The UnFolding Collection Two

by S. K. Randolph

  “If you are together and Lorsedi finds you, he has you both. If we send you to different places, he will have to search that much harder.” Allynae shook his head. “It’s not what I want , Ari. It’s what has to be.”

  Ari bit her bottom lip. Her chin jutted out. “I’m going where Brie goes. You can’t make me do anything else.”

  “Now, Ari…” Sparrow began.

  “Leave it, Sparrow.” Allynae hugged her again. “Let’s see where our plans take us.”

  “What about Esán?” Brie’s soft voice cut through the discussion.

  “Yes, what about Esán?” Sarcasm leaked into Ari’s voice. “Are you going to leave him on DerTah by himself while you worry about us?”

  Almiralyn ignored her tone. “Although it’s important to bring him back to Myrrh, Esán is safer than you are at the moment. Nomed will not harm him.”

  “But One Man said he might become a political pawn,” Torgin said. “That doesn’t sound safe to me.”

  “You’re right, Torgin. We don’t want to leave him there for too long. One solution is to send you and a twin with Jordett to rescue Esán.” Almiralyn caught Ari’s eye.

  “And the other twin?” Ari surged to her feet and glared at her aunt. “What do you intend with her?”

  “Ari.” Allynae’s face was stern. “Give Almiralyn time.”

  Ari’s cheeks blazed. “Just because you turned out to be my father doesn’t give you the right to tell me what to do.”

  “Ari!” Sparrow reached out to lay a hand on her arm.

  Jerking away from her mother’s touch, she stormed into the back yard, slamming the door behind her.

  Brie looked around the suddenly quiet kitchen.

  7

  ConDra’s Fire

  DerTah

  E sán searched his quarters with his fast developing senses and stiffened. One person stood near the door. A mind touch revealed nothing. The strike of a match made him jump. A flame flared. A face flashed into being and then flickered away.

  “What are you doing here?” Esán realized his voice expressed his contempt.

  Nomed lit a candle and placed it on the table. “You’re in danger. I came to teach you how to place a ward on your room.”

  “And why am I in less danger from you than from the Dreelum or Wolloh?”

  “You are my nephew and my apprentice. I don’t need to fight for your allegiance. Do you know why you’re in danger?”

  “I heard Gidtuss talking to someone about kidnapping me. It appears my gifts are a coveted prize. I would be expendable if not for my talent.” His eyes sparked with resentment.

  Bizarre shadows flickered across Nomed’s face. Esán wondered if he looked similar in the strange light.

  “Trust Gidtuss to let himself be overheard.” Nomed’s distain for the Dreela dripped from his statement. He crossed to the window and closed it. “To place a ward, you must envision a shield of light in front of all doors and windows. Begin seventeen feet below the foundation of the building and draw the light upward. Define what it wards against. Secure it, saying, ‘Ward of Light, protect against the entry of…’ in this case I would suggest that you secure against all who approach meaning you harm.”

  Esán shut his eyes and held the entirety of the round room in his mind. A shield of violet light shot up surrounding them. His eyes flew open. “How did I do that?”

  “Seal them, Esán, and then we’ll talk.”

  “Ward of Light, protect against all who would do me harm.” He held up his hand and drew a symbol in the air. “Seal and secure.”

  Nomed’s scar yanked the corner of his mouth into an almost fierce expression. “Your gifts continue to astound me, Esán.” He unlocked the door. “I’ll meet you for breakfast in the morning. Afterwards, Wolloh will begin your training.” Narrowed hazel eyes glistened in the candlelight. “I wouldn’t wander abroad again tonight if I were you.” He slipped into the hall.

  Esán sank onto his bed, his thoughts in a tangle. Now what? If I only knew more about DerTah… What I need is a map. Nomed said ‘don’t wander,’ so I won’t. I’ll teleport.

  Picturing a darkened corner in the library down the hall from the conference chamber, he arrived as quickly as a thought. Earlier, he had glimpsed a key in the lock on the hall side of the door. Ascertaining that the room was empty, he moved from the shadows and crossed the carpeted floor. Opening the door a crack, he slid his hand through and grasped the key. With a sense of satisfaction, he inserted it in the keyhole on his side. Its soft click made him smile. I’d rather be safe than sorry.

