Sandoval woke with a start.
He was not where he should have been… Sunlight streaked across the bed, a warm,
gentle breeze circulated through the room, bird cries echoed through the air,
the sound of running water beneath it all… This was not his apartment….
Suddenly he remembered-the
odd shuttle crash, the people that had found them… Sitting up, he surveyed the
room. Da'an sat nearby, eyes closed in a seemingly meditative state. Captain
Marquette lay on the next bed over, sound asleep. Someone had been in the room
since he'd fallen asleep. The table was covered in food and clothes had been
laid at the foot of his bed.
Out of the corner of his eye,
he saw something move. Not quite a figure, more of a shadow…but definitely a
presence. Da'an! Without stopping to think, he instinctively fired his skrill
in the direction of the movement. There was a sound of hurried scurrying and
then silence. Rising, Sandoval shook his head; he was too jumpy… He glanced to
Da'an and Lili-neither had stirred.
Quietly, so as not to disturb
them, he walked to the end of the bed, studying the clothes that had been left
there. Designed much like a robe, the garment was of a rich midnight blue and
silver, silky and draping with a round, flowing cut. He scoffed lightly,
allowing the piece of clothing to fall back to the bed.
"Pity really. It would
look nice on you."
Sandoval jumped at the voice,
surprised. He turned to find a tall, silver-haired man standing in the doorway
to the room. One of the men from yesterday. "I am Vanyel," the man
said, smiling at Sandoval's surprise. "And you must be Sandoval. I am honored
to make your acquaintance."
Sandoval stood, staring. How
did he know…?
Vanyel laughed softly.
"Starwind has shared your language with me-along with any other
information he had. By this afternoon most likely the entire clan will
know." The man sat down at the table, picking up a piece of fruit.
"Please, join me," he motioned to an empty chair. "We will wait
for your friends to wake and for mine to join us. Besides, after attacking a hertasi
this morning and refusing to wear the clothes they have picked out for you, you
would not want to disappoint them further by not eating the breakfast they have
brought."
Sandoval nodded, taking a
seat and picking out a piece of fruit from the table. This man did not appear
to be a threat, at least not at the moment. And he was in a position which gave
him little control over the matter-a situation he did not enjoy. He was relying
completely on these strangers…
"I am so hungry,"
Lili said, joining them several minutes later. Da'an also approached the table.
"Da'an, Captain Marquette,
may I present Vanyel," Sandoval said, attempting to exert some
power over the group.
"I am pleased to meet
you," Vanyel replied, nodding politely. "I'm afraid I am the cause of
your unexpected arrival here."
"Vanyel? You shouldn't
be up and around, you should be in bed, resting," Starwind interrupted,
entering the room.
"I'm fine," Vanyel
insisted. "And I wished to accompany you around the Vale."
Starwind nodded, giving in.
"First, however, there is much I must attempt to explain. This will be
difficult…" he said, sitting down.
"Very simply," he
began after several minutes of silence, "you are no longer on your
world." He paused, letting that sink in. "You were inadvertently
'transported' here through Vanyel's Gate."
"A Gate?" Lili asked.
Starwind sighed, "Where
should I begin? A Gate is a method of transportation, of sorts. It is a portal
created by manipulating the natural energies of the land, and allows rapid
movement between two places quite distant from one another.
"Like interdimensional
travel," Lili interrupted.
Starwind studied her
curiously. "Somehow Vanyel's Gate was able to span the separation between
worlds and to bring you here."
Da'an nodded. "It is
possible," he said softly. "The Taelons have long known of the existence
of other dimensions. To be able to travel between them is probable."
"Either way, you are
here. There is no doubt about that," Vanyel added.
"How do we get
home?" Sandoval asked.
Starwind hesitated. "I
do not know. Perhaps you do not." The room fell silent. "I would wish
to show you the Vale, and explain to you about our people…" Starwind said,
finally breaking the silence. With nods of agreement from around the table, he
rose and left the building-the others following.
"You are currently in
the k'Treva Vale," Starwind began, motioning to the beautiful foliage
about him. "This is our home, and the Council has agreed that you may call
it yours." He started down a path, stopping by a gently running stream.
"We are the Tayledras, the Hawkbrothers. There are many groups of our kind
in this area. Our job is to cleanse the wilderness of the wild energies left
over from the Mage wars-to tame it or drain it off-and make the land
inhabitable once again." He smiled. "Do not worry, you are safe within the
Vale."
Starwind turned, following
the stream to a large open field. In the center stood a large upright stone,
much like the ones they had encountered in Ireland at Strandhill. But, Sandoval
thought, there was something different about this stone. He shook his head
slightly, this stone seemed alive…pulsating…. "Our Heartstone,"
Starwind explained. "This is the center of k'Treva. Here every energy line
converges to form the node of k'Treva-our energy center."
