by Dale Furse
Everyone they passed tried to sell them something. Jewellery, clothes, bolts of silk or lace cloth, and many other things Nell could not name.
They passed what appeared to be cafés, where the smells had Nell's tummy rumbling. The aroma of hot chocolate surprised her.
‘They have chocolate,’ Nell said to Sam.
‘We have many imports from other worlds,’ Cay-Meka said. ‘Corl scientists explore the universe in stons.’
‘Huh?’ Sam said.
‘They are great ships. Corls replicate anything they think people might like.’
‘You say 'we' as if you are a part of this planet,’ Sam said. ‘I thought your planet was Linque.’
‘It is, but Mother and I live here. Corl welcomes all beings and many take up residence here. It is the heart of the known universe and all beings love and respect the planet and the Corls. Even Wintars behave themselves here.
‘I thought you didn't like other races,’ Sam said.
‘That's not true. I just believe all races should remain pure.’ Cay-Meka glanced at Nell. ‘To mix them is trouble.’
‘And I'm a perfect example?’ Nell asked.
‘Exactly,’ Cay-Meka said and strode off, not waiting to see if the others followed.
Although her father was uppermost in Nell's mind, she could not ignore the sights before her. She was filled with wonder at all kinds of beings and wished her father had taken her with him. Dar-Seldra wouldn't have been taken if he had.
She guessed most of the people with varying shades of blonde hair and bronzed skin were Phibs. There were loud, friendly ogre-types and bald men and women with immense pointy ears. The many Corls with the same light mosaic lines all over their skin as her father's friend, Kandar, but only some of them had varying shades of green, others were all shades of yellow, red, orange, brown, purple, every colour skin imaginable. It seemed half the men’s fashion was the uniform and cape while the other half wore caftan type garments. The women wore caftans or dresses like the ones on Earth. Numerous beings of every shape, size and colour went about their business.
‘Cay-Meka, how come Corls are all different colours, but all Phibs are the same?’ Nell asked.
‘Why shouldn’t they be? Humans are, aren’t they?’
They were. Nell bit her cheek. She felt silly for even asking. ‘Yeah.’
Cay-Meka sighed, and continued, ‘And, like your Humans, I suppose they originally came from different regions.’
Every Phib they passed eyed Nell curiously. Not with dislike, as Cay-Meka would have her think, but as if she was some unknown novelty walking the corridor. She thought it must be because she looked Wintar. She glanced at Sam. Huh. She hadn’t realised until that moment how much he looked like the Phibs. Maybe that’s why no one took any notice of him.
Two girls about Nell’s age stood near a table of gems outside a café watching Sam and giggling every now and then behind their hands. Both had hair down to their waist, one had nearly white hair and the other, the colour of straw. The white-haired girl said something to the other.
‘You are attractive,’ the straw-haired one said to Sam. ‘But your hair is too dark for a Phib.’
Sam stopped and grinned. ‘I’m not a Phib,’ he said. ‘I’m Human.’
‘What is a Human?’ the white-haired girl asked with wide eyes and a flirtatious smile.
Cay-Meka stepped in front of Sam. ‘You know very well what a Human is,’ she said to the girls. ‘Leave him alone.’
‘We’re not hurting him,’ the white-haired girl laughed.
The other girl moved around Cay-Meka and wrapped her arm around Sam. ‘We would never hurt him.’
‘We better get going,’ Nell said, taking Sam’s other arm. He liked to flirt but Nell had the impression those girls were having a joke with him.
Cay-Meka pushed Sam ahead and the Phib girls began tittering again.
Ignoring them, Nell considered all the other beings. ‘Oh, look,’ she cooed as a slender, wingless creature flew past them at shoulder height. It might have been a fairy except its body was covered with fur, much like the rat Sam once had as a pet. The white colouring was similar. Nell didn't see its face as it sped by.
‘Don't try to talk to them,’ Cay-Meka warned. ‘They might look friendly, but they're not.’
‘Huh,’ Sam said. ‘It'd only come up to my knees.’
‘I'm telling you they’re evil. Just keep away from them.’
‘Keep your hat on,’ Sam said.
