Saving Captain Row

by Keen Arosen

The Official Unauthorized Biography of Alex Row. Chapter 23 Running Around Part Two: Adventures in Brace City.

10. The Helical Tower

14Perpatima, 3027
The Sylph Club
Old Towne District
Brace City, Anatoray
930 Hours

Alex stood in the vaulted arched entryway to the Sylph Club lounge, where he was to wait for his great-grandmother, Lady Hippolyte. Pale-blue overstuffed chairs and sofas dotted the oak-paneled room. Each seat was accompanied by a side table, and each table held a lamp with a sculpted dryad base. The oak wood floor was flecked with the bright, morning light that streamed in through the room's palladium windows. Alex noticed a row of desks lining the wall under the windows and made for them. The room was crowded with members who had stayed the night in order to attend the academy's change of command ceremony. However, the desks were deserted and their isolation looked inviting.

Alex kept to the edges of the great room, hoping to go unnoticed. This route took him along a colonnade with a balcony above it. The wall was lined with bookshelves, and he read the titles as he walked: Active Imagination, The Earth Has a Soul: Nature Writings, Mysterium Coniunctionis, Psychology and Alchemy, The Red Book, Signs andSymbols, Symbols of Transformation. A gothic arched doorway broke the rows of books, and Alex leaned against the door frame as he peered into a shadowy candle lit room. He glanced left and right to see if he was observed and then entered.

The chamber seemed to be a chapel or a shrine and Alex walked toward the back wall, attracted to a beautiful fresco of the sky. A row of votive candles cast flickering light, giving the clouds the illusion of movement. At first he thought it was just a painting of the sky, but as he approached it, he saw the image of a woman. She appeared to be made of glass tinted with the lightest of blue pigments, making her barely discernable against the background. She flew in profile, her lovely body unclothed, and her muscular arms stretched behind her like wings. Either the speed of her flight or a gale wind blew her hair straight back. On the lower right side of the fresco was written: Aeras Pnevma, Lady of Sylphs.

Alex gazed at the fresco, drawn to it. It reminded him of Ourea, though he had no idea why. Kneeling before the image, Alex put a coin in the collection box, took a taper and lit one of the small votive candles. He bowed his head and prayed that he would find Ourea again. He stood, looked at the image one more time, and left.

"What did you see, Row?" asked Junior Lieutenant Euris Bassianus, who stood in the doorway watching him.

He walked passed her and out the door, feeling it inappropriate to converse in a shrine.

"What do you mean?"

"Most people don't notice anything but sky. You must have seen something."

"Why do you say that?"

"You kneeled and made an offering, then lit a candle. You seemed to be praying. You know, you're rather devout for someone who's always in trouble."

"I have no idea what you mean, Bassianus. I have to study. I can't chat right now."

"You're going to study?"

"Yes."

Alex continued on his way to the desks, Euris following him.

"Where are your books?" asked Euris.

"In my bag. Have you joined the office of the Inquisitor General?"

"Is that your way of calling me nosey?"

"It is."

When they reached the end of the colonnade, they found themselves standing in front of a large announcement board. Curious, Alex stopped and read the upcoming events. Most concerned lectures on self improvement and inner enlightenment, but one caught his interest: Imagining Peace – How to Achieve an End to War in Our Time by Challenging the Collective Paradigm, 1800 hours on Aprilis 15th, lecturer Hamilcar Valca.

"A lecture on peace…" said Alex.

"That's curious, shall we go?"

"You want to attend?"

"Yes. Are you inviting me?" asked Euris.

"Who's Hamilcar Valca?"

"I know of him and soon you will too."

"What do you mean?"

"I thought you had to study."

Alex frowned at her, turned on his heals, and walked to one of the desks. Sitting down, he opened his messenger bag and took out his journal. He flipped through the pages to the prayer for Lord Orpheus and commenced writing, crossing out, and writing more. Euris followed him and set a chair from another desk right next to him. After she sat down, she placed her elbows on the desk, propping her chin in her hands and staring at him. He ignored her.

"You know you want to know, Row."

"How incoherent, Bassianus, and yet it rhymed."

"I guess your tutoring must be paying off," she laughed.

Alex found the sound of her laughter irresistible, and he smiled.

"Alright, tell me."

"I can't; top secret."

"Fine," said Alex, "but you know you're dying to tell me."

"That's not so."

"Right, Bassianus, your inability to keep a secret is legendary. Do you know how long they're going to be in conference?"

"Hours, no doubt."

"When do we have to leave for the academy?"

"Twelve hundred."

"I'll see you later; I have something to do."

"What?"

"Top secret."

"Come on, Row. Don't leave me here alone."

"Sorry, Bassianus."

"But Alzey and Hamilton are here."

"Why would they be at the Sylph Club?"

"Their parents wish to speak with Father."

"That can't be good."

"Their parents are threatening to remove them from the academy."

"I stand corrected."

"Please, Row, their parents fawn all over me. I hate it!"

"Hmm…can I trust you?" asked Alex.

"Yes!"

"Alright, you may accompany me."

"Where are we going?"

"Need to know basis."

"But…"

"Those are the conditions."

"Alright," conceded Euris.

Alex put away his things and left the way he came, Euris in tow. As they walked down the colonnade he noticed the door to the chapel was closed. Disappointed, he walked on. When they reached the Sylph Club's lavish lobby they found it mobbed with people --including Ensigns Alzey and Hamilton with their parents.

"Is there another way out?" asked Alex.

"There's an exit at the back of the chapel, but I think they spotted us."

They walked quickly back to the chapel. The door was still closed, and as Alex reached for the door grip he stopped; he hadn't noticed it before. The pull was a bronze, sculpted snake of such odd, lonely beauty that he needed to pause and consider its meaning. He felt as if the march of time had been suspended; this snake was so profoundly significant.

"What are you doing? They're coming," said Euris urgently. Alex tore his eyes from the sculpture to see Vincent Alzey and his parents in the lounge's entryway scanning the room. He pulled the door, but it didn't budge.

"It's locked."

"We're doomed," moaned Euris.

"There's a stairway to the balcony at the end of the colonnade," said Alex. But he heard the door lock click, and the door opened a sliver.

"May I help you?" said an extremely deep voice.

"We just wanted to use the chapel exit," said Euris.

"The chapel is in use."

"But couldn't we…" said Euris.

"Excuse us," interrupted Alex, "we apologize for disturbing you."

"Are you the young man who was here earlier?"

"I was here."

"Please come in."

"But my friend."

"Her too."

They slipped through the door with relief, smiling at each other, encouraged by their luck. The room was still dark and their rescuer stood in the shadows. There seemed to be no one else in the room, and Alex wondered what ceremony was taking place in the shrine.

"How may I be of service?" asked the shadow.

"May we use the exit at the back of the chapel?" asked Euris,

"I think you would regret that."

"Why?"

"Because, though it leads somewhere, outside is not the place."

"Oh, where does it lead?

"What degree are you?"

"Fifth."

"What about you, young man?" asked the shadowed man.

"I have no degree," said Alex.

"He's Lady Hippolyte's great-grandson. And who are you?" asked Euris.

"I see, that explains a great deal. But, my dear, it's me. I'm so delighted my disguise worked on my own niece." The voice had shed several octaves and was now tenor.

"Uncle Banagher, why do you do this to me?"

"Don't be paranoid, my dear Euris, I do it to everyone. I was curious about this young man, that's all," said Uncle Banagher with a hearty laugh.

"Uncle, this is Ensign Alex Row. This is my great-uncle, Row, my mother's uncle, Master Banagher Sinclair."

"Master Sinclair," said Alex, with a bow, though he still couldn't see him.

"Ensign Row, you saw something this morning in the Sky Fresco. What was it?"

"Excuse me, Sir?"

"Do excuse him, Uncle, he always obfuscates," said Euris.

"Ah, I see. Well, I suppose he wouldn't be a true child of House Yokujin if it he didn't. Oh, and by the way, dear, you should not give away your degree to just anyone."

"Yes, Uncle."

"And you, young Row, it's no mean feat seeing the hidden message of the Sky Fresco. We have tenth degrees that can't manage it."

"Yes, Sir."

"Uncle, we were trying to sneak out of the club for a little while. Are you sure we can't leave by that door?"

"I am. That door leads to the labyrinth."

"Really, Uncle?"

"I don't like the way you said that. The labyrinth is the ultimate accomplishment; you may not enter it until you have reached the eighteenth degree."

"But Uncle…"

"You do not have the skills to negotiate the labyrinth. Besides, I keep it locked."

There was a knock on the chapel door.

"Uncle, please…"

"Alright, my dear, come along."

Master Sinclair took a votive candle and led them to what appeared to be a simple wall. He removed a stone block, uncovering a latch. When he pulled it a hidden door swung open revealing a spiral stone stairway. Light poured into the stairwell through a gothic stained glass window, leaving them temporarily blind.

"The stairway leads to my office, you know the way out from there, Euris. Now go, I must answer the door."

They stood on the stairway's landing as Master Sinclair closed the door. There they waited while their eyes adjusted to the light. Euris turned to Alex with a mischievous look in her eye.

"Last one up tells their secret," she said and took off.

