Tristan, at a loss, discovered Tianoman nearby.
The Vallorin said, “I have some story to tell.” He raised his voice. “Gather around! I shall tell you of the Danae!”
Nothing happened. Not a rock shifted.
The word of power had become the man of power and the man was stronger.
Chapter 41
Would you pause to consider that the past is also an element of the present, as the present is of the future?
~ The Truth About Elements ~
Avaelyn
TORRULLIN TOOK ELIANAS directly to his bed and bundled him in. He shielded the area open to the elements to create warmth, for Elianas shivered uncontrollably. Wordless, he removed the man’s boots, scabbard and sword, flinging the whole aside. Wrestling with the belt’s buckle, he swore, the first word uttered, as it did not release.
“I can do this.” Elianas murmured. His shivering had abated somewhat.
Lifting his hands in mock surrender, Torrullin sat back and watched Elianas unbuckle and shove his breeches down. Kicking them off, Elianas rolled into the covers. Elianas stared at him then. “Take it off, Torrullin. I need your fuel.”
It punched him in the gut.
He rose, divested himself of all except his loincloth, and clambered in. Lying stiffly, he glared at the ceiling.
Elianas propped onto an elbow beside him. “Did I cross any lines? Was I dead to the plight of a world and people? Am I unfeeling?”
Torrullin gripped the tunic Elianas had not bothered to remove, tore it open and shoved the man over. Clambering onto him, he said, “Show me how much you feel.” Shivering had now lessened to an occasional shudder.
Dark eyes narrowed. “I require much fuel. I have not enough energy left to show you anything. All I can do right now is take from you as you feel.”
Torrullin’s eyes silvered. “How convenient for you.”
Shoving Elianas’ arms upwards to grip his wrists above his head, he leaned in and did not move. The Medaillon thudded onto the chest under him.
Elianas arched.
The movement immediately sent fire racing through him, but Torrullin still did not move.
Elianas wrestled his arms free, leaving Torrullin braced on his elbows. One hand pressed the Medaillon against his amber skin, the other plunged into Torrullin’s hair.
“Do you feel how much rage moved through me this night? Can you sense how it bled into lumin power, how I used it for the light? Do you understand most of my fury was for your attitude, not Rivalen’s crap? And now my energy is low. Will you fill me, Torrullin?”
He dragged Torrullin’s mouth close, but made no further move.
Torrullin shifted to clasp the hand around the Medaillon, pressing the golden coin into Elianas’ palm.
“Do you feel how much fear moved through me this night? Can you sense how it bled into a shield against the nightmare of losing you? Do you understand this fear was for the unknown now resident in you? My energy rages, Elianas, and it may burn you.”
“Gods,” Elianas breathed, arching again. “Please burn me.”
Torrullin’s fire erupted then and he claimed the mouth waiting for him to do so, his weight crushing their combined clasp between them. The Medaillon bit into fingers and flesh, igniting greater flames.
Elianas ripped his mouth away and started convulsing.
Gods. Torrullin lifted and stared at him, wondering what ploy this was, but swiftly realised the man was in trouble. All gods. Shifting, he gathered Elianas close, skin to skin, as much of it as he could cleave together, and rolled onto his side, holding him, layering him into the covers, cocooning him in healing sorcery, gifting as much of his heat as he could summon without burning the man he had in his arms.
Rocking him, stroking dark hair, he held on. Gradually the convulsions lessened.
Sometimes he pushed too hard, by all gods.
As dawn lightened the sky outside, Elianas turned in his arms to spoon against him, butt to groin, continuing to shiver as if in fever. Wrapping his arms around him, Torrullin gave all of his warmth to the man’s spine to restore balance to his core.
Sunlight flooded the garden before Elianas fell into real sleep.
Sending appreciation into the ether, Torrullin surrendered to his need for rest as well.
INSISTENT KNOCKING AT HIS skull awakened him.
He rolled onto his back, groaning. Someone sought to communicate, and awareness flooded in and he jerked back to check on Elianas.
The man stirred.
