The UnFolding Collection Three

by S. K. Randolph

  Almiralyn paused, gave her a knowing smile, and looked up at their tall companion. “We are about to descend the Stairway of Retu Erath. As I have explained, all who use the stairway must have the courage to face their greatest fears. Are you prepared to do so, Wilith?”

  He looked from Almiralyn to the door and back. “You said Torgin walked the stairway. If he can do it, I most certainly can.”

  “Sparrow and I will go ahead. You follow. Be prepared to hear voices, to see the unexpected, to arrive at the bottom a changed man.”

  “I am not sure…” He rubbed his forehead and, after a moment of struggle, squared his shoulders. “I am ready.”

  Almiralyn gave him a confident smile. “We’ll see you at the bottom.” She began her descent.

  Sparrow followed. She glanced over her shoulder. Wilith took a hesitant step onto the top stair. Memories of her initiation made her refocus her attention on Almiralyn’s back and quicken her pace. Wilith would need time and privacy.

  She arrived in the Cave of Canedari, the usual residence of the Evolsefil Crystal, much sooner than she expected. As her mind formulated the question, Almiralyn smiled and answered.

  “The stairway was shorter today. It changes at the will of the ancients. You and I had no need to travel its full length. I expect the distance to be much longer for Wilith.”

  Sparrow looked back at the purple double doors. I wonder what a PPP official might discover on the Stairway of Retu Erath.

  Wilith Lortin Whalend rarely felt unsure of himself. He was, after all, about to become the Premier of Idronatti. Years of training had prepared him to ascend to this position, an honor never before bestowed on a man of his skin tone. It wasn’t that the Five Fathers felt a black man was unfit. He was simply the first to meet the strict criteria, to be bred with the necessary talents and intellect. His parents, high level PPP officials, had risen through the ranks to become leaders in their fields. After much testing, the Five Fathers had ordered them joined late in their careers and their lives. Wilith was their only offspring, as Torgin was his. When Coala Renn had been chosen to be his partner, he had been pleased and proud. At the young age of twenty-four sun cycles, she had already received many accolades for her research. Their joining was one of the high points of his life.

  Now standing at the top of the stairway, he felt a tremor of trepidation. What would he discover about himself on this journey? He almost laughed. This is all nonsense. How can descending a stairway into a cavern be anything more than a walk in the dark? A sobering thought cut his laughter short. The events of the past few sun turnings had been completely outside his life experience. In fact, they had left him bemused and filled with misgivings about himself and his existence in The City. He curled his fingers into fists. Sweat soaked his palms. He wiped them on his pant legs and stepped off the landing.

  One stair after the other carried him further into the quiet cavern. Nothing assaulted his logical view of life. He began to feel more confident. Midway down, he decided that Almiralyn had been teasing him. He glanced back at the door. Something at the outer fringes of his vision made him take a second look. A small light blinked out of sight. There it is again . He swallowed the smugness that had begun to creep into his demeanor.

  “Wilith.” A whisper brushed his ear. “Wilith Lortin Whalen.” The other ear buzzed with breathy sounds.

  He came to a standstill, eyes searching, ears straining to hear. A life-like image of his father loomed over him. Anger shone in his eyes and lashed out, one sentence at a time. “You must never disobey the rules of the PPP again. If you do, we will disown you. You will be an orphan with no place to go but the Five Towers. That’s where they put bad boys who sneak off to Myrrh.” His mother’s sobs penetrated the walls from her room next door.

  An uncontrollable shiver left him trembling. She had never recovered after that visit from the PPP. She diminished little by little, turning by turning. On his fourteenth sun cycle, she did not wake up. He had blamed himself.

  The image shifted. His mother sat in a room in The Center for Advanced Healing. A healer shook her head. “We’ve done everything we can. You have only a short time to prepare yourself and your family.”

  He collapsed on the stairs and covered his face with manicured hands. All these sun cycles I have thought I was responsible for her death. A barrage of images pelted him: the time he met Renn at Mira’s cottage when they were children, the moment he realized his memories of her would be erased forever, the anger he felt at the PPP the turning his father celebrated seventy sun cycles and boarded the train to Last Retreat. Emotions crashed over him in waves. At last, the images dissipated. The whispers faded.

