“Sweetheart, you had a nightmare …”
“No, I had a loud and frightening communication from the farspeaker chain. Your grandfather is back.”
He reared up. “Back?”
“In full and flaring rage, Teroux. He is not dying - Rayne died. He needs you.”
Teroux hurtled from the bed. “He does not! Elixir …”
“Elianas needs you,” Rose said.
“What?”
“He needs you.”
“Well, stuff that!”
She jerked the bedclothes aside and rose in titanic anger. Her finger wobbled as she pointed at him. “Stop your childish behaviour, Teroux Valla! Elianas needs someone and that someone is you, because you are not enamoured of him!”
“What the hell could he possibly need me for?”
“You have to stand between him and Torrullin.”
“Why, goddamn it?”
“Because Torrullin will calm down eventually, and if he did something to Elianas …”
He spat out, “Stop it! You make my grandfather sound like a fucking lunatic. He is never that far gone he does not know what he is doing. He may regret it after, but he knows. He will not hurt Elianas.”
“This time he may.”
“Maybe, but Elianas will give measure for measure.”
“Do you hear yourself, Teroux? Not only are you describing a terrible confrontation, but for the first time you have granted Elianas equality.”
“So?”
“You can help them.”
He swore and started to dress. “I cannot get in there.”
“It needs the slightest chink and you can get through. You are a Valla.”
He finished dressing. He said nothing more and she did not press.
“What of Tian, damn it?”
“Husband, right now this needs doing. Get moving.”
The Dome
THEY WERE PRESENT WITHIN ten minutes standard, except Lowen.
Tristan stood at the console. “I have news. Torrullin has broken free of memory loss and by all accounts is angry.”
Nobody voiced a thought.
“The search for Tianoman is priority, but be alert. No one, I repeat, no one attempts to enter Avaelyn. Go.”
The Dome was empty within thirty seconds.
Chimes of the ogives echoed in empty space and the Dome waited in its unwearying patience for life to return.
Chapter 10
There are many viewing platforms in the universe, and each offers a mighty vista. There are many viewpoints in the universe also, but those offerings range from the small and mean to the great and calamitous.
Max Dalrish
~ A speech made in Beacon’s parliament, upon invitation ~
Avaelyn
TORRULLIN SURPRISED HIM.
“What, Elianas, did you expect a battle?” He wandered over to the counter and started to make coffee. “Do you think I aim to live up to expectation? You should know me better.”
Elianas straightened and closed in. “It pays to be prepared.”
“True, but I wonder how prepared you are. You thought a storm would bring it on, didn’t you? Well, surprise.”
Elianas shivered. “How long?”
Busy with the scoop and ground beans, Torrullin murmured, “A few days, with much speculation before. You should have hidden my black clothes.”
Elianas snorted. It was a thought he already had. “Why keep quiet?”
“I was watching you.”
Elianas swore.
Torrullin slapped the spoon down. “And today you broke pattern at last. Whom did you see out there? Who was important enough to take you away from your self-appointed task?”
Elianas folded his arms. “Lowen.”
Torrullin flinched. “Why?”
Silence.
Torrullin waited.
Again Elianas swore. “Tian and Aislinn.”
“What about them?”
Elianas closed his eyes briefly. His arms loosened. “Tianoman and his wife have been kidnapped.”
Silence, and then, “Who the fuck would dare?”
Elianas breathed in and out deeply. “I do not think anyone knows yet. No one knows much at this point.”
Torrullin was expressionless, and Elianas knew that lack of expression hid simmering fury. The man’s rage would intensify now, having heard this news.
“It is time to find out how this happened,” Torrullin said. “I do not want to hear your excuses.”
Elianas swiped at the counter, sending coffee, honey, milk and mugs to shatter and mess upon the floor. He grabbed Torrullin’s wrist. “I have no excuses to offer. All I have are facts and the facts are, you were shattering. I had to stop that. I swore to you a long time ago I would not allow it to happen.”
Torrullin’s gaze silvered. “And your greatest fear was that you would not succeed.”
“I succeeded. You are talking to me with all of you in place.”
“Elianas, given what happened to us, I think I wish I had shattered.”
The dark man cursed. “Then I would be bereft.”
Those eyes silvered even further. “I know.”
Elianas closed his eyes. “I do not know how to proceed now. I have battled my conscience since the moment I made the decision to take even trace memories away, knowing it was the only path I could safely choose, and then I battled the elements to keep storms at bay long enough to give you time before it came rushing back. I even battled the silent accusations from those who love you.”
“They did not understand.”
“No, and who can blame them?”
“And here I am talking to you as if today is an ordinary day. You must be … concerned.”
Elianas released his grip on the beating pulse under his fingers. “Yes.”
“It is no ordinary day.” Torrullin reached out. “Stand still. I hit you hard.” He touched a finger to Elianas’ broken lip.
The dark man turned away. “I am going out for air. When you are reasonable again, we can talk about finding Tian.”
“Elianas. It is storming,’ Torrullin goaded.
“Bugger off.” He kept walking and mocking laughter followed him.
