The Dream Sifter (The Depths of Memory Book 1)

by Bundy, Candice

  For a moment haunted shadows passed over Somnu's eyes, but then the moment passed. Did she imagine it?

  "You're right, Jesse. I guess I'm just too used to hunting down conspiracies--I even look for them in young girls now."

  They shared a hearty laugh, and then sipped their wine and watched the crowd. Although Somnu looked as relaxed as ever, a growing apprehension now ate away at Jesse. She was tempted to ignore his arguments, but Somnu's concerns were valid. Jesse trusted the Rai she'd grown to know. The idea of a different person emerging when Rai's memories surfaced troubled Jesse. However, could Rai be content to let the past sleep?

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Matriarch Bauleel arrived at the private meeting chambers of the Elder's Council and found all of the other members already in attendance. A few already sat waiting, while others chatted softly in small groups. They'd forgive her tardiness, but being late to your own meeting was poor form. Next to each of the doors was a Temple Novitiate. They bowed to her as she entered. Bauleel tried to remember being that young, that innocent. It was a very long time ago.

  Beneath the tall, domed ceiling sat a large V-shaped table, where the Temple Elders comprising the Elder's Council heard the concerns and requests of the people of Raven's Call. They also mediated disagreements among their constituents and handed down judiciary mandates. Tall, thin windows ran from ceiling to floor, letting in slivers of warm light, though it wasn't enough to illuminate the room.

  Journeywoman Camille, who had followed her in silence from Bauleel's office, closed the towering doors behind them, which produced a muted clang upon locking. All those not seated moved toward the remaining available seats as Bauleel took hers. The Matriarch's reserved chair stood neither higher nor more ornate than the other chairs, but a glittering silver fabric draped over the simple wooden form, lending it all the prestige she needed.

  There were fourteen Elder Priestesses, and the number of remaining chairs reflected this. Age alone didn't qualify a Temple woman for Elder status. All of these women had elevated through the Apprentice and Journeywoman levels and attained full Priestess status. Only those with Priestess status retired to the position of Elder as their age caught up with them. This retirement brought two expectations; to serve as advisers to the lower level Priestesses and hold council at the Petitioner's Chamber as their health allowed.

  The room had quieted, the Matriarch moved to her seat and sat. Camille stayed by the door, dutifully prepared to turn away anyone not expressly invited to the Council. Bauleel doubted Camille capable of forcibly preventing anyone from entering if they got past the heavy locked doors, but the likelihood she'd have to do this was highly unlikely. The Elders waited for the Matriarch to open council.

  "I am here today to share some disturbing news with you," Matriarch Bauleel said. "I'm afraid some of our shipments of luna berries have been tainted." Distraught gasps and groans met this news, but Bauleel knew some already had their own sources within the Temple. This didn't worry her; rumors within the Temple weren't too disruptive--it was when they moved into the city that things got dangerous.

  "I want to assure you all necessary precautions are being taken. A few poor souls succumbed to an eczema treatment, but that has been contained. All luna berry shipments in all of the Temple Formulary storehouses on Az'Un are undergoing testing for contamination. The Formulary Priestesses have used the utmost care to limit the impact on the populace. Research is also being done to pinpoint the source of the taint, in hopes that we can resolve the problem before anyone else is injured." Bauleel thought it best to not to imply a human hand in the taint to the Elders. Most of the Priestesses sought mentorship with the Elders, and Bauleel knew information tended to flow both ways. Having people hunting for conspiracies within the Temple would be disastrous. "I hope you can understand my desire to keep this quiet from the populace. The people complain about the present occasional side effects of the plague treatment. I fear any rumor might feed into their concerns over further ills, and we'd have more deaths on our hands. You can understand this is a delicate situation," Bauleel paused, waiting to see if any wanted to share their reactions.

