Vowing never to compromise its safety, she knelt, slid her arms around the cool smoothness of white alabaster, and pressed her cheek against it. “This is the gift of gifts.” Trembling fingers caressed the weave of the braid. “Elcaro’s Eye, please help me to steer a true course through the upcoming Unfolding and to protect, Myrrh, Earth’s legacy, and the Clenaba Rolas solar system in which it now resides.”
Rising to her feet, she rested a hand on the rim. Water ceased to flow. An image formed. A round, middle-aged face surrounded by fly away, gray hair stared up at her. Fine lines around the eyes wrinkled when a smile flashed.
A time will come when I will adopt your more comforting persona, Mira, but not tonight. The image faded.
Gazing into the water, Almiralyn spoke in a voice that grew stronger with each word.
“Elcaro’s Eye, please thread the web
Before the full moon’s power ebbs.
Connect Novisi to your heart,
So Allynae may do his part.”
A whirlpool formed at the fountain’s center, spun into a frothing swirl, and sucked the foam into its vortex. Stillness brought Allynae’s face to the mirror-like surface.
“Good evening, Mira. Novisi is glowing. I gather that means all is well.”
The corners of her mouth curved upward and a smile broadened to its full width. “Oh, Alli, everything is wonderful. The cottage is just as I dreamt it would be. I love my sanctuary. The trunk is here and its contents intact. The full moon blessed each gift. I am happy and content. And yes, Novisi is connected to Elcaro’s Eye and the Crystal Web. Are you still pleased with your cabin?”
“It’s exactly as I wished. I, too, am content—and exhausted. Portal travel always wears me out. Unless you need me, I’m off to bed. I’ll join you at the cottage in the morning to meet the handyman, Katerrace, and help him settle in. Does he bring his companion to help you?”
“I believe she accompanies him. Tomorrow will tell all.” Feeling the depth of her fatigue for the first time, she yawned.
Allynae grinned. “Sleep well.” He gave her a mock salute.
Water spilled from the statue’s hands, scattering his image and reclaiming the fountain.
After securing the buckles on the trunk, Almiralyn made a slow circuit of the room, absorbing its simplicity, the map of Myrrh, and the graceful lines of the fountain. The soft, rhythmic sound of water spilling into the bowl eased her fatigue. She gazed out a window at the moonlit back garden—the shadowed shape of the barn, the sparkles of starlight on the pond. Peace embraced her.
A curtain fluttered and went limp. A chill crept into the sanctuary. The flame in the oil lamp tossed strange shadows up the walls. The sound of the water stilled. Apprehension hung heavy in the air.
Almiralyn returned to Elcaro’s Eye, where the image of a furtive figure flitted through a blistered landscape. A man’s large hand moved across the surface. The image vanished. Chealim’s face came into focus.
“Beware, Almiralyn. Evil is loose within the Inner Universe. Let Myrrh be your first concern. The Galactic Guardians will keep your presence hidden as long as possible.” A smile replaced his stern expression. “You have had a long day. Rest well.”
Water resumed its soothing song.
A yawn subdued the anxiety of Chealim’s unexpected visit, but left her frowning. “This day has certainly had its ups and downs.” She closed the sanctuary door and traversed the hall to her room. “I can worry, or I can let life take its course. Right now, a good night’s sleep is in order. I’m more exhausted than I ever remember.”
When at last she slid between crisp, cool sheets, she sighed and let her sleepy gaze roam the room that she had designed—the white walls with pale green accents, the window seat with a view of the front yard and its boarder of sunflowers, the comfortable chair and footstool . . . Another yawn squeezed her eyes shut. She plumped her pillow and extinguished the flame in her lamp. The sweet scents of summer and the rustling of curtains in the gentle evening breeze were the last things she remembered before sleep wrapped her in its quiet solitude.
