Widderkin - 25. Chapter 25

Chapter 25.

"Is that it? One big blip and we’re here without getting turned inside out?"

Ranevargar didn't answer Rhys straight away because he was silently communicating with Kieran.

"How much did you understand, Kieran? It was a faultless transition for this size group."

"A lot of it I think. I want to watch how you used your energy again though. It was much less than I have to call when we go through your boundaries."

"The boundaries are a different process."

"Where are we, Ranevargar?"

"This is my Central Grove, Rhys. My home base, and if you want our next portal to be more dramatic I can easily arrange it. What would you like? Headaches, blurry vision, stomach nausea? It would be a pity to spoil the pleasure of our refreshments though."

"Ha! None of them thanks. The zap must've made you cheeky ... Or you’re learning from Kieran."

Ranevargar smiled.

"Your zap has indeed changed my outlook, Rhys, but we have a while to wait while I recover, so what would you like to do? There is much is to discuss, or you can venture out with Krol for a view of this Grove."

"... Just me? Are there any more Griffins so we can all go?"

"I can call more but by the time they arrive and are prepared with saddles we will be ready for our next transition."

"Is there much to see?"

"More than you can imagine. This Grove is not like all the others and extends far."

"Realm trees? ... All the way?"

Kieran turned to look... Yes, he could see at least eight or nine treetops towering around them.

"I'll stay here so I know what's going on. What did you find out, Kieran?"

"Ranevargar’s still showing me what to do but it should only take a few more runs before I can try by myself."

"Without us?"

"No way, Tan. I mean me making it happen instead of Ranevargar."

"So it's going to work? Unreal. What about another energy boost, Ranevargar? Will that speed up your recovery?"

"Definitely, Rhys. We won't be able to proceed without it."

Rhys jumped to grab Ranevargar's hands and gave Kieran a get with it look which set Ranevargar smiling.

"Patience, Rhys. Even with your bonus energy I need time to recover from a translation, and as well as that I am adjusting to the healing you've given me."

Kieran completed the physical contact and, watching carefully while the boost took place, was surprised at the spread of energy through Ranevargar and its instant absorption.

"Yes, Kieran. I know how to use it."

"Why was the zap such a big deal, Ranevargar? You said you’d to tell us."

"I have lived long for an elf, Woorawa, and sometimes the ability to maintain full health starts to slowly decline. The condition was irreversible till now, and meant my time was limited and the Stewardship of this Realm would falter. Now, beyond all possibility, the condition is healed and I am renewed."

"Um! I don't like to say it but you might be jumping to conclusions. Rhys's touch could be temporary and wear off after a while."

"That was my first thought in the moment of realisation, Tan, but my deepest search shows every marker restored to full health and vigour. I have a whole new life ahead of me."

Kieran wondered exactly what that meant.

"More vigour, Ranevargar? Your mind’s so complicated and capable I can't see how."

"If you should stay in my Realm, as my heart desires, Kieran, you would see the ravages of decline reversing and the steady restoration of my physical vigour."

There was silence while everyone looked for Kieran's reaction.

"We want to stay but we can't. I know you understand."

"Of course I do and your welcome is not limited."

"How sick were you? You said it happened slowly but do you know how long it was going to be before it got really bad?"

Ranevargar rested his hand companionably on Woorawa's shoulder.

"My death, Woorawa! The thought is clear in all your minds. Yes, and the end would have arrived in less than 200 years."

"Two ... Hundred ... Years!"

"Not much time for a life in Faerie, Rhys. It takes that long for an elf child to reach maturity."

"Gods! You did say that the High King has been ruling for 1200 years but I thought he must be special. Is he the oldest elf of all?"

"Not quite. Lord Uirebon, the Lore Master, worked with Aglaron's father and is widely regarded as being the eldest."

Tan spoke up.

"Does Rhys's healing mean you’ll live longer than any other elf?"

"Very much so, Tan, unless Rhys's healing gets applied in a similar situation."

Tan grabbed Rhys's arm in total excitement.

"That could be why they’re after you, Rhys. They found out about your healing and they want it. That High King might have worked out he could keep ruling for another thousand years if he gets control of it ... You did say he was extra ambitious didn't you, Ranevargar?"

"I did, Tan, and Aglaron would definitely seize such an opportunity if he thought it available. He is at the height of his power and health though, so I doubt Rhys's gift would affect him very much. It is reason enough to explain the involvement of three Realm Lords but there are still inconsistencies."