Sandoval watched as Da'an
stepped closer to the stone, studying it. He closed his eyes, tilting his head,
and momentarily lost his façade. "Are you okay, Da'an?" he asked,
concerned.
"Yes, Agent Sandoval.
Merely intrigued." Da'an turned, and they followed Starwind from the
field.
"So we've been picked up
from Earth and dropped onto another planet?" Lili asked, still unable to
believe what she was hearing.
"In a manner of
speaking," Starwind replied, sitting down next to a bubbling hot spring.
"I am sorry. I do not know what to tell you."
"We thank you for
trying," Da'an replied gently. "This is much for us to absorb."
"I understand,"
Starwind nodded slowly. He looked up, spotting Moondance approaching. "We
shall meet this evening and perhaps you will tell me of your world. I am eager
to learn about it. Until then, if there is anything I may do for you…"
Da'an shook his head. Starwind rose gracefully and went to join Moondance, the
two of them turning to leave. Sandoval quickly rose to follow them.
"I think that perhaps
they should be left alone," Vanyel said quickly, reaching out to stop him.
Sandoval studied him for a moment then conceded, sitting back down to discuss
matters with Da'an and Marquette.
***
Vanyel shifted his position
slightly on the rock, never taking his eyes off the others. They were sitting
several feet away, talking. Far enough that he would have to strain to hear
what was being said. But at the moment he really didn't care-for now he was
content to watch….
Lili and Da'an sat half
turned away from him in deep conversation. What ever it was they were
discussing it had their full attention. Sandoval sat listening, turned
partially towards him. Hardly acknowledging the other two, Vanyel allowed his
gaze to fall on Sandoval….
He was beautiful. Striking.
Sunlight fell across his face, highlighting his hair in gold and lending him an
exotic look. Beautiful black hair. Vanyel tried to imagine it long, braided,
with a snow white feather… Perhaps he would ask Moondance to lend him a feather
when Sandoval's hair grew long enough to braid….
:Chosen?: Yfandes' voice broke him out of his thoughts. :You're
daydreaming so loudly that you're ruining my nap.:
:I'm sorry, 'Fandes. I
didn't realize…:
:Of course you didn't.: The amusement in her reply was unmistakable. :You
were too busy thinking about braiding feathers into his hair.:
Vanyel sighed audibly. :Can
you blame me? He's so incredibly beautiful. And I have been so incredibly
chaste…:
:Unfortunately, he does
not seem to share your tastes.:
:How do you know that?: Vanyel countered, though knew she was completely
right.
:Because, my love, if he
did, he would find you irresistible.:
:It's just that seeing
Starwind and Moondance together reminds me how lonely I am.:
:There are many here who
would be more than willing to keep you company…:
Vanyel shook his head. :You
know I don't want that, 'Fandes.:
:I know.: She paused. :They appear to be taking all of this
very well.:
:I think it appears that
way because they have not yet come to terms with the situation.: He allowed her to change the subject.
:Perhaps you are right.
They are lucky to have you and Starwind. Others might not be so accommodating.
How did the Council take it?:
:I didn't go. Moondance
insisted I sleep,: Vanyel reminded
her. :But Starwind says they took it surprisingly well. Guess k'Treva is
getting used to taking in strangers.: He laughed lightly.
:And it doesn't hurt that
Starwind's the leader of the Council,:
she suggested.
:No, it doesn't,: he agreed, glancing up as he suddenly felt her
presence nearby. Yfandes emerged from the surrounding foliage, stepping off one
of the trails. The sunlight caught her hair, sparkling off the brilliant white
and blinding him momentarily. As he regained his sight, she snorted, shaking
her head, her thick mane cascading over her neck. He noticed several strands
had been braided, decorated with ribbons and crystals.
:Mi'lady, you are
stunning,: he teased.
:Not quite your type,: she snorted again, striking the ground with a front
hoof. :Some of the children caught me asleep….:
:Would you like me to take
them out?: Vanyel offered, knowing
how little she liked such adornments.
Yfandes seemed to think for a
second. :No, I believe I'm beginning to like it. Now, introduce me to your
friends?:
"Of course," Vanyel
replied out loud, startling the others who were staring awestruck at Yfandes.
He stood and approached them. Vanyel smiled to the group. "May I present
the Lady Yfandes. She has been impatient to meet you." Yfandes bowed her
head in greeting.
The others stood silent,
uncertain of how to respond. :You've left them speechless,: Vanyel
joked. Yfandes scoffed in reply.
Finally, Da'an broke the
silence. "I am Da'an," he said simply, gesturing gracefully in
greeting. Vanyel studied the two for a moment-Companions of the two-legged and
four-legged variety. Though Yfandes was far from soft-spoken, the two reminded
him of each other. Both were graceful with deep sparkling blue eyes, and both
were surrounded by energy which pulsated with every movement.
