Once the battle news had been discussed, Stebben sat back and considered the gold Pentharian. “What brings you to the ranch?”
“Lorsedi sent me to find Desirol and the others. Gerolyn suggested that you would provide a way through the wards.”
Stebben sighed. “Of course. Has she heard anything from Henri?”
The Pentharian pursed red lips, then frowned. “There has only been silence. And what of Nomed? Did he reach Trinuge?”
Allynae responded. “He’s with TheLise. I do believe there’s a romance blooming there.”
A laugh left Stebben looking less tired. “That romance has been blooming since they met in their teen cycles. Nomed just refuses to admit it. TheLise, of course, loves the intrigue and the game.”
Allynae observed the fatigue return. “You’ve know them a long time?”
“Yes. Wolloh began training TheLise when she was fifteen sun cycles. Davin, later to be known as Seyes Nomed, arrived shortly thereafter. They trained together. They were even hidden in a coffin together at one time.” The memory brought a gleam to his eyes.
Allynae leaned forward. “Sounds like a good story.”
“Most definitely. Davin was wanted by the PPP, the Mocendi League, and The MasTer. I will share it with you another time.” He nodded to Yaro. “You are impatient to be off, am I correct.”
The Pentharian rose from the chair, his formidable height towering over them. “I must find the children.”
Stebben, a tall man in Human terms, came to his feet, the top of his head even with Yaro’s collar bones. “I still do not detect them in Atkis. I am hoping Gregos managed to spirit them away before they left an impression. ”
Allynae trailed after them. “Can I help with the wards?”
“You can.” Stebben laid a hand on his arm. “Take us to the arena.”
Allynae gripped Yaro’s wrist and pictured their destination. They arrived in an instant.
Yaro’s lizard-like eyes gleamed. “You are good, brother of Almiralyn.”
The warmth in the words made Allynae smile.
Stebben strode to the center of the arena. “Yaro, fly south along the Peninsula of Trinuge. You’ve studied maps of DerTah, correct?”
“I have, Stebben. Atkis is near the tip on the eastern side. I will find it.”
“Good. Fly straight up. Allynae and I will open the top of the wards. Have Esán let us know when you’ve arrive. Be wary, Yaro. The Astican and the Mindeco have joined forces.”
“I will be watchful. What is your next move?”
Allynae listened with interest.
“We await word from Henri. Until then, we must guard Shu Chenaro. The MasTer would see it destroyed.”
Yaro touched his heart and bowed his head to each man. “Be brave in battle and true of heart.” He vanished into a DerTahan falcon and flew upward.
Allynae and Stebben linked minds and opened an exit. The bird soared through, the exit closed, and Stebben signed to break the link.
For a brief instant, Allynae’s mind struggled to readjust, then settled into its normal pattern. He shook his head. “The complexities of DiMensionery—”
Torgin stood on the deck of the sailing vessel Melback with his heart in his throat. He had never been on a boat and never near an ocean. Even though they were at anchor, all the anxiety that he had shoved away since arriving in DerTah flooded to the surface. It was all that he could do not to throw up over the side.
Gregos eyed him with concern.
Torgin gave a tremulous smile and gripped the ropes hanging from what he had learned was a mast. Three steps took him into the cabin. Pausing for a moment to adjust to the oil lamps that cast yellow light on keatwood tables and benches, he licked his lips and tried to breathe. Ahead of him, Esán and Desirol looked around with easy interest, asked questions, and responded to the ones Tamosh asked. Torgin swallowed and hoped he would not embarrass himself.
Shyllee press her cold nose against his palm and raised dark, intelligent eyes to his face. I’m alright. I’ll get over this . Two more steps down put him in the galley. On the left, the warmth of a wood burning stove chased the cool night air from the cabin; on the other side was a table they were told would lower and make into a bed. Next on the right was the head. He wiped his sweaty palms on his pants. The head was a tiny space with a bucket that would be emptied over the side when it was full. Not even vaguely like a Personal Needs Space . At the bow of the boat, a keatwood door opened into a V-berth where Gregos and Tamosh slept. Des and Esán had already opted to sleep opposite the stove. Torgin and Elf would sleep in two berths on the hatch level.
