by Lee M Eason
“You all right?” he asked Jac not wanting to intrude.
Jac breathed in deeply looking back out over the side. “The world seemed a bit different the last time I was on this ship,” his tone hinted at regrets.
Aaron wasn’t sure what to say next but had a fair idea what Jac meant.
“Well,” he hesitated feeling a little awkward, “if you ever want to talk I’ve been told I’ve got a good ear for it. I know it’s probably none of my business and you’d probably talk to Bryn or Gwen or…”
Jac interrupted before Aaron tied himself in more knots. “Thank you,” he said earnestly. “You and Jenna are a part of this family now and will get your ears bent as much as the rest of us.”
Aaron nodded. Jac’s words about family meant a lot to him. “I just wanted you to know I understand, even though I can’t imagine what it must be like to lose someone important.”
Jac turned back to look at the view and was silent for some time. “So much has changed since we set out on this ship from Naddier. There’s so much I wish I’d said but didn’t and now it’s too late,” he stopped himself. “Sorry, it’s still difficult to talk about.”
“It’s fine. Look you know where I am. As I said I’m a good listener.”
Jac cleared his throat. Looking at Aaron he suddenly felt selfish. “I haven’t asked.” He began by way of an explanation. “You and Jenna haven’t exactly had an easy time. How are you holding up?”
Aaron looked thoughtful, trying to make some sense of what was going on in the parts of his head he kept at a distance. “Not sure really. It’s all happened so fast I don’t think we’ve had time to let it all sink in. I think once we get to Naddier and have time to sit and think about things.”
“Do you miss your home?”
“It might sound strange but no. I don’t remember our parents and Orla made sure we knew from early on that one day we’d be leaving. She sort of prepared us for this in a way. The change and all.”
“What about your time on the slaver’s ship? That can’t have been easy. You okay about that?”
“I talked to Kellim a lot, which helped. I don’t remember much of it. I know now we were drugged and so it’s all a bit fuzzy really, a dream.” He paused for a while seeming a little uncomfortable. “Though I still get nightmares about it.”
“Don’t be embarrassed. You got through it. And sometimes you just have to give yourself space. It’s like you have to allow yourself to take time, come to terms with what happened. Talk when you need to and not, when you don’t.” Jac shrugged slightly, feeling odd about handing out advice. “Don’t hold feelings in and think no one will understand.”
Aaron smiled.
“What?” Jac asked puzzled.
“Was that advice for both of us then?”
Jac’s laugh was ironic. “Yeh, maybe I should listen to myself more often. I give good advice.” He patted Aaron on the back. “Come on,” he pointed to the stairs leading below decks. “Kellim can smell dinner. We’d better follow and make sure he doesn’t eat it all.”
The next few days slipped by uneventfully. The crew and its passengers fell into a daily routine that accompanied life on board. It provided a chance for the group to relax and talk without the pressures of the journey. Carrick and Gwen were particularly glad of the rest after days of constantly searching for possible threats. Kellim now took over this duty and Aaron marvelled at how he continued his daily interactions with them and the crew but still maintained his vigil. He took every opportunity to talk to Kellim about the skills he would need to master. Kellim enjoyed this hugely and used this time to teach as well as assess the young man’s unrealised abilities.
Aaron was also fascinated by the ship and how it was operated, chatting often with the captain and the Master Conveyer. Both were happy to answer his questions and show him how things worked. The Master Conveyor explained his role and with Carrick’s permission, tutored him on control and the disciplines required to move and manoeuvre the ship in port and when the wind dropped. He also explained the function of the different parts of the ship and the differences in its layout and decks compared to a sea going vessel. Aaron was excited when the captain offered him the wheel and the chance to steer the ship. From then on most of the crew allowed Aaron to take a turn at the wheel offering him suggestions and giving guidance. Getting up early one morning he was surprised to find Gwen at the wheel. It turned out she had spent a year working on board a sky ship and was quite proficient.
Lewen and Jenna spent a lot of time together. Talking endlessly, finding out more about each other and simply enjoying each other’s company. It was clear that the bond between them was deepening and Gwen watched its progress. They seemed well matched and very comfortable in each other’s company, she was pleased just to see them happy.
On the fourth day they passed over the Sancir border and finally into Hallorn. Carrick and Gwen had continued to teach Aaron and Jenna the skills they would spend the rest of their lives mastering. The two had picked things up quickly and proved equal to the task ahead.
Later that afternoon they waited as Bryn placed a leather satchel on top of a large crate on the foredeck, with a nod to Carrick he walked back over to where Lewen and Jac were sat in the lazy warmth of the sun.
“We safe here, do you think?” Jac asked dryly as the tall man came over.
“Better here than up there,” he pointed to where the others were stood.
Thirty feet away, close to the stairway that led to the wheel deck Carrick was talking to Jenna and Aaron. Gwen was sat on the steps watching intently.
