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 initial reaction was one of stunned joy as the unmistakable Voice echoed through nearly a thousand minds. The joy faltered quickly under the implications and half the Keep was now incapacitated by shock, fear, strain or a combination of the three. Rhys had not suffered so deeply -- he had not heard the Voice directly -- it had only been an echo from Laurien's mind. A few discreet probes indicated that he was not alone in his Silence, but there had been no time to explore why a few had not heard Aessa Speak. CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
It occurred to him that the dramatic Speech of the Goddess might be a trick of Lorisa's, but the more information he gathered from his companions the less likely that explanation seemed. Then there was the Web's startling recovery. He wanted to examine the phenomena but Fayr was agitatedly trying to clear the Garden and secure it. He tried closing the shutters but young Kiva had forcefully pushed him away, staring defiantly at him until Laurien interceded.
"It would seem that our young friend has some insight into the health of the Web, Masyr," the elder Maen said. "Since the light seems to do no harm, I would ask that you keep the shutters open until nightfall. Would that suit you, child?"
The girl stared at him, narrowing her eyes at Fayr before nodding. Fayr had the sense not to protest, but passed the word to Derrys that the shutters were to be secured at sunset. Satisfied, Kiva took Laurien's hand and led him toward the Garden gate, the Rhemans falling in silently behind.
The rest of the Keep was busy as Healers and anyone else who could still stand helped those that could not back to their rooms. It was a sobering task and Rhys wondered if the results would have been worse if the Rhemans had not intervened.
"Kevyn, see what you can do about getting in touch with your patrols. I think we have made it abundantly clear to anyone who might be Observing that all is not normal in Rhema," he said and then turned to address the Rhemans. "I do not know how you did what you did, nor why. However, I think any lenience in deference to your trials and injuries must be waived in the interest of safety. Fayr had already called the Elder Council to meet. I will not cancel that meeting. I will send Kevyn to you when we are ready for you."
"Just like that? No request for our presence, no courtesy? Not even a thank you for keeping you from destroying the very thing you want to preserve?" Maygra said calmly. "Are we prisoners, Maen?"
Laurien hesitated, smiling down at Kiva before releasing her hand. "Privileged prisoners, but yes, you are prisoners. I will not assign a Guard to each of you, but I will alert the Keep Watch so that your movements are noted. The Council will meet before sunset. I think you will find your rooms the most comfortable place to wait until we call for you."
Color flooded into Maygra's cheeks, but she said nothing. Scooping Kiva up in her arms, Renn at her side she headed toward the West wing. Mikayl looked stunned and hurt as he followed her but Jael met Laurien's eyes with some kind of understanding before he followed his friends.
"I'm not questioning your judgment, Lauri," Rhys said softly. "But I'm not so sure we should allow them to stay."
"And I think you have both lost your minds," Sarai snapped joining them. She was leaning on her the arm of her aide, Denna, but her eyes flashed in anger. "Did I imagine it or were not you both in the Garden just now? Do you have any idea what just happened?"
"Sarai," Laurien said soothingly, "I know what happened; the Silent Goddess has spoken. My concern now is to find out why. The Council and then the Keep and finally all the other Keeps need to know what has happened. Finding out more about our guests is the best place to start."
"I love you dearly, Laurien, but you can be a blind idiot sometimes," Sarai said scornfully. "I have work to do. I will see you in Council, Masyr-Maen."
Laurien bit his lip thoughtfully as she walked away but did not pursue the conversation. After a moment he began walking toward his own chambers. "I know you should be in bed, Rhys, but could I persuade you to prop your feet up on my couch? I need another perspective."
"Mine has a tendency to be extreme, but I have no objections. Shall I call on Derrys as well?"
"If you would and Fayr has no need of him. The opinion of a Guardian may be just the conservative balance I need. Say in a half-hour's time? I need to check in with the Healers and other Masyren to be sure the Keep is secure."
"As you will, Maen," Rhys responded and tentatively Spoke to Derrys. The Guardian offered no objection and agreed, leaving Rhys with time on his hands and a burning desire to find out as much about their prisoners as he could before the meeting. Given Maygra's silent anger he doubted he would find little cooperation from her or the two men. However, there was another Rheman outside of her influence he remembered and headed for the Healing rooms.
Despite the activity in the yard, there were few patients and fewer Healers in the large chamber. Most of the Ravon's affected inhabitants had been taken to their rooms to recuperate. Kellas had chosen not to abandon the most critically ill of his charges and Rhys was not surprised to find him sitting beside Damyn's bed. The Healer looked up as Rhys approached, shifting onto the end of the bed so Rhys could sit.
"You looked troubled," Kellas remarked with a wry grin.
"Troubled only?"
"Actually you look as though you could use a week's rest, but I've been on the losing end of that argument before."
"How is your patient?"
"Sleeping easier. He'll be a long time in bed, recovering. Is his condition what's bothering you or the Rhemans in general?"
"The situation in general has me ready to jump out my skin and I'm not alone. Do you know what was done to him, Kel? We need information, badly, and short of ripping it from one of the other's minds, I don't think they are going to help us very much."
"Do you blame them?" Kellas asked quietly, leaning back against the footboard of the bed when Rhys looked up sharply. "I am well aware of the tension in the Ravon. I make it my business to stay out of the politics of our people as much as possible, Rhys. As a Healer I have a tendency toward compassion rather than objectivity -- not that you and Laurien or even Merida are not capable of compassion as well," he added hastily. "I, however, am severely lacking in objectivity. For just a moment I want you believe their story. All of it. They come this far, seeking refuge and what do they find? Refuge, yes. But it is suspicious refuge, even hostile. Merida is not the only one who believes them dangerous."
"No one knows anything about them! Or they should not."
"Ravon is not that big. Even had nothing been said of their presence, the events of the last hour have certainly made people aware that something has changed. As to what was done to Damyn," he hesitated, frowning as he smoothed the blanket over Damyn's legs. "Is it true that Maygra gave the order in Rhema to allow no prisoners be taken?" he asked softly, so no one else in the room would hear.
"So it would seem," Rhys replied, matching his whisper.
