The Dreelas of Trinuge reached for an appetizer, caught his eye, and held it. He glanced away, pivoted, and offered the tray to Dreela Omudi of Geran Island, who scooped up several goodies without taking his eyes off the dark, angular woman beside him.
Making his way through the crowded room, Corvus dodged a fellow servant and ducked into the kitchen. Dreelas TheLise’s eyes flashed a warning. Does she know who I am? Impossible . He frowned. Do I dare return to the drawing room? He reviewed what he had learned. Esán and the twins have to be my priority. Being forearmed can only help. One more pass and I am away.
He grabbed a freshly laden tray and backed through the door. Working the periphery, he managed to close in on Wolloh. The High DiMensioner beckoned him forward. The group surrounding him included Nomed and Lorsedi. Keeping his eyes down, he offered his tray and prepared to move on. A clawed hand on his arm detained him. Corvus glanced at the scarred face and back at the tray.
Wolloh picked up an appetizer with his good hand. “What have you heard regarding your granddaughters, Lorsedi? Have they been found?”
The Largeen Joram bit into a puff pastry stuffed with taccus grubs. “Tasty. What is the filling?” He looked directly at Corvus.
“I believe it is—” The hand on his arm froze his response.
“Perhaps you would prefer to enjoy it.” Wolloh popped one in his twisted mouth, chewed, and swallowed. “I doubt it is something one would eat on RewFaar.”
Lorsedi sampled a piece of smoked noorgnaak, a desert marsupial, and nodded his appreciation. “My granddaughters seem to have disappeared, or at least they have been well hidden. Their mother is on Thera. With luck, my men will find her soon.” He helped himself to a glass of wine from a passing tray and raised it. “To reuniting my family.”
The clawed hand released Corvus’ arm. Wolloh lifted a glass from the tray. “Here. Here.”
Corvus melted into the crowd. In the kitchen, he set his tray on a counter and slipped out the side door. His time at Shu Chenaro had ended.
Nomed scanned the dispersing crowd from beneath lazy lids. Wolloh’s party had gone on and on. Finally, as the sun began its ascent, Dreelum and RewFaaran alike were drifting toward their rooms. It would be a quiet turning at the ranch house.
From his vantage point beside the bar, he watched TheLise gaze up at Nissasa. Her mysterious smile produced a lascivious grin on the man’s hawkish face. Leaning down, he kissed her bare neck and whispered something that made her brush his lips with a fingertip. After taking leave of his mother, he slipped an arm around the Dreelas and escorted her from the room.
Nomed ground his teeth and shifted his gaze to where Wolloh and Lorsedi shook hands with Baroh and Omudi. Tissent, a lone figure by the double doors into the garden, smiled as his gaze captured hers. He made his way to her side. “I don’t believe we have met. I am Seyes Nomed.”
She lifted tranquil eyes to his face. “I am Tissent. You are The DiMensioner, are you not?” The gentle voice softened the edges of his anger.
“I don’t know about The DiMensioner, but I have studied the art of DiMensionery.”
Sea green eyes bathed him in their coolness as she searched his face. “I believe you have met my great-nieces, Arienh and Brielle.”
“Your great-nieces?”
She shifted her gaze to the desert garden and glided beside him through the open doors into the soft light of dawn. “I am their grandmother’s twin. Lorsedi is searching for them. What are they like?”
Drawn in by her serenity, Nomed told something of what he knew about her nieces. When he had finished, they stood in silence, watching the sun’s ball of white light top the horizon. He couldn’t help but compare her untroubled quiet to the erratic, always-electric energy of TheLise.
She stirred beside him. “Thank you for your kindness, Seyes. I do worry about my sister and her family. Warm color touched her porcelain complexion, tinting her eyes a deeper green. “I would say goodnight, but…” She raised a graceful hand to indicate the beauty of morning.
He smiled down at her. “May I walk you to your room?”
“That would not be wise.” She strolled to the double doors. “RewFaaran rules regarding men and women are very strict, and we wouldn’t want to raise any eyebrows, would we?”
He laughed and bowed. “Until we meet again.”
Tissent responded with her gentle smile and glided through the doors and out of sight. Nomed clasped his hands behind his back, his thoughts trailing Tissent, his eyes watching the sun melting the shadows of night away. That was quite interesting .
