by Shannah Jay
'Touching you?' Herra was startled.
' In a sense. The rock is an extension of me - as is the body of your Sister, Fiana, now. '
'You're not Fiana, though.' Herra's voice was flat, her tone disappointed.
' No.' The voice was surprisingly gentle. ' I'm Quequere. Did you expect otherwise? '
'I don't know what I expected. I was worried about Fiana. I wished to reassure myself that she would be all right - if . . . '
' If you were to leave. '
She drew in her breath sharply in surprise. How could Quequere know that?
' You may be certain that I shall look after her most carefully, Herra - body and soul. She’s been sorely hurt. I can help her to recover fully from that, as you, for all your wisdom and love, haven’t been able to do. '
Somehow she believed Quequere implicitly. 'That thought consoles me.'
' I shall keep her here for a very brief time - only a few of your years. I need to know about your Sisterhood, and she needs help.
It seems a fair exchange, Herra. '
She couldn’t deny that. 'We shan’t be here to greet her in a year or two, Quequere. We must leave soon.'
' I know. But Fiana will find you again. Do you not know that? Hasn’t your Brother whipsered in your ear? '
Herra sighed. 'Yes. But there are so few of us. It's hard to lose even one.'
' You will gain one in exchange. '
'Gain one? Who?'
' One of my people. ' There was humour even in that disembodied voice.
Herra abandoned the attempt to find out who it was who would join them. 'Will you let us go, then, Quequere?'
' Of course! Did you think otherwise? '
'Quedras said . . . '
' Quedras will cause you a little trouble, but in doing so will gain much. For that reason, I shall not forbid him to follow you. '
'May I speak to Fiana before we go?'
' I'm afraid that won’t be possible until I release her. She's quiescent now. But you might like to write her a message. ' There was a humming noise. Paper and a strange-looking scriber appeared on the rock next to Herra. ' Take your time, Elder Sister. Tell her where you’ll all meet again. '
'Is that safe?'
' I promise the paper will be secure with me. She’ll need to know how to find you. There is sometimes a little - disorientation is the best word, yes, disorientation when a body is first returned to its owner. '
'Quequere, I mean no disrespect, but who or what are you? May I know?'
There was a pause, then, ' Why not? I was once a voyager, a rebel, fleeing across the stars from my kind. We Quequerin do not usually leave our planet to travel. It was not - the concepts are difficult to translate - not approved that I leave, but I knew that I must - as surely as you know your Brother's will. When I came to this planet, my transporter unit was partly destroyed by a meteor storm. I only just managed to land safely. I found that I couldn’t easily repair the unit and therefore couldn’t leave the planet for many of your centuries, so I made the Quoin my home. My kind is very long-lived, compared to yours, Herra, but not usually as - as active as I am. In that, I am quite exceptional. '
Silence beat around them and the great effort it was taking for Quequere to communicate was almost tangible in the highly charged air of the cavern. Herra waited patiently for this strange being to resume its tale.
' To pass the time, I began to take an interest in Those of the Sandrims. I made the Quoin habitable for them as well as for me, because so many of them died each winter. It's very simple, really, a useful symbiosis. I give them help - they give me an interest.
And perhaps now I no longer wish to leave this planet quite so quickly. I am not - not enamoured of a life which is totally contemplative. As I said, I am unlike the rest of my kind in that. I cannot return to them and do not know where else to go, so this place has become my home. '
There was a pause, and Herra could feel Quequere's sadness. She waited quietly for the story to continue.
' Besides, this planet is a - a nexus point for something. I can sense that. It radiates - a special form of energy - a strong life force, a vitality that I crave. That's why I came here in the first place. I am, however, limited by my body, which is not - ' again, the low voice hesitated, ' not made as yours. '
'Are you like the deleff?'
' Oh, no! They're strange - even to me! I've never met their like before. I tried to communicate with them, but we are not in resonance, not even when they're in alignment. So it was almost impossible to exchange thoughts. I am - the closest way to describe me would be - a crystalline lattice. ' Quequere's voice was very hesitant.