"Then Goddess forgive me, she did the right thing. If Lorisa did this . . . if she inflicted this damage on Damyn, none of us dare let another Kieri be captured," he murmured and looked up, startling Rhys with the raw fear in his face. "We've healed his wounds. We've sealed the breach in his Gift -- shuttered it off like a well of bad water. That's all we've been able to do. I don't know if we'll ever be able to restore his Gift, or his mind. Whatever was done ate away at his mind like locusts through a field. There's not much of his memory left and his personality is so badly splintered we may never know him as he was."
"You know more than you're saying, Kel. What is it?"
"There are parts of his mind we can't access at all -- doors shut and sealed so tightly we get nothing. And they are not his doors. Someone else set them and sealed them and still has the key. What kind of mental tampering does that remind you of?"
"He's like me," Rhys said coldly.
"Exactly like you. Except it isn't Damyn's childhood that's locked away, it's whatever happened at Rhema and things since that I can't piece together from what little memory he has left. Most of it has to do with Maygra. That's what Sarai was trying to get to when the Web failed."
"Maygra?" Rhys asked, surprised.
"Aye. He loves her, Rhys, but for whatever reasons, his memories of her are hazy, indistinct. Not all his memories, just parts -- parts that are otherwise intact, except in reference to her. Almost as if someone doesn't want us to find out too much about her."
"What about the others? The men and the children?"
"I haven't been close enough to find out. Nor do I have permission to do any searching," he hesitated, meeting Rhys' eyes evenly. "I won't do to them what Jael did to Kevyn. No Healer will."
"But you could."
Kellas nodded slowly. "I could. I know what was done and how. It is not an experiment I suggest you try and repeat."
"It may come to that if they don't cooperate," Rhys said grimly. "I don't have your ethics, my friend."
"You don't have Jael's strength or his training," Kellas said pointedly. "I don't know your limits any more than you do, Rhys. If you try and they resist, and if Lorisa has tampered with them as she has with Damyn, you could become just like him," he warned.
"I'll worry about it then, but I do note your warning," Rhys assured him and rose, hesitating. "Did you hear Aessa Speak?"
The Healer's face changed quickly from alarm to joy, his brown eyes tearing. "Oh, yes. I Heard her. I never thought to, but I Heard her and she Knows my name."
Rhys smiled faintly. "I'm sure she does," he said gently as the Healer wiped at his eyes.
"If nothing else," Kellas said, "Would She speak to us through the Rhemans if they were not her own?"
"I don't know. She did not speak to me," Rhys said softly, leaving quickly, unable to bear the shock on the Healer's face.
She did not speak to me. The phrase echoed through Rhys' mind over and over as he sought Laurien's chambers, grateful for once that he was not stopped for idle conversation.
Laurien's discussion with his two young colleagues did little to alleviate his fears. Rhys' recounting of his conversation with Kellas balanced out Derrys' better news that the Web was stable if not exactly at full strength. There was energy enough, however, to maintain fairly constant communication with Kevyn's patrols. All the information left Laurien exactly where he had been before their meeting -- unsure exactly what threat, if any, the Rheman presence posed to his own people.
"Then perhaps, Maen," Derrys said quietly as he left them to take up his own duties, "you should stop thinking of `them' and `us'. What would you do if they were our own people and Lorisa had tampered then returned them to us?" He departed their company without waiting for a reply, leaving Rhys angry and Laurien somewhat ashamed.
"He's right, you know," Laurien said as he and Rhys walked to the Council chambers. "What would I do if it were Kevyn or Raida or anyone else here? I could be no more sure of their motives than I am of Maygra's."
"You would know of their pasts, of their training -- any number of things we don't know about the Rhemans."
"What would you do, Rhys? Do you trust them?"
"I want to, Lauri. I really think I do. But if the decision were mine, I would give them supplies, mounts and show them the southern border with a rotation of archers to ensure they left Estanis."
Laurien bit his lip, staring at the ceiling in thought until Kevyn greeted them at the Council chamber. He had four Guards with him, two posted at the door and two more to accompany him as escorts for the Rhemans.
"I've stayed outside," the youth informed them with a deep intake of breath. "They're all there and they've been arguing for the last five minutes. You're going to have a hard time gaining any kind of consensus, Father."
Laurien nodded. "Good. This should not be an easy decision. Unless you have something pertinent to add to my summary of the situation to the Council, I would like you to be in charge of escorting the Rhemans to Council. Give me a little time to get them calmed down before you bring them, Kev."
"All of them?"
"The adults. I am not quite willing to subject the children to this . . . discussion."
"Don't underestimate the children," Rhys cautioned under his breath.
Laurien stiffened, then nodded. "Point taken. Kevyn, leave the children with Jurrana but post two Guards in the room with them. If Jurrana objects, send her out and leave Maric and two guards to watch them. Kiva, at least, seems to trust Maric."
Kevyn nodded then opened the chamber door, rolling his eyes as overlapping voices greeted them. Laurien had Rhys close the door behind them, allowing the younger man to take his seat while he stood at the head of the large table. The Council chamber itself was not overly large or ornate. It was a narrow room with windows along only the far wall. The table had been built to seat fifteen but only ten currently sat on Ravon's Elder Council. Merida still looked pale but she was arguing ably with Kevyn's counterpart of the Keep Watch, Brevad, and Crafts Master Doren. Sarai and Fayr were also exchanging comments, with Field Master Desan and Stock Mistress Yarena vying to get their opinions in as well. With Kevyn fulfilling the duties of the Watch, only Rhys and House Mistress Ialana were left in silence. Rhys observing the others with some concern and Ialana smiling faintly. Ialana noticed Laurien's expressionless presence first, covering her smile with her hand and gently nudging Yarena who sat beside her. Yarena stopped talking abruptly, the other following suit quickly until there was silence in the room.
"I thank you all for your attention. I realize that the events of the past day have put a strain on both our resources and your time so I will attempt to briefly summarize our situation," Laurien said formally, standing before them. "Yesterday's alarm bell alerted us to unidentifiable presences on the eastern edge of Irrekas, near Nessa Hulden's northern edge. Those presences, by their own claim, are the only survivors of Rhema, the last Border Watch of our ancestors in Elerak, east of Itheron Graen. Rhema was attacked and destroyed late last summer by Lorisa, or so we assume. Rhema's First Sword is Maygra and it is she who apparently has managed to avoid Lorisa's pursuit over the past year. One of the survivors, Damyn, was Rhema's First Healer, though we have no proof of that. It was his recovery -- a rather desperate experiment in using the Web as a mental tourniquet -- that drained the Web so dangerously. There is much evidence to support the theory that Lorisa has somehow tampered with Damyn's mind. We have also become aware that the attack made on Kevyn's patrol at mid-winter on Arris Grae was also due to Lorisa mind-tampering abilities. The man and three children encountered during that attack were also from Rhema."
