Arrival

by S. K. Randolph

  DiMensioner’s Revenge

  Perched on the parapet atop a granite tower, a great horned owl the size of a man swiveled its head and gazed with malicious intent at four young people in the clearing below. Like an actor preparing for an entrance, it preened sleek black and silver feathers until they glistened in the midday sun. Hazel eyes blinked and stared. A deep “Whoo! Whoo!” shattered the silence.

  With outstretched wings casting a menacing shadow, the owl’s massive body launched into the air. Soaring in a wide arc high above the upturned faces, it spiraled lower and lower. A panicked scream, a shout of terror, and a startled shriek echoed throughout the Terces Wood. The great owl climbed skyward and disappeared beyond the tower.

  Almiralyn Nadrugia, the Guardian of Myrrh, the last remnant of Old Earth, raised troubled eyes from the scene playing out on the surface of Elcaro’s Eye. Crossing to the window, she leaned out and listened intently. Deep at the center of the forest surrounding her land, the magic within Nemttachenn Tower sent its urgent message throughout Myrrh. The Unfolding has passed the point of no return.

  A chill crept up her spine. Brow furrowed, she returned to the fountain and studied the reflected image of the four young people huddled together at the base of Nemttachenn.

  Ari and Brie, why did you ignore me? I warned you not to take Torgin and Esán to the tower. Water cascading from the statue’s open palms sent the shattered image into Elcaro’s depths.

  Running her finger over the alabaster braid encircling the bowl, Almiralyn pondered her young guest’s actions. What took you to the tower and who influenced your journey from Idronatti to Myrrh? Who used the shifted form of the great horned owl to terrorize you?

  She gazed at her carved likeness kneeling on the fountain’s rim. The weight of responsibility settled around her like cloak. Ari and Brie have no idea how important they are to The Unfolding. Should they fall into the wrong hands . . . Her sapphire blue eyes narrowed. Is the shaper of the great horned owl a Mocendi or a corrupt DiMensioner of the Order of Esprow?

  Staring into the fountain’s depths, she willed herself to be patient. Elcaro’s penchant for showing only what she needed to know and not always what she wanted could be frustrating. This turning, she hoped it would understand her need. Whispering a soft word, she waited.

  The rhythmic song of trickling water hushed; the surfaced calmed. From the bottom of the bowl, an image floated upward. Black and silver wings lifted the owl high above the forest. Swooping lower, it dropped from sight. The image dissolved.

  Almiralyn gripped the rim and leaned forward. Where have you gone? Focusing on her quarry, she projected a mental probe into every corner of Myrrh.

  A picture of the Dojanack Mountains emerged in the fountain and steadied. The shadow of the owl, a stark silhouette against their shimmering beauty, materialized, dodged skyward, and vanished. Malevolent laughter echoing through the room churned the water into a frothing whirlpool. A bolt of lightning exploded from its center, hovered, and flashed into nothingness, leaving behind the heavy aroma of ions. The mountains faded. Water rippled into stillness.

  Frowning, she straightened. We have a DiMensioner in Myrrh. It could be worse—it could be a Mocendi. Her frown deepened. His energy reeks of anger and malicious intent. Why is he here?

  She gave the quiet fountain a pensive look. A force for good, DiMensioners protected the diverse populations of the Universe. Shape shifting, dimension jumping, and all manner of positive works marked their contributions to the well-being of all.

  Rogue DiMensioners were another matter. As dangerous as the evil Mocendi League, they could wreak havoc on an entire planet. Premonition prickled up her spine. This one appears to have its sinister sights set on me and on Myrrh. Has it joined forces with the Mocendi tyrants bent on controlling the Universe?

  Pushing the Mocendi from her mind, she concentrated on her present problem. How and why did this DiMensioner come to Myrrh? Is he part of The Unfolding?

  Eyes squeezed shut, she pinched the bridge of her nose. Conviction pulsed through her. “The young people are the key.”

  The snap of her fingers rang through the room. “Show me Ari and Brie . . . recent past.”

  Sleep-tangled red curls bounced around the sparsely freckled face of an adolescent girl sitting upright in bed. Large, brown eyes darted around the dim room. That was some nightmare.

