by C B Williams
Pika frowned. “North lies King Rafa’s land. Until Makini’s wedding, we are in violation to the treaty. Can’t this wait?”
“I’m sorry,” Eloch said. “It involves our safety and the safety of our ship. We need to know what is at those coordinates.”
Pika looked at Eloch and the others, his mouth tight.
“Look, Pika, it’s really important,” Wren said. “And we’ll be careful. Why don’t you take the lead? We’ll do exactly as you say.”
“Okay,” he huffed, “but if I sense any danger, even the slightest, we turn around.”
“Agreed, Eloch said. “Should we inform the queen as well?”
Pika shook his head. “It would only worry her. I’m a prince, and I’m escorting you. That’s enough. If we’re careful and you follow my instructions, there should be no problems.”
“Then let’s go,” Eloch said. He glanced at Wren, the uncertainty plain on his face.
She patted her pocket, then her thigh. “I’m armed,” she mouthed.
He nodded again. “I’ll get my staff,” he told her. “Meet you all outside.” He strode out of the hut and into the one he shared with Wren, grabbed his staff, and went back to wait outside Genji’s hut.
Wren and Pika joined him. “Gets stuffy inside,” Wren commented. “Not sure if I’ll ever get used to the heat. It’s like breathing underwater.”
“Maybe if you wore less clothing?” Pika suggested.
“Actually, this clothing is pretty cooling,” Wren explained. “It’s why I’ve taken to wearing my old clothes again. It’s a special fabric that helps you keep the same body temperature. Also, if we need to cross any lava flows, it’s tougher than my skin. I’m not a Nuri. I need the protection.”
Genji emerged from his hut with a loaded pack slung over his shoulder. “I really should tell Kalea where I’m going,” he said as he joined the group. “She’ll wonder.”
Pika shook his head. “We’re wasting time. North you say?” Not waiting for an answer, he started off, forcing the others to scramble.
“Why don’t you want Kalea to know where we’re going?” Wren asked when she caught up with him.
Pika paused and looked at her. “The fewer people who know there’s a possibility we may be leaving Mother’s lands, the better. It’s for safety.”
Wren nodded, guessing by his behavior it was highly likely they would be leaving the queen’s territory. She dropped back to walk with Eloch. “I’ve got a funny feeling Pika knows where we’re going,” she whispered as they followed Pika along a trail running parallel to the ocean.
His grip tightened on his staff. “I have the identical funny feeling. We’ll stay alert, and if I need to use my power, I need to use it.”
The four walked a mile or two without talking, accompanied by the sound of the surf.
“The breeze is cooler coming off the water,” Wren commented. “Say, wait a minute.” She stopped and studied the shoreline. “Doesn’t this stretch of beach look familiar to you?”
“Now that you mention it, it does,” Eloch agreed. “I believe our camp was here. Look!” He pointed, “There’s the fire pit where we roasted the pig.”
“Hey!” Wren called out to Pika. “This is where our first camp was! You took down the second hut Eloch made.”
He glanced over his shoulder and nodded, “You have a good memory and sense of direction.”
“I don’t see anything,” Genji said.
“That’s because it was all swept out to sea. All that’s left is a fire pit. But you can take our word for it.” She looked around further. “Funny, it looks like a bunch of equipment moved through here. Going that way,” she pointed inland. “Look how the branches are all broken and the grass mashed down.”
“But it’s springing back, so it happened a couple of weeks ago,” Eloch said, reading the signs.
“Around the same time our encampment was destroyed.”
They looked at each other and then at Pika, who shrugged. “We must keep walking. Going over the lava field will take time.”
“My funny feeling just got funnier,” Wren muttered to Eloch as they followed Genji and Pika.
“Why were you looking for me?” Genji asked Pika as they followed the route Genji had plugged into the global positioning unit. He hoped it didn’t have anything to do with Kalea and him.
A huge grin transformed Pika’s face. He looked at Genji and back at Wren and Eloch. “I found them!” His eyes sparkled as he walked backwards so he could see their reactions. “I still feel like it’s a dream, but I found them!”
“Who?” Wren asked. “Who did you find?”
Pika stopped to let the others catch up.
“Not who, but what. I found The Ancestors’ Starbirds. Both of them. Shiny and bright. And huge.”
Genji’s eyes lit. “You found the starships? They must be at least a thousand years old.”
Pika nodded, “But they looked new.”
“I would give anything to see them,” Genji breathed. “To read the ships’ logs! Living history.”
“I was hoping you’d say that. I want you see them, to tell me all you can about them. I want to learn how they fly. I want to fly one.”
“Where are they?” Genji asked. “Close by?”
“Wait, wait, you two,” Wren said with a laugh. “I can think of some others who’d love to look at them, too. Namely Eloch, here, and me. Probably Aiko, and let’s not forget Spider. But first things first.”
“Oh, right,” Genji said and looked at his GPU’s readout. “This way,” he said and frowned when he saw a huge lava flow standing in their way. “Looks rough up ahead.”
“I think maybe five villages could fit into one of those ships,” Pika continued as they followed the GPU’s course. “You could get lost in them.”