Gregos sidled by him to a locker opposite the head, foraged around, and produced a pile of bedrolls and small pillows. “Get some sleep. You’re going to need it. Tomorrow you learn how to be members of the crew. We’re up before dawn.” He ducked into the V-berth. Tamosh stepped from the head and disappeared after his brother.
Elf grabbed pillows and bedrolls and trundled up the steps to the hatch level. He pulled his berth from the bulkhead and stacked the bedding on top. With his help, Torgin lowered the chart table and seated it into the benches that rounded it on three sides. Elf handed him his bedding, gave him a shy smile, and slipped on deck to stand the first watch.
A few short steps away Esán and Desirol already slept. Not sure if he was restless or just not sleepy, Torgin opened the hatch and stepped out beneath the three moons of DerTah. Elf, a silent silhouette, stood at the bow. Luminescence played on the water’s surface like paint on SparrowLyn’s canvas. Phosphorescence caught the moons’ light and tossed it around the boat in ever-changing patterns. Torgin, awed by the beauty, felt his fear subside. Fatigue so deep it threatened to drop him on the spot sent him back into the cabin. He used the head, unrolled his bedroll, and stretched out on his back. Shyllee curled up beside him, her head resting on his chest. Absently, he stroked her silky, black fur. His last memory—moonlight streaming through the portholes forming patches of light on the keatwood sole.
Morning came far too early. A hand shook him awake. Esán grinned down at him, excitement radiating like warmth from the stove. “We set sail in a quarter chron cycle. Grab some fruit. Gregos says we can eat more once we’re underway.” He ducked through the hatch. Torgin caught a glimpse of Tamosh and Gregos already on deck and Shyllee with front paws resting on the railing and her nose sniffing the salty air.
He stowed his bedding in the locker and grabbed a purple fruit he didn’t recognize from a small wooden barrel. Elf was nowhere to be seen. Desirol sat at the galley table, his expression blank.
“You all right, Des?”
The RewFaaran continued to stare at nothing. “Just feel strange. I…” He sighed.
Torgin handed him a piece of fruit. “Here. You need food.”
“No, Torgin, what I need is to be rid of the Mindeco. I can feel it in my mind, dark and dangerous and waiting.”
Torgin bit into the fruit. “Whoa. Don’t know what this is, but I feel great, charged up.” He savored another bite. “Try it, Des. I bet if you feel better, you won’t feel the Mindeco so much.”
Desirol bit into the juicy pulp. His eyes rounded. He chewed and swallowed. “That was great! I feel so alive.”
Esán clomped down the steps. “Steero fruit. Corvus brought me some at Shu Chenaro after my assessment with Wolloh. Builds your natural energies. Gregos wants you. We’re ready to go.”
Des followed him up the steps. Torgin trailed behind. Shyllee greeted them with a bark and a wagging tail.
Torgin stepped on deck and latched the hatch in place. He inhaled the fresh air, gazed at the sea, the lavender sky, a white bird soaring by, and grinned. Last night’s fear had receded. Even in the hazy first light of dawn with the sun not yet hosting the turning, no fear tugged at him.
Gregos stood behind the mizzen mast at the helm. Torgin grinned again as he reviewed the terms they had learned last night. Elf and Esán hustled to unlash the mainsail. Tamosh and Desirol conversed
on the bow. Torgin guessed they were getting ready to raise the anchor. Shyllee sat at the stern, wind ruffling her fur.
Gregos called, “Torgin, join me. I’ll show ya how to steer by a compass heading.”
Torgin circumvented a pile of coiled line and stepped up beside Gregos at a wooden wheel.
“Ya’re looking better this morning. I’ve gotta feeling about ya.”
“What?”
“I’m betting ya’re going to love the sea.” He caught his brother’s eye. “Ho, Tamosh prepare to haul the anchor.” Tamosh gave him a thumbs up. “Esán and Elf will raise the mainsail. We have a light breeze, so we’ll ease out of this little bay. Torgin, take the wheel. Use that small island at the mouth of the bay as your heading.” He pointed at a compass mounted behind the mast. “Keep the red line centered right here. Don’t over adjust. Small corrections. Understood?”
Torgin swallowed. “Yes, sir. I understand. You won’t go far, right?”