"Oh, no you don't," said Alex, and he sped after her.

Euris was fast, but so was Alex. They'd carried on friendly competitions when they were children -- Euris was the only child who could beat him. This day Alex gained on her easily. However, Euris was at a decided advantage; the stairway was narrow and she was ahead. Alex was one step behind and unable to pass, though she was starting to slow down.

"You're out of breath," said Alex.

"You're right," she huffed, "but you're too much of a gentleman to knock me down."

"How many flights?" asked Alex.

"Two."

As they continued up the stairway it grew dark again, and they had to slow down.

"How much farther," he shouted.

"Don't know," Euris could barely speak.

The stairwell grew even darker, and Alex smiled to himself.

"What's that above your head, Bassianus?"

"Nice try."

Alex threw his voice, making the sound of a bat echo locating.

"Bats!" screamed Euris, ducking.

Alex used the moment to leap over her and gain the lead, but he stopped when he heard her crying. He ran back down the stairs, thinking he had probably gone too far. Euris fear of bats bordered on a phobia. Alex kneeled beside her.

"Bassianus, I'm sorry."

"Hah, you are such sucker!" she shouted, but Alex could see tears glinting on her cheek as she ran up the stairs.

"So you've overcome your fear of bats?" he asked, racing after her.

"Mostly," she said as she kept running.

Alex followed her, but he had lost interest in the competition. From the time he was a small child he'd won any contests requiring speed. There was no thrill involved with it; it was simply something he could do. He decided to let her win, but he faked it as he continued up the stairs. Taking two steps at a time, his thoughts went back to the Sky Fresco and the sculpted snake. He wanted to see them again, copy them into his notebook and compare them to images in the metaphysical books in his great-grandmother's library.

"Row, were you even trying?" asked Euris as Alex bumped into her waiting for him on the upper landing.

"Look's like you won, but where's the door?"

"Good question; I've never been up this stairway before."

"How long before your great-uncle realizes he forgot to tell us how to open the door?"

"We'll starve to death first."

"No problem, we can figure this out on our own."

Alex divided the stone wall into four by four block grids. Each of them took a grid and tested the stone blocks for a loose one with a latch behind it. But they had no success. Thinking perhaps the wall swiveled, they pushed on it.

"Maybe the latch is located elsewhere," said Alex.

"Where?"

"I'll try the floor, you try the edges."

After a while they sat on the stairs and considered their situation.

"Is this some sort of initiation, Bassianus?"

"It would be just like Uncle. The timing is so inappropriate."

"Tell me everything you know about the chapel."

"I don't know much; it's a higher level initiation, but I've heard it referred to as the Sylph's Sanctuary."

Alex remembered the title of the painting. "What is a sylph?"

"An elemental being of the air," explained Euris.

"And what does the snake have to do with it?"

"I'm not sure; the snake represents eternal life, but sometime it refers to energy or even companionship."

"Are sylphs always female?" asked Alex.

"No. Why would you think that?"

"What do you mean?"

"Why would you assume sylphs are female?" asked Euris.

"Uh…I thought…maybe…they might be related to naiads or dryads," stuttered Alex.

"Really?"

"Yes, what else would it be?" replied Alex.

"You saw something in the Sky Fresco"

"What is the sylph's significance?" he asked, trying to change the subject.

"That's all I can tell you."

"Why?"

"You're not an initiate."

"Then you'll have to figure this puzzle out for yourself."

Euris leaned against the wall. "I won, Row. Now tell me. Where were you going?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean."

"No, I don't," said Alex innocently.

"Where were you taking me?"

"Nowhere."

"Jeez, Row, you are insufferable."

"Please accept my apology, Bassianus."

"No I won't. You are not the least bit sorry. As usual."

"Oh, but I am."

"I won fair and square, Row. You're a welcher."

"I'm not. I never agreed to the bet."

"Your agreement was implicit."

"How so?" asked Alex.

"You chased me up the stairs."

"I simply felt the need for exercise."

"I give up. What is it you want?" asked Euris.

"Tell me about sylphs. Then I'll tell you where we were going; that is before we became marooned in this stairwell."

"I can't."

"Why?"

"Because I'm sworn to secrecy."

"But you said I passed an initiation."

"Ah, so you did see something in the Sky Fresco."

"Yes."

"What? Tell me, Row!"

"Wouldn't that be breaking a rule?" asked Alex.

"Yes."

"Then I must decline."

"You saw a sylph didn't you?"

"What if I did?"

"Then I can tell you about sylphs," said Euris.

"Ah, then let's say I did."

"Let's see---where to start ---before we human beings enter this world we're whole. We're neither male nor female."

"How do you now this?"

"It's the first degree initiation."

"What does it have to do with sylphs?" asked Alex.

"The sylph is our other. It splits from us when we are born. Some call it their contra-sexual, because it is almost always of the opposite gender. Some call it their guardian angel."

"Where does it go after birth?"

"It lives in us."

"How?"

"As an elemental. It functions as a messenger."

"A messenger?"

"Yes, it connects us with the totality of ourselves," said Euris.

"What happens at death?"

"You are reunited with your sylph. You cannot cross over without him. Or in your case her."

"Can you communicate with it?" asked Alex.

"Yes, some of the greatest masters relied heavily on their sylphs."

"How do you contact it?"

"Through meditation and visualization."

"Have you spoken to yours?"

"I have tried to visualize him, but without success. The sylph is a he or she, not an it."

"So if I had a sylph, it would be female?"

"Of course, although small percentage of people have sylphs of the same gender. Did you see a woman?"

Alex confessed to her what he had seen in the Sky Fresco. Though he made her pledge secrecy, he doubted she'd be able to keep it to herself.

"One more thing, when the sylph appears to us, it's in a form that has meaning to us personally; but it also has an archetypal form that acts as the guardian of our life force," said Euris.

"Archetypal?"

"Yes, universal."

"Ah."

"Now where were you going?" asked Euris.

"To the Old Towne messenger's office," said Alex.

"Why?"

"Need to know."

"There's a messenger service at the Sylph Club," said Euris.

"I'm not a member."

"Yes, but Lady Hippolyte is."

"I don't want her to know about this."

"Is it a message for Yukino?"

"Need to know," said Alex, firmly.

"If you're worried about someone noticing, don't. The Enclave is a favorite destination of most members of the Sylph Club. Messages fly back and forth between the two hourly."

"Well, your point is moot until we find a way out of here."

"My father will be so angry," said Euris, her eyes downcast.

"We ran up the steps and paid no attention to our surroundings. Let's walk back down and see if there are any clues."

"You're right. The Sylph Club masters expect ingenuity. I bet Uncle is testing you, not me. He knew you saw something in the Sky Fresco."

"What does that have to do with being locked in a stairwell?" asked Alex.

"Maybe it has something to do with your prayer? Perhaps it's the answer."

Alex looked at her curiously. "Did you notice what was on the stained glass window?"

"No, I was blinded."

"I was too. Let's go," said Alex, descending the stairs. "You know, Bassianus, we're in this situation because you couldn't face Alzey."

"Yes, I know, I'm a coward."

"We need to find a way out or we'll be assigned extra duty for the rest of the term. At least I will."

"What's that supposed to mean, Row?"

"When have you ever been assigned extra duty?"

"Never."

"And why is that?"

"Because I'm very obedient, something you would know nothing about."

Alex was one step ahead of her. He stopped and turned in anger, but it did no good; she couldn't see him in the shadows. She just walked right past him. Furious, he ignored her babbling and marched down the stairs, pushing her aside.

Alex arrived at the bottom landing, noticing for the first time the back of the stone door. How had he missed the thick, piece of polished wood bolted to it? The upper half was an elaborately carved tree with deep roots shaped like dragons. Its branches were covered in intricately carved leaves of various shapes, and animals of all sorts hid among them. There was a border surrounding the tree carving: the patterns on the vertical sides were ivy tendrils curling and curving among holly sprigs. The horizontal borders were made up of discrete oblong blocks bolted to a strip of wood: four on the top and four on the bottom. Each had geometrical patterns carved into it.

"What are you doing, Row?" asked Euris

"Thinking, be quiet!"

Alex sat down and copied the geometrical patterns into his notebook. They reminded him of Chladni patterns. He was familiar with cymatic frequencies, as the subject had been a passion of one of his physics tutors. He stood and examined the entire landing, noticing that there was a gap between the wall that held the door and the inner cylinder that the stairs spiraled around. Finding nothing else he climbed the stairwell, checking each step as he went. He noticed the light was not as bright as before, which meant some time had passed.

"What time is it?" he asked Euris, who followed quietly.

"Eleven hundred."

"We've been in here an hour."

"Row?"

"We have one hour before we'll be missed."

"Why are you angry, Row?"

"Leave me alone, Bassianus."

Alex walked up the stairs to view the stained glass window. Direct light was no longer coming through it so he could see the image clearly. It featured nine women dancing in a circle. Above them was written the word Mousai. Alex sat down and carefully examined the window. Underneath it in the stone casing was a carving of the musical scale held by a charming sculpture of Agathos Daimon. On the left hand side of the scale were two sharps and a "C". Small stone blocks with intricately carved designs were mortared in place under the window. He got out his notebook out and compared them to the designs on the door and found not only were the patterns the same, but the order as well. He knew he was on to something.

