Dim candlelight flickered in the distance ahead of them, and Rhuna became aware of a certain smoky scent which she had encountered a few times before. The eerie silence was broken when the people ahead of her reached more light and could see their companions. Some began a serious discussion, others chatted and some made their way directly to their usual seating location.
Yarqi tightened her grip on Rhuna’s arm as she guided her aside to introduce her to a bulky man with long, wild hair. The tone in Yarqi’s voice as she addressed him made Rhuna assume that she was being introduced directly to the most important person of the Conjurers group.
“Welcome to the Order of Pure Power,” he said in a surprisingly pleasant, deep and full voice.
“She has great talent, Grand Mage,” Yarqi told him with considerable pride, and he acknowledged her words with a bow of his head.
“We are privileged that you would join us this evening,” he said amiably.
Before Rhuna could ask about the unfamiliar term of address Yarqi used, she pulled Rhuna across the room and pointed to a seating area. Rhuna sat next to Yarqi, and then looked around until the others had also taken their places. Her eyes had adjusted to the dim light, and she found the smoky scent that wafted lightly around her somehow soothing.
“Brothers and Sisters!” said the Grand Mage, and Rhuna was instantly reminded of Goram’s speech to the Guardians of Knowledge in Safu’s secret underground rooms.
“Of one thing we are all in agreement,” he began. “We must keep our Art secret from outsiders, since many are those who would envy our power or condemn us out of ignorance and lack of understanding.”
Rhuna listened carefully while inconspicuously peering at the people around her.
“It is well for the Atlans of Suchinda to view us as their complete opposites,” the Grand Mage continued, his words rolling smoothly “We, of the Superior Kind, do not require rules, principles and ethics to guide or control us. Most certainly not! To the contrary, we of the Superior Kind are fully capable of guiding and controlling our own selves, enjoying complete freedom as befits the Superior Kind.”
Rhuna recognized the Grand Mage’s teaching as the same taught by the Dark Master, also known as The Master of Enlightenment.
“Therefore, New Initiates in particular, do not feel intimidated by Atlan threats and condemnations,” the Grand Mage continued. “ Their power to kill us is real and formidable, it is true, yet we are far more powerful!”
Cheers and applause resounded in the underground chamber, and Rhuna was once again reminded of the gathering she had attended of the Guardians of Knowledge in the subterranean rooms of Safu.
After the Grand Mage had spoken at length about the Order of Pure Power and its principles, the gathering split into various groups which dispersed into the other adjoining rooms.
“Where are they going?” she asked Yarqi in a whisper.
“They all have their instructions and specific tasks to accomplish,” replied Yarqi. Rhuna looked around and suddenly saw a large figure looming over her.
“Show us what you can do,” the Grand Mage instructed Rhuna. “You must first satisfy me and other senior members of the Order that you are worthy.” The Grand Mage told Rhuna to follow him into one of the smaller chambers where she should demonstrate her powers.
“But I don’t know if I can do what he wants me to do!” Rhuna whispered urgently to Yarqi as they followed the Grand Mage.
“What?” Yarqi exclaimed as she reeled back in surprise. “A powerful conjurer like you is uncertain?”
“Yes. I’ve heard that the Conjurers are doing all kinds of things I’ve never even thought of!” Rhuna replied, thinking of the many instances of animal control and mass illusions that had occurred in recent lunar cycles.
“They do not expect anything as grand as those feats done by the Pre-eminent Mages,” Yarqi assured her.
Rhuna followed the Grand Mage into the adjoining chamber, but someone at the door held Yarqi back.
“Go ahead,” Yarqi said. “I’ll wait for you here.”
Rhuna nervously stepped farther inside the low-lit room and stopped to stand in front of five people. They wore dark-coloured robes so that their forms were shapeless and vague, and their faces hidden in shadows.
“You are known as Keeper of Wisdom, are you not?” said one of the dark shapes with a sharp edge to his voice. “From Atlán, where you once sat on the High Council!”