Birds chirping their welcome to the rising sun enticed her from dreams of the Dojanack Mountains to the muted light of early morning. Waking for the first time in the cottage, she lay motionless, listening. The sounds of the new turning sent joy thrumming through her. A luxurious stretch brought with it a deep inhale of morning fresh air. Throwing her covers aside, she padded to double glass doors that opened onto a small veranda. A view of the Terces Wood wrapping around the northern edge of her clearing greeted her. Tall trees stretched their leaf-laden branches toward the cottage, shading the furthest bank of the pond. This is home now. The thought left her breathless.
The urgent need to be about the business of the day propelled her through her morning toilette. From the doorway of the sanctuary, she stared thoughtfully at Elcaro’s Eye, while nimble fingers braided her long hair. Who was the figure in the fountain? Chealim would not have taken control if he had not been worried. She frowned and finished her braid. He told me the Guardian’s would handle it. I have to trust that.
She trotted down the stairs. “I wonder what color the kitchen is today?”
“Good morning, Mira.” Karrew’s cawed greeting met her when she entered.
She stopped, hands on hips, and grinned. “It’s the pale blue of a robin’s egg.” Crossing to Karrew’s perch, she ran a finger down his glossy back. “It’s so peaceful here. I slept better than I have for some time. How about you?”
He hopped from one foot to the other. “Why do I get the feeling the peace will be short lived?”
Almiralyn told him about Chealim’s appearance in Elcaro’s Eye.
He stretched his wings wide. “Guess we’d better enjoy the quiet while we’ve got it.” Blue-black pinions resettled. “Breakfast?”
After preparing his food, she rummaged in her well-stocked pantry and found the leftovers from previous night’s snack. Smearing butter and honey on a crust of bread, she wandered onto the back porch. The rising sun, soaking the sky in a pastel wash, arced above the garden and bathed the red barn and paddock with warmth. Today, her new life began in earnest. Back in the kitchen, she lit her fire and set a kettle on the stove.
The back door’s slamming heralded Allynae’s appearance at the kitchen table. “Good morning. The day is awake and wonderful.” He helped himself to bread and cheese, popped some berries in his mouth, and plunked down on a chair. “I passed Katerrace and his wife. They’ll be here soon. I checked their cabin. It’s ready. So, what’s next?”
“I think we take a quick peek at Elcaro’s Eye and see what’s happening in Idronatti. Chealim hinted that all was not as it should be.”
Allynae scratched his chin. “Do ya really think the fountain will show you what you need? It can be pretty cantankerous.”
She laughed and offered Karrew her arm. “We shall see.” He hopped on, and she led the way upstairs. A squeak on the fourth step made her smile. It’s just as I wished.
In the sanctuary Karrew fluttered to her shoulder while she and Allynae took their places by the fountain. She glanced from the raven to her brother. “I’m so glad you’re both here.”
She snapped her fingers. The water ceased its song. Its reflective surface steadied. A picture began to emerge.
Five uniformed men sat equally spaced around a table, arguing about a document spread out in front of them.
A squat man pounded a fist on the tabletop. “We must stop the proposed tours to Myrrh. They’ll give our people the wrong idea.”
“How do you propose to do that, Soru?” the older man next to him demanded.
“We use mind adjustment. The tests are showing that it works on anyone over thirteen sun cycles.”
“And,” said a third man, “we destroy the portal to Myrrh.”
Soru slouched into his chair and scowled at the man across from him. “Don’t be ridiculous. If we destroy it, we won’t be able to monitor what’s happening there.”
“But Viennoc—”
Viennoc held up a hand. “It is well guarded, Jarel. We will adjust the minds of all people over thirteen. Henceforth, travel there ceases. No need to tell the people it is forbidden. They won’t remember Myrrh exists.”
The spokesman shifted in his chair and stared over his shoulder. Sharp, pointed features accented the harshness of his expression. Beady, black eyes blinked and stared again. He turned back to his comrades. “No one will be allowed into or out of Myrrh from the City of Idronatti. Anyone who tries will be sent to the Five Towers.” He shot another glance over his shoulder.
The water in the fountain swirled, erasing the room, the men, and the anger.
Karrew flew to the windowsill. “A lust for power is never attractive. What is it about Humans that they need to make other Humans subservient?”