Mousai was an archaic word for the Muses, the nine daughters of Lord Zeus and Lady Mnemosyne. Their sphere of influence was the arts and sciences, including poetry and music. Some said their memories were so prodigious that, combined, they encompassed all knowledge. As for the blocks, he was sure they were patterns made by sound frequencies. Were words spoken in a certain order or tone the key to this puzzle? Or was it music? It had to be music; words were too complicated.

Alex got up and continued up the stairs. The sun was lower in the sky now so the light penetrated to the upper regions of the stairwell. He checked every step as he went and noticed a small gap between the edge of every step and either wall. When he got to the upper landing he looked around more carefully, but once again he found nothing. Then it occurred to him he had not checked the ceiling. He walked down three stairs, turned and searched the ceiling above the stairwell. He could see no ceiling.

"Bassianus, where are you?"

"On the lower landing," said Euris, her voice echoing.

"What are you doing?" asked Alex.

"Come down here."

"But there's no ceiling."

"No ceiling?" she shouted.

"Yes," shouted Alex, "I need a light." But he hurried down the stairs to find her lying on her back on the landing looking up at the door carving. The top of her head touched the door as she stared at it, and her feet were propped on the first stair's rise, her knees in the air. "You may not realize it, but that position's a bit revealing, Bassianus."

"Indeed it is, Row, in more ways than one. And stop looking at my underpants."

Alex couldn't help but look; they were pink with little red vanships on them, nothing like Yukino's flowery, lacy panties. Euris lifted her head and gazed at him.

"Jeez Row, you're always so pale; I didn't think your face could possibly achieve that shade of scarlet. Get down here and look at this."

Alex lay down next to her, "What do you see?"

"Look under the chin of the bearded dragon."

"Is that a latch?"

"Maybe, but the carving seems to be one solid piece of wood. What could it open?"

"Is there any reason we shouldn't try it?" asked Alex.

"Sometimes these things are booby-trapped, but I can't see any reason why this would be," said Euris.

"I'll try it; you go up to the other landing and wait for me."

"No, I'm staying with you. What were you saying about the ceiling?

"It occurred to me that we didn't check the ceiling; so I did and there's nothing. It must be very high; we'll need a light."

"I'll check my bag, but let's open this first."

They stood up, and Alex tried to find the latch, which was invisible on direct viewing. They couldn't even find a bearded dragon. Euris lay back down, and Alex straddled her placing one foot on either side of her head. Then she directed his hand until he found it.

"You'd better stand up; we don't know what will happen when this opens. You could get hurt."

"I don't know; this is a pretty interesting view of you, Row." But she stood up, and he pulled the latch.

The side, top and bottom borders sprung open, releasing the central carving so that it lifted like a hatch. Alex examined it closely. The central carving was attached to a thick piece of wood by two spring loaded hinges. There were two indented hand grips along the bottom that had been hidden by the border of block carvings. Inserting his fingers in the grips Alex lifted the carving to find a small closet. Euris looked inside.

"Is it a way out, Bassianus?"

"No, it's a storage area."

"This hatch is heavy. I'll hold it up; you search inside."

Euris looked into the dark closet, "What if there are vermin in there?"

"Bassianus, this thing weighs a metric ton."

"Alright," said Euris. She thrust her hand into the pitch dark space and pulled out a violin bow. Alex smiled.

"Why are you smiling, Row?"

"Just keep looking."

"But I can't see," complained Euris, however once again she bravely thrust her hand into the darkness. This time she pulled out an electric torch.

"Now, this is useful," said Euris, turning it on and continuing her search, but this time with visibility.

"Hurry, Bassianus!"

"What is this?" she asked, holding up a metal object shaped like an hour glass. It had a piece of leather pulled tautly over the top.

"A Chladni membrane," said Alex. "Is there anything else in there?"

"A violin."

"Excellent! Now move before I drop this."

Euris got out of the way, and Alex lowered the hatch. He pushed it shut and the carving snapped back together.

"Let's carry these up to the upper landing. I believe I know how this puzzle works."

"How?"

"No time to explain. You'll see."

They ran up the stairs, but Alex stopped before the Muses and kneeled.

"What are you doing, Row? I thought you said there was no time."

"I'm asking for guidance," said Alex. Euris kneeled beside him and took his hand. He bowed his head in silence and then recited aloud:

"Mousai, sweetly singing daughters of Memory and Power,
Possessors of the secret, ancient lore
That decodes the heart and tempers reason's excess.
In gratitude, I praise you.

You are the bearers of blessed, spontaneous inspiration
That orders utterance into deep and heartfelt recitation.
I, a lowly servant, kneel before you.

You, who take ordinary words of ignorance
And transform them into sigils of truth.
I beg your ear.

The natural world with all it wondrous beauty
Is made profound by the benediction of your sagacity.
Please, I ask you for a boon.

Though your keenly-sought gifts
Are not freely given to all who ask,
Still, I seek your guidance.
If you will be my oracle,
I will be your voice."

Alex stood and Euris followed. They walked silently up the stairs their heads bowed, carrying the items they found behind the door. When they reached the landing, Alex turned the electric torch to its highest setting and held it towards the ceiling.

"There's no visible ceiling," said Alex.

"But there must be one; otherwise we would see the sky," replied Euris.

Alex searched the walls, systematically moving the torchlight from the highest point where the light was still intense enough to reveal detail down to the landing. He had completed a ninety degree arc and aimed the light upward again when he saw a metal threshold.

"Did you see that, Row?"

"Yes."

He moved the torch higher, but the light was too diffuse to discover much detail. However, they could clearly see a door above the metal threshold.

"There's no way up there, Row. We're at least a whole story below."

"There is a way."

"Do you see a ladder?"

"No, but the stairway we're standing on is a helix. And I think under the right conditions it rotates like an Archimedes' screw, traveling upward or downward as needed."

"How did you arrive at that?"

"Take a look at the edges of the steps. There are gaps on either side."

Euris walked down the stairs crossing from one side to the other. "You're right there are gaps."

"Now, let's see if we can make it move."

"How?"

"I believe it's activated by sound. Hold the light."

"How did you arrive at that?"

"The Muses, the carved blocks, the Agathos Daimon holding the musical scale, the violin, and the Chladni membrane."

"But what sounds?"

"That's what we have to figure out. I'll need your help."

Alex opened his notebook to the illustrations he had made of the geometric shapes carved into the blocks on the wooden door.

"Will you hold this as well?" he said handing her the notebook. Then he picked up the violin and tuned it. He watched Euris as her eyes widened in amazement when geometric patterns appeared on the Chladni membrane.

"What is that?"

"It's a Chladni membrane. It vibrates to the frequency of sound waves causing geometric shapes to form on its surface. We need to find the notes that match the shapes on the blocks."

Alex looked at the first shape it was a simple pattern: a diamond in the center and a semicircle at each corner. That meant it was a lower frequency. He played low notes on the violin, until he finally made the shape. It took several minutes, but the note was repeated once in the second measure so he had only six more to go. It was hard work and he started sweating.

"It's getting stuffy in here," commented Euris.

Alex unbuttoned his uniform jacket and took it off. The next shape was more complicated, but he found the appropriate note quickly. However, it was getting very hot. He looked at Euris. Her face was damp, and she looked worried.

"What's happening, Bassianus?"

"I don't know, but I think you should hurry."

"Are all initiations this severe?" asked Alex taking off his shirt.

"Yes," said Euris as she unbuttoned her jacket and removing it. Alex gazed at her. She wasn't wearing her uniform shirt, just a thin, very, see-through lacy slip.

"Stop staring, Row, and get to work!"

Alex took a moment and wrote down the notes he had already discovered, only five more. The third pattern was daunting; it was very complicated. That meant it was probably a higher frequency so he played high notes, but he could not make the shape. He stopped and increased the tension on the strings then tried again. After two attempts the shape appeared, but the heat had increased, and he wanted nothing more then to take off his boots.

"Keep going, Row."

Alex looked at Euris; she was drenched in sweat. He couldn't stop himself; he sat down and took off his boots. Euris did the same.

"There's steam coming through the gaps between the stairs and walls," said Euris.

"I need one more note to finish the measure, then there's three left. I might be able to extrapolate the last note."

"Hurry, Row!"

The forth pattern was a middle range note, but he had to retune the violin due to the heat and humidity. His hands were slippery, and he wished he could take off his wool pants.

"While I tune the violin, check the entire stairway, maybe it's only hot up here."

"Gods, Row, it's too hot to be climbing up and down the stairs," whined Euris.

Alex looked up at her, now she was wearing only her panties; her damp hair had come undone and snaked around her very lovely breasts.

"Put some clothes on, Bassianus, and check the stairway."

"You are the strangest boy."

"So I've heard, now move."

"Alright, but I'm not getting dressed."

Euris stormed down the stairs as Alex smiled, watching her very attractive butt sway side to side. He shook his head, gathered his concentration and retuned the violin; he had to hurry the rapid changes in heat and humidity could result in damage so severe that it would become unplayable. He propped his notebook open with the torch and tried for the fourth note. As he worked the bow slipped from his hand. Stooping to pick it up, he became so light headed he had to sit down. Alex pulled the notebook and torch over and played sitting down. After three tries he was able to reproduce the note.

