Desare decided not to do that again. For some reason using her friends name caused that confounded bell to start ringing. Well, she didn't want all this stonework down on her head, so it would be only wise not to repeat the experiment again. She stepped into the gloom of the great hall that opened out from the door. The silvery tinkle of wind chimes could be heard coming from a brightly lit doorway she could see across the chamber. Well, dream of not, Desare wanted to see what was there. She quickly crossed the rather forbidding chamber and went through the door. She found herself in the most beautiful garden she had ever seen. Sitting on a pale blue stone bench was a young woman, at first glance seemingly quite unclothed. Desare blinked in surprise. No, she was wearing some very fine material that was just opaque enough to hid all but the outline of the girl's body. She would never be allowed to wear that in Xu Gui. The young woman was looking at Desare with an amused smile. Desare looked down and went as red as a spring rose. She had dreamed herself into similar clothes. Quickly she dreamed herself back into her festival best.
"Who are you?" Asked Desare in a small voice. The girl had strange almond shaped eyes, almost no nose bridge and was very dark eyed. Her hair was the blackest of blacks, and her skin was a soft golden colour. The woman was of very slight build, indeed there didn't seem to be much to her at all. She seemed to flow to her feet and came toward Desare. There were obviously no men in this tower. Just as well Antonin ... too late ... was not here. Desare had only thought of his name, but the bell boomed again, though not so loud this time.
"Please," said the young woman. "Will you stop doing that. You have frightened away all my pets." She didn't sound angry, just slightly exasperated, as though talking to a child who insisted on being naughty.
Desare regained her composure. It was difficult to feel any fear of a young woman, little more that a girl really, who went about half naked.
"I am Desare, from Xu Gui. This is my dream, and I would ask who you are, and what you are doing in my dream?" Desare realized that it sounded a bit silly, but she was still not sure what sort of a dream this was.
"I am Ellenaria, the Keeper of the Blue Tower, and you are Desare of Xu Gui. You must be very near to the Great Seal of the Creator." She looked questioningly at Desare.
"Um, I think the Trader put it by my bed, on the night stand, to protect me as I sleep." Desare was a little apprehensive now. This was no ordinary person. She had read the stories. They all spoke of the Keeper of the Blue Tower. None describer the Keeper though. Was this really her?
"Of course it's me girl. Why else would I wait here alone through a million years or more. Well, your years at least, short as they are."
Desare thought the young woman must have spoken aloud. She hoped she had.
"Well Desare, come sit with me and we will talk of Antonin who you think so much of." Desare waited for the tolling of the bell, but it never came.
"I have silenced the bell Desare, so that we may speak in peace. Truly, you were giving me a headache. You shouldn't have called his name aloud. I warrant every Wind Reader in the world will have an aching head for a week." She chuckled. Desare couldn't help smiling. Ellenaria had sounded quite mischievous with that small chuckle. Desare decided that she could like this young woman.
Ellenaria added. "You may use his name now without fear, while you are here with me."
As they sat on the stone bench by the pool, Ellenaria took Desare's hands in hers.
"Desare, you are in a real dream. A dream that you can come and go from as you wish. You can only enter when you sleep in the real world. Do not confuse it with your ordinary dreams. This one is different. You are really here. Your body of flesh is in your bed in your room. But you are here. As you wished it. You don't know yet who you really are. Soon though. Would you like to see Antonin? Look here." Ellenaria casually waved her right hand in the form of an arch, and Desare nearly cried out in surprise when she found herself looking at Antonin, almost face to face across an inn table. He was rubbing his arms as though cold. There were two warrior maidens by his side, obviously very agitated, although she could not hear want they said. Suddenly Antonin was looking directly at her, surprise quickly followed by a frown crossing his face. He opened his mouth to speak and the whole scene winked out.
"You were looking through the eyes of a Wind Reader called Sarweio who is right now recovering from a splitting headache." Ellenaria giggled again."For a moment, Antonin saw you sitting there, and not her." She giggled again.
