by M. L. Greye
Legann was momentarily startled by the rush and intensity of the emotions each scene carried with it. Unlike the slow and subdued pictures of his family’s animals, the panther’s mind was impossibly quick and sharp. Details were seen to with intricate care. The panther didn’t let anything get by it unseen.
Apparently, the panther had been hunting for most of the morning. It had found a few deer to satisfy its hunger. Legann pulled a face as the details of the hunt went through his own mind. The panther truly went through some trouble to record everything. After it had had its fill of the meat, the panther had headed to the river for a drink, but found Will and Olinia there guarding the water. And now Legann was there to help them keep the panther away.
At this image, Legann laughed out loud, startling the panther and his witnesses. He heard Olinia gasp. “Run, Legann! It’ll kill you.”
“It just wants water,” Legann replied, shaking his head.
“How do you know?” Will asked.
“Because it told me,” Legann answered, still holding the panther’s gaze.
“It told you?” Olinia gawked.
Legann felt himself blush. “Yes.”
“Does this happen very often?”
“Not with panthers,” Legann admitted.
“How-“
Will cut her off. “It’s not really the time for questions.” To Legann, he said, “Get it to take its drink and leave.”
Legann furrowed his eyebrows, concentrating on the beast’s mind. He then turned his own thoughts into images, letting it know they weren’t there to bother it while it drank. But the panther wasn’t listening. It was trying to place Legann’s face instead. For some reason Legann looked familiar to it. Legann grunted at the thought of the panther knowing him and tried again with his message, but was once again ignored. He frowned at his failure. Maybe the panther just needed to be communicated with differently.
Jeor.
At the sound of his last name, Legann visibly jumped. Never had any animal verbally spoken with him. It had always just been through pictures. Legann gaped at the panther, which seemed pleased with itself for remembering him.
How do you know me? Legann demanded.
All at once, his mind flooded with scenes from the Kendren attack of Tamorre, followed quickly by his encounter with the Kendren brothers. Legann’s mouth dropped open. Even though these memories were more vivid than his own of the event, they weren’t the memories of a panther – they belonged to a man. And it happened to be a man he had fought alongside within the lobby of an inn.
“Impossible,” Legann stammered.
“What? What’s wrong?” Will’s voice was concerned.
Archrin? Legann blinked. You’re a Craele?
The panther began to shake, tremors shooting from head to paw. Legann lost connection with its mind, allowing him to look up at the shock on both Olinia and Will’s faces. Legann cleared his throat. “Uh, princess, I think you should look away for the next few minutes.”
“Why?”
“Because Craeles don’t phase from animal to clothed human.”
“Oh.” Olinia pulled a face before turning her back to them. “It’s a Craele?”
Legann watched as the black fur gave way slowly to Archrin’s tan skin and dark hair. The legs and arms lengthened while the head slowly resumed the face Legann knew. Legann couldn’t help but stare, fascinated by the transformation. He let out a short laugh as Archrin groaned and collapsed onto the rock.
From past Archrin, Will grunted. “Yeah, he’s a Craele.”
* * * * * *
Tiara pushed open Olinia’s bedroom door, realizing too late that she should have knocked. She was entering from the inside of the Healer’s villa. She’d avoided the balconies, afraid of running into anyone while she still had the nerve to confess her secret.
“Princess?” Tiara poked her head into the room and allowed her body to follow. “Are you in here?”
There was no answer. Tiara frowned, peering around for any signs of movement. The room was simple – a large bed set across from the balcony doors and a small sitting area to the right of the bed, in front of an empty fireplace. Tiara ran her tongue along the back of her teeth. The fireplace wasn’t the only thing empty – Olinia’s room was deserted. Maybe Olinia was in the Ethon’s room. Tiara decided to take a short cut though Olinia’s room to get to Will’s.