:Something wrong,
Beloved?: Yfandes asked, fixing her
gaze on him. :This is the second time you've phased out on me.:
:Just thinking of how you
two reminded me of each other.:
Vanyel shook his head slightly.
:He's…lonely,: Yfandes said hesitantly. :Alone…and afraid. He's
used to being linked to the other of his kind. I feel sorry for him.:
:And he's leaking that?:
:Of course not!: Yfandes snapped. :I'm prying.:
Vanyel came to his senses,
realizing the others were staring at him. How long had he been thinking and
talking to 'Fandes? It wasn't like him to lose track of time like that… :Maybe
you should let Moondance look you over,: Yfandes suggested. Vanyel quickly
dismissed the idea.
"Agent Sandoval,"
Sandoval said quickly, nodding curtly.
Lili started to say something
but hesitated, looking Yfandes over. She shrugged slightly, shaking her head.
"Lili Marquette. Pleased to meet you, Yfandes."
Vanyel tried not to smile; it
was obvious what Lili was thinking. "Despite appearances," he
explained, "'Fandes is far from a horse. She is a…" He eyed Da'an.
"…a Companion. I'll try to explain."
:This could take a while,: 'Fandes commented, laying down to listen. Vanyel sat,
leaning into her.
"I am not Tayledras. I
am a Herald-Mage of Valdemar." He paused, collecting his thoughts.
"Valdemar is a kingdom quite distant from here. Located there is Haven,
home of the court, the Heraldic Circle, and the Companions. As a young boy I
was sent to foster there with my Aunt, Savil, another Herald-Mage. There was an
accident…" Vanyel drew a sharp breath, remembering… "and the channels
in my mind allowing me to control energies, work magic if you will, were
opened. Yfandes recognized these abilities and I was Chosen by her-in this way
I became a Herald." Vanyel studied their reactions; they sat there
staring, confused.
He shook his head slightly,
not knowing what to say-they had absolutely no background… "Maybe I should
explain more about the Heralds. Each Herald has a Gift-whether it be Mage Gift,
or Mindspeech, or Fetching, or Healing, or any other one or combination. These
Gifts are the reason they are Chosen by a Companion. Those Chosen are trained
in Haven to use their Gift, or Gifts, to its utmost, along with other important
skills. We then assist the ruler in managing Valdemar-being diplomats,
moderators, administrators, judges, problem solvers… The Heraldic Circle
assists the ruler in Haven." Vanyel glanced up, checking to make sure they
had followed him to this point. "I was not trained in Haven; my Mage Gift
was too strong for any of the teachers there. I was able to tap large nodes of
energy, and I was unable to control it, nor could any of the teachers. That is
why I was brought here, to learn from the Tayledras-the only ones who could
deal with my Gift."
Vanyel smiled. "There is
just so much to tell you. I do not know where to begin. But you have listened
to much for one day, you need not learn and understand everything at once. The
bathing pools are most likely not in use at this time; I will show you where
you may refresh yourself if you wish." He rose, heading down one of the
paths.
"Here." He stopped
after entering a large cavern area. Two tiered springs carved into the rock
filled the room, steam rolling off of them. An opening along one wall showed
another room exactly like this one, and another beyond that. A soft light
filled the entire area, provided by well placed Magelights. Lili approached one
of the glowing balls and Vanyel smiled at her interest-he had never thought
twice about the lighting source, but for one who had never seen such a thing
before… "There are two levels of pools-bathing and resting," he said.
"The hertasi will see that you have everything you need. When you
are done, continue to follow this path-it will bring you back to your
'house.'"
Vanyel hesitated, studying
how the Magelight seemed to soften Sandoval's features, toning down his
no-nonsense, business-like appearance. For a moment, he considered staying, but
turned and left the chamber, Da'an following him.
"These paths are
beautiful. They remind me of my gardens on Earth…" Da'an said softly,
almost tentatively.
:There is much more to
see. Perhaps you would accompany me for a walk…:
Vanyel stood, dumbstruck.
'Fandes hadn't been talking to him, she'd been addressing…Da'an?! Though they
had the ability to Mindspeak to whomever they wished, hardly ever did a
Companion speak to anyone besides their Chosen or another Companion! Da'an,
however, did not seem surprised. After several minutes of silence, Vanyel
realized that for once he had been left out of a conversation!
:I am sorry,: 'Fandes apologized to him. :I did not know you
would be so upset. He is a very proficient Mindspeaker.: She turned her
gaze back to Da'an. :I believe there is perhaps more between us than a
common name,: she continued, and Vanyel realized she was allowing him in on
their conversation.