' This is the only way I can begin to explain it to you, Herra, but it is still not completely accurate. Now, for a time, I have become the Quoin. But I must have some mobility, some voice to communicate with my people, so I borrow a body from time to time. Hence my appropriation of your Sister Fiana. I did not know before, was not properly aware of Discord, or of the evil that is spread by Those of the Serpent. I must sift through Fiana's memories, learn about your Sisterhood, about your Quest. My species has never suffered from Discord, but they have never achieved and never will achieve Breakthrough, either, which yours may do. '
'What do you mean by "Breakthrough"?'
There was silence, then Quequere said softly, ' The next stage of development for an intelligent being. Those whom you call gods have achieved this. But there are not many of them. So few individuals manage it, even from a promising species. Those who do break through change first, as you are changing, Herra. '
She felt her breath catch in her throat, her whole being burn with longing. 'Could you explain that to me more clearly, Quequere?'
' No. It's very difficult. I'm not sure I understand it properly myself yet, and I've been thinking about it for many of your centuries. '
'Have the deleff achieved breakthrough?'
' It's hard to tell. They are so different from other species that their Breakthrough might be very different, too. ' A pause, then.
' We should not discuss these matters further now, Herra. It would contravene your Brother's wishes. '
She knew that Quequere was right, but it was so hard to let the matter drop that it was a few minutes before she could manage to speak normally. If Quequere was right, he had confirmed what she had begun to suspect, what she had begun to hope, no, to long for. 'Very well. May I see Fiana's body before we leave? It would make me feel better.'
' No. It's too soon. ' There was a humming sound, a kind of medodious resonance which filled the cavern, then faded away. ' I think, Elder Sister, that I should tell you no more at this stage. We shall meet again, I think. The probability of that is, yes, it's very high. I find your Quest very worthwhile. If I can ever further it, I shall. '
'I thank you, Quequere.'
' Don't forget to write to Fiana before you leave. Farewell, Herra. '
The rock lost its glow and the brilliance inside the cavern faded, leaving a small lighted patch around Herra. She sat on for a short time writing, then sighed, placed the paper carefully in the centre of the plinth and stood up. At the door, she looked back. The paper had vanished. 'Goodbye, Fiana,' she said softly. 'May our Brother watch over you.'
She was accosted by Quedras the minute she left the audience chamber. 'Well?' he demanded.
'Well, what?'
'What did Quequere say? I bet you weren't allowed to see your precious Fiana's body!'
'No, I wasn't. But Quequere did talk to me and assure me that Fiana would be all right. Her body will be returned to her in a year or two, apparently.'
'Ha! So you can't leave till then!'
'My friend, I told you when I came that we couldn’t stay for more than a few months and I haven't changed my mind. We are pursuing a Quest which is more important than anything else in this whole world –
to us, anyway.'
'Well, you can't leave until you've paid us back!'
She was beginni
ng to get annoyed. 'We've more than paid you back, and you know it! You said so publicly after Quequere took Fiana. In addition, we've taught you so many skills that your town will flourish in the South Vale. So do not try your trickery on me, Quedras of the Sandrims!'
He still barred her way. 'What did Quequere say about you leaving?'
'We didn't discuss it much.'
'Did Quequere give permission for you to go?'
'Not in so many words.'
'Ha! Then you can't go! If Quequere didn't give you permission, didn't tell me to let you go, then I shall do my duty as I see it and keep you here.'
She lost patience. 'Look, Quedras, we're leaving. Whatever you say or do. Would your people abandon Quequere?'
'Of course not!'
'And neither can we abandon our Brother's Quest.' In her anger, she stopped trying to conceal anything.
'Besides, Quequere accepts that we're leaving. What I was actually told was that you would cause us a little trouble, but in doing so gain much. We were not forbidden to leave!'
His expression became very smug. 'Ha! You were not forbidden to try to leave. That's a completely different thing. And by the trouble I cause you, I will gain much, verry much - yourselves and all your skills for my people.' His normally cheerful face grew grim and resolute, and he laid his work-roughened hand on her arm. 'Do not waste your time trying it, crrazy woman!'
'We shall leave, my friend, because we must,' she replied, 'but not yet. The babies are too young. Later we shall leave. So let's save our arguments until then, eh?'
