The Shades of Time and Memory

by Storm Constantine

  “We don't know yet,” Seel said stiffly. “He'll live, but... I suppose I must thank you too.”

  “I suppose you must,” Cal said.

  “Ty!” Swift said, in a voice that was rather too jovial. He dragged Tyson toward him, effectively placing him between Seel and Cal. “It's good to see you too. Once we get home, we'll have the biggest celebration Galhea has ever known. It'll be the best medicine for Azriel and Aleeme.”

  From these words, Moon gathered that Swift had not yet seen his son and his chesnari. He felt sick with sorrow for the Parasilians. He expected the healers had kept them away from the pavilions, fabricating some excuse. In their place, he'd want peace and quiet to relay the devastating news of Azriel and Aleeme's conditions.

  Everyhar sat down, and Velaxis came to sit beside Cal, who had now dismissed Seel from his attention. Seel, sitting back by Swift, appeared greatly stunned by the whole business.

  Velaxis touched Cal on the arm. “Are you well?”

  “Yes, tiahaar,” Cal replied.

  “You must speak for Abrimel. He has no champions here.”

  “And I do?” Cal said. He and Velaxis locked gazes and Moon had the strong impression some unspoken dialogue took place.

  “We needed the Freyhellan,” Velaxis said at last. “It was necessary. You couldn't be here. He was the nearest we could get.”

  “You were not one of those who suggested he become Tigron, then?” Cal said acidly.

  “I never suggested that. I merely reported to certain hara what I had heard.”

  “As always,” Cal said. “The perfect agent.”

  “You are here now,” Velaxis said. “When we return to Immanion, we must talk.”

  “Oh, we will!”

  Something about this conversation unsettled Moon, mainly because he had never heard that Velaxis and Cal were particularly well known to one another. Their exchange had involved an unexpected intimacy. But before Velaxis could say more, Tharmifex got to his feet and raised his arms. Conversation around them died away.

  “Tiahaara,” Tharmifex said, “our combined efforts have negated the immediate threat against us, and for this we must congratulate ourselves, not just on the skill of our warriors, but the fact that we were able to work together for a common purpose. I hope we have all learned from this. I hope that those of you who suspected the Gelaming motives in this alliance appreciate we are not bent on accruing power, only co-operation. Soon, we will all return home, to our friends and families and our everyday work, but I hope that in some ways we remain allied. For in unity, there is strength.”

  Tharmifex paused for a moment, and the silence around him was absolute. “It would be wrong to assume this is the end of the problem. Whatever grounds impelled Ponclast's otherworldly allies to act as they did still exist. In Gelaming opinion, we should continue to investigate the phenomenon, and every tribe should have Listeners working closely together, to create a network of etheric protection around the globe. The Hegemony does not intend to plant Gelaming agents within every tribe. We will simply provide training in etheric navigation for those tribes who do not have it. This program should begin immediately. I have already been in contact with Eyra Fiumara, who heads the Listeners' Project for the Hegemony, and arrangements will be made at once with those who need his assistance.” He gestured toward Lianvis har Kakkahaar. “Now, before opening this meeting to questions, tiahaar Lianvis will speak to you concerning intelligence gathered by the Kakkahaar during last night's conflict. Tiahaar...”

  Lianvis got to his feet and fastidiously arranged his robes. “I will be as succinct as possible. We now know that factions beyond this realm compete for resources to be found here. They have hitherto relied upon our ignorance in this matter, in order to conduct their operations without resistance. However, it is now clear that we are, or will be, affected by this competition and we can no longer afford to be ignorant. In Kakkahaar opinion, the Tigron, Pellaz har Aralis, is our most useful and potent resource against any threat posed by the struggle between these factions. The mere fact Pellaz was attacked in the otherlanes some time ago is testament to that. Therefore, whatever our feelings for the way Thiede instated the Tigron, he is a resource we must protect. We should also apply ourselves to discovering what this realm provides to those who seek to harvest from it. We should explore the new realms that Pellaz and his kin have opened up to us. As each tribe should have Listeners at work, so they should also have hara engaged upon investigating the inner realms via the cauldron of creation...”

