A surge of anger, quickly suppressed, nearly had Daniel on his feet, screaming denial in the strongest terms, and yet he managed to sit perfectly still. Sherree’s eyes widened like those of a startled cat, perspiration saturated the brows of Jeremiah and Martin as they shifted in their seats. Silvia and David closed their eyes, while Chas glanced at the door as if ready to make a tactical retreat. Simon’s facial expression was smooth but he had dropped into his seat and the tight grip on the arms of his chair was turning his knuckles white. Carlos had his hand positioned near the door latch as if he was preparing a quick exit.
Daniel noticed his stare often had that effect on people and their reactions made him wonder how he must appear to them. Up until this moment he believed it was the seven lightning bolts of potential at his commanded making people nervous, and that might have been part of it, but he currently commanded less than a single bolt of life force energy and they all knew it. If it was not his standing as a Seven-bolt Accomplished that caused the reaction then it had to be his true calling.
He had a tendency to give little thought to the power of the swirling of events that historically surrounds the Chosen Vessel, but this reaction confirmed for him the truth of that power. There was something about staring into the disapproving eyes of the Creator’s Champion that made people nervous. The stare was only a minor effect, it was the overall swirling of events that drew to him whatever he needed, animals, people, seemingly chance happenings placing him where he needed to be, sometimes before he became aware of the need, and yet he had no control over that power.
He cleared his throat and tried to smile in order to lower the tension, but could not make his lips obey, he was in no mood to smile, and so glanced at the bucket on the floor to his left, momentarily breaking eye contact, and then returned his attention to Martin. The anger was because of Efferin, not directed at anyone currently in the room. “I was once told only a fool ignores the revelations of a Teki Seer, so be assured I am not dismissing what Silvia has revealed. Even so, trust is not given lightly, it is earned and Efferin’s credit with me is in the rears. Only a complete fool places his faith in a person who has proven to be untrustworthy.”
“True, he has given you no reason to trust him,” Sherree was the first to find her voice. She even managed a weak smile. “Perhaps your swirling of events will make something happen that will earn him your trust.”
Daniel laughed. “Like what?”
Her smile became genuine, reflecting in her emerald eyes. “I doubt even Silvia could answer that right now.”
And as quick as that his laugh evaporated the tension in the room like morning dew in sunlight. Silvia opened her eyes at the sound of her name. “You are correct, Lady Sherree, I have no idea how the vision will come to pass, and even less desire to speculate. As the Chosen Vessel has said, trust is not given lightly, and so he must focus on earning the trust of Queen Clarees and King Van Efery. It is approaching mid-winter and we have until mid-summer to make this happen.” Daniel noticed how she took his words about earning trust and reflected them back on him. It had been neatly done and he accepted the point.
“I am sure Martin was not suggesting you convey to Aakadon and declare your full faith and confidence in Efferin Tames,” Simon shared his thought while his hands rested casually on the arms of the chair.
“I have suggested nothing of the sort,” Martin was quick to respond. “Maestro, I merely meant it is fated that at some point you must come to trust the Grand Maestro.”
“It is the other part of the Seer’s revelation that concerns me,” Chas began and glanced at the four gold bars on the silver stripe on his right shoulder that matched the four on his left. “I am proud of how far we have come, of the forces we have gathered to fight the War of the Champions, our successes at Mounts Tirana and Shantear, but this development worries me deeply and makes all that we achieved or thought we achieved to be merely an inconvenience to the plans of Tarin Conn. We already suspected Pentrosa was in league with the Serpent Guild, but learning the rulers of those other kingdoms are knowingly serving the Dark Maestro of their own free will is quite another thing. Ecoppia is almost lost and the remaining kingdoms are either on the verge of allying with our enemies or in grave peril from those nations that have already gone over to the dark one. In light of this vision, I can see why Pentrosa helped Fon Kay conquer Battencay. The venom of the Serpent Guild runs deeper than any of us suspected and it is poisoning most of the world.”