"You just said the group that is now lodged within our walls were the only survivors of Rhema," Fayr said crossly. "Which is it?"
"Until this afternoon, the Rhemans were not sure how many, if any of their people, were captured when Rhema was attacked," Laurien said. "The problem we are presented with is this: We know that at least one of the Rhemans here has been controlled by Lorisa. We are certain that those encountered at mid-winter were also controlled by the sorceress. What we do not know is if the other Rhemans, Maygra, her brother Mikayl, Jael, and the three children were also influenced by our enemy. We know that their Gifts and training are very different from ours. However, save for a near disastrous exchange between Jael and Kevyn, we have not had the time or energy to expend on finding out more about our visitors."
"What happened this afternoon?" Ialana asked. "Did the Rhemans orchestrate . . . Does Aessa Speak to them, through them?"
"It would seem so," Laurien said. "I would almost rather believe that it was a trick of some kind, but I know that Voice," he said, his voice breaking. "However, whether Aessa Speaks is not the issue. Lorisa is also Kieri, or was. For all we know the Goddess may Speak to her as well. Kevyn will bring the Rhemans here shortly," Laurien added, taking his seat at the head of the table, Sarai to his left and Rhys to his right. "I would like to present them with at least the illusion of a united council."
"I have no need to see them to know they are dangerous," Fayr said. "And I won't be put off again. We nearly lost the Web entirely!"
"That was my doing, not theirs, Fayr," Sarai snapped. "They restored the Web or didn't you notice?"
"Had they not come, the Web would not have needed to be restored," Fayr maintained stubbornly. "I'm not saying we should throw them out defenseless, but they should not be here."
"The Web is stable," Laurien said. "And if they stay anywhere, it will be in Ravon. We are the first line of defense for our sister Keeps. If they are a threat we need to deal with them."
"Then tell us what threat they pose," Doren prompted. He was a tall, spare, ascetic man, supple fingers bridged together calmly. "You are not a man to air doubts without proof, Laurien, and I have always respected you for that. However, if these refugees have endured what they say -- and I am certain someone among us can determine if that much, at least, is the truth, then we have behaved abominably toward kinsmen who seek our aid."
"Unfortunately, Doren, that is the crux of the problem. We have no doubts that they were Kieri, just as Rhys and Kevyn are sure the man and children they encountered on the High Trail of Arris were Kieri -- once," Laurien said solemnly. "What we do not know is how deep her influence may go. It has all but destroyed the Healer, Damyn."
"He's not a Healer," Merida said sharply. "We can't be sure he ever was. There isn't enough left of his memories to put a whole person together -- all of it could have been fabricated by one of Lorisa's treacherous spells."
"But he was Kieri?" Doren asked.
Merida looked away. "Yes," she murmured. "But not like any of our people. None of them are anything like the Kieri we know. Maygra apparently has no Gift at all -- by their admission, not by any testing we have done and her brother . . . ."
"Is like an open book," Rhys said. "If his innocence is a trick of Lorisa's her abilities have far exceeded anything we could have imagined."
"And the other man and the children?" Ialana asked. "What do we know of them?"
"The children seem normal, but we have not truly examined them. The boy, Renn, is Damyn's brother. Kiva has not spoken for almost a year. The Rhemans have no explanation," Sarai said.
"They have given no explanations," Merida corrected icily. "All they have done is evade our questions: Maygra with anger, Mikayl with ignorance and Jael," the name came out with a hiss "with Silence. A strange reaction for someone who can Hear so casually."
"According to Jael, his use of a casual Voice is normal among their folk and Maygra and Mikayl agree," Laurien said glaring at his daughter, "Mikayl was certainly able to read my surface thoughts without effort. That ability alone does not make them creatures of Lorisa. If anything, it presents an aspect of Kieri Gifts we had not previously contemplated. As do Jael's Shield and Mikayl's Sight."
"And Maygra," Sarai interrupted intently, "may have a Gift the likes of which we have never seen."
"Merida just said the woman has no Gift at all!" Fayr said, Desan echoing his protest.
"She has no apparent Gift!" Sarai snapped. "It is not accessible, but the Gift is there! Had you been more willing to assist me this morning, Fayr, we might know a great deal more than we know now both about Lorisa and Maygra!" Sarai flushed as her accusation brought silence to the chamber but she did not drop her eyes.
"That is a strong allegation, Maena," Yarena said quietly at Sarai's left, covering the woman's hand with her own.
"It is and I will not retract it," Sarai replied, meeting Fayr's eyes. "You deliberately withheld assistance this morning, Fayr. You endangered my life, Merida's, Rhys' and certainly Damyn's. You could have modulated the energy flow from the Web, but you did not. Had Maygra not intervened the Web would have been destroyed, not damaged."
"I could not assist you in accomplishing what I did not understand, and you gave very little explanation," Fayr said coolly.
"I will admit to being lax in communicating," Sarai said, matching his tone. "I will even admit to being dangerously impetuous. My mistakes do not excuse yours."
"And this argument needs to wait until we decide on what is to be done about the Rhemans," Brevad counseled.
"No, Brev. I don't think so," Laurien said, watching Sarai. "You said Maygra intervened. How?"
"I don't know," Sarai said leaning forward. "I only know that when the Web started to collapse, she somehow stabilized it long enough for the rest of us to get free."
"I thought that was Fayr's doing or Derrys'," Rhys said.
"No. There was no . . . routine, no finesse. What I got was done by instinct, not training. She somehow channeled the energy through herself and back into the Web -- as if she were part of it."
"If you don't know how she did it, then you can't be sure she did do it," Fayr said.
"Did your people stabilize the Web?" Yarena asked.
Fayr scowled. "No. It seemed to correct itself. Which is less ridiculous than thinking some untrained half-grown girl with no Gift to speak of could correct such a flux in power."
"Sarai, you're sure it was Maygra?" Rhys asked intently.
