The UnFolding Collection Three

by S. K. Randolph

  “I cannot remain here when Corvus is in need and—” The small snake crawled up her kcalo sleeve and disappeared. “I do know the danger. It is no more for me than for you. Let us rest and prepare. Narrtep will take you to your tent. We will leave before the sun rises. Sleep well.”

  Henri placed a kiss on her forehead. “And you, my friend.”

  WoNa’s protector met her at the cave entrance. “Miss Henri.” He bowed low. “The Atrilaasu welcome you to Eissua. It has been many sun cycles.”

  “It is good to see you, Narrtep. I wish I were here under better circumstances.”

  He pulled aside the flap of her tent and followed her into its dim confines. “She is determined to accompany you. I must remain here to protect our people.” He gave her a look bathed in secrets. “Promise you will watch over her.”

  “I give you my word.”

  He bowed again and left. She glanced around the small tent, felt the faint presence of its previous guest, and pulled out her spectacles. Tap, tap, tap sounded softly against her palm. “We will come to you soon, Water ConDria.” Tap, tap, tap.

  In the Tinga Forest, Brie caught her breath. Henri is here in DerTah . She started to say something, then stopped. The message was private, a secret between them. Besides, her friends had enough to deal with. Ira was still in shock. His fight with Desirol had left him shaken. Esán talked with him in quiet tones, helping him to understand telepathy and how it worked, and teaching him how to mask his thoughts.

  Desirol refused to speak to anyone. His nose was swollen and an eye black. Brie hoped he wouldn’t do anything silly. She hadn’t told him the Mindeco was closing in on them. Esán knew, but then he missed very little. If Des goes wandering off again… She hated to think what might be the outcome.

  Torgin sat by himself in the gathering dusk, squinting at the face of the compass. He frowned, looked up, and beckoned her over.

  “Do you think whoever messed around with Esán and Ira’s minds could affect the way the compass works?”

  She sat next to him. “Why? Is something wrong with it?”

  “I don’t think so, but it doesn’t feel right either.” He removed the thong from around his neck and placed the compass on his palm. “Watch. Show the way to Atkis.”

  The compass remained quiet. The needled didn’t move. The compass face didn’t shift. Quite suddenly, the needled spun counter chronometer-wise, the opposite of normal. It stopped pointing where it had begun and nothing else happened.

  Brie frowned. “Let’s get the others over here—”

  A foot kicked Torgin’s hand. The compass went flying. Desirol strode after it and picked it up.

  “Oh so clumsy, Idronatti boy. Now what are you going to do?”

  Torgin started to rise. Brie held him quiet. “That wasn’t necessary, Des. Please give the compass back to Torgin.”

  “RewFaaran men don’t take orders from little girls.” He clutched the compass in one hand and dragged her to her feet with the other. “From now on, I’m in charge. I want the Remembering Stone and the sacred knife. Now.”

  Ira growled, “What the heck, Des, did the Mindeco grab you back there? We’ve already been through this. Let Brie go. Give Torgin the compass. And for the love of Thera, grow up.”

  Desirol started forward, slammed into something invisible, and stopped. His angry gaze fastened on Esán. “How dare you put a shield around me!” He beat a fist against it, grimaced, and shoved his hand in a pocket.

  Esán spoke quietly. “Your father would be very disappointed in your behavior. He wanted you to come with us because he knew you would be safer than with him. We’re tired of being berated and delayed by you. Either give Torgin the compass, or I will take it from you. Then you will need to decide if you would rather go back to Shu Chenaro by yourself or come with us.”

  Desirol hid the compass behind his back. “My father needs this compass, and I intend to take it to him.”

  The compass flew from his hand to Esán’s. “Torgin has been charged with keeping it safe. Until that changes,” he passed it back to Torgin, “your father will have to wait.”

  Brie whipped around, eyes searching the darkness between trees. “It’s here. The Mindeco is here. I can feel it.”

  Desirol turned deathly pale. “I’m s-s-s-sorry. D-d-don’t l-leave me.”

  Esán motioned everyone into a tight circle. “No one’s leaving you. Brie, be ready to set up shields. Torgin keep the compass handy in case we need it. Ira be ready to use Efillaeh. Surround Des, backs to the center of the circle.”

