A World of Secrets (The Firewall Trilogy)

by James Maxwell

“So one was male, the other female, and they’re searching for humans to kill?” Vance glanced from face to face.

  “Something like that,” Lars said. “Our goal is to stay clear of them.”

  Taimin nodded. “They might be back. We leave this area, and we leave it quickly.”

  He reached down and wrapped a hand around his boot. He gently wriggled it from side to side and winced. He wasn’t looking forward to the day ahead.

  Glancing over his shoulder, he saw that Selena was up. Rather than join them, she was sitting alone, cross-legged and strangely still.

  Taimin climbed to his feet. “Keep watch,” he said to Vance and Lars.

  More than anything Selena wished she had her talent back. She was worried about Taimin. She wanted to keep him safe, to remove his cares and share his burden.

  She tried to remember everything she knew about farcasting, when she had first learned what she was capable of. There was skill involved. A mystic’s abilities could be trained and honed.

  At first, when she had been struck by frequent seizures, visions had come to her unbidden: outlines of distant features and objects, images of approaching threats, and an instinctive knowledge of where she was physically in relation to the things her abilities showed her.

  Then she had met Rei-kika, a mantorean, but someone she counted as her friend. Selena had learned that true farcasting meant escaping the confines of her body. She could leave her physical form behind and roam far and wide, the limit of her travel only dictated by her lifeline, which ensured she kept breathing when she was somewhere else altogether. Her curse became a gift. When she pictured a pure, radiant symbol, imagined herself holding it, and allowed it to pull her consciousness free, she could farcast with a clarity she had never experienced before.

  There were those, however, who learned what she was capable of and used her for their own ends. The Protector of Zorn had forced her to seek out members of the other races, those he considered his enemies. Selena’s talent was sullied. But the worst moment came when she herself chose darkness, and used her power to delve into the mystic Arren’s childhood memories, and use them against him.

  Since that time, Selena’s power had been buried deep inside her, confined by a wall built of her deepest fears. She knew that her problem was of her own making, yet still she couldn’t farcast. Whatever she had done, she had restrained her abilities so effectively that it was as if her power had left her completely. Perhaps it had. Surely that was what some part of her wanted.

  Nonetheless, she should have seen the two giants coming.

  She tried to clear her thoughts and touch the radiance inside her mind. But try as she might, when she pictured her symbol—a shining, pure moon—nothing happened. As she sat cross-legged with her eyes unfocused, she felt tense and fearful. No matter how much she wanted to find it, her power was far from reach. As always, she had to give up.

  “Selena?”

  Her eyes refocused and she saw Taimin crouched next to her. He knew what she had been doing. She silently thanked him for not mentioning it.

  “Come on. We have to keep moving.”

  His eyes were tight; there was pain there, and Selena remembered the menacing creature squeezing his foot while he screamed.

  In that moment, she had thought he was going to die.

  The ancient riverbed gave way to a new landscape, undulating and windswept, with terrain that rose and fell. The slopes were gentle but Taimin walked with a heavy limp, despite the herbs Ruth had given him. He glanced over his shoulder when he heard Selena’s voice.

  “Taimin, stop.”

  “What is it?” he asked. He realized that he was panting as if he had just run a race.

  “Listen . . .” As she met his eyes, her voice was kind. “I know that life isn’t easy for you. It’s made you stronger than anyone I know. But . . .” she smiled, “at the moment, when it comes to walking, I’m stronger than you.” She paused to let her words sink in. “You need to lean on me.”

  His first instinct was to shake his head. “I can manage—”

  She cut him off. “Do you want to be strong, or stubborn? We need to travel fast. But if you try to do this alone you’ll only make things worse.” She came close to him so that her slender frame was right beside him. Her arm went around his waist. “Lean on me,” she said once more.

  Taimin hesitated. Then, with a sigh, he let her support some of his weight. She was right. He hated to be in the situation he was in, but it was true that the going was easier once he and Selena began to move together. As the journey progressed, Selena had surprising stamina. He was soon traveling faster than he had before.

