The UnFolding Collection Three

by S. K. Randolph

  "Thanks, Corvus." The water began to ripple. "We will know more soon. Take good care of each other."

  The tranquility of Veersuni settled over its occupants as the fountain's drop, drip, drop drifted through the room.

  3

  Epilogue

  TreBlaya

  A ri straddled a stone balustrade, gripped the edges, and swung her legs like a child. This balcony, the only place at Soasi where one could not see the clear dome, had become her getaway. Although she had encountered Abarax and knew Relevart retired to it on occasion, few others came here. The memory of the sadness on the Astican's face ended the agitated swing of her legs. I believe it actually cared for The MasTer, for Rayn… She bit her lip. For Relevart's birth-mate.

  A silhouetted figure blocked the doorway. Elf stepped into the light. "May I join you?"

  An intentionally disinterested shrug preceded her reply. "If you like."

  He traversed the balcony and sat astride the balustrade, facing her.

  His presence so close, too close for comfort, sent her scooting back. She folded her arms across her chest and said in a flat voice, "How may I help you?"

  A flinch raised his shoulders. "Ari, we don't know anything about Penee. I feel her enough to know she's alive, but I don't have the same closeness you have with Brie. I am not Penee's twin. I have strong memories of us as children, and yes, I loved her―but as a sister or playmate."

  His imploring tone and the tenderness in his expression eased the pain in her heart. She traced an infinity symbol on the black stone. "I don't want to lose you. But if it is inevitable, then…" She raised her eyes to look into his. "Let's end it now."

  "We don't know what the future will bring. Can't we face it together and see where it takes us."

  Pressing her palms against the smooth stone railing, she scanned the landscape where Relevart had seen tiny green shoots pushing up through the blackened soil. The image gave her hope. She swung her leg over the balustrade, jumped to the balcony, and held out a hand. "I can try."

  His relieved expression when he landed in front of her and clasped her hand brought tears to her eyes. He wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on her head. Warm breath rustled her hair. The steady beat of his heart vibrated in her chest.

  Brie hurried onto the balcony, stopped short, and shot her a knowing smile. "Relevart sent me to find you. He's ready to proceed."

  Elf held Ari at arm's length. "I need to talk to Relevart. I'll meet you there." He brushed a kiss across her lips and strode through the door.

  The heat of a blush made Ari bluster, "I…we…"

  Brie grinned. "Looks like you made up. I'm glad." She grabbed her hand. "Come on. I want to see what else Relevart discovered in Rayn's papers."

  Ari let herself be led down the hall, preparing as she went to enter a room where all eyes would be on her.

  Relevart looked up as Elf strode into the room. The boy looked by turn elated, then contrite. Setting aside the journal he had been reviewing, he put on a stern face and waited for the apology that he knew was on the way.

  "Relevart, I am so sorry." Elf's contrition mimicked the look of a young pup that knew it had erred. "I didn't mean to speak aloud. My emotions…well, sir, I just couldn't help it."

  Had Elf been younger and the situation less worrisome, Relevart would have ruffled his hair and sent him on his way. "You have placed yourself and us in danger. What do you think should be done?"

  Rayn's son squared his shoulders. "I believe I should explain and apologize, sir. It won't undo the damage, but perhaps it will remind everyone to be vigilant."

  The twins appeared in the doorway.

  Keeping his expression stern, he allowed a twinkle to spark in his eye. "I'm glad you and Ari have reached an agreement." He once again picked up the journal. "Take a seat. I'll call on you in a bit."

  Through half closed eyes, Relevart regarded his companions as they entered and gathered in small groups. The power amassed in this room, on Myrrh, and on DerTah is formidable. How do we make the best use of it, protect ourselves, and accomplish everything that must be done? His eyes came to rest on Nomed. You are in for a surprise or two, my friend. He reread the passage that had caught his attention, returned the journal to the stack, and waved a hand above the oval bowl of water at the table's center. When the image had focused, showing those in Myrrh and DerTah, he gripped his staff and tapped it against the floor. "Please, everyone, your Eleo Predan family history is at your place at the table. Take a moment to study it, and we will begin."

