Just as I thought. The petals are aligned with the four directions on the compass. How fascinating. He tucked it beneath his kcalo and studied the southern petal.
Brie joined him. “I sure wish I understood the symbolism.” A gentle nudge from her elbow made him angle his head to see her better. She slipped a small book in his hand and whispered, “Put this in your pocket. It’s a replica of the one Esán has. Don’t let Desirol know you have it.”
He wanted to ask her why she was giving it to him and what was happening with Desirol, but the RewFaaran strolled over to stand with them. “Hey, can I look at your compass, Torgin?”
Yaro’s tattooed fingers clasped Torgin’s wrist. “I have something to show you, brother of my heart.” He guided him toward the Statues of Sinnttee.
Torgin cast a furtive look over his shoulder. Desirol’s eyes drilled into his.
39
ConDra’s Fire
DerTah
K arrew and Gerolyn shot through the Nervac Gateway’s swirling entrance. The portal transit route quickly enclosed them in a void, where sound was nonexistent and flashes of color left their retinas in shock. It always felt to Karrew as if a jump would last forever, but he knew the truth of it. The DerTahan night was only seconds away.
A blast of fresh air alerted him to the end of the journey. The destination point rushed closer. The night sky snapped into focus. With Gerolyn’s raven form beside him, he streaked straight for the huge saffron moon and landed at the top of a high red dune. Nothing in the RewFaaran camp at its base indicated their arrival had been noted.
Hidden from enemy eyes by a curtain of night, Karrew led Gerolyn straight to Shu Chenaro’s raptor center, swooped through an open window, and landed on a wooden perch. Gerolyn settled beside him.
He tipped his head to listen. “Stay here. I’ll scout around .”
Conscious of Nissasa’s spies and their seeking eyes, he inspected the barn and the surrounding area. Secure in the knowledge that Gerolyn would be safe, he flew in search of his contact.
Wolloh stared at an oil painting on the wall in his sitting room. While his good eye picked out the details of the lush Trinugian forest, his mind reviewed the events of the past few turnings. Lorsedi and Nomed had stayed long after Corvus had departed, discussing strategies for limiting Nissasa’s power and bringing him to heel. Lorsedi’s inclination to kill him outright might be the best option, but something kept Wolloh from making death their goal. Aware that the best-laid plans often went astray, he preferred to let time provide the correct outcome.
He had finally sent them to rest. Now he enjoyed the solitude and the opportunity to doze in his favorite chair. It seemed futile to prepare for bed. Thoughts of Corvus roused him from a vague dream in which darkness roiled and men screamed. Banishing the dread left in its aftermath, he concentrated on the only man he knew who could deliver a message to the Guardian of Myrrh.
Corvus Difner was an enigma. His arrival at the ranch had coincided with that of Nomed and Esán. Wolloh had felt his presence like a splash of cool water during the heat of midday. He knew at once there was a connection between him and the nephew of his former apprentice. Wolloh’s attempt to read Corvus’ mind had made him even more curious. The subtle nature of the shields that blocked his probe had given him a glimpse of a simple man with simple tastes. He knew better. Always intrigued by a puzzle, he had remained alert and watchful. A couple of turnings ago, Corvus had given him a small opening. When Wolloh needed to reach Almiralyn, he knew where to turn.
Stebben’s silent entrance pushed drowsy thoughts from his mind. The Major Domo placed a tray on the table next to him and poured a cup of strong tea from an elegant porcelain teapot. “Corvus is here with a response.”
Wolloh cradled the cup, allowing the heat to soothe the damaged fingers of his left hand. “Give me a moment, and then show him in. Please stay to hear what he has to say.”
The tall man bowed and withdrew. Wolloh’s appreciation for him teased a smile to his lips. He raised his cup to the closed door; took a sip of tea; set it back on its delicate, white saucer; and prepared to receive his visitor.
The need to meet with Corvus alone had been part of his reason for sending Nomed and Lorsedi to rest. Corvus would have information for his ears only. The door opened. Stebben ushered him into the sitting room.
Wolloh angled his good eye in his direction. “Stebben will pour you a cup of tea, and you can tell us what you have learned.” He raised his cup to his lips and scrutinized his guest over its fragile rim.
