“Digger fought back. Even though you said not to,” Junk added.
“I think I remember that too,” Grafter said, messaging his temples.
“You said they were not trying to hurt us. How did you know that?” Junk asked.
Grafter nodded. “I could hear them talking.”
Junk shook his head. “I only heard strange sounds.”
“Well, you must have just heard wrong,” Grafter concluded. Junk helped him stand to get a better view of the space. Grafter guessed the space was twenty paces square, filled with about a hundred and fifty people of all ages, from various tribes or groups. Everyone appeared dirty and neglected with dirty, stringy hair, and the men’s faces obscured by beards. They all wore tattered clothing, some were barely clothed at all.
Shiny metallic bars enclosed three sides with a metallic bulkhead on the fourth side. The overhead was solid metallic with the single pipe sticking out from the middle, and the flooring was some other solid material with a large grated area in the center where the water from the overhead fell through. He could see other similar designed spaces on the other side of the barred walls, with a narrow walkway between each. The lighting was sparse, even for Drelund standards, but Grafter felt that more light would not improve the view.
Grafter reached for his gear sack that should have been hanging from his shoulder across his back. “They took them--sorry,” Junk said.
“It's not your fault,” Grafter offered, while he checked the rest of his garments to see what he had left.
The dwellers at the Dunes wore a light cloth made from some plant materials that was effective in diffusing the heat of the day. During their time with them, Grafter, Junk and Digger exploited this knowledge for their travels above ground.
The cloth around his lower extremities was a dirty offwhite, loose fitting and tied at several points along the legs and waist. The same material was used for the covering his upper torso, wrapped loose, and tied at key locations and extending down to his knees. The sleeves were long and loose and held together around the arms with tie points. The long, light-brown overcoat looked heavy, but again, was airy, adding to the ventilation, while providing further protection from the sun’s rays. The top portion of the overcoat had extra material that could act as a hood to protect the neck and head, and a headcovering topped that off, with a broad brim that could be folded down around the face, neck and sides.
Grafter realized he was missing his top cover, but could see that Junk, wearing the same style clothes, still had his top cover hanging behind his head with a string tied around his neck. Junk offered his, but Grafter shook his head with a glance of appreciation.
“Did you at least notice where they may have taken our gear sacks?” Grafter asked, continuing to survey the dark surroundings.
“I noticed, a large pile down at the end of the walkway. I'm not sure, but that may be where they put them,” Junk pointed.
“Sounds like a good place to start.”
“How are we going to get there? We can't get out of here?”
“I'm working on that,” Grafter said under his breath.
*** “Anaua's night frights have been occurring more frequent, and the imagery increasingly strange,” Novia explained as she and Li approached Anaua and Ayden's cutout dwelling within the cavern. “I hope you might have some insight as to their meaning.”
“I'm very interested to hear about them,” Li said. “I am sorry I have been away so much lately.”
“You've needed some time alone--I understand,” Novia offered.
Li stopped and gave Novia a gentle squeeze on her arm with a glance of gratitude. “It has been more than just some time alone.” Novia nodded her understanding.
“Welcome, please come in,” Ayden said with a broad smile and open arms, from the entrance.
“Li Li LI LI LI LI--” Chichi bellowed from deep inside, running out to greet Li and Novia. Anali was, of course, not far behind. Li scooped up Chichi while Novia pulled up Anali in hugs as they entered the main chamber of the carved dwelling.
“Chichi! Anali! Manners!” Anaua scolded when she came out to greet her guests.
“It is always a good time for hugs for little-ones,” Novia said, putting Anali down and getting a hug from Chichi too. Li hugged Anali, so there would be no special treatment for any one child. Ayden took charge of the children so Anaua could be with Novia and Li.
“How has Chichi been?” Novia asked, as they all settled down on some soft furs arranged on the floor.
The worry on Anaua's face was obvious. “He tires more easily now--and the bruising seems worse.” She paused to gather some strength in her faltering voice. “The Elvonians? Have they--”
Novia shook her head. “They have no reference for his condition, and can only say for certain that something isn't right.”
“The rings--”
“Yes, the rings talk of an ancient illness called the Loki Mia with similar symptoms, but there is no listed cure--”
“Li--YOU! You can help him...you must help him,” Anaua turned and pleaded to Li.
Li tried not to be obvious when she looked away, shaking her head. “Anaua--I can't.”
“But you can!” Anaua insisted. “I've heard the talk. You can shape rock with a touch, hear people's thoughts, talk with other creatures, see things no one else can see and you helped Shara'ari Re'alta turn her new-born from within, with a single touch--YOU MUST help my...Chichi! You—must...help!” Anaua burst into tears, sobbing into her hands.
