Wards and Wonders

by Kay L. Ling

  “You seem to be an authority on ghosts,” Tyla said, unable to hold back a grin.

  “Growin’ up, we hear lots of stories from the oldones.”

  “So, how can you be sure Ertz was your ghost?”

  “Nobody else ‘round here can do somethin’ like that. Besides, Brenda Ann seen him upstairs eatin’ a seed roll.”

  According to Tina Ann, other mysterious things had happened. Tools went missing one moment and reappeared the next. A housekeeper in Ertz’s room had seen his wardrobe door open and close, apparently of its own accord. Breghlin in the cellar heard something heavy fall close by and found a wine keg on its side and a puddle of wine on the floor but no one around.

  “He be invisible most of the time. Sneakin’ an’ spyin’ on us,” Tina Ann said with a sniff.

  Tyla had decided Ertz was more meddlesome than dangerous, but the fact remained, the frail old gnome was likely to appear from thin air when you least expected it.

  Despite their misgivings about Ertz, gnome staff members attended his lecture in the library that evening, but Ben and Xenon were the only breghlin, and they sat in the back row.

  Ertz spoke on pre-Amulet history. Thousands of years ago, portals to other worlds had been common in Ahmonell, and also in the human world, the Fair Lands. Not only did the worlds share knowledge, they exchanged plant and animal species. But eventually, the more advanced races became domineering and exploitive and carried off vast amounts of gold, silver, gems, and other valuables.

  At that point, gnomes, woodspirits, and humans decided it was in their best interests to limit interaction with other worlds, so they created the Amulets. This way, it was possible to meet and exchange knowledge, but outsiders would have limited access to their worlds. Any worlds unhappy with the arrangement closed their portals. The Mydorian race didn’t close theirs, and later, Sheamathan convinced their warriors to help her take over Ahmonell.

  When the Mydorian portal was destroyed during the Battle of Last Hope, the only portal left was the one between Ahmonell and the Fair Lands, and interaction between humans and gnomes had dwindled so much over the centuries that few remembered it existed. Ertz concluded his lecture by saying that Ahmonell and the Fair Lands had been the most similar worlds, and to this day Fair Lands plants and animals flourished here.

  The only part of the Fair Lands Tyla had seen was their Amulet, which served the same function as the one here, limiting outsiders’ access. It was far smaller than the one here and was mostly forested land, but the largest trees were like saplings compared to here. Not only were Ahmonellian trees much taller, it took ten to twenty gnomes with outstretched arms to encircle one. Most of the field grasses and shrubs were different here, too. The night sky bore a shimmering silver haze that made it possible to see well, even on a moonless night.

  Everyone stayed to socialize after Ertz left, and Lant asked Ben and Xenon, “What do you think of Ertz now? I can’t wait to hear more.”

  “He know a lot, but I doesn’t trust him,” Ben said, and Xenon nodded in agreement.

  Tyla sympathized. For all she knew, Ertz was standing a few feet away, listening at that moment. He had told her to be cautious around gnomes with gem powers, and as long as he remained at Elantoth, she’d get plenty of practice.

  Chapter 6

  The next few days passed slowly. On the surface, everything seemed normal, but a brooding tension hung over Elantoth, quelling the staff’s lighthearted banter. Ertz’s habit of going about invisible meant the kitchen was no longer a safe gathering place, and gossipers had nowhere to meet.

  Housekeeping staff passed silently through the passageways, intent on their duties, and kitchen staff prepared meals without speaking. Gnome guards, who used to socialize at the end of their shifts, went home. Breghlin who worked in the barns came in for meals and left as soon as they finished eating.

  Things had changed irreparably, Tyla thought sadly, and not just because of Ertz. This region had six months to comply with gnome laws, and it was up to the Ministry of Gnome Affairs to locate every clan and deliver pages of rules, regulations, and edicts. Since ministry staff thought most of these laws were senseless and unenforceable, they were making little effort to carry out their duties.

