The UnFolding Collection Three

by S. K. Randolph

  “Tamosh grab hold of Gregos with one hand and Yaro’s leg with the other,” Corvus yelled.

  Yaro hovered lower and lower until fingers gripped his leg. The world blurred. When it refocused, the brothers lay on a beach next to a panting Corvus.

  Yaro appeared and smiled down at him. “You did well, my friend.” He indicated Tamosh and Gregos. “We are many to teleport all at once.”

  “They helped, or we wouldn’t have made it in one jump.” Corvus crawled to the side of the brothers, made a quick examination, and climbed to his feet. “Helping me to teleport all of us took its toll. Both are unconscious. Fortunately, I can manage a short distance on my own, especially with you smaller, Yaro. We don’t want to frighten Renn and her friends.” Corvus repositioned the flute across his back and squatted between the brothers.

  Yaro shifted to a small moth. The beach vanished. From his perch on the end of Torgin’s flute, he observed the reactions of the Humans as his comrades materialized next to them in a boat inside a cave.

  Corvus straightened as Cayled surged to his feet, shotgun in hand. Bibeed gasped. Only Renn remained still, her eyes searching Corvus’ face.

  “Where is Torgin?”

  “It’s a long story.” He acknowledged Bibeed and Cayled with a nod.

  Renn’s expression did not change. “I expect to hear it. First, who are your friends?”

  Tamosh had regained consciousness and pushed himself to sitting. He brushed wet hair from his face. “I’m Tamosh, and this is my brother, Gregos.” He gave him a shake.

  Gregos gasped in pain and struggled upright. Corvus and Tamosh helped him to a stool. When he had caught his breath, Corvus examined his arm.

  “Nothing is broken. I believe keeping it immobilized for a couple of turnings will make all the difference.”

  Gregos managed a relieved smile. “Thank you, Corvus.”

  Bibeed clucked worriedly under her breath and gathered the materials needed for a sling and to cleanse Tamosh’s cheek.

  Once the men were wrapped in blankets and their clothes were rinsed and laid out by the fire to dry, Tamosh gave a brief explanation of their role in Torgin’s story. When he finished, he nodded at Corvus. “I believe Corvus has someone else for you to meet.”

  Corvus placed the flute case on the table. “What do you know of the Pentharian?”

  Bibeed frowned. “I’ve heard that they fight for the Guardian of Myrrh.”

  Renn looked puzzled.

  Cayled laid a hand on the stock of his shotgun, leeriness lurking in eyes that darted around the cave. “They be warriors, mercenaries. Not to be trusted by honest men.”

  “They are,” Corvus countered in a neutral tone, “warriors who are renowned throughout the solar system for their skill and their integrity. I need your word, Cayled, that you will not shoot my comrade.”

  Cayled removed his hand from the stalk. “You have my word.”

  The small moth fluttered to the ground. Yaro materialized in its place, his long braids cascading down his back, his golden scales glinting in the light of the fire, his lizard tail twitching back and forth.

  Bibeed’s hand flew to her mouth. Cayled controlled the reflex to reach for the shotgun. Renn’s eyes widened.

  Yaro gazed down at her. “I am Yaro, the heart brother of Torgin. I am honored to meet you, Renn Whalend.” He touched his hand to his heart and bowed his head.

  She walked around the end of the table and look up at his formidable height. “Torgin’s heart brother?”

  He explained. “In my culture, a heart brother is honored like family. Torgin is my brother. He has asked me to take care of you in his stead.”

  Bibeed let out a breath. “Well, I never.” She pushed a sturdy box toward him. “Welcome, Yaro. Do sit down so I can look ya in the eye without a crick in my neck.”

  Yaro placed the box next to Renn’s stool. Corvus joined them. Cayled kept his shotgun close, but began to lose the wariness. Bibeed set steaming bowls of fish soup in front of everyone and took her place at the table. “I believe we are ready to hear your story.”

  Yaro, Gregos, and Tamosh took turns. Renn listened with an expression of wonder as she learned about her son’s bravery, his gifts, and how much he had grown since she had last seen him. At the tale’s conclusion, she looked from one to the other. “How can I thank you for taking care of Torgin?”

  Corvus held her gaze. “By returning to Idronatti and helping your people reclaim their lives.”

