Lore of Sanctum Omnibus

by Elaina J Davidson

  Back on land, they took the container inside and frowned over it. “It was a Beacon cargo ship,” Elianas muttered. “What is Beacon doing out here?”

  “Stranger still, there was no cargo. I guess we are heading to Beacon.” Torrullin was reluctant.

  “Let this come from the ambassador on Valaris. That way we get to control the fall out.”

  “I like the way you think.”

  Elianas sighed. “Time to go then.”

  Torrullin shrugged.

  Elianas gave the box a kick and walked off saying, “I will secure. You see to the food that can spoil.”

  “Lovely,” was the muttered comeback.

  Chapter 43

  There is presence and there is present. When both walk together, the impact is phenomenal.

  ~ Arc, poet

  Valaris

  The Keep

  “WHAT DO YOU THINK?” Aislinn said. “Will the Valleur be fine with a Christian priest?”

  Tianoman shrugged. “As long as Rose realises Teroux must also do it the Valleur way.” He tickled his son under the chin, smiling at the bundle in his arms. “He’s prepared to do the Christian ceremony, so she should meet him halfway.”

  “She will, but she’s concerned over how we’ll see it.”

  Tianoman looked up. “It could be a shaman from Echolone saying the words, Aislinn; it does not matter. As long as Teroux speaks the binding of Valleur nuptials.”

  “Fine, then,” Aislinn grinned.

  He rolled his eyes. “Women and weddings, spare me.”

  “Says the man who went all out to make our day special.”

  He smiled and then glanced beyond her as a movement drew his attention. His smile slid away, and he was immediately nervous.

  “Tian?” his wife whispered. “Oh.”

  Tianoman held his son close.

  “Shall I take him?”

  He shook his head.

  Torrullin and Elianas strode into the courtyard carrying something between them.

  All activity ceased and low bows followed. Torrullin acknowledged it with an encompassing smile, and Elianas looked neither left nor right. His gaze was drawn to the statue at the head of the mosaic pool, the likeness of Saska. He blinked and looked away.

  Torrullin summoned a retainer and asked him to take the container to a safe place. Unencumbered, he headed for the table where Tianoman and Aislinn sat, Elianas a step behind.

  There was an expression of regret as Torrullin looked upon the child. “I am sorry I missed his birth.”

  His grandson nodded.

  Torrullin drew breath and leaned in to kiss Aislinn’s cheek. “You did well.”

  She blushed and smiled.

  “May I?” he asked of Tianoman, and his grandson rose to place the baby in his arms. “He has Tymall’s eyes and, mercifully, his mother’s beauty. A moonlight child,” Torrullin murmured, tracing a finger over the tiny face. “Who did the scrying with you?”

  “Yiddin.”

  “I am sorry I couldn’t be here, Tian.”

  Tianoman inclined his head. “I know. We understood.” He inhaled sharply and expelled it on, “I would like to take him to my father.”

  Torrullin leaned in and touched his lips to the boy’s forehead and passed him on to his mother. “Digilan will be too dangerous right now.”

  “In the future, then?”

  “Maybe.”

  “My father will want to see …”

  A hand settled on the young man’s shoulder. “I know. One step at a time.”

  Tianoman sat as if his legs had lost strength. “Welcome, Elianas. Meet Aislinn and Lunik.”

  Elianas bowed. “My Lord Vallorin does me honour.” He bowed to Aislinn. “My Lady.”

  She smiled. “Would you like to hold him?”

  “I would love to.”

  She gave a wide smile and passed her son over. She watched that the man could indeed handle a baby and then swallowed when she noted how emotional he was.

  Aislinn glanced at Torrullin, saw there an enigmatic expression as he studied Elianas holding the child, and said, “Sit. Hold him while I find something tasty to eat and drink.”

  She walked resolutely away, somehow knowing Elianas, more than Torrullin, needed to be left in charge of her son.

  Elianas sat, cradling Lunik. He was soon lost, playing with him, smiling, whispering.

  Tianoman and Torrullin looked at each other, and Tianoman obliquely inclined his head and gave a slight smile.