  Ertz’s lectures often presented gnome society in a favorable light. He told glowing tales of Ahmonell’s fortress cities, which offered great opportunities to build wealth and status. He said villages flourished around most of the mines, and those who did not wish to work in the mines made a good living in other trades. There were rural, woodland neighborhoods as well as communities where most everyone raised crops and animals. Even in the most remote areas, gnomes enjoyed technologies unknown in the Amulet. Residents bought mass-produced goods, from clothing to tools, and most gnomes could read and write. Books and newssheets were inexpensive and widely available.

  Gnome and woodspirit lifestyles couldn’t be more dissimilar. Gnome culture revolved around power, status, and accomplishments. Woodspirits were creative and valued pursuits that enriched the mind. They lived so long that most amassed great wealth and took their possessions for granted. With few exceptions, the only woodspirits who had a gnome-like love for status and power were the handful of woodspirits with gem powers, The Eight. That combination—ambition and gem powers—seemed dangerous to Tyla.

  After Anatta’s departure, Tyla had spent hours trying to infuse a lightgem but could only produce a faint glow in her palms. It was troubling to think that not only were The Eight superior to the best gnome gem masters, they were adept at devising complex spells. S’s sentient spell book had said its previous owner, a gnome, had known a lot about gems but little about spells. Apparently, that was normal.

  Ertz was a fascinating lecturer, and Tyla learned a great deal from him, but she wasn’t sure she would ever feel comfortable around him. The entire staff felt the same way. If they saw him coming, they went the other way. Unfortunately, he made certain they seldom saw him. No one resented this more than Tina Ann. With Ertz around, she was destined to be the spied-upon rather than the spy.

  About an hour ago, Tina Ann had tracked Tyla down, triumphantly reporting the whereabouts of that sneaky gnome spy. He was in the dungeon, talking to Kaff. She knew because Kaff’s guard, whom Ertz had ordered to leave, had told the kitchen staff.

  “Why Ertz be talkin’ to that traitor?” Tina Ann wanted to know.

  “Maybe because Kaff is being transferred to Aberell City,” Tyla told her.

  Tina Ann stumped away, muttering to herself.

  Later that afternoon, Tyla went out to the terrace where she found Raenihel slumped on a bench, head in hands.

  “Officers will be here to get Kaff in a few days,” he said as she sat down beside him. “Commander Finnack has authorized a separate conveyance for Kaff’s parents and me so we can go along and see where they put him.”

  “That’s a nice gesture.”

  “Yes, and they’re getting us rooms next to the confinement. We have no monetary gems, so they’re paying our way, including meals. I have no idea how we’ll get home. All of that is up in the air, and it’s quite unsettling.”

  “Finnack won’t leave you stranded,” Tyla assured him.

  “What do we know about city life? We’ll probably make fools of ourselves, but I suppose that should be the least of our worries. Poor Kaff. It will be terrible to leave him there.”

  “Talk to Ertz. He’s from Mierek City, but I bet he’s been to Aberell and knows what it’s like.”

  “I suppose one city is much like another, anyway.”

  They waited until the following day to look for Ertz who often walked the grounds in the morning. They found him sitting on a bench near the flower garden that Lana and Jules had planted when Elias and Jules had been living at Elantoth, running the fortress. He seemed pleased to see them.

  “We have a few questions,” Tyla said. “Even though you’re from Mierek, we’re hoping—”

  “Mierek?” he interrupted with a chuc
kle, “No. The political wrangling there is far too tedious. I’m from Aberell.”

  “But you came with a group from Mierek,” she said.

  “I gave a series of lectures there, sponsored by Gem Master Frinkk, and he convinced me to accompany them.”

  Ertz didn’t like Mierek and lived in Aberell? That was a point in his favor.

  “I’ve been to all three continents and visited each fortress city,” Ertz said with a note of pride. “The fortresses are all alike, but the cities are quite different.”

  “Are there many cities besides the fortress cities?” Tyla asked.

  “No,” Ertz said. “Please have a seat.”

  Tyla and Raenihel joined him on the bench.

  “Eighty percent of Ahmonell’s gnome population lives close to a fortress city. As for woodspirits, they like to live near water. They live in coastal communities and on islands, and some live along the river in the fortress cities.

  “Which city is the largest?” Tyla asked.