Kieran was totally impressed. This was the first explanation of what had been happening that made any sense.

"That's brilliant, Tan, but Ranevargar’s right. All they did with Rhys at the start was move him away and make us forget about him."

"Yes, I suppose. And you were at the centre of everything till Woorawa arrived."

Tan brightened after a moment.

"Well, what if they only found out about his gift when you figured it out yourself? It was just after you healed my leg when they grabbed him."

"Hm! That sort of fits, but it means they were already watching us ... Wouldn't that be hard, Ranevargar, to watch all the way from the Realms to College?"

"Yes, Keiran, an extraordinary effort. You know how difficult it was to reach Tan’s folk and Burrimul with messages of reassurance. Such surveillance and manipulation would be a major undertaking and implies a very strong purpose was already in place well before Rhys was taken."

Rhys was glad for Ranevargar's ideas and couldn't fault this logic.

"Learning of Rhys's gift could very well have changed that purpose ... Or even added to it."

Mr B spoke up.

"I don't see how they can know anything about Rhys's healing except for what he did with Tan's leg. Kieran has had us all shielded since then, and he’s certain they can't get through."

Ranevargar gave a definite nod.

"I agree, Mr B. Kieran's shields astonish me."

"You tested them, Ranevargar?"

"Yes, Kieran. When we first met, and again when I looked deeply."

Mr B continued.

"So unless they’re watching some other way they can't know he can give certain elves a whole new life. That only happened half an hour ago. Can they see into your mind, Ranevargar?"

"Only with my permission, Mr B. Lord Uirebon did make contact but he saw only the surface thoughts I provided. He wasn't even aware of Kieran's shielding."

"Kieran's got you shielded the same way as us?"

"Yes, Woorawa, we agreed on it soon after you arrived."

"You say lots of things to each other without talking out loud don't you?"

"We do, and for much the same reason you push him to practice his other abilities."

Ranevargar surprised everyone by reaching for Rhys's hand.

"It's time for our next translation. Where would you like to go this time, Rhys?"

"How would I know?"

A series of images flashed through everyone's minds.

"Wow! How about the place near the ocean?"

Woorawa eagerly grabbed Rhys's hand.

"I've never seen an ocean, Ranevargar. Can we please go there?"

While Ranevargar was nodding he communicated with Kieran.

"I recovered in less time than I expected, Kieran, but another energy boost would be a help. This time, along with everything else, I want you to take particular note of how I bind everyone to the pattern between the two Groves. You were watching too many other things last time."

"Whoo! And that is so important."

"All of it is. Ready?"

Everyone was holding Rhys's hands by now, except Krol of course, and Kieran carefully directed the energy boost just to Ranevargar who was the only one who could use it anyway.

"Here we go. Do you want me to add the disorientation and funny stomach you were asking about, Rhys?"

"No way!"

Kieran concentrated and very carefully watched how everyone, and Kron in particular, was held together in a strong group link. The spider-silk connection between the two groves glowed beautifully for Kieran again, and this time he took in how Ranevargar made the group react with it. Reality blurred again then returned and, because he was watching for it, Kieran saw the group freed and each individual made independent again.

"You saw my connections, Kieran?"

"Yes, and I saw how you released them too. I missed that last time."

"You can make them next time and then I will take over to check they are right."

"Oh man! Look at that!"

Kieran's thoughts turned outwards and he shared the outlook from the new tree platform. The open ocean was there, but it wasn't till after the group rushed to the lookout at the edge that the shoreline and a small estuary below came into view. Including the river mouth, and sweeping into the distance on the right, a sandy beach stretched till a rocky promontory blocked the way. On the left the land rose high in a line of what must be clifftops. Scattered offshore from the promontory, a group of islands made for even more interest.

"Well, Rhys, are you going to take a tour with Krol? ... or are you going to make way for Woorawa's first ocean experience?"

Rhys just laughed.

"That's not playing fair. Of course Woorawa can go. Has he got enough time to see much? The last stop was pretty short."

"Time enough to fly to the rookery islands and back without lingering ... If he hurries."

Woorawa rushed to Krol who was settling in the crouch which allowed a rider to climb on and get harnessed.

“You wait, Woorawa. You owe me big time for pinching my turn."

A quick grin was all the acknowledgement Rhys got. Woorawa was too focused on clipping himself secure while Krol moved to the Griffin take off point. With almost ten metres of wings spread wide, Krol dropped into an effortless glide and then a speed dive.