"Row, come down here!"

Alex put the notebook, bow and violin under his arm, and grabbed the Chladni membrane and torch. He leaned against the wall for support as he walked down the stairs. When he arrived at the stained glass window he thought its position to the stairs seemed to have changed. But his next thought was that he might be delirious. He found Euris crouched on the landing which was no longer touching the door. The stair had moved slightly.

"We're moving, Row, but not by much."

"Help me."

Alex set up the Chladni membrane and gave Euris the notebook and torch to hold. Then he tried to match the pitch of fifth note to its geometric block. Making a guess based on the previous note, he found it quickly. As he started on the last pitch there was a loud noise, like two massive gears meshing and the stairwell seemed to bounce as a fine spray of water and steam burst through the gaps between the stairs and walls. The last block was the most complex, so he reasoned its pitch must be high. Alex quickly retuned to the violin and tried to make the pattern appear on the Chladni membrane several times to no avail. It was impossible to keep the violin in tune in these hot, humid conditions.

"How well do you sing?" Alex asked Euris, praying she sang better then she wrote poetry.

"I'm a soloist in the Glee Club."

"What do you sing?"

"Soprano."

"Start with F sharp and continue up the scale in the key of D until you can reproduce the pattern on the last block."

Euris sang the rest of the scale as Alex considered her. She sat practically naked on the landing singing; it was really quite a sight. The singing wasn't half bad either. When she finally hit the pitch there was a sharp jolt and the stairway made an abrupt spiraling ascension of three meters. Unfortunately it slowed down.

"There's more to it," said Alex. He took his notebook and examined the drawing of the scale held by the Agathos Daimon. The two sharps meant it was either a D major or B minor scale. He thought for a moment and then made his best guess. He assigned the pitches to notes in the D major scale. But now there was the problem of the time signature: 4/4 time. How long to hold each note? Eight notes – two measures, he'd go with the simplest solution and make each note a quarter note. Alex picked up the violin and examined it; fortunately the seams still held. He tuned it again, and played the notes. The song was really quite lovely.

As Alex played, the stairway moved faster as it spiraled upward. And with the movement the air cleared.

"Try singing along with me," said Alex.

Euris improvised,

"Thanks to Ensign Row's
Skill and ingenuity,
We've both been spared
The drudgery of extra duty."

Alex bowed to her, "Not bad."

"The master has spoken," laughed Euris.

Alex continued to play, all the while watching Euris as she sang to the music. He had never noticed how lovely she was. She spun around in an impromptu dance like one of Artemis' nymphs.

"We had better get dressed. This could be hard to explain," said Alex, when they had passed the stained glass window.

Euris smiled at him. "Before we do, give me a kiss."

"But…"

"Just like the first one."

"Bassianus, you know I…"

"Love Yukino?"

"Yes."

"Your fidelity is so charming."

"Spare me the sarcasm."

"It wasn't sarcasm. It's truly admirable, but you must realize it's wasted on Yukino."

Alex glared at her, then turned, and started up the spiraling staircase. "You're talking about things you don't understand, as usual."

"Row, wait! I'm sorry; forgive me."

Alex stopped; even in his mind there was no reasonable justification for his faithfulness to Yukino. She was a courtesan, and even before that she had never been true to him. Yet there was a bond between them, and a deep one at that. It defied explanation.

"Please Row, I never would have found the way out if it weren't for you."

Alex turned to her, "Or I without you. You were the one who found the hidden latch and the final pitch"

"That's true. You owe me a kiss."

"Perhaps I do."

The stairway stopped abruptly, but inertia carried them forward. Losing their balance they both fell on their butts. Alex got up and walked down the now stationary stairs to the landing. He reached out to Euris, helping her stand up. Then he pulled her close to him, encircling her waist and holding her tightly. Twisting his hand into her hair, he pulled her head back and kissed her. Alex expected Euris to welcome him, but the deep, heart-felt sensuality she responded with was surprising. It was so intense that he felt as if he was sinking into a warm, welcoming sea. When he surfaced he really didn't want to.

"Come on, Bassianus," he whispered. Wordlessly, they climbed the stairs side-by-side. Euris took Alex' hand in hers and held it. When they arrived at the upper landing she let go, and they stood motionless facing each other. Alex fought the urge to kiss her again; instead, he picked up his boots.

"What is that you're wearing, Row?" asked Euris, breaking the spell.

"What do you mean?"

"Gods Row, you're so old-fashioned; nobody wears unitary undersuits anymore. I'll have to take you shopping for underwear."

"That will never happen, Bassianus."

Alex and Euris dressed quickly. Alex' uniform was damp, and wrinkled. The white dress jacket was dirty and even more uncomfortable then before. He watched Euris dressing and wondered if his uniform looked as terrible as hers. Nevertheless, she was beautiful. Her pink face glowed from the heat and her light, shiny red hair flowed down her back. Alex tried to imagine the reaction they would get to their condition. Picking up the equipment they had used to find the way out, they walked to the exit. The door stood slightly ajar, and Alex noticed an equally elaborate carving on the back of it. He stopped to examine it, but Euris grabbed his arm and pulled him along.

"What will happen now?" asked Alex as they walked down a narrow hallway that wound around like a tendril of ivy.

"Uncle Banagher will probably be waiting for us."

They came to a fork and Euris pointed to the left. Light streamed down this section of the hallway, and Alex could hear familiar voices. They entered Master Sinclair's brightly lit office, and were once again temporarily blinded.

"Ah, here they are. I told you they would be fine," said Master Sinclair getting up from his massive carved oak desk and greeting them. Now that Master Sinclair was out of the shadows Alex saw him the first time. He was short and stocky with long grey-streaked red hair pulled back into a ponytail. There were laugh lines around his deep-set, blue-grey eyes, and his chubby red face wore a cheerful smile. Alex liked him immediately.

"But look at them, Banagher, we have to leave for the academy in thirty minutes," said Lady Hippolyte.

"Never fear, Polli, my dear."

Surprise flickered across Alex' face, he had never heard anyone, but Lord Zoi, speak in such a familiar way to his great-grandmother.

"Uncle Banagher, how could you?" said Euris.

"Now, now, Euris, I knew you and young Row could pass the test. By the way, you did it in record time."

"That's not the point. Look at my uniform. Father will be furious."

"Yes, Banagher, your timing is less then impeccable," commented Lady Hippolyte, "Not to mention, my great-grandson is not an initiate, and I wish to keep it that way."

"But Polli, he was able to discern the Lady of Sylphs," said Master Sinclair.

"Is that true Alex?" asked Lady Hippolyte.

"Yes."

"See, Polli," replied Master Sinclair smugly.

"It makes no difference," replied Lady Hippolyte.

"How can you say that?"

"You know exactly what I mean, Banagher."

"I suppose I do, Polli," said Master Sinclair as he turned to Alex and Euris. "I wish to hear the entire story of your escape from the Helical Tower."

"That was the Helical Tower?" asked Euris.

"Yes my dear, you have passed a tenth degree trial."

"It was awesome! But Uncle, I couldn't have done it without Row."

"It is meant to be done with a partner."

"But Row did everything; he even composed a spectacular, impromptu hymn to the Muses."

"I didn't do everything; you found the latch and the final pitch," said Alex.

Lady Hippolyte beamed at Alex, "This is all well and good, but these two need to be presentable for the change of command ceremony."

"Of course, of course we shall talk more, later," said Master Sinclair, as he strode across the room and pulled a braided red cord that hung on the wall. Shortly thereafter a stately servant entered the room and bowed slightly.

"Yes, Master Sinclair," said the tall, solemn red haired man.

"Niallin, would you help Duchessa Bassianus and Ensign Row? They need to clean up and quickly."

"Yes, Sir."

"Master Sinclair?"

"Yes, Ensign Row."

"Will you show me the mechanism that causes the helical stair to turn?"

"Indeed, I shall. When?"

"After Ostara, when I return from Jiguzagu."

"I'll look forward to it."

Thirty minutes later, clean and refreshed, Alex stared out the window of one Lady Hippolyte's heavy transports as they made their way to Anatoray Military Academy. He could see the silver House Yokujin crest from where he sat. The strong female archer reminded him of Lady Artemis. Lady Hippolyte sat next to him; her reading glasses perched on her nose as she scanned a contract, and wrote comments on the margins in red ink.

"Hisabo?" asked Alex.

"Yes, Himago?" replied Lady Hippolyte.

"Why is House Yokujin invited to the change of command ceremony?"

"I've known Commander Moody for a very long time."

"How?"

"He's a regular at my chess seminars."

"But won't inviting House Yokujin cause him trouble?"

"Not this time."

"Why?"

"Because I'm sponsoring the academy's chess club, among other things."

"What other things?"

"I've made a large contribution to the new library's construction fund."

"So we're buying our way in?"

"Dear boy, that's a very blunt way of putting it, but essentially you are correct."

"Hisabo?"

"Yes."

"Lady Artemis was there."

"Where?"

"When I almost died, she was at my side."