Exuding the watchful confidence of a wild bird, the man perched on the edge of his chair and accepted the steaming infusion. Stebben took his usual seat by the door.
Corvus inhaled the fragrance and smiled. “My favorite.” He relished a sip. “I won’t waste your time. My source reached Almiralyn with your proposal. She has sent an emissary to represent her and to negotiate terms amenable to all parties concerned.”
Wolloh kept his eye on the man’s face. “I had thought you would act in this capacity.”
“Sir, the person the Guardian has chosen is a much better choice. I don’t believe you have met her in person, but there is no doubt that you know of her.” Corvus’ expression was pleasant and direct.
“Her?”
“Yes, sir…the twins’ grandmother, Gerolyn AsTar. She was trained in the art of negotiation on her home planet of KcernFensia.”
Setting aside the temptation to posture his scarred side to the man, Wolloh faced him directly. One good eye and one vacant one held his gaze. “Gerolyn is here, in DerTah?”
“Yes, sir. She would like time to meet with her twin and change clothes before she comes to you.”
Wolloh narrowed his eye and stroked his feathered brow. “She must not be seen by anyone but Tissent until I give the word.”
“Consider it done, sir.” He drank the last of his tea and left the room.
Stebben took his seat. “Events move in a new direction.”
Wolloh relaxed back in his chair and massaged his clawed fingers. “They certainly do. I believe it is time to awaken Nomed and Lorsedi. Ask them to join me in the study in one hour.”
Stebben arranged the tea things on a tray and left. Wolloh savored the silence cocooning the buzz of thoughts in his mind.
Corvus had introduced himself to Gerolyn and now stood outside her twin’s door. When Tissent opened it in response to his knock, he gave her a moment to size him up. “I am Corvus Difner, an employee of the High DiMensioner.” He offered a note from Gerolyn.” If you would be so kind as to read this, I will wait for your reply.”
Tissent accepted the note. “Please come in.”
She indicated a chair, but he chose to remain standing. He registered a touch of surprise at how much like her sister she appeared—identical like Brie and Ari—but also different. Tissent’s quiet serenity contrasted Gerolyn’s more dynamic personality. Her concentration as she opened her twin’s note was absolute. A hand went to her heart. Cool green eyes darted over the note a second time. “Is this true,” she whispered. “Is she really here at Shu Chenaro?”
Words seemed inadequate. He nodded.
“Bring her here. Of course, I will see her.” Her hand on the door kept him still. “She mustn’t be seen. Can you manage that?” A small smile lit her eyes. “Of course, you can. Hurry. I’ll be waiting.”
The note trembled in her hand as she moved aside. He slipped into the corridor and walked with dignified calm to the central garden. It would never do to be intercepted now. Assuring himself that he was unobserved, he took a breath and arrived outside the raptor center where Gerolyn waited.
Even as noiseless as his appearance was, her eyes, so like her sister’s, found him before he crossed the threshold.
“You saw her?” A tremor in her voice confirmed the importance of seeing her twin. “It has been a very long time since we were separated. How is she?”
“She is, like you, anxious to be reunited. If you approve, we
’ll teleport to her room. It’s important to keep your presence and mine a secret.”
She touched his arm. “Of course. Whenever you’re ready.”
Corvus placed his hand on her shoulder. The energy of their arrival in Tissent’s room stirred the filmy curtains at the window where she stood, staring at the moons of DerTah. Corvus stepped away from Gerolyn as her sister turned. Their eyes met, and they were in each other’s arms, dark chestnut hair hiding their faces.
Feeling like a voyeur, he turned to study a large painting of a landscape. Its subtle colors soothed his nerves and allowed the women a private moment. He cleared his throat and turned. Identical radiant expressions beamed back at him. And then he was surrounded and embraced, their gratitude repeated over and over again. Finally, they kissed him, one on each cheek, and stepped back, their arms around each other’s waists. Tissent’s smile, in the past touched with sadness, projected only joy. Gerolyn’s fatigue from her recent journey had vanished.
He returned their smiles. “I’ll leave you, but I’ll return at the hour plus half. I am so happy for you.” He didn’t wait for a reply but teleported to the barn and the company of the birds that he loved.