  "We will honor your request to keep this quiet, Matriarch," Elder Kaiya replied. Bauleel recognized her by voice and tone, known for her ability to remain levelheaded and calm in any situation. "None of us wish to witness more deaths from the plague, whatever the cause. I am concerned, however, that the families of those affected by the contaminated eczema treatments will speak out. How are we to handle any rumors from that direction?"

  Elder Kaiya's question led the discussion perfectly. "The Temple's official stance on the contaminated eczema treatment is that it was a single contaminated batch, and the errors happened during production. They've been told steps have been taken to prevent future similar mishaps," Bauleel answered.

  "I don't wish to question your decision, and I want to affirm that I support the chosen angle, but I have a concern I feel obliged to share," Elder Kaiya replied. "There are rumors circulating that the Temples are no longer equipped to handle our fight against the plague. I've heard talk of bringing in off-world help to assist in the search for a cure." Bauleel heard others shift uncomfortably at this suggestion.

  "Thank you for voicing that suggestion, unpopular as it must be," Bauleel acknowledged. "I am aware of the doubts our people have in us right now, and I empathize with their desire to seek out alternate aid. We need to remind our people that we have tried outside help in the past, without much success and at significant cost. I know it has been some time since we hired the Erinin healers, so people may not remember that it cost us years of ore mining to pay them off for the few months of work they did. Considering that all their aid netted us was an elimination of possible treatments, it simply wasn't worth the price."

  Elder Rebea spoke up this time. "And yet, my Esteemed Matriarch, it has been some time since we have sought outside help. Three generations, if I remember correctly." Clearly, the Elders shared this desire, as none spoke out contradicting her comment.

  "I understand your concerns, and I will speak with the other Matriarch's about this possibility. It has indeed been some time since we evaluated outside options, and new technologies might be available to aid us at this critical juncture. We must take care to act in unity, for any price will affect all the Az'Un, and not just our city," Bauleel replied.

  "We must also keep in mind the Hegemony still holds a medical quarantine over the Az'Un people due to the research conclusions of the Erinin healers. It is possible that any outside species won't be able to encounter us without earning the Hegemony's wrath. Those that might be willing, for instance races outside of the Hegemony's purview, might be rogue species. Are we willing to deal with that kind to find a treatment for us on this world?"

  "I don't think anyone's suggesting we deal with scoundrels or thieves to achieve our goals." Elder Natre replied. "Do remember that we ourselves are not yet accepted as a protected species under the Hegemony." Natre had a history of being confrontational, and this only reaffirmed Bauleel's understanding of her character. Natre was also a member of the Anemoi, which lead to a whole other power dynamic between them.

  "I do remember, Elder Natre. In fact, I remember all too well. How, exactly, do you think our petition requesting Acceptance of Sentience will fare if they knew we consorted with unaffiliated species to achieve our goals?" Bauleel pointed out, a hard edge in her voice.

  "With all due respect, Matriarch, I don't think a simple query qualifies as 'consorting.' We are reaching a point of desperation, where exorbitant costs are acceptable if it allows our colony to survive," Elder Natre replied. Other Elders shifted and coughed, uncomfortable with the Elder's direct tone.

  "When we speak of the Hegemony, realize that what we're actually speaking of is the Juggernaut. Although the Hegemony is comprised of many species, the Juggernaut are by far the largest and strongest. None can compare to their might. They are an ancient species. They view humanity's actions on a v
ery long continuum. We might as well not even exist in their timelines. I warn you not to underestimate the range of their overview. They have the resources to monitor every interstellar action and communication of all human colonies without even breaking a sweat. I can assure you that any such communication would draw immediate and negative attention, even if they chose to wait to act upon it. I remind you all that even our most advanced technology doesn't even begin to compare to theirs."

  "I also resent your implication that I somehow am unaware of the status of our people, Elder Natre," Bauleel warned. "I am well aware of our declining birth rates. I know about the failing effectiveness of our plague treatments against an endlessly mutating and adapting infection. I know that we are mere generations away from a hopeless situation. The problem has been and will continue to be, how do we save ourselves without also destroying our future?"

