Illusional Reality

by Karina Kantas

Pertius was on his way to the Tora in search of Valcan when he glimpsed Thya as she walked among the trees. He judged that she appeared well, and so followed her.

  ***

  Knowing she wouldn't be able to leave the Recas without an escort, Thya had climbed over the balcony and sneaked into the forest. Even so, the walk did not refresh her as she had hoped. She had more privacy alone in her room than she did in the open. Thya could feel eyes following her, and every now and then, a call would rain down upon her.

  “Praise to the Changlins” or “Greetings, my lady.”

  Thya changed her path many times; still the cries came from above. How was she to get peace when she had the constant annoyance of being watched? Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a shadow. Someone was following her. Not Alkazar though. She turned around and faced the hidden watcher.

  “Whoever you are… I demand you show yourself.”

  No sooner were her words spoken that the sullen face of Pertius came into view.

  “Pardon the intrusion, my lady, I was in search of you. Alkazar related your ills and I was concerned. If you permit me to remark, tis not wise to travel unaccompanied. Darthorn has many eyes.”

  The mere mention of his name sent shivers down her spine.

  “I thank you for your concern, nevertheless, is it not rude to sneak around like the enemy? You gave me quite a fright.”

  “Pardon my intrusion. I will not detain you further.” He turned to leave.

  “Nay wait,” Thya shouted. “Stay a while, walk with me. I have questions that need answers and you, I am told, are the one to satisfy me.”

  “As you command,” he replied.

  So their session began, and while they wandered through the forest, Pertius talked of the generations of Ganties and of her late mother and father. Thya listened intently, eager to learn all. Early evening came and still they talked. They nourished on the fruits of the forest and even though Thya felt a chill, she would not allow Pertius to stop until her questions were answered. Pertius didn't spare any details.

  “My lady, it has grown late and we have conversed much. I have taken too long in your company. Kezar will be in search of you if we do not produce an appearance.”

  Thya laughed. “I do not think anyone has missed me, for there have been eyes following us everywhere we have walked. I am sure all are aware of our location.”

  It was Pertius' turn to laugh. “I doubt this not.”

  Pertius could not remember when he had last spent a most enjoyable day. He believed Thya to be an apt pupil, as Alkazar announced she would be; smart, inquisitive, and humorous. She had listened with fixed attention and put suitable questions to him. He knew she would formulate into a fine queen and become the greatest ruler Tsinia had ever had.

  “Declare to me, Pertius. If I wanted to get away from these prying eyes,” she signalled to the tree dwellings, “where would I go?”

  “To be unsighted, you would have to journey to the Outlands, some distance from our borders and absent from the protection of the Changlins. Alas, tis forbidden to depart from the forest.”

  “The code forbids you to leave Tsinia?”

  “Nay, not the code. We are unacknowledged on the Outlands, and those that have dared to venture have not returned. For what reason could we possess the desire of departure? Our dwellings, all we require, is provided by the grace of the Changlins.”

  “Are you not curious to what is out there? Would you not like to explore beyond your borders? I believe I would.”

  “I am informed about terrible evils, monsters and strange creatures. I choose to exist secure and contented.”

  Thya wanted to discuss it further, but because of the lateness, she gave in.

  “I suppose you are correct. Well, I confess, I am lost. You will have to escort me back to the Recas.”

  “Tis my honour.” He held his arm out for her to take.

  Thya enjoyed their leisurely walk back. Both moons shone, lighting their path. She breathed in the fragrance of the forest, feeling sleepy, yet content. She'd been told a lot and given much to think about. Their return journey was spent in silence as Thya soaked up the ambiance. She was ready for sleep by the time they arrived.

  “I thank you for a pleasant afternoon, Pertius. You are a good tutor and I look forward to our next encounter.”

  “As do I, Thya. I will converse with Omad and surely be scorned for keeping long in your company, though my tour with you was worth any tongue lashing.”

  Thya chuckled.

  “If he gives you any bother, tell him I kidnapped you.”

  Pertius looked puzzled by her remark.

