Lore of Sanctum Omnibus

by Elaina J Davidson

  “Torrullin mentioned a void created by his withdrawal of Elixir.”

  Teighlar leaned back. “He thinks it is his fault. It is not. It is not Elianas either.”

  Quilla lifted a brow.

  “I heard about the scientists looking for energy deficiency, possibly neurological, and I put the numbers together, Quilla. Do not blame Elianas for this, not even in thinking it was accidental.”

  “You knew of Elianas’ energy powers?”

  “Please, it was as clear as daylight,” Teighlar said. “Come, Quilla, have you forgotten how to think? The man needed the Lumin Sword to retake form.”

  Quilla stared at him. “It was right there, in the open, and Torrullin did not see it.”

  “Well, in fairness, his mind was otherwise engaged.”

  “Mine was not,” Quilla muttered. “How do you think this disease came about?”

  “It is a biological weapon.”

  “Pardon?” Quilla spluttered.

  “It was accidental, but that is how it started. It began before Torrullin and Elianas entered the Path of Shades and spread slowly at first. Now it is airborne and out of control.”

  Quilla sipped at his wine. “And you say there is magic involved?”

  “Now there is, and that is part of its virility. Find that source and we reduce potency. It will not halt the spread, but folk will not die as swiftly either.”

  “Who made the weapon?”

  “Excelsior, but the magic isn’t theirs.”

  “Damn it, Excelsior again.”

  “It has been contained,” Teighlar said.

  “Why didn’t you inform us?”

  “I heard this morning, and I knew you were coming.”

  “Who told you?”

  “Dalrish of Xen. I was in Shangai Metrop. He claims he cannot reach the Kaval at present. I told him I would be meeting with you.”

  “The Gatherer’s Circle is unattended,” Quilla muttered.

  “Never mind that. We must find the magical source.”

  “Teighlar, Torrullin needs you with him.”

  “First the magic. Cut that off, and his task is made automatically simpler.”

  Quilla nodded. “What do you suggest?”

  “At this point I have not the foggiest.”

  “Then speak with him; maybe Torrullin knows something he is unaware of.”

  “I will not burden him with this unless I have no choice.”

  Quilla ate more grapes. “Tell me, Emperor, are you able to heal?”

  “I have never tried.”

  Quilla wiped his hands on a napkin. “I suggest you do so. When can we expect you?”

  “Give me two days.”

  “Very well.” Quilla rose. “Thank you for the grapes and wine.”

  “Quilla, wait.” Teighlar led him to a nearby crate. “Fresh fruit from Grinwallin’s orchards.”

  “Thank you, my friend. Yes, we need it.”

  “Then take it with our blessings, and I will be with you in two days along with more of the same.”

  Quilla bowed over folded hands and laid a hand to the crate, and was soon gone with it.

  Teighlar stared at the empty space, frowned, called to Dechend, told him what he intended, and was gone from Grinwallin also.

  Valaris

  The Keep

  IT WAS SUMMER on Valaris.

  Tianoman and Yiddin sat in the cool of the courtyard and nearby Aislinn dangled her feet in the mosaic pool. She neared seven months and was decidedly rounded. Tianoman smiled at her and then bent his head back to Yiddin. Papers lay in piles on the table between them.

  The dragon doors were open to allow the evening breezes in, and through that door walked a man Tianoman had not expected to see at the Keep. His eyes widened, and he rose.

  Teighlar, with a lopsided grin, came to rest before the table.

  Tianoman found his manners. He clasped arms, bade Teighlar sit, and called for refreshments. Yiddin was wide-eyed in his surprise. Aislinn approached, one hand to her belly.

  “Meet my wife, Teighlar,” Tianoman said. “Aislinn, this is Teighlar of Grinwallin.”

  Teighlar rose and she bowed. Laughing, he said, “No, no, we are like family, my dear.” He kissed both her cheeks, and asked, “How long do you carry yet?”

  She smiled, liking him. “Seven weeks to go.” Valaris weeks were longer than standard. “Then we greet our son.” She smiled at Tianoman.