The grim words created a long silence as each person visualized the state of the world in light of this new revelation. Daniel could see where some folks would be tempted to give up in the face of what appeared to be an overwhelming set of circumstances. The forces of Tarin Conn were on the verge of taking over the world, despite their losses, and further resistance might well be considered futile, especially with Efferin Tames being blind to the influence the Serpent Guild had on so many kingdoms.
Daniel shook his head, unable to see where Silvia’s new revelation changed anything with regard to the difficulty of his tasks, other than increase the number. Nothing on his list of chores was easy, so why should he expect these new additions to be different? “As my father often says when the task seems insurmountable, set your priorities and arrange your chores accordingly. Chas, we are making a difference, each person in this room and at our other locations is proof of it, and we will continue to grow. There is an old saying on Tannakonna, set yourself to work with what is and don’t waste time on what isn’t.”
Simon smiled. “I knew you would start quoting mountaineer phrases.”
“Do you think them inappropriate?” Daniel asked, unsure of how to take his friend’s remark.
“Actually I think they sum up how to proceed quite nicely,” the Chief Aid replied.
Chas nodded his agreement. “You are correct. We have made a difference and cannot give up, so we must proceed with expanding and strengthening the Atlantan Guild.”
The bell rang and Daniel called out, “Enter.”
Carlos stepped aside just as Jaim Cutler opened the door, and in walked Jennel Obenport, who took a moment to eye the people now staring at her before speaking. “Maestro, I am not sure why you requested my presence in this gathering, but I stand ready to answer any questions and perform whatever tasks you have in mind.”
Why hadn’t she been ready earlier?
Daniel could see a crowd of Accomplisheds through the open door before Jaim stepped out, closing it behind him. and decided to explain before seeking and answer to his unspoken question. “I wanted to hear your opinion with regard to my claiming Shantear on behalf of the Atlantan Guild and to know if you understand why I did so.”
The Lead Healer summoned potential and a solidified chair of air appeared to the right of Simon. She sat down before making her reply. “There are five thousand one hundred sixty-eight Condemneds and one thousand thirty-two Aakademneds asleep at Shantear. It will take time to restore so many, especially with each one needing to be provided with clothing, chambers to sleep in, and food after they are healed. If they are like most of the people you have restored to humanity, I suspect the Atlantan Guild will soon be growing to nearly twice the size it was prior to the battle. Shantear needs to be kept from the Serpents and we need space so the choice is practical, although Efferin Tames and Queen Clarees may not be pleased with your decision.”
Daniel knew the numbers and how large a chore awaited him back on Shantear. Silvia’s new revelations only added to the huge challenges ahead. “What you say is true. Our resident Seer has given us certain tasks to be fulfilled by mid-summer or the consequences will be dire.”
Jennel’s eyes widened. “It seems I missed out on receiving some important information.” Such would not have happened had she entered when invited to do so rather than running off. Daniel felt no anger over the incident but did want to know her reasons.
Sherree’s emerald-green eyes focused on the healer. “I am sure Accomplished Trenca will fill you
in on the details later,” she began while Simon nodded his willingness. “You are probably the most practical person I have ever met and dedicated to the art of healing, these things cause me to believe your reason for arriving late has something to do with one or the other. Is whatever you were involved with something that can be shared at this meeting?”
The question proved Daniel was not the only one curious about what distracted the healer. He leaned forward as Jennel’s lips formed a closed mouth smile. “I brought the fifty Accomplisheds who worked as healers during and after the battle, they should be entering the conference room next door, and each of them has volunteered to donate twenty percent of their life force energy to the Maestro,” she told the First Lady and then fixed her hazel-eyed gaze on Daniel. “This will be a start. Your vat is enormous and will take seven days to fill according to my calculations. The volunteers I have scheduled to donate potential will do so four times each day. We need and want you to be at your strongest, waiting for your reservoir to increase naturally might take too long”
Daniel was pleased and his smile came naturally at the news. “Jennel, you are a wonder. I was worried about how long the wounded and those suffering from Condemnation were going to have to wait for me to begin healing them. Thanks for finding a way for me to get started.” He should have known her reasons would be good and was a little ashamed he had questioned her actions, as if she would dismiss his request of her presence as unimportant.