  Smoothing a yawn, she threw back the covers, crossed to the window, and peered at an industrial gray cityscape dappled with early morning light. Careful not to awaken her sister, she slipped across the hall into her mother’s art studio.

  “Oh, Mother!” She hugged herself and exhaled a shaky breath.

  On the freshly painted canvas on her mother’s easel, a procession of menacing shadows soared above mountains of salmon-colored granite, obsidian, and shimmering crystal. The haunting beauty of the painting terrified her.

  “What do you think, Brielle?” Her mother ambled into the room, yawning.

  Brie, her gaze riveted to the canvas, answered. “Where are those mountains? They’re so beautiful.”

  “I believe they’re in Myrrh, although I don’t remember seeing those particular ones when my family lived there.”

  “And the . . .” She gulped. “. . . shadows?” Brie watched her mother’s sleepy expression become serious.

  SparrowLyn AsTar smoothed a strand of chestnut hair behind her ear. “I’m not sure. They just . . .” Her eyes flooded with concern. “Are you and Ari still planning to go to Myrrh today?”

  “Mornin’, you two.” A slender, red-haired girl sauntered into the room, gave Sparrow a quick hug, and shot her sister a quizzical look. “You’re sure awake early.” Her eyes widened. “Wow, Mother!” She stared at the painting. “Those mountains are amazing.” A slight shiver shook her shoulders and turned into a shudder. “But the shadows are giving me the creeps.”

  “Mother thinks the mountains are in Myrrh, Ari. Wouldn’t it be fun to go see them?”

  “Not if those shadows are there!” Ari tugged at a curl. “Hey, today’s Torgin’s Sun Cycle Celebration. If we’re taking him to meet Mira, we’d better get ready.”

  Sparrow’s worried gaze flicked from one identical face to the other. “Would you consider taking Torgin another time?”

  “It’s his fourteenth Sun Cycle, Mother.” Ari’s deep voice held a hint of exasperation. “It may be his last opportunity to go.”

  “In two moon cycles, the City Fathers will assign his profession. Afterward, he won’t remember Myrrh even exists,” Brie reminded her.

  Sparrow sighed. “I didn’t intend to spoil over your plans.” She glanced at the painting and back at her daughters. “It’s just that—” She bit her lip. “Please be careful. If something happened to you, I—”

  “Nothing’s going to happen,” the girls chorused.

  “Just think, Mother, if you were like the other adults in Idronatti, you wouldn’t even remember Myrrh.” Ari shot her a crooked smile.

  “And,” they announced in unison, “you wouldn’t worry!”

  “You’re incorrigible—both of you.” Sparrow glanced at the miniature chronometer near her easel. “You’d better hurry if you plan to make it to Torgin’s before Early-Morning Walk is over. I’ll fix you a quick breakfast.”

  * * *

  After they’d eaten, Brie stepped into her uniform coveralls. “I had a really strange dream last night, Ari. That’s why I woke up so early. And guess what?”

  Ari gave her an inquiring look.

  “The shadows in Mother’s painting were in my dream.”

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  Brie shook her head. “Nope.”

  “You can’t tell her, or she won’t let us go today.”

  “I won’t, but—” Brie flinched and rubbed the back of her neck.

  “For Emit’s sake, Brielle, nothing’s going to happen to us on Myrrh. Mira will see to that.” She buttoned the last button on her uniform and sat down to put on her shoes
.

  Brie studied herself in the mirror—spotless blue coveralls, a bandana tied just so, shoes polished to a glossy black shine. She tucked a coppery curl under her required head-scarf. “How can we avoid being noticed on the street when everyone can see that our hair is red?”

  A pillow whizzed through the air and smacked her on the shoulder. In one smooth movement, she picked it up and hurled it back at her attacker. Ari caught it and laughed.

  “Ready to go?” Brie grinned.

  Ari plopped the pillow on the bed. “You bet I’m ready!”

  “No, you’re not, Arienh AsTar.” Their mother stood in the doorway. “If you intend to walk down the streets of Idronatti and not be stopped by the Peoples Plan Protectors, you’d better look presentable.” She picked up a hairbrush. With a quick flick of her wrist, she tamed her daughter’s long red curls into a braid. Deft fingers twisted a blue band around the end and turned the recipient of her attention to face the mirror. “Much better, don’t you agree?”