  As he finished his instructions, a howl shook the trees and foliage. The towering Mindeco, his single eye burning in the center of his forehead, burst into the open. The bear-like skull lowered. A growl rumbled. Even in the murky light, he looked terrifying.

  Brie felt her friends, right, left and behind her. The smell of fear scented the air. Only Esán remained calm. No one moved. Her shields joined with his.

  The Mindeco lumbered closer. “I want the boy called Desirol.” Wide nostrils flared. “I smell you, brother of Nissasa. I want your body, your mind, your life. Come to me, or your friends die one by one until only you will be left, a friend killer. You’ll beg me to take you.”

  He prowled the perimeter of the shields. Brie shuddered, remembering their last encounter—remembering Yaro. This time there were no adults to help. She squeezed her eyes shut and concentrated. Huge fists made contact. The shields shuddered with each resounding blow. She struggled to keep her focus. The breath of death showered down on them. Beside her, Esán fought with all his strength. Another blow. The shields splintered into nothing. Her temples throbbed from the effort. Esán crumpled to his knees. The Mindeco threw back his head and roared his triumph.

  A hand grabbed her arm. Ira half dragged, half carried her away from the creature from RewFaar. Torgin pulled Esán to his feet. They stumbled to circle Desirol. Long, boney fingers plucked him from their midst and held him, dangling like a puppet over their heads.

  From somewhere above, a thunderous, high-pitched screech sent leaves cycloning into the air. Branches crashed to the ground as the winged creature from the hornet tree plunged earthward. The Mindeco’s single eye bulged. Desirol crashed to a heap on the ground and lay still. Esán and Torgin dragged him behind a tree. Ira helped to lift him into a crevice between two large roots. Brie knelt next to him.

  The mammoth creatures postured, ready for battle, lunged through the air, and met in a tangle of arms and legs. Forest growth flew in all directions. Grunts and growls accompanied their tumbling descent to the ground. Wings lifted the scaled beast above the Mindeco. Talons raked along his lean, leathery arm. Howls of rage shook the trees. The Mindeco crouched, leapt, caught an armor-covered leg, and hauled his enemy from the air. The thud of fists against flesh thundered again and again. The antagonists broke apart. The Mindeco snarled and retreated. Eyes gleaming, his adversary stopped its advance. A conniving expression formed on the angelic face.

  Brie cradled an unconscious Desirol in her arms. The Star of Truth blazed a warning. Her heart beat so loudly she couldn’t think. Panic built like a geyser in her mind. She glanced at Esán. “We can’t stay here.”

  He dropped to his knees and gripped her shoulder. “Ira, grab Torgin and hold onto me. It’s time to teleport.”

  The last things Brie heard were the frustrated howls of their enemies.

  Nomed pressed owl wings faster. Although he had promised to rejoin Henri after he checked on TheLise, time spent in Wolloh’s library had netted him some much needed information and also a couple of unwanted surprises. One had left him frantic to find his nephew. A passage in a little known book regarding the planet of TreBlaya had brought to his attention the Astican Davea. The MasTer of the League had been known to use the services of an Astican, one with the ability to shift shape. Most often seen in its true form, it was a winged creature with thick, leather scales and a muscular body with taloned feet and hands. Its cherubic face was benign, even bea
utiful. Its intent was neither.

  A Mindeco and an Astican— The children are in grave danger. My promise to help find Corvus will have to wait. Henri is more than capable of taking care of herself. Corvus is a grown man. Esán’s need is greater.

  He pushed his owl body to maximum speed as he drew closer to the Trinugian border. Thoughts buzzed in his brain—bees in a hive—busy with possibilities. He masked them and kept flying.

  It took him from sunset to Tri-Nular to reach TheLise’s home in Trinuge. When he arrived, the rounded crest of DerTah’s third moon had just risen above the horizon line. He shifted to Human on the balcony outside her personal suite of rooms and peeked in the window. He had no desire to run into Roween Rattori.

