As the years went by, Nemisin changed towards him, giving him more and more of himself, perhaps seeing in his youngest son a connection to his departed wife.
Jacastu hated his father, Elianas realised, coming to a halt. Around him Valleur swirled, throwing glances his way. Unseeing, he did not respond. Jacastu used his father and thus became Vallorin when his father died, the youngest taking the reins rather than the oldest. He recalled seeing the younger man stalk these same halls and always he felt the need to avoid his presence.
Frowning, Elianas set to walking on. This place held too many less than salubrious memories for it to feel welcoming to him. There was the time he entered a chamber, hearing noises, to discover Torrullin naked with a courtesan. He nearly put a dagger in the man’s back in his anger that night.
Conversation and footsteps rang in the stone halls as if no time had passed, as if this world had not until recently been a sterile, abandoned desert planet. Saska and Lily, the current Lady of Life, worked major miracles here.
Saska.
Elianas swallowed as he strode for the royal apartment.
Saska and Hunarial were cut from the same fabric. Similar strength, the same calling to life, green eyes, the ability to love without condition. He had a feeling they would have been the best of friends had they inhabited the same space and time together.
He smiled ruefully to himself. That friendship would have created havoc between him and Torrullin.
Many Valleur milled in the Throne-room and the level of noise caused him to banish introspection. It sounded as if everyone argued about something.
Silence fell then, and he understood they argued about him.
Expressionless, he weaved through until he attained the exit that led to Tianoman and Aislinn’s habitat.
As he vanished into it, the buzz escalated behind him.
All gods.
He bloody hated this place.
“ELIANAS, CATCH HIM!”
A blur of movement caught his attention as he entered the antechamber. Lunik was in full flight, little plump legs pumping as he gurgled and ran from his mother.
Laughing, Elianas scooped the toddler up to fling him into the air. Giggling accompanied flailing limbs, and then he had the boy safely in his arms.
“I swear, since he realised he could walk, he has swallowed a tonic that gives him super speed,” Aislinn grumbled as she closed in.
Elianas shunted the wriggling boy to his hip and held him firmly. “Listen to your mother, young man,” he admonished in mock seriousness.
Lunik stuck his tongue out.
Smothering laughter in order not to encourage the lad, he said, “Oh, this one will give you the run around for some time, Ais.”
“Don’t I know it already,” she muttered, taking the boy from him and winking over the squirming form. Clearly she adored him. “Tian is through there. You, my boy, are headed to your bath whether you like it or not.”
Grinning, Elianas watched them leave. Lunik was a lively one.
“Did I hear Lunik?” Tianoman asked, coming out from the study area. He noticed Aislinn vanish with his son. “I have to get that boy a minder. He is too precocious. Come, Elianas, and welcome. I am glad to see you.”
The dark man lifted both eyebrows. “Really?”
“You are the only one who can stop all this useless speculation.” Tianoman beckoned and returned to his study, Akhavar’s desert robes swirling.
Drawing breath, Elianas entered the space to find a mess of files, books, scrolls, papers, objects and furniture. He whistled and then laughed.
“It’s not funny,” Tianoman glared. “How am I supposed to run an entire world when I do not even get the time to sort this small space out?” He laughed and waved. “Hell, see if you can find a chair somewhere.”
Eventually he found one under a heap of wall hangings. As he pulled it free, he wondered how long it would be before the hangings actually adorned the wall.
Tianoman meanwhile shoved papers and boxes aside to create a small and uncluttered space on his desk and fell into his seat behind it. As he did so, a loud squeak erupted and he lurched up.
A moment after, a furry toy flew into the chaos behind Elianas, squeaking protest when it hit whatever it landed on.
The dark man burst out laughing.
Muttering, Tianoman sat.
“Man, I do not envy you,” Elianas chuckled.
Tianoman grinned. “I love every moment.”
Yes, he did. Lunik would grow up knowing only how very special he was. Lucky little boy.
