by Dale Furse
‘Can I speak to Nadar?’ Nell asked her father.
‘Well, you can try. He is still quite ill. Can I ask why?’
‘Pages are torn out of the book and I want to know what was in them.’
Nell's father jutted his chin at the door. ‘All right, you can go.’
Nadar lay on the examining table. He was alone.
‘What happened to the other pages?’ she asked without preamble.
Dull grey eyes stared at the ceiling.
Letting her fingers rest on his ungloved hand she was amazed he didn't object. His mind was in complete disarray. Only shaky images of the writings of Wexkia floated through it. However, she did learn that he had no idea where the pages were. They had already been taken by the time he obtained the book.
Realising how tormented Nadar’s subconscious was, guilt stung her heart. She had done that to him. ‘I’m so sorry, Nadar,’ she said silently, digging a little deeper, ‘But I can feel you are already getting better.’ Thankful, she quietly left the room.
‘What will happen to him?’ Nell asked, as she rejoined her father.
Her father’s expression said he was pleased that she cared. ‘The authorities couldn’t question him, so we'll have to wait for him to mend. Then he will stand before the Corl elders.’
‘I didn't know Corls had elders.’
‘They are nearly never called upon. The Corl Council issues the laws and manages the economy. However, Nadar was a council member and his punishment can only be handled by a higher authority.’
‘What are they like? The elders, I mean.’
‘I have never met any so I cannot say. I think they are more like monks and work in isolation.’
Nell thought about that for a moment. The elders will want to know about the Book of Wexkia. Surely they would see her. When that thought entered her mind, another pushed it aside. The elders might only be interested in the people of Corl. ‘They might believe Nadar,’ she said.
‘That is not likely. The elders admit only the most gifted scientists and explorers into their assembly. That is how Corl technology has evolved. Their explorations, discoveries and inventions are unsurpassed throughout the known universe. They expect Corls to be beyond treachery. All are taught, from the moment they can speak, they are mediators and a peaceful people. That is their reason for being, so I'm sure Nadar will be punished.’ He leaned on the desk. ‘Are you ready to tell me everything?’
Kandar entered the room before she could answer. ‘Nell, do you have any objections to Corl translators transcribing the book?’
Her heart dropped along with her face. It's mine, she wanted to shout, but said, ‘No, as long as they can be trusted to translate it word for word.’
‘We will have five people translate it separately. Don't fret. They will be kept in isolation until it is done.’
Nell's mood lightened. She would never have thought to do that.
‘It is your father’s wish; the book will be handed to the Phib council when they are finished.’
Nell turned to her father. ‘Why?’
He smiled. ‘Because, sweetie, they are my people and I am a member of the Linque Council. It is my duty to honour that position. If and when you feel the need to see it again, I am certain it will be made available to you.’
She thought about that for a moment. Where else would it be safe? She didn’t like the idea of it staying on Corl and that left only Wintar or Phib. Phib was her father’s race and at least he would have some control of it. Yes. That was the best place for it. She beamed at her father. ‘Thank you,’ she said in a voice slightly higher than normal.
Kandar's eyes twinkled as his fingers brushed her wings. ‘I’d better send that physician in for you.’
When they were alone once more, her father held her hand. ‘I was so frightened for you,’ he said.
The warmth in his voice and touch made her remember, he wasn’t just anybody. He was her father. She told him every detail of her actions, thoughts and feelings.
Throughout her story Nell was amused to see his expression change from thoughtful to stunned to amazed, sometimes shocked and alarmed, other times, proud and adoring. However, he never interrupted and he kept her hand in his.
When she had finished her tale, he kissed her on the forehead. ‘You know how much I love you, don't you?’
‘Of course, Dad.’ She thought about the misheard conversation and guilt filled her. ‘I do now,’ she told him silently.
‘Good, and don't forget it.’ He kissed her again and stood up. ‘I think there might be a couple of people eager to see you.’
She jumped to her feet with a clack of claws.
When her father opened the door, Sam and Cay-Meka nearly fell into the room. They had obviously been trying to listen, and embarrassed at being found out, both blushed, although only dots of pale crimson glowed high on Sam's cheeks.