“Remember what I’ve said. Always brace yourselves. Let the ground or something else around you take the weight, not you. This won’t need you to, it’s too light but it’s a good habit to get into, so that it becomes automatic.” He pointed. “Focus on the bag, get a feel for its form field and then picture it in your hand and draw it to you. You need to form that connection between it and you. You may get a sense that it is in many other places.” He waved his hand. “Ignore them. The trick is to maintain your focus on where you want it to be. If you don’t it will end up in any one of a trillion other locations.” His expression gave a small hint at the possible dangers of transporting. “Ok Aaron, you first.”
Aaron stepped forward to shouts of encouragement from Bryn, Jac and Lewen. The few deck hands working nearby stopped to watch. Following Carrick’s instructions Aaron readied himself.
“Focus on the bag,” Carrick gently reminded.
He did as he was asked and was surprised at the result. They’d followed Carrick’s lead while he’d demonstrated but now that he was doing it he could actually sense the form field, the framework that gave the bag its shape and governed every facet of its existence. Aaron focused his will sensing the field respond and thought about the satchel in his hand and only his hand, linking the two and the space between them. Then suddenly it was there, sat in his open palm.
“Impressive,” Carrick said looking at his sister in mild surprise, she seemed equally encouraged. “Do you think you can do that again?” Before Aaron could say one-way or the other the bag was back on the crate again. “Have another go.”
Gwen sat forward slightly; Aaron had managed the task with exceptional ease. She watched as the young man focused again and there it was, effortless and in his hand. Aaron grinned obviously pleased with his success. Clearly not a fluke Gwen thought to herself.
“Okay Jenna. Your turn,” Carrick directed.
Jenna walked forward accompanied by another good-natured round of applause. She gave the three-man audience a quick bow, took up position and gathered herself. Calmly she concentrated, focusing the field’s energy on the bag at the far end of the deck. She found its form field but couldn’t quite bring it to mind as clearly as she wanted. She frowned slightly and focused more. Images of the bag in different places flashed through her mind too quickly to fully register. She focused more, drawing on the field. Bryn, Jac and Lewen realised at abou
t the same time as Carrick and Gwen that things weren’t quite right. The deck behind Jenna creaked alarmingly and it was only Carrick’s quick action that knocked her out of the way as the bag appeared right where she had been standing, still on the crate.
Jenna sat up indignantly and then saw the crate. “Oh. Maybe I could try that again?”
“Good idea,” Carrick agreed. “Remember it’s just the bag you want.”
The next morning was fresh but clear. Jenna looked at the crate and rolled her eyes, not her finest moment. The morning watch was on and unusually the Captain and The Conveyer were at the wheel. The sun hadn’t risen yet and that was her main reason for being up. Sunsets and sunrises had always been a passion. Whether sitting on the hillside near her village, watching the sun go down on a warm evening or being up before everyone else to see the sun slowly rise above a misty horizon. She made her way to the edge of the deck resting her hands on the railing. The sun was announcing its arrival in rich bands of colour and the world seemed to open out before her. She stood soaking up the view. She was aware of her brother’s approach even though he didn’t make a sound.
“I know you’re there,” she said spoiling his plans.
“Thought as much,” he shrugged. “But worth a try.”
Jenna turned back to the view. “You’re just in time.
They stood side by side, as they had done on many occasions, watching the sun’s steady climb into the sky washing out the earlier colours and lifting the sky to a hazy blue.
“They’re never the same, even when you watch them from the same place time and time again.” Jenna said finally. “Do you think we’ll change much?”
“I suppose we already have.” Aaron turned slightly to look at his sister. “You ok?”
“I think so. I suppose I’ve had time to sort it all out, but then that’s also thrown up other questions I’d like answers to.” She lifted her hands a little exasperated. “I feel better, now we’ve rested. It’s been so nice on this ship. That’s helped, I think. Everything that’s happened now seems distant and our village, well, that could be a life time ago.”
“I know what you mean. I can’t believe how much time has gone by. Do you think Orla is ok?”
Jenna thought for a little while. “Well you know her. She’ll be as busy as ever.” Jenna linked arms with her brother. “Are you looking forward to Naddier?”
“Yes,” Aaron pulled a face, “and no. It’s going to be different. And I worry if we’ll fit in.”
Jenna nodded. “Well if nothing else it’ll seem quiet after all of this.”
“What’s that?”
Jenna glanced at Aaron’s scrunched up face and then looked into the distance ahead. “Not sure. Is it a circle?”
“Yep, just floating in the air. I thought I was seeing things.”
Neither noticed Kellim’s approach and gave a start when he spoke. “It’s The Gillern Field Line.” Both looked puzzled. “Where to begin,” Kellim pondered. “The field has currents, like the sea and indeed the air and places where its energies are more concentrated and flow along a continuous path - a little like a stream, if you like. The continent is criss-crossed by them. Some short, some long. Some so weak they are barely detectable others much stronger. The Gillern line is by far the strongest and used to flow between Gillern and Luesh. Luesh is of course no more and the field is greatly weakened but The Gillern Line, unlike any other, has remained.”
Aaron looked at the circle now glinting in the morning light. “So is the ring a part of it?”