  “But what of my son? I can’t leave DerTah without him.” Fear bloomed in her eyes for the first time.

  Yaro knelt beside her placed the flute case in her hands. “Torgin asked me to give you his flute and to tell you he loves you. He knew, Renn, that he must go where we cannot follow. The best thing you and I can do is to put our trust in Wolloh and Relevart to keep him safe. Corvus’ words are true. I must take you to Almiralyn and to the father of Torgin. Idronatti and Thera need your skills.”

  Renn stared at the sheepskin case. “I wish I knew more of Wolloh and Relevart.” She looked from Yaro to Corvus. “You trust these men to take care of my son?”

  Corvus answered, “They are more honorable and better equipped than anyone else in the Inner Universe to protect Torgin.”

  The image melted into the calm stillness of water.

  In Veersuni a deep voice reverberated through the room. “I am flattered, Corvus.”

  Sparrow yelped in surprise and jerked around. Almiralyn shot a knowing glance over her shoulder and turned.

  Relevart smiled a complacent smile. “It is a pleasure to see you, too.”

  Almiralyn considered the tall, rangy man. “You have changed, Relevart.”

  “That I have, my dear. I am now the Universal VarTerel. As such, I am asking for your service, Almiralyn Nadrugia.” His dark eyes rested on Sparrow. “And yours, SparrowLyn AsTar. Come.” Leading them into the Reading Room, he closed the door and tapped it with the tip of Froetise. “In case,” he murmured, “just in case.” He continued toward the far end of the room.

  Sparrow’s mind raced as she hurried to keep up with his lengthy stride. How can I possibly help?

  When he reached the fireplace, he faced the women. “Mira, you will come with me. SparrowLyn, you will take on the role of Guardian of Myrrh.”

  Panic opened Sparrow’s mouth and shut it without a sound.

  Relevart’s eye brows shot up. “You are more prepared that you realize, my dear.” He touched Froetise to the center of her forehead.

  A tingling current raced over her scalp. One synapse at a time, it transited her brain until every cell vibrated. Her sight blurred and then grew more acute than she could ever remember. Her ears picked up every sound. Scents—different bodies, the fire, the mustiness of old books—almost overwhelmed her. She gasped for breath like one who had barely escaped drowning. “Wh-what did you do?”

  “I woke you up. Now, let’s see you shape shift.”

  The shifts were instantaneous. Almiralyn, Mira, the white bird flashed like the blips on a compu-screen. Again, she gulped in air.

  “Now, Sparrow. Make the changes on your own.” The Universal VarTerel’s command brooked no discussion.

  One at a time, she did as she instructed, then grinned. “I did it.”

  Almiralyn hugged her. “You did and beautifully, I might add.”

  Relevart drew them down beside him on a couch. “No one here must know, Sparrow, that you are not Almiralyn. No one. Not even Merrilea or Yookotay. Elae may guess, but will keep your secret. Check the fountain on a regular basis, but do not ask it questions that will give you away. If I can, I will send someone to aid you.” He pulled Almiralyn to her feet. “I suggest you give Sparrow the key to the research cabinets.”

  Almiralyn placed a small crystal key on her palm. “Keep it safe for me, SparrowLyn.”

  Relevart tapped his staff and, with Myrrh’s Guardian, vanished.

  Sparrow, alone in a way she had never known, experienced a sudden sense
of paralysis. I am the Guardian of Myrrh . Lifting her chin, she said it again out loud. “I am the Guardian of Myrrh.” The power behind the title transmuted her inability to act. Giddy with relief, she slipped the key in her pocket, shaped Almiralyn, and descended the steps into the research area.

  38

  Master’s Reach

  DerTah & TreBlaya

  T orgin examined the celestial chart floating above the compass face. He, Wolloh, and Wodash had two stops to make prior to meeting Relevart at Mittkeer’s center. Torgin glanced at his companions, then at the stars and night-blue sky extending endlessly in all directions. It feels like we’re inside a globe of stars. How will we ever find the center?

  Wolloh touched his arm. “Stop dreaming, boy. Put the compass away.”

  Torgin shoved the compass beneath his tunic, and felt the cold fingers of Wodash’s hand grip his shoulder. He could not suppress a shiver but realized with a jolt of surprise that the death shadow no longer engendered fear, just pity.