The laugh lines around Gregos’ eyes crinkled. “I’ll be right here, boy. Look alert.” He gave Tamosh the signal. The anchor chain rattled and clanked. Desirol guided it down through a small hatch to its storage locker below deck.
“She’s free,” Tamosh yelled.
Torgin felt a gentle rock and sway.
“Raise the mainsail,” Gregos ordered. “Go. Keep her amidships, Elf, until I give the word.”
The boys pulled in unison. The sail went up. Torgin eyed the red line and then the small island. The anchor rattled into place on the bow, the breeze billowed the sail, and the boat glided through the water.
The compass heading shifted. He turned the wheel, watched the compass adjust back to center, and looked up to see Gregos nodding his approval.
“I’ll take the wheel.” They exchanged places.” Elf, ya got the lines? Good. We’re sailing close the wind, so stay alert.” He addressed Torgin. “I understand ya’re good at math.”
“Yes, sir.”
Tamosh ducked into the cabin with Shyllee at his heels and tossed a pair of gloves in a bucket.
“Good. Tamosh is going to teach ya to navigate.”
A thrill of excitement made Torgin grin. “You mean he’ll teach me to read charts?”
“And to use a sexton and to help set a course that’ll keep us outta trouble. Are ya interested?”
“Yes, sir, I am.”
Tamosh poked his head out. “Come along then. We’ll get started.”
When Torgin reached the cabin, Tamosh had already spread a chart on the table. The lesson began. Torgin could only marvel at his good fortune.
Corvus faced the group in the door to the prison. They had risked their lives to save his. The saffron moon slipped half way below the horizon. Middle-night approached. Middle-night at Toelachoc Prison could prove deadly for the living, especially the women.
He smiled as red haired twins launched toward him.
“Corvus! Corvus!” they cried, “It is you. We’re so glad to see you again.” They planted a kiss on each cheek.
He held them at arm’s length. “Ari and Brie! It is good to see you both .” He let them go and gathered Henri in his arms. “Thank you, Henrietta, for everything.”
She smiled up at him, her violet eyes gleaming. “It was close, dear boy. Never scare us like that again.”
“I promise.” He took WoNa’s hands. “Thank you, Atrilaasu Oracle, for leaving your safe haven to save me. I plan to repay the favor.”
She lowered her extraordinary eyes. Her snake hissed.
He leaned closer and whispered, “Very soon.” Then he turned to the man who waited half in shadow. “How can I ever thank you enough for rescuing me, for caring for my wounds? I owe you, my friend.”
Roandee shook his offered hand. “You owe me nothing, Corvus Karrew.” He put an arm around WoNa. “I have the thing I have wanted most in the Universe.” Concern clouded the handsome face. “You must leave.” He touched WoNa’s cheek. “I cannot go with you, dearest sister. For now, I must continue my charade. To do otherwise will bring harm to us all.” He hugged her and whispered, “I’ll visit you soon.”
Tears spilled from her eyes as he strode toward the Cliffs of Toelachoc, kcalo swishing and darkness closing around him. She seemed to listen. Tesi gave a long, shrill whistle. The Oracle held out her hands. “Form a circle. We’ll teleport beyond the mountains. I’ll place an image in your minds. Make haste! Calegri reaches its zenith.”
Low, agonizing moans rising in volume from within the prison walls ignited a rapid response. Shoulder to shoulder in a tight circle, all but Corvus closed their eyes. The Oracle recited a songline. Cold night air swirled around them.
The last thing Corvus saw was Toelachoc Prison outlined in cool blue.
The moons and prison vanished. Dim light and the soft splash of water replaced them. Brie broke the circle and looked around. “I know where we are.”
“The Temple of Nesune,” Ari completed the thought.
The twins laughed.
Corvus guided WoNa to a bench beside the HeLew od Metis.
Tesi gave an extended hiss.
Henri pulled out her spectacles. “I have always wanted to visit the temple. Thank you, WoNa.”
The Oracle smiled. “We needed to shelter for the night. Our enemies will be watching for us at Eissua. I believe doing the unexpected is essential to foiling their plans. Please remember to stay on the walkway. The Abyss of the Dead is a most unpleasant place.” She sighed. “I need to rest.”
