“But the Mocendi could have stolen those and taken them to her. She has a personal need to bring Elf to heel, but why the others? Why Esán? The Seeds of Carsilem? He has no sacred object to give her. I understand Torgin. His presence gives The MasTer control over his mother. Desirol might give her power over my father and RewFaar’s leadership. Why Ari and Brie? They are Lorsedi’s granddaughters, but I doubt he would put his planet at risk for them.”
“I don’t know the answer, Sparrow. Everything about this is troublesome, but we don’t have enough facts.”
Pacing to the window, she studied the abstract pattern. Why, why, why? Measured steps carried her back to the fountain. “Esán and the twins, especially Brielle, have DiMensioner potential. What has The MasTer to gain by having them in her physical presence?”
Elcaro’s Eye grew still, riveting their attention on the bowl. Muted colors splattered over the surface and coalesced into tangled auburn hair framing a fair-skinned face sprinkled with freckles.
Sparrow saw in the face a resemblance to her father, Lorsedi Telisnoe, a resemblance that reminded her the boy was her half-brother. “It’s Desirol, Alli.”
“Looks like they’re keeping him drugged. I imagine that’s to keep the Mindeco under control.”
Sparrow grabbed his hand. “Look.”
Desirol moaned and curled his fingers around the Remembering Stone. His eyes opened. A blond man looked down at him. Desirol frowned and murmured, “Do I know you?”
The man smiled. “We met once. How do you feel?”
“Drugged.” He didn’t know why, but the handsome face put him on guard.
“We don’t want that creature inside you to take control. Drugging you also drugs it.” The lights dimmed and brightened. His jaw tensed. “I came to see you for a reason. Your friends may try to rescue you. If they do, you are to ring your attendant’s call button. They can’t protect you, but we can. You mustn’t leave here, or the Mindeco will win the battle. Do you understand?”
Desirol discerned an undercurrent of dishonesty in his manner, but nodded. “I understand.”
An alarm sounded three short blasts.
The attendant bustled into the room. “What’s going—”
Thorlu’s expression stopped him. “Double dose of the drug. Don’t leave him unattended.” Pivoting on his heels, he strode toward the door.
The attendant shot a dark look at the disappearing back and then moved to Desirol’s side. “Double dose could kill you.” His fingers flashed over the touch screen. “A dose is enough. I’ll be back to check on you. As soon as it starts to wear off I’ll give you another.” He touched the screen again.
Desirol flinched. The ceiling blurred. He fell down, down, down to where the Mindeco waited, his single eye so dark and so deep that Desirol thought he would drown.
The water in the fountain bubbled and steadied.
Brie stared through the rectangular window at the receding back of Thorlu’s blond head. Everything about the handsome Mocendi made her uneasy. She pressed further in the darkness next to Elf. “Why does the alarm keep going off?”
“Esán and Ira. They’ll be here soon.”
The thought finished. The boys appeared in the cramped space.
Esán’s hand clasped hers. She liked the feel of it.
Ira grinned. “Espionage at its finest. Now what?”
Renn Whalend entered the room. Her hand flew over the screen. The buzz and hum of the equipment ceased. She peered around as though waiting.
Ira started to move. Elf’s hand on his shoulder held him still. The hatred on his face stopped everyone.
Again the door slid open. Vygel Vintrusie crossed to the table and looked first at Desirol and then at Renn.
“I suggest you end your silly game. We’ve been summoned. The jump to TreBlaya is about to occur.”
Renn vanished into Thorlu’s tall handsomeness. Fury burned in his eyes. “If you weren’t such a fool, we would have all the young people in our grasp.”
Vygel shrugged. “They’re not going anywhere. They can’t get off the ship. We’ll find them when we need them.”
“What makes you think they will come out of hiding just because The MasTer has summoned them?”
Another shrug. “He is more powerful than all of us. He’ll find them, and we’ll capture them.”
Thorlu flashed him a scornful look. “And that makes us look ineffective. The MasTer dislikes inefficiency.” He bared his teeth and hissed, “I want those young people in my hands before we reach orbit around TreBlaya.”
