The Panids' Children_The Panids of Koa

by Lee M Eason

  As she watched now she could see Lewen headed to collect her across the green. She smiled and the fluttering feeling she got in her stomach returned. She’d been worried, when they’d first arrived, that he would disappear, melt into the background and that she would be left feeling a fool for letting him into her heart. He hadn’t. He was as dependable as ever, even turning down the offer from Bryn to visit his estate, just so he could spend time with her. They’d been able to spend a lot of time together and their relationship had developed. She had been relieved that Lewen and Aaron got on well and they spent many evenings joking and laughing with some of the other students. They walked they talked, he showed her the city, sometimes they just sat, it was enough to be in each other’s company.

  Today was her day off from studies and Lewen was taking her out. She saw him wave at Kellim, who had just come into view, before crossing the road which ran the perimeter of the green. It wouldn’t be long before the door would open. She briefly wondered what Kellim, Gwen and Carrick would be doing that day before she heard Lewen bounding up the stairs and entered.

  “Morning!” he greeted, his face beaming.

  “Hello you,” Jenna said hugging him. They kissed. She looked at him still smiling, holding on to his waist. “A whole day. Just you and me.”

  “I know. How will we cope,” Lewen said flopping back onto the bed as Jenna pushed him over. He sat up quickly and grabbed her, she shrieked with laughter and collapsed on top of him. They laughed and hugged. Jenna rested her chin on his chest and peered up at him. He looked back meeting her gaze a gentle smile on his face and combed her hair back with his fingers.

  “You growing this.”

  “Yep,” she nodded. “Thought I’d have a change. I couldn’t get used to it being short.”

  “Sexy,” he grinned raising an eyebrow. “I prefer it longer, like it was when we first met.”

  Jenna laughed again. “That was the intention.”

  It was sometime before they finally made their way out of their building and once clear of the main gates they nudged their mounts into a gentle trot amongst the busy traffic. Leaving the centre of the city the main road led them passed estates where Naddier’s great and good chose to show off their wealth with conspicuous houses and their equally grand gardens. It was a pleasant, if deserted, road lined with trees that ranged in their autumnal colours. Leaves were beginning to cover the pavement and roadway with a rustling carpet of bronzes, purples and yellows. The quieter road eventually re-joined one of the main avenues leaving the city. Both were glad when they finally left the city walls behind for the surrounding farmland, now green with over-winter crops.

  “It’s lovely. So peaceful after the city.” Jenna breathed in the cool air and looked out across the countryside. “We should come out here more often,” Her mount stood, taking advantage of the break to graze on a patch of grassy ferns at the roadside.

  “Yeh, it’s great. You should see it in the summer when all of these fields are filled with crops. It just goes on forever and ever,” he gazed about him with unguarded pleasure.

  Jenna watched his face, fixing the moment in her mind. She wanted to touch him and would have kissed him had the mounts not been in the way.

  Lewen’s face lit up a new. “And when there’s a breeze. The sound it makes.” He settled back in his saddle. “One day I’d like a house out here and maybe some land.”

  “Your parents are farmers?”

  “Yep, it’s in the blood.”

  Jenna listened as Lewen described his plans. She watched his face, his eyes and his smile. She loved his mannerisms, come to that she loved everything about him. The thought struck her. She loved him. She really did. Then she realised Lewen was staring at her.

  “I’m being boring,” he apologised.

  “No, no. You’re many things but you’re never boring. Do you think there will be room for two people on this farm of yours?”

  “Depends whose asking?” he smiled.

  She sidled her mount right up to his, leaning over to kiss him. “You are so not boring.” She stroked the side of his face still looking into his eyes.

  “I love you,” he said hoping he hadn’t spoken to soon.

  “I love you too,” she replied pouring how she felt into the words. He grinned, his whole face lighting up and kissed her.

  Their ride took them to Gillern and the great complex of ruins. They tethered the mounts and set out the picnic they had brought. Both hungry they enjoyed the food and then set to exploring.

  “I wonder what it was like,” Jenna said as she looked for clues to individual ruin’s previous use.

