The four members of the Circle faced the mages, and there was silence. Blaylock spoke, his voice harsh and certain. We come together as techno-mages in service of a common Code: solidarity, secrecy, mystery, magic, science, knowledge, and good. In the quest to preserve our integrity we have gathered here, in preparation for our migration to a place of hiding. But new information requires that we alter our plans.
The Shadows have said that we must join with them or die. It seems they have grown impatient for our decision. Our probes and relays in the Omega sector of the rim have been destroyed, including those we placed recently at Tau Omega, or Thenothk, in response to information gathered by Galen. We are blind now to the activities of the Shadows.
The last of us were scheduled to arrive here this morning. Eight have not. We have confirmed that Djadjamonkh and Regana are killed. Six others are missing: Walkyra, Dedi, Athanasius, Barlinda, Ling Lau, and Alipio. Our attempts to reach them have failed.
The mages listened in silence. It felt odd to have Blaylock speak for the Circle. Blaylock lacked the warmth Kell had projected. His dour expression and cold delivery conveyed power, yet no emotion for those missing.
Kells body arrived a few hours ago aboard Elizars ship. He had been flayed, we believe by Elizar. From this we may assume that the Shadows know our position. How they learned it, we do not know. Kell was not privy to our plans, though he may well have deduced them. Or perhaps the Shadows information came from a different source.
In any event, we must leave this place immediately. We have decided upon a new site at which we can prepare for our exodus. The majority of you will proceed there at once, where you will finish the arrangements. As part of our heightened security measures, you will not be told where this new gathering place is. In addition, from this point forward, no communications will be sent off-planet by any but the Circle. We cannot allow our gathering place again to be discovered by the Shadows.
Three groups will not proceed to this new gathering place. They will split off to perform critical tasks. Herazade will lead the first group directly to the hiding place, to prepare it and secure its safety. Elric and Ing-Radi will lead the second group in an attempt to misdirect, to convince the Shadows that we are actually gathering in another location. The third group will acquire intelligence about the Shadows activities, since we have lost access to our probes on the rim. We must know all that can be known about their plans for us. To minimize the danger of discovery, only two will be sent, to get as close as they can to the Shadows ancient home, to learn what they know of us, and to discover their strategy. Circe will accompany me on this task.
Something stirred inside Galen, and he found himself stepping forward. I must go with you.
Elric turned on him, the three frown lines of grave disappointment between his brows. Silence! It has been decided.
Energy surged through him. This was the escape he had sought from the endless loop of his racing thoughts, the escape he had believed did not exist. They had to let him go.
He forced himself to speak in a measured voice. I mean no disrespect to the Circle. But I am the only one who has faced the Shadows and lived. My knowledge could help in the success of this task.
We have had our debate and determined our course, Elric said.
Galen could think of only one way to convince them. From his lips, he forced her name. Isabelle discovered a technique to listen to the Shadows. I hold her knowledge. I may be able to re-create it.
Blaylocks gaze was sharp, appraising. This is a mission of stealth and intelligence-gathering, not vengeance.
I seek only to serve in the way I can be most useful.
We will confer, Ing-Radi said.
As the Circle turned inward, a shield came down over them to secure their privacy. Someone grabbed his robe from behind, fingers scraping his raw back.
Fed whispered in his ear. Are you crazy? Going to the rim? Its a suicide mission.
Galen studied the Circle anxiously. They must allow him to go. It was a way to act against the Shadows, without defying the Circle or breaking the Code. It was a way to escape the others and the memories they carried. And perhaps, finally, he would find an end to this.
Circe moved to the front, and under the brim of her hat she watched Galen.
Tell them you changed your mind, Fed whispered, the scent of his cologne wrapping around Galen. Temporary insanity. Let the old folks go. Theyre not going to last long anyway.
The Circle ended its deliberations and turned back to face them, the shield dissolving. Elric did not look at him.
Blaylock spoke. Galen, you will go in place of Circe. As for the rest, Herazade is sending your instructions. We must all be gone from this place in four hours.
Circe was glaring at him. Galen felt a great sense of relief. The restless energy of the tech declined. At last, he realized, he could breathe.
In seventeen days, we will converge on the new gathering place and leave immediately for the hiding place. To minimize the chance of discovery, we will move in one single group, and only the Circle will hold the key to entering our new home. Any who do not arrive in time will be assumed lost and left behind.
Before we give ourselves over to these preparations, though, we face a grievous task. Kell must be sent to the other side. Ing-Radi?
Ing-Radi laid her four hands, palms up, on top of each other, and bowed her head. It was long, long ago that I first became a mage. We had great ideals, yet few followed them. They were for the lips only, not for the heart. Many years later, Kell was initiated as the latest of the line of Wierden. What he said with the lips, he felt with the heart. He made us see that we need not squabble and maneuver for power, but instead we could do good. He made us see that we must not only speak the words of Wierden, but believe them. His vision and wisdom drew us to him. And so a new age of relative peace and cooperation was born. His leadership brought us together. His example inspired us. I hope that we may live on in his example. These trying times shall be the test of how well we have learned what he taught us: to put the needs of our order above our own.
