Interphase

by Kira Wilson

  David couldn't resist the urge to show off. He stretched out his arm, concentrated on his palm, and closed his fingers around the hilt of the Wraithblade as it materialized out of thin air. He flourished it slightly before tucking it into his belt and tossing Analara a dashing smile. "Never fear, my lady, Selane and I shall protect you."

  She returned the smile, and her eyes shone with a sense of wonder that he never tired of. Reaching for his hand, she chose a direction, and the two of them began their walk.

  After several minutes, David discovered he was only vaguely aware of Analara's explanations of plant names and their medicinal properties. He lost himself in the warm tones of her voice, marveling at the sunlight glinting off the dark green shimmer in her hair. They had been meeting like this steadily for three weeks, and every time it became harder and harder to say farewell as sunset approached.

  I love her.

  It really hadn't taken him long to realize how he felt. For years he thought he'd loved Jessica, but Analara was helping him discover what the feeling truly meant. He wanted nothing more than to thank her for that, and to do whatever he could to make her smile.

  David had devised a very good plan for that. Another day, and it would be ready. He could only imagine what her reaction would be.

  ***

  David growled in frustration as he dashed through the gateway the following day. He was running late for his meeting with Analara after VERA had temporarily shut down the network. A series of Crash Storms had spawned, wreaking havoc on the system. Nothing like it had ever been seen before, but there were more important things to deal with at the present. He ran into the clearing. "I'm so sorry I'm late, you wouldn't believe the trouble I had—"

  Analara was nowhere in sight. Instead, Shalaron strode forward, anger flashing in his eyes. David froze, unsure of how to react. "So, boy, you seek to oppose me and subvert one of Ilinar's wards?" A blast of ice lanced past either side of David, leaving a trail of frost on the ground.

  David's heart pounded with fear, but he forced himself to stand in the face of Shalaron's wrath. "I do not seek to turn her from her people. I merely wish to share in her company and her friendship."

  The ground began to tremble, and several jagged spikes thrust up from below, trapping David in a circle of blades. "You braved a long journey and my anger, simply to court one of the maidens of my city?" Shalaron scoffed. "I survived the Betrayal, and saw Ilinar through its darkest hour. Your feeble deceptions do not have any traction on me, boy."

  "What I feel is no deception!" David felt the heat of anger rising past his fear. Who was Shalaron to question his feelings? What right did he have to play god with Analara's life? "My heart is my own, and I will follow it as I see fit."

  Shalaron's eyes narrowed to slits. "Abandon your quest for her hand, or face destruction by mine." He drew his arm back, and the plants nearby began to wilt. A massive wave of heat flowed over David's face.

  This is it. If I have to face you for her, so be it.

  "My love for her will not be cast aside by you, or any who stand against me. You may try your power against it, but you will be found wanting." Focusing his mind, David drew the Wraithblade to him and poised to strike.

  Shalaron threw his arms forward. A torrent of fire burst through the air. As the flames streaked toward him, David swung an overhand blow, slicing through the blaze. Heat surrounded him, he felt his flesh char—

  "Now, that was a very odd greeting, even for an outlander." Rupu gave David a wary look and stepped away from Analara's tree.

  David blinked. Shalaron was nowhere to be seen. There was no fire, no burning, no sword in his hand. The clearing looked like normal. Rupu stood near the tree, staring at him as if he'd gone mad. "Uh, what did I just say?"

  "You shouted something about your love and power. A touch self-absorbed, don't you think?" Rupu's expression settled into a half-smirk. "I'm assuming that was meant for Analara."

  David felt a blush burn through to his ears. "I thought that I saw… ah, well, never mind. What do you want?" he demanded. It came out harsher than he'd wanted, but embarrassment still weighed heavily on him.

  Rupu shrugged at David's question. He seemed in no hurry to share any information.

  "If you don't want anything, then why are you here? Where is Analara?"

  "She is in Ilinar. The gates of the city were sealed this morning to guard against further attacks from the wilds." Rupu appeared to be taking his measure, and David tensed up from the scrutiny. "Analara has been consistently breaking our laws in order to meet you here, and things are becoming more dangerous for her. Tell me, what intentions do you have toward her?"