"Lucky thing. Those islands look really interesting."

"Woorawa will tell you all about it when he gets a chance, Rhys."

Ranevargar received his needed energy boost then sat while he answered a new barrage of questions.

"Can we go to the Grove in the mountains next? I can see four Realm trees here. Are all the outpost Groves the same size?"

"All except the Grove next to my biggest lake, Tan. It's a four layer Grove with thirteen trees."

"I would’ve put the Realm Trees on top of the cliffs to look straight down on the ocean."

"No you wouldn't, Rhys. The trees need an abundant water supply and must be near a river or lake."

"Your Groves have at least four Realm Trees and they’re all bigger than the trees we saw in the other Realm?"

"Yes, Tan. They are inferior and grown solely for their portal function. There are only four pairs of trees outside this realm and they require far more energy to use.

Kieran, Woorawa is almost overcome with his experience. I suggest you practice linking with him."

Kieran rushed to make the link and only vaguely took in Ranevargar's comment about the Tree Managers making these Realm trees so different. Woorawa's mind was practically sparkling with wonder as the ocean slid past close beneath and a group of giant porpoise like creatures leapt skyward and crashed back to the surface. Krol made a lazy circle while they broached again, then straightened and started flying with purpose.

What? He was returning already?

"Yes, Kieran. We should proceed with the next translation. Call up the pattern for the mountain destination while we wait, and see if you can build the link then make the connector for me to check."

The spidery network glimmered into Kieran's mind view, faded, then brightened and steadied when he adjusted his energy usage.

Next he started to make the group link but stopped because it needed Woorawa and Krol.

"Finish, Kieran, and give it into my control. You were faster than I expected so you will get an extra practice ... And here they are. Start again while Woorawa is still mounted."

The link between the two Groves faded but after a brief moment Kieran, feeling quite pleased with himself, had it rebuilt.

"Very good. Now! Do you want to wait till Woorawa can join hands with everyone else or will we surprise him and go ahead?"

That was interesting. The group link thing Ranevargar used had almost the same effect as physical contact and Ranevargar had gently pointed out that he'd forgotten to get everyone to join hands.

"You didn't really forget it, Kieran. Your subconscious registered that you didn't need the touching in this situation. I would continue the practice though as it is definitely your best form of backup."

Reality blipped and the startled looks from his companions registered briefly as he went into assessment mode with Ranevargar.

"Another seamless translation, Kieran ... And I see that you marked the trigger. I will use it myself once more, but let you hold the spider link. You are almost ready to try this."

"No, I'm not. I still can't see how you do this with so little energy."

"Little? I'm drained, Kieran, and without Rhys's boost we would be waiting for the rest of the day."

"Yes, but the amount you use isn't enough for the result it gets."

"... I see your problem. You are looking in the wrong place again. When I send the activation trigger the Grove supplies most of the energy for the transfer, so watch there."

Kieran was so surprised he spoke aloud.

"The trees store energy? That's amazing, Ranevargar."

"Not really. Every living plant and animal has a certain amount of energy, the life force you have been tapping, and my Realm Trees have been purposefully designed to keep an amount in reserve. Without them my access to the different sectors of the Realm would be much reduced.

... Rhys, we will relax for a while longer this time so Krol can show you his mountain home."

Rhys, and everyone else, turned from taking in their surroundings.

"His mountain home? Is it a cave? That's what I liked to think till we decided that if he’s your Guardian he must live in the Groves with you."

"Krol will take great pleasure in showing you, Rhys, and my reliance on his aid does indeed keep him away most of the time. He would like to take you to several of his flying and hunting haunts as well, so make haste to take Woorawa's place."

Rhys made haste, great haste, and his eagerness set everyone smiling and wishing they were going too.

"We will make it your turn next, Tan, so start deciding whether you would like to explore a jungle location or a desert oasis."

Krol launched from the platform edge with Rhys smiling and waving like crazy till the sudden drop had him grabbing for the handgrips. They dwindled rapidly in the distance, leaving everyone gawking at the sheer rock face they were heading for and the giant buttresses off to one side.

"Walk with me, everyone, and we will meet a mystery ... And to help with the curiosity you all share, we are heading for an encounter with a Tree Manager, one of my earliest constructs, and the reason for the success of my Realm Trees."

"You told us they made the shelter where we slept and the table and benches for our meal. Are they like expert carpenters who know how to cut the wood without hurting the tree?"

