“The same tree. Unmistakable.”
“And the vine?” Tristan asked.
“I am coming to that. It could not speak physically and thus told its tale in our minds.”
Teighlar closed his eyes and commenced speaking from memory, an exact repetition.
“Tianoman, not so long ago you asked whether there are realms outside of Reaume, and we answered in affirmative. We further revealed we have an understanding with those gatekeepers. We told you we asked whether Elianas had entered their realms. We were too insistent in our enquiries, and we angered the gatekeepers of Ariann; they have taken umbrage and have declared war on the Syllvan of Reaume.
“They are the Dryads, but do not confuse their name with tree nymphs, for they are not. They are vine-like, where we are tree-like, and they are unkind, they judge, they watch not the scales. An angering was sufficient cause for war - it was judgement.
“As we communicate, us three, my brethren fight for survival in the grotto, in the spaces, and hope to keep the Dryads out of Reaume even if it means our lives. Know this, you cannot interfere, you dare not involve yourselves. The only road open to you is to halt the epidemic; they have shed spores that aid the spread. It works much like pollen, young Vallorin; tell Elixir, for it will aid him in bringing it under control.
“Tell him also he must not attempt to help the Syllvan. Tell him we have fought this war before, we know the battle plans, and tell him to reach for catharsis, tell him that. I am dying, lords of this reality, and sacrifice life willingly, for this is not my end, nor will my brothers be lost eternally. We evolve and someday you may recognise us in another shape in another place. Go now. The way to the Gatekeepers of Reaume is now shut. Go, and be at peace.”
Teighlar opened his eyes.
Silence.
Teighlar added, “He disintegrated before our eyes.”
Torrullin, still pale, said, “If Reaume is sundered, reality will be chaos.”
“We halt the disease and thereby remove this power from the Dryads. Now is the time to think, not just heal. What means the Syllvan about pollen?”
Torrullin pinched the bridge of his nose. “Pollen leads to hay fever, which is an attack of the sinuses. It can affect a sufferer as a terrible cold would, and the cure … well, there is no cure. There is only a way to build resistance, usually via anti-histamine … can it be that simple?” Torrullin moved his gaze to Tristan. “Who liaises with the scientists?”
“Prima and Ignatius. I’ll get them moving.” Tristan left the sealed cottage and transported to the Dome.
“The Dryads are the vines in the painting?” Caballa reasoned. “And the races dead at their feet are a representation of our current situation. What else is in the painting?”
“Nothing,” Teighlar said.
“The images are on blank canvas?”
“Half green, half blue background, no nuances,” Torrullin murmured. “Why?”
“Just a thought. A bird, a sign, something to give more clarity.”
Torrullin looked at Quilla. “Tell me he isn’t in Ariann.”
“He is not in Ariann, my friend,” the birdman said.
“My Lord, may I ask whether you were aware of the existence of the Dryads and this Ariann?” Fuma asked.
“Yes, although I was not aware of that awareness until Teighlar repeated the Syllvan words.”
“You forgot?”
“For me it isn’t so strange.”
Fuma gave a measured bow of his head. “Forgive me.” He straightened. “May I ask what you know of Ariann?”
“I would like to know also,” Teighlar murmured.
Torrullin moved his head as if listening. “Wait. Where is Belun?”
“He went walking earlier. Did you call him to this meeting?” Caballa said. “Of course, you did … by god, why didn’t he come? I sense … I feel …”
She was on her feet and running. Her swift flight outside took her east and the others followed as rapidly.
“He went this way!” she shouted. “Belun! Can you hear me?”
IT WAS DARK.
They searched the forest, the concourse, the hills behind the camp, looked in tents as they passed through again, scrounged in gullies, walked far out, but there was no sign of the Centuar.
The storm had moved on, but left cloud cover behind. Beyond the camp the terrain became unfamiliar and they stumbled in darkness.
Somewhere amid the trees Caballa asked, “What did you hear?”