  David crossed his arms defiantly. "You don't seem too concerned about breaking any laws yourself."

  The corner of Rupu's mouth twitched in what might have been a smile. "True enough. However, my question stands. What is Analara to you?"

  David's hands balled into fists. He didn't know what had happened with Shalaron earlier, but he was tired of being treated like an invader. Tired of being questioned. "I don't know what she means to you. I don't know why you or anyone else in this place finds it so hard to trust me. She does. Maybe that makes you jealous or angry, but to be honest, it doesn't matter. I care about her and her happiness more than I could ever explain, and I will not stand here and be judged like this if you have had any hand in keeping us apart."

  David's pulse thudded in his ears, his mind focusing to draw his weapon if need be. Rupu stood there watching him for several seconds with an unreadable expression.

  He smiled. "That is what I'd hoped to hear. Tell me, David, do you have any sisters?"

  David frowned, feeling like he'd just been tricked in some way. "No. A brother."

  "Analara is closer to me than a sister. She deserves nothing less than complete devotion. Someone who would be willing to fight for her, no matter the odds. I wanted to be sure of you before I gave my acceptance." Rupu walked toward him and extended his hand.

  His posture was at ease, his smile open and friendly. David relaxed his muscles. "I can understand your concern, though I may not agree with your method." He ground his teeth before asking his next question. "You didn't, by any chance, happen to see Shalaron in the grove recently?"

  Rupu wore an expression of complete innocence. "What would a Sage be doing all the way out in the wilds? You sure a feranal didn't bonk you on the head on your way here?"

  David eyed Rupu warily. He still felt like the target of some hidden prank.

  "Now, you still want to see her, don't you?"

  "I thought you said the gates were shut."

  "Oh, they are. But as you pointed out, I'm not terribly concerned about breaking rules."

  Chapter 14

  Analara needed to stop pacing. She was making Selane nervous. She sat down on her bed, threading and unthreading her fingers until the urge to pace again became too unbearable. Why wasn't Rupu back yet? The fear that another creature had attacked while he was out tied knots in her stomach.

  She jumped when the flap to her room moved aside; Selane arched her back and hissed. "Oh, hush," Rupu scolded.

  "There you are!" Analara gave him a hug. "Why were you gone so long? Did you find David? Is he all right?"

  Laughing, Rupu returned the hug. "Slow down, 'Nala. Yes, I found him. I was gone so long because it took awhile to convince him that he could trust me." Analara raised an eyebrow knowingly. "He's waiting for you."

  "He is?" Analara murmured. Unconsciously her hand curled around a small pouch tied at her waist.

  Rupu laid his hand on her shoulder and turned her face to look at him. His gaze searched hers thoughtfully. "Are you sure you want this, Analara?"

  She nodded without hesitation.

  "As you wish. We must go speak to Varlath." Letting go of her, he started toward the doorway.

  Analara's stomach plunged with fear. "Why can't we just leave?"

  "Because I can't cover for you on my own. Varlath can. They will not d
oubt him. As your guardian, he, more than anyone else, should know of your plan. Besides…" He threw a teasing smile at her. "I thought you said he would never object."

  Analara glared and silently cursed his good memory. "He would not object to someone who is in Shalaron's favor. You know how devout he is. With the gates sealed he'll never—"

  Rupu clapped a hand over Analara's mouth and pulled her around a corner. A group of the younger children passed by, laughing amongst themselves. "Watch your voice, 'Nala," Rupu whispered in her ear. "If you can't, you won't make it out of here without attracting undue attention."

  Analara's brow furrowed, but she nodded. Rupu released his grip and took the lead again, motioning for her to follow.

  They found Varlath in the garden, tending to a fresh plot of soil. He looked up with a smile as they approached. "There you are. You both missed lunch. Go speak to Soleni if you're hungry, I think she saved a few bites."

  "Thank you, Varlath," Rupu said. He looked around while keeping his voice low. "However, there is a pressing matter that we need your help with."

  Varlath inclined his head with curiosity and stood up, brushing the dirt from his hands.

