Widderkin - 34. Chapter 34

Chapter 34.

The first wake-up call brought a mumbled chorus of groans and a reluctant stirring which then subsided to motionless denial of the need to do anything. Woorawa’s second call, more insistent, brought a strongly expressed imitation of very vulgar sound, then some muted snorts of amusement. Rhys was awake and, obviously, at least two others. How did Woorawa always manage this, like he had a built in alarm clock? Kieran stretched, muscles complaining, and sighed inwardly at the prospect of leaving this cosy warmth. Ranevargar’s advice that a Rhys boost of energy was no substitute for proper rest had proved oh so right and most evident during get-up. Someone’s scramble allowed a waft of cold air in.

"Cloaks, everyone. It’s cold. I’ll get the breakfast food for you, Tan."

"I want mine here, Woorawa.”

Three other voices joined Rhys.

"Me too!"

"Weak efforts! All of you!"

Woorawa lifted the covering section of wing high and, with a reflex to compose himself, Krol stood and ruffled all his feathers. Woorawa’s laugh indicated his satisfaction that the day was now started.

Food was the first group priority and then preparations for the long day of trekking. The packs were all sorted but their start was delayed when Kieran’s important routine of checks revealed startling information in the Central Grove hosts’ minds of a brief but fierce confrontation between the Griffins and some weird kind of Monster. A closer look showed the Griffins were hurt enough to warrant assistance with a supply of extra energy and that meant an explanation for everyone else.

Woorawa was keen to know how it might affect their prospects for progress.

"Will you be using enough power to attract long distance Monsters, Kieran?"

"Definitely. Some energy will help them heal, but I have to recharge all their auras as well. The power I use to push all that through the Wall will probably register out to about thirty minutes distance."

"How many?"

"None for about twenty minutes because Krol cleared out all the close ones last night. After that I don't know because I need to use the Opal to find out."

"Have you told Krol that Kan and four other Griffins got hurt?"

"I’m not going to, Rhys. They’re not serious wounds and I don't want him worrying about anything except protecting us."

"How come they got hurt? Krol’s fought zillions of times and never even been touched."

"It wasn't anything like our Monsters and the auras hardly helped at all. I think it’s what Ranevargar called a Chaos Incursion. Have a look because if we ever see one the only thing to do is run."

Kieran shared the shocking images of crazy destruction he'd gleaned from the hosts’ memories.

"Gods, Kieran! It's like a weird sort of Monster with bits of the Wall shining out of it. The Griffins’ attack didn't seem to have any effect on it."

"I could tell that the auras had some sort of effect, Rhys, but if that thing hadn't disappeared when it did the Griffins would have all ended up dead. I wish I could search Ranevargar's mind to find out more."

"Do you think it died?"

"No, I think it went through a portal."

"Fix the Griffins, Kieran. We need to get moving."

Kieran agreed. Power flowed from the Opal into Ranevargar's Pearl network, linked to the specific Griffin pathways, and forced its way through the resistance of the Realm Boundary. Five Griffins roused from recovery sleep with the stimulating sensation of inflowing energy then relaxed with Kieran's message of reassurance.

Woorawa expressed his concern.

"You were glowing really bright, Kieran. Every Monster for yonks must have felt that."

Kieran pointed to the remnant trace of roadway ahead and grabbed his pack. With the concentration of the past few minutes over, they could talk while they walked.

"Is it possible to find out anything from Ranevargar's mind while he’s still asleep?"

"Hardly anything, Mr B, just a kind of background hum while I'm limited to his surface thoughts. He’ll be awake soon though, either by himself or from the attendants bringing his breakfast."

"How are his shields standing up?"

"They’ll be all right till tonight, Rhys. The six hours of peace yesterday made a big difference."

"How strong’s the attack on them now?"

"That’s back to usual so Maynor still wants the Pearl. Ranevargar was expecting him today because he hadn't been since the glamour session."

Woorawa fell back from his lead position and grabbed Kieran's arm quite urgently.