One rat-fairy swooped close to Nell’s face. Its eyes met hers. Nell frowned and spun around to see where it went. It performed a tight U-turn and flew towards her, stopped and hovered, gazing at her with eyes the colour of sapphires.
‘That’s Orenda,’ Cay-Meka whispered to Nell. ‘She’s Uncle Dar-tern’s friend.’
‘Why is she staring at me?’
‘I don’t know, but like I said, they can be dangerous. Try to act normal … if you can.’
‘Hello, Orenda,’ said Cay-Meka. ‘Is Dar-tern at the TWC?’
Orenda nodded and flew over their heads.
‘What’s the TWC?’ Nell said.
‘The Three World Council,’ Cay-Meka said with a sigh as if she was sick of answering questions. Her eyes widened as she watched the rat-fairy fly towards the sunset. ‘She’s going there. Hurry.’
They quickened their pace but the corridor was so busy they didn’t gain much speed.
Disappointed though Nell was that she couldn't speak to the rat-fairy, her spirits quickly rose again when she spotted a man-sized gnome. It looked like any garden gnome with its green pointy hat and red overalls. ‘Once we find Dad and Dar-Seldra, I'm definitely coming back here,’ she said, stopping and looking all around her. The only Human-like people were Phibs, but she didn’t see any Wintars. ‘I haven't seen any Wintars here, Cay-Meka.’
‘Of course not,’ Cay-Meka said in a matter-of-fact tone. ‘They trade in different corridors.’ Noticing Nell's uncomprehending expression, she added, ‘I told you. Phibs and Wintars don't get along. Not even to trade.’
‘Some obviously do,’ Nell said. ‘Or I wouldn't be here.’
‘And because of it, Dar-tern was stripped of his council seat and scorned. Now stop gawking and hurry.’
Sam stopped at what looked like an outdoor café. All the tables were made of a brown stone-like material with plasticky, lime-green chairs surrounding them. A short round woman greeted them. Her lavender skin was divided by the same mosaic lines as every other Corl Nell had seen. ‘Hungry? Thirsty?’ she asked Sam, and looked over to his companions. Her lilac eyes rested on Nell. ‘Follow me,’ she said to all three in a friendly tone.
‘Ah,’ was all Sam said.
‘We can't,’ Cay-Meka quickly interceded. ‘We have to go.’
‘Perhaps another time,’ the woman said, and smiled. Her mouth was crammed with small sharp teeth.
CHAPTER TEN
NELL AND SAM FOLLOWED CAY-MEKA AROUND A corner into another corridor. The high buildings on either side still had no windows, but with no squawking traders, it was much quieter.
Cay-Meka said something that Nell didn’t catch and they entered another elevator that took them directly into the council chambers. The room hushed as soon as they stepped onto the thick, red carpet. Three high benches stood at the far end in a U-shape. Uniformed Corls sat behind the middle table, their capes draping over the back of their chairs. Dark-haired people sat along the left one. Wintars. Directly opposite sat Phibs. The little rat-fairy, Cay-Meka had called Orenda, hovered near the side wall watching the proceedings like no more than a spectator.
Nell's father, his face flushed red and anger in his eyes, hurried towards them.
Her heart flipped with fright at the sight of him. She stepped back but the elevator's doors had closed. When he reached them he bent over and hugged Nell.
‘What has happened?’ His voice held no sign of anger.
With his arms around her, she could speak directly to
his mind. She relayed all the events since he left. His feelings were in turmoil. Fear for Dar-Seldra, fear and confusion for her, and something else Nell couldn't fathom. It was as if he wanted to spirit her out of the room but knew he couldn't. A thought speared her mind like a fiery knife. He thinks it's my fault Dar-Seldra was kidnapped. She pulled away so hard she nearly knocked Cay-Meka over.
‘Be careful,’ Cay-Meka hissed, as she regained her balance.
Nell accused her father with a look but his face was full of confusion. A murky grey-skinned Corl rose from his chair at the end of the middle table. Nell thought he looked like he had evolved from a dinosaur.
‘Bring the child, Dar-tern,’ he commanded.
