Quilla put a tiny hand against the dark man’s chest. “Do not surrender, never surrender.”
Elianas paled markedly. He touched a hand to his forehead. “I would be the one lost if I do so.”
Quilla inclined his head. “You understand. I am glad.”
Quilla?
The birdman’s eyes flicked at Torrullin. He must tell you. Do not insist.
I cannot ask him anything and he refuses to speak.
Then the timing is wrong. Be patient, Enchanter.
Torrullin raised his gaze to Elianas, who touched his forehead again, this time mockingly, and said, “We should invite our guests indoors, don’t you think?”
Swirling his tongue over his teeth, Torrullin said, “Naturally. Make them comfortable while I find Teighlar?”
Elianas laughed softly and began shepherding everyone over the wooden bridge that spanned the fishpond.
Torrullin swore under his breath and went the other way in search of the missing Emperor. He found the man behind a screen of bushes.
“Spying will not help you,” Torrullin said.
“She must be my daughter, her mother always said she was … and I …”
“Imagination, my friend, remember? You wished and hoped for a second chance at family.”
“I denied her, Torrullin.”
“It seems she denied it also; both of you must begin at this point, this day. Hiding out here begins nothing.”
“I know, but …”
“Afraid?”
“Yes.”
“Just be yourself.”
Teighlar gave him a hard look. “Really? Which self would that be?”
“And now you understand some of my quirks. Every member of family sees another side, the side they are able to deal with. You must talk to her, find out who she sees when she is with you and then be that person.”
“That is akin to lying.”
“No, it is tact and it is caring and it is the only thing that makes sense in a crazy universe. Because you could love her, you will do what is best for her.”
Teighlar drew a breath. “This is hard.”
Torrullin laughed. “Fatherhood always is. Now, deep breaths, relax, and come with me before your absence destroys any chance you might have.”
Teighlar nodded. “Right.” He did not move.
Torrullin took his arm and prodded him into movement and started talking about everyday issues for Teighlar to hear tone, for he knew the man no longer heard a word he said.
TEROUX HAD NOT BEEN to Avaelyn before and had not been told of the dwelling.
Tristan, who spent time there, knew Torrullin and Elianas regarded their home as sacrosanct; it was not to be discussed or described. Quilla, likewise, honoured that wish.
A dwelling that grew from rock and stone and seemed part of the landscape, had no doors, no windows, merely roof and ledge and arch, where nature was as much part of it as it was part of its surroundings, could never adequately be described in words, and Teroux was in awe.
It had majesty due to its oneness with nature and it possessed presence because all comforts maintained an extraordinary symbiosis with the surroundings, and it was simply spectacular in view and site.
Alik was as impressed, although she could not quite appreciate her surroundings. Her mind was on her father.
Quilla was happy to wander off alone and did so.
Elianas offered coffee, which was accepted by the cousins, but Alik shook her head. As Elianas headed to the kitchen, Tristan waylaid him. “Are you all right?”
“I am not certain why you ask.”
“Well …” Tristan pulled a face and glanced in Teroux’s direction.
Elianas snorted. “Come with me.”
Tristan glanced back again and followed the man.
IN THE KITCHEN THEY prepared the coffee.
“Elianas, are you coping?”
“I assume you refer to your grandfather and his moods.”
“I am more worried about his anger.”
“It is there, but I am fine, thank you for asking.”
Tristan found a tray and loaded cups and condiments. “What happened?”
Elianas glanced up. “I cannot tell you.”
“I have this dream of him being without substance. It drives me insane.”
“I still cannot tell you.”
“Why not?”
Elianas shook his head.
Tristan went off in another direction. “Teroux will accept.”
“He cannot accept what he does not understand.” Elianas slammed the coffee pot down. “Every one of you has a skewed view of what goes on here. Nobody knows and nobody ‘understands’ - gods, sometimes I hate that word. Understands. When Quilla uses it, it is an honour to hear it, but others use it as a crutch.” He paused and then retrieved the pot. “Sorry. Bad night.”