Nomed stared at his bleary eyes in the mirror. Too short a nap had left him feeling drugged and hazy. He cupped his hands and scooped water from the washstand. The cool splash of it on his face, once, twice, three times, chased the last vestige of sleep away. He whipped a towel off the rack and scrubbed his face and neck dry. As he lowered it, his mirrored eyes lingered on the scar on his cheek. Will I ever move beyond that incident?
Turning his back on his reflection, he strode into the bedroom and slipped on a dark green shirt. What has Corvus discovered? Will Almiralyn work with Wolloh and Lorsedi…and me? How is TheLise?
At least the last question could be easily answered. He knocked softly on the Dreelas’ door. When it opened, he could only smile. Looking as lovely as ever in sleek black pants and a long, flowing, white blouse, TheLise took advantage of his surprise and gave him no time to comment. “I’m coming with you, Seyes. No. Don’t raise that eyebrow at me. I’ve made up my mind.”
Realizing that to argue would be fruitless, he offered his arm. “Allow me to escort you.”
She rewarded him with a warm smile. He noted the artfully applied makeup that hid most of the damage done by Nissasa. Only minor swelling above her eye hinted at something amiss.
When they reached Wolloh’s study, Stebben nodded them into the room, where Lorsedi and the High DiMensioner sat near the fireplace, conversing in quiet tones. TheLise’s entrance brought the Largeen Joram to his feet.
Wolloh scrutinized her face. “I see you are on the mend, my dear. Thank you for joining our little conclave.”
She inclined her head. “I wouldn’t have missed it.” Smoothing her blouse beneath her, she eased onto the chair Lorsedi had positioned for her and smiled up at him. “Thank you.”
He remained serious and attentive. “I must apologize for my son’s behavior and for putting you at risk.”
She patted the chair beside her. “Please sit, Lorsedi. I chose to play the game. You are not at fault.”
He bowed his aristocratic head. “You are most gracious, Dreelas.”
Once Lorsedi was seated, Stebben stepped into the hall. A soft exchange, indecipherable in the study, preceded the appearance of Corvus.
The suspense building in the room made Nomed glance at its occupants. Corvus and Wolloh appeared unaffected. Lorsedi watched the man with hard eyes. TheLise wore a curious smile. Stebben maintained his ineffable calm.
The tension heightened as Wolloh spoke. “Good evening, Corvus. We are eager to know what you have learned.”
“Almiralyn, the Guardian of Myrrh, asked me to tell you that she understands the need to join forces. She has sent her emissary to meet with you.” Corvus bowed and left the room.
Nomed felt a wave of disappointment. An emissary? Why didn’t she come herself?
Gerolyn had dressed with care. Tissent’s wardrobe, packed for the formalities of a state visit, had provided her with the perfect dress. Simple and elegant, its neckline was scooped but not too low; the fitted bodice flowed into a soft, floor-length skirt; and the color, a deep teal blue, made her eyes shimmer with light. Her chestnut hair was piled high on her head, accentuating her long neck and fair skin. She wore gold studs in her ears and around her neck a gold chain with a solitary diamond given to her by the one man in the universe she had truly loved.
She couldn’t deny her nervousness or the anticipation tying her stomach in knots and wished Corvus would hurry. When he appeared in the hall, she wanted to run. Instead she wrapped the dignity of her training around her and walked beside him to the meeting place. He opened the door and stepped aside. She glided past him into the room.
Although five heads turned toward her as she entered, she saw only the dark, hooded eyes of the Largeen Joram of RewFaar. Tearing her gaze from his face, she focused on the man to his right who leveraged his body up from his chair with the use of a cane and hobbled around the table. She knew from Tissent’s description that this was the High DiMensioner od DerTah.
He did not present one side of his face or the other as her twin had suggested he might do. He faced her squarely, the intelligence in his good eye meeting her gaze. “It is a pleasure to see you, Gerolyn AsTar. Welcome to Shu Chenaro.”
She took the hand he offered, struggling to keep from seeking out the only person in the room that mattered. “I am delighted to be here, Wolloh. Thank you for your hospitality.” The steadiness of her voice pleased her. The tightness in her stomach eased.
