The Fallen One

by Lexy Wolfe

  "It is a phenomenon we have noticed since we first entered the Vodani city of Home Port." She sounded amused. "Outlanders do not know what to make of my people. None have ever known us outside of our great father's land. Many are curious. Many more are afraid."

  Smiling bitterly, Nolyn shrugged. "All many know of your people are stories that are not very accurate. Many fear the unknown."

  Kiya looked at him from the corner of her eye. "The outlands are as unknown to us as our lands are unknown to the outlands. But the fear between us has existed for much longer. I was surprised to have heard Githalin Swordanzen Storm killed only a few dozen people during her journey north. I expected a much larger number. She has always been short on patience."

  Nolyn blinked several times. "A few... dozen? I think the stories you have heard are exaggerations, Su'alin Kiya."

  Kiya tilted her head, looking at him with curious interest. "Oh?" Moving nearer, she put her hand on his arm lightly. "Please, make the stories clear for me? I would like to know of my kinsmen's journey in these lands."

  Nolyn nearly tripped over his own feet when Kiya touched his arm. She pulled back, startled. He coughed, apologized for his complete lack of grace, and put her hand back on his arm. "I do not have the eloquence of a trained Vodani bard, but I would be honored to tell you what I know of the Githalin Swordanzen's journey."

  The young woman smiled warmly, her delicate hand squeezing Nolyn's arm in gratitude. "I would like that." If she noticed the deep red color of his face, Kiya never said a word.

  Chapter 34

  In the Se'edai Magus's personal library sat Ellis, Zoe, Valerian and Tobias. The healer's complexion remained drawn, reflecting exhaustion. He smiled weakly at Zoe when she handed him a cup of tea. "Isn't this backwards?" he asked, trying and failing to sound less tired than he felt. "Forentan custom says the lowest ranking person serves the higher."

  Zoe put her hands on her hips and stared at him. "You saved Master Nolyn's life! How else can I say thank you and show how much I mean it if I don't go against that?" She pointed imperiously at the cup. "Now drink that. It will help you feel better." Straightening with pride that he obeyed her, her concern flickered behind that smugness when the tea had little effect. "It's supposed to, anyway."

  Valerian's lips pursed, regarding Tobias. "Whatever had attacked Nolyn was outside of time. I cannot say it was a darkling, however. Something… was off about the temporal signature. I've never sensed its like before. But," he added more briskly to Tobias, "that is why you have had such trouble with healing both Nolyn and Marcus. The only way I can explain it is their injuries were outside of time because what caused them was also outside of time. At least in part."

  Tobias closed his eyes, shoulders hunched as if chilled. "Taylin never would say what the first time touching temporal energy while healing was like. Not because Father forbade her. She never listened to him if she thought he was wrong. I don't know if she realized she was touching it. But I know it changed her. She didn't hide her disobedience as much." His shoulders hunched a little more. "But she did become more withdrawn."

  Ellis smiled as he got a blanket and draped it around the journeyman's shoulders gently. "It takes someone with a strong will to face down death, and facing death does change a person." Tobias looked up with a wan, grateful smile. "I cannot imagine what you are enduring right now, Journeyman, but we are eternally grateful to whatever agency brought you to us."

  About to reply, Tobias blinked in surprise when Zoe sat beside him and hugged him tight. Shyly, he put his arm around her to return the hug.

  Half sprawled on his chair, Valerian stared at Tobias with a half frown reflecting his deep thought. He shook his head to clear it when Ellis bumped his hand with a wine glass. "Forgive me, Ellis. I should have been with Nolyn and Marcus in Quoesia, not wandering around a different region. Perhaps I could have prevented—"

  The Se'edai Magus tilted his head. "I am not blaming you for anything, Valerian. And not because you are an Unsvet Guardian of Time, so therefore by tradition I must defer to you. I think over the decades, Forenta has grown away from abject acceptance based on title or position. Especially of late when so many highborn have failed in their responsibilities and so many lowborn are showing themselves to be more than what anyone ever anticipated they could be." A small smile played on the corners of his mouth. "Nolyn has always been a strong willed man. He and Ash both tended to be extremely solitary due to their pasts. A self-defense against being hurt by loss or antagonism. It is easier for them both not to have to face losing others. They never consider what effect it would have if they were lost."