  At this point, there was a stir at the entrance to the site, and Lianvis fell silent. Moon saw the crowd part to let some latecomers through. It was Galdra har Freyhella and several of his hara. Lianvis remained silent while the Freyhellans came toward the Hegemony. Without speaking, Galdra sat down, his hara around him. He looked only at Lianvis. Moon could see now how similar Galdra was to Cal. His hair was much longer, and he lacked a certain sharpness to his being, but the similarity was unmistakable. Moon glanced at Cal. His skin looked sallow, but his face was expressionless. He stared directly at the Freyhellans.

  Once the Freyhellans were settled, Lianvis inclined his head to them. “Much of what I have said, you already know, tiahaara,” he said. “There is little more to say.”

  “Have you spoken of the sedim?” Galdra asked.

  “No,” Lianvis replied. “That sphere of investigation belongs to General Aldebaran and the Hegemony.”

  “Would you care to speak on that matter?” Tharmifex asked Ashmael.

  Ashmael didn't get up. “The sedim fought alongside us. We have always known they are more than a useful method of transport. We must conclude they know more about what is going on than we do. As to how we persuade them to communicate with us about that, I don't know. It might be they can't. I'm simply grateful that they were there with us. They lost several of their number during the conflict. We have received news from Immanion that more sedim have appeared there. This might suggest the sedim are aware this matter is far from finished. If they see fit to augment their ranks in this realm, well...” he shrugged, “...we can only suppose they need reinforcements.” He gestured at Lianvis. “Of all hara, the Kakkahaar are renowned for their magical abilities. I admit when Tiahaar Lianvis first came to us I was sceptical about what he told us. Now, I have seen inexplicable things with my own eyes, and have revised my opinion. I suggest that the Kakkahaar send hara to Immanion to attempt to work with the sedim.”

  Tharmifex looked around the crowd. “Does any tribe have objection to that? I'm sure tiahaar Lianvis acknowledges that the Kakkahaar have always held a somewhat dark reputation, but I think his hara have more than proved themselves to be part of our alliance. I, for one, am happy to comply with Tiahaar Ashmael's suggestion. Can we have a show of hands in favour?”

  As far as Moon could see, very few hara did not raise their hands.

  “There is one other matter,” Ashmael said. He looked directly at Cal. “You have something to say to us, Calanthe, I'm sure.”

  Tharmifex turned to Cal also. “Do you wish to speak now, tiahaar?”

  Cal waited some seconds, his hands braced against his knees, before he got to his feet. “Yes, I'll speak,” he said.

  Tension came into the air like a whiff of acrid smoke. Moon held his breath. He almost couldn't bear to hear what Cal might say.

  “As you all know, I have been absent from Pell's side for considerable time. The reason for this is that I have been with Thiede.”

  Cal waited to let this fact sink in and for the soft ripple of murmurs to die down before continuing. “Thiede cannot return to this realm, simply because if he does, he would be in great danger. He knows, more than any of us, that higher beings are currently in conflict and that part of it involves our own realm. He knows about our genesis, how and why we are here. This knowledge is what has endangered him. He has intimated some of this information to me, and eventually I will reveal what I know to everyhar. Thiede has taught me certain skills he's le
arned, one of which being how to travel the otherlanes without a sedu. It's possible this skill can be learned by other suitably trained hara too. We need to utilise this talent, because it's clear that Ponclast's hara have it, and presumably it could be given to others who are opposed to us. The main purpose of my training was to assist Pellaz last night, which I did. My absence from this realm was unavoidable, but essential.” He smiled savagely at Galdra. “I can only extend my gratitude to those who were able to take on part of my role when I was unable to do so. To echo Tiahaar Calvel's words, we have learned it is important for us to work together. I thank you.” Galdra did not even flinch. He felt Cal's gaze steadily, expressionless. Cal inclined his head to Galdra, then turned back to face the main company. “Now that I can once more fulfil my duties as Tigron, I intend to apply myself to furthering this aim. The Teraghasts must be shown compassion, as should all remaining Uigenna and Varrs on this continent, and other tribes of similar nature further afield. Tiahaar Calvel spoke of strength in unity, and he is right. But with unity should come tolerance and empathy. We must put aside petty squabbles, stand back, and see our situation from a higher perspective. We are not human; we have been given many privileges. It is time to stop abusing and misusing them, and to fulfil our potential. We are Wraeththu, unique and splendid. I have the greatest faith in my own kind.”

