“Well, I guess it’s fine if I use my magic. Those were Moloch’s men,” Toman said. They were just lucky they hadn’t gone to fetch Moloch instead of trying to capture them on their own. Hopefully they hadn’t notified Moloch that they’d been found, though—that was Toman’s main concern for the moment.
“We’d better go. I’ll make us some flyers,” Toman said.
“No, mine are faster,” Esset interjected.
“But mine are safer. You have to remain alert to steer your birds. Everyone—myself included—can get some rest if I fly us,” Toman argued, but Esset was adamant.
“Look,” Esset said. “There’s no point in stealth anymore. After that light show, Moloch will know a fire summoner is involved, and he obviously can track us somehow already. I can take us a while further, and when I need to rest, you can step in.”
Toman hesitated, unsure his brother was up to it, but he finally shrugged.
“Okay, but you’re eating something first,” Toman said. The moon had barely moved in the sky before they were airborne again.
They used the fiery birds until they started flying off course—Esset’s fatigued mind couldn’t keep controlling them, even now that they were more obedient. They landed briefly and Toman bent his own skills to creating them mounts to carry them until Esset had had a chance to rest; then they swapped back to the faster summons again.
They crossed into territory that Toman was unfamiliar with, but Esset kept their course confidently set. They flew over a range of mountains before Esset suddenly set the birds to circling. Esset studied the ground below, a crease forming between his eyes as they circled lower.
“What’s—” Toman cut himself off when Esset’s eyes suddenly flared with a brilliant yellow-white light. Abruptly both fiery birds turned and set off in one direction. Disorientation swept over Toman and Tseka as a protective magic tried to keep them from going or even seeing that direction. For a moment, it felt like the world was trying to tear itself apart; then everything snapped into place and the landscape beneath them changed drastically.
All three of them shielded their eyes against the glare, even Esset, whose eyes returned to normal. Pale crystals glittered beneath them. Great shards with varying tints jutted up from the ground. There were plants, after a fashion, ensconced within the great gems. But most impressively, there were great mountains that seemed to be made of solid crystal. One stood out among the rest; it seemed to have been sculpted from obsidian. It cast a great shadow among the pale, translucent crystals that formed the rest of the landscape.
“Bizarre,” Toman murmured, awed. It was beautiful, in a way, but bizarre was definitely the first word that came to mind. Then he took in the scope of the place; the crystal landscape stretched to the horizon. Toman looked back over his shoulder and saw an abrupt line where the crystal landscape ended and the normal landscape began. There was a slight shimmer in the air at the borderline. Then Toman looked to his right and left; to his right there seemed to be no end to the strange crystals, but to the left he could see the outlines of normal mountains in the distance. That was when it struck him how powerful the magic must be to hide a place this size. He felt cowed, but hopeful too. Surely, with all this power, the Ashiier would be capable of helping Esset.
Esset slowed the birds and steered them towards the obsidian mountain. As they neared, there was a clear opening near the bottom, next to a large cluster of ochre-tinted crystals. Esset waited until they’d all dismounted from the birds before banishing them. They all stretched as they gazed around at their unbelievable surroundings. Soon they gathered at the cave mouth, but once they’d taken two steps inside, it was clear that there wasn’t actually an entrance there; a wall of smooth, solid stone barred the way.
“Are you sure this is it?” Toman asked, placing his hand against the cool black stone.
“This is where the phoenix’s directions end. She got us through the barrier, so I suppose we just wait for the Ashiier to come to us from here,” Esset replied, going back to stand in the sunlight and look out at the alien landscape.
“What do we know about these Ashiier?” Tseka asked, tapping her spearbutt against the ground impatiently.
“Not much,” Esset confessed. “They’re powerful and reclusive. The phoenix said they were probably the only ones that could help me. Honestly, she didn’t tell me much else. I don’t even know what they look like. Other than the directions here, all I have is a phrase to tell them—‘We come with the phoenix’s blessing.’ Hopefully that’s enough.”