  Gradually, he stopped shaking. Awareness of his surroundings returned. He glanced up. Double purple doors stood ajar only a few steps away. With the slowness of one walking through water, he descended the remaining stairs and entered the Cave of Canedari, where Almiralyn and Sparrow waited.

  He fought to wipe the memories from his eyes, to hide his vulnerability. “I don’t…I…” The understanding in their faces made him falter. His guard slipped. Tears streamed down his cheeks.

  The Guardian escorted her companions to the Reading Room. Sparrow slipped away and left her alone with Wilith. They had said little since taking seats on the opposite sides of a glossy table in a secluded reading alcove. Wilith’s gaze wandered the elegant vastness of one of the best galactic libraries in the solar system.

  He sat back, his expression a combination of strain and amazement. “So many wonderful books—a galactic library so close to Idronatti…and yet so far away.” His finger traced the engraved title on the spine of a book on the shelf next to him. “I’ve always wanted to read this.” He exhaled and placed his hands on the table. “What do you need me to do?”

  “Have you recovered from your trip down the stairs?”

  “I have much to digest, Almiralyn. It will take time.” He pressed the palms of his hands together. “I buried my anger at the Five Fathers so deep that I had almost forgotten it. Now I must face it and the ramifications of it in terms of my return to Idronatti—if I return, that is.”

  “The Unfolding is at work in your life, Wilith, and in the lives of Torgin and Renn. You are not alone. All of us are feeling its effects.” She let that sink in before continuing. “I have much to do, so let me explain what I need. What do you know of the Mocendi League?”

  “Only what little the Five Fathers have shared during the past few turnings. I gather it is a group that trains in the Arts of Dimensionery.”

  “It does, and it uses the Arts to frighten those who are weaker into submitting to its rule. Rattori’s Brigade is under its influence. I need you to research the League. Learn everything you can. In particular, see if you can discover who the leader is, where he originates from, and how long he has been The MasTer. Also see if you can find where the League gets its wealth and who finances it. Let me show you the research library.”

  He gaped. “This isn’t all?”

  She smiled and preceded him down a flight of stairs to a room with rows of glass cases containing books, manuscripts, and scrolls from all over the Universe. “This is our research area.” She handed him a set of keys. “There are three levels. The catalogue is over there. I think you will find its data base very efficient. You’ll find notebooks and a mini comp-tab on the table at the end of this aisle.”

  His astonished expression made her smile. “We do use technology, but only where it is truly useful. I’ll send a DeoNyte priestess who knows her way around the stacks to assist you. Her name is Elae. Do you have any questions?”

  “Do you know anything about The MasTer that will help me begin the process?”

  The disquiet in her expression gave him the chills. “No one knows much about him. Although the Mocendi live throughout the Inner Universe, The MasTer has never been known to leave TreBlaya. Cruelty and destruction are his trademarks. His minions kidnap children with the potential to develop DiMensionery, and they
are never seen again. As far as anyone knows, no one leaves the ranks of the Mocendi League alive. Death is the only way out. Does that help?”

  He gave an absent shake of his head, his attention already elsewhere.

  Almiralyn retraced her steps. The PPP are no longer around to coddle you and make your decisions, Wilith Whalend. It will be interesting to see where The Unfolding takes you.

  While the Guardian conferred with Wilith about the task she had for him, Sparrow selected a book, curled up in a chair, and tried to read. One yawn after the other made her set it aside. I’ll just rest a minute.

  A gentle hand shook her awake. Almiralyn smiled down at her. “Have a nice nap?”

  She stretched. “I must have. I rarely do that. Where’s Wilith?”

  “Doing some research for me. Thank you for giving us time alone. His initiation has given him much to ponder.”

  “I can empathize. Is he alright?”

  “He will be.”

  She crossed the room to the Sanctuary of Veersuni. Zugo, Yookotay’s young son, and Elae, the granddaughter of Owae, greeted them at the door.

  “I’m sure glad you’re here, Almiralyn.” Zugo’s eager smile made Sparrow grin. “I could use a break and a meal.”

