“We are here to escort you to the ruby pyramid. If you walk this way, I will take you there now,” Rondara broke the silence that had descended after the introductions.
She led them to an airboat with seating for nine passengers. The vehicle had no covering, just a clear half-dome-shaped thing in front of the pilot, perhaps to block the wind from smacking him in the face. The pilot, a Forster of the Willow Guild, occupied the seat up front and Chelton took the single seat directly behind him. Behind that one were two beside each other. Rondara took the first and beckoned for Daniel to take the other. He did so even though he preferred to sit beside Sherree. She and Simon stepped aboard and took the pair of seats behind his, Sero and Carlos took the pair behind them, and Tim and Rufus took the rear seats that were closest to the screen in front of the propeller. Flying backwards into the whirling blades would not be a pleasant experience even though the amulet would have prevented serious harm to the Admiral, Daniel reckoned. Even so, the screen was a good idea.
“Forster Raybern, if you will,” Rondara called to the front.
Moments later the boat rose about three cubits into the air and then sped over the stone docks, between storehouses and various buildings, towards the glowing dome. Just when Daniel was convinced the speedy vessel was going to slam into the shield, an opening appeared. It was twice as high and wide as the airboat and vanished shortly after they passed into the city.
“Smooth ride,” Simon shouted from behind as the wind whipped hoods back. The only people unaffected were Tim, who had on a helmet, Rondara and the two Cyclones, whose hoods were already down, and the pilot whose hood was still up. He had the windshield.
Daniel had to agree with the Chief Aid’s assessment and the desire to pilot the vessel began to swell within him. He would never ask the Willow to allow him to take the controls, to do so would be akin to asking the Forester to teach him guild-specific spells.
“I think you could make one of these,” Sherree shouted over the wind as the boat headed along the street.
“Not likely,” Chelton commented, he must have heard her shout.
Daniel smiled. It always worked to his advantage when people underestimated him.
Towering gemstone buildings were to the left and right, the sidewalks were full of Accomplisheds in their red on black silks, and they lined the streets, no doubt to witness the historic occasion. The emotional tides were written on the many face, anxiety, resentment, and most remarkably, hope. It came as no surprise the residents of Aakadon would have mixed feelings about the man who had been heralded a hero, rogue, and the Chosen Vessel, all within a relatively short period of time. He was for sure a breaker of all manner of customs and traditions they held sacred.
A multi-colored column of light flowed from the proximity of the stadium on up to the center of the dome. “Look, that must be where the Grand Symphony is taking place,” Tim shouted and could be heard only because the airboat was slowing down. The power feeding the spell was so great the eyes of a non-Aakacarn had no problem seeing the flow.
The vehicle slowed even more as it entered the section of the city belonging to the guilds. The Zephyr Guild’s diamond building was a four hundred cubit high structure with twin towers stretching up another two hundred cubits. To the left stood the half opal, half jade, depending on the viewer’s vantage point, building of the Aqua Guild, hundreds of cubits high. The airboat passed the stadium. Daniel imagined the rows upon rows of seats where Accomplisheds were performing in concert. The music was loud and beautiful. Hearing it actually made him feel protected, but he knew that was a side effect of the spell, and not something to be taken for granted.
A tower of sparkling pure sapphire, home of the Eagle Guild, stood beside what was once the emerald home of the Willow. The gap in Aakadon’s skyline made Daniel think of a man whose front tooth had been knocked out. It was the first time he laid eyes, his or avian, on the destruction. He had some gulls at the port and more than a few owls in the trees of the city, but had not sent them to the affected area, mostly because he had so many other things to be concerned with.
“I wonder if the Stone Guild will form an entirely new design or recreate the old one.” Sherree’s voice was clear and carried forward easily at the lower speed. She did not even have to shout.
“The Maestros of both guilds will work out the details, such is none of our business,” Rondara replied. Her attitude about the matter was not surprising, seeing as in Aakadon few people from one guild dared to question what went on in another. Guild secrets were sacrosanct. Daniel’s casual disregard for Aakacarn rules was rubbing off on his wife.