"I am."
"I would agree with you only because something similar happened when Kellas tried to heal Damyn in Nessa Hulden. I had thought at first Jael and Kevyn had stabilized the Shielding -- they were maintaining it. But they took the backlash and something else intervened -- a Shield that worked but was certainly not the type that a trained Kieri would use. And it was not Jael. It could have only been Maygra."
"Or Mikayl," Laurien said with a raised eyebrow. "Unfortunately, we can prove none of this unless they agree to submit to testing."
"And if they don't?" Merida demanded. "I will not have my mind `casually' explored every time that Rheman decides to take a mental Walk through the Keep! I would be willing to allow the children to stay -- possibly even Mikayl, since all involved think him innocent of tampering. But Maygra and the other one should be sent away."
"And Damyn?" Ialana asked.
"Damyn can be no threat as he is now. If he recovers we can readdress his status," Merida said.
"If they won't submit to testing, it is unlikely they would agree to be separated from their kin. Or are you suggesting that Maygra leave her brother and Jael leave his son behind?" Yarena inquired with heavy sweetness.
"From what I understand, Jael has done nothing to merit exile except use his Gifts as he was taught -- regardless of whether we agree with that training or not," Doren said. "Maygra, however, has admitted that she gave the order to have the children of Rhema killed and that she killed Jael's brother."
"Jael attacked Kevyn!" Merida snarled. "And killed the Healer, Sura."
"An accident," Sarai said evenly. "And while he may have attacked Kevyn, he did not kill him."
Merida stared at her mother in shock. "We all fear that Lorisa may have somehow invaded the minds of these people. We know that Jael invaded Kevyn's mind. Would you care to explain to me where the difference lies?"
Sarai paled but went on resolutely. "If we find that Lorisa has somehow meddled with these people, then we must assume that Kevyn is now also a threat," she held up both hands at the outburst around her. "I said, if. I am not willing to make that supposition based on what we know now. The difference between what we know Lorisa capable of and what Jael did to Kevyn is that Lorisa's actions are offensive moves. Jael acted in defense, to break a dangerous stalemate. Is that correct, Rhys?"
"If you believe Jael's motives, then yes. They were outnumbered, but they feared capture more than death. A fear we have since fulfilled, I might add."
"I will take the blame and the responsibility for that," Laurien said. "However, you have raised an interesting issue, one that Derrys brought to my attention just prior to this meeting. How deeply is Kevyn affected by Jael's forced link, Merida?"
"I have not had time to examine Kevyn thoroughly," she said hesitantly. "He is troubled by memories which are not his, reactions to situations that are different than what they were before. And he will not let me or Rhys try to alleviate the interference."
"His reasons?" Ialana asked.
"I'm not sure. He claims to be only marginally disturbed by Jael's intrusions," she said evenly. "If you would know more, I suggest you ask Kevyn."
"I intend to," Laurien said.
"If Kevyn is being influenced by this Rheman," Brevad commented, "Then he should be relieved of his command."
"The overall defense of Ravon is my Domain," Rhys replied sharply. "You would do well to remember that. As of yet, I have seen nothing in Kevyn's behavior to indicate that he is unable to perform his duties as he always has."
"Nevertheless," Desan suggested, "There is some cause for concern. Until this matter is resolved, I would have Kevyn relieved of his duties and confined to the Keep."
"My brother will not betray Ravon or the Kieri," Merida snapped.
"You can't have it both ways, I'm afraid, kira," Sarai said gently. "If you believe the Rhemans should be treated as enemies, then by association, Kevyn must also be treated warily."
"You can't mean that!"
"I can and do. I do not believe the Rhemans guilty of anything other than a difference in training and doing the best they can to survive a horror we cannot imagine. I will not allow the simple fact that they are strangers and of a different upbringing be reason for their condemnation."
"We are not condemning them!" Yarena protested., "We are simply being cautious."
"I disagree," Doren said quietly. "Half of you have already made up your minds they cannot be trusted -- and that with no proof of fault save, as Sarai pointed out, surviving a disaster we cannot conceive. If their whole tale is a fabrication, then Lorisa is showing more subtlety than she has in the past. It has been my experience that when that sorceress engineers a disaster, she wants us to know she was the cause. The Rhemans did not engineer the collapse of the Web. We did that -- foolishly perhaps -- but the fault was ours. From what I observed a few hours ago, the Rhemans did everything they could to help restore the Web. If this had been some plan of Lorisa's, surely they would have allowed it to remain weakened. What better opportunity could Lorisa have to take this Keep and the Iimarin?"
"And Kevyn?" Laurien asked
"I would afford him the same courtesy I think should be shown the Rhemans, if that is his choice. If Jael's influence is marginal, then Kevyn is intelligent enough to understand our reasoning. However, he is still a member of this council. The immediate question is, should he be excused from Council until this issue is resolved? I do not think he will protest that request too strenuously."
Laurien looked up sharply. "Then we will give him his option after we have met with the Rhemans. I think we are all agreed that without more information, nothing can be decided. They await us in the outer chamber. I ask all of you to listen while I ask them to relate their story in their own words. I will then ask them if they will submit to being tested. Do you all agree?"
A moment's uncomfortable silence followed before Rhys agreed and the others quickly followed suit. At Laurien's prompting, Kevyn opened the door, allowing Maygra, Jael and Mikayl to enter. The guards quickly set three chairs at the end of the table before taking up positions inside the chamber.
Maygra glanced at the chairs, Jael to her right and Mikayl to her left, each man a half-step behind her. After a moment she locked eyes with Laurien, ignoring the chairs and stiffening her posture. She kept her hands at her sides, Mikayl and Jael taking their cue and staring straight ahead.
"This may be a long discussion, Maygra," Laurien said evenly. "You would be more comfortable sitting."
"You would be more comfortable if I were sitting," she said harshly. "If you intend to pass judgment on me, I will not take it sitting down."
"We have questions, only," Laurien said.
"So have I. Questions that you seem to have difficulty answering. Very well, I have a proposal for you. Take what information you want. We will not resist -- or rather Jael and Mikayl will not. I will resist as little as I am capable of, but I can promise it will not be pleasant. In exchange, you will allow Jael to test two of you. I think our mutual suspicions can thus be allayed. If not, then give us supplies and pack animals and mounts, a wagon for Damyn, and we will leave. We will head south along Nessa Hulden until we reach the sea. You may accompany us physically or by any other methods you choose to be sure we have left your borders."
