by S. S. Segran
“It doesn’t matter, Arianna. We need the mineral, and we need it fast. Besides, we’re a million miles from anything.”
She tried to protest but Ajajdif slammed his fist on the table. “We will get it, whatever the cost. End of discussion.”
With that, he dismissed them.
34
The Elders gathered inside their assembly neyra, taking their usual seats before Nageau addressed them. “I called for this meeting because I think we need to reconvene on what is happening. Tikina, what is the condition of our ill in the convalescence center?”
Tikina tugged on the hem of her green blouse, troubled. “The four patients remain in critical condition. Rest assured, Huyani, Saiyu and I are taking good care of them, but the need to identify and contain this malady is now paramount.”
“Let us hope that the men we have sent out will return quickly with answers,” Saiyu murmured.
“We should call a community gathering,” Ashack said. “The village needs to be informed. We must prevent the rest of our kin from falling ill.”
“Yes,” Nageau agreed. “A number of the people have already heard from others about what has happened, but we should still have a gathering.”
“It has been a long while since out last one,” Tayoka said. “It is time. By the way, I have been meaning to ask—how fare your apprentices?”
Saiyu smiled. “My time with Mariah has been very rewarding. However, I have noticed that she is a lot more audacious when she is in the company of her friends. Alone, she is somewhat withdrawn. Her training is progressing well, though, and I see a lot of potential in her strong-spirited ways. How about you, Nageau?”
Nageau couldn’t hide his fondness. “Kody is energetic, that is certain. He has some trouble focusing, but when he does, his enthusiasm in learning amazes me. I do feel compelled to make note that his humor is a bit much sometimes. I wonder if it is a self-defense mechanism—maybe a way to cope with the situation surrounding his father?”
“Utilizing humor as a means of deflection and safeguard is not uncommon,” Tikina said thoughtfully. “And it is certainly preferable to other coping methods.”
“True . . .” Nageau stroked his chin. “And what about Aari?”
“Aari is keen on learning as well.” Though Ashack’s voice remained gruff, he couldn’t keep a bit of pride out of it. “He is a bright young man. Learns quickly. Constantly questions everything. That inquisitiveness transcends just practical and physical things. He strives to learn the truth in all matters. That will be a great asset for him in unfolding his eventual abilities.”
“Wonderful.” Nageau gestured at his mate. “And Tegan?”
“She was tentative at the beginning,” Tikina answered, “and she still is, but she has opened up a little and is actually eager now that she is aware of the gifts she is blessed with. Tayoka, how is Jag doing?”
Tayoka wore a cheeky grin. “I do believe it will take some time for him to get used to my unique quirks.”
“Your eccentric quirks, you mean,” Saiyu sighed.
Nageau patted Tayoka’s shoulder. “Go easy on the lad. He comes across as a type who would excel under serious tutelage.”
“I am preparing him,” Tayoka said.
“For what?”
“To lighten up and learn to laugh at himself. Life has a way of throwing the unexpected at us. He will not always have the luxury of working in secure conditions, and there will be distractions. He is strong physically but has a tendency to be too rigid in his mind. It will be essential that he learns the value of being open to new ideas, to look at things from a different perspective.”
“And you intend to make the most out of your wiliness to give him a whole range of perspectives,” Tikina guessed.
“Oh, most definitely.”
The Elders beamed at one another, and even Ashack tried to stop his mouth from quirking up. They were pleased with each other’s reports; it gave them a reason to smile amidst the stress bearing down on them.
Saiyu tucked a loose strand of hair back under her headband. “It has been half a moon cycle since our visitors were brought to us by the Guardians. There are already plenty of rumors abound. We need to bring clarity to the village in regards to the five and the prophecy.”
Tayoka tugged his beard. “The question is, how much do we tell?”
“I think it is time we introduce our guests to the community and reveal what has transpired since their arrival.” All eyes turned to Nageau as he spoke. “The younglings have proven themselves with the crystal assessment, and having trained and observed them during the last three days, we have made the determination that they are the ones. The people have a right to meet those who are destined to fulfill the prophecy.”
“I will invite them to be at the gathering tonight,” Tikina volunteered.
“Perfect. Now, is there anything to report on the men we have sent out on the expedition?”
“They are due back in about two days. Through the message beads on the courier falcon, we have learned that the two separate groups have joined and are heading toward the Ayen Range.”
“So they have not yet found the source?”
“No.”
“Hm . . . They still have a couple more days. Let us pray for the protection of these four brave men. They are in uncharted territory as far as safety is concerned. Our village has never been challenged in this manner since our forefathers established this settlement.” Nageau closed his eyes to hold sacred space in meditation and prayer. The other Elders joined in.
After the span of silence, Tikina quietly voiced a thought that was at the back of all their minds: “I have been wondering, my friends. We all have a hint as to how powerful the dark forces are. We know that the storm which is gathering is global in nature.” She stared at the floor, pursing her lips. “The challenges that the younglings will be faced with from beyond the boundaries and the safety of our village . . . Will they be able to handle it? I know we have discussed this briefly before, but the feeling of foreboding in my heart remains.”