They drew closer to the center of the circular city and the massive pyramid made of countless rubies with the famous diamond in the shape of an eye at the top. On the other side of the central building stood the Tower of Flame, home of the Sun Guild, and the standing hammer-shaped building of the Stone Guild. Sherree deliberately looked away from the topaz building belonging to the Aloe Guild.
They were on South Street and Daniel caught sight of the huge cello-shaped community pond just beyond Centercircle Road. Accomplisheds, male and female, in their swimming apparel, were diving and floating in what would be the lower body of the instrument, swimmers were racing in what would be the long neck, and a few sat in wading pools that were shaped like tuning pegs. The activity came to a stop as they turned and caught sight of the airboat transporting Accomplisheds wearing blue silks instead of the traditional red on black.
Simon chuckled at their reaction, but evidently chose not to comment.
The grounds within Centercircle were mostly green fields and trees with marble benches and gazebos spread about. The seats were empty. The Forster piloted the airboat around and right up to the entrance of the pyramid. Senior Soarers of the Eagle Guild, Senior Cyclones of the Zephyr, Oceanics of the Aqua, and Senior Solars of the Sun, were lined up on both sides of the walkway. It was difficult to determine if they were there to give an honorable welcome or for a show of force.
Daniel was the first off the boat, followed by Tim, and then the rest. Every Accomplished standing around them suddenly gave the traditional nod of respect, which was returned by every member of the Atlantan Guild party, except Tim, who was not a master of his Potential and clearly had no intention of pretending that he was. The purpose of the gathering seemed to be an honorable welcome and so Daniel relaxed, a little.
Rondara led them inside where more Accomplished, representatives from every guild, gave the traditional nod of respect. Not a soul smiled at him, Daniel noted, but they were respectful and so he extended the courtesy back to them all the way down the hall until reaching the conference-room. A slim Gust of the Zephyr Guild opened the doors. He too gave a nod of respect as Daniel passed through. The two Cyclones remained in the hall.
Inside; sitting in the chairs were: Geran DuSorin of the Aqua Guild, Runyen Cransur, leader of the Willows, Janna Barroon of the Aloes, Lena Beyers of the Suns, Maestro David Svennar, Four-bolt Accomplished of the Stone Guild, and sitting in what would be the seat of Talmon Reese was Jerrian Tobermin, Vice Maestro of the Eagle Guild. At the head of the table sat Terroll Barnes. There was only one extra chair, but behind it, against the wall, were enough empty chairs for Daniel’s companions to sit. Evidently, only Maestros, or their representative, were permitted to sit at the table. He noted a falcon clutching a lightning bolt in gold on silver fused into the carved wood of his chair and took it as the honor they clearly meant it to be. He was, however, seated between the Stone and the Eagle.
“Welcome, Maestro Benhannon,” Terroll said, and his eyes reflected the smile on his face. “I watched your gaze linger on Vice Maestro Tobermin. He is representing the Eagle Guild while Maestro Reese is conducting the Grand Symphony in the Coliseum.”
Daniel nodded acceptance of the fact. It was good to know the man was not avoiding a conversation about methods. “It is good to see you again, Grand Maestro Barnes. Thank you for the information and for making me this cha
ir.”
Privately they were on a first name basis, but the meeting was formal and so it seemed best to use titles.
“Maestro Cransur crafted the chair,” Terroll made known the fact.
Daniel gave a respectful nod to the leader of the Willows, which was returned. He then addressed his host. “Tarin Conn’s conjuration in the Taltin Sea is growing stronger, and though it has not moved, the effects on the rivers are already being felt. They are rising and flowing swifter.”
Terroll took in a breath as if he was momentarily surprised his guest was getting right to the point of the meeting. “Does anyone object to moving this topic to the front of the agenda?” he asked.
“I was hoping to discuss the Joint Mission Task Force, which was scheduled to be first, but have no objection to moving item number four up to number one,” Maestro Cransur replied.