"No, Tan. As with the buttress passages there is no cutting involved. The Managers work in harmony with the trees and modify and enhance the way they grow in accordance with our wishes."

"Like you did when you made the little shoot?"

"Yes, Woorawa, though on a slower but grander scale. They have access to every root, branch and stem, and the major part of their work is ensuring their Tree stays completely healthy. Only a relative few are involved with modifications for host and visitor comforts."

Ranevargar held aside the vines hanging in front of the entrance to a shelter identical to the one they’d had their meal in last night.

"Here we are. Who's going in first?"

That made everyone look, and then look at Kieran with the message that he was the leader. Kieran had the advantage of knowing that Ranevargar was just being dramatic for Woorawa's benefit, and stepped forward.

"It won't mistake me for a tree and make flowers grow in my hair will it?"

"I hope not, Kieran, but send Woorawa in first just in case."

Woorawa knowing very well that this was a put on, linked elbows with Kieran and grinned at Ranevargar.

"Send Tan in first then. He'll look great with yellow flowers all over his head."

Tan didn't rise to this but Kieran could see that he was quite enjoying the attention. The inside also appeared almost identical to the one last night. On the table there were two platters, one with fruit and the other piled high with the honey bread they all liked so much, and several jugs, presumably drink. Next to the table a beautiful host elf was smiling a big welcome and along the wall the bioluminous flowers were glowing softly. The only different element was a large hanging plant of some kind on the wall and Kieran presumed they must be going to see the Tree Manager after they'd had a snack.

"Welcome, My Lord. You have surprised us with this unexpected visit and the others are on their way."

"Thank you, Melnaria. The visit is short and after meeting the Tree Manager our new friends and I will be departing."

Ranevargar made the introductions and everyone eagerly tucked into the honey bread. There were more greetings when a second host arrived and Kieran was starting to wonder why Ranevargar wasn't moving things on when Woorawa gave him a sudden attention grabbing nudge and stared at the wall.

"Kieran, that plant moved. One of the vines just touched the light flower and it got brighter."

He was looking at the hanging plant. Kieran didn't see any movement, but some of the flowers close to it did look brighter. Definitely brighter.

"Well spotted, Woorawa. This is one of my Tree Managers."

The honey bread stopped being the focus of attention.

"A plant? ... But I definitely saw the vine end move."

"Not exactly a plant, Woorawa. It is a combination of both plant and animal, though plants and animals all move to different degrees. Kieran, this first direct communication with the Tree Manager since my healing will be an experience I'd like everyone to share."

"Um! What do you want me to do?"

"Rest your hand on mine while I make contact, and link with Mr B, Tan and Woorawa, so they feel your reaction."

There were fascinated nods of anticipation when Kieran placed his palm on the back of Ranevargar's hand and moved to the plant mass attached to the wall. With touch came the recognition of intelligence, but then the link with Ranevargar flared to brilliance as something passed between them.

Kieran tried to hang on but the life and joy filling the Tree Manager was an overload of wonder which held him helpless till Ranevargar intervened. Woorawa and Tan had both collapsed to the bench seat and Mr B was clutching Melnaria for support. Ranevargar had passed the joy of his healing to the Tree Manager and Kieran's wits were now gathered enough to understand it was being passed in turn to the rest of the Grove and ... other tree managers.

The great wash of feeling appeared to subside but Kieran's access to Ranevargar's mind showed it was still there and spreading.

"Hold still while the Tree Manager learns who you are. I think that given enough time and effort you might begin to understand our unique and quite special method of communication. I have instructed the Manager to accept you as a friend. The contact will surprise you but try not to move till it finishes."

Surprise was an understatement when the movement Woorawa had glimpsed became general. Four viny tendrils crept slowly away from the wall and coiled round Kieran's wrists. There was pressure, but not uncomfortable, and a strange probing sensation tingled where his flesh was being touched. Probing? Oh ... Ranevargar was showing him the Tree Manager’s intention and telling him this would take several minutes.

"Can you see my link with its intelligence, Kieran? The pattern for the animal parts should be available to you."

Kieran tried, saw something, but it was too difficult to hold.

"I think so, but I can tell I'd have to work to know it properly. It's not a natural pattern."

Woorawa had moved close and was staring goggle eyed at the proceedings.

"What's it doing? Is it talking to you, Kieran?"