“I understand your apprehension.” Saiyu reached for Tikina’s hand and squeezed it gently; both women had the same look of disquiet in their eyes.
Nageau attempted to comfort them. “If they are indeed the fulfillment to our prophecy, then they are chosen for this and, as such, will be protected.”
Ashack cleared his throat. “Remember, they will not be alone out there in the world. Once they return to the life they know, the Sentries will be watching over them.”
The Elders were quiet for a few moments more before Nageau clasped his hands together. “Let us adjourn. Spread the word that we will be hosting a gathering as the sun goes down. We want everyone to attend, for what we speak of tonight affects us all. The entire community must be made aware of what is happening.”
* * *
The friends were unwinding in the boys’ neyra after a long day. The girls had appropriated Aari’s and Jag’s sleeping bags, perching upon them proudly while the two boys sat on the ground and scowled.
Tegan yawned. “So how was training for you guys?”
“My mentor’s a complete nut,” Jag muttered. “Do you know what he did? When I was trying to do a front aerial somersault on a log, he tossed this weird vine thing that wrapped around my arms as I was flipping, so I didn’t have the balance I needed to land on my feet.” He pulled his shirt up to reveal a bruise on his hip bone. “That’s from hitting the log and sliding off.” He pulled his shirt back down, grimacing. “That man is like a child sometimes. I was wondering why he had that roll of vine. He sure got a good laugh out of it.”
“There’s probably a reason why he did that,” Mariah said.
“Yeah. The reason being he’s insane.” Jag exhaled noisily. “But I’ll give him this: the things I’ve learned from Tayoka these past few days are mind-blowing. I keep discovering things that amaze me, especially when it comes to harnessing my abilities. As odd as he seems, I gotta admit I’ve come to
respect the man.” He looked back at Mariah. “What about you? How’s your training coming along?”
“To say that it’s interesting would be an understatement,” she replied. “Saiyu’s been an amazing mentor. She’s pointing out things to me that she believes I’m capable of that completely boggle my mind. And here’s the thing: She makes me prove that she’s right. You’re not going to believe what I did today.”
“What?” Tegan asked.
“I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I moved my meditation crystal—with my mind.”
“No way,” Kody sputtered.
“Yes way. I can show you.”
He scoffed. “Right. Four days into training and you’re already using your ability? Gimme a break.”
“How much you wanna bet on that, brickhead?”
“Name your price.”
“Alright. If I can prove it, you have to climb up on the nearest tree and stay up there till morning. And you can’t have dinner.”
“Fine. And if I win, you have to grill steaks for me every evening for the rest of the week. If I don’t like the taste, it doesn’t count.”
“You’re on.” Mariah looked around for something she could use. She saw Tegan’s mug on a small tabletop and pointed at it. “Keep an eye on that thing, kids, but don’t you talk or I’ll lose my concentration.”
Amused, the others turned and stared at the cup. Moments passed, but nothing happened. “Mariah—” Aari started.
“Hush. I need to focus.”
The friends stared at the cup again, not really expecting anything. At first, imperceptible, were minute vibrations, something that the group thought they heard faintly rather than saw. As the vibrations gradually increased, they watched with unbelieving eyes as the mug moved across the grain of the wooden tabletop, struggling against friction, and slowly inched its way to the edge of the surface. The friends gaped for a long moment until Tegan, bewildered, stammered, “Did that actually just happen?”
Mariah was holding her head in her hands, eyes shut tight. “Ugh, I’ve got a headache now.” She rubbed her temples. “Saiyu warned me that this would happen at the beginning. I wonder what size of a headache I’d get if I tried to move boulders.”
The others whooped, and Jag tackled her in a hug. “You did it! You actually did it!”
Kody sat quietly, hoping that if he were still, no one would notice him. Mariah turned to him and smiled. “Looks like someone is heading up the tree tonight.”
“But . . . but I have to eat! I need food! My metabolism—”
“Too bad, buddy boy. You thought you knew it all.”
Kody looked as though he might cry. He opened his mouth to argue again just as a woman’s voice sounded outside the neyra. “Younglings, are you here?”
The friends scrambled outside to greet Tikina. The Elder gazed warmly at them. “Do you have a few moments to spare?” she asked. “I would like to take a walk with you and talk to you about something.”
Unable to resist her pleasant and motherly ways, the teenagers ambled on either side of the Elder as she took them past an array of trees and bushes. The group noted a colorful bed of roses and a stretch of lavender.
“Who gardens here?” Tegan asked, impressed.
Tikina smiled. “My daughter—Huyani and Akol’s mother—does. She certainly is the one with the green thumb in the family.”
“Judging by all the amazing colors here,” Kody quipped, “I’d say she’s got very colorful thumbs.”
Aari groaned. “Seriously?”
“What? Can’t a guy crack a joke around here?”
Mariah looked up at Tikina, almost in a childlike manner. The friends had grown to enjoy being in the Elder’s presence; there was something comforting about her. “You mentioned that you had something you wanted to share with us?”