  A murmur of excited interest, the scraping of chairs, and then only the occasional turning of a page sounded in the room. Anxious observers on the water's surface watched with a touch of envy. Relevart smiled. "Those in Myrrh and Shu Chenaro, have patience. I have arranged for you to receive your histories soon."

  As he spoke, Wolloh limped into the study at Shu Chenaro and handed a file to Stebben. "From the Universal VarTerel…" He lifted his staff, stepped into the astral beauty of night, and reappeared in Veersuni with a second file under his arm. But for an occasional gasp and the crinkle of paper, tense quiet reigned.

  Nomed shook his head, gave a soft laugh, and peered into the bowl. In Veersuni, Torgin walked to the fountain. The boy and the man gazed in surprise at each other.

  Torgin broke the silence. "We are cousins. Your father is my mother's uncle."

  Nomed grinned. "It appears that we are indeed related."

  Esán joined Torgin. "I think that means we're cousins as well. How unexpected, and how wonderful."

  Relevart stood and motioned Nomed and the boys to sit. The room grew quiet. "You will have the opportunity to explore your histories further at a later time. Right now, we must proceed with our agenda. Please give Elf your attention."

  The boy squeezed Ari's hand and came to his feet. "I owe you an apology and an explanation. For our safety, yours and mine, Relevart asked me to continue to use telepathy to communicate. His hope was that our enemies would be less focused on finding me if they thought I remained mute and unaware of my past." He paused to looked at Ari. "In a moment of high emotion, I gave myself away. I am asking you to keep my secret. Please forget that my voice has been restored. "From this moment onward, I will use telepathy until Relevart tells me it is safe to do otherwise."

  "Thank you, Elf. Needless to say, I trust all of you to protect Elf's secret. If it leaks out, the Pheet Adole will descend on us before we are prepared. We have a finite amount of time to make some important things happen." Picking up a document, he perused the contents. "I have a list of those who wish to accompany Henrietta and me to El Stroma on our initial voyage. Let me know if I have missed anyone…Almiralyn, Corvus, Mairin, Lanli, Teva, Lenadi and his life mate, Akeri, Arienh, and Troms el Shiv. I have asked Brielle to make the trip to El Stroma at a later date. It is vital that she spend time at the temple on KcernFensia and also continue training with Wolloh. Somay will take Esán back to Tao Spirian. When he has made a full recovery, Esán will go into seclusion until the Time of Quickening is complete. For those of you who may not know, Esán is the bearer of dual Seeds of Carsilem. In order for them to achieve maturity and for his talents in DiMensionery to reach their full potential, he must spend time away from humanity." He consulted his list. "Ah, yes. Nomed will return to DerTah." Focusing on the bowl, he said, "TheLise, by now you will have discovered your mother was Eleo Predan. Do you have a desire to travel to El Stroma?"

  "I am responsible for Trinuge, Wolloh. I must remain on DerTah."

  "Thank you, my dear." Relevart placed the list on the stack of papers in front of him. "Next: who wishes to return to Myrrh before heading to your next destination?"

  Henrietta picked up a stylus and prepared to make a list as Relevart recited the names of those who had raised their hands.

  "Ari, Elf, Nomed, Brie, Mairin, Lanli, and Lenadi." He nodded her direction. "Add yourself, Henri. Good. We will leave after morning meal. Almiralyn and Corvus, please stay. The rest of y
ou take some time to ponder what you have learned. I will be available for questions following supper."

  Chairs and feet shuffled; the room emptied.

  Brie slipped away. The news that Esán would be returning to Tao Spirian and then into seclusion had left her reeling. Will I ever see you again? Will you be in Myrrh when we get there? Oh, Esán…

  She discovered a small, dark room down the hall from The MasTer's chamber, and stepped inside.

  A soft voice stopped her. "Can I help you?"

  "I am so sorry. I didn't mean to intrude." Brie prepared to withdraw.

  "Please don't go."

  She tiptoed forward until she could make out the shape of a single bed.

  "It's alright, my dear. I won't hurt you." The breathy voice paused. A quiet inhale gave its owner the strength to continue. "Open the curtains. You will see that I am quite harmless."

  Brie pulled the heavy drapes aside, blinked in the sudden brightness, and turned to find a frail, old woman tucked in the bed, peering at her from fading honey-brown eyes. "Who are you?"