“Anaua, I know this is hard to--” Li interrupted Novia with a soft touch and moved closer. Anaua fell into Li's arms unable to control her emotions and tears. Li held her close and began a gentle rocking. “I made a promise,” Li attempted to explain, but Anaua cried harder. “A promise to someone I love very dearly and to many others I respect very deeply,” Li gave the back of Anaua's head a gentle touch. Her cries died down to a quiet whimper. “I can only try to give you peace of mind--but I cannot break that promise.”
“And if it is the Loki Mia?” Anaua asked, her face buried on Li's shoulder for comfort.
Novia gave Li a grave look. “Then...he will die,” Novia answered as gently as possible for such horrible words.
Anaua burst into hysterical sobbing, clutching Li's shoulder. “I can't bear it! I can't!”
“You must and you will,” Li forced, with another gentle touch to the back of Anaua's head, stroking her long braided, auburn hair. Again, Anaua's uncontrolled wailing calmed to a whimper. “You have Anali and another on the way. You will be there for all of them and gain strength from all that is to come.”
Anaua shook her head, still burying her face in Li's shoulder, unable to let go. “I am not that strong. You make this all sound like something good is about to happen. How? How can losing my son be good? How can that be?”
Novia reached out to give Anaua a supportive touch on the shoulder, not sure how to answer such a question, and glad she was not the one being asked.
Li gave another calming touch on the back of Anaua's head. “All I can tell you is what will feel like a loss for you at first, in time, will produce a great strength for you...and others.”
Anaua looked up at Li. “Others? How can the death of my son give others strength? He's only a little boy!”
Li smiled. “Never underestimate someone or something by size. I have seen the smallest of snowflakes bring down a mighty mountain. Strength can come from the smallest of packages, even little boys. You only need to be willing to take that strength when offered.”
Anaua sighed and rested her head on Li's shoulder for comfort, as Li continued a gentle rocking motion.
“Who is the Pe'Atchdi now?” Novia whispered to Li.
*** Galactic Board members with well-choreographed congratulatory salutations encircled Anthony at the center of the Great Hall after the unanimous decision was cast for Anthony to take the role of Mediator.
“Congratulations, Anthony! There is no one better suited for thi
s position, and we expect an expedient resolution to this monumental crisis that we are all facing now,” Wierre praised.
“How soon will you be taking action?” Board Member, Kadra asked, interrupting Wierre.
“Thank you all,” Anthony raised his hands in
acceptance of their well-wishes, and started to make his
way out, Presley1285 leading the way. “I will be
evaluating my options and reporting first actions over the
next few days. There will be much to--” Anthony was cut
short, as several menacing Corporate Security Officers
burst through the main doors into the Great Hall, leading
the way for Director Huir and Captain Roth.
“Anthony, alias Presley2945 and Presley1285, you are
both hereby ordered to submit to Corporate Security
detention, by order of Director Huir!” Captain Roth
bellowed his commands over the noise within the large
room. The room fell silent after the initial gasp. “What is the meaning of this?” Diathon demanded. “DO NOT insult my position--or yours, nor that of your
fellow Galactic Board! You know full-well the detention
order that has been in effect for well over six fiscal years,
placed by ME, on all Elvonians,” Huir answered with
indignation.
“We are all quite aware,” Vaudi answered, stepping
through the crowd and stopping next to Diathon. “Do any of you deny these two men are Elvonian?”
Huir's question dared anyone to argue. Anthony and
Presley1285 glanced at each other, then at all
surrounding them and shook their heads.
“No one is denying anything, Director Huir,” Diathon
answered, as several others murmured their acceptance
of the facts as well.
“Do these men have any further official associations
with the Duissis, Regional Authority Council of Twelve or
Councilor Vaudi?” Huir asked with a hard glare at
Councilor Vaudi.
Vaudi studied Anthony and Presley1285. “Director
Huir, these two men have no further official associations
with myself or the Duissis, Regional Authority Council of
Twelve.”
“Then my order stands, and these two men WILL be
detained under my directive, for breach of protocols,
mishandling of secure data, and exposure of sensitive
material to subcontractors beyond classification access,”
Huir announced.
“I believe that will be quite impossible,” Diathon
replied.
“Are you defying a direct order from a Corporate
Security official?” Captain Roth asked with disdain. “I can understand your confusion, Director, as you
have previously admitted having no expertise on Galactic
Board matters. Anthony's new position as Mediator
requires complete autonomy and exclusion, including
certain immunities to protect against undue processes
that could hamper needed negotiations and mitigation,”
Diathon explained.
“Immunities, as such, require a unanimous decision
from all Galactic Board members,” Huir argued. “Wonderful...you do understand,” Diathon's answer
dripped with sarcasm. “That decision was reached earlier
today before the Galactic Board convened for final
confirmation of Anthony as Mediator.”
“IMPOSSIBLE!” Huir shouted.
“On the contrary, quite possible and officially recorded
as such, in a confidential closed meeting,” Diathon
defended. “Is there some question regarding that
meeting?”
“The decision is required to be unanimous,” Huir
argued once more.