“I hear you.”
Elianas snorted a laugh. “Gods, you look like him, but at least you have a sense of humour. Get the milk and let us get this back there.”
“WEIRD,” TEROUX MUTTERED. He put his hand against the stone wall. “It has sound.”
“Singing stones,” Alik said. “He would have those, wouldn’t he? Grinwallin also hums occasionally.”
Teighlar stopped dead when he heard that.
“Move,” Torrullin whispered. “Do not stop now.”
Teighlar inhaled and stepped into the chamber. “You have heard the stones of Grinwallin, Alik?” There was a tremor in his voice, but his face showed only calm curiosity.
She swung her head in his direction. “Um, not heard, felt. Sometimes when one puts one’s hand on the stone inside the mountain one feels it like a hum.”
Teighlar paced forward. “Only the royal line hears or feels.”
She lifted her chin. “Really?”
Torrullin inclined his head, and he and Teroux headed off in another direction.
“Yes, really.” Teighlar came to rest before her and, when she made to stand, touched her on the shoulder. “No, sit.” He hunkered before her. “I was wrong and I hope you can forgive me one day.”
Alik lifted one shoulder. “You were not the only one who did not believe it. Mom always said, but how, you know?”
Teighlar smiled. “I know.”
“What happens now?”
“We work through it day by day, minute by minute.”
“That is good.”
“I am sorry about your mother, Alik. I know this sounds trite, but I loved her in my way and I shall miss her very much.”
“She loved you in her way also.”
“I did not do what they say.”
“I know. We have heard a rumour of subversion, but now isn’t the time for that.”
Teighlar sighed from his heart. “Thank you for believing in me.”
She smiled.
“You are close to your finals, aren’t you?”
Alik nodded. “Yes. Dechend arranged that I take them later.”
He studied her. “Someone attempted to assassinate you there.”
“More than once.”
“I am sorry; you are paying for my sins.”
“The sin is not yours. Others seek radical change.”
“The Emperor too long on the seat?”
“Maybe.”
“They may be right.” Teighlar pushed himself up. He dragged a chair closer and sat. “Those are issues we do not have to deal with right now. Alik, forgive me, but how did you come by the box?”
“Dechend gave it to me.”
“So it returned. Amazing. I have never used it before and had no idea what it would do. I cannot believe Dechend was willing to risk it with you, and you with it.”
“The news is not good. The Kaval needed to get to Torrullin.”
“I am still going to skin him alive for putting my daughter in danger.”
There was silence and then Alik smiled. “Well, a daughter does not mind so much risking for a father.”
Teighlar’s eyes played o
ver her face. “That sounds good.”
She nodded. “It does.” Spots of colour bloomed upon her cheeks.
They smiled at each other happily. It was a start only, but it was the right start.
Thereafter she was serious. “Tristan needs to speak to Torrullin; it is not my place to say anything.”
With a sigh, Teighlar rose. “The time to talk is later?”
She laughed. “Sometime, yes.”
“Then let us signal the ‘all-clear’.” He shook his head ruefully. “I would rather talk to you; this lot is unpredictable.”
She stood. “I am not sure what I should call you.”
Teighlar cleared his throat. “Whatever you feel comfortable with.”
She stared at him. “Pops?”
He spluttered. “You want to call me ‘pops’?”
She burst out laughing. “I think Dad will do, if that is all right?”
“Dad I can handle, thank the gods. Pops, imagine. I would never live that one down. Torrullin would rag me into eternity.”
She grinned her delight and then Teighlar loosed a loud whistle.
Quilla came in first and nodded his satisfaction. It went well; excellent. “Emperor, you scared the birds.”
“I did?”
“These birds have never heard a bad whistle. I am sure some of them fell out of their trees,” Quilla muttered and theatrically dug in one ear.
Alik wiped at her eyes, at threatening tears. Quilla, she realised, gave her the space to find equilibrium.