  “Kellim doesn’t say much,” Lewen replied, his arm resting across her shoulder. “I think there were all sorts here. Bryn knows tons about this place. He’s really interested in the history of the whole area.”

  Jenna looked puzzled. “What’s that over there? It seems, sort of odd somehow.” She referred to a hill that rose awkwardly from the ground. It had the appearance of something on its side half buried. Trees and fern grass had masked its shape but it was still clearly discernible and great mounds were scattered across the surrounding area as if thrown from it.

  “That was one of The Wonders,” Lewen explained. “It was a great upside down mountain of rock, roughly cone shaped. You can still make it out. That flat end was at the top and there were buildings on it, great soaring towers of glass,” he moved his hands to help her picture it. “It floated in the air. With nothing holding it up. There were others, much smaller with it. Look over there, that other mound and there,” he pointed. “They were connected by bridges and you stood on things that floated you up to the top. Like the lifts at the port towers but there were no cables just the field.” He turned slightly indicating other mounds and depressions. “There were lakes and waterfalls and immense field trees and whole areas of flowers The Panids had created that could be found nowhere else. All the buildings were made of glass and it was all lit at night and could be seen for miles. No wonder people came from all over to see it and the Panids where held in such wonder.” Then he paused realising something. “Come on,” he said taking hold of her hand and leading her to the ruins only remaining tower. Its organic slender form rose seamlessly towards the sky, a great pillar of gleaming white. They climbed its restored spiral stairway and eventually reached the top, exiting through a narrow archway they both had to duck to get through.

  “You can see for miles,” Jenna said looking out across the view in delight.

  Lewen put his arm round her waist and pointed into the distance. “Can you see that wooded area over there, right in the distance?” Jenna nodded. “And the shapes just to the right of it? Well that’s Bryn’s estate.”

  “Really.”

  “It goes from there, right over to there,” he pointed, guiding her view. “To that point there where the flat topped hill is.”

  “It’s huge. I hadn’t realised how big it was. We must have flown over a part of it.”

  “Now look over there. Do you see the road and that little farm next to it? That’s the one I always wanted to buy. What do you think?”

  “I think it looks perfect,” she said resting her head on his chest.

  ***

  “Come in Kellim,” Durnin greeted. “Come and sit by the window. It’s a fine autumn day.”

  “Ressca,” Kellim greeted the other Adept sat by the window. “The trees seem to be holding onto their leaves for a long time this year. They’re all quite magnificent.” Kellim sat.

  “They are.” Durnin offered him a hot drink. “Carrick and Gwen should be along soon.” Durnin’s study was a simple room. Uncluttered, light but not austere, it reflected the dependable nature of the man it belonged to.

  Ressca put down her cup. “How was your trip? We haven’t had time to talk.”

  “Uneventful,” Kellim sighed. “I headed as far north as I was able while we waited for word to arrive from Amar. I hoped that The Faithful would find me.”

&nb
sp; “Why north?” Ressca asked.

  “It was generally believed that The Beholder had headed for Lont and the mountains close to the border of Coth. I thought she might have settled there. I at least hoped to intercept The Faithful as it headed south. This wasn’t to be the case. That said I’d barely entered Northern Sancir.”

  Durnin shook his head ruefully. “It seems strange to be talking about these creatures as real things.”

  Ressca nodded. “To us they’re just the stuff of stories, words and an illustration on the page.” She made herself more comfortable. “I assume your words in the meeting were a warning for us not to dabble.”

  Kellim made a non-committal gesture. “They were created out of desperation. Created to win a war that had spiralled out of control. Most were monsters, giants and Elementals with formidable weapons.” He sat forward looking at them both directly. “They were designed to terrify, to overwhelm. The final battles were desperate harrowing affairs. After the war, those that were still alive struggled in a world that no longer needed or wanted them. Some were allowed to disappear, living out their lives in isolation but many had no understanding that the war was over and continued the purpose for which they’d been made.

  “To kill and destroy,” Durnin said soberly with a quick glance at Ressca.