"I should not have done that I suppose, but it has been a long time since I was able to have a little fun, and it hurts no one. Your friend needs to realize that he carries the world on his shoulders. He needs to know that you alone can help him. If he cannot find you. If you cannot reach him." Ellenaria hesitated for long minutes. "If you cannot bring him into this dream, then all is lost, and the Dark One wins."
Desare took it all in. She had grown used to solving problems, and she studied Ellenaria's words carefully. This girl might enjoy a humorous moment, but she was very serious now. By her own words she had waited an age beyond ages for this moment.
Suddenly Desare's eyes went as big as saucers. Her cheeks were crimson in an instant. She would have fled from the dream if Ellenaria had not held her hands a grip that gave no sigh of relaxing. If Antonin was to accompany her into this dream, he would have to be asleep right beside her. In fact, holding her, entwined in each other's arms. Only together could they enter the dream world. He had to come with her. She knew this beyond doubt. Only the Keeper of the Blue Tower could teach him what he needed to know.
"Oh girl," said Ellenaria with a smile. "I didn't mean that. I know what you think. No. You can visit him in his dream, and bring him into your dream, and so lead him here." The look on Ellenaria's face was slightly scandalised. Desare blinked furiously and tried to sputter protestations. Ellenaria held up her hand, silencing Desare's sputtering.
"Come, let us see what is happening. The tolling of the bell has, I'm afraid, alerted every Wind Reader in the world. When they recover that is. Normally, when a Wind Reader is seeking the attention of all others of their calling, they are able to cause the bell to be struck. Even the strongest of them though can only cause it to give one soft chime as though struck with a muffled hammer. This is enough to alert all. None know where the bell is, only that by a certain thought, they can cause it to ring. One thing they will all know now is that someone of great strength has emerged. That someone is you Desare. You are more than an innkeepers daughter. You are more than a Wind Reader. There is only one like you in all the world, and the Dark One would give much to see you dead."
Desare stood frozen at the words. her mouth formed in a silent 'oh', eyes as big as saucers.
"What do you mean?" She whispered. Her dress was flickering through a multitude of styles like a Music Mans lantern show, but she hardly noticed.
"Come with me please," said Ellenaria. "I will show you something." Ellenaria started toward the doorway to the central room.
"Do not worry. You will not be visible to those gathered, any more than I will be. The Wind Readers now gather in the Great Hall, the only part of the tower that they may enter, or even see. Each believes it to be a place of their own creation. To them, there is not 'outside'. Only the Great Hall, drifting in a void." The two girls stepped into the hall. It was brightly lit now, strange lamps blazing from the high arches in huge chandeliers. There were many women already in the hall. Their dress told of the many lands that they came from. More arrived each minute, simply appearing in the midst of the throng.
Desare could hear and see them, but they remained unaware of her. Some would suddenly look directly at her, but be looking right through her, as if having just glimpsed movement in the corner of their eye. It appeared to be as disconcerting for the Wind Readers as it was for Desare. She found herself holding Ellenaria's hand, but didn't let go in any case. The women were all talking about the tolling of the bell. Who had struck it with such force? Some still rub
bed at their temples. Some appeared with tears still in their eyes, dabbing at them with lace handkerchiefs. There were even a few being helped to seats along the wall by others. It was clear that most were hurting still, and Desare felt a little guilty, but truly, she had not know what was happening.
"Ellenaria, why does my mention of Antonin's name cause the bell to toll so?"
Desare almost didn't want to hear the answer.
"The blood of the ancients is very strong in your small village. It is to that village that the last ones fled at the end of the last age. The Dark Lord had been imprisoned in the Wheel of Sara Sara, but his hoards still roamed the world, destroying everything in their rage and frustration. You are descended from those of the living world to who I gave power in a past millennium. It is part of your very being. To be rid of it would be as easy as being rid of your own bones. And what was given cannot be taken back. It will pass on from you to your daughter, as it was passed on to you. By the Dragon Lord himself originally. Beware in the real world though. An arrow from the bow of a Dark Follower, or even breaking your pretty neck in a fall from a horse will end it all. I cannot protect you from that." Ellenaria paused.