  Seeing nothing to indicate that TheLise was within, he prepared to present himself at the front entrance. A brief, whispered thought kept him where he was. TheLise was on the way. He turned and placed his hands on the rough stone of the balcony wall. The Dreelas ancestral home was a stately old mansion surrounded by beautifully manicure gardens. Beyond them stretched the ocean, its vastness highlighted by three moons. The view was breathtaking. I wonder why I haven’t purchased property near water?

  The quiet opening of a door and the rustle of silk announced TheLise’s arrival. He smiled as she joined him. Warmed by the light of three moons, luminous gray eyes flecked with amber gazed back at him. Her dark hair framed a face so lovely it made his heart race. She was almost his height, slender, and lithe. He had adored her from the moment they met when she was fifteen, and had grown to admire the woman she had become. Knowing she awaited a compliment, he said, “How are you weathering Roween’s visit.”

  Her mouth turned down in a pout. Her eyes sparkled with laugher. “You look wonderful, too, Seyes.” She rubbed her chin. “Growing a beard?”

  He laughed. “You know how beautiful you are. I don’t want to spoil you with compliments. I haven’t had time to shave. It has been a difficult time.”

  “Wolloh—”

  His quelling look received a nod. He slid an arm around her waist and pressed his cheek to hers. “We need to talk in private.”

  She leaned her head on his shoulder. “Hang on.” A soft whoosh and they stood in a gazebo near the water’s edge. Her voice grew low and husky. “Relevart stopped here and told me the news.” Tears made her eyes even more stunning. She blinked and brushed a glistening droplet away. “Nissasa was here earlier. One of my gardeners saw him arguing with his mother. He took off in a huff. Roween’s maid told mine when she got back to her room, she threw a temper tantrum. Her entire staff has been tiptoeing around ever since.” TheLise walked through moonlight and shadow to sit on a bench. “I’m fine. Just bored to tears. So, why are you here?”

  He sat beside her. “We knew Nissasa was headed this way and didn’t want to leave you entirely on your own. One Rattori is bad enough. Together, they are deadly.”

  She slipped a hand into his. “Since he is gone, will you go back to Shu Chenaro?”

  “I need to find Esán and his friends. They are in the Tinga. And if that isn’t a big enough challenge, a Mindeco and an Astican are pursuing them.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “The Mindeco made it through the wards?”

  He nodded.

  “So Nissasa sent his pet after them. I don’t know which is worse, it or the Astican. Do you know who controls the Davea?”

  Nomed bent closer and whispered. “The MasTer—”

  She gasped, “The leader of the Mocendi League! Nomed, we have to find them and quickly.”

  “I will leave in the morning to do just that. You will continue to keep an eye on Roween.”

  Her sudden quiet lapped against his resolve. She sat straighter. Light from the moon Calegri colored her eyes a cool blue-gray. “Don’t try to leave me here, Seyes. I can help. I need to help. My instincts tell me you’ll need it.”

  “What about Roween?”

  “I’ll tell her I have business to take care of in the Cartatt. Tissent will watch her and so will my Major Domo. He is discreet. Both can use telepathy. They’ll let us know if she becomes a problem. I can teleport back immediately.”

  He squeezed her hands. “You almost have me convinced.”

  She brushed a kiss across his lips. “I’m coming with you. We’ll leave at first light. You’ll have to sleep in my room.”

  He put an arm around her. “You are a minx, TheLise. I don’t suppose you have any food in your room.”

  She laughed. “I ordered it before I joined you on the balcony.” Soft light flashed.

  Nomed stared at a table set for two. Candles sprung to light. She lifted a silver cover and revealed a Trinugian trout in a bed of steamed sea asparagus. “Fresh caught this afternoon.”

  He pulled out her chair. “A good meal and then we have plans to make.”

  The meal was delicious, the company delightful. They discussed options. TheLise sent a message to Roween and Tissent, advising them that she would be in the Trinugian capital of Cartatt for several turnings. When the meal had been cleared, she slipped away to meet with her Major Domo and then to confer privately with Tissent.

  The suite was now quiet. TheLise had gone to bed. Nomed stretched out on her sofa, staring at the ceiling. An Astican and a Mindeco… His errant eyebrow arched, then lowered. We must find the children first.