  The elderly dark-skinned face crinkled into a toothless smile. "I might ask you the same question, my dear. Please come closer so I can see you better."

  Brie moved to the bedside. "I'm Brielle AsTar from the planet of Thera."

  "Ahhhhh." Squinting, the woman looked Brie up and down. "You are here with the VarTerels?"

  "I am. And you?"

  She licked dry lips and smacked her gums together. "I am Rasiana from…" A furrowed brow redefined the deep lines in her skin. "El Stroma. I am from El Stroma." Satisfaction brightened her eyes. "Abarax tells me The MasTer is dead?"

  Brie nodded.

  Arthritic fingers plucked at the bedding. "It is good." She shook her small fist. "He was a bad man." Tears made her eyes bright. "But I miss Rayn. She came to see me every turning." Her face hardened. "She cared. He-e-e …" Venom filled the word. "He wanted me dead. He tried to kill me." White-knuckled hands gripped the comforter. A frightened gaze darted from side to side. Tears traveled deep wrinkles to soak her pillows. The hands relaxed. Her expression morphed from hatred to love. "Rayn saved me. Took care of me." A conniving look wiped the love away. She beckoned Brie closer and patted the bed beside her. "If you promise to tell only her birth-mate, I will tell you a secret."

  Brie touched the Star of Truth. A warm tingle and nothing. No pain. No warning sting. She sat on the bed. "Are you sure you want to share it?"

  Rasiana wrung her hands, then grabbed the comforter and clutched it to her chest. "I've never told anyone." She worked her lips and gums in a rolling motion. "What did you say your name was?"

  Brie started to speak. A raised finger stopped her.

  "Brielle," she whispered. "I've been waiting, Brielle. She told me you were coming. She told me to tell you." Gums smacked. Eyes rounded. A hand as dry and brown as an autumn leaf gripped Brie's. "I carried babies." She patted her concave belly. "Carried babies for Rayn. First there were two. She named one Elf and one Penee." Her expression grew sad. "Then another." She shook her head. "Dead before it was birthed." She brightened. "The last one―so special―so perfect…" The hand tightened on Brie's. "He found out. He sent it away."

  Brie leaned closer. "What was the baby's name?"

  "Rethson." She coughed and sagged onto her pillow. "The MasTer…" She spit the words into the air. "He made bad man take baby away. Bad man named―" Her head dropped forward. The hand on Brie's arm relaxed, then gripped harder. Unexpected strength made Brie gasp. The head came up. Frightened eyes flew open. "Not yet, Rasiana. Tell all." She pulled Brie closer. "Baby―her son and Rethdun." Her hand groped beneath the comforter. Distress puckered her winkled mouth. "Where are you? I put you right here. I… Yes-s-s-s." She withdrew a small, black lacquer box and clutched it to her heart. "For him…" Pale lids drooped, fluttered open. "For Rethdun." Collapsing onto the pillow, she drew in a shallow breath. Blank, staring eyes lost their luster. A whispered exhale left the fragile body deflated and lifeless.

  "Rasiana?" Brie clasped the delicate wrist, found no pulse, and gently rested it on the bed. I have never seen death claim a soul. It was so quick. She stared at the inert body. The emptiness stunned her. Tears ran down her cheeks as she removed the box from flaccid fingers. I have to find Ari. At the door she turned and whispered, "May your journey be filled with grace." Taking a moment to compose herself, she stepped into the corridor.

  Almiralyn and Corvus joined Relevart at the end of the table and waited for him to begin. He sat deep in thought, then straightened the papers in front of him and placed the journal on top. When he finally looked up, Almiralyn's heart jumped.

  Corvus rested his arms on the table, attention unwavering. "What do you need, VarTerel? You know Almiralyn and I will do our best to help."

  Relevart adjusted the angle of the journal and glanced at the door. "Please, Corvus, bring another chair. We are, I believe, about to have company."

  Corvus placed the chair next to the VarTerel and returned to his seat.

  "Thank you. I―" A soft knock interrupted. "Come in, Brielle."

  Almiralyn watched her niece enter. Overly bright eyes moved from her to Corvus and then came to rest on Relevart. She brushed a tear from her cheek, stared at the wetness on her palm, and crossed to the table.