Allynae bristled. “Fear, Karrew. Fear drives a lust for power. Of course, a little arrogance helps it along.” He shook his head. “What sorta life are people going to have in that city?”
Almiralyn winced at the thought of the requirements she had glimpsed in the papers on the table in front of the Five Fathers. The Plan laid out rules and regulations to control and censor the lives of Idronatti’s citizens. They would be scheduled and monitored by the Peoples Progress Protectors, the PPP. She tugged at her braid. I shudder to think what will happen in the Five Towers to those who rebel. And I hate the fact that the children of Idronatti will never know how it feels to enjoy unscheduled play or to read a book of their own choosing or simply to be quiet.
Allynae’s teasing voice intruded into her thoughts. “Hey, Mira. You’re awfully quiet. Where’s my opinionated sister who has something to say about almost everything?”
Her cool gaze held his until the mirth departed from his eyes, and he grew serious. “We have to do something for the children. We can’t let them live their lives not knowing about freedom and play and . . .” Her voice trailed off as an idea took hold. “I know what we’ll do . . .” Her eyes narrowed. “By the way, Allynae Nadrugia, I have never been opinionated.” She watched him suppress an impish grin. I’m so glad you’re here, Alli. I don’t think I could take on this responsibility alone.
Karrew flew to her shoulder. “What has that fertile brain of yours come up with?”
“We’ll create a secret gateway that only the children will know about.” Thinking about it made her laugh. “This will be fun. Let’s go have a meal and make plans.”
From his perch in the kitchen, Karrew watched his mistress enjoy a juicy pear. A flush tinted her cheeks pink, and her eyes sparkled with pleasure. She loves a challenge, and the Five Fathers have certainly presented her with one.
Allynae sat across from her, slathering cheese on bread and listening while she presented one plan after another. A knock interrupted the rapid flow of ideas.
“Excuse me? Hello?” The voice was low and weathered like an ancient tree.
Allynae, nearest to the back door, went to welcome the caretaker and his companion. “Come in. We’ve been expecting you.” He showed the couple into the kitchen.
Almiralyn came around the table. “Welcome. I’m Almiralyn.”
The man, well past middle age but bristling with energy, held out his hand. “Katerrace is the name, but friends just call me Race.”
She smiled and shook his hand. He was tall and lean with a huge smile; bright, intelligent eyes the color of roasted chestnuts; and thinning gray hair cropped short. Tidy as a pin in his overalls and green plaid shirt, he exuded an aura of steadfast confidence—a man comfortable with himself—exactly what a caretaker should be.
He drew a small woman from behind him and put a protective arm around her. “This is Feela, my companion. She’s a great little cook and cleans plenty good.”
Almiralyn offered her hand. “I am so pleased to know you, Feela. And I am very grateful for your help.”
Feela dropped her gaze and bobbed a curtsy. Fawn-colored eyes with flecks of green lifted to meet Almiralyn’s before the woman’s shyness settled around her like a cloak.
Almiralyn smiled. “Allynae will show you to your cabin. Please take the rest of today to settle in. Let me or Alli know if you need anything. Tomorrow we’ll discuss responsibilities and what works best for all of us.”
Race nodded. “Thank you, my lady.”
“Please, call me Mira.”
He nodded again and flashed his smile.
Allynae preceded the couple out the back door.
Almiralyn watched Feela’s short roundness disappear after the men.
“Shy little thing.” Karrew flew to the back of a chair. “I imagine you’ll bring her out of it, though.”
“She just needs time.” Almiralyn pursed her lips. An enlightened smile curved them into and elfish grin. “Karrew, I think I have a plan to provide a playground for the children of Idronatti.”
He cocked his head and listened as she explained the details.
When she finished, she poured hot water in a flowered mug and sat down at the table. “Unless you noticed something I’ve missed, we’ll run it by Allynae and see what he thinks.”
“I believe you’ve thought of everything.” Karrew pecked at his belly feathers. It’s a good plan . . . if nothing interferes.