My first experience with Kells leadership came at the convocation at which he was initiated. As Ing-Radi spoke of the accomplishments of Kell, Carvin, beside him, began to cry. Galen cast his eyes downward, trying to block out the sound.
In four hours he would be headed with Blaylock for the rim, for the home of the Shadows, for the last place where he had seen Elizar. The chance that he would encounter Elizar was minuscule, but Galen couldnt stop the image from forming in his mind, of Elizar turning and seeing him, of Elizars angular, arrogant face filling with fear.
And then the next image. Galens hands covered in blood, clutching the broken threads of Elizars tech.
Ing-Radi had finished her eulogy, and the mages were filing out. They would go outside the facility to watch as Kells body was consumed in magical fire.
Elric separated from the rest of the Circle and took Galen aside. His lined face was stern. You must withdraw your request. The task is too dangerous. It was meant for one of the Circle, but there are not enough of us to do what we must. You lack the necessary experience.
Where would you have me go?
Ahead to the hiding place. You can set up things there to your liking. You can create a new home for us. I will join you shortly.
Galen could not give up his opportunity, force himself back into the endless loop. He had chosen the right course. I cannot.
Elric studied him. It may be difficult, but you can.
I must go with Blaylock.
It would be wiser if you did not.
Galen shook his head. I must. Im sorry. I mean no disrespect. He met Elrics gaze. I apologize for my earlier outburst. I was angry at myself, yet I struck at you. I deeply regret what I said. It was undeserved and untrue. I know you do what is best for all of us. The words seemed inadequate. Galen wished he could say something more, but he could think only to end his apology as the Soom did. It is a mark against my own name.
At the reminder of home, the tension in Elrics face lessened, the frown lines between his brows dwindling from three to two. I erase the mark. Elric had spoken in the language of the Soom, and he continued in it. These are difficult times. Alwyn should not have spoken to you as he did.
Hearing the simple, orderly language comforted Galen. He spoke in it as well. Its not only Alwyn. Its all of them. Its what they remember when they look at me.
That will pass, in time.
I dont have time.
You have your whole life, which may be short or may be long. I prefer to think it long, long enough that one day you might be elected to the Circle and lead the mages more wisely than I.
You told Alwyn you didnt believe the mages would survive this war.
Perhaps I am wrong. And if I am, the mages will need you to help guide them.
And you.
Elric said nothing. His lips formed a thin, straight line. Elric had promised never to lie to him, and Elric had kept that promise. He might not return from this task. That was what he was telling Galen.
Once again Galen had been thinking only of himself. For the first time he thought of Elrics task. Elric must draw the attention of the Shadows, make his group their target to spare the rest. He was not well. He should not go. Galen couldnt imagine what he would do, if he returned from his task and Elric did not. He could not lose Elric too. He could not.
If you truly want to stop me, Galen said, then withdraw to the hiding place with me. I will not go on my task, if you do not go on yours. You are weakened; while with Alwyn you were overcome by pain. You should not be sent into danger. He didnt know how he would honor the promise, but if it would keep Elric safe, he would.
I am capable, Elric said.
The mages cannot afford to lose you.
The mages will lose much that they cannot afford to lose before this war is over. Nevertheless, I do hope to return from this task unharmed.
Can Circe not be sent in your place? Galen asked.
Members of the Circle must be seen, for the deception to be convincing.
Let them see an illusion of you.
I must create the deception, with the help of Ing-Radi and the resources at hand. The task must be successful if any of us are to survive. Elric paused, and he looked tired. But you need not go with Blaylock. Your time is to come. Let Circe go with him.
Blaylock and Circe are both weakened. Is it not better to send someone who remains strong?
Wisdom is often more important than power, as Elizar never learned. Elric raised a cautioning hand. You admitted only minutes ago that you were out of control. You must not accompany Blaylock in that condition. You may endanger his life as well as the information we need. You may endanger yourself.
I will maintain control. I swear it.
You cannot make such a promise. You know that. You are not fit to go.
That might be true, but Galen refused to admit it. Going to the rim can be no more difficult than remaining here.
You will torment yourself with the temptation to act against the Shadows. It is a test greater than I would put you through.
And yet the Circle has voted to send me. As you obey the Circle, so shall I.
Elric looked toward the windows, where the mountains had fallen into the long shadows of the setting sun. I have often thought we are too much alike.
Galen was shocked into silence. He didnt have the skill of Elric, or the control, or the direction. If I am like you in even the smallest part, that is the greatest praise you have ever given me.
Elric turned to Galen, his movement stiff. Someday, perhaps, you will not think of me so kindly. I hope, if that day comes, you will try to understand why I have done what I have done.
I understand, Galen said. Elric was in an odd mood. He was probably tired, and the death of Kell had upset him.
If you have need, Elric said, contact me at once. I will send assistance.
Galen nodded.
And beware of Blaylock. If you stray from the task, he will not hesitate to stop you. Elric seemed to rouse himself. We should join the others. He laid a hand on Galens shoulder. Come.
The room had emptied, and they left it, catching up with the last of the mages in the passage. They were going outside through a nearby air lock. Elric and Galen joined the others, and as the air lock closed them inside, Elric conjured a containment shield around them both, holding within it heat and a breathable atmosphere.
