The Entean Saga - The Complete Saga

by C B Williams

  “But Aiko, Grale—” Wren began.

  Mouse clapped her hands once, a sharp sound, echoing across the meadow.

  Little Sister’s head darted up from her digging.

  “Spur did not send Aiko!” Mouse stated, her voice rising. “Nor the others. She sent you, Wren. You’re the KinLord on this journey. They are not, and it’s time you recognized that fact.”

  “Eloch—”

  “Eloch is not the KinLord either. Not while he’s Champion. He can’t be both. It’s you, Wren. Own it. Fight for it if you have to.” She snorted. “It’ll be so much easier than what you did in SubCity.” She paused, breathing heavily.

  Wren’s eyes widened. “Easy, Mama Sniffer. Calm down. I’m hearing you. I’m listening. You always have been one to tell me truth whether or not I want to hear it.”

  Mouse took a deep breath and smiled shakily. “Sorry. Hormones.”

  “No, I’m sorry, and thank you, Mouse. Thank you from my very soul. It’s exactly what I needed to hear.”

  Wren took a deep, calming breath and let it out with a nod. “I’m good now.” She hugged her friend. “Thanks to you. You are absolutely right. Spur did send me. I do have this. I am KinLord of that ship. I see it now. I know what to do. Thanks,” she said again.

  “Just don’t ever forget again, promise?” Mouse said.

  “Promise.”

  “Okay, then.”

  “Yeah.” Wren flashed a grin. “What a powerful Mama Sniffer you are.” She laughed and brushed the tears off her cheeks as she linked arms with her friend. “And what a lucky baby. Now tell me about this building you’ve created.”

  Mouse’s face lit up, and she began to describe her latest building, designed to honor The Lady Talamh, inspired by a dream Mouse had. It would be where the two different peoples could gather in peace and harmony, where the new government seat would be, and it was to be built beyond the wall that Lady Talamh had created to keep the colonizers apart from Her people.

  As Mouse described the details, they crossed the meadow, following the route through the trees and down a rise. Small thatched homes began dotting the landscape. Seeing the homes, Wren called Little Sister to them. The sniffer ambled docilely between the two friends.

  “It was my inspiration, Wren. Max had been wondering what gesture of goodwill we could offer. They were so wary of us at first, and wise to be wary, because you know what we”—she elbowed Wren and grinned—“Spurians are like.”

  Wren elbowed her back. “That I do. Give us an inch, we’ll take a mile and turn it all into rubble.” She held up a hand. “But no more. That’s in the past.”

  Mouse smiled. “Yup. In the past, although it’s still taking some convincing. Spurians are stubborn too, and slow to change.”

  “Willful, yes.”

  “Anyway, it’s nearly done, and as soon as we go around this corner, right here, you will see it,” she said just as the building came into view.

  Wren sucked in a breath and halted, her eyes widening.

  The walls were the same chalky stone as the path they were on, quarried from nearby hillsides, cut into blocks, and polished so they were smooth. Low steps, graced by delicately arched pillars, led to the entrance, two large bronze doors which stood open, revealing an inner courtyard where Wren could make out the statue of a woman. Large, arched windows spread in even rows on both sides of the door, flanking both the first and second story. These were embellished with intricately carved stone garlands. The third story windows were small arches forming a scalloped pattern.

  “It’s beautiful, Mouse,” Wren whispered. “It’s feminine. How a building can be called feminine, I don’t know, but this one is. So lovely. But strong, too, you know?” She looked at Mouse. “It’s not going to go anyplace.”

  Mouse let out a breath she’d been holding. “You like it, then? I’ve been so close to the project, I just don’t know anymore.”

  Wren glanced over at Mouse, her fingers stroking Little Sister’s fur. “It amazes me, Mouse. You amaze me. What did Max say?”

  Mouse chuckled. “He called it exquisite, but you know Max.”

  “No, he’s right. That’s exactly what it is. It’s exquisite, Mouse. I’m sure The Lady is honored.”