  Elae laughed. “You’re always hungry, Zugo.”

  “I’m a growing DeoNyte. I need food and lots of it.” He gave Almiralyn a respectful smile. “Is there anything you desire?”

  She explained that Torgin’s father was doing some research for her. “Elae, when you have eaten, please join him and help in any way you can. You know the research area better than anyone. Zugo, you will return here to guard the fountain. Off you go. Be back in one chron circle. Sparrow and I should be finished here by then.”

  The young DeoNytes hurried away. Laughter floated back into Veersuni and faded.

  The amusement in Almiralyn’s expression altered. Consternation took its place. She walked further into the sanctuary, but halted some distance from the alabaster fountain. “Relevart warned me that Nissasa Rattori is using the crystal that was once the Oracle Stone to damage connections to other crystals mined from the Evolsefil Caverns on Tao Spirian.”

  Sparrow joined her. “Doesn’t he realize he’s destroying the only means of overseeing all the planets in the Clenaba Rolas Solar System? If his goal is to rule them, that seems foolish.”

  “The bigger question is why the Mocendi League is allowing him to do it? My sources tell me they are behind his rebellion and control his every move. Clearly, Nissasa doesn’t realize his own peril. The MasTer will not tolerate disobedience or disloyalty.”

  Sparrow fingered a strand of chestnut hair. “Nomed mentioned his mother, Roween. Maybe she’s clouding the issue for her aggressive son.”

  A frown furrowed the Guardian’s brow. “She is an ambitious woman, more ambitious than Nissasa. I’m glad Wolloh sent her where she can be watched.” Energy bristled around her. “Now, Sparrow, your first lesson. The pedestal of Elcaro’s Eye houses Vesen, a seven-sided quartz crystal. Its power has been used to construct a complex series of wards around the fountain. Today, you and I are going to add another layer. Since Nissasa doesn’t know your energy signature, it will make it more difficult for him to break through the shields.”

  Sparrow put a hand to her stomach. “Butterflies. I think I’m nervous.”

  “A little nervousness is not a bad thing. Using DiMensionery is a serious matter. You must never approach it with a lack of respect or honest intent. Those who manipulate it to their own ends often find themselves without its gifts when they are most needed. I began training at a very early age and selected not to be initiated into the Order of Esprow. I didn’t want the temptation of misusing my power.”

  “Does that mean you are less capable or that it is less effective when you do use it?”

  Almiralyn smiled. “No. It simply means that I’m not controlled by the rules of the Order. I only utilize those things that allow me to do my job as the Guardian of Myrrh. I’m always careful to use DiMensionery for the good of mankind, not for personal gain.” She drew her further away from the Eye. “Today we are going to test the depth of your potential. First, I want you to close your eyes and imagine a curtain of light surrounding you.”

  Sparrow set aside her nervousness and followed the Guardian’s instructions. At first she struggled. Then with a flash of insight, she understood. Trusting herself as she did when she painted, she pictured an opalescent curtain enclosing her. A tingling sensation rushed over the surface of her skin. Hair on the back of her neck rose and resettled.

  The Guardian’s voice penetrated her concentration. “Open your eyes, Sparrow.”

  She gasped. Shimmering light encircled her, rose several feet above her head, and extended down into the stone floor of Veersuni.

  Almiralyn’s eyes sparkled. “You are even more gifted than I imagined. Let the shield go.”

  Sparrow mentally saw it dissolve. The shield melted away. “I did it! I really did it. I feel like Ari must have felt when she shaped Ira for the first time. I…” She shook her head and grinned.

  Almiralyn moved to the fountain. “Stand across from me. When I tell you to, I want you to envision a shield of purple flames surrounding Elcaro’s Eye. Infuse it with all the love you can muster.”

  “Why love?”

  “Because love is the best defense against evil. Love will deflect anything negative back to the sender, and it will do so without causing harm.”

  Sparrow thought about the statement. “I think I understand. We don’t want to harm anyone or anything unnecessarily. What if love doesn’t work?”

  “The power for good will then come into play. A choice will be made. If harm is inflicted, it will be because that’s the only way to stop the progress of evil.”