  "We can't simply run away from our problems. Our technology prohibits it and our population size, although small for a colonized world, is too large to transport. Remember that we came here on a one-way trip in the first place, hoping the planetary surveys would bear out. By and large, they did. Az'Unda has a variety of natural resources, a breathable atmosphere, and temperate regions we find habitable. The plague is the only problem holding us back. We will overcome this obstacle, and when we do, we must be able to leave it behind us. Gifting future generations with our debts only creates additional problems." Bauleel thought the history lesson a bit heavy-handed, but wanted to drive the point home.

  Elder Natre sat quietly. This time Elder Kaiya spoke up in support of the Matriarch. "We are all aware of these straightforward, if sometimes discouraging facts, my Sisters. I agree with the Matriarch in that we should not act rashly or without appropriate consideration. Adding to our problems will not make our existing issues easier to bear." Bauleel thought she heard Natre sniff in reply, but she couldn't be sure.

  "Still," Elder Kaiya continued, "there is the issue of reassuring the populace that the Temples are still the best hope for a cure."

  "We are of the same mind on this, Elder Kaiya," Bauleel agreed. "I want to reiterate that the other Matriarchs and I will discuss the possibility of off-world assistance and research fully any options." Bauleel took a deep breath before continuing.

  "There is something I will share with you now, a ray of hope. I've been debating bringing false hope but I think the desperation voiced here today warrants the risk. The Technicians have found a subject who appears immune to the plague in its advanced stage. It has been over two weeks now, and the subject shows no signs of cellular degradation." A hush of awe fell through the room. Even Camille stopped taking notes for a moment to stare openly in wonder at the news. Bauleel hadn't mentioned the boy's mental instability, thinking it wouldn't lend to the mood of hope she hoped to build.

  "I know this is no cure, but his immunity might lead us to a vaccine. In addition, the vaccine would apply to newborns only, but it's a hope for future generations. It's almost too overwhelming, but imagine all children growing up without the burden of the plague hanging over them."

  "The subject's health might fade any day. There are no guarantees in what I'm sharing with you. Yet, it's a ray of hope, and an opportunity we haven't had in some time. If negative rumors are to circulate, perhaps also rumors of a possible vaccine should also."

  "Do not discount the joy this news brings to us, Matriarch," Elder Rebea said. "Hope is not to be ignored on Az'Unda. I am sure a few slips of this rumor in the proper places will improve the Temple's standing amongst the people."

  "How long before the Technicians share their progress with you? Something definite is determined, do you suppose?" Elder Kaiya asked.

  "I'm not sure, but I have been in close contact with them, and I will continue to do so where this research is concerned. I will also keep you informed of their progress," Bauleel replied. The Matriarch rose, signaling an end to the meeting. This quarreling drained her more than she cared to admit. The Elders all rose in deference to her office.

  "We thank you for your dedication and devotion to our people, Esteemed Matriarch," Elder Kaiya intoned formally.

  "As always, it is my great pleasure to be of service to the Temple and the Az'Un people of Raven's Call," Bauleel replied with equal formality. Bauleel rose and left the room, with Journeywoman Camille barely managing to unlock and open the door quickly enough for her to pass through. She was glad to have the briefing over with, but not glad of the headache it had bestowed upon her. True to her word, Bauleel headed toward the Technician's wing to obtain a status update on Terem. Would his health hold the hope she'd promised to the Elder's Council?

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Rai sat in the back of Headmaster John's planetary history class and tried to focus on what she considered a boring lecture on local geology as it related to current Az'Un trade routes. Her eyes strayed out the window, and her mind kept dwelling on her commitments back at the Waystation. Jesse hadn't been enthusiastic over her interest in attending classes at the school, but she'd allowed it.

  They'd had a long discussion and Rai'd argued exposure to historic information might trigger more memories. Rai got the impression from her scent cues that Jesse might want her to give up the hunt to discover her lost knowledge, but she never came out and said as much. Jesse allowed her to attend the school three days a week during midday and early afternoon, saying the knowledge would round out her education. Rai had to return home in order to cover her evening shifts, lest it appear she wasn't doing her part.