  Kellim nodded slowly. He stroked his beard, momentarily distracted by his own thoughts. “It took those of us left a long time to track down most of them and end those fearful times. So was I trying to warn you against their resurrection?” Kellim drifted off staring out of the window.

  Ressca watched him. “Whether that was your intention or not I think we should treat it as such and rely on the insight of one who has experienced them first hand. I, unlike Ursa, would not be one to debate you.”

  Kellim looked back from the window. “It would seem the past, I thought best left behind, has itself decided to return, whether I like it or not. We may be passed the time for warnings.”

  “Speaking of returning.” Durnin began. “Were The Three amongst those that hid themselves away?”

  Kellim concentrated as he tracked back over ninety years. “They were listed among those lost or destroyed right at the end of the war. Clearly they weren’t.” He looked at Durnin. “That’s why I said there might yet be others out there we had thought to be long gone.”

  Durnin sat back in his chair with a long sigh. “We’ve enough to worry about as it is and that is not a comforting thought. I’m also concerned about Jenna and how she fits in to recent events. She’s clearly an Adept but like you I sense nothing beyond that,” he looked at Ressca. She indicated she had reached the same conclusion.

  Kellim sipped thoughtfully at his drink. “It’s not unusual for abilities to lie dormant, unannounced. Her brother on the other hand has the makings of something beyond an Adept. I could understand The Children’s interest in him more than Jenna,” he stroked his beard. “But I trust the words of The Faithful.”

  At that point the door opened and Carrick and Gwen walked in. Ressca laughed. “Do you always plan to appear at the same time?”

  “Years of practise,” Carrick said with a wink and pulled up a chair.

  “We do it on purpose,” Gwen smiled as she sat down.

  “It unnerves people,” they both said and then looked at each.

  “That’s never happened before,” Carrick chortled.

  “You unnerve quite a lot of people,” Ressca said dryly. “I’ve been hearing about some of your recent exploits. Your names keep popping up in some high-ranking circles. There’s been quite a lot of talk.”

  “We’ve been around,” Gwen mused. “So I’m not surprised. Not all of it good I hope.”

  “And you,” she accused Kellim jovially. “Something about vanishing UruIldrans in a bar room brawl in Sancir.”

  “Indeed,” Kellim raised an eyebrow enigmatically. “Gossip is always prone to exaggeration.”

  Carrick turned to look at him. “Yes actually. What did you do to them?”

  “Transported them,” Kellim replied casually.

  “Where?”

  He thought for a moment, “Ildra, Amar. Somewhere on land,” There was a moment’s hesitation. “Probably.”

  Durnin rolled his eyes. “You’re all as bad as each other.” Ressca was about to be outraged but Durnin continued, directing his attention to Carrick and Gwen. “Speaking of Amar I want you to go there. Kellim, I was going to ask you to go with them but now I think you would be better off heading to Lont. Let’s give The Faithful every opportunity to find you.”

  “In that case I’ll head for Neath and make my way up. It’s wild and empty there. The Faithful will feel more comfortable meeting me out in those places.”

  “You aren’t going alone?” Gwen asked. “You know what they’re like up there about Talents.”

  “No I will ask Bryn and Jac to accompany me if I may. Their companionship would be most welcome. I suspect Lewen will want to stay here.”

  “You might be right,” Gwen smiled.

  “Amar it is then,” Carrick accepted. “Jenna and Aaron can stay here and continue their lessons with some of the masters. I’d have liked them to come but I don’t think it’s safe.”

  “Past events taken into account I think that’s a good idea. We can keep them out of harm’s way here.” Durnin added.

  “I wonder if Kara or maybe you, Ressca would come with us.” Gwen thought out loud.

  “I’d be happier with a little extra support,” Carrick agreed.

  “Ressca and I will be heading back to the capital at the request of the King. He is considering further diplomatic talks with Segat in a final attempt to dissuade him from making any kind of a move against Selarsh. The King wants some experienced diplomats and a strong arm to support whoever heads the initiative.”

  “I’m amazed he asked you as well Durnin,” Carrick couldn’t resist. He gave Ressca a sideways glance. “Ressca alone can supply both of those.”