“An echo of a call,” Torrullin replied, and held a hand up for silence as he listened. Nothing. “I am going to use Elixir now.”
There was a moment of expectancy and they saw the shiver pass through him. He was strangely alien - there, not there. In that same state, he started walking.
They followed.
It neared dawn when the wraith that was Torrullin stopped. They were far from the camp and the terrain was new. In the grey of the coming day, they were on the shores of a lake. Nearby a family of deer watched curiously.
Torrullin focused. “His tracks end here.”
“Why would he come this far?” Fuma wondered, and searched the ground for direction.
“In the water?” Caballa breathed.
Torrullin shook his head. “No, he is wet, but not due to immersion.”
“You feel him?”
“I feel echoes. This is why it took long to track him.”
The deer vaulted into the trees.
Torrullin watched them disappear, and resolutely set off after them.
Quilla frowned. An animal would not escape on a path unless it knew of a bolthole. He called to the others.
Belun lay inside the tree line where the deer vanished. He was wet with dew, and out cold.
Torrullin knelt. “He is very ill. That is why he could not send, and why he got lost.” He stroked the Centuar’s brow. Belun had reverted from humanoid guise. “In this form he cannot be healed.” He tried again, this time with two hands over the Centuar’s face. When that did not work, he moved to the creature’s flanks, pressed firmly. He sat hard in the wet grass. “I cannot help him.”
Quilla’s hand descended onto a stiff shoulder. “Then we find another way.”
“The epidemic may take animal life also,” Fuma murmured. “Such deaths will bring other disease, cause hunger and destabilise the animal kingdom.”
Torrullin hung his head. Near him Caballa shook the Centuar, to no avail.
Fuma bent, stilled her. “Leave him. We shall take him back to camp, see what we can do.”
Torrullin rose. “Cancel this day’s session and halt transports. Take Belun back. I will attempt to get to the Syllvan. Aid them, and we prevent the spread.”
“The way is shut,” Teighlar said. “You were asked specifically to stay away.”
Torrullin swung around, and then blinked. He stared past Teighlar and put a hand over his heart. He blinked again.
“What now?” Teighlar asked.
“I thought I saw …” Torrullin shook his head. Wish or will. “Leave it.”
“Whatever. Now listen. One, you cannot transport; two, you were told to stay away, and three, we need you here.” Teighlar was sombre. “Torrullin, we use our heads and we use our talents, but we do not do the crazy and impulsive thing right now. Hear me?”
Torrullin stared beyond them and he nodded. “Yes, I hear you.”
Teighlar gaped at him. “I have actually changed your mind?”
“No, another did.” He looked down at Belun. “Let’s get him back.”
Quilla glanced around, wondering what Torrullin saw.
THE SESSION OF healing was indeed cancelled, for Torrullin sent for Tristan and asked him to bring a team of scientists to Avaelyn.
Tristan complied, and was soon closeted with Torrullin, Teighlar and the eight scientists for the rest of the day.
By nightfall they returned to their laboratories and began experimentation from the new angle, this time including an antidote that would wor
k on animals.
Torrullin slept then, waking again with the new day. He and Teighlar worked together, binding their wrists, and thus, every time Torrullin placed his hand on a patient’s brow, Teighlar was there also. The Senlu could not heal, but every healing Torrullin did from then on leeched half the energy it did before. He healed the same number, however, and was rewarded with greater strength at the end of the day.
Teighlar did not complain once.
DAY FOLLOWED DAY, unchanging.
The tents were struck, the log house, dormitory and departure centre were furnished. Work commenced over and around the two healers and the line of people. Sturdy poles were planted; beams were thrown across and secured. Waterproofing was laid down, then the roof. The ceiling followed and, as the summer heat intensified, the new cool was welcome.
More days went by, without word from the scientists.
The walls and windows grew up around the action, more window than wall, for Torrullin desired natural light. Then came the night the builders insisted on a day or two to complete their work. Torrullin agreed, and the next day he and Teighlar laboured in the shade of a tree away from the main activity.
