AESSA'S CHILDREN: BOOK ONE -- THE LAST BORDER
By V. A. Watts
(c) 1993
NOTE: This work is under a registered copyright and unauthorized distribution is prohibited and will be prosecuted. All characters are fictional and of my own invention. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
Note on pronunciation: Proper Names and nouns within the language most commonly used on Aessa, Lliyassean, allow that each letter have its own sound. The first vowel in each word is long, the following vowels hold the short sound. Therefore, the name Thana is pronounced: T-HAYN-AH. Maygra is MAY-IH-G-RAH, Kieri is KI-ERR-IH, and Jael is JAY-EL. Diminutives such as Jai and Mag are pronounced as written, so Jai would be Ji (long "I") and Mag would be Mag with a short "a". The use of glottal stops is pervasive. Words ending in "I" are masculine gendered, "a" indicates feminine gender, "n" indicates plurals. Partial Glossary is at the end of each chapter.
The storm of the night before had washed Ravon clean. The stones of the walls glistened with wetness, bouncing the newborn sun's light in a million rainbows that fell over courtyard and field. Fog rose from the tree tops in Nessa Hulden, obscuring the southern horizon in a sheen of dreamy mist. CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Maygra watched the spreading glow, allowing herself these few precious moments of relaxation and peace. She could see in Ravon what Rhema had once been and it comforted her to know that not all things changed. It was early still and her concern about her companions was beginning to gnaw at the back of her brain. Concern for Damyn was foremost, but the Healer, Merida, had seemed to be competent and sure she could preserve Damyn's life if not his sanity. She would check on them all soon, already shrugging off the stiffness and pain her night's rest had produced.
"That color becomes you, child," a soft voice said from behind her.
Startled, Maygra whirled, her hand reaching automatically for the weapon that was not at her side. There was no way to secure the ax to the soft cloth robe provided her the night before. Caught off guard she grasped the nearest thing that would afford some protection, her fingers curling around the standing black-stone candle stand.
Sarai chuckled, not at all frightened by Maygra's ferocious stance. "I'll guard my compliments more carefully in the future if this is your response," Sarai said and set the tray and basket she was holding down on the small round table near the fireplace. "It's no attack, my dear -- except on the appetite I expect you have. We usually all take our meals together in the Hall, but I thought you might prefer privacy until you get settled."
Maygra forced her tense muscles to relax, feeling slightly foolish, and set the stand back in its place. "I'm not often taken unawares," she said slowly, awkward under Sarai's friendly gaze.
"So I understand. Come and eat. Merida has decreed that your meals should be light for the next few days, to accustom your stomachs to a regular supply of food," Sarai said and poured out milk from a small earthen pitcher.
"Will you join me?" Maygra asked stiffly, relying on courtesy where confidence failed.
"Thank you, but no, dear. I will keep you company for a bit though, if you like."
It was on the tip of Maygra's tongue to tell the older woman to go, but Sarai was already settling gracefully into the chair on the opposite side of the tray, her inviting smile fixed on Maygra.
Maygra found her own mouth curving in answer as she also took a seat and her stomach growled appreciatively and audibly the moment she smelled the food before her. Sarai laughed like a girl and opened the covered basket of light breads, the enticing steam allowing the aroma to escape.
"I think I could probably eat all of this and more," Maygra commented dryly as she accepted one of the flaky wafers from Sarai and dipped it into a little bowl of honey. The taste was all the smell promised and Maygra's stomach gurgled happily to her embarrassment.
"So your brother said. And he might have had not Merida come in. She scolded all of us soundly."
"Mikayl's awake?" Maygra asked. "I'd hoped he would rest longer."
"He said the same of you -- checked on you before following his nose to the kitchens. Don't, child," Sarai admonished gently as Maygra rose. "You can see all of your kin as soon as you've eaten and changed into something that fits better," she added opening the second larger basket she had brought. "You're taller than I but I've let the hem out of this one and we'll have you some fresh clothes of your own made by the end of the day -- if you can sit still long enough for a fitting," Sarai commented. She had pulled a long, close-fitting tunic of green, embroidered at the neck and fitted sleeves with meticulous and intricate care. The wide sash that went with it was equally as finely decorated and Maygra squirmed uncomfortably in her seat at the sight of the feminine garment.
"Maygra, it is only a dress and you needn't feel indebted for its loan," Sarai said gently.
"It's not that," Maygra began, her eyes captivated by the soft loveliness of the garment, "It's not exactly what I'm used to wearing," she tried to explain.
"Well, the rags you had on didn't make it past a washing," Sarai said with a laugh.
"No." Maygra said suddenly, unable to explain the tightness in her chest. "Even before . . . in Rhema . . . I'm a swordswoman, Maia was the one for such beauty -- I'm sorry. I sound ungrateful," she finished lamely ducking her head and concentrating on her food.
Sarai folded the dress up carefully and sent a silent message to her assistant Denna. She had read more into Maygra's stumbling explanation than the young woman realized. She helped herself to a biscuit and sat back in her chair.
"Maia, she is Kion's mother -- Jael's mate?" Sarai prompted softly.
"Yes, my elder sister," Maygra replied bringing her suddenly raging emotions to heel. I am more tired than I thought, she admitted to herself angrily and started in on the clear broth Sarai had provided. "She died last winter."
"Mikayl said as much. I'm sorry, my dear. You'd already lost so much --."
"It's all right," Maygra said more sharply than she intended. She laid her spoon down, her appetite gone. "Maia was gone from us long before she died," she added more softly.
"I've heard part of your tale," Sarai said, rising to gather the abandoned dishes. "Not all," she added when Maygra looked up swiftly, her face guarded. "You will have the opportunity to tell who and what you wish. Rhys felt it necessary for me to know and others of the Elder Council, though again, not all," she added with a quick smile.
"I should see the others," Maygra said, rising and reaching out for the dress. Her fingertips stroked the soft fabric for a moment before lifting it with an inward sigh of resignation. She was caught off guard again when Sarai deftly plucked it from her hands and handed her a towel and underthings instead.
"Take a moment to freshen up, child," Sarai said with a smile and pointed to a curtained alcove, "You'll find hot water and toiletries in there. I'll clear these things and lay out your clothes then show you about a bit." She gave Maygra a small push toward the washroom then turned back to clear up the clutter.
Feeling like a small child, Maygra did as she was told, finding the bath chamber a miniature version of the larger bath she'd been taken to the night before. There was no large standing tub, but a smaller version was bubbling with warm water and she gave herself a quick cleaning, finding soap and a brush waiting for her. When she returned, Sarai was gone but instead of the green gown, which now hung over the screen near the fireplace, on her carefully made up bed was a pair of men's breeches and a loose green shirt. Her own boots were at the foot of the bed, cleaned and repaired and a long ribbon lay beside the shirt.
Maygra felt the pressure in her chest again but this time she smiled as she pulled on the shirt, lacing it quickly and slipping into the breeches. They were too long but she cuffed and tucked them into the boots, chuckling a little as her sore feet were cushioned by a soft padded fur pelt. The shirt was too large, but she felt far more comfortable in it than she would have in the dress, although now she gazed at it a little longingly as she braided her hair again and tied it with first her leather strap then the green ribbon.