"Was she?" said Lady Hippolyte, placing her papers on the seat next to her and giving Alex her full attention.

"Yes, she gave me advice on what to do when I reached the infernal realm."

"What did she say?"

"She gave me directions to the Elysium Fields of the Heroes."

"Fortunately, you didn't have to use them."

"Do you know of these directions?" asked Alex.

"I do."

"Lady Artemis told me she thinks highly of you."

"Did she?"

"Yes, indeed. She said I should take care that I treat you well."

"In that you have been obedient."

"Polli, am I very disobedient?"

"Yes."

"Oh…"

"I like that about you."

"You do?"

"I don't put much stock in blind obedience, even for soldiers."

"Commander Rooney would agree with you."

"Would he?"

"Yes, but how do I know when disobedience merited?"

"Obedience within reason is a good rule of thumb. That is what I always told you and Tia, when I left you with your nanny, but I think it works for soldiers too."

"In battle, not all orders make sense unless you know the big picture."

"That's true, but there are actions you will know are inappropriate. That's when you will disobey."

"What kind of actions?"

"Slaughter of civilians, killing or torturing prisoners of war, punitive actions or actions that cause collateral damage, to name a few."

Alex leaned back in his seat, pondering the complexities of disobedience and then lapsed into daydreaming about visiting Yukino. He had been able to drop off the message tube with the Sylph Club's delivery service. In fact, Yukino had probably received it by now. Would she write back to him? And what about Euris? And why was he even thinking about Euris? His mind drifted to Robert. Why had Robert caused him so much harm? It was a painful mystery. Even now he wished their friendship would go back to the way it was before Robert changed.

"Hisabo?"

"Himago, you are very talkative today," replied Lady Hippolyte, who had picked up her papers and begun to work again.

"It can wait."

"No, please continue. It was just an observation."

"What did you do when you discovered I was missing?"

"Many things happened."

"But what did you do?"

"I searched for you, and as I searched, I prayed."

"To Lady Artemis?"

"Yes, she's my patron."

"How did you find me?"

"That is a long story, but you should know that it was James who found you."

"How?"

"Alex, as much as I would like to tell you the story, I believe it should come from your parents. They were the ones who saved you."

"But I remember you in the heavy transport."

"Yes, I was there, and I administered medical treatment, but they searched for you without rest the two days you were missing."

"Hisabo, I was so close to death I met the chthonic Lord and Lady. They stopped me from entering Hades."

Lady Hippolyte stared at him, tears formed at the corners of her eyes.

"I'm not afraid of death, Polli. I know what awaits me."

"Dear boy, please do not use this experience as an excuse for recklessness."

Alex felt the transport descending. He could see the academy landing field bellow them. It was full of people, and he noticed the transports of many noble families lining the landing strip, including the green Bassianus transport. He wondered what sort of reception Polli would get.

"Alex, answer me!"

"What, Polli?"

"Promise me you will not be reckless."

"I promise, Polli."

"Good, I'm looking forward to great-great-grandchildren, and I expect you to give me several."

"But Polli…"

"I'm serious."

When they landed Alex opened the transport's sliding door. Junior Lieutenant Eduard Pelletier stood on the other side. Pelletier opened a hatch on the transport floor and pulled down the folding stairs.

"Row, Wolf needs you," said Pelletier.

"But my great-grandmother…"

"I'll take care of her," said Euris, stepping out from behind Pelletier.

Alex didn't bother with the steps; he jumped to the ground. Walking to Euris, he took her aside.

"I do not want Lady Hippolyte to be at the mercy of these… sycophantic plutocrats. You had better take care of her."

"Gods Row, you should have more confidence in me than that. She's to sit next to my father on the dais."

"On the dais?"

"Yes, of course."

"Why?"

"She's a big time contributor, and you know very well Lady Hippolyte can hold her own with anyone. Besides, my father and your great-grandmother have enough dirt on everyone here to blackmail them for all their worth."

"Bassianus, if she is humiliated…!"

"It will be fine, Row. Trust me."

Alex walked back to the Yokujin transport and climbed inside. He helped Lady Hippolyte gather her things into her briefcase and then taking her arm, he walked her down the transport steps.

"You had better go, dear boy; you're needed. We'll meet after the ceremony. I expect a tour of your barracks and introductions to your fellow cadets. Tell them I've ordered a catered meal."

"Yes, Polli." Alex took her hand and squeezed it, "Thank you, Hisabo."

"You're welcome, Himago."

Alex watched as Euris chatted with Lady Hippolyte while leading her across the airstrip. Between her height and her perfect posture Lady Hippolyte appeared regal. She stood out, too, because she didn't dress like most noble women. She wore a sober, embroidered white blouse, a meticulous navy blue suit and brown knee-high boots. Everyone turned and stared at her as she strode confidently with Euris at her side.

"Row, wake up! Wolf needs you," said Pelletier waving his fingers in front of Alex face.

"Right, where is he?"

"At the parade grounds -- and tell him I'll be there momentarily."

Alex crossed the academy's airstrip at a run. Stopping on a small hill by a row of maple trees that bordered the east side of parade grounds, he searched for the cadets of Hades. Viewing stands lined the northern edge of the parade grounds with the speakers' dais centered across from them. The length of the parade grounds lay between the two. People were beginning to take their seats in the stands, and Alex could see Lady Hippolyte and Euris approaching the speaker's dais. Prime Minister Bassianus walked toward them.

"Ensign Row, get your butt down here," commanded Junior Lieutenant Kori Kosta. She stood in a gully below.

Alex turned to her, "Kosta?"

"Hurry up, Row," said Ensign Melissa Zane.

Alex ran down the hill and joined his fellow cadets. The Barracks H prefect, Junior Lieutenant Karl Wolf, paced back and forth, obviously distraught.

"What's going on?" asked Alex.

"Where have you been, Row?" asked Wolf.

"You wouldn't understand."

"Try me."

"Stuck in a stairwell."

"What?"

"I said you wouldn't understand. Now what's wrong?"

"We have to march."

"Barracks H?"

"Yes."

"But we never march, we're always maintenance."

"You state the obvious. I'm in deep trouble, Row. My duties require me to run weekly marching drills."

"But we've never practiced."

"Again with the obvious, Row."

"We'd better start practicing, now."

"We've been practicing without you!"

"I'll be able to follow. Let's go through the drill once."

"I trust you can, but we're short a drummer. I can't play; as prefect I have to call the drill."

"I play drums."

"Snare drum?"

"Yes, but I don't have one here."

"You can use mine. Kosta give him my drum. Where's your beret?"

Alex pulled it out of his pocket and put it on. Wolf viewed him critically.

"Ensign Zane, can you do something about his hair?"

"Yes, Sir," said Ensign Melissa Zane. Alex sat down on a bench while Zane removed his beret, slicked his hair back and replaced the beret. Kosta brought him the snare drum. He stood up and put the on the snare carrier. Kosta handed him the drumsticks.

"Well, let's hear it," said Kosta.

Alex played a short marching cadence and then threw the drumsticks in the air. He caught them and rolled them over the back of his hands. He played another cadence and flipped the drumsticks so they pointed at her.

"Showoff," said Kosta, but she was smiling.

"Barracks H cadets fall in," shouted Wolf. "Row, you're in front with the color guard. Play a steady beat, medium tempo. I'll call out the moves. We have forty minutes to practice."

Forty minutes later the cadets of Barracks H lined up behind all the cadets of all the other barracks as they prepared to march down the parade ground to the viewing stands. Their practice had gone fairly well. Everyone could follow Wolf's orders except for two cadets who seemed to be incapable of listening: Ensigns Roland Packard and Sasha Karpov. Wolf paced back and forth apparently fearing the worst. Alex watched as Wolf's eyes darted in panic when their marching orders arrived. When Wolf pointed at Alex, he struck up the drum cadence, and they marched toward the viewing stands.

In retrospect they needn't have worried. Some of the cadets from Barracks A had been imbibing alcoholic beverages, and they caused such disruption that nobody noticed the minor mistakes of the cadets of Hades. Their drunken actions were an attempt to make Commander Moody look bad, but since he wasn't commandant yet, it only succeeded in confirming the fact that the previous commandant needed to go. Alex knew the cadets involved; they had absolutely no aptitude for tactics, and their antics had just proven it.

Once order was restored the cadets filed into their seats, and the change of command ceremony commenced in earnest. Prime Minister Bassianus walked to the podium and spoke. It was the usual stuff -- how important the academy was to the defense of Anatoray etc. However, he did make two unexpected announcements. The first, the academy and the officers' college would be merged under the aegis of the Anatoray Royal Officers' College funded in part by the emperor. The second announcement concerned the establishment of a primary and middle school to begin training officers at an early age. Commander Moody would be commandant over all three schools.

The merging of the college and the academy made no difference to Alex; he already took all his math and engineering classes at the Officers' College. But the second just seemed wrong -- forcing small children into military school. He could barely handle it at sixteen; there was no way he could have managed it at seven. He looked to Polli, but her face was a mask. All the same, he refused to believe she approved of it.