The ship’s hum grew louder. Vygel sneered. “Too late, Tangorra. We made the final jump. We’re home.”
A uniformed man entered. “We have attained orbit. The MasTer awaits your report.” He did not wait for a reply.
Vygel glanced at Desirol. “Better hook him back up. Wouldn’t want that Mindeco loosed on the ship.” A malicious grin showed off his abundance of irregular, yellowed teeth. Flipping his cape as he turned, he strode from the room.
Loathing contorted Thorlu’s features. He pressed the call button, gave the attendant who bustled to his aid instructions, and left.
Brie focused on the attendant as he moved a series of icons around the screen. Equipment hummed back into action. Desirol moaned, then settled deeper into his drug-induced sleep. The lights softened; the attendant left.
Around her Brie could feel the tension of uncertainty. Would Thorlu be back? Elf relaxed. A small smile wiped negative emotions clean. In their midst, Aunt Henri materialized, large spectacles perched on her nose. Without a pause, she marched into the infirmary.
“Brie, you memorized how to detach Desirol. Do it now. Elf, stand at his head. Ira, take his feet. Esán and Brie, opposite me.” She took her place, hands resting on Desirol’s arm.
Everyone hurried to their position. Brie reversed what the attendant had done. The mechanical hum stopped. She stepped to the bed and unfastened the straps at his wrists and ankles.
Henri nodded. “Good girl. We teleport to Shyllee. Go.”
They arrived in an instant and lay Desirol on the floor.
Henri handed Brie a small jar. “This is for Des. It won’t knock him out, but it will calm the Mindeco.” She removed her spectacles and tapped her palm. “We’re in orbit around TreBlaya. You must stay hidden until Relevart calls.” Another tap and she was gone.
Her disappearance left unspoken questions in its wake, yet no one seemed inclined to speak. Ira sat by Desirol’s head. Brie could feel his relief. Des was here. Esán slid to the floor next to her and leaned his head on her shoulder. Elf sat on a rock at the edge of the small pool, Shyllee at his feet.
Anticipation kept Brie’s mind jumping. TreBlaya. We’re orbiting a planet on the Outer Rim. Where is Torgin? Is Yaro with him? And Mother and Father? Will I ever see them again? She regarded her companions. At least we’re together—for now .
Drops of water scattered the image and filled Veersuni with the soft sound of Elcaro’s Eye at rest. Allynae led Sparrow to a bench and put his arm around her.
“Hard to imagine that our daughters are at the Outer Rim.”
Sparrow found it hard to express in words all the emotions that seethed inside her: fear of what was to come, hope that Relevart would reach the twins in time, dismay that Brie had been discovered.
A soft knock on the door sent her into Almiralyn’s form. She moved from the shelter and safety of Allynae’s embrace. He shook his head and mouthed, “You’re amazing.”
She pulled her long braid over her shoulder, glanced at the color, and hid her surprise that she shifted with such ease. “Come in.”
Elae walked briskly into Veersuni. “Merrilea translated another manuscript that references El Stroma. We think what she found is important.” Her gaze strayed to the fountain. “Shall I bring her here, or would you prefer to go to the research area?”
Allynae saw his companion hesitate and spoke up. “I’ll stay here and mind the fountain, Mira. You can tell me what�
�s up later.”
“Thank you, Alli. Lead the way, Elae.”
He watched them go with a touch of misgiving that seemed to accompany every instance when Sparrow moved beyond his line of vision, especially when she had assumed Almiralyn’s form. Chastising himself for being a silly fool, he relaxed against the wall and studied the fountain. He remembered its arrival in Myrrh—the turning he, Karrew, and Almiralyn had stepped from the Demrach Gateway into the Terces Wood for the first time. Almiralyn had been as excited as a small girl. She and her protector had taken a flying tour of her new domain. She had returned bubbling with delight. That night she had restored the fountain to its full size in the cottage sanctuary. How she loves that cottage. I know she yearns to return there.
He sat up and cracked his knuckles one by one. There it is again—that tiny, nagging nudge.
Silence in Veersuni roused him from his thoughts. A sense of time in abeyance took him to the fountain. Mirror-still, the water reflected the heavens. A group gathered with Wolloh and Relevart around two embracing figures swaddled in sky and stars. Relevart waved a hand. A man and a woman stepped free.