The floor was put in, the facade completed, with ramps and stairs. Benches were screwed down and Caballa brought in two orthopaedic chairs. At last the facility, in entirety, was ready.
Torrullin spoke his appreciation and praise, and the builders left. He and Teighlar commenced work in the new building the following day.
That same day saw the first Mercy Ship enter Avaelyn’s skies, saw her land gracefully upon the concourse, and disgorge hundreds of sick people, and hundreds more in stasis.
Still the team of thirty brought others in.
Torrullin called a halt and went down to the ship with Teighlar. He met and greeted the crew, who were awed by him, and then arranged for those in stasis to head the line. He healed them first, without Teighlar, and sent them to the departure hall where they were fed. The line then resumed with Teighlar.
They worked until late and slept a few hours.
In the morning the ship lifted with those healed and headed back to Sanctuary.
The slower pace of healing continued. Belun awakened, and in awakening found his guise. Torrullin healed him and sent him off to recuperate.
Two ships arrived a week later. The pace then was murderous.
A week after, inoculation commenced on Sanctuary. No animals were reported as diseased, but a serum was ready for the event. Within two days the number of ill on Sanctuary declined. It was working and thus laboratories commenced large volume manufacture. Universal inoculation was instituted, but the results would only be felt in another month.
On Avaelyn the daily process of healing continued. Those sickened by Titan’s Disease - as it was now dubbed - those crippled, those ill and dying of other incurable diseases, and those hoping to be young again with revitalised organs.
Caballa generally managed to weed the latter out, but some slipped through.
The Mercy Ships came and went regularly.
Autumn came to Avaelyn and still the long lines were present. Torrullin was an automaton and Teighlar eventually succumbed to the stress. Torrullin healed him and sent him back to Grinwallin with his thanks.
Teighlar promised to return.
ON VALARIS THE month of Hatubrath drew to a close and Aislinn went into labour to deliver a healthy boy.
Tianoman wept and then shouted his joy. He and Aislinn chose to delay the naming until Torrullin could be there.
On Avaelyn autumn intensified and was beautiful. The weather was cooler, the lines no shorter. Then, two weeks after the birth of the Valla heir, word came that Titan’s spread was halted. Only those already ill required healing. The end, finally, lay in sight.
On Valaris the Elders confronted Tianoman and told him he could no longer delay the ceremony. Reluctantly he agreed and the boy was named Lunik, meaning ‘of the moon’, and the Valleur celebrated.
Torrullin managed a smile when he heard. Tristan and Caballa were at the Naming.
On Sanctuary Rose and Teroux began planning their wedding in earnest. Rose elected to return home after the ceremony on Valaris. Teroux was overjoyed.
Gradually the line grew shorter.
One ship was decommissioned and put in a hangar on Sanctuary, the crew sent home. The other undertook one final voyage and then underwent the same fate.
Ten men still worked the transport system, bringing in the stragglers for healing.
Quilla and Fuma returned to the Dome to ensure the disease was eradicated. Teighlar, knowing the end neared, did not return.
Four months after it began for Torrullin, it ended.
WINTER WAS IN the air, he could smell it, feel it.
Torrullin awakened early, dressed and headed to the kitchen, where coffee and breakfast awaited. Only Caballa and Tristan were resident, and already eating.
He drew a plate of eggs and sausage closer, and then pushed it away.
“Eat,” Caballa frowned.
“Later.” He poured coffee, and was then astounded.
Caballa smiled. “Only twelve, Torrullin. They are the last.”
He sat. “Thank the gods.”
“They will be taken back when you are done. Tian made it known this facility is now closed. We begin clean up later,” Tristan murmured.
“You two have been a godsend,” Torrullin said. “Thank you.” He rose, winked at the women in the kitchen, and headed out. He was done within half an hour.
It was over.
Chapter 39
Catharsis is an intangible gift, and yet is a gift, a healing of the soul.