  Teighlar, ever the gentleman, pulled a chair out. She perched awkwardly, giggling over her difficulties. Teighlar sat and greeted Yiddin. He glanced at Tianoman, who sank down more slowly, his gaze watchful.

  Teighlar offered a smile. “You will be a great Vallorin, Tianoman. Your name will be remembered.”

  The younger man frowned. “Why would you say that?”

  “It is in your eyes. For a young man, you are remarkably sharp.”

  “Thank you, but I do not believe that is why you came.”

  “My Lord? Perhaps I should leave?” Yiddin murmured.

  “No need, Elder,” Teighlar said. “I am here to discuss what you discuss. Are you aware the disease is now on Luvanor also?”

  “And Valaris,” Tianoman affirmed. “We have a quarantine camp. Luvanor has one also.”

  “That will not contain it.”

  Yiddin sighed.

  Aislinn’s hands tightened on her stomach.

  Tianoman pushed papers out of his way and leaned his elbows on the table. “What swirls in your mind?”

  “The magical source.”

  “I had word from Xen’s Peacekeeper about Excelsior’s accident.”

  “Now another factor aids it.”

  “It’s as if titans are at war,” Aislinn murmured. “This is the dust they spill when they clash.”

  Teighlar jerked to her. “Aislinn, you might be right.” His mouth worked as he thought about what she said. “Tian, there is a painting in Grinwallin, one of the prophetic paintings, and it images a mighty tree locked in struggle with a sinewy vine. At their feet lie the dying races.” Teighlar drew breath. “I always thought it signified the dangers of misusing nature, but Aislinn painted it fresh.”

  Aislinn and Yiddin stared at him, and Tianoman asked, “How so?”

  “What if the Syllvan are fighting an enemy?”

  Tianoman slammed back in his seat. “Dear god.”

  “Damn, it is possible, isn’t it?”

  “It might be. But I have conferred with them twice recently; they may not be too happy to see me again.”

  Teighlar sucked at his teeth. “At the drop of a pebble, you can see them? Convenient.”

  Tianoman remained calm, sensing a degree of envy. “It’s not like that. It’s because of my father.”

  “Whatever I think, we should confer with them.”

  After a moment Tianoman nodded. He rose, saying, “Yiddin, we’ll pick this up later. Tell Shedo he can make payment tomorrow.” The Elder nodded and began to gather the papers. Tianoman helped Aislinn up. “Rest a while. I’ll be back shortly.”

  She kissed his cheek. “Be careful.” She smiled at Teighlar, with more reserve, and headed up the stairs to their suite.

  Teighlar murmured, “You love her.”

  “I do.”

  “I am happy for you. It remains a rarity for kings to make happy marriages.”

  Tianoman inclined his head. “Shall we?”

  “Lead the way.”

  Avaelyn

  QUILLA DEPOSITED THE crate outside the stores tent and headed to the fire.

  Only Tristan was awake, staring into amber glows.

  “Teighlar will come in two days.”

  Tristan looked up. “Good. And?”

  “He does not know if he can heal.”

  “He cannot,” came Torrullin’s voice, and the man himself entered the firelight. “Teighlar is too afraid of the power of healing, afraid he may make a mistake.” He sat. “Quilla, you have not been hearing me.”

  “I hear you, Enchanter,
but I also know you are being stubborn. This is an admirable endeavour you are engaged in, but it is bound for failure without decent aid. Teighlar can help.”

  “Teighlar will question everything,” Torrullin said, “and I will be forced to throw him off Avaelyn.”

  Tristan made a sound in his throat. “Gods, what is wrong with you?”

  “Would you like a list?”

  “Yes, lay it out for me.”

  “Um …” Quilla began, but was ignored.

  Torrullin said, “I refuse to humour you, but I shall say this, the future remains dark.”

  Tristan snorted and looked away. “Some answer.”

  Quilla muscled in. “Torrullin, apparently Excelsior had an accident with a biological weapon. It is the source of the disease.”

