Chapter 21
The field above the array came alive and a three-dimensional model of the created universe rotated slowly as the deep baritone narration began.
The immense vastness of the universe creates certain limitations. One obstacle to servicing worlds over this vast distance is travel. Even at speeds in excess of the speed of light can achieve, thousands if not millions of years would be required to reach some of the more remote planets. To solve this problem, the Kings incorporate a means of transit on every new world they create.
The image above the array morphed to reveal two identical trees. Some sort of current ran between them. Suddenly, each tree duplicated itself and a different pair of trees appeared. Now the field included all four trees, arranged in a square. In a sudden rush, the second pair moved away from the first and the connection between the pairs narrowed and stretched as each leafy couple took root on two remote orbs, which looked to be planets. The voice continued.
The Kings developed the groves to allow for easy access to all parts of the universe. Each created world possesses a pathway linking it to the Eternal City. These pathways are held open by the grove.
One tree on each world began glowing a bright yellow.
One set of trees carries positive energy into the created world. This energy flows from the prime tree, set atop Mount Kol. It provides for the sustaining life force feeding each world. An effect of this immense power is a perforation in the time space continuum. However, this perforation cannot be sustained without completing the circuit.
The other pair of trees, one on each world, lit up in a fiery red hue.
Negative energy, sometimes called black or dark energy, exits each world through the second pair of linked trees. This depleted force flows back to Mount Kol where it is recycled. It also closes the circuit and allows for a sustained perforation in the time space continuum.
‘Stop,’ Gadreel interjected and the images froze. ‘This is where I got lost in class. I don’t understand the bit about negative energy.’
‘It is a bit complicated, I know; but it’s easiest to consider in terms of the creative dichotomy that we learned about last year. The nature of the Kings is creation. They bring order to chaos, but that chaos is a real force that is perpetually attempts to erode. The positive energy is the lifeforce feeding and defending against the chaos,’ Ariel explained.
‘Yes. That is fine. But what is the chaos?’
‘It’s a force. I’m not certain where it came from. Perhaps it is a side effect of creation itself. The interesting part is that the Kings have learned to utilize this force. It creates a balance to the equation and they act as the stabilizer between these forces, sustaining life and order.’
‘And this allows for instant travel across incredible distances?’
‘Yep. The balance between the positive and negative energy maintains the stability of the pathways. It also provides for a perpetual cleansing of the effects of chaos on created worlds. It’s almost like clean, oxygenated blood flowing out to the planets and returning full of impurities and depleted of life. The Kings act to cleanse and recycle this force so it can return. And the flow of this energy holds open the portal, much as blood holds open the vessels in a body.’
‘What would happen if one of the pathways were cut?’ Gadreel asked.
‘I suppose eventually the isolated world would succumb to the destructive effects of chaos, but I don’t believe that is possible. The Kings wouldn’t allow such a thing,’ Ariel answered.
'So why are residents of other worlds are able to travel the pathways, but we are not allowed until we earn our wings?'
'I haven't seen an official explanation, but I suspect the Kings don't want representatives of the Kingdom, who have not yet completed their studies, running around the universe. And it could be that not all groves are in areas safe for us until we are fully equipped. Should we continue the module? Perhaps we will find out together,' answered Ariel, smiling.
'Actually, Arie; do you mind if we get out of here for a bit? My brain has taken in all it can handle right now.'
The two exited the library and wandered along the path leading to the recreational complex. They stopped to watch some first years toss a light orb back and forth, clumsily attempting to catch the bright ball in the hook-like shutas that they each held. Though they dropped more orbs than they caught, they were obviously enjoying themselves. They laughed and joked and seemed not to have a care in the world. Ariel thought back fondly to their early days. He remembered how overwhelmed he had been when they first explored this place. Looking around, he still enjoyed the sense of awe that the campus gave, but something had changed. The group of young telmid reminded him of his friends. Why did it seem they were moving apart?
'Gadreel, is anything bothering you? Are you upset with me for some reason?'
'Why do you ask? Is this about my going to the rapinere tournament without you? We can occasionally do things on our own,' he answered and immediately regretted his sharp tone.
Ariel looked startled, but recovered himself and replied, 'No. This is not about the match. I just get a sense you have something you aren't saying to me.'
Gadreel shrugged and continued down the path. Ariel followed, wondering if he were imagining the whole thing. Before either realized were they were headed, they turned the corner and stood looking at the first path of the academy bocket course.
Seeing the course gave Ariel a sudden, anxious flutter in his stomach. One of his teammates had been ruled ineligible, due to grades, and Ariel was being moved up to the starting squad for their upcoming match against Malakim Choir. His game was steadily improving, but he had yet to play competitively and he was nervous about the match.