  The walls of the room were covered with books. Beneath a shuttered window sat a large, flat case. Inside Esán discovered several maps. He selected two, one of the desert of Fera Finnero and another of the entire planet. Rolling them together, he walked over to a tall bookshelf, shut his eyes, and pictured the room. Show me books about DerTah. He smiled. Have to admit my talents are useful . On the shelf in front of him, he found what he needed.

  He pulled a thin, leather-bound book describing each region of DerTah from its place between other titles pertaining to the planet. Slipping the book in his pocket, he tucked the maps under his arm, unlocked the door, replaced the key on the other side, and arrived in his quarters almost without thinking.

  The candle still burned. Corvus sat on the bed, his countenance serious.

  Nomed made his way with ghost-like quiet to his quarters. His mind knotted itself around Gidtuss and the others who plotted against Wolloh via Esán. What are they after? How will my nephew help them acquire it? And who owns the second voice? Alerted by a whispered probing in his mind, he calmed his thoughts to the mundane activities of preparing for bed. Another nudge. A quick “meet me ” and the probe was gone. The signal was clear.

  Preferring not to alert the Dreelum, who most certainly monitored his every move, he cracked open the door and surveyed the dim hallway. They would all be gone by midday tomorrow. Until then, he preferred to appear ignorant of their game. He stepped into the hall and, with predatory stealth, walked past Baroh and Omudi’s quarters. Gidtuss came hurrying around the corner.

  “Good evening.” Nomed watched him squirm.

  “What are you doing out this late?” The man’s voice held a note of alarm.

  Nomed smiled his crooked smile. “I might ask you the same, Dreela, but I’m not that interested.” Sidestepping around his adversary, he continued down the hall.

  In the mind of the man behind him, thoughts flapped like frightened birds. I hate you, Nomed. Just wait… Does he know? What will he do if he finds out? I have to… His mind clamped shut. Nomed relished his power and Gidtuss’ obvious fear.

  Stepping into a small sitting room, he shut the door and turned. Cool eyes met his. He started to speak.

  “Not yet ” A wall slid away, and he was beckoned through. An oil lamp sprang to light as the gap in the wall closed.

  Nomed assessed his fellow conspirator. “You look lovely, my dear TheLise. When did you discover this little hideaway?” He inspected the small space.

  “I found it when I was a girl training with Wolloh.” She smiled her intriguing smile and then grew serious. “We have a major complication about to descend on our doorstep, Seyes.” Her eyes darted to the wall.

  Nomed placed a finger on his lips. Together, they strained to hear the conversation on the other side.

  Esán sighed with relief to find Corvus in his quarters.

  A curious smile deepened the man’s dimple. “You’ve created quite a stir. The Dreelum are all in a twitter about Wolloh’s new apprentice and how they can use your gifts to further their personal causes. By the way, who put up the wards around your room?”

  “Nomed came by and showed me how, so I did.” Esán unrolled the maps on the bed beside his guest and placed the book on top of them. “Are any of the Dreelum honest?”

  “Baroh is the least likely to become involved in the games of his fellow leaders, and perhaps TheLise. She’s definitely independen
t—a wild card. The others…they’re a selfish, self-serving lot, and so are their followers.”

  “Where does Wolloh fall in all of this?”

  Corvus shrugged. “That’s a closed door. I would doubt that anyone knows his mind.”

  Esán kept his voice low. “He’s still interested in the Evolsefil Crystal.”

  Curiosity lit Corvus’ almond-shaped eyes. “How do you know that?”

  “I saw it in his mind when we first met. He either didn’t realize I could read his thoughts, or he wanted me to know. I think the latter is correct.”

  “I agree.” Corvus picked up the book on DerTah and flipped through its parchment pages. “Are you planning to go somewhere?”

  Esán shrugged. “I decided I’d better prepare for a speedy departure, just in case.” He studied the man and made a decision. “I have to find a way back to Myrrh, Corvus. The longer I’m here, the more difficult it will be for my friends and family.”

