“Just struggling with the unknown. Haan told us that the six female Guardians are seeded. And that An’Kru must never be in the presence of the twelve until the appointed time. There is so much mystery. So much I do not know even about my own son, An’Kru. What is his purpose here? I do not like feeling anxious, but despite Pan’s reassurances, I cannot seem to shake it.”
“Pan!” Urilla Wuti exclaimed. “Is she here?”
“No, I met her in the Corridor. She told me that all is as it should be with An’Kru. Perhaps it is time we reach out to E’ranale while Nadiwani is watching him.”
Before long, Urilla Wuti and Adia were once more in the Corridor, in the beautiful garden with the hills and rocks of Kthama far in the background. They took in every blissful second of being there.
They were soon joined by E’ranale, who smiled warmly at them both. “I am glad you came. It is time for you to learn about the nature of evil,” she said. “To understand evil, you must first understand the nature of good. There is but one infinite power, and it is only benevolent, loving, kind. And because of that, the life force it emanates can only be positive. And positivity is pleasure; no matter whether it is the pleasure of peace, comfort, rest after a long day, the enjoyment of the beauty of creation, the deep soul-satisfaction of helping others, love. Everything that comes from the One-Who-Is-Three can only be good. So then, where does evil come from?”
E’ranale stopped to make sure the Healers understood her so far. “I have spoken to you of the life force entering your realm and how it can become distorted. And because, at its core, the life force is pleasure itself, when the life current becomes distorted, pleasure does too. It becomes twisted. Dark. And this twisted pleasure is the source of evil. It is pleasure derived from the suffering of others. Hatred, cruelty, revenge; all have a pleasurable element to them. There is a cathartic release in unleashing one’s anger. Very few will admit to this; however, it is true. As another example, jealousy feels satisfaction when the object of that jealousy suffers a setback or loses something of value. Punishment, revenge, knowingly causing harm to another—whether physical or otherwise—are all examples of this twisted, destructive pleasure.”
“But what of justice? Is it also evil to long for justice?” asked Adia.
“Justice is not revenge. It is in our nature, our soul’s nature, to long for justice. Any responsible family or society must have restrictions and boundaries for behavior. Righting and limiting wrongs, addressing the bad acts of others is not evil. It starts down the path to evil only when we take a sinister pleasure in another’s suffering when they are corrected or their behavior is curtailed. There are many steps between experiencing a momentary dark pleasure to nurturing it and entering a true state of evil. Do you understand?” E’ranale asked.
Both Healers nodded.
“Remember I said that there is only one power, and it is positive. So evil can only take the positivity and distort it. It has no power separate from the life current itself. The irony is that evil is in itself still seeking pleasure, which is the true nature of the life force—only its means of achieving pleasure have become distorted. And because we are created to be social beings, evil has a way of finding other evil with which to join up. With no dissenting voice to show them their error, their distortion is reinforced and augmented by collective agreement, even though that is usually unspoken.”
“Are you speaking of the Hue’Mahns?” asked Adia.
“My daughter has explained to you that the Waschini’s distorted approach is not confined to them. But, at present, they represent the largest volume of it, and it is spreading among them. However, there is another element at play here. It is not just the Hue’Mahns. It is even more powerful than the Waschini and the others of the Hue’Mahns who are out of alignment with creation.”
Adia and Urilla Wuti waited, their eyes locked on E’ranale’s.
“A long time ago, at the time of the great division between those who followed my mate Moc’Tor, and his brother Straf’Tor, there was another split within the population that had followed Straf’Tor to Kayerm. It was a time of great transition and strife, and conflict arose. As a result of the trouble they caused, a rebel group of Mothoc was expelled from Straf’Tor’s community. Since their alienation from the others, they have lived in isolation, becoming more and more bitter and resentful of the Akassa and the Sarnonn. As the Aezaiterian flow comes most strongly through the Mothoc, their distortion of the creative force is very powerful. On their own, it would take centuries for the negativity of the Hue’Mahns to cause total devastation to Etera. But with the powerful Mothoc contributing to it, it is gaining strength more quickly.”
