ConDra's Fire, page 6
Ari bit her bottom lip. Her chin jutted out. “I’m going where Brie goes. You can’t make me do anything else.”
“Please, Ari.” Sparrow shook her head.
“Leave it, Sparrow.” Allynae hugged her again. “Let’s see where our plans take us.”
“What about Esán?” Brie’s soft voice cut through the discussion.
“Yes, what about Esán?” Sarcasm leaked into Ari’s voice. “Are you going to leave him on DerTah by himself while you worry about us?”
Almiralyn ignored her tone. “Although it’s important to bring him back to Myrrh, Esán is safer than you are at the moment. Nomed will not harm him.”
“But One Man said he might become a political pawn.” Torgin squirmed on his seat. “That doesn’t sound safe to me.”
“You’re right, Torgin. We don’t want to leave him too long. One solution is to send you and a twin with Jordett to rescue Esán.” Almiralyn caught Ari’s eye.
“And the other twin?” Ari surged to standing and glared at her aunt. “What do you intend for her?”
“Ari.” Allynae’s face was stern. “Give Almiralyn time.”
Ari’s cheeks blazed. “You may be my father, but that doesn’t give you the right to order me around.”
“Arienh!” Sparrow reached out to lay a hand on her arm.
Jerking away from her mother’s touch, she stormed across the porch and into the back yard, slamming the door behind her.
Brie looked around the suddenly quiet kitchen.
End - Chapter 6 of 58
ConDra’s Fire by S.K. Randolph
* * *
7
DerTah
Esán searched his quarters with his fast-developing senses and stiffened. One person stood near the door. A mind touch revealed nothing. The strike of a match made him jump. A flame flared. A face appeared and then vanished.
“What are you doing here?” Esán realized his voice expressed his contempt.
Nomed lit a candle and placed it on the table. “You’re in danger. I’m here to teach you how to place a ward around your room.”
Esán folded his arms. “Am I in less danger from you than from the Dreelum or Wolloh?”
“You are my nephew and my apprentice. I don’t need to fight for your allegiance. Do you know why you’re in danger?”
“I heard Gidtuss talking to someone about kidnapping me. It appears my gifts are a coveted prize. I would be expendable if not for my talent.” His eyes sparked with resentment.
Bizarre shadows flickered across Nomed’s face. Esán wondered if he looked similar in the strange light.
“Trust Gidtuss to let himself be overheard.” Nomed’s disdain for the Dreela dripped from his statement. He crossed to the window and closed it. “To create a ward, envision a shield of light in front of all doors and windows. Begin as far below the building’s foundation as you can and draw the light upward. Define what it wards against. Secure it, saying, ‘Ward of Light, protect against the entry of…’ in this case I would suggest you secure against all who approach meaning you harm.”
Esán shut his eyes and visualized the entire round room. A shield of violet light shot up, surrounding them. His eyes flew open. “How did I do that?”
“Seal them, Esán, and then we’ll talk.”
“Ward of Light, protect against all who would do me harm.” He held up his hand and drew a symbol in the air. “Seal and secure.”
Nomed’s scar yanked the corner of his mouth into an almost fierce expression. “Your gifts continue to astound me, Esán.” He unlocked the door. “I’ll meet you for morning meal. Afterwards, Wolloh will begin your training.” Narrowed hazel eyes glistened in the candlelight. “I wouldn’t wander abroad again tonight if I were you.” He slipped into the hall.
Esán sank onto his bed, his thoughts in a tangle. Now what? I need a map of DerTah. Nomed said ‘don’t wander,’ so I won’t. I’ll teleport.
He pictured a darkened corner in the library and teleported. He remembered seeing a lock on the hall side of the door. After making sure the room was empty, he crossed the carpeted floor, edged the door open a crack, slid his hand through, and grasped the key. With a sense of satisfaction, he inserted it in the keyhole on his side. Its soft click made him smile. I’d rather be safe than sorry.