:I know not how, but, yes,
I believe you may be correct,: Da'an
replied.
:Shall we walk then? There
is much to discuss.: Yfandes nodded
her head in the direction of one of the paths. Da'an bowed his head politely
and they moved off. Vanyel quickly closed his link to Yfandes and headed
towards the three's 'house.'
Reaching the structure, he
nearly collided with a hertasi hurrying out the door. He nodded politely
to the creature, stepping out of its path. The lizard-folk did an excellent job
of keeping the Vale in order and were almost excessively helpful. Still, one
learned to get used to being pampered, and he missed their thoughtfulness when
he was away from k'Treva. Vanyel smiled, realizing the hertasi carried
the robes that had been laying on Marquette and Sandoval's beds. One guess
where those were going…
Vanyel entered the building,
immediately grabbing the back of a chair as a wave of dizziness overtook him.
As it passed, he sat down on one of the unused beds. Perhaps Starwind was
right, he should be resting. He was still suffering the aftereffects of the
Gate's drain on his energy-if not still recovering from a year on the border.
Vanyel sighed, stretching out on the bed. Gating was hard on him, yes, but
usually not this hard. Maybe things were finally catching up with him… Then
again, no one had ever created a Gate across worlds… Closing his eyes, he fell
asleep almost instantly.
***
:You are very talented in
the art of Mindspeech,: Yfandes
commented, moving slowly and gracefully down the path.
:It is used as a form of communication
between my people, though we do not call it Mindspeech,: Da'an answered, feeling Yfandes was one he could
trust.
:I had suspected as much.
There is a high degree of Empathy in you, along with the Mindspeech…it is not
coincidence. And this link is now severed… You are hurt by this.:
Da'an hesitated, surprised at
the truth of her words. :Yes…only once have I been so alone. It…it was not a
pleasurable experience. I do not understand how I could be separated from my
brethren without the ill effects you speak of.:
Yfandes eyed him curiously. :I
do not understand.:
:Without our link to the
Commonality my people revert to an ancient state. Yet…:
:Even your arrival here is
an exception.: She seemed to smile. :Why
not this too?:
Da'an shook his head at her
reasoning. :Perhaps… Do you also share such a connection with others of your
kind?:
Yfandes tossed her head, the
crystals in her mane shimmering in the sunlight that filtered through the
branches. That he was eager to learn was a good sign at least. :Yes. All
Companions are connected together on many levels. However, we are able to
separate from the others without ill effects. And there is our connection with
our Chosen. Is there a similar bond between you and your Chosen?:
:My Chosen?: Da'an asked.
:Sandoval,: Yfandes clarified.
Da'an hesitated. :Hearing
you speak of your Chosen, I do not believe the two are comparable. Agent
Sandoval was offered a position in the service of the Taelons based upon his
ability to serve and protect me. We share no mental connection.:
:It does not surprise me,: Yfandes snorted, an inflection of displeasure
coloring her reply, :considering you have forced his compliance. Who knows
what there may be if he joined with you willingly…:
Da'an bowed his head at her
accusations. :I am not proud of what my kind has done to him.:
:His compulsions will be
discovered, do not question that. What will be done… You would do well to consider
the relationship between Companion and Chosen on this world. We do not force
them to submit to us. Though they have no choice in the matter of being Chosen,
we do not take away their freewill. Instead, we form a bond in which both
partners communicate freely and work together effortlessly. Still, problems do
arise…: Yfandes stopped, realizing
she had truly overstepped her bounds. She did not want to alienate him, but to
bring him closer to her. He was trapped here, alone… Befriending him would giver
her a chance to help him and to learn more about his people-and whether there
was more of a connection between the two races than the few things which were
obvious. Besides, perhaps it would give her a chance to change his views…
The two walked in silence for
quite some time, listening to the call of birds around them and the soft murmur
of a nearby stream. Finally Yfandes broke the silence. :Are there mages on
your world? Any who have mastered the control of the natural energies?:
:Currently Earth does not
have such people-or they do not care to acknowledge them. I question the
existence of such people-ancient history brings to light many who believed
in…magic.:
:But your people…,: she urged.
:No, we do not.:
:It amazes me how people
separate Mindspeech from Mage powers. Different, but in many ways the same.
They are both Gifts.: Yfandes
stopped, turning to face him. :You are connected to the natural energies in
a way known by very few-perhaps your entire race is this way. If you wished,
you would be able to control the energies of this world with ease-an Adept
level Mage, no doubt.: She paused, allowing him to process this
information. :There are few on this world who could train you. Most likely
you are even beyond what the Tayledras can handle. However, if you are willing,
I would teach you to use and control these powers. Untrained Mage Gift
is…dangerous at the least.:
***