“This does not bode well for the Order of Pure Power,” said the second dark form.
“Atlans are our enemies, you see,” said the third shape, which was a woman with a weak and creaky voice.
“We submit that you are attempting to spy on the Order, to infiltrate and sabotage it!” boomed the fourth figure.
Rhuna felt her legs wobble, and she feared what they would do to her if she could not make a convincing pretense.
“I…yes, that’s all true, but a lot has happened to me in past solar cycles,” Rhuna began, sounding more confident than she felt. “Everything that happened changed the way I think about…everything.”
“Why do you want to join our Order?” shot the first one with the sharp voice.
“To-to use my powers freely, without restraint or criticism from Atlán, and to help others reach their full potential.”
“You are attempting to deceive us!” boomed the next one.
“Prove yourself to us – perform an act of Conjuration,” demanded the creaky woman. “If successful and to our satisfaction, you may pass your initiation.”
“What should I do?” Rhuna asked nervously.
“Whatever should impress us,” said the sharp voice.
Rhuna thought for a moment as she looked around the shadowy room, and then closed her eyes to concentrate. Almost instantly, a fire erupted from the corner of the room where Rhuna had seen soiled rags and some debris. A large pot crumbled, and then the thick wooden table nearby cracked in two, causing an ear-shattering noise like a giant thunderclap.
The dark figures remained motionless, and after silence had returned to the small room, the Grand Mage spoke from behind Rhuna.
“Good. But not impressive,” he said.
“Most of us are able to do these basic things,” croaked the woman.
“Tell us, are you able to control animals from a great distance?” snapped the sharp-voiced man. “Cause illusions in the minds of many? Cause pain and suffering to a distant person by pricking a representation doll?”
“I…I never tried any of those things,” Rhuna said.
“Brother, these are feats only the most eminent of the Order can accomplish,” said one of the dark shadows to the other.
“Such as raising the dead,” said another.
“My mother – she was dead, and I brought her back to life!” Rhuna blurted.
“Indeed?” asked the sharp-voiced one skeptically. “Prove this to us,” he challenged.
“It is true!” said the fifth dark shape who had not spoken before, and before Rhuna understood why, her blood ran cold. “On my reputation, I attest to her truthfulness and confirm she has indeed returned her mother to the living plane.”
“You…” said Rhuna breathlessly.
“Yes, Rhuna, it is I,” said the Dark Master with a mischievous grin.
“It is true,” he continued, turning to the other dark shadows in the room. “She is one of us. In fact, she is a most pre-eminent Conjurer!” he emphasized. “She has restored life to her mother, who now functions as if she had never died!”
Rhuna felt a sickening chill run through her as she realized the Dark Master had observed everything she had done.
The others looked at each other for a moment, and then their demeanour changed completely. “We have vigorously attempted this feat without success: Teach us, Master!” said one of the dark forms.
“It would be most unwise of the Master to reveal such a great secret without complete confidence in the members of the Order!” said the Dark Master before Rhuna
could think of an answer. “It must remain a Secret Act accessible to only a few!”
“Of course, of course,” muttered the other dark figures.
“You are herewith welcome in our Order, Keeper of Wisdom – or by what other name may we address you, Master?” asked the sharp-tongued one whose voice had greatly mellowed.
Rhuna was still speechless by the shocking turn of events, and as they moved to leave the small room, she saw the Dark Master’s snarl.
“Welcome, Rhuna!” he said with excessive sweetness. “You have become my equal, my partner, my accomplice! How wonderful! You are worthy of this station, by my side, complementing my powers with your own unique and superior traits!”
“That’s exactly what you wanted, wasn’t it!” Rhuna growled as she stayed back in the room with the Dark Master. “To corrupt me and turn me against everything I believed in!”
The Dark Master merely chuckled with pleasure, and Rhuna remembered the pretense she was to carry out, at least for the other members of the Order of Pure Power.