"Use your Monster radar to tell us the Monster situation, Kieran. If there’s any spare time, I want Krol to scout ahead for us. I could kick myself for not thinking properly."

Rhys offered to do the kicking while Kieran used a smidgeon of Opal power for a longer reach.

"It's just like I said, Woorawa. We’ve got at least twenty minutes free but then there are lots of them. What's the problem?"

"Quick! Send Krol ahead, Kieran, and use his eyes to look for another safe place where we can shelter. If he finds one we might be able to reach Maurice today."

Krol responded instantly.

"How?"

"We can use the shuttle strategy up here, Kieran. It’s so rough there must be lots of caves or shelters where we can stay safe while Krol moves us one at a time."

"We’ve got ten minutes before I have to bring him back. Let me concentrate."

"We want to find a cave or shelter, Krol. Help me look."

Caves were naturally strong in Krol's mind but Kieran quickly modified the standard pattern to something smaller. The keen eyes scanned and very quickly registered five possible positions.

"Check that dark opening in the small cliff, Krol."

Krol swerved and swooped with a great rush of speed, then veered away in disappointment. Kieran’s laugh surprised everyone.

"Krol’s disappointed because the cave we’re looking at is too small, but he’s thinking in Griffin terms. It’ll take us about half an hour to trek there but I think it’s just what we want."

Twenty minutes later Woorawa was balanced on a low ledge and peering into a narrow opening.

"We can all fit and it’s wider inside. Pass the packs up Mr B, and I’ll ride with Krol."

"Ride? Won't it be better if Krol’s by himself to clear out all the Monsters? There’ll be zillions if he flies for half an hour."

Half an hour forward was the time they’d all agreed was the best for a shuttle option.

"It’s one less trip for him, Rhys, and I won't get hurt. Krol’s never even lost a feather."

"He might if he’s slowed down by the extra weight of a person. What do you think, Kieran?"

"I don't know. Hang on."

Krol's head lifted proudly as communication passed rapidly with Kieran.

"He’s completely confident ... But I’m going first, Woorawa, so I don't have to recharge his aura from here."

Woorawa considered.

"That makes sense I suppose. Especially for the first trip ... Kieran, it might be the scariest thing you’ve ever done. Tan’s the only one of us who’s been that close to a Monster."

"I know. I think I’ll look through Krol's mind instead of my own if we get attacked."

"If? There’s no if about it, Kieran. You’ll be clearing out Monsters all the way."

"Yes, Mr B, and I’m going to turn the dazzle level up even higher so they’re blind for longer."

"Hey, neat idea! That’ll make it a lot safer. This is going to work."

Tan cut through Rhys's excitement.

"We’re breaking our rule about being separated."

After an awkward silence and an exchange of slightly guilty looks, Kieran attempted an explanation.

"It’ll be worth it, Tan. Even if a Monster finds this place there’s no way it could get in, and I’ll make sure the shelter at the other end is just as good."

"I think it's worth it too, Kieran. It’s just that I’m remembering how strongly Ranevargar emphasised we should stay together ... Especially in Dead World."

That brought another round of concerned looks.

"Tan’s right, Kieran. I remember wondering what Ranevargar knew about Dead World that he wasn't telling us. Maybe the mountains have some new kind of danger?"

Kieran held up one hand while he recalled all Ranevargar's special instructions and advice.

"Ranevargar's big worries about Dead World were Monsters, water and time, Mr B. There’s not even a hint of anything else. I'm fairly certain he meant interference from the High King or Maynor or something else from outside."

"Like that thing in the Central Grove?"

Kieran grimaced.

"Could be, Rhys, but if one of those turns up we’d be better off separated. There’s nothing I can do to stop it."

"Sheba! The more we talk about this the scarier it's getting. Maybe we shouldn't try this shuttle?"

Mr B held a hand up, an intentional copy of Kieran's gesture, and got the smiles he was seeking.

