The UnFolding Collection Three

by S. K. Randolph

  The scathing expression on the Mocendi’s gaunt face turned it into an ugly mask. Bulging, watery eyes stared straight into his. “Get dressed. The MasTer sent me to take you back to the desert. I do hope you have a good reason for abandoning your men and your command.”

  Nissasa fought to keep a scowl off his face and suppress the knot of fear in his gut. “There was no need for Him to send you. I have every intention of returning in the morning.”

  Vintrusie took a menacing step forward. “Get dressed, Rattori. We are leaving now.” Boney hands gripped his shoulders and shoved him toward the sleeping chamber. “If you are not out here in five chron clicks, I will teleport you back to Fera Finnero wearing only your skin.”

  Stumbling toward the bed, Nissasa grabbed his clothes and dressed. A glimpse of his ashen face in the mirror made him gnash his teeth. How dare Vintrusie treat the future Largeen Joram of RewFaar like an errant school boy! Color flooded back to his cheeks. Forcing a calm he did not feel, he strode into the sitting room.

  “I’m ready. But first, I need food. I’m sure you could use refreshments and a moment to catch your breath.”

  The Mocendi DiMensioner hesitated. “I could use a bite to eat, but then we are off. The MasTer is not a patient creature.”

  Nissasa pulled a cord by the door. Within minutes a faint knock sounded. A young woman entered, learned what they required, and departed.

  Vintrusie took a seat by the small dining table. “There is one more thing we must discuss.” He unfastened his cape and let it fall over the back of the chair, surrounding him in the regal purple of the its lining.

  Nissasa tried not to stare at his cadaverous body. “And what would that be?”

  An emaciated hand stretched toward him. “Give me the Oracle Stone, Rattori. Give it to me, or I will take it from you.”

  “I told you I don’t have it. If it does come into my possession, I will turn it over immediately.” He curled his branded hand into a fist.

  Bloodshot eyes of an indiscriminate color rested on his face. The hand withdrew to pluck fitfully at the purple lining. “Show me your hands.”

  Nissasa held out an unblemished palm.

  “The other one.” The protruding eyes narrowed. A crooked nose sniffed the air.

  Shoving his hand in his pocket, Nissasa widened the space between them. “Enough, Vygel. You will be the first to know if the Oracle Stone is found.”

  “I already know. The MasTer sent me to retrieve it. He pulled me away from another important matter to take care of you. If you refuse to honor his wishes, what are your chances for survival? I’d think about that if I were you.”

  A soft knock ended the conversation. Nissasa opened the door. A young man placed a tray on the table and left.

  Vintrusie proceeded to fill his plate.

  Nissasa watched him from hooded eyes and tried to keep his thoughts on the food. The Mocendi made his skin crawl. What if he can feel the crystal? He shoved down his growing panic. I wish I’d given it to my mother.

  19

  Master’s Reach

  Myrrh

  A lmiralyn stood just inside the door to Veersuni, allowing her eyes to adjust and her senses to alert her to danger. Only the soft sound of trickling water, the glow of stained glass, and the scents of cedar and roses filled the room. Elcaro’s Eye, serene at the sanctuary’s center, gave no sign of disturbance.

  “Are you sure we should be here?” Sparrow’s hushed tone held a touch of trepidation.

  Drawing her further into the sanctuary, Almiralyn whispered, “We have things to accomplish. Stay here.”

  She crossed the polished stone floor and paused a short distance from the fountain. Nothing occurred to cause her alarm. Water flowed over the alabaster palms of the kneeling statue—a steady and unbroken rhythm—drip, drop, bubbling splash.

  She chanted:

  “Wards and borders

  Shield and secure,

  Keep this fountain’s

  Message pure.

  Prohibit those

  Who would do ill,

  Blind their sight,

  Mute their will.”

  The water ceased to flow. The glass-smooth surface gleamed. A disjointed image drifted upward and floated in a dispersed pattern. Almiralyn called Sparrow to her side and blew across the water. The pieces swirled into place. Sparrow gasped.