Brie unrolled her sleeping mat and laid it at WoNa’s feet. “You can have my mat.”
WoNa lay flat on her back, crossed her arms over her chest, and dropped into an immediate and deep sleep.
Ari looked down at her and whispered. “Wow, that was fast.”
Brie linked her arm through her twin’s. “Let’s see what Aunt Henri and Corvus are up to.”
They crossed to the Statues of Sinnttee, where their aunt knelt in front of the goddess Tutsasseen, cupped her hands to catch water from the quartz crystal bowl, and drank. Removing her spectacles, she held them beneath the stream of water. The lavender frames turned to violet and the lenses thinned. Henri dried them and perched then on her nose.
“Ahhhhh. The Goddess of Wisdom—her gifts are many.”
“What happened?” Ari demanded. “Can you see better?”
Henri took them off and tapped her chin. “Let’s just say I can see differently, with more discernment—with the gift of wisdom.” The spectacles disappeared into a hidden pocket in her kcalo. “And you, Corvus, what did Sorttince have to share?”
His response was somber. “I saw a vision, one I hope will come to pass. You’d better rest, Henri. Dawn will arrive all too soon.”
Ari wheedled, “Come on, Corvus, tell us about your vision.”
His dimple deepened. “It’s good to have you back, Ari. My vision is just that—mine—private and personal.”
Brie laughed at her twin’s disappointed expression. “Let’s get some sleep.”
Ari flounced over to her pack and grabbed the mat. Henri had already materialize one for herself and lay on her side, staring at the statues. Corvus sat with his back against a bench, his eyes tracing the intricate pattern of the HeLew od Metis. Brie doubted he’d sleep much. She laid down next to her twin.
Ari squeezed her hand. “It’s nice to be me for a change. Wonder how long I’ve got?” She yawned. “Love you, Brielle.”
“Love you, too, Ari.”
Soft breathing was her only answer. She studied the selenite faces of the statues, each one so different, unique in its own way. Manitullie, the god of youth and young adulthood, stared down at her. Corvus caught her eye and smiled. She moved nearer her sister and closed her eyes. Dreams came quickly.
Corvus sat in the quiet of Nesune and reviewed his return to the world of men. As much as he loved his Karrew form, he felt a reluctance to return to it. He knew in his heart it was safe. The statue’s vision had shown him flying in raven form. Flying to the one I
love.
He blanked his mind and listened. Water trickled from the four bowls of Sinnttee, an occasional soft snore floated aloft, the easy breathing of sleep, nothing alarming. Restless energy left him wide awake. He got to his feet and made an agitated patrol of the area.
WoNa slept with the abandon of one who fears little. Henri, too, seemed unbothered. He stared down at the twins. They slept nose to nose, their fingers intertwined. Red curls intermingled and fell over fair, freckled cheeks. He bent and brushed a curl aside. Enjoy your time together . Straightening, he sighed. I fear it will be short.
Deep longing bubbled to the surface of his thoughts. I’ll come to you soon, love of my life. He eased onto the end of a bench and fixed his gaze on the face of Sorttince. Ebony eyes stared back at him. Introspection . He slipped to the floor and sat cross-legged. With eyes closed, he slowed his breathing. It was time to discover what he had missed during his absence.
25
Master’s Reach
Myrrh
F ury burned in the eyes of the Astican. Bared teeth ground together. The rosebud mouth burst open in a roar of denial that sent water sloshing against the fountain’s sides.
Zugo started to speak. Almiralyn clamped a hand on his and shook her head. No one else moved, only stared in horror at the creature’s image. A new picture formed.
The Mindeco, Rikell, backed away from the furious Davea. “What’s made you so angry?”
The features twisted into a caricature of a child in the midst of a temper tantrum. “We’ve been tricked, imbecile.”
The Mindeco tossed his ugly head from side to side. “Tricked? What do you mean tri—”
“The children didn’t come this way, Rikell.”
Rikell flinched at the sneered use of his name and watched Abarax rocket upward encased in a bolt of lightning, the motion of it great wings sweeping the dried dirt into small tornadoes of dust and debris.
The UnFolding Collection Three Page 26