“Aislinn is pregnant again,” Tianoman murmured, looking like a clown with the size of the grin on his face. “A girl. Lunik will soon have a sister.”
Elianas hurtled up and grabbed the young man across the desk and kissed both his cheeks soundly. “Congratulations!”
Blushing furiously, Tianoman said, “Thanks! But don’t tell yet. Aislinn says to wait until the end of the first trimester.”
Elianas sat. “Women have their ways. I will not say a word. Maybe I do envy you a bit. You are happy and that makes you a fortunate man.”
Tianoman studied him from across his cluttered desk. “Elianas, do you remember the first time we met after you entered this time?”
“Of course. In Grinwallin’s Great Hall at Teighlar’s lunch table after the Three Kingdoms prophecy came to light.”
“You wore robes, remember? Like these?” Tianoman gestured at his mode of dress. “I thought at the time you seemed so free.”
Elianas blinked. “And your point would be?”
“Have you seen how many Valleur have adopted the style here? I see many designs and colours, and they appear more at peace also.”
“Akhavar is a hot world; it has always been hot here. In ancient time, most of us wore robes to allow errant air to find skin when it became available. When I emerged, my instinct was to choose a manner of dress familiar to me. In the present, the Valleur have harked to the advantages of wearing light-weave material, rather than the leathers and dense garments of later times.”
“And now? Is your choice of dress merely determined by need? Would you prefer robes?” Tianoman leaned forward. “After the dunking we received in the chasm, you chose to dress like to Torrullin and you have not deviated from it since. Was that deliberate?”
The dark man laid his hands flat on the desk. “I know you have a point and I also realise I am to find it via deduction. In a sense, you manipulate me. Lucky for you, you are one of the few I allow to do so …”
“Why is that?” Tianoman interrupted.
Elianas’ eyes narrowed. “I respect you.”
“Why?”
Silence and then, “I am starting to feel a bit peeved here, Tian.”
A smile erupted. “I am well aware. But I do have a point I wish you to reach, thus please bear with me.”
Shaking his head, Elianas returned the smile. “Very well. I respect you, for I believe you are a good man. Despite the expectations heaped upon you because of your father and the inheritance he left for you, you have risen above all of it. You are strong in your heart and soul, you love without apology, you listen with an open mind and you know your people. As Vallorin, I believe few will equal you, but as man not even one can hold a torch to you.”
Tianoman blinked rapidly. “Thank you.”
Elianas leaned into his hands. “I knew this within minutes of meeting you. It is not a choice I made after knowing you for a while. I saw your worth immediately.”
“When I did not myself know it,” Tianoman whispered, “and that is why I respect you. From the first moment you offered only support, kindness and understanding, and I read your worth as well. I love my grandfather, but the connection I felt upon meeting you is something I continue to treasure.”
Elianas swallowed. “I am honoured.”
“When I heard you killed my father, it felt like betrayal. It hurt. I wanted to hurt you too, but my heart sought only to forgive, for I did not desire to los
e you.”
Elianas closed his eyes. “You did forgive me and I thank you for that.”
“Your intention was not to hurt; how else? Then Tymall surprised us all by rising from the dead and I realised your actions were by far the kinder. Forgive me, Elianas, for ever doubting.”
The dark man drew a breath. “Please do not put me on a pedestal.”
Tianoman laughed lightly. “No, you are too real for that. I sometimes wish, though, to see the man in robes, for he was freer than the one you are now.”
Elianas stood to thread his hands through his hair. “I believe we now get to your point in this.”
He gazed down at himself, at black leather breeches, black boots with metal detail, broad belt snug on his waist, the ornate scabbard with Kilathen’s hilt protruding, the woven black tunic moulded to his chest, offering both warmth and protection. This was the black Torrullin wore always. Sometimes they added a cloak, gloves, a neck wrap. Sometimes it was a long sleeveless jerkin.