  An Astican and a Mindeco trotted adjacent to harvested fields. Scaled gray wings, unfurled and lifted the Astican into the air. The Mindeco swung his huge head from side to side, his single eye glued to the rutted track, his wide nostrils opening and closing, opening and closing.

  “What is he doing?” Sparrow whispered.

  “Seeking an energy trail. I expect the children have passed this way. The Astican is scouting farther up the track.”

  Almiralyn touched the water with the tip of her finger. The image quivered and resettled.

  A wagon drawn by two sway-backed work horses rumbled along beside a single row of trees. Its passengers bumped up and down in rhythm with their ambling gait. An older man drove. Next to him, Esán sat with his arm draped over a black dog, casting an occasional worried glance over his shoulder. In the wagon bed, Torgin sat beside a figure on a stretcher.

  With fingers extended, Almiralyn held her hand above the water and brought her thumb and fingertips together. The image zoomed in. Desirol lay unconscious, his fair skin, even paler than usual, highlighted the beginnings of a bruise on his cheek and one swollen black eye.

  Sparrow examined the image. “What happened to Desirol, and where are the twins? I don’t see them anywhere?”

  The image vanished and a new one snapped into view.

  Henri sat beside the Atrilaasu Oracle. Brie slept with her head in WoNa’s lap. Henri pulled out her spectacles and perched them on her nose. Magnified eyes searched the panorama.

  “Can she see us?” Sparrow peered into the water.

  “I can SparrowLyn AsTar, and so can the Mocendi leader. Niece, beware. The MasTer’s reach is long.” Violet eyes widened. “We have little time. Danger rides this way. We must depart. Concentrate your power on the other young people.”

  Sparrow gripped the fountain’s rim. “Where is A”

  “Ira?” Almiralyn finished the sentence.

  WoNa formed a silent word. Henri removed her spectacles and tapped them against her palm. The image dissolved into desert sky and blood red sand. Water’s trickled song spilled into Veersuni.

  Almiralyn drew Sparrow away from the fountain. “Did you understand WoNa’s message?”

  The twin’s mother looked lost. “No. What did she say?”

  “She said Reader.”

  “What did she mean by reader?”

  “It’s one of the names the VarTerel uses. I believe Ira may be with Relevart. We will have to wait for confirmation. At least, we know he wasn’t snatched by The MasTer.”

  “What can we do to help the children?”

  “We can impose an illusion between them and their pursuers. I’ll need your help.”

  Sparrow pressed shaking fists to her chest. “How can I help? I’m so new at this.”

  Almiralyn laid hands on Sparrow’s temples, whispered a series of words, and stepped back, her eyes and voice steady. “What do you see?”

  A slow grin of understanding replaced Sparrow’s uncertainty. “Another field, a track that branches away from the wagon. I’m ready.”

  Almiralyn taught her the activation Key, and they moved to the fountain. Standing side by side, fingers intertwined, they placed their free hands on the rim, gazed into the water, and recited:

  “Tinnottae, Elcaro’s Eye,

  This illusion let them spy.

  Astican and Mindeco,

  Take this detour, off you go,

  Lose your focus and intent,

  Pass into a timeless rent.”

  Clouds raced over the surface of the water. The Astican appeared and landed beside its ally. Its guttural description of what it had foun
d made little sense. Almiralyn glanced at Sparrow’s confused expression.

  The Mindeco growled, “You found them. Lead me to ’em. Remember, Abarax, the RewFaaran boy is mine. The others,” he shrugged massive shoulders, “if Nissasa has no need of them, they are yours.”

  A rasping response left no doubt who carried more power. The Mindeco bobbed his bearish, skeletal head. “The MasTer’s will is my will, Abarax.”

  “It had better be.” The Astican wheeled around and trotted down the track.

  Almiralyn squeezed Sparrow’s hand. The land around the two creatures morphed. Abarax jogged right where the original track remained straight. The Mindeco followed. Time caught them in its net.

  Almiralyn released Sparrow’s hand. “They will wander until the illusion fades or until they are released.”