Gadreel seemed to sense his thoughts and said, 'You're going to do great. You have gotten so much better. I almost feel sorry for whoever draws you.'
Ariel gave him a wry smile, but appreciated the compliment. He knew he would be hard pressed to beat his opponent. The Malakim team was undefeated and the clear favorite to win the Choir Chalice, but the support given by his friend was reassuring, nonetheless.
One arella after another waited their turn and struck their preliminary shots on the opening path. It was interesting to see the different styles and quality of kicks employed by the various participants.
A large barrel-chested bocketeer stepped up to begin his round. He was playing alone and practicing his technique while he waited for the path ahead to clear. He stood waiting, bouncing a small bocket up and down on his right foot. Ariel recognized the arella.
'Does he play for Malakim?'
Gadreel, who, as the assistant captain, had scouted the other team, answered immediately, 'Yes. That might be my opponent in the next match. He is one of their better players.'
Ariel studied the telmid with eager interest as he kicked. The bocket soared out over the water, but didn't turn. It had been poorly struck. Suddenly, a sulfuric glow seemed to reach out and push the ball back toward safety. His eyes followed the trail created by the golden effulgence and traced it back to the arella.
'Did you see that?' asked Ariel.
'See what?' replied Gadreel with a faint smile.
'The yellow glow. Is that...?' he broke off.
'Yes it is. Yellow for Malakim. Congratulations, Ariel. You have seen your first aura. Fantastic. And can you see the name of the reprobate?'
'Baal,' he said, knowing his answer was correct.
'Yep. And I will have to keep my eye on him if I play him. He doesn't seem to care much about the rules.'
Baal finished the path, easily scoring base, not including the penalty for manipulating the bocket. As he disappeared from view, the two turned and headed back toward the library.
'Are you ready to finish the module?' Ariel asked.
'No. I'm finished for the day. You go ahead. I'll meet you back at the estate later. I'm going for a walk.'
As his friend walked away, he again wondered i
f he had done something to upset Gadreel. He headed back into the library and made his way upstairs, returning to the array they had utilized earlier. There was no one was using it. Ariel gave the verbal command to reload his module as he pulled up a stool and prepared to sit. He bent and leaned back, allowing his weight to fall onto the seat. His stomach lurched and he hit the floor with a thud.
For a second he sat there, stunned. As he turned to look at the stool, he could detect a faint blue glow lingering around its metallic surface. He jumped up and spun, looking for the culprit. No one. The aura seemed to come from the far end of the room and he headed in that direction. He rounded a corner and collided with a thin angel, surrounded by a fine red mist, who took a quick step backwards to avoid a fall of his own.
Ariel muttered an apology and headed to the staircase, still following the faint blue glow of a receding aura. He quickened his pace, taking the stairs three at a time as he descended to the lobby below. Pausing at the bottom, he scanned the area, trying to detect the azure aura, but it had disappeared. Muttering to himself he turned to return upstairs. As he did, a figure moving toward him caught his eye. He was not even a little surprised when he recognized the approaching arella, Helel, the aquamarine pendant around his neck catching light and sparkling with a cerulean radiance.
'Well if it isn't the twins, minus one,' Helel said with a wry smile.
'Were you up on the second level earlier?' Ariel asked.
'Why do you ask? Wait. Let me guess. You can't find your sense of humor and you believe I took it,' Helel replied sarcastically.
'You're not fooling me, Helel. I know it was you.'
'Ariel, you worry me. Your paranoia is getting the best of you. Haven't you learned not to accuse without proof? No wonder your other half has tired of your company.'
'What does that mean, Helel?'
'Forget it. I imagine when your friend is ready to be honest with you he will deal with this himself. It's not my place to mediate for you two,' he replied and turned to leave.
'Wait, Helel. I'm sorry,' Ariel called after him.
Helel looked back over his shoulder and replied as he retreated, 'I warned you about making accusations against me. I warned you!'
For the second time that day he stood as someone that he had shared his origin day with walked away from him. He was angry and confused. He didn't trust Helel, but Gadreel had been acting strange lately. Was it possible Helel knew something he didn't? And had Helel threatened him as he left? He was certain Helel was responsible for moving the stool, but why had he run away? It was an innocent joke, so why had he gotten so angry about it? He stared blankly across the lobby, not sure what to do. He knew he should return to the second level and finish his assignment, but he just didn't have the energy. Dejected, he headed for home.
Tail of the Dragon Page 22