  Once he'd finished speaking, hara began to applaud him. Moon didn’t blame them. Swift har Parasiel stood up and many other hara did also, including Seel, which was rather a surprise. Hara from the more ebullient tribes cat-called and whistled. Cal merely smiled and bowed. His clear musical voice, perfectly pitched, had been that of a great leader. He hadn't said much, but he'd inspired confidence and courage, through intention rather than words. He inspired hope for all that could be, standing before everyhar to display the wounds he'd received in battle. He could reach hara from other tribes far more easily than Pellaz could, simply because he was closer to them in spirit. He spoke with sincerity and nohar present could be under any illusion that he would shrink from helping them or speaking for them, if they wanted him to do so. He was their champion in the Hegemony of Immanion. Moon glanced at Galdra, and saw that the Freyhellan looked utterly defeated, as so he was.

  Tyson wrapped an arm around Moon's shoulders. “I want to go home,” he said.

  “Oh, me too,” Moon murmured. “The sooner we get started on the journey, the better.”

  Unfortunately, this wish was not to be granted, because the meeting continued for some time, as various tribe leaders stood up to say their piece. Moon wished he and Tyson could just slip away, but that was impossible because of where they were sitting. Eventually, however, Tharmifex brought proceedings to a close and hara began to leave the site.

  Swift came to Cal's side again. “Where will you go now?” he asked.

  “To Immanion,” Cal said. “Well, in a day or so. Just a few things I need to finish here... meeting hara and so on.”

  “You know you're welcome in Galhea whenever you want to visit,” Swift said.

  Cal laughed. “I think we need to give Seel a little more time before planning holidays.”

  “Nothing is impossible. We've seen that.”

  “There will be no reunion,” Cal said, “but tolerance might one day be possible. And empathy, of course. Can't forget empathy.”

  Swift smiled and slapped Cal on the arm. “Be well, my friend. Please stay in touch – close touch.”

  Cal nodded and embraced Swift closely for some moments, watched from a distance by Seel, who was clearly far from happy.

  “Well,” Cal said to Moon and Tyson, “you should go back to Galhea too. Come to Immanion in a couple of months. I want to talk with you.”

  “We'll come with you now if you wish,” Tyson said.

  “No, Cobweb will need you. Who knows what you'll find back home? Some rebuilding will be required, I think.”

  “We'll go to Imbrilim first,” Swift said. “It'll take Cobweb a while to get back to Forever. There are a few things I want to attend to with the Gelaming before returning home. I want you with me, Ty. Your feckless days are over. You are now a Parsic power. Get used to it.”

  Tyson's shoulders slumped. “If you insist.”

  Cal laughed. “I hope we all see each other again soon, regardless. I too have unfinished business to attend to.”

  At that moment, somehar spoke behind him, in a soft, low-pitched voice. “Tiahaar Calanthe...”

  Moon turned at the same time Cal did, and saw that the voice belonged to Galdra har Freyhella. Up close, he was stunning to look at.

  Cal's body visibly stiffened. “Tiahaar,” he said. “You are returning to Freygard now?”

  “Yes,” Galdra said. “I am.” He paused. “You spoke well. I'm glad you're back.”