  There was another reason Rai found being away from the Waystation desirable: Somnu. During the days, he always hovered in the background. Rai'd shifted from not trusting toward harboring a genuine animosity toward him. His penetrating gaze tracked her every move. Jesse had encouraged her to give Somnu a chance, reminding her that he was an old friend of the Durmah, and thus deserved her friendship as well. Rai had responded by being polite and helpful, but wouldn't truly open up to Somnu. Being at the school during the days helped her avoid him without slighting him. During the evenings Somnu entertained the Waystation patrons with songs and tales, which Rai felt kept a comfortable distance between them.

  Focusing back on the Headmaster's lecture, Rai found him discussing the various mountainous spines on their continent. She'd remembered passing over the Baris spine, but otherwise the discussion held little interest for her. The class was relatively small, having about two dozen total students. Almost all of them were male and in their late teens. Rai assumed most of the other females her age would still be fulfilling their terms of Temple service. Those not actively pregnant would be in Temple schools and not here with the other students.

  The Headmaster referenced a large map on goat vellum he'd hung at the front of the class, and Rai now took a moment to study it. The map was too far away to read the names of given features, but the color-coded topography was easy enough to follow. The wisps of charcoal gray depicted the spines, with the tallest peaks and most advantageous passes marked with firm strokes. Predictably, the colors of the plains, forests and grasslands had been drawn in greens, the roads in beige, and the oceans and bays in blue. The swamp areas were marked in a blue-green mixture, and cave complexes had simple gray outlines on top of whatever type of land they laid beneath.

  The continental map reminded Rai of the map Stoi had shown her. It was a similar shape and color, except that Stoi's map didn't have the cave complex details upon it. From studying this map, it became clear to Rai that the caves ran from the bases of the spines out into the lowlands. In some cases, the caves extended all the way to the shoreline, for instance at the Resounding Cliffs where the Northern spine peaked very high and wide.

  Rai's mind released a tantalizing tendril of fragrant imagery and opened like a flower. A mental flash of great, hollowed out cliffs, standing hundreds of feet in height, their craggy spurs cut into the crashing surf, whipping foam from the peaks of the tall waves. To her left an expanse of black sand widened, drawing
a broad line between the water and cliff walls. She looked out upon the waves, dizzy in her mind and yet her feet and body were solid, with sand between her toes as she walked on the beach of her memories. A name arose within her: Jeweled Cove.

  Without thinking, Rai stood and cried out triumphantly, "Jeweled Cove!" She'd been hoping for this breakthrough! Not the sign of some odd gift or talent, but instead a real memory.

  The class turned as one to look at her. Rai wondered if she'd managed to awaken some of the bleary-eyed students from their naps. Headmaster John appeared quite startled at the rude interruption.

  He crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at her, even taking a few steps in her direction in response to her outburst. "Do you have something to share with the class, Mistress Durmah? What information concerning the Jeweled Cove near Resounding Cliffs do you wish to enlighten us with?"

  Rai hesitated. All she had, at least right now, were images of the cliffs and surf, vivid though they may be. She was glad he'd recognized the name, confirming her memory was real. However, she had no idea what else the Cove represented. The class and Headmaster stared at her, and Rai's cheeks burned with embarrassment.

  The Headmaster walked back to the map and touched a spot just up the coast from the Resounding Cliffs city. "This Jeweled Cove, Mistress Durmah?"

  Rai looked at the point on the map, and noticed the cave markings near to the Cove location he'd just pointed to. "Well yes and the caves as well, Headmaster." She tried to act confident and calmly met his gaze.

  Headmaster John stared at her for a moment, brows knitting as he tried to work out her puzzle. All at once, his face relaxed and he gave her a curious smile. "Did you mean to direct my lecture to the cave complexes at Jeweled Cove?"