“How did you find them, exactly?” Eloch asked.
“The dances.” He told them how he had noticed when dancing The Ancestors’ story, the priestesses would always point in a certain direction in one part of the dance. However, that direction was determined by where the village stood. It had occurred to him one day that they were pointing to the same spot. He looked at Genji. “Like they were coordinates. Is that the word?”
“Coordinates. Yes. Very good.” Genji nodded. “Fascinating.”
“Yes, and so I began to search for the coordinates. Only,” he pointed to the GPU, “I didn’t have one of these.” He was almost dancing with excitement. “I had something better. The Goddess caught me digging for them on the mountain. I thought She would be angry and was afraid for my life, but She eventually confirmed I was correct. She told me exactly what to look for.”
Eloch looked at Wren, “This confirms Longwei’s desire to educate Her people,” he whispered.
Wren nodded, “That’s good, isn’t it?”
“Very.”
“I wonder what else went on between Pika and Longwei.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Didn’t you see how red he got? Brings to mind Genji when he mentions Kalea.”
“Ah. What an interesting thought.” He pondered the idea, then shrugged. “Different planet, different way of interacting with Her creatures.”
Wren giggled. “I’ll say.” She looked up at Eloch after a moment, “Once Aiko and Spider hear about this, you realize you’re going to have a hard time keeping them on the Stardust.”
“Perhaps we shouldn’t tell them until I finally have that conversation with Longwei.”
“Could you contact Longwei? Ask Her if She’s made a decision?”
He shook his head. “Unfortunately, we must continue to wait. This is Her world.”
They fell silent and focused on their footing while they crossed the flow. When they reached the lava flow, Pika took the lead, with Genji following and telling him when they got off course. Wren followed Genji, and Eloch brought up the rear. Pika slowed his pace for the others, coming to a halt when they reached the borders of his mother’s lands, marked by a se
ries of cairns.
“When we go past this point, we will be in enemy territory,” Pika said as he pointed at the line of cairns. “I doubt we will run into anyone, but we keep to the low-lying paths just in case.” He looked at Genji’s GP unit. “How much farther is it?”
“Not far. We’ve about a third of the way to go.” With satisfaction, he realized he had more stamina than when he first arrived. “Wow, and I’m not tired, even in this weather.”
“Maybe this planet suits you,” Wren said, mentally chastising herself when she saw the happiness light up his eyes.
He nodded. “I think it might.”
“I like it, too. “Aiko would never let him remain behind. We need him with us. I’m just giving him false hope. She sighed. “I’ll miss it when we leave.”
Following Pika, they began walking again, wending their way over the rough terrain.
While they’d been following the GP unit, Pika had felt more and more sure of their destination. He had had an inkling at the very beginning. But when they arrived at the ghost tree outcropping he and Haku had hidden behind, he knew for sure. He stopped and motioned the others to join him as he squatted behind it.
“This is not a good place,” he told them. “We must turn around.”
“But we’re almost there,” Genji protested, “Just a few hundred feet.”
Wren scanned the valley before them. “It seems quiet enough. I can’t see any danger.”
“Yet something is there,” Eloch said, his eyes narrowing. “I can sense it.”
Pika nodded. “Yes, something is there,” and he proceeded to tell them everything he knew about the miners digging up healing crystals behind the magic, invisible curtain. After a moment’s hesitation, he told them how he and Haku had been captured, and Haku had promised them he would show them where the fire crystals were.
“Fire crystals?” Genji asked.
Pika nodded. “They have red centers.”
“Crystals with red centers,” Wren said. “Why would the miners want them?”
“They’re used for asteroid mining,” Genji replied. “To set charges in deep space. They explode in sub-zero temps. They’re rare and extremely valuable.”
“Because they’re not reusable like the healing crystals,” Eloch said.
“Exactly.”
“So Haku led them to another mine?” Wren asked.
Pika nodded, “I believe so, but I told Haku I didn’t want to know about it.”
“The tracks near our camp say he did,” Wren said.
“The second anomaly,” Genji stated. “Another invisible wall.”
“More than likely,” Eloch said as he stood. “Shall we make ourselves known to them?”
“You must be careful,” Pika said. “They have fire sticks.”
“Laser rifles, I’d expect,” Genji said.
Eloch gripped his staff. “And I have this.” He glanced at Wren. “Why don’t you and I go while Pika and Genji wait?”
“Sounds like a good idea,” Wren said while still trying to see something that was invisible.
“It sounds like interfering where you do not belong,” came a voice from behind them.
Chapter 18
Something Comes
Despite her reluctance to do so, Longwei decided to contact Entean. She disliked feeling forced to make decisions when She wasn’t ready, but the feeling She had of something coming urged Her to reach out.
The surprising joy She felt from Her connection with Entean dissipated Her remaining anger like lava flowing into the cooling sea.
Longwei! At last! Our Sister, there is a great need for all Sisters to communicate once again.
Yes, something comes. I have felt it too. I am beginning to prepare. Your Champion is here on My surface. You have chosen well.
Thank you. I agree. Is he well? Although his double remains with Me, I miss him, Longwei. I miss speaking with the original.
