Zugo sprinted the length of the room. “What happened, Almiralyn? Why did my father send for you?”
She indicated Veersuni. “Please ask Sparrow and Elae to join us.”
Wilith shook his head as Zugo dashed into the sanctuary. “The exuberance of youth is exhausting.”
Merrilea’s sad, gray eyes followed the young DeoNyte. “Esán was ill for so long I had almost forgotten.” She sighed. “I wonder how he is—where he is?”
Sparrow and Elae entered the Reading Room with Zugo urging them to hurry. They clustered around Almiralyn. After a quick explanation of Stee and Paisley’s visit, she finished with a statement. “We need more information.”
Wilith and Elae said in unison, “I’ll go.”
Merrilea met Almiralyn’s steady gaze. “I want to see what the fountain has to share, but I’m close to something, something that might help Renn. I’d like to continue my research.”
Zugo’s silence and stubborn expression spoke louder than words.
Almiralyn kept her face neutral. “I believe Zugo and Sparrow should come with me. I’ll check in with you when I can.”
Elae hurried from the room. Wilith and Merrilea, deep in conversation, followed at a slower pace.
Zugo relaxed and grinned. “Thanks, Almiralyn. I promise not to be in the way.”
“You aren’t in the way. If I tell you to leave, don’t question. Just go.”
He ran ahead. Sparrow walked beside her.
“You’re quiet, Sparrow. Is something amiss?”
“Nothing I can put my finger on. While you were gone, something about the fountain changed. I checked the wards and they seemed solid.” She shrugged. “I don’t know—”
“Help m—” Zugo’s terror-saturated yell tore throughout the Reading Room.
Almiralyn gripped Sparrow’s arm. “Shields now.” Her own shot up around her.
The scene in Veersuni sent shock waves racing through her body.
Singed velvet curtains hung limp and smoking. The stained glass window glowed red. The fountain’s bowl bore the blackened prints of a hand. On the floor beside it, a crumpled heap of scorched white fur lay half in and half out of a pool of bloodied water.
Sparrow gasped.
Almiralyn’s warning glance silenced her. I need your help . She hoped her telepathic message was clear.
Sparrow stepped up beside her and grasped her hand. Protect Z .
Almiralyn nodded. Together they wrapped the injured body of Yookotay’s son in a blanket of light. It rose above the floor and floated toward them. Slow, steady backward steps took them into the Reading Room. They lowered the unconscious DeoNyte to the floor.
Almiralyn touched Sparrow’s arm. “Get Merrilea.”
Sparrow sprinted for the research level.
One long stride carried Almiralyn to the sanctuary door. She closed and sealed it. Nothing would be able to leave or enter from any entrance including the fountain. If The MasTer’s essence still infused Elcaro’s Eye, he would be trapped.
Kneeling beside Zugo, she laid a hand on his matted side. A lift and fall, so shallow it was almost imperceptible, eased her fear.
Merrilea with Sparrow, Wilith, and Elae burst into the room. Merrilea knelt, her eyes on Zugo. “You moved him?”
“Telekinesis. He has not been physically touched.”
Merrilea ran gentle fingers over his body. “No broken bones, at least not that I can feel. Roll him onto his back. Gently.”
Merrilea pressed her lips together. Almiralyn heard Sparrow’s cry of dismay. Wilith made no sound, only put an arm around the twins’ mother.
“Oh, Zugo.” Elae’s eyes brimmed with tears.
The fur had been burned from his chest. The wrist and palm of one hand blazed red with burned flesh and blisters. His face, contorted into a grimace of pain, looked gray.
Almiralyn allowed herself a moment of anger, then focused. “Elae, take Merrilea with you and prepare Ephos, our healing room. Ask for assistance from the high priestess. Wilith will bring Zugo there as soon as you’re ready. Sparrow stay with him. I will tell Yookotay what has happened and bring Owae. No one approaches Veersuni.”
One thought teleported her to Yookotay’s chambers in Meos. A worried Owae waited for her with medicine bag in hand. The ancient healer led her straight to the ReDael.