“Allow me to introduce my colleagues.” He indicated the woman on Lorsedi’s left. “TheLise, Dreelas od Trinuge.”
The Dreelas gave her a genuine smile. “Welcome to DerTah. We look forward to hearing about Myrrh.”
Gerolyn took note of the makeup and the puffy eye. “Nissasa.” The telepathic message surprised her. She kept her face neutral and her voice even. “It is a pleasure to meet you, TheLise. I understand your homeland is most beautiful.”
Wolloh directed her attention to the man next to her. “The DiMensioner, Seyes Nomed.”
He gave her a moment to appraise the face of One Man’s brother, the scar on his cheek, the hazel eyes that glowed with appreciation and a touch of distrust. She inclined her head and followed Wolloh’s gaze to a tall, well-built man standing behind him.
“Stebben, my Major Domo. And last but not least, Lorsedi Telisnoe, the Largeen Joram of RewFaar.”
Across from her Lorsedi rose with agonizing slowness, his face an inscrutable mask, his jaw set in stone.
Wolloh limped to the door and leaned on his cane. “Please everyone, I suggest we give Gerolyn and the Largeen Joram some time alone.”
Chairs scuffing against the tile floor, footsteps moving around her, a door closing, and a silence heavy with feeling occurred like the amorphous background in a dream. Focusing on Lorsedi, she wondered if he would ever move or if he would stay on the far side of the table. When he finally walked around it to look down at her, the face she remembered lay beneath sun cycles of battles, successes, and failures. Fine lines around the eyes looked carved, etched into the fair, sparsely freckled skin. The unforgettable features hardened, then melted into a flood of mixed emotions.
A hand reached out. His finger skimmed her cheek and trailed down her neck. He fingered a wayward curl, touched the diamond at her throat, and lowered his hand. His voice when he spoke carried an unexpected harshness. “Why did you leave KcernFensia without sending word? I would never have allowed my father to hurt you or our child.”
Her heart pounded in her ears. The air she had held in lungs since the room emptied whispered away. She felt herself falling…
40
ConDra’s Fire
Myrrh
K ieel and his Terces Wood Nyti had maintained a constant patrol of the RewFaaran camp. Everything had been quiet, with nothing worrisome attracting t
heir attention until well past middle night. It was almost time for his replacement to arrive when he noticed movement on the forest side of the camp. Staying hidden within the interior darkness of the woods, he flew to a closer vantage point and peered between the leaves. A man broke away from the cover of the tents and crept toward the trees.
Darting into the upper branches of an old maple, Kieel found Mumshu fighting to stay awake. “Trouble,” he explained in a whisper. “Find Ashor and keep watch. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Zipping between trees, he followed the soldier down the trail leading to Allynae’s cabin. The silent tread of the man’s footsteps and the way he kept stopping to listen and peer into the darkness behind him, told Kieel he was on a clandestine mission. At the perimeter of the clearing surrounding the cabin, the soldier hung back, hiding behind a large-trunked oak.
Glad for the cover of night and the absence of a bright moon, Kieel circumvented the outbuildings to the west of the cabin and landed on the roof of a shed. The soft whir of wings alerted him to the arrival of Reana and her dragonfly, Ethor.
“Two more soldiers in the trees over there.” She pointed at a spot several yards north of the main trail. “What do we do?”
Before Kieel could respond, the soldier he had followed dashed to the cabin, took the steps in one bound, and stopped with his back pressed against the wall. A quick sidestepped rotation brought him parallel to the door. Standing as still as a cat stalking prey, he pressed his ear against the wood grain. Finally, he pushed the door open and slipped inside. Within moments he reappeared. “Hoot, Hoot.” The call brought his comrades sneaking from the woods. Once they were inside, the first soldier took one last look around and followed.
“Now what?” Reana asked.
“I go in, and you stay here. If any more soldiers show up, send Ethor to warn me.” Kieel gripped his walking stick. As silly as it seemed, he felt safer with it at his side. “Be careful, granddaughter.” He darted away to search the exterior of the cabin for a way in. Fluttering to the sill of an open window at the back, he peeked inside. Across the way, the soldiers had pulled three chairs into a tight circle around a single lite-stick.
The UnFolding Collection Two Page 32