Sarai covered her mouth to cough. A cough that sounded suspiciously like a chuckle. Laurien cleared his throat as well, seeing confusion in Maygra's eyes.
"I think, my dear, that your solution is the only one open to us. Do you have a preference as to who among us should do this test?"
"I don't know enough about the level of skill among your people to chose. It makes no difference."
"And why only two of us?"
"Jael already knows far more about Kevyn than he wishes to," Maygra said quietly, ignoring the flush in her friend's cheeks. "Though he never meant the link to go as deep as it did. Nor need this probe. Without resistance, the situation should be more controlled."
"And which of us would you like to answer your questions?" Sarai asked gently.
"Laurien would be my first choice, your First Healer my second," Maygra said. Merida tensed, staring at Jael as if he were a rabid animal. "You have a problem, Makyera?" Maygra prompted evenly.
"If my fellow Masyren ask me to submit, I will do so," Merida said tersely.
"I'm not interested in coercing anyone," Jael said softly.
Maygra nodded. "It need not be Makyera Masyra Ki'Yajiir Merida. I would prefer a Healer, however."
"Answer my curiosity, if you will, Maygra," Ialana said. "Choosing Laurien I can understand, but why your insistence on a Healer?"
"Among my people, Masyra, Healers are considered the most reasonable and honest. They react from the heart, rather than the mind. Whether I agree with the reasons for your actions is immaterial," Maygra said, gripping the back of the chair in front of her. "We may have come seeking your folk against our will. Even if that is true, I do not believe the will we followed was Lorisa's. In order to trust us even enough to let us go, you must believe that as well. Jael has come to know your people in part through his link with Kevyn. We know Kevyn to be guileless. To us, he represents the majority of your people. Laurien represents the mind that drives your will and your fight against this sorceress. Hopefully, your Healer will show us your hearts."
"Maygra, you know we have grave doubts about Jael because of his . . . forced link with Kevyn," Sarai said.
"I do. I also have few options. Mikayl has not sufficient experience to produce the necessary Voice. I am incapable of it. Jael has long been the one among my people to serve as an interpreter of sorts negotiating with the traders who traveled Elerak and spoke neither our language or the common tongue of the Haian."
"I think your request both reasonable and well voiced," Ialana said. "When shall we proceed?"
"Now, if possible. Jael claims he is sufficiently recovered to do his part as long as there is no resistance. I do have one other condition, however," she said drawing a breath. "Regardless of the outcome, I want your assurance that I and mine can leave Ravon if we choose. If you find us untrustworthy, then send us into exile. But release us immediately. It will not be too long before winter sets and I would have time to secure shelter and supplies enough before the first snow falls."
Rhys tensed, watching Laurien carefully. He wanted to believe Maygra as he watched her. The defiant and angry warrior was gone, replaced by an anxious and somewhat fearful young woman fighting for her freedom to choose her course. Seeing that aspect of her he was reminded of Kellas' admonition on compassion. He was suddenly very glad he was not alone in bearing the weight of the decision regarding the Rhemans' fate.
"I wish I could make that promise, Maygra," Laurien said slowly. "But I cannot. We cannot. I am not even sure that Ravon as an entity has the right to make that decision alone. I can promise that if we are satisfied of your innocence, that if after this exchange of information, we find you to be no threat, you may leave with our goodwill and supplies enough to see you through the winter, if that is your choice. If we find you a danger, however, I cannot in good conscience allow you to wreak destruction elsewhere."
Maygra stiffened as if Laurien had slapped her, opening her mouth to protest then closing it again. "As you will, Maen. The choice as to who goes first is yours."
"I think our time will be best served if we do this quickly. Merida, if you will not volunteer gracefully, please ask one of your seconds if they would mind being Jael's subject," Laurien said. "I will allow Jael to begin with me. Rhys, Sarai, I will leave the two of you to decide which of you is best suited for this task."
"You mean to do this now?" Fayr demanded. "Here?"
"How long would you like us to wait, Masyr?" Kevyn asked roughly. He stood between Sarai and Ialana, arms crossed over his chest. "Would you prefer we used the Garden? For good or ill, we must resolve this issue, for if the Rhemans are guiltless, then we have need of them and their . . . Gifts."
Fayr stared at the younger man then glanced significantly at Brevad. "If it turns ill, Makyeri, you had best look to your own affairs." the Guardian said coldly.
"What do you mean?" Kevyn demanded, his gaze shifting to Rhys and his father.
"It means . . . our contact has wrought more damage than I realized," Jael said softly. "If we are discovered to be Lorisa's creatures, then so are you -- by association."
Kevyn and Maygra both stared at Jael, but the dark-haired Rheman was locked eye to eye with Merida. "That is what you fear, is it not? You don't know how far the sorceress's influence reaches. If you decide against us, then you must cast Kevyn among us as well for fear he may be tainted by Lorisa's power."
"You would turn against your own . . . ," Maygra murmured and then she did sit down, defeat on her face. "It doesn't matter what you find. You can't possibly overcome a fear this great."
"Don't judge us too quickly," Ialana began.
"Then give me the criteria by which we become trustworthy!" Maygra snapped. "What aspects of my upbringing will count against me? Perhaps that our Healers went into battle with us?" she demanded glancing at Merida. "Or that Jael and Mikayl can Hear a trivial conversation in your minds as you would hear chatter in a hall? What proof do you have to have?"
"Mag," Jael cautioned. "It doesn't matter. I'll stand with you, kira, against the whole Keep if necessary, but we must begin somewhere."
Maygra shook her head. "Go on then, unless there are more objections to the time and place?"
The chamber was silent. Fayr and Brevad sat stiffly in their chairs, while Sarai and Ialana watched the Rhemans sadly. Kevyn had stepped away from the table, refusing to meet the looks both Merida and Rhys gave him. The other Elders waited expectantly.
A knock on the door broke the quiet and one of the Watch admitted Kellas. The Healer studied the tableau warily until Laurien motioned him inside.
"It's all right, Kellas. Merida has explained what is required?"
"She has, Maen. I will give what service I can," he added with a half smile at Jael.