Elianas looked up. “You ask if this is a deliberate choice. Yes. After the dunking I asked him to clothe me as he was dressed, and then it was both practicality - robes were out of place there - and it was to make a statement to everyone present, as in ‘here is where my loyalties lie’.”
“Why maintain it? You do not need to declare where your loyalties reside anymore.”
“And I no longer care who knows and who does not. I get your point. However, there is this, Tian. We travel much between worlds, spaces and realms, sometimes at a moment’s notice. It is wiser to be dressed and prepared for every eventuality. Second, while I do not hate robes, I now reserve the freedom for private time, for I hated how Nemisin would look at me when I wore them.”
Tianoman blinked. “I am sorry.”
Elianas shrugged. “Nemisin cannot hurt me anymore, but I suspect others may look at me in a similar manner. This is part of my self-preservation.” He sat then, placing his hands on the desk again. “I donned the black before your grandfather.”
The younger man’s mouth hung open. “Torrullin once told Samuel how he chose black because it’s sorcery friendly.”
“It is. One is able to become part of the shadows.”
“He followed your example.”
Elianas closed his eyes briefly. “It began in Kalgaia, the time I lost my sanity. I required anonymity, I needed the shadows in order to kill, and I donned black to hide in them.” He drew breath. “Torrullin followed me in, but he was seen in his light garments. The next time he came looking for me, he too wore black. In the aftermath, we were both made up of dark shadows. We have worn the black since.”
“That time is passed, Elianas.”
“Do you seek to change me, Tian?”
“I merely wish for you to realise you have choices now. Or do you enjoy the impact of the black? It has impact, of course. They still look at you, Elianas.”
“They do look, yes, but with wariness, not lust.”
“You are a beautiful man.”
“So I am told,” Elianas snapped out.
Tianoman lifted a placating hand. “Everybody tells you to step from the shadows, but you are wary of doing so and thus you wear the black. It is more than a statement of loyalty and it is also more than practicality, whether of ease of travel or sorcery’s requirements.”
“Your point?”
“Why are you still wary of the light of truth? Kalgaia is long behind you.”
“Kalgaia is here.” Elianas laid one hand over his heart. “It feels like …” He hurtled to his feet, his free hand going to his sword to grip there.
Tianoman rose more slowly. “What is it?”
Elianas focused on him. “Kalgaia is here.”
The younger man was confused.
“Here, Tian. On Akhavar. Far to the north east, there lies Kalgaia of the present.”
“It is probably a ruin,” Tianoman whispered.
“Has anyone been to look?” Elianas drew an unsteady breath.
“I do not think so.”
The dark man paced in the small space, hands in his hair again. “Saska did not recognise it when we restored it in the Time realm and thus it follows she did not see it; it was not part of this world’s restoration.”
“Perhaps Lily oversaw the north and Saska recognised nothing because she was not involved there.”
Elianas halted to stare at him. “So much logic. You scare me sometimes with your ability to reason.”
Tianoman snorted.
“I must see it.”
The younger man sighed. “Why? Let it go. Kalgaia belongs to your past.”
Silence ensued.
“Elianas?”
“My name is a word of power no one dares utter in these halls. The reason for the unrest now present. It will do the greatest damage here, for here the curse began. Lumin power has now joined the darkness my name is meant to herald, and yet even I am beyond wary of speaking it despite the mitigation.” Elianas gazed through Tianoman. “Earlier Torrullin told me to be the word of power and he knew I was coming to Akhavar. Was he telling me something, without telling me everything, for the choice has to be mine and I have to find the path myself?”
“Now that is a minefield,” Tianoman stated.
Elianas offered a swift smile and then he was serious again. “Kalgaia may absorb a word of power.”
“Oh,” Tianoman breathed, sitting abruptly. “You would be free of it.”
Elianas nodded. “Exactly.” He sat, perching on the edge of the chair. “Tarlinn removed my inner scars, which means …”
“You are able to deal with Kalgaia, whatever you find there.”