Sherree sprang from her chair and hugged the healer while everyone expressed their appreciation of Accomplished Obenport’s solution to a major problem. Jennel spoke up amid the congratulations and after the First Lady released her. “This does not mean our Maestro can summon and focus potential willy-nilly. Daniel, you will not be able to sustain the draw on the seven bolts of potential we give you for more than two tenths of a mark. The potential for weaker spells like those you composed for healing will last longer, but it would be best if donors are on hand to strengthen you between restorations. The same goes for any spells you choose to cast in the future.”
Daniel accepted her words and knew he would simply have to live with the restrictions until his own topaz energy once again filled his vat. “I can live with that,” he replied while glancing at his wife.
“You definitely will,” Sherree affirmed.
“So, unless there is more to be discussed, Maestro, I recommend you come next door to the conference room, and we can begin the process of filling your vat,” Jennel stated with her usual no nonsense way of getting right to the business at hand, particularly in matters concerning health.
Daniel eyed each person in the room. “I have nothing more to add at this time, does anyone else?”
“Nothing that cannot wait until a formal meeting is called and the First Accomplished and Franklin Togan are in attendance,” Martin replied, he no doubt wanted to discuss the future modifications to take place at Mount Shantear.
“Chas and I need to begin planning for any retaliatory strikes of the Serpent Guild on our new base,” Jeremiah stated. “Now would be a good time for him and me to do so.”
“The Serpent Guild could attack us any moment and not only at our new acquisition,” Chas was quick to add.
No one had any reason to delay the donations so Jennel unnecessarily led Daniel into the conference room, followed by Sherree, Simon, Carlos, and the pair of Teki. There was not a single person in the guild who did not know the door between Daniel’s office and that of Commander Herling opened into the conference room. He chose not to mention the fact. She was only trying to be precise and efficient, leaving nothing to chance, and that was probably why she was such a good healer.
The room had a large shiny table made of obsidian, rounded at the edges, with twenty-two chairs, ten at the sides and one on each end, all made of the same substance contoured for comfort. Ten golden lampstands were evenly placed from corner to corner, providing plenty of light. Like the office, the walls were light blue, the floor pale gray, and the ceiling white. Fifty Accomplisheds, male and female, were lined up around the table, beginning to the right of Daniel’s chair chrono-diskwise. Eighteen of the Aakacarns possessed three lightning bolts on their shoulders and the rest had two.
“Thank you for doing this,” Daniel said, and began shaking the hand of Sonia Divenfort, a former Aakademned he had recently restored to health. He stole/rescued her from the Serpents in the second skirmish that occurred while providing a secret escort for Maestro Reese and his team from Aakadon.
“It is my pleasure to give back a little of what you gave to me,” Sonia assured him with a smile.
“Maestro, if you would sit down at the head, we can begin,” the Lead Healer said while ushering him to the chair before he could properly thank anymore people.
Daniel sat down and the donations began while his wife and entourage looked on. He thanked each Accomplished as they came up to him, to which they would reply, “A pleasure to give back,” or, “an honor to serve,” and then place a hand on his forehead. A warm-tingly sensation soon followed until that person had given his or her twenty percent. Each donor exited the room after drinking a canteen of water and once again assuring him it was their pleasure to help.
Time seemed to go by slowly and Daniel could feel the energy waiting to be used as the last donor, Bernard Kleopis, gave his portion and then stepped back saying, “A pleasure to be of service.”
Jennel placed her hand on Daniel’s forehead and moments later gave a satisfied nod. “Acceptable,” she pronounced the procedure. “I will be back in three marks with a new group of donors for your next session.”