"Have a seat, my young friend. Jael, I am ready when you are. Rhys, Sarai?"
"I will link with Mikayl first," Sarai said, rising gracefully as Mikayl took a seat. "If Jael has no objections, Rhys will test him and then we will see what is the best way to approach Maygra's . . . blockage."
Maygra made no comment, allowing Sarai to take the seat next to Mikayl.
"Do mind your own thoughts," Laurien admonished his colleagues, gesturing for Jael to take the seat Sarai had vacated. Jael managed a grim smile, beginning his probe from where he stood.
In the silence, Merida went to her brother but Kevyn was watching his mother. Sarai had taken one of Mikayl's hands in hers, her eyes closed and her body relaxed. The faint smile on her face widened as she Read beyond Mikayl's solemn expression. A hundred heartbeats later Sarai and Mikayl both opened their eyes. Sarai was smiling broadly and Mikayl looked shy and embarrassed. Jael finished with Laurien a few moments later, both men showing signs of renewed respect.
"I find nothing in Mikayl to be alarmed by," Sarai said. "Save the virtue of a few of our unattached females may be at risk. I do not, however, think that to be a serious threat," she chuckled and patted Mikayl's hand when he blushed.
"Laurien's goals are similar to ours, Mag," Jael said sitting down his voice slightly strained. "His fears are reasonable -- from his point of view."
Maygra nodded. "Jael can either be next or I. It makes no difference."
"Perhaps Jael should finish the burden of his work with Kellas," Sarai suggested. "Before he is further wearied."
Jael nodded and the Healer shrugged. "I am as ready as I am ever like to be," Kellas said. He gave a little gasp before relaxing. Jael took less time, but was no less thorough. Kellas had fewer secrets and concerns to be sorted than Laurien.
On completion of his probe, Jael managed a smile. "I hope you can bring Damyn to himself again, Healer. You and he are alike in many ways. There is no conscious deception in Kellas," he added to Maygra. "Maen Rhys?"
Rhys took his cue from Jael, leaning against the table in front of the Rheman without touching him. Maygra's own body tensed in sympathy with Jael. He flinched in reaction to whatever pain Rhys caused. She suspected the source of Jael's anguish. The moments seemed to drag on interminably before Jael drew a sharp breath then released it, leaning back in the chair.
"If my mother has tampered with Jael, she has buried it too deep for me to find. There are none of the blind doors in his mind that Damyn has, although," he hesitated, studying Jael with an expression half way between understanding and confusion. "There are aspects of his personality that are not . . . safe."
"In what manner?" Laurien asked.
"Twice, to my knowledge, I have lost my ability to reason . . . to control. . . ," Jael said thickly before Rhys could respond. "The first was at Rhema during attack. The second was when Laric, my brother, was captured . . . I nearly killed Mikayl. I could not . . . cannot distinguish between friend and foe when this . . . rage takes over."
"Your conclusion, Rhys?"
"I think it inherent in his personality and not something inflicted externally," Rhys said after a moment. "And I'm not sure it can't be controlled . . . with training," he added, as surprised at his answer as Jael was. "He did not have this experience prior to the defeat of Rhema, however."
"None of us reacted normally then," Maygra said. "Does he pass your test or not?"
"He does . . . ," Rhys said. "I have a question for you, though. What happened to your sister, Maygra?"
"She died last winter in the Haian cald where we took shelter. Why?"
"His memories of her death are not clear."
"Neither are Mikayl's," Sarai said slowly. "What did she die of?"
"She willed it," Jael said. "We . . . she lost her first son at Rhema. By the time we found refuge in DunStan Cald, she had lost the desire to live. Kion . . . our son could eat and had no physical need of her. She gave up."
"She gave in," Maygra whispered fiercely. "Maia chose to die as surely as if she had driven a knife into her own heart. She fought so . . . it was a useless death," she finished.
"What do you remember, Mikayl?" Sarai asked gently.
"Only that she died while we were doing chores. We came back to the holding to the news she had died. It was sudden."
"But not unexpected?"
"No. Not really. As Jael said, she lost the heart . . . the will to live."
Sarai nodded understandingly. "It is a minor point, I think, for the memory is unclear, not gone -- not unusual in grief," she added with a glance at Laurien.
"If you are satisfied, then you had best finish with me," Maygra said, changing the subject.
"And then me," Kevyn said, pulling away from Merida.
"That won't be necessary, Kev," Rhys said. "If Jael shows no sign of tampering, then you will not. Nor did I think you would," he added more softly.
"The reasoning may be different, but I'm sure both you and my sister, as well as the rest of this distinguished group, would be much more comfortable to know that it is only me you are dealing with and not some freakish combination of Jael and me."
"Kevyn, this is not the place to discuss this," Merida soothingly.
"Oh, but it is. Examining me should be at least as embarrassing and painful as what you are about to do to Maygra. I have enough of Jael's memories to know this will not be easy, no matter how skilled Rhys and Sarai are. You both know that as well, don't you? If I am worthy enough to be cast with them when they are thought to be guilty, at least have the courtesy to give me the same honor when they are innocent," he snapped.
"This is what I feared," Merida said, glaring at Jael. "This mocking arrogance is not part of my brother -- or it was not. Whether you are an agent of Lorisa's or not, Jael, you have done as much, if not more, damage than she has dared."
"I can separate those memories," Jael offered.
"As could I," she said. "Will you allow it, Kev?" Her voice was just shy of pleading.
"I may in time, but not before Rhys or Sarai have assured all present that I am as innocent as the Rhemans."
"Then I will do as you ask," Sarai said, touching his arm. "Let us work with Maygra first, Rhys and I together. We hope that we can ease at least part of her discomfort."
"Three minds together," Jael protested. "Is that wise, Maena?"
"Not together, Jael," Sarai said with a reassuring smile. "More in a relay. My Gift and my talent are in training and testing. I will create a path for Rhys to follow--hold the door open, so to speak. I cannot promise it will be completely painless," she added in apology to Maygra. "But I think it will be far easier than for a complete stranger to attempt what those closest to you rarely dare."
Jael glanced worriedly at Maygra but she touched his cheek as she sat down across from Sarai. "It will be all right, Jai-kiri," she said. "It must be done and it can be no worse for me than for them," she added with a faint gleam in her eye. Jael chuckled faintly in response. Painful as it was for Maygra to open her mind to Hear, it was no easier for those who would Speak and See.