"The bell, and Antonin. You and he are linked in this place. A link I set in place when the last Malachite King was dying. His lady in waiting gave birth to a daughter. Her husband was the kings last true friend. The boy child of the king had been lost in the flight across the plains. So they thought. He had been found that terrible night, safe in his swaddling by the wagon track. The farmer who found him was the ancestor of Antonin's family. The boy had grown, and continued the line. I knew though. I linked that small boy to the daughter from who you are descended. The link is a bond to me. To my bell. The link was to be activated only when the Great Seal of the Creator came to be close enough to you in the flesh, and it had already been activated by the Traders." Ellenaria continued.
"I was truly amazed when I heard the bell strike so loudly. You had found your way here before using the name of the person who formed the other end of your link. Antonin, the Malachite King reborn. Lord of the Dragon Armies. He cannot fight the last great battle without you."
Ellenaria finally wound down. Desare wondered if the girl had had anyone to talk to in this place. She smiled. It really was too much to take in. All these crying women, angry women, quiet women who now crowding the Great hall seemed to have no purpose. They were just milling about. They had been summoned by the bell. So loud had it been they had not been able to deny the call.
Mei'An was there, Desare recognised her from her village. There was another, Desare thought she recognised her, and pointed her out to Ellenaria.
"Sarweio. You looked at Antonin through her eyes but a moment ago."
Antonin was on his feet, the two maidens flanking him. The Wind Reader's companion was carrying her limp body from the room up to their chambers. She seemed to be in a deep sleep. From the look on the face of this Companion it would not be well to cross his path. Antonin was at a loss to understand events. He thought he was having visions himself, and peered suspiciously at his wine. How could he possibly have seen the innkeepers daughter from Xu Gui sitting there? There was obviously no threat. No danger that he or the maidens could see. Slowly he retook his seat
Ellenaria lay a hand on Desare's arm. "Desare, let us get a message to Antonin. He must be told of your presence. He cannot hear the bell. No man can, but he must wait where he is until you can reach him on your own. Let us give Sarweio a little surprise."
Saying this, Ellenaria guided Desare through the throng and stood behind Sarweio. She leaned forward and whispered in Sarweio's ear."Sarweio, I need you but a moment. I am the Keeper of the Blue Tower."
She could not have said more. Sarweio whirled around, trying to look in all directions at once. Her cry had alerted those around her, but with nothing visible, a slight widening of the circle around her became evident. Ellenaria clicked her tongue.
"No discipline anymore. There is nothing for it. Desare, strike the bell lightly."
Desare knew immediately what was needed. She whispered "Antonin" and the single deep boom of the bell rolled through the hall. All sound and movement ceased. Not even feet shuffled. Every ear had heard the word 'Antonin' whispered, followed by the toll of the bell.
"Let me try again." Muttered Ellenaria.
"Sarweio, excuse the intrusion. You are with Antonin now?"
Sarweio was as rigid as a tent pole. Eyes like dinner plates. Not much ruffled a Wind Reader, but nothing like this had ever been heard of. Sarweio tried twice to reply. On the third attempt she said . "My Companion has carried me to my room. I have fainted." Everyone's attention was now on Sarweio, apparently talking to someone none could see. More tongue clicking from Ellenaria.
"Humans, really. You must return to where Antonin is and sit opposite him. Quick now girl."
Sarweio didn't appear to move in the room, but she did in the real world. She had only just been placed on her small bed when she suddenly opened her eyes and sat bolt upright. Her Companion had not yet left the room.
"Help me back to the Common Room. Quickly. I must go quickly." She appeared very agitated. The Companion, M'belie, raised an eyebrow. He was not given to displays of emotion. He looked at Sarweio. She appeared to be awake, yet her body moved as though in a walking dream. Well, he had carried her up, he would carry her down. Within moments, she was in the chair facing Antonin across the inn table, and blinking her eyes as full consciousness returned.
"Desare, stand close to me." Said Ellenaria. She raised her arm and described an arch through the air. Suddenly Desare could see Antonin. All the room as though again sitting opposite Antonin.
This time his eyes were nearly popping."Desare! What ..."