  “Stole you,” she added, wondering if she would ever used to their vocabulary.

  “Very well,” he replied. “Rest easy, my lady.”

  Pertius watched Thya enter the Recas before leaving.

  Even though she felt content as she snuggled under the silk sheets, she did not wake with the same emotion. Her sleep was again disturbed by horrid dreams of a dark voice instructing her. There were other voices too, the ones she had heard in the Plecky, soothing voices that dulled the effectiveness of the evil tone.

  A new Tsinian day began; the brightness, however, could not cheer the fear instilled into Thya's bones. She ate breakfast alone, preferring solitude to Kezar's company. Thya sensed an atmosphere—a tenseness—as though the land was waiting for something. The burden weighed heavily and she could barely walk. A decision was needed, yet all she wanted to do was curl up and die.

  She was given plenty of time to consider the questions racing through her mind as Alkazar arrived for their session long after lunch, looking even more handsome than before.

  Thya tried to make polite conversation, only her heart wasn't in it. She spoke of her session with Pertius, but her words were negative, or so Alkazar thought. She seemed restless, certainly not in the correct frame of mind to begin the session. It pained him to see her suffer and so he chose to liven her spirits as her smile and laughter lightened his heart.

  “Come,” he said. “We will take session among the trees.”

  They left the Recas and took the path that led to the Upess. There, Alkazar found a suitable spot under a shaded tree, which surprisingly wasn't inhabited. He laid a cloth on the ground and motioned for Thya to sit. While Alkazar poured the tamin juice, Thya eyed the black mountain.

  Alkazar followed her gaze. “I can do naught to remedy your view. We Tsinians are forced to exist with that monstrosity in sight, a reminder that Darthorn is forever looking down upon us. What I would give for the gift of colouration. What do you surmise, my lady, is pink a warm enough shade?”

  Thya laughed, only it soon died to silence. She sipped the juice, deep in thought. Even though the liquid calmed her, she sensed a shadow shroud her.

  Alkazar took hold of her hand. “Declare your fears, for I believe you retain many.”

  She looked into his concerned eyes. “Though I still do not want to venture into Senx, and I refuse to unite with anyone so vile, I understand that tis my duty to do so. I predict that I will encounter with Darthorn as is expected of me. I am chosen, yet still I am unaware why? What is my destiny? What is my purpose? Tis such a weight, Alkazar. A responsibility I did not invite. Back home I lived an ordinary existence. I was not special and not one depended on me. I was happy.”

  “I can only envisage how heavy your burden is, Princess. You ought to be fearful, and not one will judge you on your fear. Tis good you are unnerved.”

  “How, Alkazar? Why tis good I am scared? What if it does not proceed as tis expected? What if I fail you? You all demand so much of me, I doubt I can deliver. I deem myself selfish that I am more frightened for myself than for my kinsmen. I cannot anticipate what will occur on Senx. I fear for my being. Already he has completed one attempt. I am convinced this is what he has planned. So enlighten me. What is good about being scared?”

  Alkazar regarded Thya. “You will recognise and be prepared for conflict,” he answered. “If
you journey to Senx carrying arrogance and bravery, then I guarantee you will throw away any hope of an alliance. Nevertheless, if you are wary and maintain your senses to be sharp and alert, expecting trouble, then I believe you will succeed in your quest and will evolve into a stronger Tsinian. Come; let us not dwell on what will be. The moment will arrive soon enough. You are not yet ready to encounter Darthorn, and Omad would not permit you to partake in such a meet until you are. I too will not permit this unless I deem you fit and able. Come, onto our session.”

  Thya was not satisfied. “What am I to expect?” she asked.

  Alkazar sighed. Clearly she was unable to concentrate until she received the answers she demanded. Would it be such a bad thing to discuss? It might be just as fulfilling as a session.

  “What can I declare to you, to deliver you peace?”

  “Converse to me of the attack on Tsinia, when the Ganties were slain.”

  Alkazar stared hard at her, debating whether or not to talk about the tragedy. Thya's impatient expression decided for him.