A mental tug informed him that Wolloh waited. Will this night ever end? Pivoting on his heels, he made his way to his mentor’s sitting room.
The High DiMensioner od DerTah sat in his favorite chair. Fatigue showed in the pinched contours of his face and the way he held his body.
Nomed sank into a comfortable chair opposite him. “Sleep might be a good idea, Wolloh. Even I’m tired. It’s been a hard turning.”
“It has indeed. Prior to retiring, however, you and I have important things to discuss. What I have to say will not make you happy, Seyes, but it is vital that you and I understand the consequences of our actions.” He turned his head and called softly, “Come in.”
A hidden door slid open and Stebben entered the room. Nomed noted the lack of uniform and the somber expression.
“Please join us. We have much to discuss.”
Wolloh’s Major Domo pulled up a chair, made himself comfortable, and nodded. “Good morning, sir. Nomed.”
“Good to see you, Stebben.” Nomed noted, not for the first time, the subtle power emanating from the man. He also paid attention to the fact that Wolloh refrained from posturing for effect and held them both in a contemplative gaze.
The High DiMensioner cleared his throat. “I have something most serious to discuss with you, Seyes. I would appreciate your hearing what I have to say without interrupting.”
Nomed could not remember a time when Wolloh had spoken with such candor. “I understand. I’ll do my best to listen until you’re finished.”
Wolloh’s face relaxed. Resettling his tired body, he folded his hands in his lap. “Stebben and I have been doing some research. Our findings suggest that removing the Evolsefil Crystal from Myrrh will have disastrous consequences far beyond the destruction of Myrrh and Thera. Evolsefil is the hub of a network of crystals placed throughout this solar system. Control of it gives its steward control of all the others. Almiralyn was chosen to protect Evolsefil because she is not swayed by a need for power.”
Tightening his jaw, Nomed forced down a retort.
Wolloh continued. “Nissasa has also discovered this potential. It is his goal to establish Thera and Myrrh as RewFaaran colonies and to use the power of the Evolsefil Crystal and the fountain, Elcaro’s Eye, to gain dominance over this entire solar system. Your hatred of Almiralyn and Myrrh plays right into his hands. I understand your desire for revenge, and I pledge to help you with Almiralyn, but you must promise me that you will set aside your lust for Evolsefil.”
Nomed tried to wipe his surprise from his face with a frown.
“Yes, I know you planned to take it for yourself. Are you aware that its base is no longer quartz, but is now solid gold, and the crystal itself is threaded with gold strands? Its power has increased one hundredfold, Seyes. Removing it will end life as we know it on Thera and DerTah and any place else that maintains open portals to Myrrh.” He paused, but maintained the serious intent in his gaze. When he continued, his tone became harsher. “Although RewFaarans must use portals on other planets to access Myrrh, RewFaar is also at risk. It uses DerTah’s portal system to reach both Myrrh and Thera, so if DerTah is impacted, RewFaar will be, too.”
Nomed felt the scar on his cheek start to pulse. The emotions boiling inside him propelled him from the chair and sent him across the room and back. As much as he hated it, he was a kid again, a kid with a shard of glass in his hand and anger twisting through hi
m like a tornado. An image of Tissent’s calm face emerged through the mist of fury and hatred. He inhaled and returned to his seat. Applying his skills as a DiMensioner, he slowed his heart rate. The anger abated. The emotional storm dissipated. With a long, exhaled breath, he placed steady hands on his knees and raised his eyes to his mentor’s face.
“It is not Myrrh that I hate.” He kept his voice low and controlled. “It is Almiralyn’s treatment of me as a boy that makes my blood boil.”
“I agree that she was unfair and insensitive. We will deal with her after we take care of Nissasa. Can you promise to forget about Evolsefil?”
The image of the seven-foot, clear quartz crystal with the six smaller sentinel crystals surrounding its base filled Nomed’s mind. The majesty of it—the power, its ability to tap into the very heart of him—left him bereft of breath. Did Wolloh, the only person in the universe who had ever cared what happened to him, mean more to him than Evolsefil? The understanding in his mentor’s face made him wonder again at the emotional connections he was discovering. Shoving the thought away for a later time, he offered his hand. “I will never forget the crystal’s magnificence, but I do promise not to pursue my desire to make it my own.”