It is indeed, a voice said in their heads. They all looked around for the source of the voice, then staggered back when a cluster of ochre-tinted crystals began to move.
As it turned out, the crystals were a living creature, not just rocks. The mound shifted and rose up until it took the form of a giant crystal bear, with only its dark eyes looking organic. Its “skin” was rough with crystals. Smaller faceted gems dotted its hide, interrupted by larger crystals that jutted up in bunches along its back and at its joints. It was huge—Toman had no doubt that if it so desired, it could kill them each with one swat. Fortunately, it didn’t seem inclined to do that.
After rising up on its hind legs and towering over them for a moment—Tseka recoiled a bit and readied her spear, just in case—it dropped back down to all fours and then sat down. Tseka relaxed, putting her spear straight up again. The crystal bear still looked formidable, but not hostile.
The blessing of the phoenix is a rare honor indeed. She does not care for many, the bear “said.” Its mouth didn’t move, but its voice resonated in their heads. It was musical, like the sound a fine glass goblet made when a wet finger was run along its rim, only deeper.
“Thank you,” Esset said, looking a little stunned. Then he remembered his manners and introduced his group.
“I’m Summoner Jonathan Esset. This is my brother, Animator Toman Atrix-Iiren, and the Nadra Warrior Tseka,” Esset said, gesturing to each of them in turn.
It is a pleasure to meet some people from the outside world, the crystal bear responded. And yes, I am one of the Ashiier.
Toman blinked—he hadn’t asked the question aloud, after all.
We also have some psychic abilities, the Ashiier added. But worry not, you have nothing to fear if the phoenix has already deemed you worthy of our blessing. We can only help from here.
Toman and Esset exchanged surprised glances. Toman recovered first and opened his mouth to address the crystal bear. Then he paused when he realized he hadn’t given them his name yet.
My name is Orvanis, the Ashiier said. I am simply the guardian of the door. Come, I will take you within to those with whom you will wish to speak. The crystal bear stepped forward, and when he moved, they could hear the soft scraping of the well-worn crystals around his joints as they rubbed against each other. His footfalls were surprisingly soft, however. The obsidian barrier over the entrance bowed inwards and then gently split as if it were a gossamer curtain being pushed aside instead of a solid rock wall. Esset looked at it with particular curiosity as they passed through; the entryway closed behind them, sealing them in.
Orvanis led them down a smooth black hallway that seemed to be faintly luminescent, for they could see their way just fine without any light source in evidence. The interior of the obsidian mountain smelled surprisingly good, not really cave-like at all. It had a cool scent, like mineral-rich water with a slight tang like metal, and a warmer, welcoming hint of earthiness, but most strongly like something akin to nutmeg or cinnamon. Toman wondered at the scent, but didn’t ask. He did, however, wonder how much of their thoughts Orvanis was listening to—was it like ambient noise to him, or did he have to consciously listen in? Was he listening all the time, or selectively? Regardless of the answer, Orvanis didn’t chime in to answer these unspoken questions this time, much to Toman’s relief. Even if they didn’t have anything to worry about, Toman still felt uneasy about the whole mind-reading thing.
As they followed Or
vanis down the stone tunnel, it struck Esset that the passageway should have felt similar to the descent to Salithsa, but it didn’t really. The look, smell, and feel of the place were too different. He wondered if this place felt homey to Tseka or as alien to her as it did to her human companions. He was suddenly conscious of all the stray thoughts that crossed his mind at totally random intervals; did Orvanis think them odd for that, or were his people like that too? Come to think of it, did Tseka’s thoughts “sound” different from his or Toman’s? He wondered if Nadran thoughts differed from human thoughts on some fundamental kind of level. It wasn’t something he’d considered before.
Orvanis led them to the end of a tunnel, which seemed to be another dead end until he caused the stone to fold back, much like before. Then they stepped into a great hall. Great crystal pillars ran up the obsidian walls and supported the tall arched ceiling. The room was cavernous, featuring great platforms with steps leading up to them and wide aisles between. Esset guessed it could hold at least a couple hundred Ashiier, if they were all similar in size to Orvanis. Right now, however, only one other crystal creature was in the room.