"Now, Maygra, I want you to think of anything you like that is pleasant," Sarai said quietly. "Good food, a warm summer's day, that lovely green dress waiting for you upstairs. Just try and relax and breathe with me."
Maygra did her best to comply, even smiling a little at Sarai's mention of the dress. She tried to see the fine embroidery and the colors only to find the patterns in her mind those of one of Thana's blankets. The thought brought a measure of sorrow, but she did not release it, remembering better times when she had marveled at the older woman's deft hands and clever stitching. She had tried to learn those patterns, had worked with Thana and Jael both to reproduce the delicate interweaving of threads. She had never become adept at the craft, but the hours she spent working on mastering the skill had been pleasant ones.
Quickly, Rhys, Sarai Spoke softly. I have not opened a door, but only cracked a window.
Rhys followed her quickly, gripping the table and wincing as he slipped through Sarai's opening, feeling Maygra recoil in pain as well. He could barely hear Sarai begin whispering again, a steady comforting undercurrent that kept Maygra's attention.
He was not at all surprised to find Maygra's mind as riddled with closed doors and unfamiliar Shields as Damyn's was. He was quick to note that the construction of those doors were very different and far older than the damaged Healer's. As with Jael, he did not seek anything specific, only pausing to check and examine those aspects of Maygra that were far different from anything he had encountered before.
The Rheman woman's resistance was strong, though he could tell she was doing her best not to resist his intrusion at all. Painful reminders warned him away when he would approach some aspect of who she was that would not bear examination. Despite that, he discovered much about Maygra that reminded him of himself. He was acutely aware of her loneliness as well as her impression that she had failed her kin badly in many respects. Such a lack of esteem had destroyed other people in Rhys' experience, but something within Maygra kept her laboring onward, pushing past her failures and striving for completeness. Coming to close to the very heart of her personality, he heard her cry out in pain and felt his own body tense. Whatever walls Maygra had, he was as certain they were not of his mother's creation as he was that his own were of Lorisa's influence. He withdrew quickly, recognizing Sarai's urgent recall. He slipped out of her mind, barely catching a glimpse of something old and powerful -- far older than Maygra -- wrapped like a protective mother cat around her cubs.
He gasped as he disengaged, aware that Kevyn and Doren were supporting him. He opened his eyes to find Sarai leaning back wearily in her chair, pain lines creasing her forehead, Merida pressing a worried hand against the older woman's cheek. Maygra was doubled over in pain, Mikayl holding her as Kellas examined her. She pushed him weakly away, raising her head, tears flowing freely down her cheeks though she made no sound.
"Leave me be," she gasped finally, Jael and Mikayl lifting her up and releasing her so she could lean against the wall. Without a word, Jael moved behind her, not touching her, but settling a small Shield around her. She drew a deep breath and nodded thanks as all leftover peripheral interference was shut out.
Unable to help Maygra, Kellas turned to Rhys but the Maen shook his head.
"No, Kellas. Kevyn was right. This should be at least as painful for me as it is for her."
"Your pain gives me no satisfaction," Maygra said hoarsely. "Get rid of his headache, Kellas. I am sure the Elders are far more concerned about his report than his nobility."
A muscle in Kellas' jaw twitched as he brushed his hand across Rhys' forehead. Rhys sighed as the pain faded. Clearing his throat, he began speaking before the Healer had finished.
"She has walls enough, which we already knew," he said, taking the seat Kevyn pulled up for him. "But they are not my mother's. They are far more . . . subtle," he said for Doren's benefit, "than what Lorisa uses. Most are as old as Maygra herself. My guess is that whatever blocks her Gift has also created other safe . . . pockets . . . to keep Maygra protected from the casual prying of her kin -- however well intentioned," he added with a faint smile at Mikayl. "I would say all three are as free from Lorisa's tampering as anyone in this Keep. If you insist on being tested, Kev, someone else will have to do it," he said in half jest. "At this point I don't think I could catch a thought thrown full force my way."
Kevyn shook his head. "I won't tax you further, but I do want to make sure the council is in agreement with your findings," he said evenly, glancing around the chamber. "If they are not, this whole exercise has been futile and I call for vote by Voice," he added sternly.
There were one or two murmurs of protest which Laurien quickly silenced. "I think it fair. If you still have reservations, this is the time to speak. There is one more issue to be resolved on Maygra's behalf, but the alleged crime is a year old and will wait a few more days," he said, not missing Maygra's sharp glance in his direction. "We were not at Rhema and at this point, I do not feel qualified to judge the right or wrong of her actions, or whether she is an Oathbreaker. I would point out that Aessa still speaks to Maygra, and as all our Oaths are ultimately made to the Goddess, I will let her patience dictate mine. Now, speak your fears if you have them."
The Rhemans were not privy to the vote, nor were Kellas or the guards. That it took several long moments to accomplish caused Maygra more painful anxiety but Laurien finally nodded and turned to her. Immediately, Mikayl and Jael flanked her as they had when the three of them entered the chamber.
"It is the finding of the Masyren of Ravon, that the survivors of Rhema are our kin and thus due the same freedom and strictures as all Kieri among Six Keeps of Estanis. What reservations we may have are primarily personal and have more to do with training and upbringing than any basic differences. We have agreed to uphold and defend our decision in the face of our sister Keeps and will treat you as we would treat our own blood. The choice now lies with you, Maygra. Will you stay or will you leave us?"
Maygra clasped hands with the two men at her side but there was no relief or joy in her face. "That choice is not mine to make alone, for if we stay, Rhema will be no more and we will be of Ravon. I will leave you now, respected Masyren, only so far as to seek our quarters and discuss our options with what is left of Rhema. If you have no objections?"
If Laurien was disappointed he gave no sign, but nodded gravely. At his signal the guards opened the doors and the three Rhemans left the chamber, Maygra leaning heavily against Jael, a worried Mikayl at her side.
Laurien excused the guards as well then turned to face the Council. "I will see that our expression of confidence in the Rhemans is fulfilled," he said icily, glaring at Brevad, Fayr, Desan and Yarena. "As for you, Makyera," he said addressing his daughter. "Be well aware that your dislike of Jael is as apparent now as it was an hour ago -- and with far less reason."