Tobermin looked at Daniel and then at Terroll. “If item four is to be discussed now, I propose number five to be moved up as well. The topic I entered in the agenda is related to item number four.”
Runyen pursed his lips and then threw up his hands. “Very well, I move item five be moved up and follow number four, but number one should be discussed immediately afterward.”
Daniel had not been given an agenda for the meeting. It made him wonder if they expected him to just sit, listen, and answer any questions put to him, in the order they preferred.
“Maestro Benhannon’s proposal that we move item four to number one has been approved,” Terroll said.
“We already know the rivers are rising,” Geran DuSorin stated. “We also know the outer bands of the hurricane are sweeping the coastal areas and causing some damage to private docks, ports, and marinas.”
Daniel knew about the outer-bands and was glad Geran saved him the trouble of describing the problem. It paved the way for soliciting help. “The Atlantan Guild Department of Design and Development is in the process of creating shelters for evacuees. Each shelter will have an Accomplished on hand to provide a shield on the structure. I am asking that Aakadon do the same. The project is enormous and time is limited,” he said, keeping his word to Jennel.
“Constructing shelters would involve the Stone Guild and conjuring shields would require the presence of Accomplisheds of the Eagle Guild,” Terroll gave an answer that was neither yes or no.
“We can create shelters, but would need airboats for transportation, which means the project you are proposing would also require Accomplisheds of the Willow Guild,” David Svennar gave a more positive answer, closer to yes than no, yet with another complication attached.
“We will provide the transportation,” Runyen’s answer was positive without any, “buts,” in the way.
Daniel turned to Tobermin. “What say the Eagles?”
The Vice Maestro grinned. “I have teams of Soarers who have Fledglings; they can be assigned the task. However, there will be a gratuity for the services rendered.”
Even though the aid should have been provided for free in the spirit of cooperation, Daniel could transform virtually any object into gold, silver, or precious stones, and so had no objection over paying the greedy guild. “What form of gratuity do you require?”
“Information,” Tobermin replied. “You are getting information from sources very close to Tarin Conn. I know Leah Barryn and Jeremiah Lassiter run your spy network and I want my Senior Soarers given the same resources.”
“You can’t be serious,” Tim blurted. He knew his long-time friend would not reveal the existence of the animal scouts. He was also totally ignored by those seated at the table.
Daniel could not keep a few chuckles from escaping. “Samuel Cresh and Sandra Treena have their part in that as well. Be it as it is, Vice Maestro, you, by the authority of Maestro Cransur, and Jeremiah Lassiter organized the Joint Mission Task Force. Information gathered by the Atlantan Guild Department of Defense and the Department of Internal Security and Information Gathering is being shared with the JMTF teams; surely such is enough for you. Or, are you requesting that my scouts begin instructing your Eagles on how to gather information?”
The grin was gone in a flash, replaced by angry eyes and a wrinkled brow. Tobermin puffed up. “No, of course not, the members of the Eagle Guild need instructions from no one. We are the experts when it comes to investigating a matter. The four experts mentioned in our exchange are all former associates of my guild.”
“I cannot deny that. My own words have helped to prove your point,” Daniel replied.
Tobermin leaned back in his seat, seemingly satisfied over winning the point. “Now that we have come to an agreement over who the experts are, we can get back to the gratuity. What I am proposing is for our Soarers to pair up with your information gatherers.”
Agreeing to the proposal would place his associates in a position to spy on the Atlantan Guild, which was not going to happen as long as Daniel could help it. “Grand Maestro, the Atlantan Guild has fourth level Talenteds who can provide shields for the shelters crafted by the Accomplisheds of the Stone Guild. I think each of them will be thrilled to ride on airboats created by the Willow Guild. I found the experience to be highly enjoyable.”
Tobermin’s eyes were blinking rapidly as if he could not quite believe what he had just heard. His offer had been refused. Worse, the task would be given to Aakacarns who were still in training.
“I agree, Accomplisheds of the Stone Guild will craft the shelters,” Maestro Svennar stated.
“I agree to send Foresters to provide transportation,” stated Maestro Cransur.