Yookotay’s expression told little of his feelings as he listened to Almiralyn’s description of his son’s injuries. When she was done, he sent the young female outside his door to find Zugo’s mother, closed the door, and faced her. “Will he live?”
“I believe so. His hand is burned badly. Efillaeh can heal it once Ari returns to Myrrh.”
“And when might that be?” His pale eyes searched her face.
“I don’t know, Yookotay. I am so sorry. I should have kept him by me.”
The ReDael sighed. “He knew he was not to be in Veersuni alone, and yet he chose to ignore it. Life’s lessons are not always easy. What can I do to help with Veersuni?”
“Have you heard anything from One Man? I need him here.”
“I will see what I can discover.”
A DeoNyte female swept into the room. Silky white fur framed delicate features. “Zugo?”
“Lisseta.” Yookotay put an arm around her. In a grave tone, he shared Almiralyn’s news. “The Guardian will take you to him. He’ll remain in Canedari’s Ephos room until he is healed. I’ll have your things brought to you.”
The soft, blue eyes that met Almiralyn’s were calm. “Please, my lady, take me to my son.” She held out her hand.
Almiralyn took it and slid an arm around Owae’s waist. Both women exclaimed as Yookotay’s chamber disappeared and the walls of the Cave of Canedari closed in around them. Almiralyn led the way though the double doors to the Hall of Priestesses. Elae ushered the two women into Ephos.
Sparrow stepped into the hall and closed the door. Concern deepened the fine lines around her eyes. “He hasn’t regained consciousness. Owae and Merrilea don’t know why. Do you think you can help?”
“That will depend on what transpired at the fountain.”
“What do we do about Veersuni?”
“I’ve sent a message to One Man. When he gets here, we’ll decide the best course to follow. Right now, we need Zugo to wake up and tell us what happened.”
The door opened. Elae stepped into the hall with Wilith. Her face was drawn and worried. “He’s awake but refuses to open his eyes. I think he might calm down if he hears your voice, Almiralyn. Wilith and I are going to continue our research. The more we know, the better our chances of putting a stop to The MasTer.”
“Thank you. Don’t discount the importance of even the tiniest detail.”
Their receding footsteps escorted her into the room. Sparrow stationed herself just inside the door. Lisseta stood at the foot of the bed, watching Owae and Merrilea minister to her son. They stepped aside as Almiralyn approached.
Zugo lay on white sheets. The burns on his hand and chest had been cleansed. He tossed and turned and muttered.
“He refuses to open his eyes,” Lisseta whispered. “I don’t understand what he is saying.”
“I believe he’s speaking TreBlayan. Owae, Merrilea, and Lisseta, please leave us. I’ll call if I need anything. Sparrow, please stay.”
Lisseta paused by the door. “Take care of him, Almiralyn. He is our only child.”
“I promise. Wait outside.”
When the door closed, she beckoned Sparrow forward and spoke in an undertone. “Secure your wards. Be prepared to put an additional shield around me if I need one.” She took a moment to shield herself and turned back to the bed. “Zugo, it’s Almiralyn. Can you hear me?”
The tossing ceased. Pale eyes flew open. The dilated pupils encircled reflected fire. The mouth twisted into a malicious grin.
Almiralyn motioned Sparrow back and made a slow circuit of the bed.
Zugo’s fiery gaze followed her every move. Jumbled TreBlayan spilled from crac
ked lips. The tirade paused. Zugo thrashed his head from side to side, stopped, and looked straight at her. “Help me.” The words were clear and desperate.
Almiralyn put a finger to her lips.
The wicked grin returned. The fire in his eyes grew brighter. A howl of pain ripped through Ephos. His body went flaccid. Consciousness fled.
Nestled in a small circle of burned fur, the tiniest spark of light blinked and was gone. An examination of the area showed her a tiny zigzagged arrow protruding from his temple. She beckoned Sparrow to her side.
Sparrow frowned. “What do we do?”
“Remove it. Very carefully.” Almiralyn loosened a thread from the hem of her shirt and pulled it free. Forming a loop at one end, she tied a slip knot and whispered:
“This thread is strong and will not burn
It carries nothing that can be learned
Make it fast to lightning bolt
Like a feather let it molt.”