"Much better I think," Sarai said entering with the same silent quickness she had exhibited before. She held out a thick sheath belt which Maygra used to secure her breeches.
"I -- thank you, Sarai," Maygra fumbled to express her gratitude.
"Nonsense, child. The dress was to make you feel welcome, not defenseless. You've been so long under siege it was foolish of me to think a bath and some food would make you feel instantly at home," Sarai said with no hint of mockery or scolding. "Had I been thinking clearly I'd have seen that this morning when Mikayl came down. He, too, was still dressed for travel. I thought the clothes I'd sent didn't fit." The older woman laughed at this. "Now, feel ready to face the curious stares of the Keep?"
Maygra made no effort to disguise her shudder. She nodded as Sarai led the way. "The children are still sleeping. Merida prepared something for last night's milk to be sure they wouldn't awaken before a familiar face was there to greet them," she said leading Maygra to the room directly across the hall from hers. It was Mikayl who first greeted them and Maygra could not help but smile as she reached out to touch his face.
The dark shadows under his eyes had faded noticeably and his grin was no longer haunted by fear or fatigue. He caught her hand and kissed it, then pressed a finger to his lips. Renn and Kiva had been placed in separate beds but Kiva had found her way to Renn's and the two of them were curled together, Renn's arm wrapped protectively around his adopted sister. They had not yet had the baths that Maygra had indulged in the night before, but their faces had been scrubbed clean and the worst of the dirt washed away before being dressed in soft woolen gowns. Without the dirt they seemed even thinner, frailer than she remembered, but Renn's face no longer mimicked Damyn's gray pallor and Kiva had two tiny rosy spots on her cheeks.
"The little girl has a touch of fever, but it's mild," said the other occupant of the room, a small, stocky woman with dark curly hair and a welcome smile. She tended two cradles, one containing a sleeping Kion, his small fist pressed against his lax mouth. The other held another infant, larger and healthier than Kion but younger. He was awake, his dark eyes fixed on the strangers above him with utter fascination.
"His name is Marren. My youngest," the woman said.
"This is Jurrana, Mag. Maric's wife," Mikayl explained.
"Thank you for watching over them, Jurrana," Maygra said a little stiffly.
"You're more than welcome, Masyra. Marren keeps me up most nights anyhow, but he was quiet last night."
"Perhaps you and Maric ought to have more children, Jura," Sarai teased, "To give him more brothers and sisters to occupy his attention."
Jurrana blushed and laughed. "Two's enough, we think. Maric and I started a bit late to be raising little ones," she added but gazed down at her son fondly. "You needn't worry about the little ones, Masyra. They'll sleep a bit yet and I'll let you know when they awake so they'll have a familiar face to wake to."
Maygra nodded, unable to find words of gratitude. She went to the bed, ruffling Renn's fair hair for reassurance. He sighed a little and snuggled closer to Kiva.
It was Mikayl who finally led her from the room, his arm around her shoulders. "Jael's awake," he said suddenly and Sarai led them to the room next to the children's. Maygra vaguely remembered that they had been put in adjoining rooms along the wide hallway -- all but Damyn who was still in the Healing rooms. Anxiety pushed in on her and she stepped quickly out of Mikayl's embrace, entering Jael's room with a sudden urgency.
The dark-haired Rheman was barely awake, sitting on the edge of his bed bare-chested, his blankets wrapped around his hips. One of Sarai's attendants entered behind them bearing a tray of food similar to the one Maygra had barely touched. The young man delivered his goods quickly, returning Sarai's smile as he laid out fresh clothes for Jael on the chest at the foot of the bed.
Maygra went swiftly to Jael, catching his face in her hand as she had done with Mikayl. The older man looked less rested than her brother, pain still haunted his face and movements.
"Tell me this is no dream, Mag," he said in a hoarse voice, resting his forehead against her palm. She smoothed the dark hair and sat beside him.
"No dream, kiri'nai," she said softly and pulled him into an awkward embrace. "How do you feel?"
"Tired, sore, and hungry," he replied, resting against her shoulder.
"The hunger I can fix," Sarai announced and brought the tray to the bedside. Mikayl was quick to supply a table. "Time will correct the rest."
"You must be one of Aessa's messengers," Jael said.
Sarai laughed out loud and deftly tucked a small towel onto Jael's lap. "You'll be a favorite, I can tell," she said and poured him milk. "Mind you, flattery goes a long way with the women of this Keep. Ask Mikayl. He's already got half the kitchen girls eating from his hand.
Mikayl blushed and chuckled. "They are all very kind," he said.
"And you are a handsome and very welcome new face," Sarai teased. "Alda burned half a tray of bread while you were in the kitchen."
"She's the one with the dark curls and big eyes?" Mikayl asked.
"No, that one's Karana. Alda has the red hair and the saucy smile," Sarai responded with no hint of a smile though her eyes danced mischievously.
"Taking your early tour seriously, I see," Maygra said dryly.
"Best to know the lay," Mikayl retorted but he was blushing again and Maygra grinned with satisfaction.
"How are the children and Damyn?" Jael asked sipping his milk.
"The children are asleep next door, We're on our way to Damyn now," Maygra replied, the laughter fading as suddenly as it had come. She pushed him gently back as he would have risen. "Eat. Rest, Jai. We'll check on Damyn. When the children wake they'll need to see you and Jurrana will call. I'll be back later and we'll all talk then."
Sarai pursed her lips slightly. It was clear that Maygra's talk was to be a private one and the younger woman's continued suspicion bothered her somewhat. She shook the feeling quickly, smiling kindly as Maygra and Mikayl took their leave of Jael and followed her out.
The Healing-rooms were on the other side of the great hall, opposite the kitchens, the wide archways opening to greet the morning sun that fell across the broad court. Inside the light penetrated only a little ways, but high windows brought some cheer to the quiet chamber. It was near empty. Only three beds held occupants, two with the wounded members of Kevyn's patrol and the third enclosed by another of the ornately carved screens. The Healer Kellas emerged from behind the screen as the trio entered, greeting Sarai affectionately.
"I'm on my way to see your friend Jael and the children," he informed the siblings. "Merida and Rhys are with Damyn."
"How is he?" Maygra asked hesitantly.
Kellas shook his gray head. "Stable, but not much better. I'll let Merida give the explanations -- I'm not sure I quite understand it myself. They're waiting for you. Excuse me."
Maygra nodded and went forward peering around the screen, not sure if she really wanted an explanation. The word that Damyn would be all right was all she required or wanted.
Rhys sat beside the bed, not noticing her at first. She was surprised to see how fatigued he looked, not much better off than Jael. Merida was perched on the edge of the bed, her small hand lightly pressed against Damyn's white cheek and the other over the scars on his chest. She looked up immediately as the three rounded the screen.
"I need to know exactly what happened to him during the attack on Rhema," Merida said with no preamble, rising gracefully from the bed, her russet Healer's robe falling smoothly over her small frame.
"We don't know," Mikayl said, startled. "Only Sura knew, and the tale died with her."
"She should have killed him then," Merida announced stiffly. "For she's left a mess behind her that I'm not sure can be unraveled."
Maygra felt cold anger stirring within her and she faced the smaller woman down. Merida neither flinched nor backed away but met Maygra's cold stare with an equally icy gaze.
"Whatever Sura did kept him alive for over a year, Masyra. Could you have done as much?" Maygra challenged.