  "It is a different thing, loving versus being loved," Tobias said in a low voice, his eyes on his tea. "I used to see many who gave everything they were for the ones they loved at the temple. People would say giving one's life for another was the most selfless act of love. But I think it is just as selfish as anything else. Because if you die, you don't hurt anymore. But those you leave behind hurt forever losing you. And leaving someone hurting like that is almost crueler than having let them go."

  Ellis and Valerian traded astounded looks to the young man's wisdom. "In all my years, I have never thought of self-sacrifice in that light," the Vodani murmured.

  Tobias looked up at the older men, his eyes looking more mature than before. "Not that self-sacrifice is wrong. It is a choice. But some people sacrifice themselves because they think that others are worth more than themselves. And that others would be better off without them. And that is wrong. Just like saying anyone is more important than anyone else for whatever reason."

  Ellis studied Tobias shrewdly. "Why did you fight so hard for Nolyn? If he wasn't any more important than anyone else?"

  "A little because I did not want to fail. And…" The young man was silent for a time. He raised his eyes to look at the others. "He wasn't more important, Master Ellis. But Master Nolyn is important to a lot of people. He… he does not see that. It is like the more people who care about him, the less he thinks he is worth being cared about. I knew a lot of others would hurt if I failed. Marcus tried. He risked his life for Master Nolyn. I could not do less."

  "Because Marcus chose to disobey him to protect him instead of saving himself." Valerian shook his head, draining his glass of wine. "I could scry that much of what happened, but my temporal vision is even more blurred in that region. Nolyn ordered him to return to get information back. Neither of them can remember anything from prior to entering the barrier."

  "As I explained to Marcus, there was no guarantee he could have escaped, so he was correct in going against Nolyn's orders. This time, at least." Ellis rubbed one temple with a sigh. "I just have to figure out an appropriate punishment so there are still consequences for disobedience, but not so much because the disobedience was for the best."

  All four looked up as Josef slammed into the doorframe. The winded messenger stooped over, hands on knees as he panted, trying to catch his breath. "Josef?" Ellis asked as he and Valerian rose. "Aren't you on Market Circle duty this month?" The messenger nodded wordlessly, his face flushed deep red from the run. He tried to speak several times, failing as he gasped trying to catch his breath. "Easy, lad. What happened?"

  "De-De-Desanti," Josef finally managed to answer. "In Ithesra."

  Zoe sat up abruptly, her eyes going wide and unfocused. She jumped to her bare feet, bouncing in excitement. "Oh, my goodness, really?! Storm and Skyfire are home?"

  "Not Storm and Skyfire?" Ellis asked, looking as surprised as Zoe when Josef shook his head. "You told Edai Magus Nolyn first? He is going to meet them? Good." He put his hand on Josef's shoulder. "Come. Have something to eat and drink and catch your breath before you fall over." Zoe grabbed the messenger's hand, pulling the awed boy over to the couch. She served him a drink herself as she began to demand details about the new Desanti, focusing first on the drizzen they brought.

  Ellis beckoned Valerian to follow him to the balcony away from the younger people, allowing his c
oncern to show. "I don't need to explain my concerns."

  "Of course not." Valerian looked towards the horizon. "Desanti have been unwavering in their self-exile. It was extraordinary circumstances that led the two Githalin out of the desert. I am worried neither they nor the world at large are ready for more Desanti to leave the desert."

  "Are you familiar with their customs?" Ellis asked, hope in his voice.

  The Unsvet made a noncommittal gesture. "Inasmuch as any Vodani is familiar with them. But it was a very long time ago when my pod had returned to dwell in Home Port for a year. I saw First Home only once during a time of enforced peace when I was a little older than Zoe. I am over a hundred fifty now, so I would have to scry to refresh my memory of those days."

  Ellis grunted. "It is more than anyone else in Forenta knows. Please. Nolyn has been like a son to me. With the state he has been in since he went to Quoesia, I worry—"

  "I'll watch out for him," Valerian assured. "And I will try to be a buffer between your people and the Desanti." He ran his fingers through his hair with a gusty sigh. "I do not wish to be known as the Guardian who let the Great War begin again under his watch."