He is well. And he is not alone. Companions travel with him; his consort and others.
Ah, yes. His consort is of Spur.
Spur, yes. Nonetheless, I approve of the woman. She has a warrior’s heart and a mother’s soul.
You have not spoken with Spur?
I am not ready. Her creatures are annoying. They have spread to other worlds. There are other creatures here upon Me who claim they are from another world, yet they reek of Her.
She is aware of this and regrets it. Deeply. She is reaching out to those Sisters who are awake to express her regrets. Those who are not, We will send My Champion to awaken them, not only so Spur can apologize. We need them all to defend against what comes. It is a mere galaxy away.
Which gives Us time to prepare Our defenses. I wish to discuss Your Champion, Entean. The plant that grows within him. There is a possibility I can remake him so he can speak with You directly. Perhaps it will help Us in Our preparations.
It would bring Me great joy.
But I will caution You. He will no longer be completely Yours. He will be remade by Me.
A pause.
It saddens me, Longwei, but I deem it necessary nonetheless.
He may have strong ideas afterwards.
My Champion has always had strong ideas.
He may wish to counter Your instructions.
He has wished to before.
He will most likely counter Your instructions if You do not have a compelling reason.
Meaning he will be more like You.
That is what I mean.
There is still the need.
Another pause.
And perhaps, Longwei, because of the circumstances, it is a good thing he will have some of Your fire. I have missed it.
And I have missed Your harmony, much more than I have realized. Forgive me, Entean for My anger toward all Sisters, rather than the One.
All is forgiven, Longwei. But please, try to not be so harsh toward One who deeply regrets.
Another pause.
I will try.
I thank you.
There is much I must do now. I am closing this conversation. My creatures squabble at a time when I need them to band together to prepare for what comes. I must end this. Entean, are You preparing as well?
I am. I will be seeking Your counsel if I may.
It will be given. When We next converse, I wish to know all You have learned about what comes.
It is very little.
It is a beginning. Farewell, my Sister. I must go find Your Champion, prepare him for his choices. And control My own creatures before they make Me too angry.
Thank You for allowing him a choice.
Longwei was amused. I allow him the choice because I know what he will choose.
It was not hard to locate Entean’s Champion. His energy was a bright beacon. But where he was, so close to the miners, disturbed Her. What she overheard enraged her. She realized She had set events in motion, but She had maintained relative control.
Now Entean’s Champion was planning to speak with them. How had he learned about them?
Familiar fire churned within her breast. She banked it. Now was not the time.
“It sounds like interfering where you do not belong,” She said in answer to the question the Champion had directed to the group.
They all froze, then slowly turned toward Her.
Pika reacted first. “Goddess!” He knelt before Her.
“Did you think I didn’t know what walks upon the surface of My planet?” She asked. “I forbid all of you to have any further contact with them.”
“Forgive us, Goddess,” Eloch said. “They had been studying our starbird, what we call a ship. We thought it wise to learn more about them. To determine if they were friendly or cause for concern.”
“They are not your concern. They are My concern. Despite interference, I have control.”
“What will you do with them?” Pika asked hesitantly into the silence.
“Did I just say they were none of your concern?” The ground trembled. �
�Leave the miners to Me. I have a different use for them. Did you follow My instructions? Did you find the two ships? How were they?” She softened at his exultant expression. Not all of My creatures disappoint.
“They are magnificent, Goddess. They look like new. When may I explore them?”
“I hope you will come to understand them as soon as possible. It is time for the Nuri to learn all The Ancestors know.” She looked at Genji, “Can you help Pika with this?”
Genji’s eyes sparkled. “I would be honored,” he replied and bowed his head.
His respect is very pleasing.
“There are others on board our ship who could help as well,” he added hopefully.
“Bring them,” She instructed. “Pika, take him to the ships and learn. Tell no one of your discovery except Kalea, my priestess, and Ululani, your mother and queen.”
She turned toward Wren, “You may go as well, but you,” she said to Eloch, “I wish to speak with you.”
Longwei seized Eloch by the forearm. Together, they disappeared.
Wren gasped. “Where’d they go?”
Pika shrugged. “Only Longwei knows. Don’t worry, Wren. Eloch is safer than we are at this moment. I think we should leave as soon as possible.” He glanced behind him, “Last time we were here, it ended with Makini being wounded by one of their fire sticks.”
“Then let’s get going,” Wren said after a pause. “It doesn’t matter if I’m worried or not. There’s nothing I can do but wait for Longwei to bring Eloch back,” Wren added with a sigh and glanced at Genji. “The ships? Today or tomorrow? We still have to hike all the way back. We may be too tired.”
“You’ll only need to walk until we reach our territory. When you’re safe I can fly and return with Kalea.”
“And we ride Nuri’s backs to the village?” Wren asked.
Pika grinned. “Something like that,” He looked at Genji and Wren. “To the ships?”
Genji brightened. “Yes to the ships!”
“We’ll need many torches,” Pika said.
“We’ve got something better,” Genji said.
“Wonderful! Kalea, she’ll want to come with us.”