Well, I’ll be. Teva and Lenadi. Haven’t seen you in sun cycles.
Pleasant memories of their youth on KcernFensia of training together at the Temple of Mahyinaeh made him smile. Teva and Almiralyn had been nearly inseparable. He and Lenadi had been fast friends since childhood. When he was ten sun cycles and his parents left and did not return, Allynae knew he would not have managed without Lenadi’s support. A touch of envy reared its head. He shoved it away. My place is at Sparrow’s side.
Relevart’s voice infiltrated his thoughts.
“The ship has reached TreBlaya. At this point the children are safe, as is Henrietta. Torgin and the compass have brought us to the exact place we need to be. We can be on the planet in an instant. I suggest we take a moment to rest.” He glanced beyond the group, said something to Wolloh, and raised a shimmer ward around his companions.
The fountain shifted its focal point. As always, Allynae found himself fascinated by the intimate perspective Elcaro provided of those who appeared on the water’s surface.
Torgin sat at the edge of the group and pulled his flute from the case. Corvus had returned it to him and given him the message from his mother. He ran his fingers over the silvery smoothness. I sure hope she’s alright .
Afraid to make a sound in the strange atmosphere of Mittkeer, he positioned the flute by his mouth and pantomimed a melody that had been haunting him since his arrival. In his head, he heard it begin with a single low note that reached for the next and then next until, threaded together, they flooded his mind and carried him away on the wings of their beauty. He lowered it and sighed. I might have lost it forever. Thank you, Yaro, for saving it.
A staff nudging his foot made him jump. He scrambled to his feet.
Relevart regarded him. “It has an amazing sound. And you, Torgin, have an extraordinary gift.” He laid a hand on his shoulder. “There will come a time—and you will know when—that you must play it for all those you hold dear. Be vigilant, Torgin. If you miss the moment, it will not come again.”
The Universal VarTerel ran a finger down the flute’s length and turned to speak with Teva and Lenadi.
Somay joined him as he slipped the flute into its case. “You and your talent have taken an ordinary branch from a Tirips Tree and changed it into an instrument of rare beauty and power. I am so glad I made it and gave it to you up there in the Dojanack Mountains. You were so young then.” He smiled. “A mere boy. Now you are a young man.” Pride glowed in his eyes. “I am proud to know you.”
Torgin felt the heat of a blush warm his face. “Thank you, sir. I do love it.”
Elcaro, like a camera’s lens, traveled the assembled group and stopped on Seyes Nomed.
Nomed stared at the vastness of Mittkeer. Although they had walked for what seemed like eternity, he wondered if they had actually crossed any distance in this strange place. Time, no time… He rubbed the diagonal scar on his cheek and glanced at Almiralyn. Life is strange. The woman whom I hated all my life has become a valued friend. Because of her, I have realized revenge is a huge and unrewarding burden . His gaze moved to Somay. I have reclaimed my relationship with my brother and met my nephew. Wodash floated into his line of vision. I have seen a death shadow move beyond hatred and begin the process of reclaiming himself . Thoughts of TheLise teased a smile to his lips. She is a minx, but I love her . The admission left him reeling.
Somay rolled the Tabagie’s eyes through his fingers one way and then the other, his thoughts following the course they so often followed these turnings. Is Esán managing? Has the disease progressed too far? Will I be able to get him back to Tao Spirian in time? He returned the eyes to his pocket. A wistful smile—a sigh of loneliness—a longing for his life mate Tianna. She awaited them on Tao Spirian. Her concern for their son, her desire to meet Esán, to get to know him, to tell him why she had left intermingled with his thoughts from morning until night. Mixed with that, her love for him, her mate, her true love plucked at his heart strings, calling him home. The Seed of Carsilem thrummed and hummed and whispered his destiny. The time draws near; the time draws near; the time…
The statue on the fountain’s rim glistened in the light from the window. Water flowed into her open palms and spilled into the alabaster bowl.
