A Division of Souls - A Novel of the Mendaihu Universe
Page 85
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Watching with Lightseeing eyes, Kai felt the first blast of spiritual energy rebounding against the hrrah-sehdhyn barrier, pulsing and thrumming against it in a dense white cloud. Though she and Ashan stood well away from the barrier at least two blocks away, the force of the wash sent an unexpected and disorienting shockwave past it. The building lurched and swayed under their feet, then after an agonizing moment, swayed back. The people below stopped or slowed momentarily, then stopping completely, staring up at the overcast sky. Kai sensed the brief wave of uncertainty from them, of a sudden reckoning that hit hard in their souls and in their minds. A sudden guarded awareness. A sudden taste of senses and memories come back to life. Kai shivered, sensing all of this and not wanting to look away at all.
The City was at last, truly awakening.
“How are we doing?” she asked Ashan, who stood to her right, watching plainly.
“It depends,” he said, letting go of the ledge he had held for his own support. “The storm is winding down It isn’t as violent. But I’m wondering how it’s affecting those within.”
Kai nodded silently, thinking the same thing. Aside from Alec and Caren, she could think of no other contacts within the hrrah-sehdhyn. They had earlier sensed Nick and Sheila near the warehouse, against orders to take the day off, and odds were good that Caren was inside. She frowned as she watched another rolling wave emanating from Alec’s direction, billowing out as harmless white energy and expanding towards them. The shock was softer this time, barely detectable.
“What about Inspector Farraway?” she offered after a moment. “As far as I know, he’s still at ARU Headquarters. Perhaps he can be of help.”
Ashan winced. “I don’t know about that. Are you suggesting he go in, or send other soulsensers?”
Kai blushed, realizing the futility of her suggestion. “I suppose you’re right. Still…we need someone in there to tell us what’s happening. Alec’s busy…so I’m going to try to pick up Nick and Sheila. Hopefully they’ve left their commlinks open.”
Ashan nodded. “If you can, get them as close to the warehouse as possible. If they can’t get in, at least get them in the neighborhood. I’ll watch while you call.”
“Are you sure?” she said, touching his arm. “Your eyes…”
“They’re better, thank you,” he smiled. “Only retinal flash burn.”
She nodded and attempted to raise the two on her comm, trying several times on different frequencies. The airwaves were filled with crackling static, an aftereffect of the spirit waves, making it tough to raise anyone at all. She had to test all of them three times before finally finding Nick, who happened to be calling for Alec at same time using the same method. The rustling of raindrops hitting pavement echoed behind his voice.
“Kai?” he called out, his voice somewhere between excitement and bewilderment. “Where the hell are you?”
“Northern Avenue,” she said. “Gelinas and Associates Building. Just outside the hrrah-sehdhyn zone.” She explained to him the manner of how the storm had started and what was being done to prevent it from becoming much worse. She also informed him of everyone’s relative safety both inside and outside the barrier, and that she needed confirmation that all was well within.
“No issues I can see,” he said. “We’re across the street from Moulding’s. Me, Sheila and about twenty other people, we all ducked into an open dock bay door at another warehouse…Dubois and Sons. That’s the name of it. We have a good view of Moulding’s from here, and there doesn’t seem to be anything out of the ordinary happening.”
Kai pursed her lips. We have to get him inside.
Only if he is willing, Akaina, Ashan reminded. You must ask him.
To her relief, Nick had answered the simple question with an excited affirmative, more than willing to investigate. She worried that his motives had been fueled by the church attack, however, and made a point to remind him who had been behind that.
“Sheila and I are more than willing to do this,” he reiterated. “Although for separate reasons. I want to make sure Caren and Denni are safe…but I think Sheila has other plans. I think she’s getting more of this spirit energy than I am. She wants to make sure everyone’s safe on that level.”
Kai nodded in Ashan’s direction. “Thank you, Nick. Stay on this channel and keep in touch with us every ten minutes.”
“Will do. Sheila and I are heading over there right now…” The sudden ticking sound in back of his voice grew louder. “That’s the rain, if you’re wondering. You wouldn’t believe the downpour we’re having here…”
Kai laughed. “Don’t worry about it. We’ll be here. Alec is on E8 if you need him as well.”
“Got it,” he said. “Back in ten.”