A great stag, similar in size to the crystal bear, stepped down from one of the platforms to greet them. Like Orvanis, the stag seemed to be made of crystals, but instead of being tinted ochre in color, the stag was a faint peach shade.
Welcome to Myzavere. The voice was masculine, but different from Orvanis’s—this was the stag’s voice then. I am Eskeer. Orvanis told me of you as you traversed the tunnel. It is a pleasure to meet you. He inclined his head to them, and all three bowed in response; it just seemed appropriate.
“The honor is ours,” Esset replied. He was usually the one to speak for himself and Toman, and Tseka seemed fine with him being spokesperson as well.
You have many questions; that is to be expected. But please, there will be time in plenty to ask them. If you would wait but a moment, Eskeer requested.
“Of course,” Esset responded, and the stag turned to Orvanis. To Esset, Toman, and Tseka, it looked like they just stared at each other for a moment, but of course telepathic communication was taking place. Orvanis turned and nodded to them briefly as he walked back the way they’d come.
Orvanis must return to his duties, Eskeer explained. And we but wait on Verett. I apologize if we seem to move slowly to you. There is not usually call for us to move around overmuch.
“There’s no need to apologize,” Esset replied. “We’re just grateful you didn’t dismiss us out of hand.”
As Orvanis said, anyone worthy of the phoenix’s blessing is worthy of our attention, Eskeer replied.
“I’m not sure what we did to get her blessing,” Esset replied frankly. Tseka frowned at him like she thought he was crazy for saying so. What she’d failed to consider was that since the Ashiier read minds, honesty was their best course of action.
Those deserving rarely do, Eskeer replied cryptically, humor in his tone. Esset was perplexed by the answer; he supposed Eskeer was right, but still. When the phoenix had first told him what to say to the Ashiier, he hadn’t thought much of it. He’d just hoped that the Ashiier would know what he was talking about and not dismiss them outright. But now he saw that the phrase carried far more weight than he’d imagined.
We hold the phoenix in very high regard, Eskeer replied to his thought. And her goodwill is notoriously difficult to win. But here is Verett.
Another Ashiier emerged from an entryway behind one of the platforms and came down to see them. His shape was that of a weasel or ferret, except he was many times too large—he wasn’t as large as Eskeer or Orvanis, but he was close. His proportions simply made him seem smaller, Esset guessed. The crystal that seemed to make up his body was tinted blue.
Hello, I’m Verett. Verett’s voice was far less solemn than Orvanis or Eskeer’s.
“Pleased to meet you, Verett,” Esset replied. He felt like he should add some title before their names, as a sign of respect, but he honestly had no idea what title that would be.
Yes, there is a correlation between form and character, Verett said. To Esset, the statement seemed somewhat out of the blue, but then he realized that he must have responded to something someone else was thinking. A quick glance at his two companions had him guessing that it was Tseka’s curiousity, since she was grinning ruefully. Toman was keeping his thoughts and emotions under a neutral mask.
“I’m not used to guarding my thoughts,” she replied.
There is no need. If anything, it’s refreshing for us to have mortal minds visit, Verett replied. Now, I’m to be your host. Eskeer wanted to meet you. By your standards, he is something of a leader, but he was working on a project when you arrived.
“We apologize for interrupting,” Esset said politely.
It is no trouble, but I must take my leave. I hope I will be able to speak with you again before you depart. Eskeer inclined his head, looking briefly at Verett—presumably some exchange took place there—and walked away sedately.
I confess I am terribly curious about the three of you. When I heard of your arrival I immediately volunteered to host you. Unfortunately I was also among the furthest away. Moving physically is terribly troublesome—it is much simpler to just move one’s mind, but such is the mortal coil, yes? Verett chattered.
“I suppose it would be,” Esset agreed, liking the crystal ferret so far. Orvanis and Eskeer had been so, so—stately that they’d been a little intimidating. Verett was far more personable.