As she passed the bed, a sudden wave of dizziness caused her to lose her footing. She grabbed hold of the bed’s corner post for support, her vision suddenly blurred. Tiara groaned inwardly and dropped onto the bed, still clutching the ebony post. Not now! She pleaded. She was in no mood for another trip to the past.
Tiara clamped her eyes shut as her body slowly regained its balance. When she opened her eyes, she was relieved to find herself still in Olinia’s room. Afraid, though, to stand up too quickly and have the dizziness return, Tiara remained where she was a moment longer. As she sat there, her eyes roamed over the wall in front of her, landing finally on the nightstand at the head of the bed. There was a prism-like object sitting on top of it, attached to a silver chain. She’d seen it somewhere before. Olinia had used it.
While Tiara’s mind struggled to remember the stone’s purpose, she reached out to pick up its jagged edges, wanting to inspect it closer. Just as her fingers brushed over it, though, a flash of light shot across her vision, blinding her momentarily. Tiara gasped as her brain ordered her hand to recoil. Her hand didn’t seem to get the message. Instead, it gripped onto the stone, raising itself in front of her.
Nausea suddenly overtook her. Tiara cried out in pain and clutched her stomach with the arm that would respond while she watched with horrified frustration as her hand moved on its own through open space. The stone cut into the air, as if it was a knife shearing a curtain. Where the stone traveled, an unnatural silvery light emerged. Tiara stood transfixed. The scent of rain on warm ground wafted to her. Then, all at once, her nausea intensified as she lost the feeling in her legs.
Her body began to move, carried by distant, unanswering feet. She was shoved into the portal, stone still in hand. As she reached the opposite side, her legs gave out beneath her. Tiara fell forward into mud. Rain poured down on top of her. She whirled just in time to watch the portal close.
* * * * * *
Olinia rolled her eyes. “Oh please, he’s not going to eat me.”
They were in Archrin’s room – Archrin on his bed, back to the headboard. Olinia on a stuffed chair, legs dangled over one of its arms, and Will and Legann standing by the fireplace. Will was frowning while Legann seemed to be beaming. He was still pleased with himself for breaking into the mind of a panther.
“I’ve never phased in front of Tiara,” Archrin assured Will.
“And not to mention I can turn invisible and pause time,” Olinia retorted. “I can take care of myself.”
Tiara was missing and Archrin was worried she was in trouble. So, Will and Legann were going to go search for her. Archrin was still too tired to go out. Like Olinia when she Globed, Archrin was physically drained from changing back to a human. Apparently, that was the difficult part for a Craele. The phasing to animal form was energizing, while the return to humanity had the complete opposite effect.
“I still think Legann should stay instead,” Will said, his forehead creased.
Olinia sighed. “Just go, Will. I won’t get hurt.”
Legann laughed. “Come on, Archrin’s too tired to phase anyway.”
“That’s the truth,” Archrin groaned, rubbing his eyes with one hand.
The crease between Will’s eyes stayed, but he nodded. “Alright, I’ll come check on you later.”
“I’ll be fine.” Olinia smiled reassuringly. “I promise.”
As Will and Legann left, Olinia returned her attention to Archrin, who apparently had been staring at her. She blinked under his gaze, surprised by the intensity of his mismatched eyes. “He really does love you,” Archrin mused.
“W
ill?” Olinia let out a short laugh. “Unlikely. He avoids all attachments.”
Archrin grunted. “Just because you avoid something doesn’t mean it can’t happen.”
“I’m guessing you didn’t plan on falling for a Drivian.”
“No, I definitely did not.” Archrin leaned his head back.
“Love is too much to hope for.” She frowned.
He chuckled. “Don’t worry, princess. At the rate he’s going, he’s not going to be able to deny it for much longer. The protective instinct leads to outward display of affection, and Will’s already got that for you.”
Easy for you to say, Olinia pulled a face. You’re not in love with an Ethon, while heir to the Other Worlds.