When Allynae returned, they resumed their meal and Almiralyn sketched out her proposal. “The first thing I’ll do is close the gateway that goes directly to the Five Towers.”
“The Fathers won’t like that.” Allynae’s eyes gleamed with a mischievous twinkle.
She took a sip of tea, savoring its sweetness and her own sense of right. “The Fathers do not control the gateways of Myrrh. And it will not hurt them to feel the power wielded by the Guardians.”
“If you close it, how will the children find us?”
“I’ll create two new portals: the first one from Myrrh to The Borderlands, the buffer zone between Myrrh and the city, will move from one place to the other; and the second from The Borderlands to Idronatti will have separate anchor and destination points. In other words, the anchor point to bring children from The City will be different from the destination point when they return home. That and the traveling portal should keep the PPP guessing.”
“Won’t we need a portal custodian for the one that travels?” He popped a red berry in his mouth.
She had anticipated his question. “We will, but we can leave that detail until everything else is in place.”
He nodded. “How will the children find out about the portal?” His mustache curved around a pensive mouth. “And how will they find it when they arrive in The Borderlands?”
“We’ll plant the secret of the portal’s whereabouts in the mind of one special child who will spread the word.” She looked toward the back door, where a smoky gray cat sat fastidiously cleaning her ears. “And they will have a guide.”
Strutting into the kitchen, the cat jumped into her lap. Round, amethyst eyes stared up at her. “This is Majeska.” Almiralyn scratched under her chin. “You’ll be our guide and go between, won’t you?”
The cat’s purr filled the kitchen. Jumping to the floor, she pranced daintily across the room and crouched beneath Karrew’s perch. One easy leap landed her on the windowsill beside him. He lengthened his neck to touch her pink nose with the tip of his beak, then bobbed his head up and down. “Hi, Jeska.”
She blinked, opened her mouth in a wide yawn, and stretched out in the sun.
Allynae leaned back in his chair. “One more question . . . What will contain and support the traveling portal?”
Eagerness made Almiralyn grin. “A large mirror. Have you read anything by the Old Earth author Lewis Carroll?”
“You mean Through the Looking Glass? Of course. Maman used to take me to the Galactic Library at the temple. Lewis Carroll fascin
ated her.” He leaned his elbows on the table and rested his chin on his knuckles. “I sure do miss her and Papa.” For a moment, sad memories flooded his eyes. Sitting back, he shook himself. When he looked at her again, they were clear and present. “It sounds like you thought of everything. I didn’t study Portal Physics, so I only have a vague idea how this will work.”
Almiralyn nodded. “I studied it as part of my curriculum to become the Guardian of Myrrh. Chealim taught the class. Creating and maintaining a portal is about shifting the energetic vibration on the trajectory line. We use words arranged in a specific order to realign the molecules and the power of intention to create the portal.”
Allynae groaned. “I’ll never understands the physics of things. Now Bio-History . . . that’s another matter altogether.” He returned her grin. “When do we close the Idronatti Gateway at the Five Towers and open the new ones?”
“We’ll wait until the moon begins to rise. Our work will achieve its full strength as the moon reaches its zenith. I expect the process will take most of the night.” After clearing away the remains of the meal, she stood on the back porch, soaking in the beauty of her land. “How about a walk in the garden, Alli? I haven’t had time to explore.”
Arm in arm, they strolled past the maple tree and by the pond where ducks paddled. They peered into the chicken house. Almiralyn found an egg and cupped its warm roundness in her hands prior to returning it to the nest. In the barn, they discovered Race grooming Gemlucky and Feela with a lap full of kittens.
Race patted the big stallion’s rump and turned to Allynae. “This is quite a horse. What’s he like to ride?”
Allynae grinned. “You’ll have to ask Almiralyn. I’ve never ridden ’im.”
Race smiled down at her. “Well. I’m impressed, Mira. He’s a big one . . . and frisky.”
Almiralyn rubbed Gemlucky’s nose. “He can be headstrong, but we have an understanding. Do you ride?”
Arrival Page 3