  Brie laughed at her sister’s scowling reflection.

  Sparrow stepped between her daughters, her dark head barely topping their coppery ones. “Goodness, when did you grow so tall?” Identical faces grinned back at her. “And how on Thera do people know who is Brielle Ralyn and who is Arienh Lynae?”

  “We are growing up, you know.” Brie gave her mother a quick hug. “We may still look alike, but we’re totally different now.”

  “I don’t know why people can’t tell us apart.” Ari grabbed her blue bandana. “We sure don’t act alike.”

  The sharp sound of a whistle sent the girls into a last-minute frenzy. Brie tucked another wayward curl beneath her bandana while Ari struggled to tie hers correctly.

  “Here,” Sparrow offered, “I’ll help with that.” She adjusted the kerchief and tucked the braid out of sight. “Let me see you.” Her worried gaze traveled from the top of their heads to their feet. “You look good. Remember, we’re on the Watch List. Don’t call attention to yourselves, and make sure you don’t leave for The Borderlands until Late-Morning Exercise.”

  Ari kissed her cheek. “Gotta go if we’re gonna make it to Torgin’s before the next whistle blows.”

  Sparrow gave Ari a final hug and winked. “Take care of your younger sister, Arienh.”

  “She’s only four minutes older than I am!” Brie grumped and scurried after her twin.

  When the girls rushed out, the door across the hall opened a crack. One magnified violet eye peered after them.

  “Good morning, Henrietta.” Sparrow smiled brightly.

  The eye disappeared. The door shut without a sound.

  Returning to her studio, Sparrow crossed to the open window. Twenty-two stories below, blue-uniformed figures walked in unison down both sides of the pristine street. She sighed. We are all scheduled to the minute. Blue clad, brown clad, green clad, gray—all taking our regimented walks or eating our meals or sleeping or working or studying—all at the same time in different parts of the city. She turned her back on the window and heaved another frustrated sigh.

  Placing a clean canvas on the easel, she perched on the edge of her stool, picked up her palette and brush, and began to paint. Unbidden thoughts disrupted her usual ability to escape into her art. What kind of future will my girls have in this city? Their fourteenth Sun Cycle is only a moon cycle away. How will I keep the PPP from erasing their memories of Myrrh? She added a second color to her wash. I wish their father were here. It’s only the PPP’s suspicion about his identity that keeps us from being sent to the Five Towers. Another color joined the first two. They’re hoping he’ll seek us out, and then they’ll — Aggressive brush strokes flashed over the canvas.

  The shrill sound of a whistle made her jump. Pulled from her artist’s trance, she studied the painting. Mira’s cottage and— She shivered and stared at the shadow of a huge bird of prey hovering above it. “I wish the girls weren’t going there today.”

  * * *

  The scene on the water’s surface swirled into a rainbow of colors. Mira drummed the rim with restless fingers. “Well, my dear Sparrow, they are here now, and so are their friends.”

  Elcaro’s surface quieted to a mirror-like gloss. The details of a new image materialized.

  2

  DiMensioner’s Revenge

  Torgin Wilith Whalend, tall and lanky with skin the color of milk chocolate and eyes as green as the first leaves of spring, stood opposite a large, arched window in his parent’s luxury apartment. He bit his lower lip and muttered to himself. “Why in the name of the Fathers did I say I wanted to go to Myrrh? I’ve never broken a rule in my fourteen sun cycles. Now I am about to break one of the biggest there is.”

  The last Early-Morning whistle blew. On the avenue below, uniformed people vanished into buildings, leaving the street deserted. Stepping to the side of the window, Torgin checked one direction and then the other. “Where are those twins? Why do they always have to cut it so close?”

  Two officers of the Peoples Plan Protectors emerged from a side street to walk their inspection route down the deserted Avenue of Trees. Withdrawing into the shadows, Torgin glanced at the Theran chronometer on the mantel and then back at the avenue.

