alarmed. My opinion is, the Dark One would not attempt to approach a large Atlan gathering, and we are over a hundred able Atlan men and women here at present,” he said reassuringly. Then he spoke his urgent message directed to Revealer of Brightness, mentioning Rhuna’s fear that the Dark Master could be on his way to Chipka, and adding his own comment about the unlikelihood of this, due to the large number of Atlans. He ended by saying that Rhuna would attempt to summon further visions, particularly of his location. Afterwards, Rhuna decided to speak a message to Seer of Worlds, telling him of this alarming vision and her hope to find out more about the Dark Master’s location and plans. She also mentioned the Arawana’s fear of the dark.

  “Would we be able to defend ourselves against him if he really did come here?” asked Rhuna when they had finished their messages.

  “Yes,” said Tozar decisively. His power of concentrated thought energies may only harm several people at one time, allowing opportunity for others to physically apprehend him. It would be foolish of him to come here, hence my opinion his destination lies elsewhere.”

  “What about starting a fire, or other things like he tried before?”

  “We are safe here,” said Tozar as he gave her hand another squeeze of reassurance. Rhuna felt comforted by his words and agreed with his logical conclusions. She moved to his side and let him embrace her tightly.

  During the night, Rhuna awoke several times and looked up at the roof where she heard the soft patter of rain. A faint glow streamed through their windows, and Rhuna realized it came from the night-time torches of the frightened Arawana. Although Tozar lay motionless at her side, she sensed that he was also awake and thinking.

  When morning arrived, Rhuna got up quickly and looked out the windows. The morning sunshine through the early mist gave the scenery a peaceful and mysterious ambience, and despite the disturbing thoughts of the night, Rhuna was eager to start the new day. Tozar also had many plans for the day, such as summoning the Gazing of the Waters, then making a suitable water basin to use regularly inside their home for the Gazing of the Waters. Rhuna said she would attempt to receive another vision of the Dark Master, and Tozar sat down again to wait until she had done so.

  Rhuna sat in the usual position for practicing Inside Focussing, and quickly received the vision she called upon with her thoughts. She saw the Dark Master walking at his usual fast pace, carrying two bags. She took note of the paved road and the scenery around him. She also noticed that his dark garment was very similar to a Master’s robe, only in a near-black colour. He had discarded the cloak and hood she had seen earlier. The sun shone brightly along the smoothly-paved road, and the trees glistened in bright green colours.

  “He’s walking again, without his cloak but with two bags,” said Rhuna when she opened her eyes. “It’s definitely a good Atlan road, and the trees look shiny and bright, like on Medíz.”

  “A hot, wet climate,” concluded Tozar. Rhuna agreed.

  “He is a distance of several lunar cycles walking journey from us, however, his destination remains unknown.”

  “I’ll keep trying,” said Rhuna.

  “No. Attempt it only as often as you practice Inside Focussing,” he told her. “Do not overstrain your concentration powers. Rather, let your thoughts be filled with matters at hand; the building of Chipka and the healing of the Arawana.”

  Rhuna agreed, and said that she wanted to see the response from Revealer of Brightness concerning Tozar’s message the previous night. They went outside to collect some fresh water from the reservoir, then found a suitable basin in the washing area. Rhuna noticed the complete silence outside, and thought it was unnatural. She was overwhelmed by the single sound of pouring water as Tozar prepared the Gazing of the Waters. She watched with bated breath and dared not to speak.

  They kneeled in front of the basin, and Tozar used the red powder and appropriate incantation. As expected, the familiar face of Revealer of Brightness quickly emerged. His face appeared grey and his brow was deeply furrowed.

  “It is not completely unexpected to me,” said the old man after he had spoken a somber introduction to Tozar and Rhuna. “The departure of the Arawana and perhaps other people from under his control prompts further action by him. It is difficult to predict his course of action, however we must not dismiss any possibility,” he said in his shaky voice, then paused. “I recommend an inconspicuous scouting party to explore the immediate surroundings of Chipka to ascertain its vulnerability to fire or warrior onslaught, and additionally, different routes of access or escape. Then… examine the security of the water and food supplies. Secure them against any approach by stealth to poison either drinking water or food.”