  Wolloh held Vinredi aloft. “Shu Chenaro.”

  The sky blurred into taccus trees and red desert. Wolloh’s home glowed in the gold and salmon light of early dawn. A door flew open. Stebben strode toward them, his expression elated. Wolloh’s pronounced limp carried him forward. They embraced. Wolloh teleported them to his sitting room, where he leaned his staff against the wall and settled in his favorite chair.

  “I have missed this chair, this room, and you, Stebben. Please sit. Torgin, pull up the footstool and join us. Wodash, stay close.”

  Updates were exchanged. Stebben and Gerolyn were in touch daily. The borders of Shu Chenaro and the desert portal were under Lorsedi’s control. Nissasa’s men had been returned to RewFaar to appear before a The Military Tribunal. The Sebborr had not been seen since their timely departure, soon after Nissasa’s defection. Lorsedi felt sure, that with Wolloh presumed dead, they would reappear. Gerolyn had shape shifted and flown to their camp. Dahe Terah had hopes of taking Shu Chenaro for his own.

  When Wolloh had finished, he stared into the distance. A sigh escaped his deformed mouth. “As much as I want you with me, Stebben, I cannot leave Shu Chenaro or DerTah without a High DiMensioner’s presence.”

  Surprise gleamed in Stebben’s dark eyes. “You mean—”

  “I mean that before we depart, you will be initiated to the ranking of High DiMensioner. You will then, with every ounce of stealth you can manage, seek out NeTols Terah, WoNa’s younger brother, and bring him here. He is as gifted as WoNa. You will need his help. Tell him it is my will and the will of the Universal VarTerel. TheLise will also remain on planet. Do not hesitate to call on her or on WoNa if necessary. Beware the Dreelum Gidtuss and Thaer. They are both hungry for power and willing to sacrifice much to obtain it.”

  He motioned Stebben to his feet, grasped his staff, and rose. “Torgin and Wodash, stand and bear witness.”

  Torgin took his place, his heart pounding with happiness for the man next to him.

  Wolloh’s face glowed with pride as he began. “Are you, Stebben Stol, willing and able to accept the responsibilities of the rank of High DiMensioner?”

  “I am.”

  Touching the tip of his staff to Stebben’s forehead, Wolloh raised him to the second highest ranking in the Order of Esprow. “You have been due for this honor for some time. Congratulations. Relevart has reprogramed the crystal in my cane for you. Use it with discretion. We would stay to celebrate, but The Unfolding speeds on. Take care, my friend.”

  Torgin felt Wolloh’s light touch and found himself in a small room, where several people gathered around a tall, shimmering crystal.

  Nomed sensed tension building. Allynae cracked his knuckles with a frequency that shouted his agitation. TheLise’s humor had become more edgy. Somay withdrew to the quiet of his inner being. Nomed arched his brow. If we don’t decide on a plan soon, one of us is bound to come unglued . He rubbed his scar. I’m tired of inaction. I want to go where I can be sure my nephew is unharmed. I want to be at the center of things, not—

  Wolloh’s appearance with Torgin and Wodash, of all things, cut his silent rantings short and intensified the atmosphere in the room. Allynae gaped. Somay emerged from his contemplative state with a long sigh. TheLise, the first to recover, planted a kiss on Wolloh’s smooth cheek.

  “I understand felicitations are in order. How does it feel to be a VarTerel?”

  Wolloh angled his good eye to her. “I’ll let you know once I find out.” His chin lifted, bringing his full face into view. “I have limited time, so I will come right to the point. Relevart sent me. He is now the Universal VarTerel. I am making the following requests on his behalf. Nomed and Somay, you will accompany me. TheLise, you will remain on DerTah to oversee the planet’s welfare. Stebben is prepared to work with you. Also WoNa’s younger brother may prove to be of assistance.”

  TheLise’s enthusiastic smile melted into a momentary pout. Shaking herself, she said, “You know I want to go wherever you are going. I do, however, understand the need to protect DerTah; I am the best prepared to do so.”

  Wolloh’s proud smile washed her with warmth. “Thank you, my dear. I knew we could count on you. Allynae, you are needed in the Dojanack Caverns.” His good eye traveled the group. “What I am about to share must stay in this room. Almiralyn is no longer in Myrrh. Sparrow has taken her place and assumed her persona. Needless to say, she is feeling alone. Abandoned to her fate, if you would. She is well-equipped to handle most things, but your presence, Allynae, will give her confidence and provide her with the guidance she requires to succeed. You will leave as soon as we finish our business here.”