  “Darthorn employed the power of the Darkeye and cast a deadly mist to choke us all. Despite this, the danger was prophesied in an Oracle and a fellow Tsinian named Athania was prepared and alert. Athania retains the gift of Mynd—the ability to control animals. She commanded the birds of the forest to soar into the sky. They were unaffected by the poison and with the flapping of many wings the mist dispersed. In outrage, Darthorn unleashed a great army upon us—led by Kovon.”

  Alkazar examined Thya's expression. It was unreadable, so he continued, “Voltim, who possesses the gift of Sonica, alerted us to their arrival, giving your parents adequate warning to send you away. Regretfully, they remained. The opening of the orb is situated on the outskirts of our borders and our rulers ventured unprotected. I did not realise their intent. Many were engaged in the defence of our city. If we had recognised what would occur—” He stopped and bowed his head with regret.

  “Who killed your king and queen?” Thya asked.

  Alkazar was wary of his answer.

  “Tis claimed the hand of Kovon slew our rulers, although there was none to witness this. Thya, do not journey to Senx with vengeance in your heart and mind,” he begged.

  “I cannot grieve as I was unfamiliar with my parents.”

  Thya's thoughts drifted back to her previous life. “I was sixteen when I was informed of my adoption. It came as a shock and took much duration before I accepted the situation. Throughout this, not once did I consider searching for my natural parents. As far as I am concerned, I retain a loving mother and father.”

  Alkazar wasn't convinced Thya could throw aside her emotions so easily, even if she spoke without a care. He sensed her confusion between anguish and sorrow.

  “If Kovon slayed the Ganties, and I was then one birthday old, that would make Kovon at least double my age.”

  “It would be so if Tsinian years were identical to Earth years, though he is older by some. I insist that we commence our session. I do not desire to face the wrath of Pertius. Suppose we venture into his strict schedule?”

  “Okay, I get the message.” Thya laughed. “I am prepared when you are.”

  Once Thya relaxed, Alkazar brought her to the Owto. This time, when she opened the suspended door, her eyes held a glazed look about them. She stared ahead for some time. Finally, she blinked.

  “Very good,” Alkazar announced. “What colour was the door?”

  “Dark grey. Why do you always inquire about the colour?”

  “The darker the shade, the closer you are to entering the Owto,” he answered. “You are very receptive, Thya. I believe you will presently be moving trees.”

  Once again, they reached the Owto, only this time, he instructed her to concentrate on the glass of tamin juice when she opened her eyes, then demand it travel towards her. The exercise resulted in Thya tipping the glass and soaking the cloth they were sitting on, ending with them both collapsing in laughter.

  “Excellent,” Alkazar said through his giggles.

  Thya's session with Pertius was also productive. They spoke of the language difference between her manner of speech and the Tsinian way.

  She questioned Pertius on Tsinian night and day, hour and minutes.

  “Time is not relevant to us,” Pertius told her. “We proceed through our existence absent of plans and dates, except those which concern you, my lady.” After a pause, he added, “We decipher the duration of a day; I believe you name it by the appearance of our sky. For instance, observe if you will. How adjacent do you believe us to be to a tril moon?”

  “A tril moon,” she questioned. “What is this?”

  “Tis the name we describe for the alteration of the sky. Our two moons grow brighter and the sky modifies into a pink shade. This is named a tril moon.”

  “I have sighted this tril moon. It was beautiful. We retain a similarity in my world. Tis named a sunset.”

  Pertius looked interested. “I am unfamiliar with your world. Perhaps I ought to converse some with Alkazar. I could do well to gain an understanding of your existence. So, to my inquiry,” he reminded her.

  “Well, I had just retired when last I saw the wonderful sight you remark of. In my world, we name this duration night, and as I have spent many hours with both you and Alkazar, I guess that very soon we will sight a tril moon.”

  “Tis accurate,” he smiled.

  They ended their session and made their way back to the Recas. Through their travels, they came upon Valcan.

  “Greetings, my lady. Pertius, how goes it with you?” Valcan inquired.