“Can these Mothoc be stopped? Destroyed?” asked Adia.
“No. Etera needs them. Etera needs all the ancient Mothoc in existence, even if some of them have lost their way. Though the Sarnonn channel the Aezaiterian force into Etera, they are not as powerful as the Mothoc.”
“But did you not say,” Urilla Wuti interjected, “that a Guardian is able to cleanse negativity from the life force?”
“Yes,” said E’ranale. “And the newly created Sarnonn Guardians have a part to play.”
Adia said quietly, “So does An’Kru.”
E’ranale looked at her, and Adia felt a rush of love sweeping through her being.
“Yes. So does An’Kru. For now, the balance is holding, but in time there will be a battle. And the roles of both your sons will be critical, as will the role of another. Because an individual who turns away from evil can become an even greater force for good than one who has never fallen away.”
Adia thought of Khon’Tor.
“Yes, Khon’Tor. He is an example of this. As you have accepted, his transformation is pure. His soul is very powerful now—more than it ever was when he was the Leader of the High Rocks—but his self-hatred blocks his ability to see his own worth.”
Adia looked down, seemingly lost in thought.
“We are still waiting for Pan to appear,” said Urilla Wuti.
“My daughter will make her appearance soon. It is she who must train the six male Guardians and An’Kru to use their powers as Guardians of Etera.
“Now, it is time for you to return to your realm. I have given you much to assimilate.”
And with that, Adia and Urilla Wuti suddenly found themselves back on the sleeping mats in Urilla Wuti’s room.
“I am exhausted,” the older Healer said, turning her head toward Adia.
“So am I. Oh, but Urilla,” she exclaimed. “An’Kru must take part in a battle? And Nootau as well? I cannot think but that both their lives could be at risk. How am I to make peace with this?”
Urilla Wuti reached out and squeezed Adia’s hand. Not really expecting an answer, Adia squeezed her hand back and sat up. “You get some rest; I must go find An’Kru and hold him in my arms.”
Urilla Wuti nodded and let exhaustion carry her into sleep, but not before beseeching the Great Mother to protect Adia and her family.
Adia cuddled An’Kru and let him nurse. As she watched him, she felt anxiety fill her. What is to be your destiny? Whatever it is, I must not let fear drive my decisions.
After holding him for some time, Adia put her offspring in his little nest and surrendered herself to sleep.
She woke to find herself in the Great Chamber and took a moment to get her bearings before looking around. It was deserted except for one figure standing in the shadows. She started to approach, and it stepped out toward her.
“Nootau. What are you doing here?” What am I doing here?
“Mama. I do not know. I lay down to sleep, and then all of a sudden, I was here.”
Adia reached out to take her son’s hand. It felt as real as ever. “You do not remember coming here?” she asked, squeezing his fingers.
“No,” he answered.
Neither do I. “At the Far High Hills, you have continued working with Urilla Wuti, have you not?”
“Yes,” responded Nootau.
“But nothing like this has ever happened. Are you saying this is not real? That we are not actually talking in the Great Chamber? How can that be? I can feel the rock floor under my feet. I can feel your hand holding mine. I can even smell your familiar scent.”
“I am certain I know what has happened. We are in what is called the Dream World. Has Urilla Wuti been working with you on how to enter this realm?” I do not remember Urilla Wuti ever mentioning entering the Dream World. Has she somehow discovered it and been teaching Nootau?
“No, she has not told me anything of this,” answered Nootau. “What is it—and how do you know of it?”
“Your father and I met here before we were paired.”
“Here? How often? Why?” he asked.
Adia felt her cheeks burning, “Why does not matter. But it is surprising to me that on your own, you have somehow learned how to enter the Dream World.”
“Are you saying I am really sleeping next to Iella in our room? Then I do not understand how everything here can feel so real.”
“Yes. Your body is back in your quarters. Our consciousness—who we are—is not tied to the life of our bodies; it exists outside of them. Our bodies are just shells that we inhabit here in Etera’s realm.”