~ Book of Sages
Avaelyn
THE FACILITY WAS silent, clean, cleared.
Torrullin sat on a stump overlooking the concourse and Tristan and Caballa stood nearby. They were the only three left.
“What now, Torrullin?” Tristan questioned.
“I aim to stay a day or two longer, just in case.”
Tristan sat on the grass and stretched out. “We will wait with you.”
“Torrullin, have you tried to transport out?” Caballa asked.
“Yes, this morning. I cannot.” Torrullin pointed. “Five come for healing.”
Indeed, there were five forms moving slowly across the concourse, four of them hooded and cloaked, the other wearing bright garb.
“They aren’t from Sanctuary,” Caballa frowned.
“Someone else brought them, probably that prancing peacock there,” Tristan muttered.
“I’ll meet them,” Caballa said.
“They will be here in good time,” Torrullin murmured.
Slowly they neared.
Torrullin’s mouth dried out and his heart started beating erratically. A shaking hand found the Medaillon, clasped it.
The peacock was first. “My Lord, I am …”
He was pulled aside roughly as a hooded figure took over. The man knelt, lifted his hood and dropped it back. “My Lord, I ask for healing. I have a cancer within no doctor can cure.”
Torrullin put a shaking hand - the one not clasping the Medaillon - on the man’s forehead and did the healing. The man rose with thanks, retreated, taking the loud man back with him. Clearly the peacock facilitated the transport, no doubt charging a fortune to do so.
The next man kneeled and also requested healing of a fatal illness.
Caballa gripped Tristan’s hand, staring at Torrullin. She knew, she knew, something was about to change. She infected Tristan, who sat in tense, coiled silence beside her.
The third man knelt, throwing his hood back. He asked a healing for the terrible disfigurement on his face. Torrullin stroked gently and then sighed as the man cried silent tears.
“You are healed,” Torrullin whispered. “You need not fear a mirror anymore.”
The man bowed, murmured strangled appreciation and backed away.
The fourth and last man kneeled and Torrullin said to the others, “You may
go now.”
The peacock spluttered and was dragged aside again. Soon only the kneeling man remained.
Caballa held her breath.
“Caballa, Tristan, leave us.”
A moment of utter stillness came, expectant and filled with nuance, and then Tristan was on his feet. He helped Caballa stand, and they retreated.
Torrullin relinquished his hold on the Medaillon. “You have brought something I lost.”
Movement ensued, and a sword lay on outstretched palms, glinting.
Torrullin took it, ran a hand over the blade and then stood it point in the ground.
Trezond. Catharsis.
“I was not referring to my sword … Elianas.”
Caballa clutched Tristan, her fingers digging into him.
Two hands lifted, and a hood fell back.
Beloved face.
Torrullin rose, drew Elianas up, and pulled him close.
In that same instant they were gone.
Catharsis, the sword, went with them.
Utter stillness, the quiet of tangible expectancy, enveloped the entire universe.
The echoes of silence penetrated Reaume also, and Ariann.
Chapter 40
A tree is letter, a stone is number, the molecule of water is word and the wind is harmony. Together they sing and dance and rule the universe. When they fall silent, when they are not seen, the next note could be discordant; the ensuing symbol could be beautiful beyond description. It depends entirely on how you wait and what you expect. If you expect nothing, you will not be disappointed, but you will also never know the difference between beauty and a note out of time. If you expect everything, you will be disappointed indeed, for nothing is ever as expected, but you will know … yes, you will know.
~ Arun, Druid
Avaelyn
THEY STARED AT each other long, silently communicating the pain of parting, and then Elianas lifted his gaze to their surroundings, and Torrullin watched him devour it.
Elianas turned on the spot, missing nothing, and faced Torrullin again. He undid the clasp at his neck and allowed the cloak to fall rustling to the stone floor. He stepped closer to lay his hand splayed over the place the Maghdim Medaillon rested.
Lore of Sanctum Omnibus Page 99