  Yet Taimin couldn’t help thinking about the dangers that might threaten their group at any moment. Like everyone else, he found it difficult to see over the taller hillsides. He saw birds and clumps of pink razorgrass, which meant there might be large predators. He tensed every time he climbed to the top of a crest.

  Along with more signs of life came dangers, but not all of it was bad. A few hours into the day Vance spied a grove of lifegiver cactuses, enabling everyone to replenish their water flasks. Ruth’s herbs began to have an effect, and Taimin’s spirits improved. The golden sun rose ever higher in the sky, but the dry breeze wasn’t as hot as it could sometimes be. Raptors clung to the branches of gnarled trees and lizards perched atop rocks; if meat was needed they wouldn’t have difficulty finding it. The higher ground meant they could look back and see the riverbed they had followed. Provided they used the line it made as a guide, they would be heading in the right direction.

  As time passed, Taimin brought up the rear of the group, traveling with Selena’s support. He ate his foul-tasting herbs. With every chew, he screwed up his face at the bitter taste and resisted the urge to spit. Instead he made himself take a few more leaves from his pocket and force them into his mouth. His situation would be a lot worse without Ruth’s help.

  “I’ve been thinking . . .” Selena suddenly said. She waited until she had his attention. “The city’s builders . . . We know they must be tall.” She met his gaze. “What if we just met them?”

  Taimin had wondered much the same thing. “They’re tall enough. But we’re in new lands. Just because they’re big doesn’t mean it was them.”

  “Why haven’t we met them before?”

  “Perhaps they prefer to stay in their territory, like bax and skalen. Or maybe there aren’t many of them left.” He glanced her way. “Remember, Zorn was built to house a large number. What’s more likely? That those monsters who attacked us built the city, then retreated to a corner of the wasteland where they were never seen again? Or that there’s simply another race out here that’s small in numbers?”

  Selena nodded reluctantly.

  “Did you ever hear stories when you were young, about giants?” Taimin asked. “My father told them to me.” He stared into the distance. “They were big, and if you didn’t make it home before nightfall they would get you.”

  Selena shook her head. “I never knew my parents,” she said. She glanced at his foot and changed the subject. “How is it?”

  “I’m fine,” Taimin said. “Whatever these leaves are, they’re helping. I wish you’d stop asking.”

  “If you want to rest—”

  “We should keep moving,” Taimin said firmly.

  Taimin couldn’t stop thinking about the fight in the gorge. He had begged Selena to leave him behind, but she wouldn’t go. He had a terrible feeling she would come to harm because of him.

  “You know I accept you,” Selena said. She had a way of knowing exactly what was on his mind. “All of you.”

  Taimin shook his head. “There’s danger everywhere. Sometimes the only option is to run – yet that’s exactly what I can’t do.” He thrust out his arm to point at the hill they were climbing. “We can’t see what’s beyond that hill until we’re at the top. There could be anything on the other side.”

  Selena frowned. “If there’s danger, you’ll do what yo
u always do. You can fight. We all know that.”

  “Fight?” He gave a short laugh, completely without humor. “You saw what happened when I tried to fight.”

  “None of us could have beaten that thing.”

  “Which means that you shouldn’t have waited—”

  Taimin stopped talking. He saw Lars standing on top of the hill and waving to get his attention.

  8

  Strong sunlight bathed the far side of the hill. Taimin stood next to Lars and gazed down at a large group of insect-like figures with bone-colored carapaces, triangular heads, and multi-faceted black eyes. The mantoreans weren’t moving. Instead they sat in a circle, clustered around something in the middle.

  “What are they doing?” Taimin asked.

  “I think I know,” Lars said. He made sure he had everyone’s attention. “There shouldn’t be danger, provided we approach slowly. I have some lizard skins in my pack. We might be able to trade.”

  “What for?” Vance asked.

  “Information, city-dweller,” Lars said. He turned to Taimin. “Coming?” As Taimin nodded, Lars spoke to the others. “You’d best follow at a distance until we’ve made contact.”

  Taimin chewed some more of the bitter leaves; although he felt light-headed, he was able to walk at a reasonable pace. Selena, Ruth, and Vance followed more slowly behind.