Won’t you come with me? I’ll show you where you’ll be saying, Verett said, turning back towards the steps of a platform. He led them up it and through the passage behind. I’ll also introduce you to the Farri. They’re a little shy.
“The Farri?” Toman asked.
Yes, they are…hm, I suppose you could say servants, but it’s a more symbiotic relationship than the word implies. They live here with us. They are mortal—and rather short-lived, honestly—but they are able to lead safe, productive lives here with us. They are incredibly clever, but not intelligent like you or me. They are animals, however clever and useful, Verett explained.
The psychic explanation, while conveyed in something like words in their minds, was shaded with nuances of meaning and additions that verbal language could never convey. There was something of emotion behind them, and even faint impressions like images. Had Verett said what he had aloud, there would have been room to misinterpret his words; as it was, it was clear that he had a great deal of respect and affection for their simpler, mortal counterparts despite his frank description.
“I’m curious to meet them,” Esset admitted.
I apologize if this comes off as rude, but I find it remarkable how powerful the phoenix’s aura is around you. It seems to have gotten rather a lot stronger since you arrived, Verett remarked. Toman and Tseka immediately looked to Esset, all three alarmed. Tseka went and placed a hand on Esset’s cheek.
“You’re warm,” she said, moving back again. Esset knew he needed to explain why he was here, and fast.
“Ah, yes. About why we came here. I have something of a stronger connection to the phoenix than most people, but she said the bond is unstable, and I’ve been having trouble controlling fire. In fact, I’ve kind of, uh, exploded with fire a few times. I don’t always know it’s coming, either,” Esset explained rapidly.
Fascinating, Verett replied, turning to peer at Esset. He sounded totally unconcerned. You are correct about the bond being unstable, now that I look closer. But you needn’t worry about causing a calamity here. We are capable of containing even the phoenix’s power. She was right to send you here.
“That’s…good to hear,” Esset replied, although he’d been hoping for more.
Don’t worry, we’ll do more for you later. We’ll need to speak to the phoenix, of course, but that can wait as well, for when we hear your full stories. Come, let us resume walking. It’s not much further. Verett began leading them again.
Esset was both relieved an
d concerned; relief came at the remark that they intended to help him, but anxious because now he knew he was about to lose control again. He wasn’t too keen on that particular experience, and he wasn’t sure what Verett planned to do about it. No answer seemed to be forthcoming, either.
Here we will meet one of the Farri. Verett stopped at an adjoining passage, and a small figure peeked around the corner at them. It gave them one furtive glance, hid, peeked again, then finally emerged.
The Farri was small, about half the size of an average human. It looked something like a monkey, which Esset had seen in wandering circuses and exotic courts before. It had long limbs and a short torso ending in a long, winding tail. Its eyes were wide and curious and it had two small, rounded ears atop its head. Its fur was a surprising shade of sky blue, except for a pale cream underbelly and black markings on its face and sides. It scurried up to them on all fours, then sat back to study them and be studied back. Esset was distracted from his own concerns by the charming creature; it—no, he—had hands instead of feet, both front and back.
Farri, Verett said succinctly. They have some limited psychic abilities. They will know from your mind what it is you need, and by doing so, they will ensure that you are comfortable. Speaking to them is pointless except to clarify your thoughts and let them know your needs and wants. As I said before, they are quite clever in their duties, and more than happy to help.
“Remarkable,” Toman said. He crouched to get a better look at the Farri, who automatically went towards him, then skittered away as if spooked by something. He stared at Toman, then rushed up to him and wrapped his arms around his arm in an unmistakable hug. Tseka, Toman, and Esset were all rather surprised.
They’re also rather empathetic, Verett added. His “voice” had a rather dry tone. The Farri looked at him, then let go of Toman so Toman could stand up again.
Come, I will show you to your quarters. We always keep some ready in case of visitors, no matter how rare such visitors may be.
Fire Within: Book Two of Fire and Stone (Stories of Fire and Stone 2) Page 15
