Everyone gathered around.
Wilith contemplated the symbol. “I’ve seen that somewhere. Where was it?” He began to search through a pile of manuscripts.
Merrilea picked up the journal, flipped through the pages, and smiled. “Here. Look.” She held it out. “I wish we could read this.”
On the last page of the journal, she had found a sketch of the symbol nestled in the midst of the spidery script.
Elae’s heart skipped a beat. “I know what this is. It was described in a book on ancient tools of translation.” As she talked, she sorted through a stack of research materials until she found what she was looking for, flipped through the pages, and began to read.
“The Rimu Minthum, the Eye of the Gods, was created on the planet of Tao Spirian in the early part of Cos vi Drey circa 33 1 31. Used to translate arcane texts, it became known as the Scholars’ Kristl. A disagreement between two groups of distinguished academics resulted in its disappearance. Although it resurfaced on several occasions, it has not been seen for more than one centuria. It was last known to be encased within a stone box, which was said to have been transported from beyond the Outer Rim.”
She looked up. “Can you open it, Almiralyn?”
“I did once. Let’s see if I can do so again.”
Moving her fingers over the left edge, she found the minuscule indent and pressed. The box opened with its muffled crack. She set the top aside and tipped the stone onto her palm.
Merrilea exclaimed, “It’s beautiful. How does it work?”
Elae set the book aside and picked up the journal. “The book says that you place the flat side over the text that you want to translate.” She opened the journal to the first page and placed the Kristl on the first line of text. A glow illuminated the script beneath. Words spiraled up from the page into its center, one by one until it could hold no more.
She placed it on a clean sheet of paper and moved it across the page. Where it touched, it left behind a translation in the same spidery script.
Wilith yawned. “This will take some time. I need a break.”
Elae arranged paper and the Kristl so she could continue. “I’m too excited to take a break.”
Merrilea pulled her chair closer. “Elae and I can begin the translation. We’ll call if we discover anything important.”
Wilith caught the Guardian’s eye. “Perhaps you and I could take a look in the fountain?”
Elae glanced up as they retreated along the corridor of cases. She sensed a difference in Almiralyn, one she could not define. The Kristl hummed beneath her fingers, summoning her back to the task at hand.
Wilith stared into the fireplace in the Reading Room. Almiralyn’s last report suggested that Torgin had escaped the fate of his friends. She had said Renn was safe but nothing more. So where is my son? What has happened to Renn? He rubbed his forehead and frowned. The Guardian had excused herself and recommended he rest until her return. How can I rest when I don’t know what’s happening?
The desire to know more carried him half way to the sanctuary. What am I doing? He glared at the door. I do not need permission to find out about my family . Before he could change his mind, he walked briskly into Veersuni.
The serenity of the sanctuary eased his uncertainty. The quiet soothed his sense of urgency. He stared thoughtfully at the stained glass window. The pattern had changed since his last visit to the fountain. I wonder if it is always changing, like life since my arrival in Myrrh?
Crossing to the fountain, he watched the water flow from the statues upturned palms and the surface ripple in response to each drop. Unsure how to begin, he dipped his index finger, rubbed the wetness between his finger and thumb, and whispered, “Coala Renn Whalend, where are you?”
The water ceased flowing; the ripples stilled. A flash of light skittered over the surface, creating an image in its wake.
Renn sat at a rough-hewn table in the battered remains of an old ship. A Pentharian, three men, and a woman sat with her.
From the descriptions he had been given, he recognize the Senndi brothers and the woman, Bibeed, who cared for his companion. He guessed the gold Pentharian must be Yaro, his son’s heart brother. The third man he did not know.
The shorter of the two brothers stood and offered his hand. “Well, Cayled, if ya’re sure, we’d be honored to have ya crew for us.”
The man grinned. “That’s it then. We can leave. Best way to cross ZaltRaca is by horse and wagon. Neighbor through woods has one we can borrow. I’ll head over to get it. Meet ya up at the cottage in two chron circles. Bibeed can come with me and stay with our friends.”
Bibeed’s face flushed red. “I won’t be left behind, Cay. Where Renn goes, I go. The VarTerel charged me with her safety.”
