Without warning a lance of fire, a stab of pure pain, erupted in the minds of all who sat in the room. Gamina screamed in silence.
Gardan clutched at his head, nearly fainting from the impact white-hot flash of searing agony. Dominic’s face went ashen and he reeled back in his chair under the onslaught of the cry as if struck a physical blow. Kasumi’s eyes screwed closed as he fought to rise. Kulgan’s pipe fell from slack lips as he clutched his temples. Pug staggered to his feet, using every shred of his magic power to erect some sort of mental barrier against the tearing in his mind. He pushed back the blackness that sought to overwhelm him, reaching out to touch the girl. ‘Gamina,’ he croaked.
The girl’s mental screaming continued unabated and she tore frantically at the old man’s tunic, a mindless act, as if she sought somehow to snatch him back from whatever horror he faced. Her large eyes were wide and her voiceless hysterics nearly drove those around her to madness. Pug lunged forward and grabbed her shoulder. Gamina ignored the touch, continuing to scream for Rogen. Mustering his powers, Pug forced aside the terror and pain in the girl’s projected thoughts for a brief moment.
Gardan’s head fell forward onto the table, as did Kasumi’s. Kulgan lurched upright, then fell back into his chair, stunned. Besides Pug and Gamina, only Dominic had managed to retain consciousness. Something inside him had struggled to reach out to the girl, no matter how much he wished to retreat from the pain being visited upon him by her.
The girl’s primitive terror nearly brought Pug to his knees, but he forced himself on. He cast a spell, and the girl fell forward. At once the pain ceased. Pug caught her, but the effort drove him back and he staggered into his chair. He sat cradling the unconscious girl, stupefied by the onslaught.
Dominic felt as if his head would burst but hung on to consciousness. The old man’s body was still rigid, nearly bowed back with pain, his lips working feebly. Dominic incanted a spell of healing, one used to cease pain. Finally Rogen went limp, seeming to collapse into his chair. But his face was still a mask of terror and pain, and he cried out in a hoarse whisper words the monk could not understand, before he lapsed into unconsciousness.
Pug and the monk exchanged confused looks. Dominic felt blackness overtake him and, before he passed out, wondered why the magician suddenly looked so frightened.
Gardan paced the room where they had dined the night before. Next to the fire, Kulgan said, ‘You’ll wear a furrow in the stones of the floor if you don’t sit down.’
Kasumi rested quietly on a cushion beside the magician. Gardan lowered himself next to the Tsurani and said, ‘It’s this infernal waiting.’ Dominic and Pug, with the aid of some healers in the community, were tending to Rogen. The old man had lain near death since he had been carried from the meeting house. Gamina’s mental scream had touched all within a mile of her, though striking those at a distance with less force. Still, several people near the building had been rendered senseless for a time. When the cries had stopped, those with their wits about them had rushed to see what had occurred. They had found all in the meeting house unconscious.
Katala was soon on the scene and ordered them all carried to the quarters where she could oversee their care. The others had recovered in a few hours, but Rogen had not. The vision had begun in midmorning, and now it was after supper.
Gardan struck hand with fist and said, ‘Damn! I was never meant for this sort of business. I am a soldier. These monsters of magic, these nameless powers … Oh for an enemy of flesh and blood!’
‘Too well do I know what you can do to a flesh-and-blood enemy,’ Kasumi said. Kulgan looked interested, and Kasumi said, ‘In the early years of the war, the captain and I faced one another at the siege of Crydee. It wasn’t until we were exchanging histories that I discovered he was second to Prince Arutha during the siege, or he that I led the assault.’
The door opened and a large man entered, removing a great cloak. He was bearded and weather-beaten in appearance, looking like a hunter or woodcutter. He smiled slightly and said, ‘I go away for a few days and look who wanders in.’
Gardan’s dark face broke into a broad smile and he rose, extending his hand. ‘Meecham!’