"I would not have needed to," Merida snapped. "She's set some kind of patterning around his Gifts and there's no way in or out. Her little Shield is what's killing him now. Unless I know exactly what it was she was doing, any attempts I make to break the Shield is likely to leave him mindless or dead."
"Meri," Sarai said, her own voice tinged with anger. "The woman is dead, and berating Damyn's kin will not help him."
Maygra watched the exchange stonily, suddenly struck by the hint of exhaustion in Merida's voice. Her eyes were sharp and clear but they were red rimmed and she seemed paler than Maygra remembered from their initial meeting.
"Jael was Shielding Sura when she healed Mag and Dami," Mikayl recalled. "He may know more."
"I have no intention of tangling my thoughts with that man," Merida snarled.
"It was a desperate measure, Meri," Rhys said stiffly, speaking for the first time. "And Kevyn is none the worst for it."
"You were not the one calming his nightmares," Merida replied. "If you think this Jael can help, Rhys, I wish you well. I'll have none of him."
"And if Damyn dies, Meri?" Sarai questioned. "You took an Oath, kira. Will you forswear it for your brother's nightmares?"
Meri recoiled as if Sarai had slapped her. "I will never forswear my Oath," she gasped.
"You bloody well have," Maygra snapped. "What occurred between Jai and your Kevyn was an accident, not malice. What you do here borders on murder."
"You speak easily of murder, Masyra," Merida muttered. "What was the order you gave at Rhema, let them take no hostages?"
Maygra stiffened. The pain of that particular unhealed wound suddenly sharp and fresh. Mikayl laid a hand on her shoulder but she shrugged it off. "No, Mal. She's right, I have no right to say such a thing. My apology, Masyra. I ask only that you do what you can, Healer. Not for my sake, but because neither Damyn nor Jael have done anything to merit your hate. Jael meant no harm to your brother, and had it been left to me, Kevyn would be dead, not haunted by another man's dreams. Damyn is . . . was . . . a Healer of great Gift. If you cannot help him for his own sake, then help him for the sake of all our folk. He, at least, will give you no reason to regret your actions."
Merida's face showed no softening and Maygra felt her chest begin to ache again. She bowed a little and whirled, waving Mikayl off when he would have followed, leaving the chamber with three respectful and one irate face staring after her.
"The children are awake, Mikayl," Sarai said quietly, responding to the silent message Jurrana cast her way. "I suggest you leave your sister to herself for awhile and see if you can help Jael. Rhys will join you shortly to speak with Jael -- or I will," she added with a glance at the Maen. "Damyn is in no more immediate danger now than he was last night, correct, Masyra Merida?"
"Correct, Maena," Merida said matching Sarai's hard tone.
Mikayl shifted his gaze between the two women, bewildered, before finally resting his eyes on Damyn's still face. He knelt beside the bed, taking one limp, cold hand in his own.
"If he dies, Masyra Merida," he said, his voice vulnerable and open, "you'll have your revenge not only on Jael and Maygra, but on all of us. Including the children; and the sorceress you so fear will have truly destroyed Rhema," he said softly.
"I want no revenge . . . ," Merida began, then faltered when Mikayl met her startled gaze with a somber one of his own. Mikayl broke the gaze first and turned to stroke Damyn's cheek briefly before leaving the chamber quickly and without another word.
"And I'm accused of being arrogant," Rhys said, glaring at Merida as he followed Mikayl out.
Wordlessly, Merida turned to Sarai but found no support there either. Sarai said nothing but bent to gather up the discarded basins and cloths and potions at Damyn's bedside.
"Mother, you came when Kevyn awoke last night," Merida began., "Can you not know how I feel, at least a little?"
Sarai sighed, her face softening. "I can understand your fear, kira. But what you seem to have missed is that all of this, Maygra's actions, Kevyn's nightmares and even, I suspect, Damyn's condition, are all products of this fear we all have of Lorisa. You did not take your Healer's Oath with the condition that you could always choose the healings you do. This is no different. Despite our anxiety over Lorisa's plans, I fear that all of us within Ravon have become complacent in that fear. We no longer run from it, but neither do we fight it." She clasped the younger woman's hand gently. "Now, if Rhys cannot garner any help from Jael, what other aid can we offer your fellow Healer?"
Merida sat on the edge of the bed, burying her face in her hands. "I have no idea. I have never encountered anything like this. It is as Rhys first saw; this Damyn, if he is a Healer, shows none of that Gift now. How can I restore what there seems to be no trace of any longer? His body is healed yet he does not heal. His mind is intact but there are no thoughts. There is nothing wrong with him except that he is dying slowly, and I and Rhys, our skills combined, cannot seem to stop the process. Rhys said that Maygra's very touch seemed to ease the drain on his life, but how? She has no Gifts of her own, yet she can do what we, the most Gifted in Ravon, cannot."
Sarai gasped, the bowl and cloths falling from her hands as she rose suddenly.
"What is it, kisan?" Merida asked alarmed
"We've missed it -- the Iimarin! It cannot be so simple," Sarai said and Merida was barely able to follow her swift thoughts. Rhys returned momentarily, surprise on his face and Mikayl and Kevyn on his heels.
"Quickly, to the Garden," Sarai said, propping Damyn's unconscious body up so the three men could lift him. "Merida, you must find Maygra. Bring her to the garden as well."
"Sarai, this is madness --," Merida said but Sarai silenced her with a swift burst of thought and Merida reeled under the implications. The three men exchanged anxious glances but Sarai was already heading toward the Web Garden to broach her plan to Fayr. Merida had vanished into the courtyard in pursuit of Maygra.
Rhys' quick mind was the first to put the pieces together, further confirmed when Merida and Maygra joined him at a run.
Fayr was indignant but Sarai was both persuasive in tongue and rank and the senior guardian stepped aside, harumphing as he sent his complaint directly to Laurien.
"I've never heard of the Iimarin being used this way," Merida said as she led Maygra into the quiet chamber. "But if what Rhys said of you is true then it may work."
"What did he say of me?" Maygra asked as Sarai led her to the great Web and sat her on one of the curved benches facing the crystals. Confusion still registered as Damyn was gently eased on the bench beside her, only Maygra's support from one side and Merida's on the other keeping him from falling.
"It's what you did in Nessa, Maygra," Rhys said, wishing he could penetrate her mind enough to explain the concept, but Maygra's errant Gift blocked him and words seemed pitifully inadequate. "The problem has been that Damyn's wound is a mental one and no matter how much healing Merida pours into it, the wound will not close. Damyn has become like a sponge for all Gifts, including his own. Yet somehow, your Gift, whatever it is or how warped, has just the reverse effect."
"Yet you cannot control your Gift, nor guide it," Sarai continued and settled herself on Maygra's other side. "Yet we can guide the Iimari -- direct it to do the same thing but without endangering Merida or Damyn, or worry that the drain of energy will be too much. The Web constantly replenishes itself and if Damyn's wound can overcome that much power, then nothing any of us can do will help him."
"I still don't understand," Maygra said.
"Nor do I," Laurien added entering the chamber with Fayr behind him.