  "Rasiana is dead. I have never seen a person…I…" A tear rolled down the side of her nose and dispersed over her lips. "I went to find Ari, but…I thought you…" Another tear and a hiccuped inhale.

  Relevart patted the seat next to his. "You have sustained a shock, Brielle. Take a moment to collect your thoughts."

  Like a sleepwalker, she sank onto the chair, clutching a small, black box in her hand.

  "Take your time, Brie." The VarTerel's gentleness eased her agitation. "Almiralyn, please pour her a glass of water. Corvus, would you summon Abarax. Ask him to check on Rasiana. You will find him on the balcony overlooking the fire pits."

  Corvus hurried from the room. Relevart pushed his chair back. "Why don't I step outside and let you have few minutes?" He motioned Almiralyn to take his seat and left her to support her niece.

  Brie heaved a sigh heavy with sadness. "I'm alright, Aunt Mira, just stunned by how swiftly life exits the body. I've never seen anyone die." A tear slid down her cheek. "Buster died, but I wasn't there." She rotated her water glass one way and then the other. "I haven't thought much about death or where we go when we die or…" She picked it up, drank deeply, and placed it on the table.

  Almiralyn listened to her niece and remembered her first experience, the sense of loss, the time of grieving. "Death does make us look at life from a different perspective. The most important thing, Brielle, is to live well now. Why don't you and I talk more later? I believe you have something to share with the VarTerel."

  "I do."

  On cue, Relevart entered and lowered his rangy body onto his chair. "Are you ready to continue, Brie?"

  "I am. Thanks for understanding." She studied the small box that she continued to hold. "You know Rasiana?"

  Relevart stroked his chin. "Abarax mentioned her to me."

  Almiralyn nodded. "I checked on her this morning."

  Brie continued to stare at the box. "Rasiana told me a secret, one I am to share only with you, Relevart."

  "It's alright, my dear. You can tell us both."

  Brie blew out a breath and described her visit with the elderly woman. When she came to the part where Rasiana had told her about the babies, she hesitated, then said quietly, "Relevart, you and Rayn have a son."

  The VarTerel's hand flew to his heart. He closed his eyes. A hushed silence wrapped him like a robe. Then, as though a stone had been thrown into a tranquil pool, emotions rolled outward, calmed, and grew still. He opened eyes misty with tears. "Rayn left a hint in her last journal, but I thought she was delusional." He rubbed the center of his forehead. "Tell me what else she shared, Brielle."

  She explained that the first attempt had failed. "The baby was stillbor
n, Relevart. The second attempt succeeded. Rayn held your beautiful son in her arms; she named him Rethson. When The MasTer discovered the boy and realized that Rayn intended to abandon her male persona, he sent the baby away."

  Relevart's piercing, dark eyes grew steely. "Who took the child away?"

  "I don't know. Rasiana died before she could tell me." She set the small black box in front of him. "She asked me to give you this."

  Relevart studied it thoughtfully, removed the lid, and withdrew one dark sable curl. His hand trembled. "So, it is true. And you say she called him Rethson?"

  "Yes."

  He returned the curl to the box, replaced the lid, and held the box to his heart. "Another mystery to solve; another complication to untangle." Tucking it in a pocket, he turned his astute gaze Brie's direction. "You look puzzled, my dear. How may I help?"

  Brie bit her bottom lip. "When Rasiana spoke of Rayn and The MasTer, she made it sound as though they were two separate people, but they weren't, right? I mean Ira was Ari's shifted form, but he was still Ari." Her brow wrinkled as she looked from Relevart to her aunt.

  Relevart sat back. "Almiralyn, I believe you might explain Ari and Ira better than me."

  Almiralyn rested her forearms on the table. "You know that when we shape shift, Brie, as you do to the Water ConDria or I do to Mira, it is vital that we not stay in our shifted forms too long. If we do, we can lose touch with the very essence of who we are."

  Brie's brow smoothed. "You mean like when Corvus was trapped in his Karrew form?"

  "Exactly. Had you not reached him in time, we would have lost him to the wildness of the raven." Almiralyn shuddered, took a moment, and then continued. "Before I sent you, Torgin, and Ira to rescue Esán, I gave Ari a trigger…the pain in her finger…to warn her subconscious when she needed to change."

  "So Rayn didn't have a trigger?"