"Do not preach to us, Laurien," Fayr said in the same tone. "You still harbor you own doubts."
"I do. But my doubts are borne of my own fears, and not from any lack or deceit in our cousins. I will phrase the message to be sent out to our Sister Keeps, Fayr. And you will all keep your own doubts to yourself. Our people will decide to accept the Rhemans in their own time and by their own choice."
"That may be so," Yarena said evenly. "But while I have come to accept Rhys for my own reasons, I am not completely certain that the son of our enemy is free of her influence in all ways. In fact, we know he is not. That Sarai found nothing to fear in Mikayl is heartening, as is the fact that the Rheman Healer's flaws are identifiable. This is not a new objection I raise, but an old one. The Masyren exist to balance differing opinions, not subjugate one to the other. And you would do well to remember that, Maen. I am willing to allow our people the same right we have granted our `cousins' -- the right to choose who they will trust and under what conditions. Now, if there is nothing else for us to discuss, I have other duties. A good evening to you all," she said and left the chamber without waiting for a reply.
Fayr and Brevad also took their leave after formally assuring Laurien that they would in no way influence their people's opinions of the Rhemans.
"And what of you Desan? Merida?" Sarai asked.
"My concern is not whether the Rheman's have been influenced by Lorisa, but whether she would be willing to give up a year long pursuit." Desan said. "I would prefer they not be here if they lead her to our gates."
"She already knows where the gates are," Kevyn said.
"So she does, but so far she has not attempted to breach them. I would prefer she not be tempted to do so," Desan said and left.
Merida said nothing, touching Kevyn's arm briefly before following Desan.
"You cannot force them to like our guests," Ialana said, taking Doren's arm. "Any more than you can force Maygra to stay if she chooses to leave."
"Do you think she will leave?" Kevyn asked sitting on the edge of the table beside his mother.
"I think we have given her very little reason to stay," Ialana said sadly. "You have spent your whole life here, kiri. It will be far easier for you to forgive our fears than it will be for them."
"Still," Doren commented. "She knows they need rest. It may be some time before she decides to leave. I intend to do my best to give them all reasons to stay," he said, gripping Rhys' shoulders. "You have proved your worth to us once more, my lad. I hope it was not in vain."
Rhys smiled in gratitude watching the couple leave fondly. "I would I had Doren's optimism."
"We could all use it," Laurien agreed, sitting down wearily. "What do you think, Rhys? Will they stay?"
Rhys laughed roughly. "I have no idea. I do think we made a grave mistake here -- we did as Maygra accused us and allowed our fear to get in the way of our reason. Given what we now know of them, we may very well lose valuable allies."
"You may be right, kinai," Sarai said. "But to be fair, Laurien would not be Maen of Ravon had he ignored those concerns completely. Oh, I know I disagreed with this whole confrontation and I wish I were clever enough to have found another way to resolve it. We cannot undo what has been done -- neither the damage or the good. If they choose, we can now open the way for the Rhemans to find refuge in Esta or another of our sister Keeps. That, at least, might provide them with reason enough to aid us, if they don't have reason enough now. Laurien, I suggest you and I both hobble to our beds. I know Kevyn still has duties to perform, as does Rhys. Our day will start soon enough," she said rising to her feet and kissing all three men before leaving.
"I must prepare the message to be relayed to Esta," Laurien said preparing to follow her.
"Do you still have doubts?" Kevyn asked.
"Some, but they have more to do with how different Rhema was from us. Don't mistake me, Kev. My opinion of Maygra has not changed. She can be and is ruthless in her own way and right now I think she wants Lorisa to pay for what she did to Rhema more than anything else in her life. Whether that desire will fade when she discovers she does not have to fight alone, I cannot say. I admire her as well. I admire all of them and I cannot say I would be any different had it been Ravon that was destroyed," he added and turned away, only to find Kellas trying to edge toward the door.
"Kel, I thought you'd gone," the elder Maen said in surprise.
"My apologies, Laurien, I didn't mean to pry. I wanted to make sure Rhys and Sarai were all right before I left and then you all started talking . . . ."
"Don't apologize, Healer. I'm afraid we were all so caught up in our own thoughts we noticed nothing else," Laurien said warmly. "I think Merida has seen to Sarai and will, no doubt check on her before she retires. Goodnight."
Kellas echoed the sentiment, then turned back to Rhys. "You have over-strained yourself, Rhys. I would rather be sure you sleep the night."
"You worry too much, Kel, but if you have one of your nasty tasting potions ready, I promise I'll drink it," Rhys said with a tired smile.
"Having heard all this, what do you think?" Kevyn asked.
"I think they'll stay long enough for Damyn to be healed," Kellas said confidently.
"You seem very sure," Rhys commented.
"I am. I think that given enough information, Maygra will see that moving Damyn now could be dangerous."
"That sounds deceitful, and sneaky," Kevyn warned.
"Only slightly. He does need to rest and recover before he can be moved. And the children as well. Jurrana has arranged for them to spend some time with other children in the Keep at their lessons if Maygra does not protest -- just a little something to keep them occupied. Also, I understand that Maric would very much like for Maygra to show him some of her techniques in close fighting before she leaves."
Kevyn laughed out loud. "Just how many people are in on this plan of yours?"
Kellas grinned. "Only a few, but key among them is Jael," he added with a wink.
"Jael? How did he find out?"
"Just a while ago. I couldn't very well keep it a secret with that kind of probe -- as you well know, Kev. He is a little reluctant. He won't abandon Maygra or the others, but he as concerned for his son as he is for Damyn. I think that if we can keep them here until winter, they may well stay for good."
"When did you become so sure they were no threat?" Rhys asked.
"The moment Aessa spoke," Kellas said, suddenly solemn. "It may be selfish reason, Rhys, but I would not surrender that brief contact for anything I possess. It may be that Aessa speaks to Lorisa as well -- but Maygra, Jael and Mikayl brought Her Voice to us and had nothing to gain from it. By my Healer's Oath, Rhys, what other proof do you need?"
Maybe none if I had heard Her, Rhys acknowledged to himself. Outwardly he only smiled and nodded, wondering if perhaps he ought not to give up his council seat for Kellas' far less complicated and more honest approach to his Oaths.
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)