"The answer is not entirely clear," Merida said. "I am not sure why I agree with Sarai that the Iimari can help us in this, but I do agree. Whatever Damyn's mother did was like bandaging a mortal wound -- but the bleeding continues, only it is beneath the bandage and I have been unable to get to the actual damage for fear he would bleed to death. I cannot force my way through the bandage blindly, for my Gifts, any Gift, tears at the wound wider while we seek to stop it. The Iimarin can take the strain where we cannot. So as the Iimarin checks the bleeding, I can heal the wound."
"And what am I to do?" Maygra asked.
"Nothing and everything, Mag," Mikayl said suddenly grasping the idea. "Sura pulled the Shield pattern from you -- she must have, but she couldn't explain, there was no time," he added the memory of Sura's strange behavior replaying in his mind. "It's as the Elders of Rhema always said. The potential in you is great but there is no access through methods they could teach. You have made your own but they are based on instinct, on intuition, like your other skills."
"It will either work or it won't," Laurien said and sent swift orders about the Garden for none of the Guardians to interfere.
"Ready, Meri?" Sarai asked and smiled as the Healer nodded. The older woman laid a hand on Maygra's wrist, giving it a soft pat before she let herself drift into the pattern of the Iimarin. Maygra could only watch as Sarai, then Merida, and finally Rhys seemed to disassociate themselves from their surroundings. Mikayl gave her a tentative but encouraging smile as Kevyn and Laurien looked on with mirrored reflections of her own confusion.
She concentrated on Damyn then, not knowing what else to do. Her grip grew tighter and more protective as his fair head lolled against her shoulder, his breathing and heartbeat but a butterfly's wing against her breast. She could hear the Web, the musical sound seeming too loud and slightly discordant in her ears and down to her bones. She felt tired and nauseated but kept her grip on the Healer, not quite sure when his breathing steadied and his pulse grew stronger. She heard a small sob to her left and her eyes seemed to swell in her head so she closed them. Other voices intruded but she kept her focus on Damyn, seeing his face full and healthy again, wishing the smile back in his eyes and the strength back in his body. Her arm ached and burned and she could hear Mikayl calling her.
When had she seen this light before? It seemed familiar but she could not place it and she was too tired to think. I'm going to fall, she thought, and the thought seemed frightening and comforting at the same time.
As suddenly as her strength left her it returned. The voices around her were urgent and distressed and the music was more discordant than before. She forced her eyes open to find Mikayl in front of her, fear and worry in his eyes. Above her the Web seemed dimmer and drooped like a wilted flower. Half a dozen Guardians surrounded it in anxious concern.
"Kira?" Mikayl asked, grasping her hands. "Mag, can you hear me?"
"I could hear you a mile away, Mal," she replied her voice sounding loud in her own ears. "What happened?"
"None of us are quite sure."
"Damyn?" she asked suddenly alert and wary.
Mikayl smiled and rose to his feet. "It worked. How well we still don't know but Rhys said he was Shielding himself again."
Maygra glanced around to find herself alone on the bench. Damyn, Merida, Rhys and Sarai had all vanished. Laurien stood behind her, amazed and awed by what he had witnessed. Maygra rose to her feet at Mikayl's insistence and would have fallen, but her brother caught her, picking her up like a child, though she scowled at him.
"I think some rest is in order, Maygra," Laurien commanded softly. "And the Guardians would very much like us to leave so they can tend to their own charge -- I'm afraid we have depleted the Iimarin far more than Sarai had planned," he added and led the way out.
Maygra protested at being carried but when Mal finally set her down outside the Garden doors, she all but collapsed at his feet.
"This is ridiculous," she said as Mikayl carried her once more. "I feel fine -- but my legs won't hold me up."
"You have strained yourself more than you know, Maygra," Laurien said as they walked to the Healing-room.
"I didn't do anything," she complained.
"So I understand," Laurien said cryptically. "But whatever you did not do seems to have worked. You at least are talking which is more than I can say for the others."
"They all fainted, Mag," Mikayl said and set her down on one of the beds. The Healing-room was suddenly fuller. Rhys was propped up on pillows across the room, pale and only semi-conscious as a Healer tended him. Sarai and Merida were likewise tended by Healers, Kevyn hovering anxiously nearby. Kellas had been called for Damyn who lay on the bed next to Maygra.
The Rheman Healer was still pale but the yellow-gray tinge was gone as was the waxy sheen to his skin. His face was relaxed in a natural sleep and Kellas smiled at Maygra and nodded.
"He sleeps on his own, Masyra," Kellas said, "And is unaware of us except minimally, as he should be."
"His Gift?" Maygra asked, rubbing her arm.
Kellas bit his lip and shook his head. "It's too soon to tell and right now. I'd rather he slept than try to disturb him with a probe of any kind. Give it a little time, Maygra," he said touching her arm reassuringly, both to comfort and ease the ache. He left her only to return a moment later to settle a screen around her bed. "I want you to rest here for awhile, just to be sure you don't have a delayed reaction to the strain," the Healer said with a wink.
Laurien pulled up a chair next to her bed, cocking his head as if listening. "I think you need to see to your other friends, Mikayl. Jurrana says Jael is very worried."
"Go on, Mal," Maygra said, marking the indecision on her brother's face. "Go reassure him and tell him as much of what has happened as you can explain."
"I'll keep your sister company for a bit. I'm very little threat," Laurien added holding up his cane. Mikayl bit his lip then nodded, kissing Maygra swiftly before running toward the hall.
"Ah, to be so young, agile and quick to recover," Laurien said watching him. "You all show remarkable recuperative powers," he added, turning his gaze to Maygra, his chin resting on folded hands. His eyes were bright blue and wide, his silver hair thinning on the sides.
"We've had a lot of practice over the past year. You are an Elder of Ravon?"
"Makyeri Maen, First Elder of Ravon," he said. "I had hoped to put this conversation off for a few days. Rhys and Kevyn have told me what they know and what they think. I'm afraid you and your kinfolk have given us a lot to think about and, unfortunately, an equal amount to worry over."
"If you think us a threat, Makyeri Maen, I'd suggest you re-address your priorities. You know a great deal more about us than we know of you."
"Yet you have your own suspicions," Laurien observed. Maygra gave a quick nod. "You are very frank, Maygra. Can you trust me enough to tell me what they are and I will do the same?"
She hesitated, then pushed herself upright until she was sitting on the edge of the bed, giving herself a moment to let the dizziness pass. "I think I can, however, you have me at a disadvantage, Maen. I have no way of discovering if you are telling the truth."
"From what Rhys said, the same is true of you, though perhaps not of your friends. I see your point. I don't know what kind of assurances I can offer, Maygra, but if you have any reason to doubt I will postpone this conversation until Jael or Mikayl can attend and let them, without resistance, gauge the truth of what I say."
Blue eyes met green for a long moment, oblivious to anything else going on around them. At last Maygra drew a deep breath and nodded. "I'll not wait for them, Maen, but take you at your word. I won't ask you about why Rhema was abandoned. That has more to do with our mutual ancestors than with your generation, and it hardly matters anymore. Rhema is dead and no explanations will bring her back. I do question why you have not attacked this sorceress directly. I also have a great many questions about who and what she is, and why she wanted the children of Rhema. Where does she gain her power and do others of your folk, besides Rhys, use that power? If you can reassure me on those points then I have only one more concern: Is there a place for us here among your folk?" she said the last softly, almost inaudibly and Laurien felt his heart answer the weary sorrow in her voice, taking both her hands in his.