"Be quiet Antonin, only listen. I am with the Keeper of the Blue Tower. I beg you, you must not leave the inn. This inn, until I can meet with you in your dream. Promise me now. Quickly."
Antonin was so surprised he said without question or hesitation. "I promise."
Desare smiled. She knew he would keep his word, however hastily given to her.
"I must go now. " Said Desare. Ellenaria was beginning to grimace with the strain of holding open the portal. "Antonin..." The room at the inn started to fade. "I love you." Came whispering to Antonin from the lips of Sarweio, yet with Desare's voce.
Only moments ago it had been Desare. Antonin was stunned. Desare? He couldn't believe it. She had said that she loved him. It hadn't been Sarweio. She was now slumped in her chair, head almost touching the table.
No one was more surprised than Desare. How had that slipped out? Where had it come from? Why, she hardly knew the boy. Well he was older than her, but hardly a man for all his swaggering about the village with his friends. He had always caught her eye though. He always danced a lot with her on festival days too. Those recent dreams had been nice too. Desare blushed to the roots of her hair. Ellenaria looked at her and smiled.
The whole thing had taken but a moment. Not a soul stirred in the great hall.
"I am out of practice." muttered Ellenaria conversationally. "That sort of thing is disruptive at the best of times."
Sarweio stood with her eyes squeezed shut, and hands clasped by her side.
"Sarweio, hear me now." Said Ellenaria. "I am the Keeper of the Blue Tower. I tell you now, so you will tell the others. The Malachite King, The Lord of the Dragon Armies, the Lord of the Morning Sun has returned. He sits opposite you in the inn. You will tell your sisters. You will assist him in all ways. You will hear me and obey. I AM the Wind." With this a gale swept across the hall, sending leaves and dust swirling up to the high arches. People were staggering before its strength. Sarweio walked calmly through it all and up the steps into a pulpit like enclosure at one end of the hall. She raised a hand. The wind stopped as suddenly as it had come. All eyes were on her. A pin could have been heard falling as she recounted her message. Nervous glances from those in the hall said she was believed and understood. It
began to dawn on faces that here they perhaps stood in the heart of their very existence. The source of their power. The daughters. The unbroken line over countless ages. This was a part of the Blue Tower. They were a part of the Blue Tower.
"Desare, you must return to your room, your daytime comes again. Your mother worries. You have slept a day and a night in your world. I must give these sisters a few more surprises yet. Go now. Shoo..."
Desare stood looking at her. How? She realized she had no idea how to get back to her room. Back? Desare closed her eyes a moment. When she opened them, she was looking at the brown beams on the ceiling of her room. Her mother was dabbing her face with a damp cloth and crying.
●Chapter 20
Mei'An had but just closed her eyes, relaxing into a dream state that she was long practiced in. Luan would stand guard. She couldn't be in safer hands. Her entrance to the dream state would sound a soft chime in the minds of all the Wind Readers, summoning them to the Hall of the Readers. This was only used rarely. Mei'An could not remember the last time she had been summoned to the Hall.
All would meet in a great hall. None knew exactly where it was. It seemed to exist only in the dream. There were doorways in the walls, but they led nowhere. It was the strangest thing. If you walked through a doorway to try and leave the hall, you simply walked into the hall from the other side. Like stepping into a mirror. The problem was, you might not find yourself emerging exactly as you left. Only a few had ever tried to solve the riddle, until finally it was banned. Some had entered with brown hair and emerged with pale golden hair on the far side of the hall. Nothing but a single step in time separating them. Some had entered and not emerged again for hours. Convinced they had only just stepped through the door. They had seemed to have aged many years though and a few who tried had fled back into the door to reverse the process. They had re-emerged one step later on the far side of the room, little more than children. Holding hands with tears streaming down their faces, no one had been brave enough to try sending them back through the doorways again. The last person to enter one of the doors, a single door near the rear of the hall, had simply not re-emerged. She had been heard calling in an increasingly alarmed voice for hours after, until her voice finally faded into the distance, like a person who has wandered far away. Now no one tried entering any of the strange the doors. Each seemed covered by a shimmering curtain of mist, just too thick to see through. The Wind Readers were effectively confined to the Great Hall.
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