Nell relaxed when the hand her father placed on her shoulder emitted so much love; it encompassed her heart.
He guided her down an aisle. She turned her head to look at Sam and saw Cay-Meka caution him to stay where he was before he could raise a foot to follow.
When Nell's eyes met the Corl’s, the knot in her stomach tightened so fiercely, she doubled over with pain.
‘Nell.’ Her father helped her sit on one of the front chairs. ‘What's wrong?’
Nell held her stomach and gawped up at the Corl. The pain was a warning. That Corl was evil. She stared hard at his eyes, tried to pry behind them into his mind, but she couldn’t penetrate the murky grey cloud lurking there. She closed her eyes. Pictures once more filled her head and her mind was transported to an ice-walled room.
The Corl sat on a stiff, pale yellow sofa, holding a smooth brown-covered book. Strange symbols were etched into the front cover. Some form of language. As she gazed at them, her eyes shifted focus and she gasped. The writing was as clear as if the symbols were in English: The Book of Wexkia. She held her breath. Did he hear her? No. He opened the book to the last pages.
She moved behind him so she could look over his shoulder and leaned over for a better view of the book's pages.
The writing was once more symbols. Did Corls write like that? She sucked in her cheek and began to read as the symbols once again changed to English words.
It has been a burdensome task to allow the separation of our people, but the disease is spreading. There are two antidotes. It is unknown to us why the first cures some and the second cures others. These antidotes are the cause of the separation and numerous skills are lost. While some abilities are lost to all Wexkians, approximately half of the population will keep their connection to animals and water. However, they will lose their ability to fly, sacrificing their wings and talons. The remnant forfeits their connection with water and animals while keeping their flight.
Our planet is uninhabitable due to this vile plague. Arrangements to transport the survivors to neighbouring solar systems are finalised. You are separate races and each will immigrate to a suitable planet. If you fly, you will be called Wintar and taken to the planet Gramlax. If you swim, you will be Phib and your world will be Linque.
We, the elders, will not partake of the antidotes. Each new race will choose their own elders to lead them into the future. Do not be disheartened by your lack of abilities. The Primary Elder had a vision. In time the races will unite. First one female; over time, more will join her. These works must survive generations. It is unknown to us when the first child will be born. It is known to us that she must be safeguarded. Many beings of other worlds will not want our race to return. It must be understood by both races, this child and those who follow, will regain all …
She waited. Turn the page, turn the page.
He put the book on the arm of the sofa and stood up. A frown formed between his non-existent eyebrows and he grunted a noise as he left the room.
Nell rushed around the sofa and tried to pick up the book. Her hand passed through it. Ugh. She wasn’t really there. An insistent urge to read that book filled her. And something else. It was as if the book was making itself known to her for a reason. She had to find it.
Her shoulders began to shake and Nell became aware of her father's voice.
‘Nell. Can you hear me? Nell,’ he called as if from a great distance.
Uneasy murmurings floated to her ears from behind the raised tables. With her sight still hazy, she felt Sam's presence before she heard him.
‘She's been doing that a lot lately,’ he said in a matter-of-fact tone.
Nell blinked. Her father was pale and anxious. A silly, crooked grin on Sam's face didn't mask the concern in his eyes.
A dark, green-skinned Corl rose from the middle chair. ‘Silence,’ he said, and waved his hand around the room.
Instantly the mutters and whispers stopped.
Nell recognised him. Kandar looked just as he did when she had connected with her father in the library.
‘Sit down, Nadar,’ Kandar said to the murky grey Corl.
He didn't. He pointed at Nell. ‘There is the proof of what I say. The child is cursed and must be taken to the restoration immediately.’
‘I said, sit.’
Nadar looked around the tables at all the other councillors. Only one Phib, from the table on Nell's right, stood in his defence. He had short, fair hair and the same bronzed skin but he was fat with no neck. ‘I agree with Nadar,’ he flapped. ‘The child and everyone on Corl, Gramlax and Linque must be protected.’
‘Be seated,’ Kandar said. ‘Now!’
At his low commanding voice, both fell back into their seats. Nadar whispered something to the yellow Corl next to him. Nell didn't have to be a mind reader to know it was something nasty about her. She returned the yellow Corl's hateful stare.