  “Waymare City in the Pashan region. Ominem City in the Courish region is a close second. Both are on Ahmonell’s largest continent, which is very mountainous. Its highest peaks are in the Winder Mountains, a beautiful area usually covered in snow.

  “Mierek and Pantirek Cities are on a continent known for its diverse gem and mineral mines. Elantoth and Aberell City are on the third continent, which has the warmest climate, and like all fortress cities, Aberell is on a river.”

  “Elantoth isn’t on a river,” Tyla said.

  “It used to be, before Sheamathan created such havoc here. The river flowed through the area that is currently your alamaria mine.”

  “I’m interested in cities because I’m going to Aberell,” Raenihel explained, in no mood to fully appreciate the geography lesson. “Kaff is being transferred to the confinement there, and Commander Finnack is sending Kaff’s parents and me to see it. We’re a little nervous about the trip.”

  “I’m sure Finnack will appoint someone to look after you. While you’re there, you can tour the fortress.”

  “I doubt we’ll be in the mood,” Raenihel said.

  “I’m sorry you’re making the trip under such unhappy circumstances, but it’s a good excuse to see some of the world outside the Amulet. Until Sheamathan’s defeat, none of you saw much of your own region, which was little loss since she had turned it into a diseased wasteland. Your land is healing now, but until you see what the rest of the world looks like, you have no idea what the Amulet will look like in time. You should go and take a few others with you.” Ertz turned to Tyla. “Would you like to go?”

  She gave him a startled glance. “Me?”

  “Certainly. Why not?”

  “Someone more important should go. Like one of the elders.”

  “Nonsense. Everyone here looks up to you. Besides, it was you who made first contact with Aberell Fortress, so it seems fitting you should go.”

  “She underrates her importance,” Raenihel said. “She would make a fine leader, which I’ve told her repeatedly, but she doesn’t want to hear it. Aside from her research and translation skills, she lends a hand wherever she’s needed, and she’s been indispensable in maintaining good relations with the breghlin staff.”

  “Ah, yes, the breghlin,” Ertz said, “I enjoy studying them.”

  Tyla said, “You have outcast gnomes over there, but they’re not like our breghlin, are they?”

  “No. Most Outcasts have a number of telltale lumps and deformities, all from their own misdeeds. Except for the most hardened criminals, Outcasts aren’t nearly as deformed as breghlin, but they’re a dangerous lot.”

  “If breghlin moved to your part of the world, what kind of life would they have?”

  “They would face intense discrimination. I doubt anyone but Outcasts would associate with them.”

  “That’s what I was afraid of,” Tyla said heavily. “They need to be surrounded by gnomes of good character, not Outcasts.”

  “Some residents in the Outcast District want to reform, but they’re the minority. It would be wise to send a couple breghlin to Aberell City to see what it’s like, and they can report to the others.”

  “Ben and Tina Ann are quite adventurous. If Tyla went, I bet they would go,” Raenihel said.

  Tyla had dreamed about exploring the land beyond the Amulet, and yet it was intimidating to go to a place so different from home. “Commander Finnack may not want a large traveling party, especially if Aberell is paying their way.”

  Ertz said, “I’ll contact him this afternoon and see what he says. I don’t think it will be a problem. City administrators and officials at the fortress have already discussed hosting a group from Elantoth, and this seems an ideal time. I’d like to see you go, Tyla. Perhaps you can take your husband or sister. As for a guide, Finnack has an aide who would be ideal. Fine fellow—attends all my lectures and never falls asleep,” he added with a chuckle. “And you’re already somewhat acquainted with him.”

  Tyla blinked. “I am?”

  “Officer Pentar.”

  She smiled. He’d been on duty in Aberell’s Pedestal Room the day she had used the rizumen gem to open a communication link. None of the fortresses had spoken to anyone at Elantoth in over two hundred years, and the poor fellow had fainted from the shock. Then, they had met in person at the Amulet barrier. He was around her own age, a friendly gnome with reddish-brown hair and a prominent nose. He wasn’t as intimidating as the older officers like Commander Finnack.