“We placed the rings along the length of key lines.” Kellim explained. “Their obvious job as markers to its location. Their true purpose to focus the line, again back to my earlier analogy, like building up the sides of a lazy stream to make it flow faster and stronger and in the case of the lines to focus them. The rings have their own field engine to keep them aloft, partly powered by the ambient field but also by the line itself. The rings were placed at regular intervals along the lines to stabilise them, sometimes closer, sometimes more distant, depending on its natural strength. And there my analogy to a stream must end as the lines flow in two directions.
“Are there any others,” Jenna asked.
Kellim shook his head. “This is the only one remaining. When the field was capped the lines became weak and most of the rings fell out of the sky and returned to the ground that had originally provided the metal for their formation. Every now and then you come across one stuck upright and half buried. Usually their middles collapsed, they always remind me of ribs left over from a roast.”
The ship began to descend clearly headed for the circle, which grew larger with each passing minute.
“What’s the captain doing?” Aaron asked.
“We’ll join the line.”
Shouts went up from the captain and crew appeared on deck. The sails were drawn in and the tilted masts lowered closer to the deck. Aaron could sense The Conveyer was now moving the ship as it coasted closer to the circle. The great metal ring floated serenely in the air. As they drew closer he could make out its highly decorated surface and here and there hints of gold that must have once covered it. The way was clear and so the ship was carefully manoeuvred in line with the centre of the circle that now towered above and plunged below. There was a slight jolt as the ship’s field engine began channelling the energy of the line. A shout came from below decks. The captain responded the affirmative and the ship began to move smoothly forward. The vast arch of the ring passed overhead and the ship began to pick up speed.
“The line will power the ship’s progress almost to Naddier. A relic of The Panids’ ingenuity,” Kellim noted as he headed up to the Captain.
Another week of good but cooler weather marked their smooth progress through the skies of Hallorn. The irregular passing of a ring became a part of the journey as they rushed through them. Rolling hills gave way to forests, announcing the first touches of autumn, only the evergreen of a rare fieldtree defied the season. The forests themselves gave way to a patchwork countryside of fields and villages that sent wispy tendrils of smoke up to meet them. On their final day, shortly after breakfast Lewen’s excited calls brought them all up on deck. Just visible in the distance they could see the coast and the shapes that formed the great city of Naddier. The immense port towers became discernible first, in the north of the city and then its huge walls. Eventually its towers and spires became clear. The sky was busier with other ships now, some larger than theirs and some smaller, others just distant dots heading towards and away from the city. As they approached activity began to build on board and the crew made the ship ready for the final leg of the journey.
The excitement levels built. For some the thought of returning home after almost a year’s travelling, for Jenna and Aaron the wonder of seeing one of the greatest cities of the continent for the first time and for Jac the thought of returning without Stran.
Bryn pointed out new things to Jenna and Aaron as they passed over them, his estates to the east of the city and the nearby ruins of Gillern. “The original home of The Western Panids, The Gillern Lantrium,” Bryn pointed to the extensive ruins below and then looked over at Kellim.
“Indeed,” Kellim walked over to admire the familiar sight as they passed through the last of the rings. “They’re not much to look at now but in its time Gillern was a place to take the breath away, even for those of my kind who lived and worked there. It was truly a wonder that demonstrated one of the better sides of The Panids. I would that you all could have seen it.” Kellim looked back across the vista a smile touching his lips.
Aaron studied Kellim, his developing respect and admiration for The Panid was only deepened by the old man’s wisdom and fascinating past. Kellim had spent a lot of time with him on their journey to Naddier. Preparing him for a future role in a world he knew comparatively little about. Aaron had learned so much but wished he had the nerve to delve deeper and then he noticed his sister. Her lips were doing the thing they did when her mi
nd was building up a wall of questions. And before he could stop her, the dam broke and the flood headed towards Kellim.
“Kellim,” she began her voice light, which belied the piercing question she was about to fire off. “You say my kind. I’ve noticed that a lot, as if The Panids were sort of, well different to everyone else. Where they? I mean are you?”
Several brows raised and then the eyes beneath slowly turned to fix their gaze on The Panid.
“Hmm,” he pondered for some time before answering, his gaze returning to the ruins as they slipped away. “I was unaware that I did that. You have a good ear Jenna.” It was clear that Jenna expected an answer quite unaware of Kellim’s notorious evasiveness. Her gaze held, unwavering, searching for further nuances to question.
To everyone’s surprise but Jenna’s, Kellim responded. “From the very start of our training it was impressed upon us that we were different. Set apart from the peoples of the continent. We were made to feel unique. Respect, even awe greeted our every action. We were treated like royalty. No,” he corrected rather sharply. “We were held above the kings and queens of the time. It was difficult for the Panids, for all of us not to be affected by such exaltation.”
“There you did it again,” Jenna jumped in. “That’s another thing. The Panids you sometimes talk about them like you weren’t one, or wanted to distance yourself from them.”
“Perhaps a coping mechanism for the deeds of my kind that I’m ashamed of. You’re quite right. I have attempted to distance myself from those actions over the years.” Kellim laughed to himself. “Young lady you’ve given me food for thought. Keep asking your questions.”
With that Kellim excused himself.
“Well,” Carrick breathed, “You’ve got more out of him in a few minutes than I’ve been able to in years. There’s a lot he- well all of the remaining Panids keep hidden.”