“The proposal is approved,” Terroll had the final word.
He settled his gaze upon the representative of the Eagle Guild. “Vice Maestro, your item is up for discussion. The topic is; Atlantan Guild sources of information.”
Tobermin’s eyes flicked towards Daniel and then to the Grand Maestro. “I believe enough has been said on that subject for now.”
Terroll winked at Daniel and then turned to Runyen. “Maestro Cransur, the topic is the JMTF, proceed with the discussion.”
Daniel listened to the report, which was nearly identical to the one he received from Jeremiah, except from a different perspective, which kept hearing it again from being tedious. When that item on the agenda was finished, Terroll went on to the next.
“Maestro, this is Sorel Benrider,” the Communicator’s voice entered Daniel’s head through the array.
Whatever the man wanted to report had to be important. “I’m listening, speak on.”
“Well it’s like this. We was, or rather, we are floating beneath the waves in the eye of the storm and you know how Osprey Vision lets us see way up in the sky and all, even though staring up from below makes the view wavy. Anyway, we’ve been keeping a watch on the Dark Maestro’s Sky-cruiser. It’s better than focusing Find All, seeing as he might have detected the more powerful spell.”
“Sorel, I composed both spells. Can we get beyond you explaining what I already know to the actual reason you are contacting me?”
“Sure, okay, I think they kind of got the idea from the Pondhoppers, cause that sky-cruiser just teleported away. There are eight still circling the inner circumference of the eye, but they aren’t doing anything more than that. Hosea is eager to flick the manta’s tail up and take out those big blue gas bags and I’m wanting to see if I can do anything to disrupt the Da Capo and maybe see if doing that might break up the storm.”
Every fiber of Daniel’s being was screaming at him to convey from the conference-room and strait into the pilot seat of Manta One.
“We need to take advantage of this pause in our enemies’ offensives and plan our next attack,” Terroll was saying.
“An excellent idea, Grand Maestro,” Daniel spoke louder than he intended to; causing half the Maestro’s to raise their eyebrows. “Manta Two is currently in the eye of the hurricane and has just informed me Tarin Conn has teleported the entire vessel away. He must be going back to Filia to refill his vat.”
“Fresh information is always the best,” Tobermin responded. “Placing one of those lethal rays beneath the eye of Tarin Conn’s conjuration was a good call.”
Daniel had not expected any sort of approval to come from the Vice Maestro, perhaps the man was not totally unreasonable.
“Why would the Dark Maestro hurry off to fill his vat?” Janna Barroon inquired. “What could possibly be in a vat that could be so important?”
Daniel did not want to waste time explaining guild specific spells; he wanted to take quick advantage of the new situation.
“Our Maestro composed a spell that allows us to determine how much life-force energy is contained within a person and the vat is a simple term used to describe the metaphysical container. The spell-caster perceives the contents as a liquid in the color of the subject’s potential,” Sherree spoke up for the first time in the meeting.
Unlike in the case of Tim, her words were not ignored.
Janna’s eyes widened. “Interesting, very interesting, the spell would be a useful diagnostic tool.”
Far more than that, but Sherree knew better than to elaborate, Daniel was sure.
“So, what you are telling us, Maestro Benhannon,” Lena Beyers began to say, “is that the hurricane has weakened Tarin Conn to the point that he needs to replace the energy expended. If what has been reported in the past by members of your guild is accurate, the Dark Maestro’s body cannot as yet replace the energy, where and how does he acquire it?”
Daniel had his suspicions, but no actual proof, seeing as none of his animal scouts had yet been in a position to give him a visual. “Originally through the animal sacrifices, but I suspect he has gone beyond those.”
“I have a scout at Filia,” Simon interrupted, “who is sending me a direct report from that location.” Nobody ignored him at that point, although some eyes widened as if they only just realized he was still in the room. He glanced at Daniel, who had turned around to look at him. This was not the first time the sandy-haired Accomplished managed to get a scout where no one else had.
To Be Victorious: The Maestro Chronicles Book 6 Page 55
