The Seeds of Dissolution

by William C. Tracy

  “All Sureriaj are specist,” Enos interrupted Sam’s thoughts. “If they did not have other species to complain about, they would likely complain about the other families.”

  “Oh, they do, mate,” Rey said. “They do.” He wiped mushroom paste from the fine hair covering his cheek.

  “What about Methiem?” Sam ventured. He moved from watching Inas’ face to his sister’s, to her neck, as she raised her chin. She’d opened up, in the last few days. “What is it like?” They had compared plant and animal species, and Methiem had a similar selection to Earth.

  “We have mostly traveled in the northern continent,” Enos told him. “Many of the richer cities are there, save Kashidur City, of course.” They made their way to the entrance of the fungus-shrouded alley, and Sam waved at the Lobath attendant, who waggled long fingers back.

  “It is colder there,” Enos continued, moving close to Sam’s side as they walked down the street. “Very mountainous.” Inas took his regular position on his other side, and Sam placed a hand on each sibling’s shoulder, ready to pull back. One of these times, they’re going to tell me to stop, to go away. They didn’t this time, and he relaxed a little, taking comfort in the closeness of his friends against the unknown of the Imperium. Rey walked a few steps in front.

  “Is that what they wear up there?” Sam asked, nodding at Inas’ silky shirt. Today he also wore steel bracers detailed with bronze inlay, and a heavy vest covering most of his shirt.

  “Many do,” Inas said, looking down at one arm. “Though it is too warm in the Nether to wear an overcoat. You would like them. Very stylish.”

  Sam took a moment to imagine Inas in heavy coat, maybe with a fur collar setting off his hair. Could I wear something like that one day, lecturing to a class in the Nether? He nodded in appreciation and Inas gave his half-smile.

  “Yer not goin’ to start on about clothes again, are yer?” Rey called back. Think of a joke—something to deflect him. Before he could, they almost collided with a stream of people hurrying their way. They were in the same stone arcade they had passed through the first day. Sam felt his shoulders tighten at the crowd, seeking comfort in the barrier the twins made.

  They stumbled the other way down the street, trying to keep ahead of the crowd, which was comprised of several species. A few like Rey, gangly limbs and faces all covered in fine hair, pushed past them. Sureriaj, drawing quickly ahead and around a corner.

  “In here,” Sam heard Enos say, and he felt a strong hand on his shirt. He followed, in turn catching Inas by a hand.

  As the rest of the crowd passed, Sam looked around to see where they were. It was a sort of left-over vestibule, nestled between the arcade and another building that didn’t quite line up. The entrance was only wide enough for one person to enter at a time, sideways. It was dark and musty, but in a comfy way, and Sam relaxed a little, until Rey spoke in a hiss.

  “They’re chasin’ me people,” he said, and Sam could just make out his face, crumpled in anger.

  “Who is?” Sam asked.

  Inas poked his head out of the pocket. “I do not see anyone following,” he said. “Let’s get away from this smelly corner.”

  Rey grabbed his friend’s arm. “Wait a tic,” he said, voice serious. “No telling if there’re more clumpin’ along after. Best to stay planted where we are.”

  “Why?” Sam asked. “Who’s following?” Are they looking for Aridori? His thoughts went back to the crowd that Councilor Ayama and Majus Cyrysi had stopped from doing—something—to that Sureri. His heart sped, and one hand reached for the pocket with his watch.

  “Concerned citizens,” Rey said. “Getting uneasy-like about the Aridori rumors, and some o’ them think they should take it into their own hands rather than letting the Council and the Assembly handle it, like rational people. I nearly got me own backside handed to me the day I got here. Had to run and hide for a whole lightening to escape that mob.”

  “Why you?” Enos asked.

  At least I’m not the only one confused.

  “It’s like they’re targetin’ the Sureriaj,” Rey said. “I cannae say why, but they think Aridori are hiding among us—it’s ridiculous! Sommat to do wi’ what’s happenin’ in the Assembly, I gather.”