Prime Minister Bassianus finished his statements to wild applause when he announced that the Emperor would send his daughter, Princess Sophia, to the Anatoray Junior Officers' Training and Primary School next fall after her eighth birthday. Alex believed this to be a sign that the war was going badly. It was the only scenario he could imagine that would cause the royals and nobles of Anatoray to send their small children to a school that would train them to become killers by the time they were twelve. He remembered the lecture on imagining peace and decided to attend.

Deep in thought, Alex missed the exchange of colors when Commander Moody was given the flags and keys to both the college and the academy. He came out of his reverie when he heard Lady Hippolyte's name mentioned. Moody thanked her for her library endowment and sponsorship of the chess team. Polite applause followed. After which Moody asked for others to follow his great-grandmother's example and contribute to various school projects.

Moody finished his address with the announcement of a new area of study dedicated to training vanship pilots and navigators for aerial warfare and the gathering of intelligence. The leader of the division was yet to be announced, but several of the flying instructors had been chosen from the ranks of vanship couriers. They would be supervised by Baron Hamilcar Valca. Alex recognized the name as that of the peace lecturer's, and he wondered why he would train military pilots. That aside, Alex knew immediately that he wanted to do it, that is, if he could find a navigator.

When Moody completed his speech, there was a standing ovation from the cadets of Barracks D through H. After a few minutes, Moody went back to the podium and ordered them to stand down. Then six priests filed up the stairs to the podium where they led a dramatic invocation to Lord Zeus and Lord Ares for Anatoray's victory in war. This was followed by the sacrifice of a goat. Revolted, Alex turned away. He hated animal sacrifice, harboring a deep sympathy for the victims. The innocent animal, chosen for its size, strength and beauty, was put to death for the sake of human folly. Neither the Rows nor the Yokujins made such offerings.

In deep concentration the priests examined the goat as it bled out and after much discussion pronounced the condition of its intestines an auspicious augury for Commander Moody's leadership as well as the new institutions he would command. Commander Moody walked to the podium and bowed to the priests. Then he called the cadets to attention and dismissed them. Alex removed the snare drum and carrier as he walked down the stairs of the cadets' viewing stand.

Deep in thought, he ignored his surroundings. He knew he was meant to fly military vanships, but they would require re-engineering. Possible design plans ran through his head as he crossed the parade ground to the speakers' dais.

"Hey, Row, what are you thinking about?" asked Euris, walking beside him.

"Vanships."

"I knew it," she replied.

"Are you psychic, now, Bassianus?"

"I am."

"Alright then, tell me. What was I thinking about vanships?"

"You were thinking how much you want to pilot one."

"Close, but that's not correct."

"You do want to pilot one, don't you?"

"Yes."

"I do too."

"You're a very good pilot, Bassianus."

"Thank you, Row. But what are you going to do about a navi?

"That is a problem."

"Perhaps if you were less reckless?"

"Isn't that part of battle?"

"I suppose, within reason."

Alex turned to her; it was the second time that day he'd heard the term 'within reason.'

"Maybe you're right," replied Alex.

"Me?" said Euris in shock.

"It's possible, however unlikely," he said smiling at her, as she punched him in the arm--hard. They had reached the speakers' dais.

"Euris!" called Prime Minister Bassianus.

"I'll see you, Row," said Euris, and she hurried off to join her father.

Alex climbed the stairs to the dais and crossed the platform, stopping at a respectful distance from where Polli sat talking with Commander Moody.

"Join us, Ensign Row," called Commander Moody.

Greeting them, Alex saluted Commander Moody and bowed to Lady Hippolyte, who took his hand.

"So formal, but thank you, Ensign Row," said Commander Moody.

"Well, I'm in the Officers' College, now."

"Tell me Ensign, what did you think of today's announcements?"

"I believe vanships will prove very useful in aerial warfare."

"Ah, anything else?

"Vanships will need to be re-designed for military use."

"How?"

"The body will have to be stronger, and it will require greater maneuverability, as well as speed."

"What do you propose?"

"Lengthwise striations on the fuselage will increase strength without increasing the weight. I have some other ideas as well."

"Do you have any ambition to pilot one?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Excellent, Ensign Row, anything else?"

"No, Sir."

"I can tell by the way you said that there is."

"No, Sir."

"Be frank, Ensign Row, that's an order."

"An officer's training school for children is draconian."

Commander Moody lowered his head, "Indeed, what have we come to?"

"Is there no way to stop it?"

"Not unless we win, soon."

"Sir, what motivates the Disith to continue fighting?"

"That is the intelligence we need -- hopefully, with the help of our new military units."

"Yes, Sir."

"I must go; I'm hosting a reception at my quarters. Are you coming Lady Hippolyte?"

"No, Commander, I have urgent business with my great-grandson."

"Good afternoon, then," said Commander Moody, but he hesitated a moment. "Oh, Ensign Row?"

"Yes, Sir?"

"I had no idea you played the drums with such skill."

"Thank you, Sir."

"Really, your stick juggling was quite amazing."

Alex didn't like where this was going, "Again thank you, Sir."

"I'll expect to see you at the next drum line practice."

"But, Sir, I'm already on the chess team," said Alex, wishing he hadn't gotten so carried away during the parade.

"Yes, well, neither activity is very difficult for you, is it?""

"Sir."

"And Ensign Row?"

"Yes, Sir?" Alex had a bad feeling about this as well.

"The college's orchestra needs a competent first violinist. My intelligence suggests that you are quite skilled in all things musical. I'll expect you to join after Ostara vacation."

"Was it Bassianus?"

"I'm not at liberty to reveal my sources. And you will refer to her as Junior Lieutenant Bassianus."

"Yes, Sir."

"One more thing, Ensign Row, regarding Ostara parties."

Alex froze; he knew it was Euris. She just couldn't keep her mouth shut.

"Parties, Sir? You mean as in parties held in barracks free-zones?"

"Yes, Ensign Row. I believe Barracks H's common room is such an area?"

"It is, Sir."

"Well done, Ensign Row. You've manipulated the school's rules for the benefit of your fellow cadets. Quite impressive, but keep the noise down. And I will be paying a visit at some point during the evening."

"Yes, Sir."

"Good Afternoon."

"Good afternoon?" said Lady Hippolyte, when Commander Moody was out of earshot. "More like good evening. Have you ever heard so much bullshit?"

Perhaps it was the contrast between the gravity of the day's revelations and Polli's dismissal of it, but Alex found this comment very funny.

"What did I say?" asked Lady Hippolyte in confusion.

Alex tried to talk, but he couldn't. He sat down next her and after a few minutes got control of himself.

"Why was that so funny?"

"I don't know, Polli, it just was -- oh, and no dessert for you, tonight."

"You've become very hard-hearted. I never should have sent you to this awful place."

"Nothing is free, time to pay the piper."

Alex took her arm and helped her down the stairs. They walked in silence across the darkening parade ground to find the walkway to Barracks H. The evening was still quite warm, and there was a slight breeze, just enough to ruffle. It was so gentle; Alex felt light, as if he could float away.

"Alex?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure you want to fly vanships in battle?"

"Yes."

"It's so dangerous. Would you reconsider?"

"I may have to."

"What do you mean?"

"No one will fly navi with me."

"No need to ask why."

"Euris says I'm too reckless."

"I would have to agree with her."

They stood outside Barracks H. The lights were on inside, and the silhouettes of the cadets danced across the windows. By the din, there seemed to be quite a raucous dinner party going on. Someone played the piano, and others sang; there was an undertone of laughter.

"Polli, how many of us will be dead in five years?"

"I don't have the answer to that," said Polli turning away. "I hoped becoming an officer would protect you."

"How can I have children?"

"I believe you already know how that is done."

Alex frowned at her, "This isn't something to make light of. How can I sentence my children to a life of war? Or military school at age seven?"

"Alex, you're right, I'm sorry. We must endure this, as painful as it is."

"Just endure?"

"Endure is a very powerful and comforting word. As to children – you are still very young. Perhaps things will change for the better because of our efforts and endurance. It's not time to give up."

"Why do you say that?"

"There is hope for peace."

"What hope?"

"I cannot discuss it now."

"When?"

"Soon. Now let's go in and meet your fellow cadets."

"But, Polli?"

"Alex, trust me. Have I ever deceived you?" said Lady Hippolyte, and she held her arms out to him.

"No," said Alex hugging her.

"Then c'mon, dear boy. Let's party. You know, that's what we used to say when I was your age. Do you still use that expression?"

"Yes, Polli, we do."

14 Perpatima, 3027
Alex Row's Quarters
2200 hours

Alex sat cross-legged on the floor leaning on his new guitar – a gift from Polli. Beside him, his journal lay open to the prayer for Lord Orpheus. He'd spent the last hour working on it. Right know he was trying to forget it in meditation, but the words and music, kept flooding his mind. Every time he caught himself drifting into the prayer he would bring his attention back and visualize Ourea again. Nevertheless, he couldn't stop the ideas. Finally, he picked up his journal and wrote a first draft of the completed poem:

Proseychi for Lord Orpheus

Though torn asunder
Time and again, even so,
Orpheus returns eternally,
Only to lose his Eurydice.

And grateful are we,
Who benefit from his love.
For his gifts, music and poetry,
Make the unbearable, endurable.

And beholden to him in return we pray:
Let him be restored to his rightful place,
As the consort of the Goddess.