  “I feel like I’m in a philosophy class.”

  Almiralyn regarded her with a teacher’s seriousness. “You are: The Philosophy of The Unfolding.”

  8

  Master’s Reach

  DerTah

  R enn Whalend stumbled down the cliff face trail, fighting both the wind and her fright. Why is Bibeed afraid? Where is she taking me? The woman scrabbling ahead of her cast a worried glance over her shoulder. Wind tore at her dress, whipped it between her legs, and ruffled her short hair into spikes. She struggled to move faster. When she reached the bench, she stopped and motioned Renn to hurry.

  Renn’s too big coat sent her tripping down the last stretch of trail onto the overlook. She skidded to a stop with pebbles flying and her scarf flapping in her face. With an impatient jerk, she righted it and retied the knot.

  Bibeed’s frantic gaze flew up the trail. “We can’t stay here. Please follow.” She knelt, picked up a rock from the top of a pile, replaced it at a different angle, and rotated it. A clanking rattle mixed with the cry of the wind and the crashing chorus of waves beating against the cliff. Within moments, the top of a metal ladder appeared and stopped at knee height.

  Bibeed swung her body onto it and began to descend. “Hurry, miss. He is almost here.”

  Fear of heights kept Renn still. The panic in Bibeed’s wholesome face made her jerk her eyes away from the steep drop to the sea. Grabbing the side rails, she placed her feet on a rung, held her breath, and followed. Part way down, she glanced up at the distant lip of the cliff and wondered if they were climbing all the way to Thera. When she finally reached the bottom, she rested her head on a rough metal rung and worked to slow her breathing.

  “Please, miss.” Bibeed guided her onto a rocky ledge, where the water had just retreated in preparation for its next plunging return. She twisted another rock and listened intently to the ladder clattering back into its hiding place. A look of satisfaction crossed her face. “Come.” She urged Renn along the ledge to a grouping of tall, weathered gray stones and maneuvered her around the two closest onto a stretch of black sand. Hiking up her skirt, she yelled, “Run, miss, or you’ll be very wet.” Without looking back, she dashed toward t
he cliff face.

  Renn grabbed her flapping coat and sprinted, water snapping at her heels like a voracious dog. Bibeed gripped her arm and pulled her into the safety of a protected recess in the towering cliff. Renn brushed hair from her face and studied the woman next to her. “Please tell me what has frightened you. And why we are in danger?”

  Bibeed squinted through the fading light of late afternoon. “I’ll explain once we’re safe.” She tapped a rock with the toe of her boot. The back wall of the recess pivoted inward. Ducking through the narrow opening, she motioned Renn to step through. As the wall swung back into place, she whispered, “We’re almost there.”

  Lifting a lantern from a rock enclosure, she adjusted the wick, passed it to Renn, and pulled a small metal box from her apron pocket. She withdrew a tiny stick, which she pressed between the lid and an attached piece of metal. A quick yank ignited the tip. Shielding the flame, she touched it to the wick, made another adjustment, and lowered the glass chimney.

  Renn shook her head in astonishment. “What an old-fashioned way to ignite a flame.”

  Bibeed gave her a confused look, reclaimed the lantern, and led the way down a roughed out passage that ran back under the cliff. She rounded a corner, and stopped. With the lantern held high, she put a finger to her lips and touched her ear. Renn nodded, straining to hear any sound other than the distant surf and the howl of the wind. Bibeed smiled and dodged beneath an overhang. “We’ll be safe in here.” She held the lantern higher.

  “Oh.” Fighting to accept what her eyes were seeing, Renn pulled off her scarf, shook her hair free, and stared.

  Against a rocky wall rested the wooden hull of a ship that looked as though it had plowed its way under the overhang. Sand and time-smoothed stone formed a floor. Within the curved sides, which remained intact, someone had set up a couple of cots, constructed a table made of sun-bleached boards, fashioned a fire pit, and stacked supplies in a pantry of sorts. She pivoted slowly, absorbing the detail—the wooden deck overhead, the splintered wood where the aft portion of the boat had been torn away, the beautifully carved figure of a woman that lay to one side. “How did it get here?”