‘Wow,’ Sam said, unashamedly looking Nell up and down repeatedly, only pausing on the wings and talons with each pass.
‘I'll come back later,’ her father said with a laugh.
‘I am glad you're all right,’ Cay-Meka said.
Nell knew Cay-Meka was sincere. ‘And I'm glad you are too.’
Cay-Meka's face took on a look of admiration. ‘Your wings are so beautiful. All different shades of purple and they shine so bright, I'm sure they would glow in the dark.’
Nell clunked to the wall beside the door and turned her back to the long mirror. She crossed her arms. Holding her body still with her hands, she twisted her head as far as she could towards her reflection. Her wings weren’t just beautiful, they were wondrous. She spun around keeping her eye on her image. And her cousin was right. With each slight movement, her wings changed colour successively, purple and lavender, mauve, lilac, plum and violet. Then they were lavender again.
Nell laughed and held a foot out at Sam, who hooted as he touched each of the talons in turn. She didn't think they were ugly any longer; they were iridescent orange and, she thought, quite elegant. The colour reminded her of home. It was the same burnt-orange as the reef that fringed Cape Hollow, when it was still wet from the receding tide and the setting sun sprayed its last rays of light over the masses of misshapen coral. Homesickness washed over her.
‘Ooh,’ Cay-Meka cooed, stroking Nell's wings. ‘They're magnificent. They look fragile but feel stronger than a skark.’
So caught up were they all in Nell’s transformation, no one noticed another visitor enter the room. ‘You can put them away in here young lady,’ a man’s voice said. ‘A restoration is no place to be flying about.’
Nell turned around. A stern looking Cay-reace stepped through the open doorway.
She instinctively drew back, until she heard Kandar's low laugh.
‘Nell, say hello to your physician,’ he said. ‘Now, Cay-reace, be courteous.’
His white hair had grown a little and he looked extremely official. ‘I need a Wintar doctor,’ Nell said.
He smiled widely and dimples appeared in his cheeks. ‘Come in,’ he called over his shoulder.
A Wintar nurse entered the room.
Nell was relieved and smiled at her. Although Cay-reace didn’t look tired any longer – in fact, he looked younger – he was still one of the family of Cay. That alone made her wary of him and she didn’t want him having one bit of control over her let alone mess about with her Wintar side.
‘All you have to do is relax and think them away,’ the nurse said. ‘Close your eyes. That's right. Take a deep breath. Good. You can think your Wintar attributes away. Go ahead and try. You will be able to.’
Her words hypnotised her. She was sure she had never been so relaxed and concentrated on thinking her wings and talons away. Tingles in her back and feet told her they had disappeared. She opened her eyes and beamed at the nurse.
‘You do the same when you want to expose them,’ she said. ‘It will become easier with practice. One quick thought is all you will need.’ She rummaged
through a small black bag and drew out some Wintar clothes. Loose tan pants and a pretty lime halter-top. ‘There is a bathroom through there,’ she said, and pointed to the other door. ‘You will feel better after you shower and change.’
Nell took the clothes and nodded. ‘Thank you,’ she said, and almost ran into the bathroom.
Hanging the top on a hook, she realised it wasn’t a normal halter. It had no back only two long thin tails on the bottom corners of the material. She felt along each of them and looked at her sides. Ah. They must be to tie around the back between the top and bottom wings.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
NELL AND HER FATHER DINED WITH KANDAR, Tanat, Dar-Seldra, Sam and Cay-Meka in Goya’s Café, one of the many in the corridors. They sat at a long table with moulded chairs.
Sam couldn’t take his eyes off the Phib girl who waited on their table. Of course, she looked like a girl, but then again women Dar-Seldra’s age looked like girls. Nell had given up trying to guess their ages so she called them all girls. The Phib’s hair was a little different from the average Phib. It was still blonde but every now and then a tinge of red glinted under the lights. Every time she came to the table she stood next to Sam’s chair and always asked him if he wanted anything else first.