  Sam felt the tension running through Enos at the mention, from where her shoulder touched his arm. “We can’t stay here forever,” he said. Something with lots of legs climbed up his pant leg and he shook it off with a shiver. Maybe this corner isn’t so cozy. “It is safe yet?”

  “I’ll check,” Rey offered. He peeked an eye around the corner, first the way the group went, then the other. “Looks clear.”

  They emerged, blinking, into the light of the walls again. The street was strangely silent after the crowd passed. No birds flew overhead, none of the lazy lizards climbed the trailing vines on the walls.

  “Are they gone?” Inas’ breathing was heavy. Anxiety? In Inas? He’s always so strong. He put an arm around his friend’s shoulders, holding him close.

  “Long breaths, it’ll help,” he whispered.

  “I think—back in the dark!” Rey hissed, but it was too late. Sam heard footsteps getting louder. I knew it was too quiet. The Imperium usually sounded like a kicked wasp’s nest.

  Sam pushed Inas back into the alcove as a second crowd of aliens turned the corner—Methiemum, the flash of fur from a Festuour, several Pixies furiously beating their wings to keep up, and even a tall Kirian woman, wearing a garish patchwork dress and waving a bare arm in the air.

  “There they are! I saw a gargoyle,” one shouted. Sam heard Rey make a sound of disgust. “Down there.” The footsteps came closer as all four crammed themselves into the tightest corner of the vestibule. Sam felt frigid water trickle down his neck, but didn’t dare move. Next to him, Inas was panting. Sam, oddly calm, pulled his watch out, holding the timepiece between his ear and Inas’.

  “Listen,” he said. The ticking was loud in the tiny dark cave. After a few moments, Inas’ breathing slowed a little.

  Then the entrance to the alcove darkened and a Methiemum peered in, his eyes dark. “They’re in there,” he said. “There’s a gargoyle. Probably one of the shapechangers in disguise.”

  Sam almost spoke, when a stone the size of his fist whizzed by, clattering above his head.

  Enos struggled to the entrance to the vestibule. “There are no Aridori in here,” she said, the heat in her voice surprising Sam. “It would be best if you left.”

  He felt Inas duck, and a stone hit Sam on the shoulder. He inhaled in pain.

  When his friend came up again, an aura of green—the House of Strength—glowed about him, settling into his skin. It cast no light into the dark alcove. He shuffled in front of his sister, and the next stone hit him square in the jaw. Inas didn’t flinch, but turned sideways and exited. “Your stones will not hurt me,” he said. “Please leave.”

  Sam heard whispering in the crowd. Can’t see past him. Don’t they know he’s a majus? No. They couldn’t see the aura blazing around him.

  Rey, evidently emboldened by Inas’ protection, stepped outside next. “Aye, there’s a Sureri in here. I’d like to see ye try to take me on.” Rich brown swirled around his hands, the color of old earth. Two Pixies had a bulky cobblestone between them. They hefted it forward, and Rey held up his hands to meet the incoming missile. As the cobblestone reached him, it slowed, then reversed direction, shooting back into the crowd. Someone grunted in pain, and Rey’s footing shifted backward a notch, as if he had been pushed. The brown aura faded as Rey slumped. Now whispers of ‘maji’ floated from the crowd.

  Another stone flew through the air, and Rey grunted and staggered back into the wall. Sam was half out of the alcove before he knew it, Enos beside him.

  “Are you okay?” he asked. Rey was holding his ribs. I should be panicking. I should be huddled in the back of that corner. He found only anger burning. He looked up to the crowd, and something wavered on th
e edge of his hearing, like a single note that split into dozens before fading away.

  “We are not Aridori!” Inas roared, and took a step forward. Wisps of green spiraled down his legs and into the ground. His boots popped the cobblestones beneath them with sharp cracks. Several of the crowd drew back, the fearful whispers getting louder.

  The Methiemum in charge raised his voice. “They’re barely more than children—not worth the effort. Let’s find the real Aridori.” Mutters answered him, and the crowd of angry aliens began to move again, first in confusion, then with purpose, farther down the street.

  “That’s right!” Rey called after them, one hand to his side. “Best not be pickin’ on the maji—ow.” He curled over his ribs.