When She retires to the underworld,
Let it be he, who, through his dismemberment,
Fearlessly seeks Her in the darkness.

And when he finds Her deep in life renewing dream,
Let him reassemble, through his magian art
And with his enchanted song coax Her to awaken.

Let them walk side-by-side up the cavern path,
But this time let there be no conditions for renewal.
So there is no second death to drive them mad.

He reread it and decided it wasn't finished. It needed a proper conclusion -- praise and a wish for the lord's reward.

For returning the Goddess to us
May he find…

Someone knocked at his door. Alex hung his head; solitude was an unattainable treasure.

"Enter."

Junior Lieutenant Karl Wolf stuck his head in the door.

"Hey, Row. Why did you leave dinner so early?"

"Homework."

"Really, what are you working on?"

"My journal -- for literature."

"May I see?"

Alex handed him the journal. Wolf read the poem.

"Who is Lord Orpheus?" asked Wolf.

Alex sighed.

"What's the matter, Row?"

"Lord Orpheus is a demigod or possibly a god who chose to die. It depends on the source -- his mother was the muse Lady Kalliope but his father remains uncertain -- some say his father's a human others a god. His original nature is lost in antiquity. Though his story changes with the times, the basics remain the same."

"What story?"

"He was a great shaman whose powers manifested through music, and poetry."

"What kind of powers?"

"He cherished nature so deeply he had the power, through music and words, to build worlds. He communicated with animals and even the earth, itself, not to mention humans and gods."

"But who is Eurydice?"

"She was his beloved. She was a goddess or a sylph or a nymph depending on the source, and he either rescued her from the underworld or he didn't, again depending on the source, but he remained faithful to her even after she disappeared."

"Oh."

"Is that why you're here?" asked Alex. "A burning curiosity about Lord Orpheus?"

"No…umm…Row?"

"Yes?"

"About your sister, Lady Hestia?"

Alex' eyes narrowed, "What about her?"

"Well…I…you see…"

"Go on?" said Alex, glaring at Wolf.

"I…ah…it's like this…I really enjoyed meeting her tonight."

Tia's arrival with Lescius, Walker and Fergus vexed Alex. It wasn't that he didn't want to see her, but Alex worried over how Alzey's insults had affected her reputation. He didn't want her in any situation where she could be hurt. Though she didn't seem it by the way she pounced on him with her exuberant greeting, Tia was fragile, and needed to be treated with care.

"And?" asked Alex, as he squinted at Wolf menacingly. Wolf swallowed hard.

"And… I would like to become further acquainted with her."

"How?" replied Alex jumping up and advancing on him.

"When I visit Jiguzagu, may I spend time with her?" asked Wolf, as he stepped back a few paces.

"What are your intentions?" asked Alex circling Wolf. Wolf followed Alex with his eyes, beads of sweat visible on his forehead.

"I…well… I would like to get know Lady Hestia better. She's quite an amazing girl," Wolf replied with enthusiasm.

"Indeed, she is. Not someone to be toyed with. Do you understand me, Wolf?"

"I do. And, Row, I…um…would like to…"

"Spit it out, Wolf."

"I wish her to accompany me to the Junior Lieutenants' Cotillion."

"What?!" shouted Alex. "Absolutely not!"

"But why?" asked Wolf.

"I don't wish to discuss it."

"Is it Alzey?"

"What do you know about that?" asked Alex.

"I'm prefect of Hades. It's my job to be informed."

"Alzey might hurt Tia to get back at me. In which case, I would have to retaliate severely."

"We can handle Alzey," said Wolf.

"How?"

"Alzey is close to expulsion."

"So what?" asked Alex.

"I have intelligence that could make that a reality."

"I thought Alzey's parents wanted to withdraw him from the academy."

"According to my source, that was smoke and mirrors, an attempt to gain concessions for Barracks A from Moody."

"You may be able to control Alzey, but he shouted those insults in front of a great many people. What's to stop anyone of them from ridiculing Tia?" asked Alex.

"The wolf pack and I can handle it."

"What makes you think Tia will accept you're invitation?"

"I…um…er…well…"

"What is wrong with you tonight? Just say it!"

"I've already asked her, Row. She agreed on condition of your approval."

"You what?!" Alex shouted. "You have committed serious breach of etiquette, Wolf."

"I like her, Row."

"How could you know that? You just met her."

"She's awesome. She's the only girl who's ever beaten me at arm wrestling," rhapsodized Wolf.

"And that is your criterion?" Alex asked this in anger, but there was the hint of a smile hiding at the corner of his mouth.

"Lady Hestia is funny and beautiful as well. And she smells like spring flowers and her hair…"

"Enough! You may escort her, but she had better thoroughly enjoy herself. Is that clear, Wolf?"

"It is, and you will not regret this. I'll take excellent care of her."

"You had better or you will regret it."

"Thanks, Row. I owe you a big one."

"I'm escorting Bassianus; we will act as your chaperons."

"Whatever you wish."

"This will be your first date with Tia, and you will observe the appropriate behavior. You may guide her by the elbow, but no handholding. When you dance with her you must observe the proper distance. And no kissing or embracing under any circumstances."

"Anything else?"

"I'll inform you if I've forgotten anything."

"Yes, Row."

"Why are you smiling?"

"Am I smiling, Row?"

"Yes, and it's inappropriate."

"I'll correct it immediately," said Wolf, frowning.

"Good night, Wolf!"

"Row?"

"What now?"

"What were Lady Hippolyte's people doing here?"

"They were measuring the bathing and wash rooms as well as the basement."

"Why?"

"During Ostara vacation she's going to have new bathing facilities installed with a state of the art water reclamation system."

"Will there be bath tubs?"

"Indeed, four of them."

"Seriously, Row?"

"Yes."

"Awesome! Goodnight, Row"

"Goodnight, Wolf."

Alex paced; his concern for Tia engulfed him. She needed to be protected at all costs, but she had recently turned eighteen. It was time for her to court. However, was Wolf to be trusted? Or, for that matter, was he worthy of Tia? Alex reviewed his interactions with Wolf. He was a competent officer, though he lacked audacity. However, Wolf's intelligence network was to be envied. And he used it for the benefit of his subordinates, not for his own personal aggrandizement. Wolf seemed to be trustworthy. Also, Alex had never seen him womanizing. If Wolf was trifling with Tia, Alex would make him suffer. But…Wolf was not trifling; there was no evidence of insincerity in anything he did. Alex resolved to table a decision and, instead, put Wolf under close observation.

Returning to his seat on the floor he picked up his journal and tried to complete the stanza he'd begun before Wolf's interruption. But it was no use; remembrances of Tia flooded his mind. She was his first trusted companion, having saved his butt more times than he could count. How could she be eighteen and ready to marry? It would take an extraordinary man to understand and love her. She was so fierce and boisterous – a tomboy in every way. She had more guts than many of his fellow cadets, but Polli refused to allow her to attend the academy. Instead, Tia worked in the clandestine operations division of Polli's enterprises. And she excelled at it.

Alex looked at the time; it was close to lights out. But there was no way he could sleep; he got up and rifled through his desk for his personal journal. Grabbing his signal light, he sat down and continued his entry on the attack at Jiguzagu:

From the Journals of Alex Row
14 Perpitima 3027
Raid on Jiguzagu Part 3

Jiguzagu Estate
Tsukiyaburenai Mountain
Kuramasu Island
30 Pyanepsion 3017

"Come along, boy, we won't hurt you. We need your help; then we'll let you go," said Lord Lupanarius.

Pieter stood his ground; there were only two of them. He would not give aid to the enemy. And where was Lord Zoi anyway?

"I said come along. Or I will take your sister as well," said Lord Lupanarius pulling Tia to her feet, as he stared at Pieter. In fact all the attention was focused on Pieter. So no one noticed when in one sweeping motion Tia pulled her knife from her boot, and stabbed Lord Lupanarius in the thigh.

"You will not take Piedy!" Tia shouted her face a mask of defiance.

Lord Lupanarius gazed at his leg in shock as he sank to the ground. Rushing to his side, Lady Clodia ripped off her scarf and wrapped it around his wound. Pieter stared at Tia in awe.

"You said they're helpless and that we would need no back up. And now look at me, I'm bleeding rather profusely. You have completely botched this, Lady Clodia."

"Lord Lupanarius, I beg your forgiveness. I'll go back to the sanctuary for help."

Pieter used the moment to seize Tia's hand and pull her down Lord Zoi's trail, praying that the traps would protect them.

"No, apprehend him. Leave the girl. You have my permission to use force. Obviously, they are quite adept at defending themselves."

Pieter and Tia ran the trail as fast as caution permitted. When they reached the rendezvous point, they waited for Lord Zoi beside a rock wall that divided the Oak Forest from an ancient arboretum that was no longer tended. Though it was full of snakes, Pieter knew his way around the unused garden quite well having spent a great deal of time playing in it. If Lord Zoi did not arrive, they were to enter it and make for an old chalet nestled in a small valley.

"Let's go," said Pieter, "he's not coming."

"You don't know that, Piedy."