  “I wouldn’t know. I haven’t had the guts to ask Talamh’s High Priest. That’s what they call their Champion here,” Mouse explained. “There are priests and priestesses, and then there’s a High Priest and a Seer. The Seer dreams the future and consults with the High Priest.”

  “Interesting. Just this morning Eloch mentioned a Seer who will be coming with us, but I really haven’t paid attention to how that part works on this planet. I leave that up to Eloch and...well, I’ve been working on other stuff.”

  “Like getting the Valiant ready for intergalactic travel?”

  “Yeah, like that. Getting her ready for Vela Kentaurus. But since we’re not leaving until the Seer is ready, will you walk me through your exquisite creation?”

  Mouse reached for Wren’s hand and tugged her forward. “But of course. This way.”

  Chapter 2

  Perin

  The dream shifted and she began to Dream True. Everything became crystalline clear. Every detail, every nuance, every word spoken would embed itself in her memory. She used to enjoy the shift, to look forward to the True Dream, knowing its message would benefit her people.

  But that was before.

  Now, she only dreamt one True Dream. Countless times, over and over and over again until she was sure she was going mad. And what was in the dream made no sense to her whatsoever. And yet she continued to dream it. Madness was the only explanation.

  She had begun to fear sleep. Would only sleep when utter exhaustion drove her to it, or when she convinced one of her handmaidens to give her a potion that made dreaming impossible. Her maidens were worried. She could hear their concern whenever they spoke, could feel it when as they helped her dress.

  So it was no surprise when Rayne, The Lady’s Champion, came to see her. In fact, she wondered why he hadn’t come sooner, although she knew he was usually busy with The Lady’s wishes. The people of Talamh were finally in negotiations with the Others, those who came from Spur, those The Lady Talamh had walled off.

  Rayne took her hands and led her to a comfortable sitting bench. His hands were warm and dry, a bit papery, but then Rayne was not a young man.

  “How are you, Perin?” Rayne asked in his deep, rumbly voice, a voice that belied his years.

  “I am well, Champion,” she replied. “Tea?”

  “Yes, that would be nice, Perin. Thank you.”

  She signaled the handmaiden who always stood at the room’s entrance. Her handmaidens were never far away. “And how are the negotiations with the Others?” she asked politely while they waited.

  “I am quite pleased with the progress,” Rayne replied, a smile in his voice. “Their new leader is very reasonable, although he has highly defined boundaries he refuses to cross.”

  “What sort of boundaries?”

  “He insists they keep the city’s structure, and The Lady is not pleased, but She will agree to it reluctantly. When he learned of The Lady’s displeasure, he was willing to compromise by redesigning the larger buildings so they will be more pleasing to the eye. His bondmate has some ideas and is building one now to honor The Lady. If it pleases The Lady, then so much the better.”

  “The Lady has not seen it? That is unlike her.”

  Rayne chuckled. “The new leader made Her promise not to look until it is ready.”

  “That is surprising, that She would make such a promise.”

  “Yes.”

  “There is frustration in your voice. What troubles you?”

  “The timing. These Others want to bring the two peoples together sooner rather than later.”

  Perin sighed. “We are slow to make decisions, Rayne, it is true, but I’ve heard the distrust is lessening and people are becoming curious about one another. This is good.”
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  Rayne touched her hand. “They need their Seer, Perin. The Lady’s High Priest and the Seer’s True Dreams, as it has always been.”

  A discreet cough came from the door, announcing the tea’s arrival. The pause for Rayne to pour tea gave Perin time to regain her serenity.

  Rayne handed her a cup.

  She took a sip, allowing the warmth to soothe her. It was time to confess. It was best for the people of Talamh for her to face reality. Besides, she was tired of the burden of hiding what was. “I am aware our People need their Seer, Rayne,” she began, hearing how despairing the words were sounding, “but I only dream one dream, that of people I do not know and of places I could never imagine. Over and over and over again.” She gripped the handle of her cup. “I have begun to dread sleep.”

  “Oh, child! I was not aware.”