“I will make myself available,” Daniel replied, not that he had much choice if he wanted to be strong enough to start hacking at his list of chores. Besides which Sherree would not allow him to miss any sessions, he was sure. Jennel and Accomplished Kleopis exited the conference room.
“How do you feel?” Simon inquired in a soft-spoken manner.
“I feel right as a spring shower and far stronger than a mark ago,” Daniel replied just as the door banged open, drawing his gaze.
Marsha Obennen, a One-bolt Accomplished whose yellow-gold hair was similar to Sherree’s, seeing as they were both of Lobenian birth, arrived with Daniel’s parents, along with Tim Dukane, who had slammed the door open in his haste to enter the conference room. Gina Dukane came in next, followed by Tom and Jenny Grening. It was good to see Tom had the sense to invite Jenny into his cabin, the Tannakonna custom of proposing marriage, and equally good to see she had accepted. They both became part of the eighteen people who currently served on the Wager, under the command of Tim and Gina, both Admirals in the tiny Atlantan Guild Navy. Saul Tarpon, Captain of the Cleaver and a former captain of the Lobenian Merchant Marines, walked in, closing the door gently, and then stood at ease.
David and Silvia both re-sheathed their daggerlances, having drawn them on the instant at the sudden noise. The deep blue nimbus around Carlos vanished as he released the potential for whatever spell he had been about to cast at the intruders.
Miriam Benhannon ran over to Daniel. Her long tresses of auburn hair flowed over her shoulders and stopped half way down her back. Dark brown eyes focused on him. “Son, the amulets you gave us don’t work. Accomplished Obennen told us the only way for that to happen is for you to be dead,” she announced while placing her hand against his forehead as if he was about ten years of age and in a sick bed. She nodded and stepped back, evidently satisfied he was not running a fever.
Ronn Benhannon ran the thick fingers of his right hand through his dark hair and looked on, brow wrinkled with worry, “Marsha kindly conveyed us all here so we could see for ourselves the condition that last tangle with the dark one left you in,” he added to the explanation for their abrupt arrival. At six and a half cubits high and with shoulders the width of an axe handle, the man had no difficulty standing his ground on whatever turf he occupied.
Daniel imagined himself in twenty years when he looked
at his father. The only difference between them that he could see, apart from the years, was around the waist. He was a bit thinner than his father, who had more muscle. His father and mother wore the topaz uniforms of the Chosen’s Sentinels with a gold letter, I, on each silver shoulder stripe, indicating they were instructors. Neither of them had taken to wearing helmets.
Tim’s helmet barely contained the brown wavy hair hanging down to his coat collar. The only difference between his uniform and those of Ronn and Miriam Benhannon were sea gulls on the cuffs and three golden anchors on each of his shoulder stripes, like those of his wife Gina. Daniel’s long-time friend lost the wide-eyed panicked expression displayed after slamming open the door and forced a smile. “You’re alive, that’s a relief, but why aren’t your amulets working?”
Gina, whose long dark hair flowed out the back of her helmet down to her bottom, fixed a dark-eyed stare at Marsha. “You frightened us half out of our wits. I’ve never seen Daniel look so healthy.”
“Why would you scare us like that?” Tom demanded of the Accomplished.
This was the first time Daniel had seen him in the uniform of a naval Guardsmen rather than buckskins. Tom and Jenny’s jackets had a seagull stitched on the cuffs.
Jenny, whose dark hair hung out from her helmet in two long braids, glared at the Accomplished and then shrugged her shoulders as if to say, whatever. “You at least gave me a good reason to see this man again,” she said while aiming her right thumb at Daniel. He had saved her life after the Battle of Bashierwood and the memory was no doubt still fresh in her mind.
“The Chosen Vessel is alive, the Dark Maestro is still imprisoned, and that’s the important thing,” Saul added his opinion. A blond beard followed his jawline and his skin was darker than that of an average Lobenian, due to a long sailing career that came with near constant exposure to the elements.
To Be Grand Maestro (Book 5) Page 9