  Torrullin drew a chair nearer. “A Beaconite cargo ship crashed on Avaelyn this morning. No survivors. That was the black box we brought in. It must be handed to the ambassador.”

  “A Beacon ship to Avaelyn? Why?”

  “A puzzle,” Torrullin murmured. He glanced briefly at Elianas and went on. “If the ambassador wants to talk to us, fine, but there is not much to say. We heard an explosion, we realised it had fallen into the sea and we searched for survivors, and brought the box up. There was no cargo; ask him about it. And insist on a transcript of the recording. Tian, make it clear no ships are to enter Avaelyn’s airspace again.”

  “You should speak to him. In fact, you should go direct to Beacon’s President.”

  “To the latter - no. I refuse to get involved in that bureaucracy. To the former - I would probably strangle the idiot.”

  Tianoman laughed. “Yes, I have been there. Fine, I’ll talk to him.”

  “Thank you.”

  Tianoman pointed his chin in Elianas’ direction. “When?”

  Torrullin leaned back and swirled his tongue over his teeth. Tristan and Caballa said nothing, bless them. “Ten days.” He watched his grandson’s eyes.

  They were without judgement. “I am glad he made it back.”

  A beat, two, and then, “What did the Syllvan say?”

  “I’m sure Quilla told you.”

  “And I am also sure he did not tell me everything.”

  Tianoman grinned, but did not elaborate.

  “Ah, it’s like that - too controversial?”

  “Too private, but know I am here for both of you. My son will be told to be there for you both in the future, as will his son, and his, until it comes to pass.”

  “Until what comes to pass?”

  “I really don’t know, only there is an ‘it’.”

  Torrullin stared at him. Elianas was looking at Tianoman also. That dark gaze moved to him, and dropped to Lunik once more.

  “Gods, I hate it when the future is dark,” Torrullin muttered.

  “It isn’t so dark,” Tianoman said. “Trust that.”

  “I hate it even more when my grandson knows something I do not,” Torrullin laughed. “Thank your lucky stars you are Vallorin, or I would get it out of you somehow.”

  “You could try …” On a laugh, Tianoman shifted his attention to Elianas. “Your first visit, Elianas?”

  “Not to Valaris, but to the Keep, yes.”

  “Torrullin built it.”

  “Hmm, I know.”

  Torrullin lifted a brow. “What does that mean?”

  Elianas looked up. One of his fingers was claimed by a tiny fist. He gazed around. “It’s not your style.”

  “Oh?” Torrullin challenged.

  “You built it with a woman in mind, not yourself.”

  “Saska, yes.”

  “I see the statue.”

  “You disapprove?”

  “No, but you wanted my opinion.”

  Torrullin grinned at Tianoman. “I wonder what ‘opinion’ he has of the villa on Sanctuary.”

  “Very little,” Elianas muttered.

  Torrullin snorted a laugh.

  “The cottage on Mariner Island is closer,” Elianas added.

  “More elemental?” Torrullin turned his chair to Elianas. “Where exactly did you store your things?”

  Elianas’ smile widened. “Do you mean, what did I build?”

  Torrullin waited without speaking.

  “Nothing, Torrullin. I
had no sense of permanence until this morning.”

  “Ah.”

  “You are making Tian uncomfortable,” Elianas frowned.

  “Teroux would be uncomfortable, but not Tian.”

  “I am right here,” Tianoman muttered, and spied Aislinn heading up a column of retainers. “Ah, here comes my wife, and in the nick of time.”

  Both Torrullin and Elianas laughed at the relief in his tone.

  The table was laid with snacks, fresh fruit, wine and juice, and when Aislinn was satisfied, she smiled her thanks at the women.

  Elianas lifted an eyebrow and she shook her head. “You hold him; he’ll be commandeering me soon enough.” She touched Lunik, sat and tucked in. “Gods, I’m hungrier now than I was in pregnancy.”

  Elianas ate gingerly over the babe, and was happy to sit with him. For once, in the presence of others, he was completely at ease.

  A while later he said, “I withdraw my remark about the style of this Keep.”