They shook and the man called Meecham said, ‘Well met, Captain.’ Kasumi followed suit, for Meecham was an old acquaintance. He was a franklin, a free man with his own land in service to Kulgan, though he was more a friend to the magician than any sort of servant.
Kulgan said, ‘Any luck?’
The forester absently stroked the scar on his left cheek as he said, ‘No. All fakes.’
Kulgan said to the others, ‘We heard of a travelling caravan of fortunetellers and gypsies, camped a few days this side of Landreth. I sent Meecham to discover if any of them were true talents.’
‘There was one,’ said Meecham. ‘Might have been what he seemed, but he quieted down when I told him where I was from. Maybe he’ll show up on his own hook.’ He looked around the room. ‘All right, isn’t anyone going to tell me what’s going on here?’
As Kulgan finished recounting everything to Meecham, the door opened and further conversation was interrupted. William entered leading Gamina by the hand. The old man’s ward looked even more pale than when Gardan had seen her the day before. She looked at Kulgan, Kasumi, and Gardan and her voice entered their minds. I am sorry I caused so much pain. I was frightened.
Kulgan slowly extended his arms, and the girl gingerly allowed him to gather her up onto his ample lap. With a gentle hug, he said, it is all right, lass. We understand.’
The others smiled at the girl reassuringly and she seemed to relax. Fantus came padding into the room. William threw him a quick look and said, ‘Fantus is hungry.’
Meecham said, ‘That beast was born hungry.’
No, came the thought. He said he was hungry. No one remembered to feed him today. I heard.
Kulgan gently held the little girl away from him so he could look at her. ‘What do you mean?’
He told William he was hungry. Just now. I heard him.
Kulgan looked at William. ‘William, can you hear Fantus?’
William looked at Kulgan with a curious expression. ‘Of course. Can’t you?’
They talk to each other all the time.
Kulgan’s face became animated. ‘This is wonderful! I had no idea. No wonder you two have been so close. William, how long have you been able to speak to Fantus this way?’
The boy shrugged. ‘Ever since I can remember. Fantus has always talked to me.’
‘And you could hear them speak to each other?’ Gamina nodded. ‘Can you speak to Fantus?’
No. But I can hear him when he talks to William. He thinks funny. It is hard.
Gardan was astonished by the conversation. He could hear Gamina’s answers in his head, as if he were listening. From observing the girl’s private remarks to Rogen the day before, he realized that she obviously was able to speak with whomever she chose in a selective way.
William turned towards the drake. ‘All right!’ he said in aggravated tones. He said to Kulgan, ‘I’d better go to the kitchen and get him something. Can Gamina stay here?’
Kulgan gave the girl a gentle hug and she nestled deeply into his lap. ‘Of course.’
William dashed from the room, and Fantus hurried after, the prospect of a meal motivating him to an atypical display of speed. When they were gone, Kulgan said, ‘Gamina, can William speak to other creatures besides Fantus?’
I don’t know. I’ll ask him.
They watched in fascination as the girl’s head cocked to one side, as if she were listening to something. After a moment she nodded. He said only sometimes. Most animals aren’t very interesting. They think a lot about food and other animals, is all.
Kulgan looked as though he had been given a present. ‘This is wonderful! Such a talent. We have never heard of a case of a human communicating directly with animals. Certain magicians have hinted at such an ability in the past, but never like this. We shall hav
e to investigate this fully.’
Gamina’s eyes widened as her face took on an expectant look. She sat up and her head came around to face the door, and an instant later Pug and Dominic entered. Both looked weary, but there was no sign of the sorrow Kulgan and the others had feared.
Before the question could be asked, Pug said, ‘He still lives, though he was deeply afflicted.’ He noticed Gamina in Kulgan’s lap, looking as if that physical contact were somehow vital to her. ‘Are you better?’ Pug asked. She ventured a slight smile and a nod.