Shoving the attempt at communication aside, he bent his attention to what was most important in his life in that moment.
Elianas opened his eyes and seemed disorientated.
“Here,” Torrullin murmured.
Those eyes moved to him. Long moments elapsed in silence, and then, “My dreams were dark.”
Swallowing, Torrullin said, “The light is all around us now.”
Dark eyes travelled over his face. “You are my light.” When Torrullin made to respond, a finger settled gently on his lips. “I do not need words. All I need is what is in your eyes.”
Inhaling against the onrush of emotion, Torrullin closed those silvery orbs.
“Forgive me,” Elianas murmured.
His eyes snapped open.
Elianas watched him. “I did not mean to disparage either your morality or your feelings last night. I …”
Torrullin laid a finger on those lips. “I do not need the words either.”
The insistent knocking became hammer blows in his mind. He reeled back, clutching at his head.
Elianas sat up. “Something wrong?”
Groaning, Torrullin released the denial of the communication and it rushed in. “Quilla,” he ground out, “sounding very urgent.”
Laughing lightly, Elianas murmured, “Obeying the directive to ask first. Let him come.” He clambered from the bed, and swayed. Muttering surprise, he quickly sat again. “Gods, it feels as if I have been ill for days.”
After sending a response to the birdman, Torrullin left the bed as well. “You gave in moments what others would in many days.”
A nod acknowledged the statement.
Torrullin touched the man’s shoulder. “Strength,” he said. He headed into the dressing room, returning swiftly with a dressing gown. As he donned it, he asked, “Will you be all right? Quilla has arrived.”
“I am fine. Go.”
Torrullin hunkered before him. “You amaze me.” Then he was striding out, gown flapping. He threw parting words over his shoulder as he went. “Don’t amaze me too often though.”
Laughter followed him out.
QUILLA WAITED IN AGITATION on the little bridge that spanned the goldfish pond.
His relief was evident when Torrullin strode out, gown flapping, with only his loincloth below. Knowing the birdman’s often denied prudishness, he snagged the errant sash and covered up decently. Grinning greeting, he sat in one of the chairs on the nearby deck. Squinting up, he realised it was already midday.
The birdman had been quiet too long, especially after his insistent request to ‘visit’. He lowered his gaze in foreboding.
“You are too thin, Torrullin.”
“Bugger off, Quilla. You have not come to remark on my health.”
“I suspect, after last night’s performance, Elianas will drop many pounds also.”
A silvery stare was his only response.
Shaking his head in a long-suffering way, Quilla said, “Rivalen used the connection between Teroux and Elianas to keep abreast of his actions.”
“That makes sense, but it means last night was meant to fell Elianas and had nothing to do with me, not directly anyway.”
“I believe so.”
“How do you know he used Teroux’s link?”
Quilla slowly moved onto the deck and took a seat. “I feel really old some days, did you know that?”
“It happens to me too.”
Quilla nodded. “Teroux called Tristan an
d told him.”
Staring into the distance, Torrullin murmured, “Therefore the Kaval were swiftly to the rescue last night, and therefore Teroux is having second thoughts about where his loyalties lie.”
“Teroux did not want anything to happen to me,” Elianas stated as he left the dwelling. He hugged a dressing gown around his frame, but had donned loose pants under it. “His loyalties are nowhere near sorted.” He flopped into the third chair there. “Gods, why is it so cold?”
It was, in fact, warm in the sunshine.
Quilla and Torrullin glanced at each other.
Elianas snorted.
“Interesting information, Quilla, but it does not quite explain your agitation,” Torrullin prompted.
“Tianoman revealed exactly what came to pass in Kalgaia.”
Torrullin shrugged. “Then there is no more doubt. I do not see your point.”
“A delegation went out to Kalgaia this morning. Tianoman was with it, along with Elders and Valleur sorcerers. Sabian, too.” Quilla drew in a breath. “I accompanied this delegation.”
Both men stared at him, knowing the revelation would be something beyond expectation.