His arm dropped and he led the way down the stairs. 'Yes. They are much too young to travel, and still at the breast - even crrazy people like you must rrealise that now is not the time.' He started to move away, then turned to toss over his shoulder, 'But I shall keep a watch on you from now on, Herra, believe me! I am Quedras and I lead here in the Sandrims. I will do what I must for my people.'
'And we shall leave when the time is ripe, believe me in your turn, Quedras! Quequere didn’t say that you would prevent us from going, only that you would try and thereby gain much. There are many ways to interpret Quequere's words, are there not?'
'Ha!'
CHAPTER 17 PARTINGS
Many nights later, when the weather was warm again and the community was settled into a new summer camp in South Vale, Herra woke to find a hand touching her arm. A half moon, low in the sky, was shining into the tent and confirmed what she’d already sensed - that this was no enemy.
'Shhh!'
She sat up. 'What is it, Quinna?'
'We need to speak to you.'
'Who's "we"?'
'Me an' Benjan. He's waiting over there for us.'
'Very well.' Herra sighed and crawled out of the tent. She’d been dreaming of the old days in Tenebrak, reliving the beauty of the temple and its rituals, and she was loathe to return to reality. Sometimes, she thought, just once in a while, I wish they'd leave me alone! 'Well?'
'Shhh! Wait till we get a bit away from here. Me and Benjan've got some things to tell you.' Silently, for all her size, Quinna wove in and out of the tents, avoiding the sentries, until they reached a large outcrop of rock.
Benjan stepped out of the shadows. 'That was quick. Couldn't've done better myself.'
'Couldn't have done as well, not in this camp,' Quinna countered, her teeth gleaming white in the moonlight as she grinned at him. 'And if you'd been caught, there'd have been questions asked, whereas me, I could just make up some excuse and they'd believe me.' She tousled his hair affectionately, then they both looked at Herra.
It was Benjan's turn to speak. 'We've got something to ask you, Elder Sister.'
Ah, she thought, so it's Quinna we gain. I should have realised that. 'Yes, Quinna can join our Quest,' she said aloud.
'Well, trample my guts!' exclaimed Quinna. 'Does she always read your mind like that?'
'Not always,' Herra answered for herself. 'But Quequere said we would gain someone to take Fiana's place, and I suddenly realised it was you.'
Quinna relaxed. 'Oh. Well, that's all right, then. As long as Quequere doesn't forbid it. I wouldn't go against Quequere. And . . . you don't mind?'
'Providing you realise the risks, Quinna, I'd be glad to have you with us. Benjan's told you about our Quest, hasn't he?'
They both nodded, solemn as two new novices.
'And you do realise that it will involve a lot of travel and hardship?'
Quinna shrugged. 'I'd like to see somewhere else, somewhere with big trees and rivers, like Benjan's told me about. Besides, I'm not a mud lizard. I'd as soon move on from here before they start this farming stuff.
Who wants to waste time digging in the dirt when you could be hunting or fighting? Not me! Your Quest sounds a lot more fun.'
Herra closed her eyes briefly, trying to sense the rightness of this new companion joining them, and she felt a sense of amusement as well as acceptance. She did, however, pause and look at Benjan. 'What about Carryn?'
'Quinna knows how I feel about Carryn. But she'll be years yet growing up and recovering. And Carryn might not want me, anyway, a fellow from the Shambles. Apart from my body's needs - which I could control perfectly well if I had to, make no mistake about that! - I'm fond of old Quinna. She's a comrade in a million and I think she'd be a good help to us on our travels.' He gave his warrior mate a gentle thump on the back, a buffet which would have sent anyone else sprawling but which, between these two amiable giants, was no more than a love tap. They turned as one to Herra, waiting for her decision.
'Well then, I welcome you to our group, Quinna,' she said warmly. 'Your strength and your good humour will be a welcome asset through the harsh days ahead. And your loyalty as Benjan's partner is beyond question.'
'Aw,' said Quinna, rendered suddenly bashful by this outright praise, 'I'm not - well - I'm not like you lot. I mean, I haven't got a call from your God, nothing like that. So I'm not worthy to be on your Quest, really.'