Pieter paced, anxiously, wondering whether Lord Zoi had been captured. He kneeled down and took Elphaba out of his pack. Opening the cage, he put his hand inside, and the brilliant spider climbed up his arm coming to rest on his head, tapping twice.

"You're making so much noise. Let's stand in wuji posture or we won't be able to hear people coming," suggested Tia.

"Alright, but let's do it on the other side of the rock wall so we can get away fast."

Scrambling over the wall, Pieter and Tia positioned themselves in wuji so they could see down the trail. Pieter was so agitated he could not stop himself from thinking and planning, so it was Tia who heard them first. Shortly thereafter they saw Lady Clodia, but she was not alone. She was accompanied by two others—trackers, and they avoided every trap. Alex grabbed Tia and pulled her down.

"He's not coming, and she's about to catch us. Let's go!" whispered Pieter.

Tia nodded in the affirmative, but Pieter saw tears in her eyes.

"He'll find us. Don't cry, Tia."

Slowly and silently, careful to leave no sign, Pieter and Tia walked the overgrown pathway into the ancient arboretum. It was lined by venerable ash trees in full fall color. Some trees were almost leafless, and beyond the bare branches Pieter could see clouds scudding against the iridescent blue of the sky. The air was thick with loam, but absolutely pristine. Almost immediately the trail led them down hill into a deep gully. When they reached the lowest point they turned right leaving the path. They hugged the gully's right most edge so they would not be seen from the upper trail. It was full of damp leaves which deadened the sound of their steps.

As they trudged warily onward Pieter felt Elphaba turn and face backwards. When they reached big rock Elphaba danced rapidly on Pieter's head. He turned and in the distance he saw Lady Clodia and her trackers, however, they were still on the arboretum's main trail. They had missed the place where Pieter and Tia stepped off the brambly path and into the gully.

Pieter took Tia's wrist and pulled her to an indentation in the gully wall where they kneeled signing silently to each other. Climbing big rock was the most exposed part of their escape. It required crossing the gully and finding the trail that wound around behind the ten foot wall of stone. They waited in fear, but after a long while and having heard nothing, Pieter peaked around the edge of their hiding spot. He saw no one, and turning back he signaled Tia to go. She shook her head signaling he go first; Pieter frowned at her.

Tia pushed him, leaving him no choice. He crossed the gully silently, found the trail, and climbed. Tia was behind him in moments. When they reached the top of big rock they reconnoitered. This part of their journey led them down a trail lined with tall, tightly- packed, overgrown, juniper trees-- part of an old maze. It offered good cover, but if they were caught in it their only choice would be to turn around and run back the way they came. Traversing it quickly, they entered a damp green meadow covered with large granite rocks and holly bushes.

Pieter loved this place, but today they crossed it at a run only to enter another patch of junipers that lined both sides of a small creek. They waded through the icy water to the opposite bank and turned, walking up stream. The creek sides were striped with the shed skins of snakes. Pieter kneeled down and examined the skins. Perfect transparent replicas, minimally a meter long, some much longer, the discarded skins were embossed with a beautiful diamond pattern.

"What kind of snakes shed those, Piedy?"

"Red water snakes."

"Are they poison?"

"No, but they look exactly like another snake that is poisonous," said Pieter rolling up as many skins as he could gather and stuffing them in his pockets.

"What are you going to do with those?"

"Study them further."

Elphaba danced madly on his head. "They're coming," said Pieter.

"Where?"

Elphaba tapped the back of his head, "They're behind us. Let's go."

"How do you know?"

"Elphaba told me. Let's walk in the water."

Pieter and Tia continued up stream until they reached the end of the tree line. They needed to cross a steeply sloping open meadow which would leave them exposed until they reached a stand of willows.

"Elphie?" whispered Pieter to his enemy detector. She tapped once. Pieter took this to mean they should go.

"Run to the willows, Tia."

Pieter and Tia ran, but Pieter surpassed her. Within moments he was in the willow sanctuary, leaving Tia behind in the middle of the open field. Sure she was safe Pieter sat down and waited for her.

"I wish I could run as fast as you," said Tia trying to catch her breath.

"We're almost there, but willows sanctuary is tricky. It's easy to get lost so follow me closely."

"Are you sure you know the way?"

"Yes!"

"But Piedy…"

"Please don't bring that up."

"But you were lost in here for two days."

"Just follow me, Tia!"

Pieter knew the way through the willow maze by heart, but he decided to take an alternate route just in case they were followed. The willows sanctuary was made up of many types of willow trees, but at the place where Pieter and Tia entered all the trees were weeping willows. Fortunately, they were still in full leaf which offered them excellent cover. Pieter wasn't worried about being caught, that is until Elphaba once again danced furiously on his head. He took Tia's hand and led her to the center of the maze. But this did not stop Elphaba. She continued to tap madly. Pieter took the hint and they moved on, but he delayed a moment before leaving the weeping willow stand and prepared something special for Lady Clodia, his arch-enemy.

His work complete, Pieter found the flat granite stone that marked the way out of the weeping willows and into the silver willow stand. Though exceedingly beautiful and rare, the silver willow, with its rough black bark and small, furry, silver-blue-green leaves, offered no cover. Fortunately, the ancient gardeners had followed the equally old tradition of planting hydrangea bushes with them, and these were so over-grown the children could easily hide. The only choice now would be to exit at the arboretum's north gate which was farthest from the chalet, but Pieter trusted Elphaba.

Tia asked to stop for a moments rest. Pieter agreed, but only if they observed complete silence. They were sitting quietly snacking on rice wrapped in nori when they heard their pursuers. Lady Clodia and her trackers unknowingly stood near Pieter and Tia, but mired deep within the foliage of the weeping willow stand they could not see the children.

"Do you have any idea where we are?" asked Lady Clodia.

Elphaba signaled Pieter to move on.

"Lady, I don't, but they went this way," said one of the trackers.

"We're lost! We're going in circles," shouted Lady Clodia. "We must find that monstrous boy and get back to Lord Lupanarius. Rapido!"

"He went this way," said the tracker.

"How do you know, you idiot?" demanded Lady Clodia.

"Look at the footprints."

"What footprints?" asked Lady Clodia, but she gave the tracker no chance to answer. Instead she let out a deep bloodcurdling scream.

"What's wrong, Lady?"

"What are those?" she asked her voice wavering.

"What, Lady?"

"Are they snakes?" she whispered with obvious panic. Pieter smiled malevolently to himself.

"They're just skins shed by snakes."

"What is wrong with you? Don't wave them in my face!" She was quiet for a moment and then the logic of it hit her. "But that means there are snakes lurking around."

"Of course, my lady, we've been walking past their skins all afternoon."

"What? But why am I the last to know? Are they poisonous?"

"Maybe. You should tread carefully."

Pieter and Tia safe in the silver willow stand shared a moment of delight. Pieter's alternate route would always lead Lady Clodia and company back to where they started. Meanwhile, Pieter and Tia crept slowly away.

Once out of the willow sanctuary they clearly saw the old chalet outlined in the setting sun. The rest of their journey would be in the open. But Elphaba made no protest so they ran for it. It was now dark which was to their advantage. After running for what seemed an eternity they stood at the rock wall that surrounded the chalet. Silently they made their way up the stone walkway to the porch where they stared in the dark window of the Dutch door. After a few moments Pieter gathered his courage and turned the doorknob. He pushed the door open, and he and Tia peered into the gloom.

"The robin is the one," said a familiar voice.

Pieter and Tia glanced at each other not sure whether to answer. It was the noon code, but they had been out of communication for some time. They had no way of knowing the evening code.

"The robin is the one," repeated the same voice.

Pieter knew it was either Lord Zoi or a very talented impersonator. He decided not to chance it, but to use the required variation when in this situation. If the speaker were truly on their side he would know how to answer.

"That overflows the noon," said Pieter.

"With her cherubic quantity," said the voice.

"And Aprilis just begun," replied Tia.

"Well done, you remembered to use the variation. Hurry in and close the door," said Lord Zoi.

When their eyes adjusted to the dark, Pieter and Tia saw that the speaker was indeed Lord Zoi. But it was who sat beside him that surprised them. Lord Lupanarius with his leg wrapped in bandages smiled at them.

"Don't be afraid, Pieter we won't hurt you. Just help…"

Alex rubbed his eyes and noticed the signal light was getting dim. He hated the whole notion of lights out. It made no sense, not everyone needed to sleep the same number of hours. He would abolish it when he had his own ship. While he thought, he gazed at the shinning, iridescent feather of his new black quill as he twirled it in the dim light. The beautiful pen was a gift from Tia. He placed it between the open sheets of the journal as a bookmark.

Standing and stretching deeply, he decided to perform the one hundred and eight postures. Then he sat in meditation and concentrated all his energy into visualizing Ourea. For a few moments she stared back at him. But he fell into a deep sleep, and he dreamed vividly of a secret marriage to an unknown woman.

---

The poem to the Muses was composed from various sources including: Orphic Hymn 76; Bacchylides, Fragment 55; Pindar, Olympian Ode 6. 91ff; Pindar, Fragment 150.

The noon code comes from a poem by Emily Dickinson called "The Robin is the One."

The sources for the poem to the Muses and "The Robin is the One" are posted on my profile page.