The thread hovered above the tiny protrusion. She looped it over the end of the zigzag and pulled it tight. A gentle tug—nothing. With the second, the thread grew taut. The zigzag resisted. She continued to pull. A slight movement… She jerked the thread. The zigzag shot free, flashed bright white, and vanished.
Zugo groaned. Blood-shot eyes fluttered open. Fire no longer blazed in his pupils. He licked his dry lips. A spasmed cough became a moan of pain.
Almiralyn moved closer. “Zugo?”
He took a shaky breath. “I’m so sorry, Almiralyn. I…”
“Shhhh.” She laid a cool hand on his brow.
His eyes closed.
28
Master’s Reach
DerTah
T he whispered breeze of an exhaled breath woke Wolloh from a deep and restful sleep. He opened his eyes to a sight which made his heart leap. WoNa slept beside him. Hungry for the sight of her, he propped his head on an elbow and drank in her beauty—the wild, red hair, the high cheek bones, the child-like innocence of her face in repose.
She rolled from her back to her side. A smile spread from her lips to her magnificent eyes. “You’re awake.”
“I am, dear WoNa.” He took her hand and kissed the palm before touching it to his disfigured cheek.
Gentle fingers searched the terrain of his face—touched his chin, his forehead, his feathered eyebrow—and came to rest on his hair.
Her dreamy smile clung to sleep. She yawned and sat up. “They tell me your hair has turned pure white. I wish I could see.” Her finger trailed over his ear to his shoulder and came to rest.
He sat and pulled her to him. “I’m not surprised. I have been residing in Surazal, where the living rarely go.”
She nestled closer. “What was Surazal like?”
“Bleak and dreary and deathly quiet. Even the tread of my feet was silent. I seemed to walk forever. In rare moments, I thought you might be near.”
Footsteps and the tap of a walking staff stopped by his resting place. “She only left your side to search for Karrew.” Relevart gazed down at him. “You are looking quite well. How do you feel?”
Wolloh savored cool inhaled air and smiled. “I feel good. Thank you for bringing me back.”
“I had lots of help.”
WoNa turned in his arms and pressed a hand to his heart. “Corvus worked his particular magic.”
“Ahhhhh. I remember. The time of reawakening carried much pain.” He looked at his mentor. “I am whole?”
“I believe you will discover you are better than whole.”
“My hair is white?”
Relevart tapped the crystal within the intertwining rowan. The leaves withdrew, the crystal gleamed. He held it out for him to see. A reflection shimmered into focus. “You have fully integrated the osprey.”
Wolloh glanced at his crippled hand.
“The physical damage will always be a reminder of that younger less mature self. You will find the change in your inner being and the powers you steward in this life.” Once again he touched the crystal. Rowan sprigs encapsulated it. “I know you would like time alone with WoNa, but others are anxious to see you.”
Relevart guided WoNa to a chair. Wolloh sat on the edge of the cot. A giggle in the outer cave announced the arrival of Brie and Ari. Corvus and Henri followed. Soon the underground cavern echoed with good cheer. Wolloh absorbed the sense of wellbeing overflowing around him with a bemused smile. The twins stayed close together, starting and finishing each other’s sentences. Corvus conferred with Relevart. Henri and WoNa lavished attention on him until he thought he would drown in it. He was relieved when Relevart rapped his staff on the floor and drew the attention his direction.
“As much as we would like to forget what is outside these walls, we cannot.” He moved to WoNa’s side and laid a hand on her shoulder. “I fear, WoNadahem Mardree, that The Unfolding demands we each fulfill our destinies, and that means we must leave you.”
Tesi appeared at the neck of her kcalo and hissed a series of short staccato sounds. WoNa smiled. “We must do what we must do. Tesi reminds me it is time I return my attention to the Atrilaasu and the needs of the tribe.”
Relevart faced the twins.
Brie’s brown eyes filled with tears. “It’s time, isn’t it?”
“It is.”
Ari hugged her. “Love you, sis.” She stepped back, shook red curls back from her face, and bent to plant a kiss on WoNa’s cheek.
Ira straightened and ran a hand over short brown hair. He looked from one person to the next until his startling blue eyes came to rest on Wolloh. “You’re back.”