IT WAS INDEED STORMING, a mother of a weather pattern. Rayne-Torrullin had brought forth something extreme. Elianas swore again as he went out into its fury. Torrullin had known exactly what he was doing. Who had been the one prepared, then?
He walked along the stone pathway leading into the forest; the last thing he needed was the vista of an ocean in angry motion and the glowering mountain was not desirable either. Wind scuttled around and against him, and rain soaked him through to his skin until he shivered, and he kept on walking.
Torrullin would attempt the barriers, but the word of power could not be undone.
A branch lashed out at him and he cursed it. It tore and fell alongside him. He felt vindicated.
A footfall behind him had him whirling around.
He had not expected Torrullin to follow, not yet, but he should have understood his punishment had already commenced. He halted on the path and braced himself.
The din through the trees was immense and Torrullin thus dispensed with verbal communication. It made the entire situation worse; it made it terribly intimate.
How long can you hold out, Elianas?
As long as it takes.
Torrullin paced forward. He was as soaked, his tunic sticking to his bones like a second skin. I hear you.
Torrullin, you forget I hear you also.
I am counting on it.
How dare you punish me for helping you?
I did not ask for this much help.
Would I have to ask before you would help me with everything you have? Elianas demanded.
The silence in their minds was deafening. Then, No.
Do you see now?
Taking away what was for a time did not take any of it away forever. I remember everything. If you had left me, I would now know nothing. Somet
imes trauma is best left to obliviousness.
And I would know everything still. Which is worse, Lorinin?
Fuck you, Danae.
Your anger is for what happened to Tymall. Be honest.
You killed him. Yes, I have an issue with it. You should have left me shattered.
Elianas went on walking. Never. Your son deserved death. If you seek to punish, know from the outset it does go both ways.
Excellent. It seems we are now even further from our destinies, our so-called noble purpose. How many do we hurt this time, my brother, before we call a ceasefire?
If we battle it out here we hurt only each other.
Neither of us has that kind of strength. Neither of us can stay out of it.
Elianas swung around.
Torrullin was directly behind him. I am leaving. My living grandson needs my help.
Elianas flinched. No. Not yet. Think first.
If it means I must destroy our home to force it, I shall do so.
That has been foreseen. Do your worst; it will not help you.
Torrullin barked a laugh. Lowen, I assume.
Elianas did not reply.
Torrullin smiled. The lady seer has seen. She has vanished now, I think. Grey eyes glittered. You should have slept with her when the opportunity was there.
Elianas knew when he was being goaded. He responded in kind. I should have, yes. Another little twist we would then share.
Baiting me is childish.
Elianas grinned and lifted an eyebrow.
Torrullin changed direction. Have you spoken with Caballa?
I have no need of others’ visions. I already know we shall go beyond our usual boundaries this time.
Where are those boundaries, Elianas?
Touché.
Silence, and in it Torrullin glanced skyward. They come.
Elianas blinked. They know?
They felt the reverberations of Elixir. No barrier you devise can prevent that. A frown appeared. What are they afraid of?
You.
My wrath?
Something like that. We know you.
I aim to disappoint all of you.
You defer it to allay us, hoping I shall release the barriers. I am not a fool, Torrullin.
What use a fool in battle? Thank the gods for your mind.
Elianas frowned in irritation and brushed past Torrullin to return home. Torrullin stepped into his path, forcing him to a halt. He shoved him aside and continued walking, and was then hauled about. And slammed up against a tree. Branches reached out to them gleefully.
Grey eyes impaled dark.
Neither moved a muscle.
Until Elianas twitched.
Torrullin’s lips curved in a smile, the kind that signified nefarious intention.
Elianas gripped the man’s wet tunic. Twisting the fabric in his hands, he used the man’s weight to propel them back onto the path, and there he released. The next instant his fists smacked into Torrullin’s gut and, as he doubled over, Elianas strode purposefully back to the dwelling.
He did not look back.
Chapter 11
Gifts have thorns and splinters.
~ Echolone saying ~
Grinwallin
DECHEND CARRIED THE box gingerly under his cloak.
He was not pleased with this turn of events. He would remonstrate with his Emperor until the man told him to shut up; someone had to talk sense into him. This damnable box had never been used; who knew what it contained and what it could do? Was the Emperor about to assume such a mighty risk? To what end?
Perhaps that was why they were to meet on the great plain before the city walls; its influence might be mitigated in vastness.
What influence?
Dechend was decidedly unhappy.
He found his ruler sitting on the lowest step of the mighty stairs leading into and out of Grinwallin. In the distance, he noticed the horse master exercising four horses. Otherwise, they were alone. The air was frigid; most Senlu preferred to ignore the plateau for warm hearths.
The Emperor was pensive and also clearly unsettled.
“My Lord?”
Teighlar did not look up or move. He spoke from that brooding position. “Dechend, I think I have been amiss in some matters. I have allowed our second chance to lull me into complacency.”
The Elder took a seat beside his Emperor, cradling the box on his lap. “My Lord, I seem to recall we underwent torture recently to save Grinwallin. That is not complacency.”