Books covered the walls of the room. Beneath a shuttered window sat a multi-drawered map cabinet. Inside, Esán discovered several maps of DerTah. He selected two, one of the desert of Fera Finnero and another of the entire planet. Rolling them together, he walked over to a tall bookshelf, shut his eyes, and pictured the room. Show me books about DerTah. He smiled. On the shelf in front of him, he found what he needed. Have to admit my talents are useful.
He pulled a thin, leather-bound book from the shelf, skimmed its table of contents, and slipped it in his pocket. With the maps tucked under his arm, he unlocked the door, replaced the key on the opposite side, and arrived in his quarters.
The candle still burned. Corvus sat on the bed, his countenance serious.
Nomed made his way with ghost-like quiet to his quarters. His mind knotted itself around Gidtuss and the others who plotted against Wolloh via Esán. What are they after? How will my nephew help them acquire it? And who owns the second voice? Alerted by a whispered probing in his mind, he calmed his thoughts to the mundane activities of preparing for bed. Another nudge. A quick “meet me” and the probe was gone. The signal was clear.
Preferring not to alert the Dreelum, who monitored his every move, he cracked open the door and surveyed the dim hallway. They would all be gone by mid-turning tomorrow. Until then, he preferred to appear ignorant of their game. He stepped into the hall and, with predatory stealth, walked past Baroh and Omudi’s quarters. Gidtuss came hurrying around the corner.
“Good evening.” Nomed watched him squirm.
“What are you doing out this late?” The man’s voice held a note of alarm.
Nomed smiled his crooked smile. “I might ask you the same, Dreela, but I’m not that interested.” Sidestepping around his adversary, he continued down the hall.
Behind him, the man’s thoughts flapped like frightened birds. I hate you, Nomed. Just wait… Does he know? What if he finds out? I have to… His mind clamped shut.
Nomed relished his power and Gidtuss’ obvious fear before stepping into an elegant sitting room. He shut the door and turned. Cool eyes met his, their warning clear. A wall slid away, and his companion beckoned him to follow. An oil lamp sprang to light as the gap in the wall closed.
Nomed assessed his fellow conspirator. “You look lovely, my dear TheLise.” He inspected the small space. “When did you discover this little hideaway?”
“I found it when I was a girl training with Wolloh.” She smiled her intriguing smile and then grew serious. “We have a major complication about to descend on our doorstep, Seyes.” Her eyes darted to the wall.
Nomed placed a finger on his lips. Together, they strained to hear the conversation on the other side.
Esán sighed with relief to find Corvus in his quarters.
A curious smile deepened the man’s dimple. “You’ve created quite a stir. The Dreelum are all in a twitter about Wolloh’s new apprentice and how they can use your gifts to further their personal causes.” He raised a brow. “Who put wards around your room?”
“I did. Nomed came by and showed me how.” Esán unrolled the maps on the bed beside his guest and placed the book on top of them. “Are any of the Dreelum honest?”
“Baroh is the least likely to become involved in the games of his fellow leaders, and perhaps TheLise. She’s definitely independent—a wild card. The others…they’re a selfish, self-serving lot, and so are their followers.”
“And Wolloh?”
Corvus shrugged. “That’s a closed door. I would doubt anyone knows his mind.”
Esán kept his voice low. “He’s still interested in Evolsefil, the Prima Crystal.”
Curiosity lit Corvus’ almond-shaped eyes. “How do you know that?”
“I saw it in his mind when we first met. He either didn’t realize I could read his thoughts, or he wanted me to know. I think the latter is correct.”
“I agree.” Corvus picked up the book on DerTah and flipped through its parchment pages. “Are you planning to go somewhere?”
Esán shrugged. “I decided I’d better prepare for a speedy departure, just in case.” He studied the man opposite him. “I need to return to Myrrh, Corvus. The longer I’m here, the more difficult it will be for my friends and family.”
“Don’t leave without me.” The man smoothed out the maps and studied them. We need to find gateways to either Myrrh or KcernFensia.”
“I know about the one in the desert, but I hate the idea of Fire ConDra.” Esán gave him a rueful smile. “One almost barbecued me for lunch—something I don’t wish to experience again.”