“Allow me to escort you through our premises,” said the Grand Mage, his voice now also expressing veneration.
Yarqi stood nearby and smiled when she saw that Rhuna had been welcomed into the Order.
Rhuna followed the Grand Mage through the labyrinth of underground rooms and passages, still struggling to regain her composure after her encounter with the Dark Master.
“These passages were made recently,” the Grand Mage explained as they walked through a tunnel-like corridor. “We are leaving the foundations of one building, and entering that of another.”
The Grand Mage stopped when they cleared the narrow tunnel corridor, and Rhuna stepped next to him to view the room they had entered. She thought it was even darker than the previous rooms she had come from, and looked around to see only a few small candles placed around the spacious chamber.
Rhuna was startled when she saw strange reflections from flickering light in one area of the room, and then she realized that they were caused by black mirrors.
“Made from obsidian,” said the Grand Mage in a very low whisper. He ushered Rhuna towards the mirrors where several members of the Order of Pure Power kneeled motionlessly. As she stood behind one of the members kneeling in front of the black obsidian mirror, Rhuna became aware of the sweet smell of burning incense, as well as the eerie muffled chanting from all around.
“The chants and incense assist in reaching the altered mental state necessary for the feats we endeavour to perform,” The Grand Mage explained. Some members have progressed to the point of summoning visions in the mirrors, and even communicating with others with the assistance of the mirror.
“Like the Gazing of the Waters?” asked Rhuna in a low whisper.
“Exactly so,” the Grand Mage replied, and then motioned Rhuna towards a doorway at the other side of the room. They stepped through another recently-made tunnel which turned twice until it revealed a much brighter chamber. Rhuna stopped in the middle of the room and looked around at the different sections where several members of the Order worked at tables.
Rhuna was startled when she recognized one of them.
“Progress of the Wind!” she said surprised.
“Keeper of Wisdom!” he said in reply. “What a pleasant surprise!”
“You are acquainted, I see,” said the Grand Mage approvingly. “Progress of the Wind is the leader of this group, and he has advanced the work of Sympathetic Representation a great deal. Now he is teaching new members.”
“Sympathetic Representation?” Rhuna repeated.
“You are well acquainted with the theory, Keeper of Wisdom,” said Progress of the Wind. “Behold, the dolls we are making from clay, wood and textiles. They represent particular individuals, and when we have obtained a small part of that person, such as hair or a piece of fingernail, the individual in question shall experience whatever its doll-representative undergoes.”
“Oh, yes,” said Rhuna nodding. “It was done in Safu already.”
“Exactly so,” nodded Progress of the Wind.
The Grand Mage ushered Rhuna along towards the far doorway, but this time they ascended steps and reached the interior of a normal home.
“We are in the process of expanding,” the Grand Mage explained. “We plan to capture the entire city of Judharo for our exclusive use. It shall no longer be necessary to hide in dark and underground places, nor fear death at the hands of the Suchinda Atlans!”
“How do you plan to capture the entire city?” asked Rhuna aghast.
“We intend to frighten every resident away!” he answered with a chuckle. “Surely you have heard about the spiders, snakes and other unpleasant events experienced by many residents already? Most of them have already left!” The Grand Mage smiled triumphantly.
“Was that done by controlling animals and creating illusions?” Rhuna asked.
“A combination of these techniques,” he nodded, then guided Rhuna outside and along a narrow alley.
“In the foundations of this house,” he said as they approached a grand residency, “…we accomplish our greatest feat thus far: the raising of the dead!”
Rhuna felt a sickening ache in the pit of her stomach as the Grand Mage led her to a group of members standing around a high-legged cot. Her fears were realized when she saw a dead and partly decayed corpse lying on the cot.
“Observe the Masters of this incredible feat!” he said with immense pride.
Rhuna watched as the seven members of the Order of Pure Power began to chant in unison until it made her dizzy and nauseous.
“The frequency…” said Rhuna, raising her hands to cover her ears.