After the umpteenth time, he said to Nell, ‘She’s got the hots for me.’
‘In your dreams,’ Nell scoffed.
‘She is just getting a closer look at the Human boy,’ said Cay-Meka with a scowl at Sam.
Sam laughed, sat straight and puffed out his chest. ‘And she likes what she sees.’
‘Humph, I doubt it. She has recently gained a trainee physician place. Her interest in you is more likely, medical,’ Cay-Meka said, and turned her attention to what Dar-Seldra was saying.
Turning to Nell, he whispered, ‘Mekie’s jealous.’
She laughed. He definitely didn’t lack confidence in his effect on the opposite sex.
Taking the girl’s place, a big amber Corl served the next course. Sam appeared unconcerned the girl didn’t wait on them. He just wanted to know what was on his plate.
‘Fish pie,’ Tanat said.
Nell didn’t think it looked like a pie. If it was, the chef had forgotten the pastry.
As the night wore on, she learned Cay-Meka's aunt, Cay-tatel, was confined on Linque. She would not be able to travel for ten years and would have to wear a bracelet that allowed the Linque authorities to keep track of her until that time.
Cay-Meka didn't seem at all upset by the closeness of Tanat and her mother. Once, when both reached for a bread roll from the middle of the table, they became flustered when their hands touched. Dar-Seldra blushed and Tanat's smile was self-conscious, but their eyes had locked for too long. Cay-Meka dismissed the exchange as if it wasn't anything unusual.
Nell peered at Kandar. He seemed to be studying her. His pointy nails scratched his chin. Green skin and blue nails clashed as much as her purple wings and lime top. She was sure her father had told him everything she had said. Not that she minded because everybody had to have someone to trust, and like Sam, she was certain Kandar could be trusted.
Orenda appeared in the vacant seat opposite her. Nell nearly breathed in a mouthful of the sweet corn soup. She spluttered and pointed.
Sam chuckled. ‘G'day, Orenda,’ he said.
Orenda twitched her ratty nose and everyone seemed to be waiting for someone else to speak.
Kandar finally said, ‘Orenda is not your enemy, Nell,’ he said.
‘But—’
‘Nadar misinformed her,’ her father said. ‘He had only shown her part of the book. The Grarls voted to take you to Grarlon to learn more about you before agreeing to any defensive action.’
This information didn't help Nell feel any more at ease.
Her father continued. ‘Nadar had also promised Orenda the whole book and swore you would come to no harm.’
‘He tried to kill me,’ she said, unable to believe her ears. ‘And she helped him.’
‘Orenda didn't know of his true plan,’ Kandar said.
Nell was about to speak again but her father interrupted. ‘Orenda was under the misapprehension you had in some way hurt Cay-Meka. When you and she connected to keep the trading ship from crashing into the mountain, she received a vision of Cay-Meka screaming in pain and you with her blood on your hands.’ Her father lowered his voice. ‘She also sensed great hate in you.’
Nell looked around the table. The first face she saw was Sam's. He still looked amused as if he was waiting for her to figure something out, but not expecting her to any time soon. The other faces showed a mixture of sympathy and encouragement. Cay-Meka gave Sam reprimanding looks, but stopped to nod agreement to Nell.
Nell said, ‘You don't think—’
‘No,’ she said quickly. ‘Of course I don't. I think she was picking up on the feelings you had for Nadar after he stabbed me.’
‘Nell,’ her father said, appearing to need her full attention. ‘Grarls are never wrong. That is, before now.’
Orenda shifted in her chair.
Nell bit her cheek. The rat-fairy didn't like being wrong. But it was partly Nell's fault Cay-Meka was hurt, so the Grarl's senses didn't really fail her.
Her father glanced apologetically in Orenda's direction. ‘Orenda realised her mistake when Nadar took you to the Pole and she lost contact with him. She knew then he was never going to take you to Grarlon.’
‘But she put an enchantment on Tanat,’ Nell said to her father.
‘It was a protection enchantment so Nadar couldn't take me anywhere else,’ Tanat said. ‘But, of course, Kandar couldn't either. Orenda knew you would go back to Nadar's house for the book and find me.’