Cayled shot her a stubborn look. “It too dangerous, Bibeed.”
She folded her arms across her chest. “I’m going, Cay. I can help.”
Renn put an arm around her shoulder. “We will take care of each other. We both go.”
Tamosh’s green eyes glowed with a hint of humor. He glanced at Gregos who grinned at Cayled. “I have learned that to fight the will of a woman is a waste of time, my friend.”
Gregos slapped Cay on the back. “Don’t worry. SeaBella will accommodate us all. Besides, there’s always room for a good cook.”
Bibeed gave Cayled a quick hug. “I’ll be fine.”
He gave her a begrudging smile and then grimaced at Gregos. “Seems I’m out numbered. Let’s make plans.”
Gregos frowned. “I don’t think ya should go alone to get the wagon. We can’t be sure the Mocendi didn’t leave someone behind.”
Yaro fingered the jewel in his earlobe. “I also do not believe it is wise to leave from the cottage. I can carry you, Cayled, and Gregos to your friend. You can arrange for the wagon. I will then make trips to bring Renn and Bibeed and Tamosh.”
Cayled grinned, his rancor forgotten. “You mean we get to fly!”
Yaro smiled at his enthusiasm. “I will shape a vulture. It will be much quicker. And, I believe, safer for Renn Whalend.”
Wilith watched Renn’s slow smile broaden and wished he were there to share her excitement. The image swept across the surface. Colors blurred together and reformed.
Renn listened to Yaro’s last minute instructions, watched him shift to a vulture, and with Bibeed’s assistance mounted. Gold vulture eyes peered back at them. When they were both situated, the huge head swung forward and the creature launched into the air.
“Yeeeeeikes!” Bibeed threw her head back and chortled with delight.
Renn gasped as the beach fell away below them. She scanned the night sky, noted the swath of the stars overhead, and caught her breath at the beauty of golden moonlight highlighting the trees of the woods beneath her. Torgin had flown with Yaro as she was now; Torgin who was terrified of heights. A laugh of amazement danced away on wind that tangled its cool fingers in her hair and made her eyes water.
Too soon the big vulture swooped lower and landed in a field behind a large, shadowy structure. Giggling like a school girl, Bibeed slid to the ground and threw her arms around her brother. Renn stood alone staring up at the heavens.
Yaro materialized beside her. “You look happy, Renn Whalend.”
She laid a hand on his tattooed arm. “Thank you, Yaro. I will never forget the beauty of that ride.”
Torgin’s heart brother bowed his head. A golden-brown braid brushed her cheek. Awe flooded her thoughts. I am so glad for this adventure.
Gregos joined them. “The wagon’s ready, Yaro. We’ll follow the main track to the coast. Get that brother of mine and meet us along the way.” He linked his arm through Renn’s and guided her into the dim interior of the roughly constructed building.
For a moment, she stood still inhaling the scents of life in a barn: hay and horses, the faint smells of manure, mildew, and aging wood. A cat rubbed against her ankle. A cow mooed. Her first time in Mira’s barn burst into memory. Astonishment left
her grinning.
Wilith watched the image fade with a touch of envy. Renn has already experienced in a few turnings more than I have in my lifetime.
Profound silence gripped the sanctuary. A new picture merging into wholeness one constellation at a time side-tracked his discontent.
A midnight sky stretched in all directions. Torgin listened intently to a man Wilith assumed was the new VarTerel. Seyes Nomed, Somay, and a hideous creature that made his skin crawl waited nearby.
Torgin withdrew a compass from beneath his tunic and whispered a question. The needle spun and stopped. The VarTerel raised his staff; the group vanished. Elcaro’s Eye grew quiet.
Wilith sighed. Torgin is so grown up. Renn is preparing for another adventure. With luck, she will be in Myrrh soon. With luck— A nagging fear stirred in his gut. Is there such a thing as luck during The Unfolding?