“Hopefully, yes.”
“I am coming with you.”
“I have not decided to do this.”
“Of course you have and I want to be there.”
Elianas laughed after a moment. “Of course I have.”
“When?”
“Now.”
“Now it is.” Tianoman rose. “Give me a moment. Stay where you are.” Swiftly he left the cluttered space.
Elianas’ head sank into his hands.
He wished for Torrullin at his side.
TIANOMAN REAPPEARED DRESSED in breeches, tunic and boots, with sword strapped on. His choices were brown and fawn. Desert colours.
Elianas eyed him. “See what I mean about robes being impractical?”
Tianoman snorted a laugh.
“You should tell someone where we are headed,” Elianas added.
“Aislinn knows.”
On his feet then, Elianas grimaced. “I admit to reluctance.”
Tianoman laid a gentle hand on the man’s upper arm. “Call him.”
Squeezing his eyes shut, Elianas murmured, “Wise indeed.” He opened them. “He is, after all, the architect. Hold.” He stared into space a moment. “I have called, but cannot tell if he heard. Grinwallin tends to dampen signals. Let us go.”
Tianoman watched his uncertainty and said, “We walk through the gathered until we reach the edge of the plateau outside. Let the Valleur see we are doing something together, and it will give Torrullin time to catch up with us.”
“Very wise,” Elianas murmured on a smile, and led the way to the Throne-room.
Chapter 37
Expectation kills surprise.
~ Tattle ~
Akhavar
Mountain City
AS THEY REACHED THE edge of the massive drop to the plains below, Torrullin said from behind them, “I am here. What are we doing?”
Tianoman swung about in welcome. “How is Teighlar?”
Torrullin grinned. “Teighlar is again Teighlar and our two races are once more at peace.”
“Excellent!” Tianoman clapped his hands.
“It is almost dark. I have in fact just had supper and brandy with the Emperor. He does set a good table, thank the gods. Where are we off to in the approaching darkness?” Torrullin’s gaze shifted to Elianas.
“Kalgaia,” the dark man sai
d expressionlessly.
Torrullin moved to stand before him, to see his eyes properly. He nodded. “At last.”
“You could have prompted me before today.”
“No.”
Elianas rolled his eyes.
“Should we not wait for morning?” Torrullin questioned.
“I shall be second-guessing by morning.”
Tianoman murmured, “Let us do this now.”
“Did you prompt him, Tian?” Torrullin asked.
“Inadvertently.”
“Good for you and, yes, no time like the present. Lead the way, beloved.”
Elianas glared at him.
Torrullin smiled challenge and Elianas laughed. He relaxed then and grinned at Tianoman as well. And vanished.
In rapid succession, so did Torrullin and Tianoman.
North-east Akhavar
IT WAS DARKER TO the north and east. Starlight adorned the heavens. Akhavar’s yellow moon would rise much later, in its waning phase.
A march of foothills lay behind the place they arrived in, and Tianoman recognised it as the region they ascended and descended in the Time realm. Then they had walked in daylight and sals ahead lay their first glimpse of a magical city, with a road leading them to it at their feet.
Darkness now hid what lay ahead.
Scuffing at the dirt with his boots, he said, “There is a road still.” He hunkered and eyed the shadows ahead. It was hard to see, but there was a definitive line. “Do we follow it or do we transport in?”
“We walk,” Elianas said and put boots to paved stone. He walked on. Pebbles and sand crunched underfoot.
“Wait.” There was a thread of desperation in Torrullin’s voice. “Elianas, wait.”
The dark man turned. “What is it?”
A ragged breath.
“All gods, Torrullin, what?”
“He said, one of the boy angels said, Blood flows sluggish when metabolism is curtailed and stones have no metabolism. Place your ear against a rock, however, and if you know how to listen well, you hear blood race within the confines of atoms so dense it requires extremity to break it apart.”
Lore of Sanctum Omnibus Page 221