Wolloh’s good hand clasped his. “Thank you, Seyes. I am so proud of the man you have become.”
Nomed saw the pride shining in his good eye, felt the warmth in his handshake, and acknowledged to himself, if to no one else, that both were worth more than a hundred crystals. He released Wolloh’s hand. “What’s next?”
The marred face settled into an expression of studied intensity. “Stebben, be so kind as to share what you have discovered.”
Nomed leaned forward to listen and to learn. Stebben was proving to be more and more interesting.
30
ConDra’s Fire
Myrrh
K ieel returned to the evergreen branch to retrieve his walking stick and to meet with the boys. Ashor arrived first. The impish face, usually wreathed in smiles, was a portrait of discouragement. Before he could report his findings, Mumshu landed next to him. He, too, appeared downcast.
“What did you discover, boys?” Kieel kept his tone brisk and business-like. “We need to make our move soon.”
Mumshu hung his hat on a twig and moaned, “What can we do against all those soldiers?”
“There are so many of them…” Ashor chimed in.
With a supreme effort, Kieel restrained his impatience. “It doesn’t matter how big or small we are or that we are only three. It matters that we have the courage to try. If we plan well, we’ll succeed. Tell me what you know.”
“Sibee is tied to a tree. There’s a soldier close by, but he doesn’t seem very interested in him.” Ashor’s face had lost some of its pallor.
Mumshu added, “There are eleven medium-sized tents and one that is larger. Six soldiers guard the perimeter of the camp. Two men have climbed trees, the rest are on foot.” As he made his report, he began to look more confident. “There is also a cook tent and a kitchen fire near the center of the camp.”
Kieel nodded his approval. “Good work. The commander of this platoon is called Tinpaca Mondago, and he intends to question Sibee after supper. I suggest we wait until the soldiers are eating. What are the men using as a light source?”
Ashor scratched his head. “Don’t be mad, Kieel. I explored a tent. Most of what I found, I didn’t understand, but they have lite-sticks that turn on and off with a switch.”
Kieel chose to ignore the disregard of his order to stay in the trees. “Good work. In the big tent, I saw a couple of candles. If we are lucky, they’ll be lit.”
“So we can start a smoky fire.” Ashor’s grin returned to his face.
“How will we free Sibee?” Mumshu fluttered to sitting.
“I can take care of that.” Kieel held up his walking stick.
Ashor looked incredulous. “A walking stick?”
Kieel held it in one hand and with the other grasped the knobby top and pulled. A four-inch blade flashed into view.
Mumshu almost fell off the branch, beat his wings rapidly to stabilize himself, and stared. “I didn’t know your walking stick was a sword.”
Sliding the blade back in its wooden sheath, Kieel tapped Mumshu on the head. “You still have a few things to learn, boy. I’d better report to Almiralyn. You stay here. If anything changes, one of you let me know.” Without waiting for a reply, he flew through the forest to the Tirips tree where the Guardian waited. He quickly told her what they had discovered and outlined his plan.
Almiralyn’s white-feathered head, gave an affirmative bob when he was done. Her sapphire eyes held a glint of frustration. Kieel knew how hard it was for her to stay hidden. “We’ll be fine, my lady. Please stay here. As soon as Sibee is free, we’ll let you know.”
Again, the head bobbed up and down.
Ashor appeared next to them. “Dinner is about to be served.”
Almiralyn flew higher in the Tirips tree and surveyed the scene. Two-man tents circled the area that had been her garden. Above a larger one, erected next to the pond, the flag of RewFaar fluttered in the coolness of dusk. At the camp’s center, soldiers gathered near the cook tent, chatting amongst themselves in subdued voices.
Her warrior’s instincts told her they had no intention of leaving Myrrh anytime soon. Wood, chopped and split, was piled behind the cook’s tent. Four guard stations had been established, one on each side of the camp. The soldiers had unpacked their gear and organized their tents.
She fully expected them to invade the Terces Wood in search of food. Streams packed with fish, herds of deer, and plenty of edible flora would provide them with enough to eat well for many moon cycles. The thought of these strangers tromping through the forest made her heartsick.