Blinking, having realised how tense they were, Quilla went on. “Kalgaia is fine, have no fear, and as beautiful as we discovered her in the Time realm.” He noticed how two sets of shoulders sagged. “She is, however, contrary to what we thought to find, occupied.”
“Occupied?” exploded from Elianas.
“By whom?” Torrullin blurted.
“Your reactions tell me neither of you expected it, and I am glad to hear it.”
“Quilla!”
“Torrullin, the kind of power that would have revealed is pretty frightening, thus forgive my …”
Elianas, hyperventilating, doubled over.
Torrullin’s eyes closed and his hands clenched into fists.
The birdman’s bright blue gaze flitted from one to the other, and his tiny mouth formed a perfect round. “Oh,” he whispered, “the Danae.”
Elianas straightened. “It is the only explanation, but I swear on my soul, I did not intend for it to happen.” He paused and then asked in a rush, “Are they dark kind?”
Torrullin’s head swivelled to him. “You do not want them risen, Elianas.”
“I am aware of that fact, thank you,” Elianas snarled.
“Why would he not want them risen?” Quilla asked.
Torrullin glared at him. “Chances are, only accusation awaits us in Kalgaia.”
“Well, then rest assured. There are dark Valleur, but also Golden and a few … others. We are not talking hosts here, merely a small number of each.”
Elianas frowned.
It did not make sense, no. Torrullin leaned forward. “I cannot see the parallel in this.”
“What ‘others’?” Elianas asked.
“I think you should pay a visit yourselves.”
Torrullin and Elianas glanced at each other. Torrullin said it first. “I am most reluctant.” Elianas simply nodded.
“What happened when you stepped into this era, Elianas? Time tore and suddenly old friends and enemies became known once more, such as Nemisin. What happened when Rivalen stepped forth, Torrullin? Time tore and ancient personages suddenly stepped forward again, such as Immirin. What do you think happens when an ancient city rises again along with a truly ancient power? Hmm, what do you think happens? Time tears and certain folk step forth for a final bow.”
“Gods, who?” Elianas whispered.
Torrullin was wordless.
“I suggest most strongly that you go see for yourselves.”
“Good or bad, Quilla?” Elianas questioned.
“I take that to mean you will enter that particular Gatherers’ Circle. Yes, they await you in the Guild Hall, and it is mostly good.” The birdman smiled and spread his hands. “I think so anyway.” His smile slid away. “How you will regard them is another matter.”
Elianas gave a decisive nod. “I wrought this and thus we shall deal with it.”
“’We’?” Torrullin muttered.
“Yes.” Elianas stood. “Tell them we come at sunset.”
“Why wait?’ Quilla asked.
“I haven’t eaten in days, birdman; I am bloody starving. We shall come at sunset.” Without a further word, Elianas headed indoors.
“Did it take much from him?” Quilla asked quietly.
Leaning forward forearms on knees, Torrullin nodded.
“And from you. I am amazed …”
Torrullin’s head lifted.
“… by the directives that have shaped your extraordinary life, my friend. Who would have thought it that day you walked across the lightbridge to the Lifesource Temple?”
Torrullin smiled. “We have endured much together.”
“And you must know I shall never deliberately cause you pain or harm. Those you will meet in Kalgaia do not seek it either.”
“Then we shall come with an open mind,” Torrullin murmured.
“Excellent.” Quilla rose, fluffing his wings a bit. “Until then.” With a small sidestep, he vanished.
“Until then.” Torrullin echoed.
He hoped Teighlar would forgive them for missing Alik’s graduation celebration.
Chapter 42
How beautiful a loved one’s face is
~ Awl ~
Akhavar
Kalgaia
Danae Guild Hall
AS THEY APPEARED BEFORE the Guild Hall, they heard something unexpected.
Laughter.
Glancing at each other, Torrullin and Elianas set feet into the long corridor leading to the domed space. Amber beams pierced the gloom as the sun set over northern Akhavar. The pillars of entrance were bathed in those glows, highlighting the incredible orange leaves and white flowers until it seemed as if they approached pillars of fire.