  Torrullin nearly choked on a peach. “You never withdraw a remark.”

  “In this instance I must. You built it for family also, and succeeded. There is a sense of unity here, and peace. One could live here, I think, and find happiness.”

  Aislinn said, “I think that, too.”

  Tianoman smiled. “I love it here.”

  Torrullin said, “This place has seen much, but if you feel it still, then indeed I did succeed. My thanks.”

  Elianas bowed his head. “Memories create a place, not stone.”

  Tianoman murmured, “Many, many memories here.”

  A smile. “My point.”

  Lunik squalled loudly. Aislinn groaned and laughed at the same time. “Always when his mother eats. Hungry boy.” She took him from Elianas, rocked him on her shoulder, grabbed a savoury titbit and said, “Excuse me, probably for some time.” She blew Tianoman a kiss and headed up the stairs to the balcony.

  Elianas watched her go. “I wish I had more children.”

  “You had two daughters, according to Cassy,” Tianoman prompted.

  “For god’s sake, she’s not here, is she?”

  Tianoman spluttered and then burst out laughing. “No!”

  Torrullin smiled, but his eyes were guarded. He leaned closer to Elianas. “Are you all right?”

  A moment of thoughtful silence elapsed. “Better and better by the minute. There is a real feeling of family here, and it is comforting. I guess that is what I miss. No descendants.”

  “You’re welcome to mine, although I warn you, they can be rather trying.”

  Elianas grinned and poured a glass of wine.

  “How long are you staying?” Tianoman asked.

  “We are off to the Lifesource from here,” Torrullin said.

  Elianas frowned. “Suddenly, the Lifesource?”

  “Quilla has an apology to make.”

  “What for?” Tianoman was astonished.

  Elianas put his goblet down. “Torrullin, I care not what people or birdmen say or think about me. He does not have to apologise, whatever it is.”

  “He does, and he will,” Torrullin stated.

  “Gods, it cannot have been that bad. It’s Quilla.”

  “Perhaps he said it when I was not in a forgiving place.”

  “Now that is more likely, but …”

  “Quilla isn’t the only reason we go to the Lifesource. Syllvan and Dryads, remember?”

  Tianoman burst out, “You aim to get involved? The Syllvan made it clear you were not to do anything.”

  “Tian, when a cargo ship without cargo falls out of the sky from a path it should not be on, I get worried. If I were to state a reason for such an event, I would say the spaces are twisted and navigational instruments read incorrect data, because Reaume is sundering. This can lead to chaos. Whether we like it or not, we need to know what is happening.”

  “It’s an isolated incident.”

  “Now, yes, but in a month, a year?”

  “Goddess. Shouldn’t we ground all ships?”

  “And have widespread panic on our hands? No. Besides, I might be wrong.”

  “Get that black box deciphered yesterday,” Elianas murmured.

  “Thank you for your hospitality, Tian, and thank Aislinn for us, but now it is time to move on.” Torrullin rose and Elianas, reluctantly, stood also.

  “Wait. Torrullin, now may not be the right time to mention this, but there may never be a right time. Saska’s ashes,” Tianoman said. “They are here.”

  A beat, two, hearts beating out of rhythm. “What were her final wishes?”

  “That you spread her over Torrke.”

  Torrullin closed his eyes. “Will you fetch … her?”

  Tianoman murmured something and went indoors.

  “You did not know her final wishes?” Elianas asked.

  “Death was not something we discussed,” Torrullin sighed. He noted his grandson return, carrying an urn. “Will you wait?”

  “Yes. Finish the chapter, my brother.”

  Tianoman was back, holding the urn out.

  Torrullin accepted it. “Thank you.” He sent Elianas a brief glance and headed through the dragon doors.

  Elianas sat again, lifted his glass of wine, drank.

  Tianoman said, “Actually, Elianas, I am glad to have you alone. There is something I need tell you.”

  “Then say it, Tian.”

  “You are a true immortal.”

  “I do not doubt it anymore.”

  “You are a true immortal by virtue of seven deaths.”

  Elianas blanched and the goblet shook in his hand.