  “Our lady is progressing well. She is a demanding student,” Pertius told him.

  “Very good. However, I deem your sessions are far too lengthy. You require rest, my lady. Tis not long ago you were unwell. A Bora can only endure a certain amount of information at one period. Rest, understood?”

  “I do, Valcan,” she replied meekly.

  He nodded to them both then continued on his way.

  “Valcan is just in his statement, Thya. You have absorbed much in the short duration you have been among us. You are required to relax, break from your sessions and allow the information you have acquired to become understandable.”

  “I assure you, Pertius, if it becomes too much for me you will be the first to be informed. You fail to remember that I existed and was brought up in another land. My mind soaks up knowledge. Though if tis permitted, I would like to take some time to explore Tsinia.”

  “An excellent notion. I will converse with Omad and Alkazar. I am confident they will permit this. You have learnt a great deal, more than we anticipated. I am informed that already you have reached the Owto. This is unique, yet very fitting. A break will not be of issue. If I could, I would visit upon you thereafter, in the event you have queries to put to me.”

  By the time they had reached the Recas, Thya had already planned out her day. She said goodbye to Pertius and hurried into the building.

  Kezar and two kitchen attendants were busy preparing dinner when Thya burst in on them, they looked up in surprise.

  “Kezar, you and I will journey through Tsinia tomorrow—I mean the next day—oh, you understand my meaning, do you not?” she asked, frustrated. “I have the day off tomorrow, and we will walk and eat among the trees. What is your name?” Thya pointed to the plump cook.

  “Rosina, my lady,” she answered with a curtsy.

  “Well, Rosina, I would like you to prepare a delicious lunch, one we can take with us. Thank you. I retire. Good night to you all.” She bounded out the kitchen, leaving them startled.

  ***

  Thya and Kezar had a glorious time together. They walked for miles through the beautiful land. Although tree dwellings surrounded them, the land split into two and Thya was stunned by the magnificent waterfalls and lakes within Tsinia's borders.

  “Tis paradise,” Thya declared.

  They lunched beside crystal waters and luscious green hills.

 
; “Tis perfect, so calm and peaceful,” Thya said.

  Just then, a yell rang out, followed by echoed shouting.

  Thya giggled. “Well, it was.”

  Three Tsinians ran out of the bushes, almost falling on them. “Pardon, my lady,” one said breathlessly, embarrassed by the situation.

  Thya bowed her head and they took off again. Once alone, Thya and Kezar burst out laughing.

  On their return, Kezar pointed out important tree dwellings, and introduced Thya to strange creatures and animals, Kezar was surprised to learn that Thya was already acquainted with a Portie. She was amazed at how well the animal responded to her.

  Thya bonded well with Kezar. She could open up to her as though she was the sister Thya had never had. They talked frankly about their hopes and fears. Thya listened to Kezar's tales of her adventures and of important events that had happened in Tsinia. Thya compared Kezar's life to her own and was surprised to discover she felt envious. Could she consider settling in Tsinia, having experienced such a different upbringing? For now, she was willing to enjoy her new surroundings and treasure her friendship—one they decided would last a lifetime.

  ***

  The following days saw Thya studying hard in both the code and the use of her power of Flite, which she was mastering well. She was still unresolved in her decision and wished that every new light would bring a solution to the ever-growing crisis. Little did Thya know that her time was running out.

  ***

  Several tril moons had passed when Omad received word from Senx. Darthorn demanded an encounter with Thya and would wait no longer. An emergency council was held.

  “We have conversed among ourselves, Omad, and as the elected head of the council, tis your accountability to ensure our lady encounters with Darthorn. Tis our instruction, and if you fail, tis agreed that you will suffer the consequences,” Tasark told him.

  Omad was sorry he ever accepted the position. Since becoming the head he had not known restful sleep. Too much was demanded of him and far higher was the grave responsibility he was expected to bear. Now it had come to this. He questioned what he should do, only he knew the answer. Somehow, he had to persuade Thya to reconsider; it seemed now that his own future was in jeopardy.