  “Thank you,” Sam told them. Inas waved his thanks away, the green aura around him fading. He staggered to one side, and Sam caught him.

  “Enos, can you?” he pointed to Rey.

  “Councilor Ayama has not taught me to heal wounds with my song,” Enos said. “I am not certain how capable she is in healing.” She bit her lip, then carefully pressed Rey’s side, a shaky white aura like mist around her hands. He grunted in pain. “Bruised at least, maybe broken. Can you get back?”

  “I’ll be dandy fine,” Rey said, but he was pale, one thin hand creeping to his side.

  They moved the other direction from the crowd, but Sam saw the Kirian woman and a couple Methiemum stop to pry loose stones out of a nearby wall. We have to tell the councilor and Majus Cyrysi about this.

  A few more corners, away from the mob, and Sam slowed. The rush of adrenaline was leaving, and his hands were shaking. The others slowed with him as he dug out his watch, holding it to his ear, timing his breathing.

  “Another attack?” Inas asked, eyebrows drawn low. Sam saw understanding in his eyes and nodded, trying to keep the feelings back. It’s not going away. I can’t keep it back this time. He couldn’t breathe. He crouched, counting cobblestones. He got up to thirty before Inas spoke again. “We are willing to help if you tell us how.”

  “Distract me,” Sam said. The Nether is supposed to be safe. If it’s not safe, I’ll be stuck in Majus Cyrysi’s apartment and never find a way home. “Why are they chasing the Aridori?”

  Rey stared at him, incredulous. “Ye really dinnea ken?”

  “No one will talk about them,” Sam said through chattering teeth. They think I’m stupid, I’m useless. He shook his head. He was stupid for thinking that. “They say the Aridori have been gone for a thousand cycles, or they were horrible monsters, or are coming back somehow. But who were they?” He looked up at Enos, who frowned at him, and Inas, who wouldn’t meet his eyes. What is so bad the twins can’t even talk about them? Sam shifted back toward the stone wall of a shop. The street was still clear of anyone else.

  “I cannae say I believe all the old stories,” Rey said, scrunching up his bat-like face, “though there’s too many to all ring false. The greatest story, no doubt, is their ability to appear as some aught body.”

  “Shapeshifting. I’ve heard that.” Sam almost had his breathing under control. “Why is that so bad?”

  Rey raised a hairy finger. “It’s what they did, not how they were goin’ about the task. Not a one knows much from the Aridori war. Many things from before then are lost. The stories are all that’s left.” He turned a little, wincing, and put a hand to his ribs again.

  “What did they do?” Sam took his pulse. Too fast. The twins were looking away. Will they leave me here with Rey? Did I ask too much?

  “The Aridori made war on the other species, but sneaky-like, so the story goes.” Rey watched the siblings too, then shrugged. “The war started everywhere on the same day. That much all the stories cry the same. Families and friends across the universe were torn up. The critters planned it for many a cycle, slowly replacing bodies, one by one. From childhood even, yer best friend might be an Aridori in disguise, playin’ the role, passing information about yer family to his people.”

  “No one is just evil,” Sam argued. He pushed up the wall, feeling the chill of the shadowed stone through his vest. They were hidden from the great walls of light here. “They’d come to like the people they grew up with, right? They wouldn’t turn on their families.” Adopted or otherwise. Sam glanced between his friends. He didn’t want this discord.

  “They were terrible. Why not leave it at that?” Inas interjected.

  “Who’s tellin’ the story?” Rey asked, and Inas looked away, arms crossed. After a moment, Rey continued.

  “The Aridori did nae target just officials, or politicians, or maji. They slid themselves in with farmers, and clerks, and workers. They were predators, lookin’ fer weakness to exploit. Mebbe it was they joined the Great Assembly fer this one reason—to cause chaos.” He spread his hands. “What if, one day, the buddy you’ve known fer ten or more cycles changes, and yer faced with a total stranger. Except this stranger knows were yer mam lives, and what yer sister likes and hates, and he can look like anything. Even like yer self, as a dutiful son goin’ home to visit his mam and fathers. With intent to do her harm.”