The soft flutter of wings alerted her to the arrival of several Nyti. A girl with light brown hair shot through with green took the lead. “I’m Reana, my lady. Kieel sent us to check in with you. He’s ready to free Sibee. We’ll stay out of sight unless the diversion Mumshu and Ashor have planned fails. If it does, we’ll create another one.”
Almiralyn bobbed her feathered-head.
The girl held out her hand. A dragonfly landed, its luminescent wings a blur of movement. Reana smiled. “This is Ethor,” she whispered. The dragonfly gave a soft buzz and darted away. “It’s time.” Keeping within the trees, she and her comrades circled the camp.
Almiralyn flew to a higher branch, ruffled her feathers, and prepared to observe the Nyti at work.
Kieel had watched Sibee’s guard depart for dinner. Now he crept through tall grass to the slender tree that served as the Wood Tiff’s backrest. A single rope wound once around the trunk and looped around the Tiff’s wrists. Another trussed his feet. And, Kieel was happy to note, a gag had been put over his mouth to stop his tirade of empty threats. At least his quick tongue wouldn’t shout a warning.
Darting around the tree, he hovered in front of him. Sibee’s eyes rounded and his mouth tried to grin. Kieel put a finger to his lips and flew to his shoulder. “Not a sound,” he whispered. “Very slowly scooch forward, and for Emit’s sake, look scared. Don’t do anything until I tell you. Understand?”
Sibee nodded.
Dropping behind him, Kieel braced his feet on the boy’s wrists and withdrew his sword. The fine razor-sharp steel was small for the ropes holding the Tiff. It would take time, something he did not have. He began to saw.
In the big tent, Ashor and Mumshu hid beneath a cot. A man sat at the table, a cigar clamped between his teeth. He puffed. The tip glowed red and sent smoke curling in a cloud around his head.
Ashor nudged Mumshu. “Tinpaca Mondago.”
A soldier ducked into the tent and saluted. “Dinner, sir. Would you like me to serve you here?”
“I’ll join the men.”
“Yes, sir.” The soldier did an about face and left.
After savoring a final draw on his cigar, the Tinpaca sat for a moment, roll
ing it back and forth between his finger and thumb. Exhaled smoke formed hazy wisps and dissipated. With a grunt of pleasure, he stubbed out the cigar, rearranged the papers he had been inspecting, and exited the tent.
Ashor didn’t waste time. Picking up a lumpy bag, he zipped to the tabletop and plopped it down next to the ashtray. Why Humans smoked he would never know, but since no candles were visible, he was sure glad this one did.
“Mums, I don’t see the candles Kieel mentioned, do you?”
His friend shook his head. “What’ll we do?”
“We’ll have to use the cigar if the man didn’t put it out all the way.” He scurried around the ashtray and peered at the barely smoking ash. “Nasty, but still hot. Mums, I need you to take a draw on the cigar while I blow on the tip.”
Mumshu made a face. “You take a drag. I’m not.”
Ashor stood up, hands planted on his hips. “We don’t have time to argue.”
Mumshu’s features shaped stubborn as he folded his arms across his chest.
Aware of how contrary his friend could be, Ashor shrugged and darted to the end of the cigar. He waited for Mumshu to kneel and cup his hands around the tip before placing his lips on the sticky end. He sucked in and blew a Nyti-sized blast. Nothing happened. Mumshu peered up the length of the cigar and shrugged.
“Don’t stop blowing, idiot.” Ashor inhaled, exhaled, and put his mouth over the end. He took a deep drag. Smoke filled his mouth and burned out through his nose. Clutching his sides, he lifted off the table, coughing and choking. Mumshu doubled over with laughter.
Ashor spat and wiped his mouth and watering eyes on his sleeve. His stomach flip-flopped. He ignored it and peered at the cigar. “It worked. Let’s find something to start the fire in.” He flew around the table and hovered. “Mumshu, we got a bucket right here.”
Kneeling, he picked up the corner of a piece of paper and began scrunching and crunching it into a misshapen orb. Mumshu followed his example, beginning at the opposite corner. Working in efficient silence, they crumpled several pieces. Together they dragged one to the edge of the table and pushed. Peering over the side, they watched it hit the target.
The UnFolding Collection Two Page 24