Nootau ran his hand over the top of one of the long stone slabs that made up the tables. “It feels the same. I do not know what to say.”
“I have no idea if this is tied to your ability to hear information, as you told me happened during the attack by the Sarius Snake. You are gifted, Nootau; let us see where this goes. And we must tell Urilla Wuti. I had to work with her for some time before I could enter the Dream World.”
Nootau nodded, “Of course. So, how do we get back?”
“Just will yourself to wake up. You can leave any time. I am curious, though, to see if, having experienced the Dream World now, you can will yourself to enter it. Shall we try to meet here again tomorrow night? As an experiment?” she asked.
“Yes, Mama.” And Nootau gave his mother a huge hug. “I would never have believed this if I had not experienced it. I could not have imagined this was possible.”
Nootau’s eyes snapped open, and he found he was back in his body, lying next to his sleeping mate.
The next morning, Adia hastened to find Urilla Wuti to tell her what had happened. “You mentioned that the Corridor might be the answer to your vision of Healers being able to communicate across long distances. But could the Dream World also be an option?” Adia asked.
Urilla Wuti was stirring her tea with a long and beautiful crystal.
“Where did you find that?” Adia asked. “It is lovely!”
“Your son gave this to me. Nootau. When he and Iella were looking for fluorite some way north of the Far High Hills, they found a series of caves with a whole crop of these. And it is so much prettier than using my finger!” Urilla Wuti tapped it on the side of the gourd and laid it on the table.
Adia felt a twinge of jealousy that Nootau had given Urilla Wuti such a gift.
“It also feels pleasant to hold. So many of the rocks do, do they not?”
“Yes,” Adia replied. “As if they have an energy of their own.” Her thoughts went back to what E’ranale had said about all creation having life force within—even inanimate objects. She also remembered the granite boulders that had transformed into giant crystals when the twelve Sarnonn Guardians were formed.
“Back to the Dream World,” said Urilla Wuti. “Let us explore this with the other Healers when we meet separately from the High Council.”
It was time. Adia, Nadiwani, and the other Circle of Counsel members sat toward the front of the Great Chamber.
Acaraho strode in, the ‘Tor Leader’s Staff in his hand. All eyes turned to watch him while others scanned the room, no doubt looking for Khon’Tor.
The new Leader waited a moment before raising the staff overhead. “Greetings and welcome, everyone. No doubt those who have not heard are wondering why I stand before you, holding the ‘Tor Leader’s Staff in place of Khon’Tor. Much has happened since we last met, and you will be hearing about it over the next few days. Khon’Tor has relinquished the leadership of the People of the High Rocks to me. He and his mate Tehya now reside at the Far High Hills, where Tehya’s family lives. Rest assured, however; we will not go without the benefit of Khon’Tor’s wisdom as he will continue to take part in the High Council meetings.
“As you look around, you will have noticed that we have many guests in our midst. The High Council has been expanded to include Healers and Healer Helpers, and we have called the full High Council, which means our Brothers’ Leaders are also with us. Acaraho then explained that Urilla Wuti was now the Overseer and told them of the passing of the great beloved Chief Ogima.
Everyone sat transfixed as he went on to explain what had been learned over the past few years about their true history—a history involving the Mothoc, the Sarnonn, the People, and the Brothers. Acaraho told them about the discovery and opening of Kthama Minor. He told them of the Wall of Records that held the accounting of the Age of Darkness. Then he asked Adia to come forward and share her knowledge.
She spoke of the creative life force that permeated every bit of creation. She explained the concept of the Hue’Mahns and the unity they all shared, and the threat brought to Etera by negative consciousness. She revealed that they now realized the Brothers, the Sarnonn, and the People were all related to some extent. Half the day passed before enough had been shared.
The room was completely silent throughout.
When they had both finished, Acaraho said, “No doubt all we have shared has given you a great deal to think about, as it has us—though we have had time to make peace with it. But now, I ask Haan, Adik’Tar of the Sarnonn, who are now our neighbors, to come forward.”