  “Thank you,” Cal said. “I appreciate your words, although under the circumstances, there is little else to be said. You had your moment, tiahaar. Remember it fondly.”

  Hara had begun to move away from Galdra and Cal, no doubt driven by embarrassment.

  “Yes,” Galdra said coldly. “I had a moment, as you put it. And you need have no fear that I'll forget it. You are in your place, and I am in mine. I am content with that.” With these words, he bowed and then walked away, signalling to his hara to follow him.

  “That was cryptic,” Tyson said.

  Cal stared after Galdra. He said nothing.

  Chapter Forty-Three

  As Lianvis har Kakkahaar advised, Tharmifex had arranged for Peridot to transport Pellaz back to Immanion almost immediately. After only a few hours, Pellaz had recovered physically, but had still felt dazed, confused and lethargic. Because of his condition, Tharmifex had travelled beside him, guiding both Peridot and his own sedu. Once the sedim had broken through into a balmy Almagabran evening, Pellaz had collapsed. It seemed the otherlane jump had used up the last of his energy. The time allowed for his recovery in Megalithica had been too brief. Tharmifex had taken the Tigron directly to the infirmary.

  Now, two days later, Pellaz still lay in an infirmary bed, under strict instructions from Sheeva not to move. He was not badly injured, but his etheric body had taken a battering. To help it recover, his physical body must have total rest for at least a week. Pellaz felt numb, yet at the same time ached with a kind of grief that was so passionate it was almost pleasurable. Now that the conflict was over, he half expected Cal to disappear into some other realm again. Why hadn't Cal been to see him immediately? Pellaz knew, because Tharmifex had told him, that Cal had been present at the Grissecon site. He knew what Cal had done there. Maybe, because of what he'd seen, Cal had no intention of coming home. Pellaz had sought to punish both Galdra and himself. At the time he'd really wanted Galdra to stop his heart. The moment he'd seen Cal in Fulminir was the moment he'd realised how much he'd betrayed Cal. He had allowed himself to fall in love with somehar else, and surely that was impossible? Cal was his life, his soul mate. The conflicting feelings made no sense. All Pellaz knew was that he hadn't questioned why Galdra hadn't been to see him. Whatever they felt for one another, it was over. It had to be, whether Cal returned to Immanion or not.

  Pellaz sighed deeply, staring out of the window at the Infirmary gardens. He listened to the sounds his body made, which were loud in his ears: the beat of his heart, the gurglings of his gut, the sigh of his breath. Sheeva had been to see him only half an hour before, and had left him alone to digest some rather startling information.

  Pellaz sensed he was being watched and turned his head, a movement which made his eyes ache.

  Cal stood at the threshold to the room, head cocked to one side. “Hi. Can I come in?”

  Pellaz dared not risk a nod. “Yes.”

  Cal came to stand at the foot of the bed. “How are you feeling?”

  “Flattened. You?”

  “Fine. The Parasilians are coming along, too. I visited Azriel just before I came here. He could talk sense to me. With Aleeme, it could take a while. Cobweb and Snake ca
me to Fulminir. Snake looks amazing...”

  “Shut up,” Pellaz said. “I couldn't give a damn about any of them at the moment.”

  Cal pursed his lips. “Just trying to make conversation. What do you want me to say?”

  “I don't know. I really don't.”

  “Hmm.” Cal scratched at his hair, leaving it sticking up on his head. Clearly, he hadn't washed it too recently.

  “You were never there,” Pellaz said. “Never when I needed you. Do you know that? I idolised you, but you had to go mad for no reason whatsoever and kill Orien. You were just too stupid and wrapped up in yourself to investigate sensibly. You could have found me. But no. It was easier to play the mad har. I ended up blood-bonded to Rue because of that. Neither were you here in Immanion before we went to Megalithica. You weren't here and somehar else was. You ran out on me. I wanted you so badly. What were you doing?”