  Analara felt Rupu nudge her. She stared at him blankly, and he raised his eyebrow in reply. "Turncoat," she muttered.

  "This is your idea. I'm just playing my part."

  "If someone would care to explain?" Varlath crossed his arms and looked at both of them expectantly.

  Trying to calm her shaking hands, Analara took a deep breath. "I have been… meeting with someone, in the woods these last few weeks."

  "Meeting someone, eh?" Varlath sounded surprised, though not as much as she had expected. "Who?"

  Analara swallowed. "David." Varlath's face became unreadable. For all of her life, she had known him to be open with his thoughts. His sudden change of expression frightened her. He had to understand. "We were to meet again today. But the gates…" She looked up at him, desperation in her eyes. "I must see him today. There is something I need to give him!"

  Analara reached to untie her belt pouch, but Varlath stopped her with a gentle touch. He lifted the pouch with his other hand, feeling its contents through the thin cloth with his fingertips. A distant smile came to his lips. "I remember when Soleni gave me one of these," he murmured. "A day I will not quickly forget."

  With a squeal of delight, Analara threw her arms around Varlath's neck. "It's all right then? You approve?"

  "How can one such as I stand in the way of youthful affection?" He hugged her fiercely, with a strength that belied his years. "Stranger or not, David seems to be a fine young man."

  "We are going to need your help once she has made it out of the city," Rupu interjected. "If the guards notice her missing, they will want to know why."

  "I think you'll have more to worry about than the guards' attention," Varlath replied, releasing Analara and pointing to a distant, but approaching, figure. "Nathalion?"

  "By the Sages." Analara rubbed her forehead. "I missed today's lesson. If he gets ahold of me, I'll never get away."

  Varlath tugged at his beard and chuckled. "Leave that part to me. Are you ready to leave right now?"

  Analara nodded. "This very moment."

  "Good. Sneak back into the house and find a place to hide. I'll buy you a few minutes. You should know when it is safe to go." He gave Analara one last hug. "May Siath bless your gesture, dear one, and find his heart receptive. Try and be home before nightfall."

  "I promise to be careful," she said.

  Varlath nodded, gave Rupu's shoulder an approving squeeze, and motioned for them to go. With quiet steps they passed the garden and the kitchen and slipped through a window into an empty bedroom. When the hall was clear, they rushed out, searching for a place to hide.

  "Here," Rupu whispered, pulling Analara with him into an alcove for spare blankets. It was a tight fit, the hall a mere sheet of cloth away from them as they pressed against the stacks of bedding. Several people passed by without noticing their presence.

  "Analara, where are you?" Nathalion called, directly in front of the alcove.

  A breathless moment passed, and Analara's body tensed nervously. A faint pressure tickled her feet, and she felt Selane brush against her on the other side of the flap.

  "Hello there, little one. Are you looking for something behind here?" Nathalion began to pull back the curtain.

  "Ah, there you are, my friend." Varlath's booming voice resounded down the narrow hallway. Nathalion's hand paused. "I was about to send for you when one of the children mentioned that you were already here. I have a question for you about one of the plants in my garden."

  Analara heard footsteps retreating down the hall. After a minute, they heard Varlath's voice ring out from the garden. "Ah, that would make sense. I was worried that the vine would escape from its hiding place."

  Rupu turned his head to whisper into Analara's ear. "I think he's giving us a hint."

  They slipped out of the alcove and dashed to Rupu's room, Selane prowling silently behind. A knotted rope hung in the window. Rupu climbed up first, with the ease of much practice. "It's clear, come up," he whispered down.

  Analara bent to pet Selane goodbye then reached for the rope and clambered out the window. Rupu took her hand and helped lift her to the roof. From their vantage point, the entire city spread before them, green gardens scattered across the rooftops. Rupu motioned for her to stay out of sight while he leaned over the roof's edge to look around. For now, the nearby walls were clear of patrolling guards.

  Rupu led her to the section where the wall ran closest to the house and slid a long plank across the gap. "You'll want to go first, but be careful. It's not secured to the roof."