Corvus examined the small book. “The author certainly packed this with information. Can you read this?” He held it closer to the candle. A strange symbol marked a spot on the shoreline of the Sea of Trinuge. Below it, written in tiny script, were three words…‘Oreo Tey Omoc.’
Esán analyzed the symbol and the words, then searching through the book, he found two identical symbols with the identical written phrase. “I’d be willing to bet these are gateways and the sacred Key to open them.” He angled the book nearer to the candle. “Corvus, check this out.”
In the margin nearest the flame, faint letters began to form. B…e…war…e t…he p…or…tal of G…
A soft knock prompted him to slip the book into his pocket. Corvus hid the maps under the bed and moved to the door.
“It’s Seval.” Esán mouthed the words. He could feel fear prickling around the servant.
Corvus nodded.
Esán opened the door, pulled the boy inside, and shut it all in one movement.
“The Dreelum aren’t…” The servant began, saw Corvus, and clamped his mouth shut. He looked at Esán for direction.
“It’s okay, Seval. This is Corvus Difner. He’s a friend.”
Seval took a hard look. “I haven’t seen you before. What do you do here?”
“I work with the birds of prey Wolloh uses for hunting. I’m rarely in the big house.” His tone was reassuring. “You’re the one everyone is calling the mystery boy.”
Seval looked vague. “How did you know?” He sounded less worried.
“Word gets around. You know how people talk.”
“Yeah, especially in front of inconsequential folks like us.” He looked at Esán. “The Dreelum aren’t leaving for a few more turnings. While they’re here, you’re in danger.”
“Any idea why they’re staying?”
Corvus, his expression alert, crossed to the door. “I have to go. Take care, Esán, and remember what I said.”
Before Esán could reply, he was gone.
End - Chapter 7 of 58
ConDra’s Fire - S.K. Randolph
* * *
8
Myrrh
The back door slamming smashed against the silence set in motion by Ari’s furious departure from Almiralyn’s kitchen. Brie’s first inclination was to follow, but she realized nothing she could say would ease the anger and frustration her twin was feeling. She addressed the group instead. “She’s worried you’ll separate us. We just spent several crazy weeks apart, helping to save Myrrh. Isn’t there any way we can stay together? Our grandfather doesn’t know there are two of us.”
“But if he were to see you together, he would know you are twins. You’re as alike as two Dojanberries on a bush.” Almiralyn watched her with understanding, but no willingness to give in.
“What if we make ourselves appear different?”
“Like what?” Sparrow looked at her with interest.
The back door opened. Ari walked to Allynae’s side. “I’m sorry, Father. I didn’t mean to be so rude.”
He put an arm around her and gave her a quick hug. “We’re all worried and edgy. I know you want to stay with Brie. How to keep you safe and together is the problem.”
“What if I cut my hair and dress like a boy?” Ari used a low voice.
Torgin laughed. “You’d still look like twins.”
“Not if I changed my hair color?” She released her ponytail and let her red curls fall around her face.
Almiralyn walked around the table to stand beside her. “Ari, try something for me. Close your eyes and visualize how you would look if you changed your appearance.”
Ari squeezed her eyes shut and furrowed her brow in concentration. Every muscle in her body seemed to quiver with effort. Imperceptibly at first, her feminine facial features began to blur. Her brow smoothed as they came back into focus, more sculpted and masculine. Long, red curls shrunk to an unruly crop of chestnut brown waves. When she opened her eyes and fixed her gaze on Almiralyn, her once brown eyes gleamed as blue as her aunt’s.
Sparrow gasped.
“By the Fathers, Ari!” Torgin’s eyes bulged in amazement..
Ari glared. “What are you staring at?”
Brie jumped up and pulled her into the hall, where a mirror hung above a small table.
Astonishment, surprise, and suspicion flitted across Ari’s transformed face. She whipped around, marched back into the kitchen, and, hands on hips, confronted her aunt. “Did you do this, or did I?”