  Chapter 35

  Peeking from archways into the common room, the servants watched raptly as Kelafy went out to greet Nolyn and the five Desanti. The four Swordanzen scowled at everything with open distrust. Their hands often fell to the hilts of their swords, but they restrained themselves at a quiet word from Kiya.

  Nolyn glanced at the four warriors before giving the headwoman his attention. "Miss Kelafy, this is Su'alin Kiya na'Citali and her guardsmen. They will be visiting with us until the Githalin Swordanzen return." To Kiya, he smiled warmly and said, "Su'alin Kiya na'Citali, this is my headwoman Kelafy."

  With slow, purposeful movements, Kiya lowered her eyes briefly as she lifted her veil and draped it back over her head. Startlingly near-gold eyes studied the headwoman before Kiya offered her a gentle, heart melting smile and held her slender hand to her in greeting. "It is an honor to meet you, Miss Kelafy. Edai Magus Nolyn says you are mother to all here."

  Kelafy arched an eyebrow at Nolyn who coughed, avoiding her eyes. Accepting Kiya's hand, the woman stated, "I suppose that is one way of looking at it. I make certain all who live or stay here have all their needs taken care of." She amended when the young woman arched a delicate eyebrow. "At least, within my ability."

  "I see." She paused a moment to glance over her shoulder at her guardsmen. "We are honored to accept the hospitality of your tribe," Kiya stated with gracious formality. Behind her, one of the Desanti women muttered something under her breath. Kiya leveled a hard, disapproving look on her, the warrior's face darkening in shame as she murmured apologetically. "Please forgive my companions. They have had no time to relax since we left Desantiva's territory and the journey was very long."

  Nodding in understanding, Kelafy spoke directly to the warriors. "Once you have settled in, I can have one of the boys show you the training area the Githalin Swordanzen favored while they were here."

  The hostility evaporated from all four of the Swordanzen's expressions. "The place where the Githalin Swordanzen trained?" Seeker asked in an awe-filled voice, as though the woman had offered a gift from hands of the gods themselves. "You would allow us that?"

  Suppressing open bewilderment at the abrupt change in their demeanors, Kelafy replied, "Of course. We understand the need for diligent training and the area proved quite satisfactory to Storm and Skyfire. Please, do consider this place your home while you remain within Forenta. We have prepared the rooms they used while they were here. You need only tell us when you wish to eat and we will accommodate your schedules. However, you are always welcome to join the scheduled meals as guests of the house."

  The four traded looks before they all bowed deeply to Kelafy in unison. Seeker stated humbly, "You honor us, Mother Kelafy. We apologize for any hostility we held against you."

  "There is no need..." When their expressions flickered, the headwoman quickly corrected her words. "I mean, I accept your apology."

  "Marcus," Nolyn stated, waving his apprentice to join them. To the Desanti, he said, "This is my apprentice, Marcus Kyrie. He will show you to your suite and make himself available to you to give you a tour of the estate once you have rested."

  Seeker put his hand on Kiya's shoulder. "The day has been long and eventful. We should rest while there is time."

  Kiya shook her head. "I would prefer to continue speaking with Edai Magus Nolyn." She reached up to lower her veil again, still serene. Looking at Nolyn, she said, "I have learned a great deal already in the short time we have spent together, but I would like to learn more. If it would please you, Edai Magus."

  Before he could censor himself, Nolyn blurted, "Hells, yes, it would please me!" Amid the giggles from the watching servants, Kelafy's arched eyebrow and the Desanti warriors' blank expressions, Nolyn coughed. "I mean, I would be honored, Su'alin. But Swordanzen Seeker is correct. Please take all the time you need to settle in. There is plenty of time to talk, and I know that the Se'edai Magus and Voice of the Oracle would be delighted to meet you."

  "If it is your wish," Kiya replied with a small smile. "I look forward to spending time with you again." She turned to the wide-eyed apprentice. "Apprentice Marcus Kyrie, thank you for assisting us. We are ready." The young man nodded furtively, stammering as he spoke.