  “How long until it fades?”

  Sitting down on a bench, Almiralyn leaned against the curtained wall. “That depends on how perceptive the creatures are. The moment they start to question their reality, the illusion will begin to lose its strength. Even then it will take awhile. We have bought the children valuable time. We can only hope they use it well.”

  Sparrow sank down beside her. “Can we look for Ira?”

  “If he is indeed under Relevart’s care, he will only be found if the VarTerel wishes him to be.”

  “Can we at least?”

  The smell of smoke penetrated the room. A blackened hand broke the water’s surface, charred fingers tasting the air. Wind whipped around the room, flinging drapes in all directions.

  Silver-blonde hair flying around her face, Almiralyn dragged Sparrow beneath the bench. Purple engulfed them in fold upon fold of velvet. A muffled howl of frustration began and then came to an abrupt end. The wind ceased. Nothing in the sanctuary moved.

  Blood pounded in Almiralyn’s ears. Easing her position, she took a quiet breath. Subtle wards surrounded her. Sparrow turned, her expression questioning. Almiralyn gave the tiniest shake of her head.

  Until she felt certain they were safe, they dare not move.

  The basement room in the safe house buzzed with quiet conversation. Jordett eyed the man across the room, the one man whom he wished elsewhere. Short, squat, and balding, he was quick as the flick of a whip, both mentally and physically. On several occasions, he had beaten Jordett in combat training. Over the years, they had often found themselves on opposite sides of an issue. Captain Lavir had never forgiven Jordett for rising above him in rank and position.

  Deep-set, light eyes traveled his direction. Lavir ended a conversation with Sagus and strolled to stand in front of him.

  Jordett, a head taller, gave him an expectant look. “What brings you to this meeting, Captain? It doesn’t seem to fit your usual style.”

  “I’m here because I want the control of Idronatti back where it belongs. And you? I heard rumors you were missing. Seems a bit coincidental that you would show up now.”

  Teva walked to Jordett’s side. Her beautiful smile encompassed them both. A warm hand rested on his arm. “Is there a problem, Major?”

  “I’m not sure. Captain Lavir assures me he is here for the right reasons. My concern is that he might have other interests.”

  Lavir’s face flushed red, whether from anger or embarrassment, Jordett couldn’t tell.

  Teva offered her hand. “I am Teva Rivan, Captain Lavir.”

  He took her hand. His unwavering gaze met hers. “I am not a spy, which is not to say that I trust Jordett.”

  She released his hand. “The Major is in charge of this mission, Captain. If you choose to be a part of it, you will need to accept that and give him your allegiance.” She beckoned Lenadi over. “This is Lenadi. If you decide to stay, he would be happy to introduce you to our comrades.”

  As they walked away, she angled her back to the room. “He’s telling the truth. I felt no dissembling when we shook hands. My instincts suggest that he will be an asset, but only if you’re willing to take the chance.”

  “And if he decides to leave?”

  “His memories of all of us, this…” Her gaze swept the room. “…will be erased. Lenadi will take care of the Captain. Tell me your thoughts regarding what is occurring in Myrrh and what you believe will enable us to regain control of the city.”

  They talked for some time. She complimented him on his in-depth knowledge regarding Idronatti, the PPP, and the Five Fathers, as well as his understanding of Myrrh’s issues. After sharing a thought or two of her own, they convened a meeting. When everyone had found a place to sit, Jordett took a head count. Twenty-five pairs of eyes focused on him, men and women, the majority younger than himself and Lavir and the KcernFensians. He saw fear and excitement. Most of all, he saw hope. He cleared his throat.

  “To all of you, welcome. To those who don’t know me, I am Major Jordett. Before we begin, the plans we are about to initiate put everyone in this room in danger. If you have any doubts, it would be best if you leave now.”

  He made eye contact with the three members he considered possible weak links, including Lavir. No one moved. He continued. “Anything that is said in this room stays in this room. One unaware slip could bring death to us all. Having said that, I would first like to compliment the team who brought me here. You did a first rate job. Thank you.”