  “Nuclear and biological? Excelsior needs a thorough cleansing.” Torrullin glanced at Tristan. “Your duty.”

  “It will be done.”

  “I assume there is no antidote?” Torrullin said next.

  “The disease mutated,” Quilla murmured. “It became airborne.”

  “It spread too fast. Something drives it.”

  “Teighlar says it is not the void you caused, nor is Elianas to blame.”

  “Void?” Tristan echoed.

  “You thought Elianas was behind this horror?” Torrullin questioned Quilla.

  “Accidentally, Enchanter,” Quilla said.

  “How dare you think it, never mind repeat it?” Torrullin’s voice lowered further.

  “A product of energy loss, but not deliberate.”

  “That makes him evil by default. Elianas may be many things, but evil he is not.”

  “What fucking void?” Tristan burst out.

  Dead silence ensued and in that silence it became apparent the entire camp was listening.

  “Too many ‘accidents’ at work presently.” Torrullin addressed the camp at large. “An accident on Excelsior, the accident of a void when Elixir withdrew, and even the accidental accusation of a friend. I say to all here, there is no such thing as a string of coincidences. I further say to you there will be an ending, and all will return to normal. Now get some rest. We continue in the morning.” He rose.

  “Not so fast,” Tristan said. “What are you intimating?”

  “That magic has lent wings to this disease.”

  “Teighlar says the same,” Quilla murmured. “He investigates.”

  “Good for him. I appear to be stuck here.”

  “Torrullin, I am sorry for what I said about …”

  “Do not apologise to me,” Torrullin interrupted. “Tell Elianas when you see him.” He walked off into the dark.

  “A void?” Tristan demanded of the birdman.

  TORRULLIN WAS TIGHT-LIPPED and barely acknowledged the appreciation each healed individual extended.

  He was, however, calmer in pace, healing steadily rather than frantically. Around midday he called a break, saying they would take an hour daily, a decision that sat well with Caballa.

  She headed to him with a plate of food and, when he had eaten, massaged his neck and shoulders. It would become a daily ritual, one Tristan would fume over, but not say anything about.

  That day the landing area was completed and Torrullin broke from healing to investigate. The plain was cleared of stones, stumps and shrubs, and the ground compressed by giant rollers until it was hard as concrete. The Valleur threw a mixture of clean sand and metal particles over the flattened area. This would prevent it becoming a pit of mud when it rained.

  Torrullin walked the concourse and personally thanked every man who worked backbreaking hard to make it happen. He clasped arms with each of them, and sent them home to Valaris.

  He returned to his chair and the day wore on.

  THE NEXT DAY the women moved into the completed kitchen facility.

  It was a sturdy wooden building with a store in back, a large scullery, a toilet, a giant cooking range, and long low tables to serve and prepare food upon. They completed the move with many smiles within an hour, and started the fires.

  Again Torrullin investigated, and spoke with the women, and then took a long walk with the builders to check the rest of the facility. A log house neared completion. This would have internal partitions when done, and house the permanent staff, Quilla, Caballa, Tristan, Belun, Fuma and Rose, as well as the ladies doing the cooking.

  A separate cottage was being built for Torrullin, set away from the general hubbub.

  Also, a dormitory rose in a large clearing for overnight patients and a smaller complex neared completion beside the concourse for folk returning home. The former would have beds; the latter would have chairs and the like.

  The builders explained they would begin on the actual healing centre once the tents were struck. They estimated they would be at that point within three days.

  Torrullin thanked them for their efforts, checked only young trees were felled, pronounced himself pleased, and returned to his chair.

  THE DAY AFTER it stormed and transports were halted for hours.

  For once everyone finished while it was daytime and many chose to take the opportunity to walk. Caballa, Rose and the women took the time to clean up.

  Torrullin remained nearby, because Teighlar was expected.

  When the man came, he shook the foundations of a world with his news.

  Chapter 38

  Titans, friend, are dangerous.

  ~ Unknown

  Avaelyn

  TEIGHLAR HOMED IN on the beacon as the storm moved over.