Almiralyn smiled. “You are part KcernFensian, Ari. We can all shape shift once we figure out how. You never tried before.
Ari threw back her head and laughed, a deep laugh filled with wonder and delight. “I do have talent! Thanks, Aunt Mira.” She blushed and gave her aunt an awkward hug. “How long can I keep up my alternate appearance?”
“I would suggest we cut your hair and dye it so you don’t have to work so hard to hold the illusion in place. Then I think you can maintain it indefinitely. It’s not like changing form. You are still Ari. You just look different.”
Ari gave Almiralyn a cocky smile. “Kinda like when you’re Mira, right?”
“Exactly.”
Ari let the façade go and shook her curls back from her face. “Now, can we stay together?”
Almiralyn hugged them both. “You can.”
Ari pulled away and looked at her aunt. “So when do we leave to rescue Esán?”
“Sit down. Let’s plan.” She returned to her seat at the head of the table.
Ari and Brie slid into their seats next to Torgin. “I sure wish I could do that.”
“You never know, Torg. Stranger things have happened.” Ari shot him a knowing smile.
“Right. I’m just plain old Theran. Bo-o-ring!”
Brie laughed. “Have you ever really listened to your music, Torg? You could never be boring.”
Jordett listened to the exchange with half an ear and half a smile, his military mind planning a way to spur the group into action. He cleared his throat. “We can’t hope to track and protect all of Sparrow’s family if they’re scattered over three planets. I believe Sparrow and her mother would be safest in the Dojanacks with Yookotay and the DeoNytes.”
“What do you think, Sparrow?” Myrrh’s Guardian gazed at her sister-by-Joining.
Sparrow frowned. “How will we get word to Gerolyn and Standin?”
Merrilea surveyed the group. “I could go to the Central Mountains and find them.”
The worry faded from Sparrow’s face as she leaned toward Almiralyn. “Let me go with Merrilea. It will be quicker, and she shouldn’t go alone. When we get back, I will hide with Mother.”
Almiralyn shook her head. “I don’t—”
“I’ll go with them, Mira.” One Man cut in. “I spent several sun cycles in the Central Mountains. The journey will be quick, especially with Sparrow along. She can navigate us around Singtil, an area I don’t know well.”
“Let’s hope the PPP isn’t watching Demrach Gateway.” Merrilea looked thoughtful. “I know a route to Singtil that will allow us to avoid public transport.”
Allynae slid an arm around Sparrow. “I’m not sure Sparrow should go anywhere. Let Merrilea and One Man go.”
Sparrow looked up at him. “I need to do this, Alli. We’ll be back before you know it.”
Allynae looked at Almiralyn for support. “She’s right, Alli.” His sister continued. “The journey will be much faster with her along. Her presence will convince Gerolyn and Standin of the danger.”
“Da’am blast, Mira.” Allynae bristled at his sister’s betrayal, and then sagged. “I just want you safe, Sparrow. I don’t want to lose you again.”
“We’ll be fine. I’m more worried about you and the twins.”
Almiralyn looked relieved. “What’s next, Jordy?”
Much to Ari’s delight, Karrew chose that moment to fly through the kitchen window and settle on his perch.
Jordett grinned. “Good to see you, Karrew.”
The big raven tipped its head and blinked a shiny ebony eye.
“I think we need a break.” Almiralyn walked to his perch and offered an arm.
Sparrow filled the kettle. “We’ve been up half the night. I’ll make a snack and some tea.”
Allynae pushed his chair back. “I’ll check the pantry and see what I can find.
Ari stretched and regarded Torgin and Brie with a half-smile. “Let’s walk in the garden.” She strolled out the back door.
Torgin joined her. “How long have we been talking?” He scanned the sky where pale golden light announced the sunrise.
“Too long.” Ari leaned against an ancient maple tree. “You realize they will not allow us to help with Esán’s rescue?”
Brie skimmed a small stone across the pond’s shimmering surface and watched it skip three times. “I almost think we would be safer on DerTah. Our grandfather is not someone I wish to run into, and I bet he is on his way here.”