“You are a good friend, Quilla,” Teighlar murmured.
The birdman shrugged self-consciously. “Where is the coffee?”
“Here.” Tristan bore the tray in and set it down. “Where are the others?”
“Being diplomatic,” Alik said.
Tristan beamed. A good beginning, by the sounds of it.
ELIANAS ENTERED AND ALIK stiffened before nonchalantly moving back to her seat. Teighlar did not see it, but Tristan did.
He hoped fervently she was simply awed by the man’s beauty.
He hoped Elianas would not use her in the game of brinkmanship between himself and Torrullin.
TEROUX CAME IN LOUDLY discussing the dwelling with Torrullin. Torrullin moved to the ledge immediately; his grandson was too demanding in his questions. He eyed Teighlar, who closed in.
“And?”
“Good.” Teighlar smiled.
Torrullin slapped his arm. “Glad to hear it. I hope you are going to tell me the whole tale sometime.”
“Maybe.”
Torrullin grinned, and studied Alik. A lovely woman. Wonderful red hair, pale complexion, tall, with the aesthetic slimness common to the Senlu, and eyes that would haunt him. Saska’s eyes. He closed his briefly.
“She is very attractive.”
“She is also not your type, Torrullin.”
“Calm yourself, will you? I am paying her and you a bloody compliment.”
Teighlar scratched at his chin. “Oh. I am not accustomed to this. Why am I suddenly so protective?”
Torrullin laughed. “Trust me, it will never end.”
Teighlar gazed at his daughter and watched fondly as she accepted a cup of coffee from Elianas and something in the look that passed between them upset him anew. He returned his attention to Torrullin. “Keep Elianas away from her.”
“You are being paranoid.”
Teighlar shook his head. “No, not about Elianas. You maybe, not him.”
“She has been here all of half an hour, for Aaru’s sake. Take it easy.”
Slowly Teighlar nodded. “Yes, you are right. All right. I am going to sit down now.” He moved across the space and sat beside his daughter.
Grinning to himself, Torrullin collected his coffee and sat on the floor at the ledge’s edge, his back against the wall.
“Torrullin?” Tristan called out.
“Speak, Tris. Keep it to the situation or I am throwing all of you off-world in another twenty minutes.” Torrullin raised his cup to his lips and stared out over the view.
“He is joking, right?” Alik murmured to her father.
“No, he isn’t.”
Teroux was uncomfortable, imagining why Torrullin wanted them gone.
“Don’t, Teroux,” Torrullin snapped out.
Elianas leaned against the wall near to Torrullin and folded his arms. He prepared to be amused.
Teroux sat and stared at his hands.
Tristan launched into it before the situation got out of hand or he ran out of time. He need not have worried; he had their attention swiftly and held it through to the final verdict of Avaelyn and Elixir being the main target.
As Teighlar launched into questions, Elianas slid down the wall to sit beside Torrullin. “This is serious.”
“Very. Keep the barriers up.”
“They will not hold against anti-matter.”
“Then we must add to them.”
Elianas leaned closer. “Or we take the fight elsewhere. We take the attention away from here.”
Torrullin stared into those dark eyes. “Apparently they could be immune.”
Elianas smiled. “Against Elixir and Alhazen combined? Please.” He put a finger to his nose. “I am wondering what effect a word of power would have on mottled blue stone?”
“We should put it to the test, perhaps.”
Tristan hunkered beside them. “I am sorry, but …”
Both men turned to look at him with unfathomable eyes.
Tristan sat there, hard. “Look, this is potentially lethal to a host of worlds and the two of you whispering side-line plans does not help us. Share or we leave.”
Torrullin looked at Elianas, and Elianas said, “Leave.”
“What? Torrullin, for Aaru’s sake!”
Torrullin got to his feet. “We shall take the fight to them. Avaelyn will not be touched if no one is here. We aim to protect our world.”