Just like the Corl woman at the café, Kandar's mouth was full of numerous pointy teeth when he smiled at Nell. ‘You must be confused,’ he said. ‘I will explain. It has become common practice to test children of mixed Wintar and Phib species to prove or disprove the existence of dual parental traits. The manifestation of multiple abilities may be dangerous, not only for you, but others.’
Nell gasped. They all thought she was cursed just like Cay-Meka said. She looked up at her father's face. The worry lines across his forehead were deeper. He kept his troubled face turned towards Kandar.
Kandar continued. ‘However, I don't believe there is any need for fear. I will let Dar-tern of the family Dar, father of Dar-Nellen, decide if and when she is to be tested. Dar-tern, I must ask the child to remain on Corl for at least three months to allay any concerns once and for all.’
Nell's father nodded with obvious relief.
‘Do you have any questions?’ Kandar asked Nell.
She had many, but knew one could not wait. ‘Can I read the Book of Wexkia?’ She looked at Nadar.
Everyone gaped at one another as if she had spoken in a different language. She looked up at her father's perplexed face. ‘Haven't you heard of it?’ she asked him.
‘No, I haven't,’ he said, returning his gaze to the tables. ‘Has anyone heard of such a book?’
Not one from any of the three tables answered, but all shook their heads and looked at Nell with bewildered expressions. Nadar also shook his head. She couldn't contain her anger. ‘He lies,’ she yelled, and pointed at the murky Corl.
‘How dare you,’ Nadar said, standing once more.
The room exploded; everyone talked at the same time. Nell couldn't make out what any of them said. A young Wintar gazed curiously at her. A slight smile played on his lips. At the Phib table, a skinny hook-nosed woman scowled at Nell.
‘Stop!’ Kandar ordered.
The room hushed but Nadar still stared menacingly at Nell.
Kandar continued. ‘I'm afraid we are not aware of any such book. Why do you want it, sweet child?’
Him calling her sweet child, and not cursed child, gave Nell heart. ‘It is a book about how Wintars,’ she looked from the Wintar table to the Phib table, ‘and Phibs were once one race with all the same powers.’
The room erupted once more but this time there was no quieting it. Some stood and yelled. ‘She is cursed. Lock he
r up. She must be taken to the restoration,’ the skinny Phib yelled from her seat, ‘We'll all be killed.’
Alarm flooded Nell's body at the hate, fright and scorn that filled the room. Through the mayhem, she noticed neither Kandar, nor the curious young Wintar's eyes held any venom.
Her legs shook and her bottom lip quivered. When she looked at Sam he was shaking his head and his expression told her she should have kept quiet. Cay-Meka's eyes bulged and her mouth gaped. She looked like a stunned mullet.
Kandar shouted, ‘Silence.’
Nell watched Nadar with narrowed eyes. He sat down in his chair and folded his arms as if he was pleased with the events. She frowned. He was big trouble.
Kandar gave Nell's father a resigned look before he spoke to Nell. ‘I think it would be in everyone's interest if your father took you to the restoration for testing.’
Her father’s arm tightened around her shoulders and her stomach filled with dread at the memory of what Cay-Meka had told her. The restoration thingy was some sort of prison. That's where they had the other girl locked up. She gazed back up to her father's face. He was still frowning and horror filled Nell as he gave a small nod in Kandar's direction.
‘Dad,’ Nell whispered. ‘I don't want to go. Please. Cay-Meka told me about the other girl.’
The irritation crossing her father's face had Nell in a dilemma. Was it because of Cay-Meka or was it meant for her?’
‘Nell, you can trust Kandar. He is your friend as much as he is mine.’
‘Why doesn't he believe me about the book? And why don't you believe me? I have seen it and that Corl, Nadar, has it.’
‘Nell, stop. You're only making things worse. Do not speak again.’
As her father spoke, Nadar’s face wore an ugly smile. That’s what he wanted. He wanted her locked up. Nell glared at him and wanted to scream, he has the book.
‘Listen to me, it will be all right,’ her father said quietly. ‘I will not leave your side.’