Outside, they moved quietly across the vast field of ice, their shadows long before them. The shield echoed the sounds of their own breathing, the movement of their robes. Galens raw skin prickled in the confining warmth. The voices of the other mages were faint, distorted.
At the base of the great mountains, upon a stone boulder, lay Kells body. There was no sign of the wounds he had sustained. An illusion made him appear intact. Galen remembered him as he had been on Elizars ship, his arms split open, skull hollowed out.
It was the end of an age for the mages, the end of the line of Wierden. Perhaps the beginning of the end for them all, if Elrics fears came to pass.
The mages encircled Kells body, their skin tinged blue by their shields. Many looked older, weaker. Some, who lacked the skill of shields, wore breathers. A few joined two within a shield, particularly those with young apprentices who hadnt yet reached chrysalis stage. Galen wondered if those young ones had a future.
Galen looked to Elric. His face was impassive, composed. He would remain strong. He always did.
Wisps of blue fire caressed Kells body, running up the length of it in gentle waves. They gathered about his head, intensified into a brilliant corona. Then the fire swirled, building rapidly to surround him, obscuring him. The flames grew brighter, hotter. And with a sudden gust they whirled up into a great pillar of fire, rising to rival the mountains. The mages were dwarfed by it.
Kell had erred, erred horribly. But without him, the mages were diminished.
The churning of the flame stirred memories of fires past, losses of which he did not wish to be reminded. He lowered his head. Kell had believed he could control everything. In that, he was no different from the rest of the mages. They all desired control. They wanted to direct events, to manipulate perceptions, to impose their designs upon the universe. They did not realize that, in reality, all was chaos.
But even in their failure, they had done much good. They had plumbed the secrets of the universe, created transcendent beauty, healed wounds, inspired with magic, brought living spirit to their homes. As for himself, Galen no longer knew if he could do good rather than kill; if he could remain in control rather than falling to chaos; if he could bring light rather than darkness. But he would do his best to help the others survive this coming war, to prevent the end that Elric feared.
With a sharp movement Elric jerked his hand up to cover his face. His fingers quivered, pressing hard against his skin. His eyes were closed, his chest rising and falling with deep breaths. For a terrible moment he seemed like a stranger, weak and vulnerable.
Galen averted his eyes. He stood tall, trying to be Elrics wall of strength, trying to be strong enough for both of them. In four hours they would say good-bye to each other, perhaps for good. Galen memorized the sensation of Elric standing beside himthe height of his body, the shape of it, the heat of it. Perhaps they would never stand together again. As so much had been lost, Elric, too, could be lost.
That thought terrified him.
I am not Elric, Blaylock said. I will not tolerate disobedience. I will order and you will obey. Do you understand?
Yes, Galen said. They stood in the large hangar where Galen had first entered the facility. The rows of crates and supplies were now nearly gone, the hangar nearly empty. Gowen hovered a few feet away, listening as Blaylock laid down the rules for Galen.
I allow you to accompany me because you have handled yourself well under difficult circumstances, and because of your experience with the Shadows. But I am well aware that you disobeye
d my orders in the destruction of Elizars ship. Blaylocks eyes narrowed. Do not defy me again. This is your only warning.
Blaylock had ordered Galen to destroy the ship from a safe distance. Somehow he knew that Galen had attacked Elizars chrysalis while still on board. He must have planted a probe when hed been on the ship. Galen bowed his head, embarrassed that his rage had been uncovered.
Yes, Galen said. Im sorry.
Blaylock grunted. Maskelyne and two of the Kinetic Grimlis entered the hangar, and Blaylock moved away to consult with them.
He likes you, Gowen said.
I have that to be grateful for, Galen said.
Most of the mages were now in their ships, awaiting the signal to depart. Gowen was assigned to go with Elric and Ing-Radis group, yet he continued to linger, seemingly unable to leave Blaylock.
The last few hours had been filled with activity as the mages mobilized to leave Selic 4. Blaylock had taken charge of Galen, separating him from Elric and directing him to help with the dispersal of supplies. Galen had worked to get the right combination of materials to each group, attempting to keep the process orderly as everyone rushed to meet their departure time. The frantic activity had been interrupted only once, as Blaylocks followers, over sixty in number, had marched into the hangar, bidding farewell to their spiritual leader in a grim, impassioned ceremony of repentance and self-denial. Galen was shocked to see some of them crying as they left Blaylock behind.
Carvin ran into the hangar, looked about, her gaze stopping on Galen. She rushed over to him with a rustle of her Centauri silks, Alwyn following in a more measured gait. Galen found that the prospect of speaking with Alwyn no longer upset him. He had discovered the solution he needed. He was at peace with it. And he would like to say farewell.
I had to say good-bye, Carvin said, turning belatedly to include Gowen in her statement. Alwyn and I are going to help Elric create the deception. Elric asked specifically for me, can you believe it?
You excel at illusions and misdirection, Galen said. Im sure you will be a great asset.
Babylon 5 17 - Techno-Mages 02 - Summoning Light (Cavelos, Jeanne) Page 10