  Rhuna shrunk back in shock, and when the message ended, she looked at Tozar. “Did the Dark One poison food and water before?”

  Tozar’s face showed deep unease, and slowly shook his head. “Revealer of Brightness has knowledge of matters concerning the Dark One that are unknown to others.”

  Rhuna remembered that Mala Mahuni had talked about people dying from just eating food, at a distance from the Dark Master. Tozar recalled it, and said he had believed it to be mere stories and superstition at that time.

  “I can already think of which herbs he could use to poison some foods and water,” said Rhuna nervously.

  “Yes, yes, I recognize the possibility of such an attack now,” said Tozar agitated as he got to his feet. “However, let us proceed normally with our present duties in Chipka. I shall organize a scout party as suggested by Revealer of Brightness. Be not distressed. My opinion is unchanged. His destination lies elsewhere.”

  Rhuna agreed with his opinion, but felt unnerved nevertheless. He put his arm around her as they walked back to the settlement, and then sniffed the air for cooking aromas. “I recommend a hearty breakfast to restore our good cheer!” he said.

  After preparing and dispensing the morning meal, Rhuna walked around the settlement to watch the various activities. Many Atlans had already begun construction work, and several groups of Arawana stood or sat at a distance to watch them. About ten large and equal-sized block moulds were made of wood, then sealed with a waterproofing substance. When dry, water was carried in waterproofed sacks from the reservoir to the moulds, and then one of the robed Masters began transforming the water into the required stone.

  While Rhuna and some of the Arawana watched this process, she suddenly sensed a presence behind her. She turned and saw a young Arawana woman, the same age as her. She wore a simple covering made of treated bark and plant fibres, and a small, naked girl stood at her side holding the hem of the woman’s primitive dress.

  “Hello,” said Rhuna, somewhat startled. She made to stand up, but then decided to remain seated in order not to startle them. The woman and child continued looking at her in silence.

  “You’re not one of us,” said the woman after looking at Rhuna a while.

  “No,” replied Rhuna, “but my mother looked a l
ot like you, and my father was tall and white, like these men,” she said pointing to the Atlans preparing the building stones.

  The woman looked up at the men, then back to Rhuna and slowly sat down several paces away. The small and dirty child kept standing and observed Rhuna with a fixed stare.

  “Is this your daughter?” Rhuna asked. The woman nodded. “Is her father here, too?”

  The woman shook her head.

  “He isn’t with you?” asked Rhuna. She looked at the young woman’s face and saw an aged look she had never seen on any young Atlan men or women.

  She shook her head once more. “I don’t know,” she said.

  “You don’t know where he is?” asked Rhuna.

  Again the woman shook her head quickly. “I don’t know which man is her father,” she answered.

  Rhuna took a moment to comprehend the woman’s statement, and then she looked at the small child again. “Doesn’t she have anything to wear?” Rhuna asked.

  “No.”

  “Won’t she feel the cold?”

  “I wrap her in a blanket at night,” answered the mother.

  “I can make a dress for her, and show you how to make your own clothes,” said Rhuna. The woman’s eyes widened.

  “Wait here. I’ll bring the materials and you can watch while I make a dress for your daughter,” said Rhuna, trying to smile happily. The woman responded with another nod and widened eyes.

  Rhuna walked quickly to the storehouse and looked for the textiles they had brought with them. She found a suitable dark tan colour in plain thick weave, grabbed one of numerous spools of yarn, then went next door to their cottage where she took a small bundle of sewing instruments from her carry bag. On the way, she saw Tozar discussing plans with a group of eight men and women, and she assumed he had chosen them for the scouting party that Revealer of Brightness recommended.

  Rhuna returned to the woman and child who had stayed in their positions, but as she sat down near them, the woman moved forward to examine the large piece of material.