  “The death within the Shades went beyond the seven required,” Tianoman went on. “It revealed something to the watching Syllvan about you.”

  Elianas carefully replaced the goblet. He sat in mute and terrified fascination, waiting.

  “The power of energy requires periodic death. At least once in every age and you will know when it is time for the recharge.”

  Elianas had his head in his hands. From that lowered position he asked, “Does he know?”

  “No.”

  “Who knows of this?”

  “Only myself and Quilla.”

  “Tian,” and Elianas looked up as he spoke. “I do not doubt what you said. The chords were struck and it was not discordant. I ask, no, I beg, you never tell him this.”

  “If that is your wish, naturally I shall abide by it, but …”

  Elianas was grim. “He would deliberately cross the line to take this power from me, because a state of death would be welcome to him.” A sigh erupted from the heart. “And he would seek to protect me.” He loosed a hard laugh. “Well, well, so he is life and I am death, how poetic of the fates.” He collected himself immediately. “I am sorry; you are too young to understand. Thank you for telling me. Gods, I need to hide this before he returns.”

  The dark man rose, bowed briefly, and strode away into the valley, choosing a different direction.

  TORRULLIN WANDERED among the crypts in the Graveyard on the opposite rise.

  The urn felt heavy, but was not. Guilt was heavy. He had not known Saska wanted a pyre in the desert or desired her ashes scattered in the valley. He had known, he thought, of Declan’s wish to be committed to the deep.

  He halted before Taranis and Millanu’s - and Tristamil’s - crypt and stood there a time wondering if his mother had known what her son would be. He thought she might have; did mothers not know instinctively?

  He moved on. He wandered down the slope and tested the breeze, looking for the current that would disperse Saska’s remains over the valley. Torrke was beautiful in autumn garb, russets and gold vying with evergreen. He marked a figure moving towards the west, walking slowly, and knew it was Elianas.

  Opening the urn, feeling an air current swirling upward, with a short prayer, he upended the urn. Ashes came pouring out and lifted and danced and spread out.

  Torrullin stood for long minutes watching, until nothing remained, u
ntil a life had been entirely absorbed, and nothing remained.

  He headed back to his parents’ crypt. Saska had not wanted a plaque and he would respect her wish, but he placed the urn in the curve of the stone building and caused it to be immovable. No plaque, and others would wonder over the placement of the urn, but he would know; he would know always.

  Returned to the slope, he found Elianas on the path.

  “Done?” Elianas asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Are you all right?”

  A nod, a smile. “Yes.”

  Elianas clasped his shoulder. “Good. Now we move on.”

  Torrullin’s eyes narrowed and he clasped Elianas’ neck and leaned closer. “What are you hiding now?”

  Elianas gave a rueful smile. “Part of the game, my brother.” He moved away. “Come, let us go to the Lifesource.”

  A moment more of scrutiny. “Right.”

  Elianas’ smile was bland.

  Chapter 44

  Brinkmanship, the policy of pushing a dangerous situation to the brink of disaster (to the limits of safety)

  ~ Titania Dictionary

  Valaris

  Lifesource Temple

  ACROSS THE LIGHTBRIDGE and under the western arch.

  If Torrullin harboured residual doubt as to Elianas’ immortal status, the casual attitude of the man as he walked across soon put a stop to it.

  The Lifesource was deserted.

  Angelic music began on the bridge and played on inside, sometimes rising to great and breathless crescendo and at other times background accompaniment. The first time Elianas came, it was with Cassy for healing, and his mind was in turmoil then, but now he was entranced, and Torrullin heard it anew through his bliss.

  Elianas, in some way, was less jaded, though he sometimes seemed more fatidic.

  The temple was cathedral-sized if one viewed it from the outside and city-sized from within. It was also eternal if one kept moving. It was pure magic, changed ceaselessly, and yet there were familiar ways to wander. It was imagination and reality simultaneously. It healed, soothed, stroked, prompted and prodded. It spoke and sang, gave freely and removed unnecessary pain and suffering. It calmed in one space, caused breathlessness in another.