"When you come to trust us, Maygra, the last will answer itself. For now you have shelter and some measure of safety," he said earnestly, giving her hands a gentle squeeze before releasing them. "As for the rest, what happened to Rhema is very much a concern. The Kieri have had encounters with Lorisa since well before I was born, but they have been skirmishes -- mutual tests of strength. We know where she is, but a direct attack is not possible for she has pitched her camp in an inaccessible place. Until we heard your tale, we had never known her to make such a large scale attack -- not against the Kieri. She has taken smaller settlements, Haian and the Kelor who dwell in the north of Estanis, and we have set warning systems in place for those groups in Estanis. Of her plans, we only know she wants access to the power contained in the Web Net and that none of Aessa's children will benefit from her rule. Ravon has become what Rhema was, a Border Watch. We have not lost the numbers you did in Rhema, but Kevyn's patrols have suffered losses all too frequently of late. As to who or what she is, I can tell you little. She is Kieri but we do not know from where. She has been in Morvan longer than the century we have been aware of her presence, and her power, her sorcery, is drawn from the same source as the Iimari crystals, but in a very different form. As each Iimari strand absorbs and stores energy, so does Lorisa's source. She, however, has found a new way to replenish the drain she puts on it, by use of blood and suffering."
Maygra stiffened. "And Rhys?"
Laurien sighed, leaning back in his chair. "He is her son, Maygra," he said carefully, watching her reaction.
Her gaze shifted to the still form on the bed across from her. In repose, Rhys' features seemed less sharp and she was startled to discover that he was not as old as she had first thought -- certainly no older than Jael.
"I assume he is her son by blood but not spirit," she said evenly. "You obviously do not approve of Lorisa's blood sorcery, so I hardly think you would tolerate their working here," she said and Laurien did a quick reassessment of her character. He had been fairly certain she would react to Rhys as his own people had when Lorisa's son had been brought to Ravon some fifteen years before. That she accepted him as part of, but not similar to, Lorisa demonstrated more insight than many at Ravon exhibited.
"He is. He has her training, for her sorcery is not unlike our own Gifts, save that it can be learned. Accessing this power is similar to the way the Iimarin Web gathers energy, but it disrupts what is normal. Rhys' access is limited -- he will not take power indiscriminately as his mother does. Without this power he has a moderate Voice and a fairly strong Shield, but little else. With access to this `sorcery', he has quite a range of Gifts, including some that we see but rarely. He can explain it far more clearly than I, and while it has become second nature to him to use those teachings, it costs him a great deal."
"You still have not said why you won't attack Lorisa."
"I thought I had."
"No. You said her fortress was unassailable, but she has apparently made forays outside of Morvan. Have you tried luring her out using the Web as bait?"
Laurien stiffened as if she had struck him. "Offer her what she wants? Maygra, do you have any idea what she could do if she successfully accessed even one Web?"
"No. Rhema had no Web, remember? Can you not use it to attack?"
Laurien shook his head. "Sweet Sleeper, no. Maygra, the Web links all the Keeps together in one Voice. If she takes one she has them all -- with all their combined power. As it stands she uses as much energy as she gains on her sorcery. With the Web she would have no need to expend energy to gain power -- she would have all she needed."
"Then shut them down if they are such a threat."
"Shut them down! Maygra, shutting down the Web or even part of it would result in more deaths than she has caused already. Did your histories tell you nothing of the Crossing?"
She shook her head impatiently. "We had no histories. Scraps of records were all that was left to us. The early years in Rhema left little leisure for recording the day to day happenings. What happened?"
"A fourth of the population died when the Web Net was dismantled, half again that many before the Kieri reached Estanis," Laurien said bluntly. "It's a mystery to us how any of you existed without a Web, but here in Estanis, we cannot, dare not, even contemplate it."
"Then you will lose all that you have anyway," Maygra said sharply. "You have set yourself up to fail. She grows stronger and bolder while you `dare not contemplate' the solution. You may lose your whole population slowly, but you will lose it."
"I wish I could deny your conclusion, my dear," he said slowly, "But I fear you may be right."
"So what of us, Makyeri Maen? What do you fear from our small numbers?"
"The same thing you fear of Rhys. Rhema had no Web, yet your brother and Jael and Damyn portray their Gifts as far stronger than any we have, Iimarin augmented or not and there is the fact, as I assume it to be, that you turned your hand against your own kin, as did Jael. Those incidences alone are enough to have you exiled or worse."
"I did not turn my hand against my kin, I ordered the children of Rhema to be killed if they could not be rescued from capture," Maygra said coldly. "Don't soften my crime with pretty words, Maen. I know what I ordered and why. I would pay any price to have been able to escape that order, but I would do it again, even knowing what I know now. More so. If Lorisa gains her power through blood, what fate could possibly await any of our folk taken alive? As for Jael, you may be sure he punishes himself for his attack on Mikayl. Sura's death was an accident."
"And Jael's brother?"
Maygra paled. "That death was none of my wishing. I had no way to free him. I could not let him be tortured."
"Yet you took his life and if you remain here, Maygra, you must account for his death and Jael for Sura's death. I am not condemning you, Maygra. I was not in Rhema. The details of all these deaths are not public knowledge, nor do I intend for them to become so, but if you decide to remain, you will answer for them."
"My Oath was to Aessa. I will answer to her."
"No doubt you will. Had Rhema survived, you would have been called to account if I am not mistaken?"
Maygra's silence gave him his answer and he nodded sadly. "I have but one more question for you, Maygra. Did all save your group die in Rhema?"
She hesitated, her hand moving to stroke the scars on her face unconsciously. "I prayed so, once I realized what we were up against, but I do not think so. At least four children were captured that we know of. There may be others. Mikayl or Jael might be able to tell you more. I was not in any condition to notice anything by the time the battle was over," she added harshly.
Laurien studied her, knowing the censure in her voice was not aimed at him but at herself. He had neatly sidestepped her inquiry into why Lorisa had kidnapped the children but he hesitated in telling her about the incident above Ravon on Arris Grae, not sure he was ready to face all the implications that nightmarish encounter held. She had made no mention of any other adult Kieri escaping but Rhys and Kevyn were both sure the man accompanying the children had been Kieri. He let the moment pass. The unknown man may have come from the same place Lorisa originated from or, worse to contemplate, he might be a far closer relation than Laurien wanted to think about.
"Such as it is, Maygra, I believe we have come to some sort of truce," he said at last. "I will be available to you, should you need me. Until the Masyren meet you and your kin have the freedom of the Keep, but I would ask that you not venture beyond our walls without our knowledge or accompaniment," he added pointedly. "May I have your word on that restriction?"
"You have it with one stipulation, that should we decide to leave, you will not hamper us."
"I cannot offer that assurance," Laurien said and held up his hand when her green eyes flashed in anger. "However, much I may want to believe you, Maygra, I am First Elder. I will not jeopardize the lives in my charge. Hopefully, we will all find ourselves in a better position within a few days. I can promise you that with your word, I will not assign a guard to you, nor will access to any part of Ravon be denied you -- from the armory to the libraries. The wing you are housed in will be held for your use. You need not mix with the folk of this Keep unless you wish. I will restrain them from invading your privacy with idle curiosity. I want you to trust us, Maygra. I want to trust you. Can we agree on that much, at least?" he asked holding his palms toward her.