Some communication passed between them and Pug said, ‘I think he will recover. Katala will stay at his side. Brother Dominic has proved a great help, for he is versed in healing arts. But Rogen is very old, Gamina, and if he doesn’t recover, you must understand and be strong.’
Gamina’s eyes rimmed with moisture, but she nodded slightly. Pug came over and drew up a chair, as did the monk. Pug seemed to notice the addition of Meecham for the first time and they greeted each other. A quick introduction to Dominic was made, and then Pug said, ‘Gamina, you could be a big help to us. Are you willing?’
How?
There has never been an occurrence like today’s to my knowledge. I must know what made you so afraid for Rogen.’ There was something in Pug’s manner that revealed deep concern. He masked it well, so as not to distress the child, but it still wasn’t completely hidden.
Gamina looked frightened. She shook her head and something passed between the little girl and Pug. Pug said, ‘Whatever it was, it could make the difference in Rogen’s living. Something we do not understand is involved in this; we should know about it.’
Gamina bit her lower lip slightly. Gardan was struck by the fact the girl was showing considerable bravery. From what little he had heard of the girl’s lot, it had been a terrible one. To grow up in a world where people were always suspicious and hostile, and those thoughts were always heard, must have kept the child on the edge of madness. For her to trust these men at all bordered on the heroic. Rogen’s kindness and love must have been endless to counter-balance the pain this child had known. Gardan thought that if any man deserved the occasionally bestowed title of ‘saint’ the temples used for their heroes and martyrs, then it was Rogen.
More conversation passed between Pug and Gamina, all silent. Finally Pug said, ‘Speak so we might all hear. All these men are your friends, child, and they will need to hear your story to stop Rogen and others from being hurt again.’
Gamina nodded. I was with Rogen.
‘What do you mean?’ asked Pug.
When he used his second sight, I went with him.
‘How were you able?’ said Kulgan.
Sometimes when someone thinks things, or sees things, I can see or hear what they do. It’s hard when they aren’t thinking at me. I can do it best with Rogen. I could see what he saw, in my mind.
Kulgan pushed the child slightly away so he might better look at her. ‘Do you mean to say you can see Rogen’s visions?’ The girl nodded. ‘What about dreams?’
Sometimes.
Kulgan hugged her tightly. ‘Oh, what a fine child you are! Two miracles in one day! Thank you, wonderful child!’
Gamina smiled, the first happy expression any of them had seen. Pug threw him a questioning look, and Kulgan said, ‘Your son can speak to animals.’ Pug’s jaw dropped, and the stout magician continued, ‘But that is not important for the moment. Gamina, what did Rogen see that hurt him so badly?’
Gamina began to tremble and Kulgan held her closely. It was bad. He saw a city burning and people being hurt by bad creatures.
Pug said, ‘Do you know the city? Is it some place you and Rogen have seen?’
Gamina shook her head, her big eyes seemingly as round as saucers. No. It was just a city.
‘What else?’ asked Pug gently.
The girl shivered. He saw something … a man? There was a strong feeling of confusion, as if she was dealing with concepts she could not fully comprehend. The man? saw Rogen.
Dominic said softly, ‘How could something in a seeing sense the seer? A vision is a prophetic look at what might happen. What sort of thing could sense a magic witness across the barriers of time and probability?’
Pug nodded. ‘Gamina, what did this “man” do to Rogen?’
It? He? reached out and hurt him. He? said some words.
Katala entered the room, and the child looked up at her expectantly. Katala said, ‘He’s fallen into a deep, normal sleep. I think he will recover now.’ She came up behind the chair Kulgan sat in and leant on the back; she reached down and cupped Gamina’s chin. ‘You should be getting to bed, child.’
Pug said, ‘A little longer.’ Katala sensed her husband was concerned with something vital and nodded agreement. He said, ‘Just before he fainted, Rogen used a word. It is important for me to know where he heard that word. I think he heard the thing, the bad man, in the vision use the word. I need to know what Rogen heard the bad man say. Can you remember the words, Gamina?’