  A knuckle cracked. “I have only one question, Wolloh. What about our daughters?”

  Nomed laid a hand on his shoulder. “I promise to bring them back to you, Alli. All of us will do our best to protect them.” Hazel eyes found the death shadow. “Even Wodash, correct?”

  The death shadow’s face grew pensive and sad. “In another life, I had a daughter. I will protect yours, brother of Almiralyn, far better than I protected my own.”

  Allynae looked somewhat taken aback. “Thank you, Wodash od DerTah.” He put an arm around Torgin’s shoulders. “Take care of this young man, as well.”

  Wodash responded with a slight bow of his head.

  Once again, Wolloh’s attention shifted away from the room and back. “Somay, Nomed, Relevart calls. We must go. Please hold onto my staff. Torgin, to my right; Wodash, to my left.”

  Nomed fought a moment of befuddlement as the room blurred into starlight. Mittkeer opened up before him. Memories flooded his thoughts, memories of his first visit. Wanted by the PPP, he had used the portal in the Central Mountains and ended up in Fera Finnero. The Mocendi League had discovered his talent and would have made him their own had Relevart not been waiting. A shortcut through Mittkeer had brought them to Shu Chenaro, where he had met Wolloh Espyro and TheLise for the first time.

  He glanced up to find Wolloh observing him. The new VarTerel lifted his staff. The small crystal cocooned at the tip began to glow. With a nod, he turned and limped through star-studded space.

  Nomed trained his eyes on the crystal and followed. Mittkeer. Memories. Events for the moment stand still, but only until we emerge wherever The Unfolding takes us.

  Henri rubbed the wrist where the black bracelet had been. Thank goodness that horrid thing has been removed. Clasping her hands in her lap, she took stock of her new surroundings. Well-hidden ceiling lights illuminated the pale tan walls of a small cubicle. She sat on the only furniture, a cot. The opposite corner housed a tiny Personal Needs Space. A constant mechanical hum made her skin crawl. Surveillance cams followed her every movement. Although she assumed there was a door, she could see none.

  Aware of the constant probing of her mind, she infused her thoughts with Renn’s memories, those that would give her captors enough but not too much information. The strain of maintaining compartmentalized recall made her head ache and rob
bed her of the alertness she required to be Renn Whalend. Fatigue urged her to rest. She refrained. Sleeping increased her vulnerability. Until enough time had passed to ascertain Renn’s safe arrival in Myrrh, she must remain vigilant.

  A small moth the color of the brown blanket on the cot landed beside her. The mattress compressed. An invisible hand touched hers. Whispered words brushed her cheek. “Sleep. I’ll watch your mind.” The mattress resumed its normal firm flatness.

  Hesitant to give in, but more tired than she cared to admit, Henri stretched out on the cot.

  Brie sat on the floor with a hand resting on her aunt’s shoulder. She had thought about reshaping the moth. The need to be Human for a time outweighed it. Retaining a hold on her humanness meant she must have time in her own body. She wiggled her foot and smiled. Gregos had been right. She did know how to make things invisible, including herself.

  A probe penetrating her aunt’s mind focused her on the job at hand. With a deftness that surprised her, Brie kept Henri Avetlire separate and hidden. Only Renn’s memories floated in the almost limitless expanse of her aunt’s mind. Feeling like a voyeur, Brie observed the emotional story of Renn’s life—dislike of having her memories erased at her Time of Induction, delight in her assigned profession, love of Wilith, sadness when she learned they would be allowed only one child, joy when Torgin was born, fear when she awoke in the cottage on ZaltRaca—all these combined to create a picture of Torgin’s mother.

  Brie’s vigil made her realize that she, too, must hide memories of her aunt deep in her mind. One slip… She shivered. From now on I will only see you as Coala Renn Whalend.

  A panel in the opposite wall slid open. Brie squeezed Renn’s shoulder and shifted.

  Renn stretched and opened her eyes. Vygel Vintrusie stared down at her.

  “It is good that you rest.” His grim smile chilled her. “It is time to go to work, Renn Whalend.”