  Ressca gave him an imperious look. “Damn right young man. So watch yourself and mind your manners.”

  “The threat grows?” Kellim asked.

  “We were sent word in the early hours of this morning,” Durnin was clearly irritated by the timing. “I wish they’d built Naddier closer to the capital. All this travel is taking up a lot of valuable time that could be better spent. I’m sorry. Yes, my friend the threat seems less empty and does indeed grow.”

  Kellim was still uneasy. “You must be careful. Segat is blinded by revenge and is at best unpredictable and VaCalt will take any opportunity she sees. Hostages or the loss of an Order Head would weaken Hallorn.”

  Ressca was slightly dismissive. “Really Kellim, we’re not exactly first season flowers.”

  “VaCalt alone would be a threat to your safety,” Kellim warned. “She’s one of the oldest and most powerful Talents alive. She is experienced and ruthless.”

  “We won’t be alone,” Durnin added.

  “You don’t sound happy about that,” Carrick was puzzled by Durnin’s tone.

  “Perin has requested,” Durnin grumbled, “the permanent assignment of some of our Talents to form a new branch of his intelligence network. Independent of us.”

  “I thought he had that already. Isn’t that our job?” Gwen said in irritation. “What’s that all about?”

  “Exactly my thoughts too,” Ressca nodded slowly in agreement. “I find the idea at best insulting and at worst suspect. I’m not sure of the motivation there.”

  Carrick leaned back in his chair. “Surely he isn’t paranoid. You know the whole Naicarn Segat thing?”

  “Isn’t that part of the job?” Ressca asked sourly. “I don’t think you become king without a reasonable degree of paranoia. You can rest assured I have every intention of raising the issue with him. We can’t have Talents spying on Talents.”

  “Trust is hard won,” Kellim noted. “And easily lost. And perhaps when you discuss it with him you’ll also convince him to send an envoy oth
er than yourselves.”

  Ressca could see Kellim was still concerned about their earlier conversation and despite her bravado had felt ill at ease with the idea herself. She leant forward and gripped his hand. “You are right of course. We’ll do as you say.”

  Reassured by Ressca’s response Kellim looked expectantly at Carrick and Gwen.

  “Yes,” they began in dull unison. “We will be careful too.”

  “That’s twice,” Carrick noted. “We’ve been spending too much time together. Kara has to come with us.”

  Ressca snorted. “You really want to be around with Kara and Mia Sara in the same building. It would be bad enough the same city, or country.”

  Gwen pulled a face. “I’d forgotten about that.” She shrugged. “Kara will behave herself.” Gwen looked at Ressca’s raised eyebrow. “I hope.”

  Durnin chuckled. “Don’t worry there will be lots of other people there for you to place between them.” He looked quite pleased with himself. “A little diplomatic one up man ship finally convinced Gattick to follow through with his idea to hold a meeting. Every Order in the south will be represented there. It should be quite an occasion.” Then Durnin looked them all in the eye. “This includes you too, Kellim.” He wagged a finger at the Panid. “Heed your own good advice. I don’t want any risks taken. Do you hear me? I’d like you all back here and in one piece by spring.”

  Chapter 9

  Amar, the first city of Amaria was a complete contrast to Naddier. Devastated at the start of The Great War it had been rebuilt in a simpler, modern style. Sharp amber towers and burnished metal domes dominated the skyline. Graceful metal bridges crossed the many wide canals. Seven new sky towers, only one of which was complete, were being built in a new part of the city recently commissioned as Amaria opened itself to the continent. The great palace of the Empress, the Revered Essedra of Amar stood atop a hill in the city’s centre, its myriad spires stabbed the sky like a crown, its white stone glistening in the heat of the sun. The state buildings clustered around it sweeping down into the city. On a second hill stood the equally impressive buildings of The Amar Order. This hill had lost one hundred feet from its summit under the orders of Emperor Attirick so that he would always look down on The Order, a constant reminder to all Talents of their change in status. It had been many years before he would even listen to the pleas of his ministers and allow the formation of an Order in Amaria, such was the blame laid upon the Panids and his father for Amar’s devastation.