She laid her head down on Kulgan’s chest and nodded only slightly, obviously afraid to remember them. Pug spoke in reassuring tones. ‘Would you tell them to us?’
No. But I can show you.
‘How?’ asked Pug.
I can show you what Rogen saw, she answered. I just can.
‘All of us?’ asked Kulgan. She nodded. The tiny girl sat up in Kulgan’s lap and took a deep breath, as if steeling herself. Then she closed her eyes and took them all into a dark place.
Black clouds raced overhead, angry on the bitter wind. Storms threatened the city. Massive gates lay shattered, for engines of war had worked their destruction on wood and steel. Everywhere fires burned out of control as a city died. Creatures and men savaged those found hiding in cellars and attics, and blood pooled in the gutters of the streets. In the central market a mound of bodies had been piled nearly twenty feet high. Atop the corpses rested a platform of dark wood, upon which a throne had been placed. A moredhel of striking appearance sat on the throne, surveying the chaos his servants had visited upon the city. At his side stood a figure draped all in black robes, deep hood and large sleeves hiding every physical clue as to what manner of creature it was.
But the attention of Pug and the others was drawn to something beyond the pair, a presence of darkness, some strange unseen thing that could be felt. Lurking in the background, it was the true source of power behind the two upon the platform. The black-robed creature pointed at something, and a green-scaled hand could be seen. Somehow, the presence behind the two made contact, made itself known to the onlookers. It knew it was being observed, and its response was one of anger and disdain. It reached out with alien powers and spoke, carrying to those in the room a message of grey despair.
All in the room shook themselves from the girl’s vision. Dominic, Kulgan, Gardan, and Meecham appeared disturbed, chilled by the menace in what the girl had shown them, though it could only be a shadow of the firsthand experience.
But Kasumi, Katala, and Pug were rocked. When the child had finished, tears streaked down Katala’s face and Kasumi had lost his usual Tsurani mask, his face ashen and drawn. Pug appeared hardest hit of all as he sat back heavily on the floor. He lowered his head, withdrawing inside himself for a moment.
Kulgan looked about in alarm. Gamina seemed more distressed by the reaction than by recalling the image. Katala sensed the child’s distress and picked her up from Kulgan’s lap, hugging her closely. Dominic said, ‘What is it?’
Pug looked up and, more than anything, appeared suddenly fatigued, as if the weight of two worlds once again was his to bear. Finally he spoke, slowly. ‘When Rogen was at last freed of the pain, the last words he spoke were “the Darkness, the Darkness.” That is what he saw behind those two figures. The Darkness Rogen saw spoke these words: “Intruder, whoever you are, wherever you are, know my power is coming. My servant prepares the way. Tremble, for I come. As was in the past, so shall be in the future, now and forever. Taste my powe
r.” He, it, must have somehow reached out and touched Rogen then, causing the terror, the pain.’
Kulgan said, ‘How can this be?’
Softly, hoarsely, Pug spoke. ‘I do not know, old friend. But now a new dimension is added to the mystery of who seeks Arutha’s death and what lies behind all the black arts being thrown at him and his allies.’
Pug buried his face in his hands a moment, then looked around the room. Gamina clung to Katala, and all eyes were upon Pug.
Dominic said, ‘But there is something else.’ He looked at Kasumi and Katala. ‘What is that tongue? I heard it as well as you, as I heard Rogen’s foreign words, but know it not at all.’
It was Kasumi who said, ‘The words were … ancient, a language used in the temples. I could only understand a little. But the words were Tsurani.’
• Chapter Fourteen •
Elvandar
The forest was silent.
Large branches, ancient beyond memory, arched high overhead, blocking out most of the day’s sunlight; the surrounding environment revealed a soft green glow, devoid of direct shadows and full of deep recesses of dimly perceived paths, winding away.