“We went for Grinwallin, my friend. We were being selfish and self-serving. We have not broadened our views to others.”
The Elder was uncertain where his Emperor headed. “And Grinwallin has ambassadors from various worlds, as we have sent ours …”
“I am not talking politics and trade, Elder.”
“I am afraid I am at a loss, my Lord.”
“I think I am lost,” Teighlar whispered.
“My Lord?”
“What am I, Dechend?”
“Our Emperor, my Lord.”
Teighlar nodded. “And that is how I am spoken of by others; Teighlar, the Senlu Emperor.” He moved his head to look at his most trusted Elder. “Yet I am also Teighlar who makes fantastic mistakes in his personal life and Teighlar who prefers the safer road when his greatest friend is in dire need. And, Dechend, I am Teighlar, Luvan High King. I have sullied my birthright by denying it.”
“My Lord, we agreed it is in our best interest to keep quiet about our Luvan heritage.”
Teighlar stared over the plain again. “I know, and it may still be the better decision. Others, though, are not as forgiving, are they? Perhaps my lack of honesty has led to this charge of murder over my head. Never mind that now. My point is; if I cannot assume the mantle of High King, I need make adjustments elsewhere to uphold the inner birthright.”
“How?” Dechend whispered.
“I must aid a friend through every nuance of his recovery and then aid him in finding a beloved grandson.”
Dechend swallowed. “My Lord, Elixir is too complicated.”
“Torrullin is my friend. He returned ancient Senlu territory back to us without question and he did all in his power to aid Grinwallin recently. He is the true ruler of Luvanor, Elder, and never has he asked anything of us. The universe regards him as both the most unselfish being and also a truly selfish one; it all depends on one’s view in time. I regard him as the most complicated and bloody difficult man I have ever had the misfortune to meet, and yet he is the only one who has never demanded more of me than I am prepared to give.
“He is a true friend, even when we are in opposition. Were I the one arising after a terrible event that led to severe memory loss, he would be at my side, because friendship comes first and we measure ourselves always by our friends. Friends define us, Dechend, more than our families do. He needs me.”
And you need that definition right now, Dechend understood. Aloud he said, “The box - it opens barriers?”
Teighlar barked a laugh. “Very subtle of you, my friend.”
The Elder sent a disapproving frown.
“I hope it will open a chink through a word of power, yes,” Teighlar murmured. “I cannot afford to wait until Elianas releases his holds or Torrullin manages to sunder them. By then it may be too late to help a friend.”
“He may not want help, my Lord.”
“He definitely will not want it, but he needs it.”
“You will use the box no matter what I say,” Dechend sighed.
“I have no choice.”
Yes, you do, but the other is not a choice you are able to live with. “Can I help?”
Teighlar smiled. “You are a good friend also, Dechend. I need you to take care of Grinwallin while I am away and I need you to watch Kylis as he commences his investigation. And, my friend, have added guard put on the girl. Recall her if necessary and make a contribution to the institution she studies at to secure a later date to finalise her degree if you do so.
She is an innocent in this political game we are engaged in at present. Keep her safe.”
His Emperor could not say the ‘girl’s’ name, but he needed to face that conundrum soon, whatever Kylis discovered. Perhaps, though, the reason his Emperor sought to leave for a time, was to escape the accusation of murder. Now, however, was not the time to bring it up. “As you will, my Lord. We shall watch her.”
Dechend then eyed the box, in curiosity.
Teighlar’s smile broadened into a grin. “No, you cannot help with the box.”
Dechend lips tightened.
“She may not be my daughter, Dechend, and she may be, I am aware. I place her in your hands, understood? And keep my accusers appeased until I return. Help Kylis wherever you can. Now hand it over and go back up.”
Dechend sighed and lifted the offensive article into Teighlar’s hands. “My Lord, I do not like it.”
“Truth be told, I do not either. Go now, and explain my departure in any way you see fit.”
The Elder rose. “My Lord, what if Tristan comes calling? Do I tell him what is happening here?”
“Tristan is watching Avaelyn. Everyone watches that world now.”
Dechend nodded unhappily, and bowed. He climbed the great stairway slowly and looked back as he passed through the great gates. His Emperor sat on unmoving, the Luvan box upon his lap.
He continued walking, sending up a prayer for his friend and ruler.
Avaelyn
ELIANAS AVOIDED THEIR bedchambers as if they heralded Titan’s Disease.
When Torrullin returned and headed directly there, he knew he was right to do so. Torrullin in contrary state was no laughing matter. But when the man found him in his study, he wished he stood guard over that area of the house; Torrullin had strapped his sword on.
His eyes flicked to it, but he made no comment.
Both had their own private space for books, documents and treasures, and Torrullin wandered along Elianas’ shelves as if seeing what they contained for the first time. He wandered ever slower along the section of nooks that contained his scrolls and maps. Elianas grit his teeth and did not rise to the bait. He picked his pen up and continued to add to a document he had been working on in the past weeks; what he wrote, however, made no sense.
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