“Yes, the frequency!” said the Grand Mage with admiration as he watched the Masters enter a deep trance to access the correct mental frequency. Despite holding her hands firmly over her ears, Rhuna continued to feel queasy, and her unease worsened when the Grand Mage motioned for her to step closer so that she could observe the corpse.
Rhuna stared transfixed as the dead body began to shudder and twitch, then make deliberate jerky movements. Suddenly, the room fell completely silent, and Rhuna realized she was holding her breath.
The dead man opened his eyes and stared ahead. His limbs made irregular movements until he was able to stand and slowly put both feet firmly on the floor. A short moment later, the dead man shuffled his feet, first with very small forward movements, then larger steps until he had managed to cross the room.
When he stopped and turned around to look at the Masters, Rhuna heard the release of tension by the Masters as they cheered and laughed. She took a deep breath to fortify herself against the shocking sight, and then remembered what the Suchinda Atlans had told her about animated dead people attacking their city wall and gate.
The dead man’s eyes continued to stare blankly ahead, as if not able to see at all. His skin was grey, and his body exuded an uncanny odour, which Rhuna assumed was decomposition mixed with strong perfumed concoctions to mask the smell of death.
“A frightful sight, Masters!” said the Grand Mage with awe.
“People most certainly shall flee in fright!” said one of the Masters.
“We must animate more corpses and release them at pre-determined sites in Judharo for optimal impact!” said the Grand Mage rubbing his hands together in glee.
“Those remaining in Judharo shall be frightened into departing also,” said another.
“Then the city shall be ours alone, with its fortifications and the added protection of the raging flood, no one can touch us!
“No Suchinda Atlans to boil our blood!” said one of the members angrily.
Rhuna’s mind worked desperately, searching for the best way out of the situation in which she had put herself.
“But my family lives in Cha’al,” she said to the Grand Mage. “I’d like to continue to journey between Judharo and Cha’al with my RTE.”
“And so you shall!” said the Grand Mage with a broad smile. “We h
ave made provisions in our plans for some RTEs to continue entering Judharo so that we are not completely isolated and dependent on meagre supplies.”
“Yet those RTEs not belonging to our members shall be brought down!” said one of the members with a big grin.
“How would you do that?” asked Rhuna, horrified.
“We have constructed a device similar to the Horn of Incapacitation which emits a disruptive magnetic force, instantly disabling all the functions of the RTE!” explained the member, still with a wide grin on his face.
“Rest assured, Keeper of Wisdom,” said the Grand Mage, seeing Rhuna’s concern. “We shall become familiar with your RTE, and it shall be given priority entry over Judharo’s city walls, to land in one of the open plazas.”
Rhuna nodded and said that those plans would be acceptable to her.
“When will the flooding of the river begin?” she wondered.
“Within four to seven days,” answered the Grand Mage. “We have much to do in those days. Assist us, Keeper of Wisdom, that we may gain complete control over Judharo for ourselves.”
Rhuna felt that she could not decline and thereby reveal her pretense, so she agreed to assist in releasing some of the animated corpses in the city. She walked through the city of Judharo to her father’s home, her mind wrestling with the new situation and how to handle it.
As usual, Hari Tal stood by the open door as she arrived, and she felt very uneasy as his eyes followed her through the entrance and into the house. Inside, Kiana and Damell sat awkwardly opposite each other at the food table, slowly eating a meal.
“Some people are leaving the city because the river is going to be very flooded this season and Judharo will be cut off from everything,” she said as she approached them and sat down at the table.
“It occurs every six or seven solar cycles,” Damell observed.
“Maybe we should all go to Cha’al and stay at my house during that time,” Rhuna offered hopefully.
“It should not be necessary,” Damell answered as he chewed on dried apricots.
“But this time is different,” Rhuna argued. “The Conjurers are doing terrible things to scare people, to drive them out of the city!”
Rhuna- New Horizons Page 26