  “That’s—awful,” Sam said.

  “You have given this some thought,” Inas said. “Why waste time on it? They are gone. No one wants to think about this.”

  Sam stared at Inas. We should at least know the history, if they’re really coming back. He put his watch away. The stabs of panic were getting smaller, held back by curiosity. “How were they stopped? How were all the Aridori killed off—if they were?”

  Rey shook his shaggy head. “The Sathssn led trained teams to hunt down the last of them. Got real fine at figurin’ out who was who. Gave rise to this,” he passed two fingers in front of his eyes, as the councilor had. “Supposed to show if there’s an Aridori hiding in the body yer seein’.” He shrugged. “Dunno if it works, but no one’s seen hint of a real Aridori fer a thousand cycles. They must’ve all been wiped out.”

  “Except now people think they’re coming back,” Sam said.

  Rey shrugged. “From where, I cannae say. Many times there’ve been rumors of the Aridori, so me mam and fathers say. This time is different. Yer saw the mob—people are scared. Maybe some Aridori are still alive.”

  “Can we stop talking about this now?” Enos asked. Her fists were white, by her sides. “I have had enough already today with that mob, without bringing up the…the Aridori.” She looked like she had bitten into something rotten.

  “If we do not wish to be caught in a second mob, we should head back to the Spire,” Inas said. “We need to tell the councilor. Are you two able to walk back?”

  Rey gripped his side, but nodded.

  Sam took a deep breath in. “I’m better now.” He pushed up the wall, hoping for a hand from Enos, or Inas. They didn’t offer. “I’m sorry to bring this up. I want to understand.”

  “Understanding is good, but obsessing over stories a thousand cycles dead is unhealthy,” Inas said.

  As they walked, the alley walls pressed against Sam. The twins were not at his sides as usual, and he struggled to keep the panic at bay as the Spire came closer.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  A Time to Learn

  -The other species often mistakenly consider Lobath dull or lazy. This is as much a stereotype as saying Pixies are always aggressive. Many Lobath live a hard-working agricultural life on their homeworld, farming crops of flavorful moss or fungus in their forests. However, their larger cities are works of art, with massive engineered structures, efficient streets, and the cleanest sewer systems among the species.

  Excerpt from “A Dissertation on the Ten Species, Book II”

  Rilan was just about to leave to meet a few friends for dinner when someone began beating at her door.

  “Hold on!” She hurried to the door, and pulled it open to find Enos and three other apprentices. Sam stepped back, his eyebrows going up, and Rilan adjusted her expression from “going to eat you” to “annoyed.” Th
e group looked shaken enough as it was, and the Sureri apprentice was holding his side.

  “Well? Why are you trying to cave in my door?”

  The four piled in, Enos dragging her brother around the table to the couch. Sam helped Rey limp to a chair across from them. Something bad had obviously happened. Another protest? She had told the Effature of the one she had disrupted, and he had promised to increase the patrols the Imperium guards made.

  “We were attacked,” Sam said over his shoulder. His eyes were dilated, and Rilan saw his hands shaking as he eased Rey down, who winced, cradling his left side.

  “Attacked?” Panen and Gompt would have to wait on her for dinner. “By who?”

  “A mob, looking for Sureriaj,” Enos’ brother said.

  “For Aridori,” Rey wheezed. Sam hovered over him, wringing his hands, until Rey shooed him away. “It’s not so bad, mate. Go sit, eyah?”

  “Aridori—” Rilan rolled her eyes. “Of all the stupid things.” Lately, stupid was becoming commonplace. It was worrying. She closed her apartment door and went to Rey. “Let me look at that.”

  She slipped into the Symphony, separating out the staggering melody of the Sureri from the frenetic rush of Sam and the oddly syncopated rhythms of the twins. If Enos would only let her listen to her mind—there was something slightly off about the two, especially when they were together.

  She ran one hand down Rey’s tunic, the motion bringing his music into focus. White and olive trails followed her fingers. There. She moved up his chest a bit, reaching inside his shirt to make skin contact, finding the place where one refrain broke from the harmony, its notes jangling and off-key.