  Two males climbed to their feet and headed toward them. Mantoreans were nomadic, swift on their feet, and known as keen traders and skilled archers. Both of the males climbing the slope held curved bows and, despite their lack of clothing, wore leather belts wrapped around their midsections with dangling knives and other tools. Taimin knew they were males because females were slightly larger, with stronger legs and an egg sack at the waist.

  “Greetings,” Lars called, arms wide and hands displayed. “Are you interested in trade?”

  “Greetings, humans,” the larger of the pair replied in a clicking voice. He stopped in front of Lars and Taimin. “I am Pron-mik and this is Tera-dal.” He indicated his companion and then turned to face the distant group sitting in the direct sunlight. “We have a female with us, and her time of laying is near. There is hope but also danger. Please do not approach any closer.”

  “Understood,” Lars said. “I’m Lars, and this is Taimin.” He jerked his chin. “Coming up behind us are Selena and Ruth. The fearful one over there is Vance.”

  Vance scowled and Lars grinned.

  The two mantoreans quietly conferred; Pron-mik seemed excited. “Taimin? That is your name?”

  Taimin exchanged a surprised look with Lars. “It is.”

  “We know of you. News of the change in Zorn has passed from mystic to mystic. After Lin-rai’s eggs are laid we plan to travel there to meet this new leader.” He paused uncertainly. “I have forgotten her name . . . Elya?”

  “Elsa,” Taimin supplied.

  “Elsa, yes that is it.”

  Selena joined Taimin’s side. “Do you know Rei-kika?”

  “Of course. Her eggs hatched, which is always news to celebrate. She now raises her hatchlings in the city.”

  “In Zorn?” Selena was obviously pleased and surprised. Something occurred to her and she looked over at the group of mantoreans on the hillside. “Do you have a mystic with you now?”

  Taimin saw an intent expression on Selena’s face. He remembered that Rei-kika had helped her with her abilities before.

  “I am afraid we do not,” Tera-dal said. “Win-sera was killed by a firehound.” His antennae dropped. “A sad situation, and now we are without her protection.” He cast a swift look back at his group and then returned his attention to Taimin. “We should get to business. You have goods to trade? What do you offer and seek in return?”

  “I have skins,” Lars said. He pulled a couple of lizard skins from his pack and displayed them. “You have water?”

  “We do. A mantorean always knows when water is near.”

  Ruth spoke up. “Do you have any red nettles?”

  “We have many plants and herbs,” Tera-dal replied.

  While Lars and Ruth talked to Tera-dal, and Vance and Selena rummaged through their packs to dig out their half-empty water bladders, Taimin addressed Pron-mik. “We would appreciate any information you can give us,” he said. “We’re looking for a desert.”

  “You are on the right path,” Pron-mik said. “Do you see that mountain?” He pointed, and Taimin saw a solitary triangular peak in the distance, past the rolling landscape of hills. “We left it a week ago to find a place with strong sunlight. This location is good, but as always when a female lays her eggs, we are exposed.” His beady black eyes focused on Taimin. “Are there any threats we need to be aware of?”

  Taimin rubbed his stubbled chin. “We saw two strange creatures. Tall . . . far taller than we are. They had horns, like firehounds. Does that mean anything to you?”

  “No. Is there danger?”

  “When we last saw them they were traveling away from this area, but it’s fair to warn you to watch out for them.” Taimin remembered Lars directing the two giants to the city. “They may be heading to Zorn.”

  Pron-mik glanced at his companion. “I think the trade is done.” He gave Taimin a double-jointed, jerky bow. “We thank you for your warning.”

  Searing heat forced the weary travelers to rest in the shade of a rock shaped like a hand embedded in the dirt. Vance kept watch while Taimin and Lars leaned back against their packs and closed their eyes. Selena sat a little away from the others and once more tried to farcast.

  Her eyes glazed. She tried to search inside herself, and again felt the rising fear, the buried part of her that didn’t want it to happen. She focused on the rhythm of her breathing and attempted to blot out the sound of Lars’s rasping snores.