“I am.” He smiled. “Thank you.”
Relevart held his staff high. Within the rowan cocoon, the Froetise Crystal glowed. He rapped the ground one time. Ira and Brie vanished. He looked at Corvus. “I send you where you are most needed. Take care.” Another brisk tap and Corvus flashed from sight.
Henri peered at him over her spectacles. “You have a job for me, I presume.”
“I do, Henrietta. Do not despair. Your adventures are not yet over.” He bowed and touched the crystal to her cheek. She melted away.
Nodding at Wolloh, he said, “We must go, as well.”
Wolloh squeezed WoNa’s hand. “I’ll return when I can.”
A clipped rap, rap, rap faded. He stood beside Relevart in the vastness of Mittkeer.
Esán lay on his narrow berth. Gusting wind rocked Melback , pushing her one way, then the other. The calm in between settled her into a gentle sway; the gust rebuilding set her rocking again. He loved the sounds of the wind and the rippled slap of water against the hull. A sense of power he had never experienced quickened the blood in his veins. His heart throbbed to the rhythm of the tides. He felt whole for the first time in his life. A sigh akin to an ocean breeze whispered through him. He knew that if he looked in a mirror, he would see joy shinning in his eyes.
Another gust. The boat danced on her anchor chain. He put his hands behind his head and stared out the porthole. Silhouetted landscape slid by one way, hesitated, and reversed. Lunule, DerTah’s crescent moon, framed momentarily in the porthole’s roundness, delighted him. He smiled to himself and contemplated his time on Melback .
After leaving Atkis, Gregos had taken them on a circuitous route that lasted the full turning. Training had begun the moment the sun peaked the horizon and continued long after they had dropped anchor behind Bockettle Island where, Tamosh explained, Melback could not be seen, but an approaching vessel could be detected from the watch-perch at the top of the main mast.
Gregos’ exacting expectations left the inexperienced crew of Melback exhausted, elated, and sore. Even so, Esán had never seen Torgin so happy. His time with Tamosh learning to navigate left him simmering with excitement. Even Desirol seemed to forget the Mindeco and immersed himself in learning new skills.
A wind gust grabbed the sailboat and swung her to port. Esán smiled. Starboard, port, aft, stern, bow—the terminology seems familiar and comforting. The only thing that wo
uld make the time better… Brielle . He caught the thought and held it close. Why do I miss her so much? Closing his eyes, he called up her image and sighed.
A hand touched his arm. His eyes flew open and widened.
“Hi.” Brie grinned down at him.
Ira stood behind her examining his new surroundings. “Never been on a boat. What’s she called?”
The door to the V-berth swung open. The boat’s captain stepped into the galley with Tamosh yawning behind him. “She’s Melback . ’Bout time ya got here. I’m Gregos. This is my brother Tamosh. Ya?”
“Ira, sir.”
Brie offered her hand. “I’m Brielle AsTar.” She studied him, her expression quizzical. “But you already knew that.”
He placed his palm on hers. “I did, young lady. Wolloh told me ya were a smart one. Good to have ya both aboard.”
Shyllee’s excited bark broke his commanding gaze. Brie blinked.
The dog’s wagging tail and sniffing nose announced her interest in the new arrivals. Ira held out a hand. Shyllee sat and offered a black and tan paw.
Ira grinned and shook it. “Great dog.”
Brie knelt and received a lick on the cheek. Laughing, she scratched the dog’s ears, ran a hand over her back, and gave her a quick hug.
Torgin stuck his head in the upper hatch. “What’s all the—Brie! Ira.” He clattered down the steps. “How’d you two get here?”
Gregos cleared his throat. “Torgin Whalend, ya’ve got the watch. Ya’d best get back to doin’ your job.”
“Yes, sir.” Color flooded his cheeks. He did an about face and ducked out the hatch to rejoin Elf, his watch partner.
Gregos waved Tamosh back to the V-berth. “Esán will help ya settle in. Best get some sleep. We set sail with the sun.” The door closed behind him.
On the berth above Esán, Desirol yawned. “Where’d you two come from?”
The UnFolding Collection Three Page 30