Herra and Benjan froze, and for a moment Herra even thought she sensed the shadowy mass of a group of deleff hovering beside them, silhouetted against the rocks. She shook her head in a vain attempt to clear the illusion, but it stayed firmly put. She turned back to Quinna, curious to see if the triple denial would still hold.
'Child, your fighting skills will be very much appreciated by us all.'
'Well, I should be able to help out a bit, if there's any fighting.'
'You're one of the best swordfighters I've ever met,' said Benjan loyally.
'Hey, that still doesn't make me worthy to serve that God of yours like you do. I mean, he talks to you!
And - and you've got your magic, as well. I'm no good at that sort of stuff.' Quinna was scuffing the dusty earth with the toe of her soft suede boot, avoiding Herra's eyes, which suddenly seemed luminous in the half darkness. Herra rather overawed her, if truth be told. There was something awe-inspiring about the Elder Sister that you couldn't put a finger on, but you wouldn't care to cross her. Quinna knew herself to be only a rough hunter and warrior, with no claim to learning or to Gifts from the God.
When neither of the two responded, she added wistfully, still drawing patterns in the dust with her toes, 'So I'll do my best to help, but I'm not really worthy.'
Benjan's breath exploded out of his lungs and he gathered a startled Quinna to him in an enormous bear hug then turned and, for the first time, dared to do the same to Herra, swinging her off her feet in an exuberant circle. 'She's meant to be one of us!' he said, in a deep bass rumble of a whisper. 'The triple denial!
She might even have an odd Gift or two, who knows? And she is a good swordfighter! Better than me. We need her. She's one of us all right, Herra!'
Quinna pounded them both on the back. 'Am I in, then?' she asked, in her penetrating exuberant voice.
'Shhh!' hissed Benjan.
Someone called out, 'Hey, Querral, did you hear a noise over there?'
Herra made a swift gesture with her hand and a sle
epy voice answered, 'No. Nothing. You must've been dreaming.'
'Me? Asleep on duty! Quequere be my witness that I wasn't!'
'Ah, shut up! A whole band of Rimrascals could creep up while you're yattering on! We're here to keep watch, not swap gossip!'
'We-ell, if you heard nothing, it must have been my imagination, I suppose.'
'Yeah, so shut up and keep watch!'
Quinna watched, bright-eyed. 'Hey, useful stuff, that magic of yours,' she whispered. 'Do I get to learn any of it?'
'It's not magic. It's Gifts we each bear within us. We'll help you discover your Gifts and help you to develop them, but it's not magic!'
'Grreat! But it still seems like magic to me. I wonder what I'll be able to do?' She looked down at her meaty fists, as if expecting to see a change in them.
'We each have different Gifts, and I can't say what yours will be yet,' Herra answered. 'It takes a lot of training.'
'Well, doesn't everything? If you knew the hours I had to practise with my sword!' Quinna gave Benjan another hug, than said thoughtfully. 'You know, to give ourselves the best chance of escaping, I think we should leave tonight. Even Quedras won't be expecting that, and he's a suspicious devil.'
'Tonight! Don't be silly! We aren't ready!' Benjan growled. 'Tomorrow, maybe. Tonight's half gone already.'
'Naw! There's only one moon up yet, but it'll be a three-mooner in another hour or so, a real good night for walking. And what you don't know, my lad, is that Quedras is planning to set a watch around your squad's tent from tomorrow onwards. He wasn't going to do it openly, just use some of Querilla's squad, but I happened to hear them talking about it. If you want a good chance of escaping, you'd be better leaving now.'
'Yes!' Herra suddenly knew she was right. 'Yes, Quinna. You're right. We'll do just that.'
Benjan blinked.
Herra nodded. 'We can be away within the hour. We've very few possessions and there are travel packs ready for us in the Quoin. Cheral has seen to that already. We'll have to go up past the Quoin anyway, if we want to cross the mountains. I don't think any of us want to face the desert again and what's the use of going back to Dsheresh Vale, anyway? The deleff would only keep us there. Quinna, go and get your things! Benjan, come with me!'