  Please, she told herself. She knew it was in there. If she could face down her dread, her power could resurface, and she could help the people with her. She was the one in control.

  Frustration coursed through her. Still she felt nothing.

  She sighed and climbed to her feet. Ruth was nearby, cross-legged on the ground as her fingers traveled over several lengths of braided cord, weighted with stones. Remembering Ruth whirling her grapple overhead, Selena came to a decision. Ruth looked up as she approached.

  “You made that yourself?” Selena asked.

  Ruth glanced at the weapon. “I did. My mother taught me.”

  Vance called out from where he was keeping watch. “One shot only. Once you let go, you’ve got nothing left.” His eyes twinkled mischievously.

  Ruth gave him a look of pity. “I’d like to see you catch a wherry with a bow and arrow.”

  “See any wherries out here?” He raised an eyebrow and indicated the landscape.

  “Or take a rock lizard without a mark on it.”

  Vance searched for a retort, but Ruth kept going.

  “And if you’re wandering about late at night, you’ll be glad I don’t have a weapon that’s going to kill you.”

  “Don’t worry, Ruth,” Vance said. “I’ve got good eyesight. I won’t mistake you for a bax.”

  Ruth shook her head as she returned her attention to Selena. “Ignore him. He was a weapons trader and there’s no money in something so simple. In fact,” she continued, “that’s a grapple’s strength. They’re easily fashioned, all you need is some leather and you can make a new one. Also,” Ruth showed how the grapple could circle her waist like a decorative belt, “you can fool people into thinking you’re unarmed.”

  “You might as well be,” Vance said with a grin.

  Ruth grabbed a stone and tossed it Vance’s way, forcing him to duck.

  “Can you teach me?” Selena asked.

  Ruth frowned as she pondered and made a show of rubbing her chin. “I’m not sure. I’ve heard people with odd-colored eyes can’t judge distances properly.”

  When Selena’s brow furrowed, Ruth laughed. “I’m joking, Selena. I’ll make you one, and of course I’ll teach y
ou.” She smiled. “And in case you don’t already realize, you have beautiful eyes.”

  Selena returned the smile, but then she turned and saw Taimin and Lars standing up and stretching. She couldn’t help checking Taimin’s color, and decided that he looked better after the respite.

  “Time to go,” Taimin said. “We need to keep moving.”

  The last rays of the setting sun shone on a tall hill. Nightfall would come swiftly. Rather than find somewhere hidden, Taimin and Lars chose a place that was high and afforded a clear view in all directions.

  During the last brief period of daylight, Taimin stood on the hillside and watched from a distance as Ruth and Selena practiced whirling their grapples overhead. As Selena’s weapon flew through the air, Taimin was impressed. Selena was a fast learner and Ruth was a patient teacher. Anything that kept Selena alive was a good thing.

  Lars’s growling voice seized his attention. “Lad? I’m talking to you.”

  Taimin remembered that Lars had been asking him about which part of the hill he thought was most defensible. “A little higher up,” Taimin said, pointing. “Best if we sleep near that ridge.”

  Lars scanned where Taimin indicated. “Looks like a good place.” He shielded his eyes and gazed down at the foot of the hill, where Vance was walking away with his bow on his shoulder. “Hope he knows not to go too far,” he muttered.

  “I thought you didn’t like him.”

  “Doesn’t mean I want him dead.”

  Lars frowned in Vance’s direction and then headed up to the ridge, while Taimin continued to watch Selena. Soon the fading light forced Selena and Ruth to stop, and Taimin turned away, climbing the hillside to reach the flat section near the crest. He found Lars already selecting a place to sleep without too many stones underneath.

  All of a sudden, Taimin didn’t feel right sleeping beside Selena. What could he offer her? He was a burden. He was putting her at risk. He hesitated and then picked a spot near Lars.

  He heard voices and saw Selena and Ruth coming up to join them.

  A flash of surprise crossed Selena’s face when she noted where Taimin had laid his blanket. With a frown, she placed her own blanket on the far side of the knoll near Ruth.