  He motioned Sagus and Anada forward. They pinned a set of scaled drawings to the wall and remained standing on either side of them.

  Jordett studied the plans of the Five Towers for a brief moment prior to returning his attention to the group. “We have chosen not to use technology for obvious reasons, tracking being at the top of the list. This room has been swept clean of listening devices. I will lay out our plan and then accept suggestions and comments. All your thoughts are important. Please look for weaknesses and strengths so we can maximize our chances for a successful mission.”

  A tense silence settled over the room.

  Shuffling through his notes, he began. “The element of surprise is our greatest advantage. Our intelligence gatherers agree that Nissasa Ratorri’s men have no expectation of a counter offensive. Again, anything said here, stays here. We have three main objectives: 1) to take over the Five Towers; 2) to gain control of the city’s transport and communications facilities; and 3) to rid Idronatti of Rattori’s Brigade. Sagus, would you please outline the geography of The Five Towers Compound for our KcernFensian guests.”

  Sagus stepped to the drawings. “As you can see, the compound surrounds five buildings, each of which contains correctional facilities for The Plan offenders, along with offices for various governmental departments.

  “Tower One is the residence of the Five Fathers, their offices, the offices of their staff, and their private quarters. Level One offenders are processed, reprimanded, and released from this tower within a turning.

  “Tower Two houses the PPP Patroller Force. Their offices and labs are within these walls, as well as cells for Level Two offenders. These perpetrators spend one to eight turnings in confinement.

  “Tower Three contains the courts, diplomatic personnel, and legal offices. Cells in this tower house offenders of The Plan for up to one moon cycle.

  “Towers Four and Five are the home of the PPP Military. Plan breakers can spend from two to thirteen moon cycles in Four. Repeat offenders go to Tower Five for up to three sun cycles. Those rare individuals who are sentenced to life are eventually moved to a facility outside the city. PPP and Military personnel are housed beyond the compound walls in a special combined Benisuss and Domlenah District established strictly for their needs. Questions?”

  Lenadi raised a hand. “How many PPP and Military are we looking at?”

  Sagus gave the floor to Lavir who first cast a sidelong glance at Jordett, received a nod of approval, and made his way to the front of the group.

  “Grantese Orittra, the commander of Rattori’s Brigade, has dispatched the majority of the military to the Central Mountains and beyond to conquer and hold the outlying territorie
s. From what I could discover, Orittra brought between twenty and thirty soldiers with him to Idronatti. PPP patrollers have been stationed throughout the city. They are under the command of four RewFaarans who inspect their positions on a regular basis.”

  Jordett interrupted. “How many RewFaarans went with the military?”

  “None. If the Idronattians fail to comply, their families die. Patrollers are under the same threat.”

  “Thank you. Continue.”

  “Eight RewFaarans guard the perimeter of the Tower Compound. The remaining men are divided between the towers and the dissemination and transit centers. Orittra is holed up in Tower One in one of the Five Fathers’ apartments. That is as much as I know.”

  Jordett made a note. “Thank you, Captain.” He turned to his army. “Thoughts?”

  Lavir raised a hand. “What are your plans for the Five Fathers?”

  “What do you suggest, Captain?” Jordett kept his expression neutral.

  Lavir cleared his throat. “If I am correct, those gathered here realize that our city and thus our planet have reached a crossroads. We can put the Fathers back in power and continue as we always have, or we can make the changes required to move in a new direction. Personally, I would like to see the latter. The people of our city deserve to have control of their lives.”

  A youngish patroller, one Jordett considered a possible weak link, came to his feet. “Names Davley. I say we execute them. Then we’re done with ’em.”

  A murmur of dissent rippled around the room.

  Teva rose. “A better way and a better example of your new leadership would be to turn them over to the Galactic Guardians for judgment. If that is your choice, I can facilitate it.”

  Anada oversaw a vote. Only Davley held to the notion of death. Jordett made a mental note to assign him to one of the KcernFensians with instructions to watch him closely.