"Just what Ranevargar said. It’ll take a few minutes while it gets to know me."

"So what does that mean? Is it like the way you connect with ordinary animals?"

Ranevargar answered.

"It's more complicated than that, Woorawa, but I'm setting things up in the hope that Kieran might eventually be able to pass on instructions of his own."

"You’re kidding! Like you did to make shoot grow out of the table?"

"Not exactly like that, Woorawa. That is a different skill but, through the Tree Manager, yes. I'll show you an example in a moment when the Manager finishes learning Kieran."

"Learning him? That sounds funny."

"Yes, knowing would be a better description."

"What would happen if I touched it? Would it do the same to me?"

"Do you want to see?"

Woorawa looked for Kieran's response and got a definite go ahead.

"All right. Will I feel anything? Kieran had a funny look for a while."

"Just the normal sensation of touch while it holds you."

Woorawa looked now to Mr B and Tan, and Ranevargar gave a soft chuckle.

"Yes, you are all welcome to an encounter with the Tree Manager, but we will do it simultaneously to save time. Tree Managers have their own rate of doing things."

Kieran's wrists were released and after a moment of communication between Ranevargar and the Manager, Mr B, Woorawa and Tan reached forward then watched quietly till their hands were released.

Ranevargar rested his palm on the Manager again and Kieran marvelled at the pleasure building through them both.

"Watch carefully, Kieran, while we demonstrate to Tan how the tree is shaped without cutting. Our time is limited so revealing a secure storage place should be enough to help your understanding."

The Tree Manager moved slowly to a position further along the wall and slightly higher. Kieran wondered briefly how it was holding on, but then four of the vines settled with obvious purpose in one place and a tiny hollow appeared then steadily deepened and widened.

"Unreal! It's like watching a time lapse video."

Ranevargar was too preoccupied to query what time lapse might be, and so was everyone else, because the four active vines had just stilled. Ranevargar reached, almost full elbow length, into the now well formed hollow and withdrew a woody, misshapen lump which he handed to Woorawa. Woorawa turned it this way and that but couldn't figure anything. Neither could Kieran but he saw the intention in Ranevargar's mind.

"It's for you to keep, Woorawa."

"Thank you very much, Ranevargar ... What is it?"

"A Realm Tree. A treasure for your elders and a replacement for their gift to Kieran."

Woorawa stared at the seed pod in his hand and amazement, awe and puzzlement moved across his features.

"For me?"

"Yes, Woorawa. Part of what your friends say tells me that your intervention, and pushing for Kieran to improve his abilities, helped him face the troubles and confrontations your group has met. You also gave a part of yourself and your people to me."

Woorawa made a nod of acknowledgement then followed it with a short, soft chant. Kieran was impressed because Woorawa had recognised the partly ritual nature of Ranevargar's action and responded appropriately with a simple thank you ritual of his own.

Ranevargar turned back to the Tree Manager for one more touch and when the hollow started to narrow, indicated it was time to leave.

"Krol and Rhys are on their way so let us move. I need to prepare Kieran for our next portal."

Woorawa was bursting with questions about the seed pod and, while they walked, Kieran watched silent communication flow between him and Ranevargar.

Everything stopped for the spectacular sight of Krol's landing and Rhys's exuberant waving, but as with Woorawa, hearing about his adventures would have to wait.

"Tan has chosen the Desert Grove, Kieran, so build the connection and link everyone to it while I watch. This time you will use the Grove to Grove channel and you can trigger the jump while I manage the group."

Whoo! That was a bit nerve wracking ... But not really. The spider-link part was well and truly locked in after the practices and the trigger part was quite straightforward.

Rhys came racing close after practically diving from Krol's back but Ranevargar's hand waiting for a boost left no time for any talk.

The spider-link was built and approved. Six people and a Griffin were grouped then passed to Ranevargar. Somewhat tentatively Kieran called up the trigger pattern and waited for the go-ahead.

"More energy, Kieran. The Grove will supply what's needed for the translation but the trigger energy has to come from you. You will pass out if you are not ready."

The Opal glowed from Kieran's rushed call and then Ranevargar's surprise registered.

"So much and so easily. That's far more than you will need."

Half wondering if he might pass out anyway, Kieran set the trigger going ... and everything blurred.

"Well done, Kieran. How do you feel? That was a very strong trigger you sent to the Grove."

Apart from a peculiar emptiness from the sudden disappearance of the energy he'd called, Kieran hardly felt any different.