“Yes, I do,” Tikina said. “The other Elders and I were in a discussion this morning. Having given this a lot of thought, we have made a determination about the five of you with regards to the prophecy. Now we believe that the time has come for the community to finally meet its special guests.”
The friends, stunned for a moment, burst into flurries of “Why!” and “Do we have to?”
“It is good for them to get acquainted with you, and for you to get acquainted with them,” Tikina told them. “You will be living here for the next little while before you head back to your families, and there are no more reasons to keep you in the shadows. You are an important part of our community, and you are destined to play an extraordinary role. It is only fitting that you become fully immersed in the life of the village.”
The friends were unsure how to respond. On one hand, the Elder’s reasoning made perfect sense. On the other, the thought of being showcased to an entire community of over seven hundred people was overwhelming, to say the least. They looked to each other for a cue, then to Jag. He gave them a pensive squint. Unknown to the group, he was trying to separate the facts from his emotions. He shifted his weight from foot to foot, then said, “I think we should do this.”
Tikina dipped her head. “Wonderful.”
As she guided them back to their neyra, she briefed them on what to expect at the gathering, then instructed them to meet her behind the amphitheater in the village square. As she started back to her home, she waved genially at the friends. “This will be an evening to remember!”
Once the Elder was out of sight, Mariah spun around and jabbed a finger at Kody. “You got lucky this time, bozo.”
“Saved by Tikina,” he goaded. “Looks like I won’t be spending the night up in a tree.” He patted his stomach. “And I won’t be missing my meal, either!”
35
The village square was essentially an open meadow with a tree-lined perimeter and a curved rock formation that formed a natural amphitheater at one end. Flanking the amphitheater on either side were two massive fire pits. A gazebo was built over each, with layered roofing to shield the naked flames from the night sky. Groves of trees and hedges had been cleverly planted in clusters to provide added camouflage from the air, but no matter where one stood on the ground, the view of the amphitheater was never obstructed.
The fire pits were already lit to compensate for the fading evening light, casting a warm glow on the faces of the villagers. They chatted amongst themselves; speculation as to the reason for the gathering floated from person to person. They didn’t have to wait long to find out why they had been called upon.
The Elders stood in front of the assembly and Nageau raised his hand, calling the gathering to order. “My friends,” he began, the amphitheater naturally augmenting his voice. “Let me first begin by saying that I am pleased to see your radiant faces here, and we”—he gestured to the other Elders—“are honored to address you today.”
He scanned the sea of faces. Gazing at them, he was reminded of the precious trust laid in the hands of the Elders. The people had looked up to the council of the Elders for generations. They were not only leaders, but also guides and mentors. Most importantly, they were the custodians of their culture. Always aware of this tremendous responsibility, Nageau remained humbled by the faith that the people had placed in him and in the men and women that stood at his shoulders.
Tikina rested a hand on his arm and spoke. “We are gathered here for a reason. As I am sure some of you may already know, an illness has befallen our home. It is unlike anything we have ever experienced and none of our age-old remedies seem capable of healing those who have been infected. We have already lost one of our brethren to this insidious disease, and have witnessed its ugly arms grab ahold of the minds and bodies of a number of our people.”
A few heads in the crowd began to nod as some recalled the final ghastly moments of Fiotez’s life. Among those gathered were Fiotez’s mate and son. Both tried to put up a brave front but there was weariness and grief in their eyes. A few yards from them, Akol and Huyani stood with their mother and baby brother. Huyani held the child in her arms while their mot
her had her hands over Akol’s shoulders. The youth was enrapt as his grandparents spoke.
Tikina continued. “We want to assure you that we are doing everything we can to identify the source of this contaminant and find a cure for it. As we speak, four brave men who have volunteered to track the disease to its source are on the fourth day of their expedition. They are at the Ayen Range and are expected to return in the next two or three days. In the meantime, Magèo is searching for a cure with the limited information he has.”
The community turned to look at Magèo where he stood alone, observing the gathering from under a tree with his arms folded, trying to remain inconspicuous. He saw the entire village looking at him and, with a glare, threw on the hood of his robe so only his long white beard was visible.
The villagers were well aware of his dislike for large crowds and the outdoors, but they knew that inside that hard outer shell was a man who truly cared for others. Chuckles arose.
“In the meantime,” Nageau told the gathering, “we strongly advise you to avoid consuming or coming into contact with any water outside of this valley. We have tested and determined that Esroh Lègna remains unpolluted and safe to use. However, we will be conducting regular tests of its waters and will notify you immediately if any changes occur.”
“Also,” Ashack said, his face stoic as usual, “hunting will not be permitted until this matter has been resolved. If you are to leave this valley at any point, prepare your own pack of sustenance.”
A collection of groans rose from the crowd, mainly from the youths. Sensing the unease, Nageau decided to open the gathering to questions and the Elders patiently responded to query after query. When it seemed that everyone had gotten their answers, Nageau announced, “Now that we have put that discussion to rest, there is another matter of great importance that we must share with you. This concerns not just the future of us as a people, but it has far-reaching implications for humanity.”
Hearing this, whatever remnants there were of murmurs died down and the crowd gave its complete attention to the Elders.