After a moment, she pressed hers to his. "Asa. I can agree with you on that much. Now, I feel as well as I did before so I will seek my, kin," she said rising from the bed, only a slight challenge in her eyes. "Your pardon, Makyeri," she gave a little bow and slipped out of the healing rooms.
Kellas saw her leave and started to go after her but Laurien restrained him. "Leave her, Kel. She seems fine."
"She needs rest! Laurien, a backlash can take hours or days before it is noticed. She needs someone with her at all times."
Laurien shook his head, leaning on Kellas' arm. "Oh no, my friend. You are wrong. The last thing she needs is company right now. I, however, would very much like to see Sarai. How is she?" He asked as Kellas reluctantly led him to the woman's bedside.
You know perfectly well how I am, Sarai scolded gently, her Voice weak.
Yes, love, I do. I need to distract Kellas, however,
What did you discover? she asked as he sat beside her bed and took her hand against his cheek.
Not much. I want to trust her, Sarai, but she frightens me. She is as ruthless in her own way as Lorisa.
Ruthless or far more realistic than we are?
When it comes to sacrificing life, does it matter? he asked. Sarai had no answer for him.
Maygra did not immediately go to her rooms. She was far weaker than she wanted Laurien or Kellas to know. Her weakness was secondary to the anxiety her conversation with Laurien caused. She had not been surprised when he told her of Rhys' relationship with Lorisa, nor that she would be called to account for the deaths in Rhema. What had her worried was his comment about how dependent the Kieri were on the Web.
She found herself outside the Web Garden, staring at the tall structure nearly identical to the tower in Rhema. There was a great deal of activity surrounding the Web and she managed to slip inside without anyone noticing. Half a dozen men and women, most barely in their teens, surrounded the Web itself. She had no idea what they were doing; they seemed to be petting the milky strands. Above them on the balconies another twenty or so people were watching, standing still as if entranced, some strain on their faces. Other folk moved between the two groups, sometimes speaking but primarily they seemed to be tending the physical environs around the great crystal structure, which was pulsing like a labored heart from milky white to a clearer violet-blue. At the apex of the blue-violet coloring she could hear again the faint chiming music the crystals made, each tone a half shade from the next. She found herself caught up in the pulse, fascinated and calmed by the display.
"You should not be here," a soft voice said in her ear and she jumped. A man of her height with dark hair silvering at the temples stood at her side. He had a stern face, but his eyes were warm and not angry.
"Laurien promised I would have the freedom of the Keep," She said easily, meeting his gaze evenly.
"And you have. However, I doubt he meant you had the right to interfere with our work."
"Am I in your way?"
"Only as a distraction," the man said with a faint smile. "You're a new face, and the guardians need all their concentration to stabilize the Iimarin."
"What are they doing?"
He sighed leading her to one of the benched alcoves at the perimeter of the chamber. "I am Derrys, one of the Guardian Seconds. You are Maygra, asa?"
"Yes. I am curious only and it may not be the right time, but did we do that trying to heal Damyn?" she asked pointing at the drooping crystals. It reminded her of a wilted flower.
"You did. I won't blame you for the reasons for I caught only part of Sarai's explanations. Is it true you have never seen a Web or an Iimari?"
"I've heard descriptions," she said ruefully," They fall a little short of the truth. What did we do?"
"What happened was the Web was dangerously drained of energy by Sarai and Merida's tampering," he said. "How they you did it I haven't got a clue. Maygra, your presence here really is a distraction," he said and then his face lost expression for a moment. When his attention focused back on her it was as if someone had given him a shaking. "Very well, Laurien has asked that I take the time to explain. I would ask you to save your questions for another time, however," he said as she started to rise stiffly. "If you will ask no questions now I will give you a quick explanation of what we are doing. In the future I will be more informative," he added and Maygra sat back down. At her nod, Derrys spoke quickly and softly. "The crystals catch and store energy in a form that we can tap in to, augmenting our Gifts. That is what Sarai, Merida and Rhys did to save your friend. Whatever was wrong with him was far more complicated and strenuous than they anticipated and they drew heavily on the Web. The milky color is an indication that the crystals are dangerously weak. Like a plant that is deprived of water. The Guardians," he pointed to the people on the balconies "and the Tuners, those closest to the Web, are attempting to replenish that energy. Tuners have good Voices and at least some Gift in Movement, kyenen," he said. "In order for the Web to store energy, all the strands must work together. They resonate at individual speeds and frequencies, do you understand?"
Maygra nodded slowly, her eyes locked on the Web, "Like tuning the strings of a harp."
"Exactly. They must be done one at a time and tuned to their nearest neighbors. It gets easier as more are brought together but it requires a deft Touch and a great deal of concentration."
"What happens if you can't Tune it?" she asked, then shook her head. "Never mind. You said no questions. I will leave but I will hold you to your promise to explain in greater detail," she said rising. "I am sorry if I disturbed your work," she said softly, still staring at the Web.
"You can hear it, can't you?" He asked watching her face.
"The singing? Oh, yes, I can hear it," she murmured and left him.
"But you have no Gift . . . ," Derrys said in confusion staring at the Web, not sure if it seemed to lose color when she left or if it was a trick of the light.
Once Kevyn had assured himself that his mother, sister and Rhys were all right, he pursued his other duties. Officially, Laurien had told him to take a few days to recover from his encounter in Nessa Hulden, but Kevyn had his own worries and as First Sword, he had no intention of shirking his responsibilities on account of a persistent but nagging headache. With the Web disabled, he wanted his Border Patrols out in force and to do that he needed his Seconds.
He sought Maric first for reasons he did not even notice until he saw Jael. The dark-haired Rheman was in the children's rooms, holding his son and Jurrana's child on his lap. The two babes were eyeing each other with wide-eyed interest, small hands touching as if they were staring into a looking glass.
Mikayl was sitting with Kiva and Renn who were doing their best to eat as much of the food set out for them as possible. Maric was not in the room but Jurrana was.
"Maric's gone for clothes for the children, Kev," she said when she noticed him. "He'll be back directly,"
"I'll wait," Kevyn replied leaning against the door. Jael looked up and Kevyn felt the heat come into his face. He did not look away, however, though Jael's steady gaze made him uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry your sleep was . . . disturbed," Jael said at last. "I never meant the contact to go so deep."
"I know," Kevyn said quietly. "Merida eased some of it. It was a desperate solution, but it worked," he added with a half smile. "Without sounding cruel, I might suggest something similar from Rhys and Maygra."
Jael returned the grin, "I'm not sure that wouldn't add to our problems."
Kevyn agreed with a chuckle and entered the room, sitting down at the table between Mikayl and Kiva. The little girl stared at him and for a moment Kevyn tensed, remembering her tiny fists beating on him during the fight in the hulden and afraid he would frighten her. Instead she smiled shyly and offered him a biscuit. He took it carefully, biting it when she continued to watch him.
"She apologizes for hitting you," Renn said. "We were scared."
"So was I," Kevyn said watching Kiva, the memory of another child's face surfacing. Kiva and the girl on the mountain were about the same age. He rubbed his legs absently, willing the fear back. Kiva stared at him, her smile fading as she moved away, suddenly seeking comfort at Renn's side.