"Well, I know I've been busy but I’m not exhausted or anything."

"The resilience of youth, or natural ability, but probably both. When Tan returns from his tour with Krol the next jump is all yours."

Kieran started to wonder why this translation had brought them to the base of the trees rather than a platform but Ranevargar talking to Tan and the new surroundings was too distracting.

"There are two oases, Tan, and Krol will take you to both of them while Rhys demonstrates his swimming skills."

"You know I like swimming?"

"It is laced though all the memories you have shared with me, Rhys, but just now it was your first thought when you saw the combination of sand and water. Woorawa had almost the same reaction and Mr B does too."

Rhys looked to Kieran then back again.

"What about Kieran? He loves swimming."

"Maybe later, Rhys. There are many matters I must discuss with him ... We will extend our stay. The prospect of the experience is quite infectious."

And indeed, the sparkling water surrounded by a broken ring of shrubs and even lower vegetation looked very inviting. Kieran glanced to the Realm Trees then back again and made a non-descriptive little sound of surprise.

"What's funny, Kieran?"

"Just me, Rhys. The Realm Trees are so big I thought these other ones were shrubs till their proper size clicked in."

Tan climbed onto Krol and everyone's attention was taken while they made the more difficult launch from flat ground.

"What are you and Kieran going to talk about? We might be able to contribute some helpful ideas."

"I wish to explore Kieran's ability to connect with both Opal and Pearl, Mr B. Much of what we do will be silent but you are certainly welcome to stay if you wish."

"Come to the oasis, Mr B. Kieran can tell us all about it later when they’re not sitting like a couple of stone Bhuddas. Ranevargar's too polite to say we’ll be sitting here clueless while they practice mind stuff."

Ranevargar laughed in a way which meant Rhys was right.

"Rhys is refreshingly frank."

"Yes, and it's all new. He hardly even used to speak to people when I first met him."

"Your friendship and love has released his true nature, Kieran."

"Um! What are we doing with the Opal?"

Ranevargar laughed yet again. This time because Rhys had Woorawa in a headlock, dragging him towards the oasis.

"I've been puzzling about how it was possible for you to access my Pearl. Can you show me how you did it?"

"Yes, of course, but tell me to stop if you don't like it. It made me really angry when my Opal was accessed."

"I'm ready this time so I don't expect we will need to stop."

He reached inside his tunic for the little leather pouch then opened it and took out the Pearl.

"Can you sense its presence without physical contact? The reaction last time happened when you took it into your hand."

"Not at the moment but I kind of shut it out when you got upset. I remember starting to feel connected like I did the first time I touched my Opal, so I’m fairly certain the same thing will happen if I hold it again."

"I think so too."

Ranevargar offered his Pearl but before taking it Kieran un-clasped his neck chain.

"If you hold my Opal again we might learn extra things."

Ranevargar's pleasure at this exchange, overlaid with a tinge of awe, came clearly through their wide open channel of communication, then changed to deep concentration when the green glow appeared and the tingle of sensation spread from Kieran's hands to the rest of his body.

A quick probe showed no hint of diffidence and a strong sense of curiosity from Ranevargar, so Kieran welcomed the reaction and added strength to it.

"Can you see how I'm connected, Ranevargar? It's nearly the same as my Opal."

"Amazing! Can you draw power?"

Kieran used his normal call pattern and a tiny trickle of energy made its way into the pool he automatically constructed to receive it. A trickle? He stopped abruptly.

"Ranevargar, there's hardly anything there. I know how but I'm not going to take it."

"Once again you surprise me with the amount of energy you are accustomed to. Yes, my reserves are very small."

"Watch this. I know it will work."

The call went to the Opal this time. A strong call which, compared to the trickle from the Pearl, brought a torrent flooding into the storage pool and then out again through his link to the Pearl. Ranevargar's surprise and gratitude made Kieran feel very pleased.

"Stop! Stop! You mustn't deplete your own reserves, Kieran. That's too much."

"No, it's not. There's plenty more. I can tell, and there's enough there now to test your Pearl properly."

Kieran stopped the flow from the Opal, called on the Pearl for what he considered to be a normal flow, then reversed the direction to replenish the Pearl.

"Wonderful, Kieran, now let us explore. Is my own connection to the Pearl obvious to you?"

"Yes. At first I saw it through you, but now I can see it my own way."

"Try to break my connection."

"No way! That would be awful."

"It would. Try anyway, but stop if you have any success."