They stepped into the circular space as one.
Many filled the space. A Gatherers’ Circle indeed.
Tianoman, Tristan and Caballa. Valleur Elders. Sabian and Quilla. Men with dark hair. Golden hair. And … others.
The first person Torrullin focused on in the blur of colour, movement and sound, was a man dressed all in white with glorious wings riding his shoulders.
“Llettynn?”
The Siric turned immediately and silence fell over the gathering. “Enchanter!”
They met in the open space. Arms extended and the Valleur clasp followed.
Grinning inanely, Torrullin said, “You are most unexpected.”
Llettynn, Siric leader when Torrullin took up the mantle of Enchanter, had never shown emotion. Now he smiled idiotically. “I enjoy being a surprise, I must admit.”
“Elianas!” A woman came shoving through the silent crowd.
“Valeri?” Elianas whispered.
Nemisin’s wife drew the dark man into her arms. She had been as a mother to him. His shoulders shook with the force of his emotions as he allowed her to envelop him.
“Some other surprises,” Llettynn murmured to Torrullin.
“I wonder if my heart can take it,” Torrullin muttered, swallowing down a lump in his throat on seeing Elianas with Valeri.
“Your heart is strong, my friend,” the Siric said. “Come, allow me to lead you around. It will be less stressful than a horde descending on you.”
“Horde?”
Llettynn’s colourless orbs locked onto his. “Not so much, but it may feel like it. Do not worry about Elianas; Valeri will do the same for him.”
“You left us before Elianas came, Siric, and yet it sounds as if you know him.”
“There is the contrary Torrullin I know. Did you not dream of him? Did you not demands answers about him from me? Of course I know him. Elixir and Alhazen. Lorinin and Danae. The latter two only became clearer after my death, however.”
“Where is ‘death’ for you?”
Llettynn placed a hand over his heart. “A realm where many Lumin Siric have gathered, amongst others, ma
ny of them Guardians. My new journey is a good one.”
“I am glad.”
“Saska is with us now.”
Torrullin stilled.
“She is not here, have no fear. I believe what lay between you before should not now be tampered with.”
Hand over his heart, Torrullin bowed.
“Other Immortal Sylmer are with us also, and she is happy. Declan remains her friend even now. Yes, that questioning Siric is with us also. Drives me insane sometimes, always did. Enough of that. Come, there is someone particular I want you to see before this window closes.”
“How long do you have?”
“My calculations tell me no more than three hours remain.”
Torrullin swore. “We should have come earlier.”
“Maybe it was meant this way. Perhaps quickly dealt with is a better option.”
As the Siric drew him in, one face sprang out at him. Coming to a halt, he stared at the beautiful Golden woman watching him.
“Fay?”
Fayette, sister to Tannil, wife to Tymall, offered a somewhat twisted smile. “Hello, Torrullin.”
He stared at her. She was an even greater surprise than Llettynn was. “Does Tian know?” Fay was also Tianoman’s mother. She died giving birth to him.
“He knows.”
He did not know what to say. He still suffered guilt over Fay and wondered how Tianoman regarded his mother.
She closed in to lay a hand on his chest. “Tian does not know how to feel either, but perhaps he will be happier afterward, having finally seen my face and known my touch. As I will be, having seen him.” She gazed up at him. “Many are wary of me here.”
He clasped her face and rested his forehead on hers. “I wish I had the ability to change what happened to you.”
“Torrullin, I made my choices with free will. Release your guilt.”
“Where are you now?”
She swallowed. “Terrible as it is to wish for, I had hoped Tymall would join me in the Afterlife. And, alas, I doubt I shall see my gorgeous son after this. How I doomed myself to loneliness.”
He closed his eyes. “I am so sorry.”
She reached up, took his face in her hands also and shifted her head to briefly claim his lips. “It is a lovely realm and my duties include succour of the young and traumatised. Perhaps my compassion will one day earn me a change in my fate. I do live in hope and I am never alone, but I miss family. Go well. I would spend a few more hours in Tian’s orbit.”
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