Olinia sighed again. Thinking about Will was depressing. It was practically torture to have Will constantly within arms reach, but still as distant as if he were still in Ethon. She furrowed her eyebrows as she watched Archrin. What would it be like to hear the mind of a Craele? She was slightly jealous of her newfound younger brother. It still amazed her that he was able to communicate with animals. She had never been able to find the thoughts of an animal. But then, in all honesty, she’d only tried a few times. She had never cared enough to talk with creatures, until now. Never had she wanted to hear a person’s mind more than now. Archrin was fascinating. From what little Olinia knew about Craeles, she understood they saw events in a different light than the average human. Craeles relied much more on their senses. Olinia bit at her lower lip. Just the thought of knowing how a Craele’s mind worked was making her excited. With a final sigh, Olinia resigned herself to her urge, letting herself slip into Archrin’s thoughts.
She wasn’t able to go far. Unlike the usual open expanse, Archrin had secured multiple barriers, impressive to even Olinia. Sadree and Denon’s mental blocks were never as strong as Archrin’s. His mind was like the keep of a castle – enclosed by tall, thick walls and surrounded by guards. Olinia had to maneuver her way through the darkness, reaching out for the sliver of light that was his mind. As Olinia worked her way through, she noted the similarity of Archrin’s mind to Will’s. The difference, though, was that there was never so much as a speck of light in Will – he was all darkness.
Finally, the sliver of light began to grow until at last Olinia was able to step out into the space of Archrin’s conscious self. All at once, she was able to hear him. He was thinking about Tiara, but he jumped to another idea too quickly for Olinia to discover why. The clarity and speed of his thoughts were unbelievable, unlike any other mind Olinia had ventured.
“So, you can pause time?” Archrin thought and said simultaneously.
Olinia nodded. “It’s one of my better gifts.”
I would be proud too. Out loud he asked, “Do you snap your fingers before pausing?”
Odd question. She nodded again. “And before restarting it.”
Hmm, just like Tiara.
Olinia stared at the exiled Kendren, mouth open. Tiara could pause time? The idea of a gifted Saerd was completely unheard of.
I shouldn’t have brought up looking for Tiara. Guaranteed they won’t find her. The corners of his mouth turned down. He didn’t like the idea of her traveling without him, even though she had done it so many times before they had ever met. I swear, that woman could find trouble in a nursery. When did she go this time?
When? Olinia frowned. It was another unusual question. It obviously had happened while he was out gallivanting in his animal form.
I doubt it was to her own past. Probably to do with Legann again.
If Olinia’s eyelids hadn’t been there to contain her eyes, they would have popped out. Tiara could visit the past, as if she were an Equilan or an Eve who could Globe. She was gifted and had seen things regarding Olinia’s brother. What did she know? Better yet, what did Legann know?
As if she had spoken out loud, Archrin began replaying an event that had happened not long before – a trip to the past Tiara had taken him on. There was a castle under siege, attacked by Nagreth. Olinia followed Archrin’s mind through the bloodied halls to a staircase. At the sight of the Eve and the twins, Olinia literally fell out of her seat. She landed on the floor with at thud that startled both Archrin and herself.
He turned to her. “Are you alright?”
She could only nod, unable to find her voice. Tiara hadn’t just seen Legann; she’d seen Olinia and Zedgry as well, before they’d lost their childhood to slavery.
“What happened?”
It took a moment for her to realize he had asked her out loud. “I fell,” she managed to get out.
So I see, Archrin raised an eyebrow. “How’d you fall?”
He swung his legs over the side of the bed, intending on helping her back to her feet.
“No, I’m fine,” Olinia promised, beginning to push herself up. “I just wasn’t paying attention and slipped off.”
He frowned and stood. A true gentleman. He wouldn’t believe her denial of aid. He extended a hand, steadying her as she stood. “You sure you aren’t hurt?”
Olinia laughed lightly. “You sound like Will. No, I’m not hurt.” She was only shocked beyond belief that he and Tiara had seen her as a child.
Archrin grunted inwardly. She’s like Tiara, stubborn and independent. Funny that they look so much alike as well.