"What child?" Jael demanded of Kevyn. Jael handed the two boys to Jurrana, rising unsteadily to grip the back of a chair.
Kevyn fought the thought even as he saw the little girl's face. Alarmed at the ease by which Jael had accessed his thoughts he Called, four Voices immediately responding.
"Lady Below, Tysa," Jael moaned. Mikayl all but vaulted the table to catch the older man before he fell. "They're not dead, Mal," He said clutching his friends arm. "Tysa, Nian, Tannis -- and Maiden's Wings, Duran is alive! I thought Damyn had . . . I heard him,"
"I did too," Mikayl said grimly. He shifted his position as three of Kevyn's Guard came into the room, Maric foremost.
"What's happened, Kev?" Maric asked watching Jael and his young Captain carefully.
"The children on Arris, they were from Rhema. The man too. Teden, get Laurien in here if you have to carry him," Kevyn snapped, his mind carefully and completely Shielded from Jael.
"What children?" Jurrana demanded. "You're scaring these enough, Kevyn," she said, watching Kiva and Renn. They had backed into a corner, unable to get to Mikayl and Jael because Kevyn stood between them.
Kevyn cursed softly. "Maric, Hest, take Mikayl and Jael to Jael's room. Jurrana, stay here if you would. I'll send Hest back to help you."
"Help me what? Change diapers?"
"Jura!" Maric snapped, "This is no joke, kira," he added more gently, taking Mikayl's arm, his hand on his sword. "Come on, lad. I think my Makyeri needs to have a chat with you. Let's make it a friendly one, eh?"
Mikayl did not resist save to slide his shoulder under Jael's. He shrugged off the assistance Maric would have offered, leading the way with Kevyn and Maric following, Hest remaining with the children.
Laurien was hurrying down the hall on Teden's arm, Fayr and another pair of Guards behind him. Without a word, the eight of them entered Jael's chamber. Mikayl eased Jael into a chair, standing behind him defiantly.
"Kevyn, it's not like you to send an alarm without reason," Laurien said evenly.
"I have a reason. Where is Maygra?"
"Here," the woman said entering the chamber. The two Guards at the door whirled a second too late as she brushed by them, shaking her head scornfully. "So much for being on the alert," she snarled and stood to the left of Jael. "And so much for going unguarded in the Keep. I was returning on my own. A smart choice, eh Maen? Or were you going to turn out the whole Border and Keep Watch to bring me to heel? So much for trust."
Laurien pressed his hand to his mouth, quickly picking up from Kevyn what had happened.
"They met up with Duran and three of our children on a trail above Ravon, Mag," Jael said gripping her arm. "Two of Kevyn's patrol were killed."
"By Duran? How is that possible? He couldn't even move!" Mag said startled out of her anger.
"Not by Duran, by Tysa," Jael said softly. "Nian held Kevyn immobile by projected Sight. Tannis has a Shield that rivals mine, with all the Physical strength I have. Tysa is a Stone Welder."
"They're both just babies," Mikayl murmured, staring at his sister.
"Tannis is dead," Jael added dully. "Duran killed him."
Maygra was silent with shock for only a moment before turning an angry glare on Laurien. "You knew, didn't you? When you asked me if anyone else survived the attack, you already knew some had."
"From what I'm hearing, I don't think they survived the attack, they have merely lived through their capture for Lorisa's purposes. I thought they might be from Rhema, but I couldn't be sure."
"And didn't bother to ask," she spat at him, jerking her arm from Jael's grip with enough force to make her wince. "It's clear that there are more differences between my folk and yours than just a Web, Maen. I told you we weren't sure how many had been taken. We thought it only children. But Duran . . . Lady Below, Laurien, he was paralyzed! I thought him dead."
"We all did," Mikayl said, "But I couldn't be sure. I found Damyn's knife, but there was no body. I thought the Hai'Karin had taken him."
"Kevyn, send your guards on their way," Laurien said finally, sitting down. "This discussion is to be private -- do you understand?" he added making eye contact with each of the guards. When he had their agreement Kevyn dismissed them all save Maric.
"I want six full patrols out on the Border by dusk, Maric," Kevyn said quickly. "And six in reserve. Make sure you spread our Voices evenly."
Maric nodded and left, eyeing Kevyn uneasily.
"Masyr Fayr," Laurien was saying, "Our discussion may have to wait."
"It can't wait. It was urgent enough before, but how effective will Kevyn's patrols be if they can't warn us of danger? There isn't enough left in the Web for me to send a message to the lower gate!" Fayr said uneasily. "I should not have let Sarai tap it so recklessly -- and I will take responsibility for that oversight. But I will not be responsible for anything that results from the damage. Half the Keep is complaining of headaches and dizziness because the Iimarin are out of tune. To try to use it in this state could damage it beyond repair."
"We'll cope. Do whatever you have to, Fayr, even if you have the whole Keep summoned for the biggest song-fest in Ravon's history. Send riders to the other Keeps or to the closer stations and recruit what help you need. You are the senior guardian, I expect you have some type of back up plan should the Web suffer from a catastrophe," Laurien snapped, the tension in his voice the only sign that he was distressed. "The Web is weakened, not destroyed. Use whatever resources you need, Fayr," he added.
"I will do so," The other man said and this time there was anger in his voice. "And I will have the Elder Council convened before those patrols leave. You have overstepped you authority this time, Laurien. The Council . . . ."
"Knows everything they need to know, but do as you will," Laurien said and met Fayr's glare coolly. The man started to speak then abruptly left the chamber.
Kevyn watched his father with an anxious gaze. "Father, they'll send notice to the other Keeps."
"Let them. Perhaps it's time I stepped down and let someone else take the lead, Kev. Maybe someone will see a solution I've missed. However, before they do meet, I want some information," he said staring pointedly at Maygra.
"Regardless of what you might think, Maen, you have gotten the truth from me," she said coldly. "If you want more information, you'll have to be more direct in your questions."
"I intend to be. I was willing to overlook Jael's intrusion into Kevyn's mind as an act of desperation, but now it seems he has unlimited access to my son's mind unless Kevyn actively prevents it."
Maygra looked at Jael, who shrugged in confusion. "They were surface thoughts, Mag," Jael said. "I didn't press for them and he didn't warn me off."
Maygra nodded and turned back to Kevyn. "I believe Jael, but I will ask you. Did you warn him off? Were you thinking about whatever happened on the mountain?"
Kevyn shook his head in confusion, "I was, but how did he know, unless he already had access . . . had set it up before?"
Maygra stared at Ravon's First Sword, not understanding where the problem was. "I have no talent for Voice," she said, "but if your thoughts are so conscious, how can someone help but Hear them, if they bother to Listen?"
Laurien stared from one to the other, his brow furrowed. His gaze rested on Mikayl for a moment then he spoke. "Mikayl what am I thinking?"
"That Sarai would be fascinated to know one can Listen or See without it being Felt," the youth said, startled.
"Lady Below," Laurien breathed. "I didn't even know he was there. All your folk can use their Gift this way?"
"For surface thoughts, yes," Jael said. "Deeper probes require more effort. Wings! Kevyn, I'm sorry!" he said quickly. "I had no idea your folk were so close minded. Kevyn, I would have known what you were thinking even had our . . . merging never happened."