Motion in the back of the room caused all heads to turn. An audible gasp rose from the visitors as the giant figure of Haan stepped out from the shadows and walked to Acaraho’s side.
Haan looked over the crowd before saying, “I stand here as your protector, just as the Fathers-Of-Us-All were before us. My people and I are pledged to help you. You need have no fear of us.” Then he looked directly from one Chief to the next, “For the sins of our fathers against your people, I bring you our deepest apologies.”
The Chiefs glanced at each other, leaned over, murmured. Some shook their heads, while others bowed theirs in silence.
Haan continued with how the ancient Mothoc had interbred with the Brothers Without Their Consent, and how the Sarnonn and Akassa were created as a result. He explained they did not know how it was accomplished, only that the Sarnonn and the Akassa were proof that it took place. He shared his and his people’s deep shame in what was done, and when he had finished, asked for their forgiveness.
Silence filled the Great Chamber.
Acaraho broke the silence, “These next few days will awaken you to new truths. Truths which will challenge many of your long-held beliefs, just as they have ours. One of those beliefs is about the nature of the Waschini. As I look out over the crowd, I see the faces of most of those who would have been at the High Council meeting decades ago, when the threat of the Waschini was first discussed. A threat that was believed would usher in the Wrak-Wavara, The Age of Shadows. We have learned so much since then, as you have already heard shared by others here today.”
Acaraho walked over to the other side of the stage. “No doubt everyone knows the story of the Waschini child adopted by Adia, Healer of the High Rocks. That offspring has grown to adulthood and found his place here among our people and among the Brothers. He has recently been paired with the daughter of Chief Is’Taqa. Through Oh’Dar, we have learned that our beliefs about the Waschini were clouded by prejudice and selective reports of their cruelty. While there is an element of evil in all of us, and perhaps the Waschini are at the forefront of the problems facing Etera, to condemn an entire species because of the acts of a few is wrong. Over the years, Oh’Dar has learned about his Wa
schini blood-family. And we have also learned. I wish now to introduce you to Oh’Dar, and to his Waschini grandparents who have come to live with us at Kthama.”
Acaraho motioned toward the back of the room, and all heads turned to see Oh’Dar enter with Miss Vivian and Ben.
The three walked slowly to the front, Miss Vivian tightly holding Ben’s hand. They turned to face the crowd, and Oh’Dar spoke. “These are my grandparents, Miss Vivian and Ben. They have left the Waschini world behind to live among us. They have much to learn about our way of life, but they also have much to teach us. Please welcome them. Please understand they come in peace and wish only to join us in creating the future of our own making.”
Adia looked at Urilla Wuti, knowing they were both praying the crowd would accept Oh’Dar’s grandparents, or if they did not, at least would hold their silence about it.
After a respectful moment, Acaraho said, “Much has been shared on which you no doubt need time to reflect. And there is much more to come over the next few days. Let us adjourn for midday meal. Then there will be a meeting of the High Council, and afterward, we will all gather again at evening meal. If any of you wish to discuss these matters further, Mapiya or High Protector Awan will find you a place to do so.”
Acaraho struck his Leader’s Staff onto the floor, and everyone started to disperse.
Oh’Dar led his grandparents to the side of the room. “Oh Grayson—Oh’Dar,” Miss Vivian said. “This is like a fairy tale. Some fantastical story. Surely this can’t be happening—and yet it is. No matter how difficult, how different this life is, I’m so glad we came with you.”
Oh’Dar leaned over and hugged his grandmother as Ben patted him on the shoulder. Slowly, a small group of well-wishers joined them, and Oh’Dar translated their welcoming comments.
As the crowd started to disperse, from his place at the front, Acaraho could see Larara, Kurak’Kahn’s mate, in the crowd. On the other side of the room, he noticed Kurak’Kahn himself. He knew of Larara’s matter with the High Council, but he was unsure of the reason for her mate’s presence.
The Edge of Hope: Wrak-Ayya: The Age of Shadows Book Eleven Page 17