Silence, and then, from Teroux, “And the other worlds?”
Torrullin did not like the censure in that tone, but chose to ignore it. “Stop them in their tracks where they are now. Prevention is better than cure, to use an old saying.”
Teighlar stood. “I agree. I am in.”
Alik looked up at him.
Torrullin smiled. “Welcome aboard.”
Tristan was angry. “No bloody discussion?”
“No. From here we go to Excelsior.”
“Why Excelsior?”
Torrullin stared at Tristan. “It has occurred to you it is the kind of place a Vallorin can be hidden and remain untraceable. Do you want to know if that is how it is? I do. And then I aim to disable those devices permanently. Excelsior has been a barb for too long now. Thereafter we go to Ymir.”
“Torrullin, listen to me, please. Although we have signs and specifics, and even rumours, and they add up to what I have explained and although there is little doubt, still it is not hard and concrete fact. We go in routing a citadel with no premise and we cause the kind of universal fall-out that could destroy the Kaval.”
Elianas murmured, “He has a point.”
“Then the Kaval does not get involved,” Torrullin stated.
Tristan burst out, “I am not sitting back and allowing Beacon to exploit everyone all over again!”
Torrullin paced forward. “Find the proof then, Tris, and hold back until you have it. In the meanwhile, we shall go spying and, if we find anything suspicious, we shall act, and the Kaval is in the clear.”
Tristan was about to speak and then he paused. “Actually, that could work.”
Alik cleared her throat. “Mikhail Bannerman is a friend of mine. I could speak to him about this situation.”
Teighlar looked down. “Who is Mikhail Bannerman?”
“President Bannerman of Beacon’s son,” Tristan said. “Would he know?”
“He would find out,” Alik said.
“Why would he do that?” Teighlar demanded.
She glanced up at him and shrugged. The
inference was clear; for love.
Torrullin paced forward. “Alik, I have no right to command you, but becoming involved with Beacon’s political twists is dangerous.”
She met his gaze direct, causing him immense discomfort.
“Torrullin, I am not a wallflower, and I currently deal with an equally dangerous political situation back home. There have been three attempts on my life recently.” She moved her attention to Teroux. “Mikhail is thinking of taking his medical skills to Sanctuary; perhaps you could invite a select group for a sight-see, a round of interviews, and I could meet with him there.”
Teroux was now faced with an irate father. “Do not involve my daughter in this,” Teighlar blurted.
“I am involved simply by being here.” Alik glared at Teighlar.
The Senlu mouthed emptily and turned to Torrullin for help, who grinned wickedly at him.
“She is an adult, Emperor,” Torrullin murmured.
“Thank you,” Alik said. “Teroux?”
“I could invite a select group, yes.”
“Excellent.” Having made her point, she lapsed into silence.
“Gods,” Teighlar muttered. “Is this how it will be?”
There was general laughter, before Tristan took over again. “We should discuss …”
Elianas said, “We waste too much time in talk.”
Teroux stood. “Tristan, remember what Caballa said. Allowing them to leave Avaelyn might not be the best idea.”
Tristan licked his lips. “It seems the situation has changed.”
Torrullin said, “Speak.”
“Caballa said to contain you and Elianas here,” Tristan said. “Teroux’s event affirmed that.”
Elianas moved to Torrullin’s side. “Oh?”
“No, mine was to come to Torrullin’s aid,” Teroux amended. And Rose told him it was Elianas who needed his help. Damn it.
“Oh?” Elianas repeated. “Why?”
Torrullin turned his head. “Leave it, Elianas.”
Elianas stared at him. “I will not be dictated to.”
“I am aware of that. Not here, all right?”
Elianas took a moment and then backed down. “As you say, not here.”
“What event, Teroux?” Torrullin questioned next and, after he heard about the downed ship on Sanctuary, he muttered, “That storm was used to create chaos, although it started out as a natural pattern.”
Lore of Sanctum Omnibus Page 146