  “We should have no trouble getting Pentar,” Ertz said, increasingly enthusiastic about the prospective traveling party.

  “How will he feel about having breghlin along?”

  To his credit, Ertz didn’t blithely assure her Pentar wouldn’t mind at all. “While he may not be entirely comfortable around them, I believe he would treat them with respect.”

  “That’s all anyone can ask,” Tyla said. “Thank you for your help and advice.”

  Raenihel stood, looking calmer now. “Kaff’s parents and I would feel better if a group went, so I hope this works out.”

  How would Kaff feel about it? Tyla had a feeling he’d be furious to think his transfer to a confinement had turned into a pleasure trip for others.

  Chapter 7

  Commander Finnack obtained approval for the larger traveling party, and Lant said Tyla should take her sister. Arenia had stayed home with Eemie so Lant could accompany Tyla on a mission to restore the malfunctioning Amulet and reunite the gnome world.

  Tyla was afraid the elders would complain that they weren’t invited, but they didn’t seem to care. They said Tyla and Arenia had moved to Elantoth, devoting their lives to uncovering the secrets S had kept from generations of gnomes, so they should be among the first to see what lay beyond the Amulet.

  Several of the breghlin wanted to go until they heard Ertz’s next lecture. Outside the Amulet, many wouldn’t know the difference between Outcasts and breghlin since both had witnesses and deformities, he said, but whether viewed as Outcasts or breghlin, it would make little difference. They would be shunned. Newssheet articles noted that breghlin were genetically altered gnomes but said many of their witnesses were due to their own evil deeds, and since they had served Sheamathan willingly they deserved no pity. The only place breghlin would be welcome would be the poverty-stricken Outcast District, where banished gnomes banded together. Aberell City would be no paradise for breghlin. By the time Ertz finished his lecture, Ben and Tina Ann were the only breghlin who wanted to go.

  Five days later, Aberell officers arrived with the confinement wagon and two carriages. They planned to spend the night, which gave everyone time to make last-minute preparations. Raenihel sent a cart for Earlic and Imeria, Kaff’s parents.

  After eating a hasty breakfast the next morning, Tyla, Arenia, Ben, and Tina Ann assembled outside, each with a satchel of necessities. Raenihel and Kaff’s parents stood a short way off, consoling one another.

  The black confinement w
agon, waiting in the driveway, had a compartment with a cell door in the back and an open section in front for the driver and guards, with canvasses that could be let down if it rained. Two officers leaned against the rear, arms folded, looking bored.

  Tyla heard voices behind her and turned to see two officers with a struggling Kaff between them. His feet were shackled and his hands were bound. Ignoring his vile language and attempts to spit on them, the officers loaded him in the wagon and threw the doors shut with an ominous clang.

  Tyla couldn’t honestly say she felt sorry for Kaff, but she pitied his parents who were sobbing audibly now. Raenihel was trying to calm them without much success. Tyla and Arenia exchanged sympathetic looks, and Tina Ann whispered, “If he be my youngone, I sooner see him dead than hauled away in a cage.”

  “Come on, let’s put our satchels in the carriage,” Tyla said, wanting to give the family a little privacy.

  The carriages, both dark green, weren’t as impressive as the one from Mierek City, but they were still splendid.

  Three more officers came out of the fortress, apparently drivers. The one who opened the carriage doors for Tyla’s group eyed the two breghlin warily but made no comment as they climbed in.

  Staff assembled on the lawn. Others gathered on the terrace, waving. Tina Ann leaned out the window as far as she could and waved back.

  In a few minutes, the confinement wagon started off and the carriages followed. Tyla, Ben, and Tina Ann had traveled as far as the border of the Amulet, and that had been a long, tedious drive. This would be even farther, Tyla thought as she looked out the window, but she would have fun pointing out sights to Arenia along the way, and once they left the Amulet, it would be new territory for all of them.

  The morning passed faster than Tyla expected, and during their lunch break, their driver, Officer Marn, said they would take different roads than the Amulet Teams had. They would cross the Amulet border close to Aberell City. Work teams had been filling holes, smoothing ruts, and repairing bridges along this route, which would reduce traveling time.