Jordett gazed from an open window over the city of Idronatti. The light of mid-morning glowed on the tall, gray buildings lining the streets surrounding the Five Towers. The air smelled fresh after a light rainfall at dawn. People were beginning to return to their scheduled lives, their routines re-established by the blow of the whistle that segmented their turnings into exercise, work or school, mealtimes, and sleep.
Below as in all districts, citizens marched along the pristine streets, afraid to look either right or left. For many, it was the first time they had left their apartments since the Mocendi had arrived.
Jordett and the members of JOF had managed to find all but one of Nissasa’s men. No Mocendi had fallen into their net. The fact that The MasTer’s DiMensioners had withdrawn from Idronatti and left Nissasa’s Brigade in charge made him edgy. Something important must be happening elsewhere, something, he felt sure, to do with the twins and their friends.
Teva joined him. “We’ve had word from Myrrh. The journal Almiralyn told us about is being translated.” Her sapphire eyes sparkled. “We’ll know more about The MasTer soon.”
“Any news on where the Mocendi have gone?”
She pursed her lips and shook her head. “We believe their traveling ship is circling DerTah, which is worrisome. They could be gathering everyone there for a return to TreBlaya. On the positive side, word has arrived indicating Wolloh is now the VarTerel of the Inner Universe and Relevart has been initiated as the Universal VarTerel. As of this moment, they cannot be found. They are most likely traveling through Mittkeer.”
“Mittkeer?”
“The place of all time and no time, the place from which the VarTerels travel through time and dimension.”
“Time travel. Jumping from dimension to dimension…” Jordett scratched the stubble on his chin. “Life has become one constant revelation since I first met Henrietta and the twins.” He grew quiet, his thoughts in turmoil. “What’s your next move?”
Teva looked past him to the city beyond. “We are committed to helping you assist the people of Idronatti. As soon as Renn and Wilith Whalend return, we hope to develop a program to help Idronattians begin to take control of their lives. Right now, we are in a waiting game. Anything that changes outward appearances here will alert The MasTer. We can do little except maintain the calm here in the city.” She sighed. “I came to let you know I will be gone for a turning or two. Lenadi goes with me. Akeri will be your right hand until we return.”
He frowned. “Trouble?”
“A couple of Mocendi have been contained in Myrrh. We need to see what we can learn of The MasTer’s plan and remove them from the game. I checked on Dom on my way here. He’s still unconscious. Falind is overseeing the infirmary and the care of the wounded. She’ll keep her eye him. I’ll update Akeri on our progress so she can keep you informed.”
Jordett nodded. “Any news on the Five Fathers?”
“We’re certain they’re somewhere in this compound. Senar and Lavir are searching the lower levels.”
She flashed from sight, leaving him staring out the window. A whistle blew. The streets had gone quiet. Morning exercise was over. The people of Idronatti worked and learned and listened for the next whistle.
How will they manage when the whistle no longer blows, when they can choose to exercise or not, whether to go to work, even what to wear? What will happen when their professions are no longer chosen for them? He sighed. What would I do?
Veersuni echoed with Wilith’s retreating footsteps and the soft close of the door. Elcaro’s Eye glowed in the light from the window. Drops of water played a game of chase on the fountain’s surface. Its song grew still; the water motionless. An image formed.
A man’s sharp, pointed features came into focus. Beady black eyes scanned a room, where four men slept on cots lining the walls. His expression twisted into an angry frown. Again his eyes swept over the room’s occupants. We have been betrayed; betrayed by the Mocendi MasTer and his DiMensioners; betrayed into believing the entire planet of Thera and Myrrh would be ours, that we would no longer be answerable to the Galactic Guardians.
Soru, the man’s second in command, jerked awake. Close-set brown eyes darted around the space. “Anyone come to see us, Viennoc?”
Viennoc shook his head. “We have enough food left for two turnings. I don’t expect anyone before then.”
Soru swung his feet to the floor and rubbed exhausted eyes. “How’d they discover this room? We’re the only ones who know it exists.” He gave the other Fathers a surreptitious glance. “Which one told ’em?”
The speed with which an older man with hunched shoulders and gray hair shot to his feet belied his fragile appearance. He lifted clenched fists. “What makes you think one of us would snitch? Perhaps it was you.”