Lost in thought, Allynae sank onto a bench. Elcaro had just shared intimate moments in the lives of people who, over the course of The Unfolding, had become his friends. Their insights inspired him to examine the changes he had experienced. I have embraced my personal power. DiMensionery no longer makes me edgy. I have the confidence to use my training and my gifts. My heart has found its home in the love of a woman. I have met my daughters. I am a lucky man.
The serenity of the sanctuary embraced him. He yawned and considered napping. The door to Veersuni opened, removing the option. Almiralyn, with Wilith looming behind her, beckoned him to join her. The fountain’s drop, drip, drop followed him from the sanctuary.
48
Master’s Reach
DerTah & Beyond
E lf gazed in wonder at his friends. Exhaustion had won the battle, and they slept. He remained vigilant. He wanted nothing to happen to them. Friends were something he had never expected to have again—except Gregos, Tamosh, and Marji, of course. A small smile tugged into being. He allowed it a moment of freedom before returning his attention to what was happening aboard the ship.
He loved everything about El Aperdisa, everything except the Mocendi. El Aperdisa lived. For whatever reason, The MasTer had created a small kingdom aboard her, one rich in all things that would bring a world to life, from the smallest to the largest. The place that fascinated him most, the cryogenics vault, contained the eggs and sperm of every animal and bird that had lived on El Stroma. As much as he hated The MasTer and his irrationality, he loved him for the magnificence of El Aperdisa.
Shyllee raised her head and listened. Beautiful, wise eyes regarded him. You know the balance of power is about to shift, don’t ya girl? Her ears lifted. Her head tipped. She pushed up on her haunches.
Ira sprawled close. Elf shook his shoulder.
He blinked and jerked to sitting. “Trouble?”
“Soon. Wake the others.”
Esán woke at the first shake. Brie snuggled closer, then woke with a start when he touched her forehead. They left Des to his drugged dreams.
Esán pulled Brie to her feet. Stepping backward to give her more room, he tripped over Desirol’s sleeping form, gave a gasp of surprise, and fell backward through the wall.
Elf started forward. Brie’s hand shot through the barrier. Esán’s hand clutched hers. He stepped back into the hidey-hole, his alarmed expression speaking volumes.
Henrietta Avetlire felt Esán’s fall through the wall like someone had dowsed her with a bucket of cold water. She came to her feet and wrapped her fingers around her spectacles. The masquerade is over
. Dropping Renn’s form, she teleported. Her arrival in the secret room coincided with Esán’s reentry.
“He looked right at me.” His voice shook. “He saw me disappear. We have to leave now.”
“Let’s not panic.” Henri kept her voice soft. “We have plans to make. Please listen closely.”
Abarax glared at the two Mocendi whose incredulous expressions made his heart sing. Neither Thorlu nor Vygel could believe it had access to The MasTer and they did not.
“He has instructed me to tell you, Vygel, to bring Renn Whalend to the conference room here at El Soasi with the return of the sun when the third bell chimes. Thorlu, he expects to see the children shortly thereafter. You will bring them. Do you have questions or concerns for The MasTer?”
Neither man spoke.
Abarax touched the screen. It when blank. A caped figure stepped from the shadows.
“You did well, Abarax. I believe their response was all you could have hoped for.”
“It was, my master.”
“Clear the way. I wish to return to my chambers.”
Abarax strode down the long, empty hall, checking for others of its kind. Only Astican lived on the planet’s surface. Only Astican could withstand the heat and decay. Although the atmosphere on TreBlaya was similar to that of other inhabited planets of the Inner Universe, the destruction on its surface had created a layer of ash and acid not breathable by Humans. El Soasi, The MasTer’s residence, built on a mountainside above the contamination, was contained within a domed structure connected to an oxygenation plant. The plant cleaned, recycled, and cooled the air. Abarax and his kind could breathe on both levels.
Assured the staff remained in absentia, it escorted The MasTer to her room, helped her to prepare for bed, and took its place on the throne. El Soasi had become its domain. Heady with the rush of power pouring through it, it stifled the desire to shout in triumph and grinned a vindictive grin. Thorlu and Vygel will suffer at my hands as I have suffered at theirs.
The UnFolding Collection Three Page 54