Kieran increased the strength of his own connection to the Pearl, thinking it might be a way to take over. Wow! It showed some interesting things but didn't change Ranevargar's link. Hmm! What else could he try? ... Memory of the attack at home flooded back. His pattern of defence was there too, very strongly there, and if he could combine them it might work.

He reached to Ranevargar's connection. A great wave of shock shook both of them for the instant before he cut his effort.

"Sorry, Ranevargar! Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! It worked way better than I thought it would."

There was a long moment while Ranevargar did something which Kieran couldn't understand.

"All is now well, Kieran. I was expecting a trial and error. Rather than an instant attack of such strength."

"I don't know why I can't learn to be more careful and not rush things."

"How did you do that? I was too shocked to watch properly."

"I copied the way I was attacked at home."

"And is it an all or nothing technique?"

Kieran had to think before, with some relief and a kind of mental smile, he answered.

"No. I can be gentle ... or rough."

"Good. Try again, but gently, very gently."

"Are you sure? Something bad nearly happened. I don't know what it was but I don't want to frighten you like that again."

"I'm sure, Kieran, because you must develop more control."

This time the touch was so light Ranevargar didn't know it was happening. Kieran increased its strength in tiny increments till it's effect did register.

"That's uncomfortable, Kieran. Keep your pressure at that level while I figure a way to counter it."

For the next few minutes Ranevargar battled each new and stronger attempt to wrest control of his Pearl.

"Enough. I've reached my limit and it's your turn to be on the defence. I will start very gently and the rule is to counter without fighting back."

Ranevargar tried, tried harder, then even harder before laughing aloud.

"The Opal is yours and yours alone. No one in the Realms could possibly break that bond."

"But I could take your Pearl if I really tried. It doesn't seem fair."

"You have taught me a new method of defence, Kieran, and you have mastered a much finer degree of control for yourself as well, so we have both benefited a great deal. I am still completely at a loss to understand where the energy you call comes from though, and you don't appear to have studied your Opal in any detail."

"I've practised different ways of calling its energy. Rhys's healing takes a lot more than making things glow or finding animal minds when they’re a long way away."

"What about its protective function? You describe that as something it initiated without input on your part."

"I'd have to go back to Dead World with all those monsters, and that's too dangerous."

"Not necessarily. I can help you with that, but first I want to show you other possible functions for your Opal. Close your connection to my Pearl and follow mine. I want to show you what you interrupted when you disturbed my linkage."

Kieran did what he was told and followed Ranevargar's pathway to the Pearl, wondering what could be ahead because so far it was no different to the pathway he’d just switched off.

"Follow my link to Krol first. It's the most powerful and easiest to see."

"What do you mean? You’re not linked to him."

"Yes I am. Always, but not in my conscious mind. Follow the highlighted connection."

And there it was, a trace of linkage leading to a tiny spark of identity located deep in the Pearl.

"I can see it, Ranevargar. It’s like you have a special place for him."

"Good. Now let us add in Kal and Kron."

"Wow! The Pearl keeps you permanently linked to them."

"Yes, and here are the rest of my Griffin constructs."

Kieran could hardly believe it. Fifty-seven tiny sparks all linked through the Pearl to a part of Ranevargar's mind he'd never seen.

"And here are the panther constructs."

Kieran was suddenly aware of 276 panther sparks, all tracing through the pearl pathway to Ranevargar.

"How do you do that?"

"That's what I hope to teach you, Kieran, but prepare yourself first, while I reveal some of the greater potential in my Pearl."

Tiny sparks, the impression of them really, appeared for the dolphin constructs, the Tree Managers, and then an avalanche of what Kieran knew must be all the living things in the Realm. His mind overflowed with wonder and all he could do for a long time was watch and try to build his understanding.

"Thank you, Kieran. Your appreciation is another gift."

"It's like your Pearl is alive."

"It's not alive in itself, but as you can now see, it connects me to the life all around ... Are you ready to try with your Opal?"

Kieran couldn't understand what Ranevargar meant.

"?? ... I don't have a Realm full of animals and other life, Ranevargar. Do you mean we can share all this through my Opal?"

Ranevargar was startled.

"I have no idea if that is even possible but you do have lives, Kieran. Precious lives which are perfectly suited. We will start with Krol first though."

"Krol?"

"Yes, he is strong in your mind and we can use his pattern to get you started. Watch carefully while I make a copy of his link and anchor it to a new location in my Pearl."