  Nolyn waited until the group had disappeared up the residential hall and the servants had disbursed before groaning, rubbing his cheeks. "What the hell is wrong with me? I must look like an utter idiot."

  "She is a captivating young woman," Kelafy observed. "I never imagined seeing a fragile looking Desanti after meeting Storm. The Swordanzen women are more what I expected. The Su'alin is quite different from them." Studying Nolyn, she asked, "Do you want me to bring you more of that gypsy brew? You are looking ragged."

  Nolyn made a face. "Dear goddess, no. That stuff is beyond vile, no matter how effective it is." He sighed heavily. "Have Su'alin Kiya brought to the study when she is ready. I am going to try to get some rest so I'm not making a complete fool of myself."

  Watching him with a troubled expression as he headed down the master's hall, Kelafy nodded. "Of course, Master Nolyn."

  Chapter 36

  As the door opened, golden sunstone lamps flared to life, startling the five Desanti. In some bewilderment, Kiya asked slowly, "Who lit the lamps? There is no one here." Sniffing the air, she added, "And I smell no flame."

  Marcus kept a straight face as he explained, "The lamps have stones that are tied to the hours of the day. Master Ash has lamps with both sunstones and moonstones mounted in them. The sunstones glow when the sun is up and the moonstones will glow when the sun is down. Unless a mage forces them do otherwise."

  Kiya looked puzzled. "Then would they not keep the same brightness as the daystar at all times? They became brighter when we came in."

  The young man shrugged. "They have an affinity for humans and will brighten when one is present."

  Lifting her veil to drape it back again, Kiya walked to one of the lamps, holding her hand up but not quite touching it. She looked back at the apprentice mage. "There is nothing like this in Desantiva. It is not magic?"

  Marcus was not sure how to answer the question, frowning. "Well, we call it natural magic. It just... happens. No one has to force them to glow unless they want the sunstones to glow at night or moonstones to glow in the day. There are mages who do that in the city."

  "I see." Kiya closed her eyes and smiled. "I would like to remain here with my kinsmen. You may go."

  "Do you want me to wait for you in the common area we passed in the hall, Su'alin Kiya?" Marcus asked; his demeanor reflected obvious reluctance.

  "No. I remember the way to the first room we entered this place in. We can seek you or another when we are ready to see more of this place." Kiya smiled more when he nodded.

  "As you wish, Su'alin Kiya na'Citali." Marcus bowed and hurrie
d out as if to make certain she could not suddenly change her mind. The moment the young man left, the Desanti relaxed. Dropping their gear on the low table in the middle of the room, three of the Swordanzen started exploring the pair of rooms leading from the main one. Kiya went to look out the small window, her eyes distant.

  Seeker stood behind her, putting his hands on her shoulders. "I can still feel Storm and Skyfire's presence here in the heart of this sacred tree, even though it has been so long. It is as though a part of Desantiva lives here."

  "They must consider this place home still," Kiya said, leaning back against the taller man. "Their presence will linger until they no longer feel this place is a home to them or until they cross the sword in death."

  Nodding, Seeker glanced over at the other man who lifted the canvas curtaining the wall to reveal the smoothed surface behind it. He remarked with surprise to his sister, "The Forenten made an effort to mimic the inside of our tribal tents here. There are even herbs with a scent very similar to First Home during the Time of Gathering. I am surprised they made the effort."

  Kiya followed his gaze and smiled. "It is as Grandfather had promised. Things are not as they had been in the outlands as each generation had been taught since the Great War. Not all would see us dead."

  "There are still some who would," Seeker grumbled. "The outlander spirit who guides you did not say anything of that."

  "He did not need to. Is it that different in Desantiva? The na'Zhekali tribe was not the only tribe made extinct by Desanti raiders over the generations. We prey on our own as much as we believe Outlanders would prey on us." Kiya turned to look up at Seeker, touching his cheek when he looked away from her. "I know it is hard to change how we have always seen the outlanders. But to assume all outlanders are the same would make us seem ignorant and naïve."

  Seeker scowled, making a disgusted sound. "I do not want to see them differently. It breaks the patterns that have always guided us." Seeker looked down at Kiya, troubled. "What will we do if the patterns are broken?"