  “If you decide to take off, don’t go without me.” The man smoothed out the maps and studied them. “What we need to know is where to find gateways to either Myrrh or KcernFensia.”

  “I know about the one in the desert, but I hate the idea of Fire ConDra.” Esán gave him a rueful look. “One almost barbecued me for lunch—something I don’t want to experience again.”

  Corvus examined the small book. “This is certainly packed with information. Can you read this?” He held it closer to the candle. A strange symbol marked a spot on the shoreline of the Sea of Trinuge. Below it written in tiny script were three words…‘Oreo Tey Omoc.’

  Esán analyzed the symbol and the words. Searching through the pages of the book, he found two more symbols with the same written phrase. “I’d be willing to bet these are gateways and the sacred Key to open them,” he said, angling the book nearer the candle. “Hey, look!”

  In the margin nearest the flame, faint letters began to form. B…e….war…e t…he p…or…tal of G…

  A soft knock made him slip the book in his pocket while Corvus hid the maps under the bed and stepped to the side of the door.

  “It’s Seval,” mouthed Esán. He could feel fear prickling around the servant.

  Corvus nodded.

  Opening the door, Esán pulled the boy inside and shut it all in one movement.

  “The Dreelum aren’t…” The servant began, saw Corvus, and clamped his mouth shut. He looked at Esán for direction.

  “It’s okay, Seval. This is Corvus Difner. He’s a friend.”

  Seval took a hard look. “I haven’t seen you before. What do you do here?”

  “I work with the birds of prey that are used for hunting. I’m rarely in the big house.” His tone was reassuring. “You’re the one everyone is calling the mystery boy.”

  Seval looked vague. “How did you know?” He sounded less worried.

  “Word gets around. You know how people talk.”

  “Yeah, especially in front of inconsequential folks like us.” He looked at Esán. “The Dreelum aren’t leaving for a few more sun returns. While they’re here, you’re in danger.”

  “Any idea why they’re staying?”

  Suddenly alert, Corvus crossed to the door. “I have to go. Take care, Esán, and remember what I said.”

  Before Esán could reply, he was gone.

  8

  ConDra’s Fire

  Myrrh

  T he back door slamming smashed against the silence set in motion by Ari’s furious departure from Almiralyn’s kitchen. Brie’s first inclination was to follow, but she realized nothing she could say would ease the anger and frustration her twin was feeling. She addressed the group instead. “She’s worried we might be separated. We just spent several crazy weeks apart, helping to save Myrrh. Isn’t there any way we can stay together? Our grandfather doesn’t know there are two of us.”

  “But if he were to see you together, he would know immediately that you’re twins. You’re as alike as two dojanberries on a bush,” Almiralyn replied.

  “So what if we do something to make us look different?”

  “Like what?” Sparrow looked at her with interest.

  The back door opened. Ari walked to Allynae’s side. “I’m sorry, Father. I didn’t mean to be so rude.”

  He put an arm around her and gave her a quick hug. “We’re all worried and a bit edgy. I know you want to be with Brie. I just don’t know how to keep you safe and together.”

  “I could cut my hair and dress like a boy,” she said gruffly.

  Torgin laughed. “You’d still look like twins.”

  “Not if I changed my hair color?” She released her ponytail and let red curls fall around her face.

  Almiralyn walked around the table to stand beside her. “Ari, try something for me. Close your eyes and think about how you would look if you were to change your appearance.”

  Ari squeezed her eyes shut and furrowed her brow in concentration. Every muscle in her body seemed to quiver with effort. Imperceptibly at first, her feminine facial features began to blur. Her brow smoothed as they came back into focus, more sculpted and masculine. Long, red curls shrunk to an unruly crop of chestnut brown waves. When she opened her eyes and fixed her gaze on Almiralyn, her once brown eyes gleamed as blue as her aunt’s.

  Sparrow gasped.

  “B-b-y the F-f-fathers, Ari…” Torgin gawked.

  Ari glared. “What are you staring at?”

  Brie jumped up and pulled her into the hall, where a mirror hung above a small table.