Soru launched to standing, an ugly scowl on his face. “You little weasel—”
Viennoc cut him short. “Enough.”
Blood rushed to Soru’s cheeks. “Don’t—”
“Now, Soru. If we start to fight amongst ourselves, we will be in real trouble.”
Jarel dropped his fists. “Viennoc is right. We need to work together, or we might not get out of this mess.” He sank onto his cot and tugged at a straggly, gray mustache as Nema and Gnitsy, the remaining Fathers, chorused, “What’s all the racket?”
Nema stretched long, lean limbs and crossed to a table in the middle of the room. He pulled out a chair and lowered onto it. “Suggest you two stop yelling, and we figure a way out of here.”
Gnitsy hauled his rotund body off his cot. Folds of fat jiggled as he waddled to the table. His balding head gleamed in the muted light. Dull brown eyes peered from beneath drooping lids. “Seems like we’re stuck. Only we know how to get in, and we’re all in here. Never thought to make sure we could get out.”
Jarel and Soru sat down on opposite sides of the table. Viennoc observed his comrades in silence. The realization that he disliked them was not a new one. It was, however, exacerbated by several turnings spent in close proximity. He cleared his throat. “Nema, you helped to design this hidey-hole. How do we get out?”
Nema shot him a dirty look. “I created it to keep prisoners in. Unless someone opens the door from the outside, we aren’t going anywhere.”
The heaving power of Gnitsy’s mass sent the table flying and the Fathers scrabbling backward. Chairs crashed to the floor and expletives filled the air. “I’ll get us outta here.”
An uproar ensued. Nema grabbed for his arm and missed.
Soru shouted, “No, Gnitsy!”
Jarel folded his arms and muttered about the stupidity of fat men.
Gnitsy shoved him aside, lunged for the door, slammed a shoulder into it, and howled in pain. Clutching it with a meaty hand, he rounded on Nema. “What’s the da’am door made of you fool.”
Nema slapped his flabby cheek. “I designed this lock-up to keep prisoners in, not to let them escape. The door is steel, you big fool. I’m betting you broke your shoulder.”
Viennoc righted his chair and observed his colleagues from beneath raised brows. Why the Galactic Guardians saddled me with you four
is beyond me . He folded his arms across his chest and prepared to wait for the chaos to settle.
Elcaro’s Eye scattered the image and resumed its drip, drop, drip.
40
Master’s Reach
DerTah & Beyond
B rie didn’t like shifting to anything smaller than a moth. Her recent adventures, in fact, had taught her that she preferred mammals. Bugs seemed disconnect from her humanness. As soon as she crawled through the open weave of the mesh vent cover, she shifted to a mouse and eavesdropped on Vygel’s conversation with her aunt. When the Mocendi vanished, she shifted once again to a moth and began her exploration of the ventilation system. The shaft was round and about the circumference of her Human thigh. Along the bottom curve stretched a brown tube covered with tiny filaments that quivered in the light flow of air. Flying against the slight breeze, she searched for its source. It and the sound of water drew her around a sweeping curve that carried her to the end of the shaft and a round vent. Her attempts to see what lay beyond were thwarted by something flattened against the mesh. Near the bottom edge, she found a spot of light, shifted to a small beetle, and crawled through.
Once on the other side, she scurried down the wall, concealed herself in the shadows behind thick foliage, and changed to Human. Smothering a gasp of astonishment, she tried to make sense of her surroundings.
Lush green with patches of bright color filled the space. Plants and trees grew in every direction. Butterflies flitted from one flower to the other. Jewel-colored hummingbirds whizzed past, their wings a blur. An occasional bee buzzed by. Across the way, a waterfall tumbled over dark rocks and into a pool surrounded by a natural garden.
Shaping a butterfly, she fluttered from flower to flower. The circular space rose several stories high and appeared to be almost as big around as the Five Tower’s compound in Idronatti. At the ground level, camouflaged by taller plant growth, shelved structures covered with a variety of smaller plants followed the curve of the walls. Bark-covered paths meandered through the space like trails in the Terces Wood.
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