"What a time for Sarai to be bedridden," Laurien swore. "Maygra, you were right. The differences in our peoples are vast. For you, Voicing requires no more effort than speaking. For us it is a different thing entirely."
"Is the truth a different thing as well?" she demanded. "The sorceress you have done nothing to stop holds at least three of my kin captive. She may well have destroyed Damyn. You have ten times the number of Gifted Kieri at your disposal than Rhema had, yet you sit here in this fortress denying the one sure solution to this impasse. Take your Web down, Laurien. From all that I have heard she is drawn to it like a moth to the flame -- but it is our people that will be burned if she gets too close."
"Maygra, hundreds will die if we do so," Laurien said patiently. "The cost is too high."
"Higher than is already being paid? Aessa's Blood, Laurien, she has taken a baby and turned her into a murderer! She has given life back to the limbs of a man who was near death, and she nearly destroyed a Healer by thought alone! What do you think the conclusion to this will be? Perhaps you could make a bargain with her -- take half our people and half our Iimari and we will dwell side by side in admiration for our ability to compromise," she sneered. "You want me to answer for my crimes, Laurien? Who will answer for yours? How many of your people must you lose to apathy? How about your son," she said staring at Kevyn. "Will you be moved to action if this Lorisa sets a trap to his Gifts as she did to Damyn's?"
"Do not judge us so quickly, Maygra," Laurien said, barely keeping his anger under control. "There is much about us you do not know."
"Nor will we, if you keep us ignorant," Jael interceded, laying his hand on Maygra's arm. "I know enough of your people through Kevyn to know that those who dwell in Ravon do so voluntarily. I also know that save Rhys, you are all held almost immobile by indecision and fear. You do not use your casual Voice as we do, Maen, but I can tell you that within this Keep alone, there is little hope that this conflict will end favorably. Your people are prepared to die to stop this sorceress -- they also expect to, almost to the last person."
Laurien stared at Jael as if the man had struck him then turned to his son. "Is he right, Kev? Do you feel so?"
Kevyn shifted uncomfortably. Jael could no longer penetrate his thoughts, but his summation had struck home. "I cannot speak for all of Ravon, Maen, but I have thought so . . . on occasion," he added. "Most of my Guard prepare themselves for the fact that they may not return. Each loss reinforces the thought that the next patrol may be the last."
Stunned, Laurien turned to Jael. "Can you show me this? Will you?" he asked softly, extending his hand.
Jael fought back his fatigue and nodded, taking Laurien's age softened hand in his rougher one. It took him a moment to acclimate Laurien to Hearing the casual voices of the Keep, skimming across them like a bird above water. Not all were focused on Jael's intimation of doom, but enough were contemplating their fate in weariness or anxiety for Laurien to accept his guide's word with little exaggeration. When Jael released his hand, easing back against Mikayl's supporting arm, the Maen was crying quietly. Kevyn knelt beside the older man, hands covering his father's.
"Don't, kidan. This is not your fault," he murmured soothingly.
Laurien patted his hands. "I know, kiri. But it is my fault that such a state has continued for so long. I believe Lorisa can be defeated. I do not know how without sacrificing more lives than she has taken to date. Maygra's solution terrifies me, but she is correct that without the Webs, we hold little interest for Lorisa."
"Then perhaps we need to use the Web more offensively," Kevyn said quietly, eyeing Maygra. "It worked to defeat Lorisa's spell-set on Damyn. Could we not use it against Lorisa directly?"
"Fayr did not exaggerate the damage done."
"Perhaps not," Maygra said, "But from what Derrys explained to me, restoring it is not impossible. If it draws its energy from all other living things, what could be done to focus that energy in such a way that it recovers quickly?"
Laurien stiffened, eyes narrowing. "I was jesting when I said to call a song-fest, but it may be that what we have taken from the Web for so long can be returned," He rose to his feet with Kevyn's assistance. "Kevyn, how far out from the Web can your patrols get before they lose contact with Ravon?"
"No further than the east trail before it branches up and down. I have some sight as far as Nessa, but it's sporadic at best. For others, it's often a matter of which guardian is on duty and how many patrols are out."
"What if I were able to provide a guardian for each of the patrols?"
Kevyn stiffened. "A constant link? Father, that would be wonderful but if the Web is depleted, the Guardians would have a limited range and their endurance -- I've worked the Web, remember? An hour at best is all they could manage."
"There are a hundred or more guardians and six patrols. An hour on with five or six hours rest. We could keep in touch for two days, perhaps three."
"But the Web is depleted!"
"I'll bring it up to strength if I have to tap every Gift in Ravon. Once Fayr and Derrys have the Iimarin stabilized, it should be able to absorb anything we throw at it. I need to send riders to Esta. If we can hold for two or three days, we can get help. Get your patrols going, Kevyn. They are not to ride beyond the limit of their range unless contacted."
Kevyn started to protest, shaking his head before leaving. He hesitated at the door, his gaze shifting from Jael to Maygra. "I hope you haven't set us up to suffer for Rhema's fate," he said softly and left.
"What did he mean?" Mikayl asked when the three of them were alone.
"They are dependent on the Web, Mal," Maygra said. "So dependent that their lives are tied to it. I think he plans to strengthen the Web by using their lives as the price and hope reinforcements from the other Keeps will arrive in time to be able to use the Web to go after Lorisa."
"But why would you find comfort in that?"
Maygra shook her head tiredly. "Because I won't be the only Kieri to order my kin to their deaths," she said. Mikayl protested her conclusion but she did not hear him, another Voice was striving for her attention. This time it was no Oath it offered, but a promise of retribution.
GLOSSARY
A'del'eva:..............Literally: "By your oaths to Aessa" A war cry and a summons. (think au seccors)asa:........................Literally: Truth. an affirmative as in, "yes" or "is it not so?"
Graen:....................pl. Mountains, (also Grae; Mountain)
hait:........................ "To Me" or "Here", imperative, a summons.
kira'sai:...................f. sister, little sister, beloved sister, [familial]
kira:........................f. little one, child (diminutive)
kiri:........................m.little one, child (diminutive)
kiri'nai:...................m.brother, little brother, beloved brother [familial]
Makyera:................f. First, as in a title.
Makyera Gen:........as in First Sword a title, overall commander of the Watch (also: gen... sword, shield, defense)
Masyra-Maena:......f. title of rank for females, equivalent of Lord-Master, title for a member of the Elder Council (or Lady-Master)
n'gari:.......................large lizards, desert scavengers, about the size of a rhinoceros, but looking more like komodo dragons.
Shadrai:...................Literally, Shadow Speaker.
shan'nai:.................m.Wise man or brother, an affectionate term of respect. Used between equals.
shan'sai:..................f.Wise woman or sister, an affectionate term of respect. Used between equals.
theris:.......................fruit bearing tree native to Elerak and the Eastern Plains, rather like a pulpy pomegranate
uralen:.....................pl. Ural; a large cliff dwelling bird, average wingspan is about 20 feet, scavengers mostly.
varin:........................a breed of extremely stocky, sure-footed horses, powerful bodies but small heads. (pl. varinen)
vegen:........................historically they were small leather-winged creatures, not unlike bats, but with elongated snouts and long flattened tails used as messengers for the gods. (pl. vegenen)