  “It is my fault. I have told no one, hoping a True Dream would come soon.” She took a deep breath. “Yet no True Dreams come.” She turned to face in his direction. “I fear I have lost the Gift, Rayne.” She hadn’t meant to sound so pitiful, even if it was how she felt.

  The clink of a teacup, the rustle of fabric, and Rayne’s arms were wrapped around her. “You have not lost the Gift, Perin. Otherwise, your normal sight would be returned to you.”

  Hope fluttered beneath her collarbone. “My sight would be returned if I no longer Dreamed True? I didn’t know this.”

  “Few do, it happens so seldom.” He released her, and she heard the rustle of his robes when he sat again. “So you are still Dreaming True. Of what, we do not know, but it will come to pass, be sure of that.”

  A chill ran through her, but Perin remained silent. “What of the People?” she asked into the silence. “My dream cannot possibly help them.”

  Rayne sighed. “Then The Lady will bring us another Seer." He patted her hand. "But for now, describe to me this True Dream of yours. I will discuss these events with The Lady and will return in the morning with solutions."

  "Very well." Perin set down her cup, took a deep breath, and told him of the dream. She had dreamed it so often, the details she described seemed more real than the reality in which she sat.

  “I am filled with terror, nearly paralyzed by it. I enter a room unlike any I have ever been in before. It has seats facing a large window that looks out onto nothingness. There are people there, dressed in strange clothing, and there are other people there who are traveling through the room.

  “You would think the traveling people would be seen, but no one pays attention to them. And then one of the travelers aims a weapon at the tall man standing in the room.”

  She swallowed. “The tall man is shot clean through and falls. I am filled with deep sorrow and feel as though I have failed these people. I have failed them all, and the world will never be made right because of me.”

  When she finished, she was greeted with silence. Perin ducked her head, allowing the fall of her long hair to mask her emotions. “I know it makes no sense,” she said. “It makes no sense to me either. I am not even sure I am describing it accurately because it is so strange. All I know is, it is a True Dream.”

  She waited, but The Lady’s Champion remained quiet. “I am sorry, Rayne, that I waited so long to tell you."

  "The timing is perfect, Perin. You know it always is so. But you are right, this dream is strange and perplexing. What you describe has nothing to do with The People and everything to do with those beyond the wall.” He patted her hand, then returned her cup. "Finish your tea, dear one. I will return tomorrow."

  She nodded, disappointed he did not comment further. But he was the High Priest, had been The Lady’s Champion for so many years that perhaps he went to others to share its contents. Perhaps even to those beyond the wall.

  Rayne patted her hand again, “Drink. I am not leaving until you drink.”

  She took a swallow of the tea and enjoyed the spreading warmth.

  “The tea will soothe you.” The sweep of fabric against her arm told her he had risen. “Until tomorrow, my dear.”

  She listened to him leave, the rustle of his clothes and the soft cadence of his voice as he greeted her handmaidens and asked about her well-being.

  That night, she decided, she would sleep and would accept whatever happened. Perhaps her confession to Rayne would stop the repetition of that one True Dream which had been haunting her for so long.

  “The Lady has need of you, Perin. A great need which calls for a great sacrifice,” Rayne told her when they were once more sitting side by side the next day.

  Her heart quickened. “I am relieved,” she told him, “I thought...” She trailed off. She could not express how inadequate and useless she had been feeling.

  R’s hand covered her own, which she only now recognized had fisted. “I understand, my dear,” he said quietly.

  His kindness was nearly her undoing. She forced her fist to unclench, and she shifted to face him where they sat together on the bench in her little courtyard. “What is the need?”

  “Your True Dream, Seer,” he began. “It is not for the people of Talamh, however. It is much larger than that. There is a quest, you see.”

  “A quest?”

  “Yes, my dear. Something is happening out in the stars, far beyond this world. But it is approaching. The Lady and Her Sisters have been following its path. In its wake are misery and death.”

  Perin leaned toward him. “Death?”

  “The Sisters whom this something has passed by have become sick. They lose their reason. They are easily confused. Slowly, They lose their ability to function, lose Their will to function. Their inhabitants...” Rayne paused.