  Analara nodded and stepped onto the board, arms spread for balance. She was comfortable with heights and crossed the distance with ease. Reaching the wall, she knelt down and gripped the Rethkor's sturdy vines. The great plant pulsed in response to her touch, but stayed still.

  Rupu joined her shortly afterward. He pointed to a path outside the city that led beyond a field. "I left David at the trees just beyond there. He's waiting for you."

  Analara touched his shoulder, but he shook his head. "We don't have time for sentiments, 'Nala. Just go."

  She nodded and started to climb down. The Rethkor's sinewy vines were slippery, but they were numerous and gave her plenty of holds. She glanced up and saw Rupu disappear behind the wall.

  Suddenly Analara heard a loud shout. A flurry of footsteps passed by above her. Slowly, the yells faded into the distance.

  One of the guards must have seen Rupu. Analara stayed still a moment longer and jumped the last few feet to the ground. As soon as she landed, she dashed down the path.

  ***

  Shalaron strode into the temple office, his brow creased in thought. "Have there been any updates on Rupu's whereabouts?"

  "We have received none," an aide responded. "The initial report of his absence came from one of his friends about midday."

  Shalaron glanced through a narrow window within the inner temple. The sun was nearing mid-harvest, and a bright sky stretched to the horizon. He narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Ilinar was not a large city. After an hour of searching, it was assured that Rupu was not there.

  The curtains covering the office entrance rustled, and Shalaron turned away from the window. "What news to report, Melarras?"

  "My Sage, we have found the missing young man. He was atop the northern wall. I believe he was trying to leave."

  "Trying to leave again, more likely. Bring him to me," Shalaron ordered. Melarras bowed and left.

  Shalaron turned to his aide. "Rupu and his mother are wards of Varlath, correct?"

  The assistant opened a sheaf of parchment and paged through them. "Yes, my Sage. He is also a close acquaintance of Analara, Nathalion's pupil."

  "Indeed. She has been hiding a secret for quite some time. Something is amiss in my city. We shall soon learn the truth of it."

&nbs
p; Moments later, Melarras and another guard led Rupu into the chamber and waited by the doorway. The young man knelt before Shalaron, keeping his gaze lowered.

  Shalaron stepped in front of Rupu and stood looking down upon him. "Where have you been?"

  Rupu did not reply.

  "Tintal told the watchers that he had not seen you since midday. None of the guards had been able to find you until mere minutes ago. Where have you been?" Shalaron repeated, injecting a note of ice into his tone.

  Rupu stared at the floor, his expression a blank mask. It required a strong will to remain silent in this fashion. Only his quiet, restricted breathing gave testimony to his nervousness.

  "You would dare to defy your Sage in such a manner?" Melarras growled. Rupu glanced at him and back to the floor, shaking his head.

  Shalaron took Rupu's chin and raised his face. "Answer my question. Why were you caught trying to leave the city?"

  "I was not trying to leave when the guards took me," Rupu said.

  "You have not been within the city walls for at least an hour," Shalaron said. "Despite the orders given for the safety of our people. Tell me why you disobeyed."

  Rupu drew in a deep breath and closed his eyes. "I beg your forgiveness, Lord Shalaron." His tone was resigned, his words clear. "I can not answer your questions. I have taken an oath before Siath to guard a secret on behalf of another. To answer would be to break that oath. I can merely reply that the secret poses no threat to Ilinar or our people."

  Despite his frustration, Shalaron was impressed with the youth's self-control. He was annoyed, however, by the knowledge that something illicit was going on inside the city. "This friend must be very dear to you, if you would break our laws to guard their secrets. Melarras?"

  "My Sage?"

  "Go to Varlath's home and find Analara," Shalaron ordered, keeping his gaze on Rupu. "Bring her directly to me." It was imperceptible, but he thought he detected a flinch on Rupu's face.

  Melarras bowed and marched from the chamber. Shalaron released Rupu and walked to the window.

  "You may keep your oath, Rupu. I will not force the knowledge from you. For your disobedience of our laws, however, you will be required to serve at the Field of Penance for two weeks." Shalaron gestured to Rupu's guard, who pulled the young man to his feet and led him away.