  Astonishment, surprise, and suspicion flitted across Ari’s transformed face. She whipped around, marched back into the kitchen, and hands on hips, confronted her aunt. “Did you do this, or did I?”

  Almiralyn smiled. “You are part KcernFensian, Ari. We can all shape shift once we figure out how. You never had the occasion to try before, but now you have.”

  Ari threw back her head and laughed a deep laugh filled with wonder and delight. “Wow! I do have talent! Thanks, A-aunt M-m-mira.” She blushed and gave her aunt an awkward hug. “How long can I keep up this look?”

  “I would suggest we cut your hair and dye it so you don’t have to work so hard to hold the illusion in place. Then I think you can maintain it indefinitely. It’s not like changing form. You are still very much Ari. You just look different.”

  Ari gave Almiralyn a cocky smile. “Kinda like when you’re Mira, right?”

  “Exactly.”

  Ari let the façade go and shook her curls back from her face. “Now can we stay together?”

  Almiralyn hugged them both. “You can.”

  Ari pulled away and looked at her aunt. “So when do we leave to rescue Esán?”

  “Sit down. Let’s plan.” She returned to her seat at the head of the table.

  Ari and Brie slid into their seats next to Torgin. “I sure wish I could do that,” he whispered.

  “You never know, Torg. Stranger things have happened,” Ari whispered back.

  “Right. I’m just plain old Theran. Bo-o-ring!”

  Brie laughed. “Have you ever really listened to your music, Torg? You could never be boring.”

  Jordett listened to the exchange with half an ear and half a smile, his military mind formulating a plan that would get this group on the move. He cleared his throat. “We can’t hope to track and protect all of Sparrow’s family if they are scattered over three planets. The more I think about,” he said, “the more I believe Sparrow and her mother would be safest in the Dojanacks with Yookotay and the DeoNytes.”

  “What do you think, Sparrow?” Myrrh’s Guardian asked.

  The twin’s mother frowned. “How will we get word to Gerolyn and Standin?”

  “I could go back to the Central Mountains and find them,” Merrilea suggested.

  The worry faded from Sparrow’s face as she leaned toward Almiralyn. “Let me go with Merrilea. It will be quicker, and she shouldn’t go alone. When we get back, I can go into hiding with Mother.”

  Almiralyn
shook her head. “I don’t—”

  “I’ll go with them, Mira.” One Man cut in. “I know the Central Mountains like the back of my hand. The journey will be quick, especially with Sparrow along. She can navigate us around Singtil, an area I don’t know as well.”

  “Let’s hope the PPP isn’t watching Demrach Gateway,” said Merrilea. “I know how to get us from there to a pass that brings us close to Singtil. I don’t think we should use public transport.”

  Allynae slid an arm around Sparrow. “I’m not sure Sparrow should go anywhere. Let Merrilea and One Man go.”

  Sparrow looked up at him. “I need to do this, Alli. We will be there and back before you know it.”

  Allynae looked to Almiralyn for support. “She’s right, Alli,” his sister said. “The journey will be much faster with her along. Her presence will convince Gerolyn and Standin of the danger.”

  “Da’am blast, Mira.” Allynae bristled at his sister’s betrayal, and then sagged. “I just want you safe, Sparrow. I don’t want to lose you again.”

  “We’ll be fine. I’m more worried about you and the twins.”

  Almiralyn looked relieved. “What’s next, Jordy?”

  Much to Ari’s delight Karrew chose that moment to fly through the kitchen window and settle on his perch.

  Jordett grinned. “Good to see you, Karrew.”

  The big raven tipped its head and blinked a shiny ebony eye.

  “I think we need a break.” Almiralyn walked to his perch and offered her arm.

  Sparrow filled the kettle. “I’ll make tea.”

  Ari stood up and stretched. “I need some fresh air.” She winked at Torgin and Brie. “Let’s take a walk in the garden.” She didn’t wait to see if they followed, but wandered out into the coolness of the first dim light of morning.

  Torgin joined her. “How long have we been talking in there?”

  “Too long.” Ari leaned against an ancient maple tree. “You know, they aren’t going to allow us to help with Esán’s rescue.”