“And I assure you, all members made their decision,
and were in complete agreement,” Diathon explained. “Do
you know of some reason why a unanimous decision could
not have been reached?”
Huir looked around the room. “Board Member Raldon,”
she hissed toward Roth. “I don't see him.”
“I believe Board Member Raldon is relaxing at Arcquis
Resort, arriving as we speak. A rather opulent suite was
only recently renovated from the remains previously
owned by former Board Member Anthony,” Wierre
answered.
“Ah yes, Arcquis Resort--I always enjoyed that suite,”
Anthony added with reverence. Presley1285 nodded in
agreement.
“Again, I understand your ignorance--excuse me, your
lack of expertise--to the processes within the Galactic
Board, and that members do not have to be present at all
times for decisions--as long as arrangements are made in
advance,” Diathon explained.
“Some rules of absence are not so absolute,” Rubura
added. “As we have all learned through the centuries, we
all have our faults, and our imperfections--we simply
choose to accommodate.”
Huir directed an emphatic glare to the entire room
ending with Anthony. “How do you intend to accomplish
the duties of Mediator with no staff? I hereby order
Presley1285 under detention as he is not protected by the
immunities as applied to your--”
“Presley1285 is under contract with myself, as my
personal assistant, and therefor under the direct protections of my position, Director Huir,” Anthony explained. “However, you do bring up a very valid point. I
have no workforce to fulfill my obligations--”
“Hiring Corporate or subcontracting through Duissis
would be a conflict of interest,” Roth pointed out with
haughtiness. “With no workforce, your appointment to this
position is futile!”
“There is only one significant workforce available that
has no affiliation with Corporate or Duissis--I have no
other choice. IF I may be allowed, Galactic Board Member
Diathon? I would like to record my first official action here
while within the Galactic Board Great Hall and witnessed
by the representatives of all parties,” Anthony presented
himself in his new position. “As Mediator, I hereby place
under subcontract any and all Elvonians willing and or
able, and as such, all said subcontractors henceforth fall
under my direction and immunity from any and all
previous Corporate Security orders of detention.” “So witnessed by the Galactic Board,” Diathon
announced.
“So witnessed by a representative of Duissis, Regional
Authority Council of Twelve,” Vaudi proclaimed. “Duly recorded and affirmed, Anthony,” Diathon
declared.
“You cannot do that!” Huir decried. “This is completely
absurd and--”
“Once again, I can understand your ignorance--I
should say, lack of expertise--on such matters,” Diathon
interrupted. “But this action is all well within contractual
protocols as adhered to by Corporate Galactic Board and
Duissis, Regional Authority Council of Twelve.”
“I believe this puts you officially in the business of
Mediator--I expect great things and soon,” Vaudi affirmed. The silence and flexing of Huir's jaw and temple
muscles were a clear indication to Diathon and everyone
else in the room, that she was quite done with this
conversation. Without another word, she and th
e entire
entourage left the Great Hall.
“Awkward,” Anthony said under his breath.
Presley1285 nodded.
*** Anaua calmed enough to broach the subject of Novia and Li's visit; the increasingly reoccurring, strange and often frightening dreams.
“Your detailed descriptions are very familiar to me,” Li assured.
Novia shook her head in disagreement. “This all sounds too strange. Existing as a flame, or a cluster of stars? Although the Rings often talk about dream states being a gateway to one's inner self, sometimes they are just meaningless,” Novia suggested.
“They are more than dreams. Sometimes they feel like memories,” Anaua argued. “I have a re-occurring dream or memory of myself as a little girl, climbing a tree. I was so proud of my accomplishment. But as you know, and of what I understand from how I was created--I was full grown when I came into this world.”
“You are having memories of a time before this life and beyond,” Li explained.
“I've seen faces and places that I don't understand and sometimes I get confused,” Anaua insisted.
“Confused?” Novia asked.
“I have on occasion called Ayden by another name-Andre,” Anaua said with a hush.
“Does he get upset?” Novia wondered.
“No--he knows how much I love him. He laughs and calls me Ani. I don't know why but that seems right to me,” Anaua confessed.
“These things are very much a part of who you are. But do not let them get in the way of the path you have chosen,” Li explained
“This is all about my path?”
“I cannot go into details. To do so, would violate a trust,” Li continued.
“Trust? Who's trust?” Anaua asked.
“You--your trust in me, and a promise I have made. Believe me when I tell you--this is what you wanted. This is the path you chose. Live that path and the rest will either become clear to you, or fade into the distant past from where they come. Either way, those images and dreams are nothing to fear. Gather strength from them and continue your journey.” Li gave Anaua a hug of assurance with her answer.
Anaua wiped the tears from her cheek. “I'm not certain I know how to gather strength from such strange images and the unknown, but I will try to trust what you say--that I have nothing to fear from my dreams.”
“Know that though we may not be able to give you all the answers you may seek, we are here, ready to help in any way we can,” Novia offered.
Birth Of A Goddess Page 16