  A bandana-covered head appeared from behind a building across the street. A twin looked up and waved. He shook his head. That has to be Ari. She is the only person I know who is that crazy.

  Ari pulled Brie across the street and into a building pass-through as a PPP Ria Transport floated by, the patrollers peering into every entryway.

  “We should be clear in a moment,” she murmured as she watched the aero car disappear around the corner. “Now!”

  The girls dodged into the portico of Torgin’s building, where a uniformed doorman waited with the door ajar.

  “One of these times,” the tall man scolded, “you’re going to get caught.”

  “Thank you so much, Dalan,” Brie whispered. “We didn’t mean to be late.”

  “You never do. Hurry upstairs before there’s trouble.”

  “Thanks, Dal.” Ari clicked her heels together, gave him a smart salute, and followed her sister to the drop car.

  Torgin yanked the apartment door open, his eyes blazing. “By the Fathers, do you always have to scare me to death? I thought you would get caught this time for sure.”

  Ari laughed. “We’re safe, Torg. No one saw us except Dalan, and he’ll never tell.”

  Brie grinned. “Happy Sun Cycle, Torgin! Are you excited?”

  “Shhh! Nanny is just down the hall.”

  “You aren’t going to chicken out, are you?” Ari put fisted hands on her hips and glared.

  “No, but—are you sure this is a good idea?”

  Brie tilted her head to look up at him. “It’s your last chance to go to Myrrh. Two moon cycles from now, your mind will be adjusted and your profession assigned. Besides, it’s what you said you wanted, isn’t it?”

  Torgin fiddled with a button on his uniform. “Why do we get our minds adjusted when we turn fourteen?”

  Ari glanced at Brie before she answered. “You know what they teach us in school, right? Fourteen is the Time of Induction—the end of childhood. That’s why our professions are assigned then.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “It is more than that, is it not?”

  “Listen, Torgin, the truth isn’t what we’re taught, and you may be better off not knowing it.”

  “Why do you always treat me like I am younger than you, Ari? Tell me the truth or—”

  “Okay, Torg.” She sank onto a dark blue couch. “What do you know about the PPP?”

  “The Peoples Plan Protectors are here to take care of us—to make sure that we are happy and safe.”

  “Not exactly.” Brie joined her sister. “Their real job is to make sure we obey all the strict guidelines laid down by the Five Fathers.”

  “No, it is not. You know everything is set up for our own good.” His tone dared her to disagree.

  Brie shrugged and
jumped up. “Torgin, please play a song for us while we wait for the next whistle. One you composed yourself.”

  “Oh yes, Torgin!” Ari linked an arm through her sister’s. “We love your music.”

  Looking from one twin to the other, he nodded. “I do have a new composition I would like you to hear.” He led the way to the music room, paused by a shiny black keyboard, and patted a smallish silver case. “The anopi or the flute?”

  “The anopi. “The twins plopped down on a padded window seat.

  Torgin settled himself at the air keyboard, closed his eyes, and breathed in. On the exhale, he began to play. The first passage, moody and dark, depicted feelings of repression and sadness, then transitioned into a section so quick, light, and free it felt like laughter. A rising arpeggio repeated over and over and culminated in a final crashing chord. The feelings he could never express verbally resonated in a complexity of dissonant harmonies and then faded into silence. He looked up to find the wide-eyed twins smiling at him.

  Nanny stomped into the room, her big bosom heaving. “Can’t a person take a nap around here?” She gave the twins a hard stare.

  “Hello, girls. What are you up to?”

  “We came over to do Late-Morning Exercise with Torgin and to work on our home study project.” Ari flashed her an innocent smile.

  “That’d better be all you’re here for!” Straightening her brown uniform skirt over her ample girth, she made an accusatory sound and marched from the room.

  Ari imitated her waddled-gait, then grinned. “Loved your music, Torg!”

  Brie chimed in. “You’re so talented. Do you think the City Fathers will assign the Musical Arts for your profession?”

  He scowled. “Father expects it will be mathematics because I am so good with numbers. He does not think my music is worth much.”

  “Your father doesn’t realize how gifted you are.” Ari handed him his blue uniform hat. “It’s time to go. Let’s get moving!”