  15

  Master’s Reach

  Myrrh & Thera

  T he High-Speed Riatrain shot through the tunnel headed down-city. Jordett would have preferred a District train that stopped every six blocks. A High-Speed gave him limited options for escape. Only three stops until the Five Towers .

  Air whistled by. Nothing else moved. The four PPP patrollers remained in a tight formation around him, their backs to the surveillance lens. Tension threatened to undo his carefully preserved calm. He forced himself to stare at their backs…to trace the seams of their uniform jackets.

  The train rounded a slight bend. The next station flashed by, a blur of PPP patrollers standing equally spaced along the platform. Two more stops . The train shot down the tunnel. A patrolman pointed a small device at the lens and clicked, then motioned Jordett to lie on the floor well clear of the doors. Puzzled, he obeyed. The four patrollers joined him. Another station flashed by. Idronatti Central is next, Idronatti Central and the Five Towers.

  Again tunnel walls closed around the train. The patrollers hurried to their feet. One pulled him to standing, took off his detention bands, and motioned him to remove his jacket. The patroller peeled off his as well, turned it inside out, and handed it to him. Jordett noted the general’s insignia and slipped it on. A hat exchange followed. A general’s insignia also decorated the one he put on his head. He was then nudged toward the door between cars. From the corner of his eye, he counted the glowing block markers. Only ten blocks to the Five Towers . The train braked and slowed to a crawl. A cloud of white vapor misted the air.

  A patroller yanked open the door, stepped between cars, and disappeared. The train inched forward. A second patroller vanished after him. Jordett was next. Fastened to the tunnel wall in front of him were two metal rungs, one at foot level and one the level of his chest.

  “Go.” The patroller’s directive held a note of urgency.

  Jordett grabbed the chest high bar and jumped from the car. To his left the first two patrollers clung to identical rungs. The train continued its slow progress until the final patroller hugged the wall. A rush of air announced its return to full speed.

  Jordett smashed his hat down on his head and squeezed his eyes shut. A rush of air plastered his uniform to his body. The high whine of the racing train vibrated in his head. Silence, when it arrived, seemed to hold the vibration long after the train had become a speck of black in the long, white tunnel.

  Majeska trotted beside the Ria track. Mimicking his captors, Jordett jumped to the ground. In single file, he and the patrollers jogged along the wall to a touch pad. The patroller with the small black box aimed and clicked. A do
or opened. Another short jog brought them to a staircase. Still in a single line, they filed up. At the top, they found another touch pad. Point and click. Another door slid open. Like a gray shadow, Majeska slipped out. The patrollers waited, tension radiating in waves off their bodies. A soft meow erased it.

  A patroller nudged him forward. Anada grasped his arm, guided him into the back seat of a RiaTransport, and climbed in beside him. A tap on a glass partition between them and the driver set the Ria-T in motion. Jordett glanced out the back window. The patrollers had vanished.

  Kieel had kept his head down and wished again he were home surrounded by fellow Nyti. Jordett was in trouble and there was nothing he could do but wait. The motion of the train, the stop, Jordett moving, the wall pressing into him, the whining cry of air…all left his stomach churning and him relieved he’d already lost his lunch.

  When the tension holding Jordett rigid eased, Kieel stirred, straining to hear.

  Jordett took a brief moment to gain his bearings. Anada’s smile was constrained, her eyes uneasy. His gaze switched to the driver and back. “Talk?”

  She nodded. “It’s Sagus.” Removing her cap, she ran fingers through her short, blonde hair. “I’m sorry we had to put you in a sketchy situation, Major. We received information that the PPP had seen you enter the RiaTrain station and planned to arrest you at your first stop.”

  “The four patrollers?”

  “You’ll meet them at the safe house. They’re briefed and ready to help us take back the city.”

  “And the driver of the train?”

  “You’ll meet him, too.”

  “Sounds like you’ve been busy.”

  “Yes, sir, we have.” She handed him a PPP ID card. “Please learn your new sun cycle date and officer code.”

  He examined it, front and back and committed the unfamiliar name and information to memory. “General Hedi. I like it.” He tucked it in the inside pocket of his jacket. “I’m impressed. My picture, the height and weight, everything looks correct. Whoever did this is very good.”