His thoughts were drifting away from Legann. Olinia would lose her chance to learn what he and Tiara already knew. She hated to reveal her eavesdropping, but what other choice did she have? Olinia pulled a face and opened her mouth. “What do you know about Legann?”
Legann? Does she know? Archrin’s face became a mask. She doesn’t smell very good.
“What?” Olinia blurted without thinking of the consequences.
“I knew you were listening.”
Olinia gaped. “How?”
I felt you inside my head.
“You heard me?”
No, I felt you.
“How long did you know I was listening?”
Since you became confused over how to extract information from me. He was smiling again.
“No one has ever found me before.”
Have you ever listened to a Craele before?
“No,” she admitted.
We are much more sensitive to people’s emotions, he told her. You need to be careful to conceal your feelings when inside a Craele’s head. Hide them, and you can stay hidden.
Olinia cocked her head to one side, surprised that instead of getting angry, he was giving advice on how to be stealthy when dealing with his kind. She let out a short laugh. “Thank you, but why are you telling me a better way to read your mind?”
He laughed. I’m surprised you were able to find my mind at all.
It was Olinia’s turn to grin. “Obviously you’ve never met a Wend before.”
I think you are the first. He watched her for a moment. Then, How can I block someone completely?
Olinia pulled a face. “Well, from me you can’t. Once I connect with a mind, I will always find it again, no matter how many barriers are in place.”
And how’s that?
She bit her bottom lip, trying to think of a metaphor. “The only thing I can compare it to is a horse. A horse is a horse, but each one moves differently. It takes a little bit to fully understand and predict a horse’s movement, but once you have, you can jump on that horse and be able to ride it perfectly. That’s sort of like reading someone’s mind. It takes a little bit to understand how a person thinks, but once I have, I know exactly where to go to hear that person again.”
So, in order to stop someone from listening, I have to block them out entirely and never let them in?
“Exactly.” She nodded.
“Are you talking to yourself?” At the sound of Legann’s voice, Olinia jumped.
Legann and Will were standing at the doorway to the balcony. Olinia blinked. “What are you talking about? Archrin’s right here.”
“But you’re the only one talking.” Legann frowned.
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Will grunted. “It’s because she’s answering his thoughts.”
“Are you really?”
How do I never let them in? Archrin asked silently.
Olinia glanced between Legann and Archrin. “You put up barriers,” she replied. “Then, you make them into walls.”
Teach me.
“What’d you say?” Legann asked.
Will snorted. “She’s still talking to Archrin.”
“Yes, I’ll teach you. Yes, I’m hearing his thoughts.” Olinia rolled her eyes. “Why are you back so soon?”
Will frowned. “We ran out of places to look.”
“So, you couldn’t find her?” Archrin moved out onto the balcony, joining Legann and Will in the late summer sunshine.
Olinia sighed and followed after him, removing her mind from his. There was no point listening to him now. She stopped beside Will. His face was grim. “We didn’t find her, and none of the Eves have seen her since last night.”
“And her horse is still in the stables,” Legann added.
Archrin glanced at Olinia, catching her eyes, but didn’t say anything. She smiled. “I’m not inside your head anymore. Sorry, you’ll have to say it out loud.”
“Can you find her mind?”
She shook her head. “I’ve never listened to Tiara. And in order to hear her the first time, I’ve got to be within the same room as her.”
“Alright,” Archrin replied. “I’ll just go wait for her in her room.”
Legann frowned. “She’s not there. We looked everywhere.”
“Let him go.” Olinia said. “He might be able to find her better than the rest of us.”
As Archrin left, Will turned to Olinia, frowning again. “What’d he tell you?”
Olinia laughed and stepped to the balcony’s edge, leaning back against the railing on her elbows. “It’s more like what I found.”
“And what was that?” Legann implored.
“They know,” she replied simply, glancing at Will. “For some reason, they found out just around the same time we did.”