  “What of Their inhabitants?” Perin prompted.

  “Their inhabitants perish,” Rayne finished quietly.

  Perin gasped, her hand covered her mouth. “And it is coming here?”

  “It is. Not for a great many years, but it is coming. And so,” he continued, “the Sisters in this region of stars have banded together. They have found a Champion who will intercept this unknown carrier of misery and defeat it.”

  “The tall man from my True Dream,” Perin breathed when understanding flooded her.

  “The man from your True Dream, yes. He is here on Talamh, making preparations to depart in a great ship. They will be gone a long, long time, possibly to never return.” Rayne covered one of Perin’s hands with a gentle squeeze. “The Lady asks that you go with them. She believes you will begin to Dream True again. For them. She believes you are the Seer for this Champion.”

  Perin felt her whole body tense as Rayne’s words sank in. “If I do what The Lady asks of me, I will never step foot on Talamh again,” she said.

  “You are likely correct, my dear.”

  “The great sacrifice,” she whispered.

  “Yes. That is why The Lady is asking and not demanding. You have a choice.”

  She took a breath and steadied herself. “This Champion. May I meet him before I make my decision?”

  “Of course.”

  “I want to know in my heart that he is the one from my True Dream.”

  “The Lady believes he is.”

  “If I am to offer myself as his Seer, I want to know for myself.”

  “I understand.”

  Rayne made rustling noises like he was about to rise, but Perin touched his arm. “There is something you’re not telling me. I can hear it in your voice.”

  Rayne resettled himself with a sigh. “I forget how sensitive you truly are, Seer.”

  “What is it?”

  “I am not at liberty to say, other than I do not believe The Lady was surprised when I told Her of your dream.”

  “Ah,” Perin said. “If She wasn’t surprised, then She already knows and perhaps has already offered my support?” she guessed.

  “Perhaps, but you still have a choice.”

  That night Perin dreamt a True Dream, a different Dream from the one haunting her sleep. This one showed her a group of people not from Talamh.
They were sitting together in a sterile room sharing a meal and laughing, joking with one another as comrades often do. She felt included.

  When she awoke, she understood she never really had a choice.

  He was huge. She nearly took a step back to regain her balance when his power slammed into her. And he was so bright, nearly as bright as The Lady Herself. Yet Perin was unafraid.

  “I am Eloch,” he said. “And you are Perin?”

  She nodded and smiled. His voice was deep and rolling. “You are so bright,” she told him. “Your light.”

  “You can see?” He sounded surprised.

  “The Lady did not tell you about Seers,” she guessed. For some reason, this put her more at ease. She felt more of an equal to this powerful being, this individual who was a man, yet more than a man. Much more.

  “No,” he confirmed. “Perhaps you would?”

  They were outside in her small courtyard. She sat on the same bench she had shared with Rayne the day before. Like all parts of her home, she knew exactly where everything was and how many paces from the entrance to her favorite spot for contemplation, beneath a flowering tree. She loved to smell the blossoms in springtime. It was summer, now, and the tree’s leaves rustled in the breeze, which also eddied the blossoms’ fragrance around her.

  She patted the place beside her. “Come,” she said. “Sit with me.” She waited for him to sit, felt his warmth and his energy as he lowered himself beside her. She turned toward him, waited for her Inner Sight to adjust to his brightness. “It is true I cannot see the world as you may see it. I used to, before I began to Dream True. Then my vision changed. Perhaps to accommodate the dreams? I do not know. It is what we are told.”

  “How did your vision change?” he asked.

  By the way he brightened, she knew his curiosity was piqued. “I see the energy patterns of the living, so I am not entirely blind,” she explained. “And colors. Every individual has a distinct color. Sometimes it is very subtle, especially with families. But you, you are a bright white. Nearly blinding, until I have time to adjust. Much like The Lady, but not like Her at all. Her light flows around Her, like shimmery smoke, which touches and caresses everything around Her. Your light is bright, and if I squint, I can see vines of light moving within you. You are like a world all your own, contained in your flesh.”