A second link for Krol appeared.

"Your turn, Kieran. Duplicate that link and anchor it in the same place."

Kieran was tricked by the anchoring part and had to be guided by Ranevargar who was totally delighted when it finally worked.

"Wonderful, Kieran. The location part is the key to the whole network and I wasn't sure if it would be possible for you. Make a new copy, but this time anchor it in your Opal."

Kieran had more trouble but, after referencing Ranevargar's network several times, he finally had Krol anchored.

"What have I done wrong, Ranevargar? The link’s there but it doesn't feel right."

"It should. You did everything correctly as far as I could see."

"It is Krol, but there’s something different about him."

"... Oh my! Now I see what we've done. You are seeing my view of him. Build your own link instead of using a copy of mine."

A couple of minutes later Kieran's Opal had its own mini network with seven special lives connected.

"There we are, Kieran, a whole new function for your Opal and another indication of its similarity to our Stones of Power. Now, I have one more exercise for you before we join the swimmers."

Kieran swivelled to look at the oasis where the calls and yells suggested Rhys was happily fending off some sort of double attack from Mr B and Woorawa.

"Let's get started then. This heat is making me want to join them."

"I think this will be easy for you, Kieran. Look into my Pearl and tell me what energy flows you can see."

Kieran was immediately very confident. He’d had lots of experience at energy flows with his practices and especially when Tan and Krol had been healed, so he went straight in to look.

"Wow! Your Pearl’s very busy, Ranevargar. There's a big inflow from somewhere which goes out again all over the Realm, and another very small one going into your reserve pool from the Realm Trees."

"The large flow comes in constantly from the Nexus I told you of, and is constantly monitored by the High King who is responsible for maintaining its stability. The Realm Trees provide a trickle of energy but only when they haven't been depleted by a recent translation."

Kieran turned his attention to another supply of energy which looked almost identical to the main inflow.

"What about that third stream? It looks like more of that Nexus energy."

"It is, Kieran. It's the portion set aside for my personal use."

"Where’s it all going then? It follows a very strange link ... Wow! That’s Dead World. Why are you sending energy there?"

"You can see that link?"

"Only because the power flow goes through the boundary. Is it meant to be secret?"

"Not particularly, but it is meant to be inaccessible."

"Oops! Sorry! I'll leave it alone then."

"Yes, for the moment at least. If you did manage to follow it, it could give you a great deal of trouble. We will join your companions now and I will explain more after our next translation."

Kieran was totally intrigued but he'd have to be patient because Krol was gliding out of the sky on a path that looked set to land right in the oasis.

"What's he doing?"

"He wants to join in, partly to refresh himself, but mostly for enjoyment. Go ahead, Kieran. I'll be with you all in a while."

Kieran rushed off, completely eager for action and laughter after the heavy concentration demanded by Ranevargar's mind work. He paused to watch the unusual sight of Krol landing in the water and then paused again at the edge where three piles of clothes had been dumped. Rhys came splashing towards him.

"Yay, Kieran! We should stay here all day. What's Ranevargar doing?"

"Catching up with his Realm stuff. He won't be long ... Watch out!"

Too late. Krol's great beak sneaked between Rhys's legs from behind and lifted till, startled and unbalanced, he fell sideways into the waist deep water. He came up splattering with mock outrage and splashed scoops of water at Krol's face.

"Great overgrown chook! You've had it ... Help me get him, Kieran."

Getting Krol was pointless, but fun, and scoops of water either rolled off his feathers or, if better targeted, caused an eye to blink as Kieran joined Rhys in a double splash attack.

Woorawa arrived to help and promptly disappeared when an outspread wing landed on his head and pushed him under.

Krol's head came close again, trying for some sort of mischief. Rhys dodged but when he dived and wrapped both arms tight around the probing beak he was lifted, yelling, into the air and tossed, with a quick sideways flick, to splash down some five or six metres away. When two fierce eyes focused on Kieran he reached rapidly to see what was coming ... Nothing for him, but Tan, watching from his apparently safe position, was surely going to be surprised.

Krol's head and neck dipped suddenly under then lifted so a surge of water rolled backwards to drench his rider. Tan’s total surprise was compounded when widespread wings also dipped then raised in a V shape. More water cascaded and a bedraggled looking Tan made the wise decision that, despite being fully clothed, he'd be better off in the oasis. Everyone else was practically helpless with laughter.

***