She understood what he was saying and believed him, but shot a look at the enchantress that said she would never completely trust the Grarl.
‘Orenda guided you and Nadar to the restoration,’ her father said.
‘Oh?’ Her bottom lip dropped. ‘I thought I did.’
‘No,’ Orenda spoke at last. ‘You can't … at least …’ She shifted again. ‘You can't at this time.’
That fact disappointed Nell. She had visions of travelling all over the universe without the control of Corls or their skarks.
The group stayed at the café chatting and eating late into the night.
Although Nell was tired, she woke up when her father mentioned to Kandar that Orenda was going to Cape Hollow with them to school her. ‘What?’ she said. ‘No way.’ She didn’t need the Grarl to teach her anything. She had Annet and Sam to help with her university studies. When she chose her subjects she would make sure some of them were the same as Sam chose. Without thinking, she added hotly, ‘I don’t like Grarls.’
Sam narrowed his eyes at her. ‘You’re sounding like your cousin again,’ he said.
Cay-Meka flicked butterscotch ice-cream off her spoon at him.
Heat filled Nell’s cheeks. She couldn’t believe she had said such a thing. Her father’s face told her he couldn’t either. ‘I’m sorry,’ she blurted. ‘I didn’t mean that I don’t like all Grarls. I just meant I don’t think Orenda and I would get along.’
Orenda’s tiny round eyes glared at her.
‘You had better find a way,’ her father said. ‘You need her to teach you how to cope with your abilities.’
‘What if she’s a spy?’ Nell asked.
The air was thick and tense. Sam and Cay-Meka concentrated on their bowls of ice-cream, Dar-Seldra and Tanat listened silently, Kandar looked from Nell’s father to her to Orenda. Her father gave her a shake of his head.
Orenda dropped her spoon. ‘I am a spy,’ she said between giggles.
Nell’s father laughed. ‘That’s true,’ he said.
‘That is true,’ Kandar chuckled.
Anger began to well in Nell’s chest. ‘What do you mean?’ she demanded. But when Orenda’s giggles turned into long, loud, ratty cackles, Nell’s lips quivered and a titter escaped her mouth.
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Everyone laughed at that ridiculous infectious laugh. Even people at neighbouring tables joined in.
Orenda calmed down and the cackles faded. ‘I report to the Grarlon royal family, Nell.’ She smoothed down her white furry face. ‘We don’t want any more misunderstandings, do we?’
She thought about that for a moment. Grarls were a pretty scary species. They had lots of powers and could probably invade any planet they wanted. But they wanted to join the United Council, so she guessed Orenda was correct. Misunderstandings could cause heaps of grief. ‘No. You’re right,’ Nell said. ‘I’ll try to play nice.’
By the time they had finished at the café, Nell had softened towards the enchantress. Orenda was relaxed and quick to laugh her ridiculous laugh. Sam made silly jokes just to set her off.
***
At breakfast the next morning, Dar-Seldra gave Nell a gold metal thing about the length of her little finger and two fingers wide. ‘It’s called a twai,’ she said.
Nell gazed at it. It was definitely okfor. Small pin holes covered the front of it. Nell turned it over in her hands. On the back, a raised tab looked like it could be a button. ‘What’s it do?’ Nell said.
‘It is a communicator and it allows you to contact any one of us you want. See? Press this button and say the name of the person you want to speak to like this.’ She took the device, and said, ‘Cay-Meka.’
Cay-Meka pulled a similar one out of her dress and tapped her button twice. Her action must have disconnected the call because Dar-Seldra returned her device back to Nell, and said, ‘Just press the button again to end the call.’
‘Ah. Twai,’ said Sam. ‘It sounds like a shortened version of two-way.’
Dar-Seldra smiled. ‘That is exactly what it is. It is a two-way communicator.’
Nell’s twai was a lot smaller than the one her cousin carried. She would have to be careful not to lose it. ‘Thank you,’ she said, popping it into a hidden pocket just below the front neckline of her new top.