  He walked up the slight rise and paused to study the activity. Rudimentary, he thought, but knew of Torrullin’s insistence on semi-permanency. Still, he hated the thought of sleeping with bugs.

  Torrullin waited with arms folded, standing beside a blazing fire for warmth. The storm chilled the summer air.

  “Seems you have to stick your finger in.”

  Teighlar grinned. “You know me.” They clasped arms and sat on the logs. Teighlar gave the campsite a cursory glance. “I cannot think you are enjoying this.”

  Torrullin snorted a laugh, and was glad the Senlu came. “No, it’s not quite my style.”

  “That is a relief. Thought you had gone native.”

  Torrullin’s stern face relaxed. “I am glad you came … now. I gave them hell earlier.”

  Teighlar winked. “I admit I wondered over the welcome. Can a man get coffee around here? Man, it is cold.”

  Torrullin headed to the kitchen, asked for and received two mugs of fresh coffee - the women knew he enjoyed the dark brew - and returned to the fire.

  Teighlar accepted his mug, saying, “I brought more fruit and vegetables, down there on the concourse.”

  “We thank you. I hope you put some Senlu red in also.”

  “Never go far without a bottle or two.”

  Torrullin laughed, and in the kitchen the two women on clean-up detail smiled at each other. It was good to hear him laugh again.

  “I guess you heard about Excelsior, and that I was off to investigate the other factor.”

  He caught the undertone. “Bad, is it?”

  “Yes, and out of our hands, I am afraid. Is there a private place we can talk? You and me. Your team’s involvement is up to you, although I suggest you keep the farspeaker out of it.”

  Torrullin finished his brew. “My cottage was completed today. We can talk there.”

  He set his mug down, called to the others, excluding Rose, and preceded Teighlar to the small space. It was unfurnished, but the builders had the foresight to include a hearth, and he snapped a fire on.

  Teighlar, with raised eyebrows, created a rug and a host of cushions. “You can get rid of them after, but I am too old to sit on a hard floor.” He sank onto a cushion near the fire and Torrullin took one on the other side.

  Caballa and Tristan were first to knock and bid to enter. They greeted Teighlar with pleasure. Quilla came next, studied the Senlu, and grimaced. Fuma came last and spoke diffident gre
etings. Torrullin sealed the space against listeners.

  Everyone took a seat on the floor.

  Teighlar began. “First, what you hear here must be kept private. Only Tian knows also.” Teighlar shifted. “Allow me to tell you a tale, and please bear with me.”

  Torrullin studied him with hooded eyes.

  “I believe you have come to the conclusion magic drives this illness. It was in my mind also, and I went to see Tian … yes, I paid a visit to the Keep.” He glanced at Torrullin. “Too late to know it as yours. Tianoman has put his stamp on the place.”

  Torrullin gave a brief smile and Teighlar went on.

  “I met Aislinn, his pretty wife, and Aislinn was the one who set our feet to a path. She said it was as if titans were at war, as if this illness is the dust they spill when they clash.”

  Torrullin straightened. “Gods.”

  Teighlar nodded. “Exactly. I shivered inside.”

  “The painting.”

  “Sharp as ever. Yes, the painting.” For the benefit of the others, he expounded.

  Quilla muttered, “I see where you are headed.”

  Teighlar inclined his head. “Tian and I decided to pay a visit to the Syllvan. Apparently he used the Digilan site of portal in the past to make contact, and we went there. What we found was a tree, a giant, ancient tree where no such grew before, and yet, unless you knew, you would not regard it as strange. I have never seen any man lose his colour as much as Tianoman did on seeing that tree - as you have now, Torrullin.”

  “A Syllvan in our reality?” It was a hoarse whisper.

  “Yes, but with roots, leaves and branches like a real tree; it’s disguise. It was there as sentinel, mostly to prevent Tian admittance to the grotto, and to inform us of what was happening.”

  “It would be sacrifice. A Syllvan begins to die when it steps out of Reaume.”

  “It’s a Syllvan in the painting?” Caballa asked.