"Steady everyone. This is our fourth day in Dead World and the likelihood of anything new happening won't change till we get close to Maurice. Kieran's said several times that Maynor or the High King aren’t a worry while we’re here. Since one of Ranevargar's concerns was time I think this shuttle will actually be worth it."

Every head turned. Kieran laughed and ran to Krol.

"Have a good rest and I’ll let you know what's happening."

By the time he was properly harnessed, Woorawa and Mr B were inside the opening and Tan and Rhys were watching from the ledge.

"Go, Krol! As fast as you can for twenty minutes then we’ll look for another shelter."

Krol's flying was fast but the progress wasn't. Greater speed meant more frequent Monster encounters and a dozen times the journey paused, a dozen times the angry approacher disappeared for the blink of two pairs of eyes, and a dozen times Krol's aura clad talons triumphantly reached to dissolve a blinded and disoriented attacker.

Almost five hours later Mr B made the last shuttle trip and the group once again shouldered their packs. Another leg of shuttling was very tempting but Krol was weary and Kieran vetoed the idea completely.

"I'm not sure we will make it tonight, Kieran. Walking on this snow’s hard work and much slower than we’re used to."

"Whatever, Woorawa. There’s a section ahead where the road zigzags up a really steep part, so that’ll be another slow down. We can't complain though because we’re still way ahead of where we expected."

***

The shuffle of weary footsteps behind ceased and Woorawa turned to see why.

"We shouldn't stop here, Kieran. It's not far to ..."

The light was fading but there was still enough to reveal the familiar withdrawal of intense concentration. He retraced a few steps and spoke softly to Rhys.

"I wonder what it is this time?"

"It's Ranevargar. Kieran said something was coming through the Pearl link then he stopped dead in his tracks."

"Whoo! It must be big deal then. He usually keeps walking."

"Well, we’ll just have to ... Sheba! He's using the Opal."

Curiosity became concern and the four friends closed to watch and wait.

Kieran, watching a new assault on Ranevargar, had his own concerns. The shields would hold, that wasn't a problem but the reserve of power maintaining them most definitely was, and at this rate would be completely depleted in ... Less than an hour.

What to do? There was no choice really and, conscious that he was going against Ranevargar's advice, Kieran initiated the process of sending Opal energy through the Pearl link and into Ranevargar's shield reserve. With careful control he gradually increased the flow and watched for any sign of discovery. Nothing. Maynor's new assault was like a deafening roar covering the whisper of input, and with great satisfaction Kieran cut the flow when Ranevargar's small reserve was doubled in size. Wondering where Maynor was accessing so much power, Kieran started his normal pattern of checking Ranevargar's well-being and state of mind.

So confident! If Maynor knew how unconcerned Ranevargar was by this new level of attack he'd certainly be puzzled. With a mental smile and a decision to return for a far more detailed observation, Kieran was about to leave the Pearl link when Maynor himself entered and approached Ranevargar's supine form.

"Time and opportunity are at an end, Ranevargar. Join me willingly and I will allow you to remain in control of your Realm."

Ranevargar's head turned slightly, still the only movement allowed to him, to consider Maynor's confident expression before answering.

"Time and opportunity are not always what they seem, Lord Maynor, and there must be just cause for replacement of any Realm Lord. You have neither the authority nor the cause to treat me so. Release me or face the judgement of the High King."

Through Ranevargar's eyes Kieran watched a dismissive smile take Maynor's features.

"Your trust in the old ways is foolishly misplaced, Ranevargar. My strength is almost gathered and tomorrow when the High Castle falls the Realms will all be mine. The Nexus will be mine, and the Realm Stones mine to bestow as I choose."

"No Realm Lord has the strength to take the High Castle. You pit yourself against the source of your own power."

"And you lack knowledge, Ranevargar. The free Nexus energy I already control will be augmented with enough power to overwhelm defences far greater than any Aglaron can possibly present."

"Maybe, Lord Maynor, but knowledge can be a two-edged sword and I suspect you haven't taken full account of Aglaron's centuries of experience and the value of Lord Uirebon's assistance."

Maynor laughed.

"You stubborn old fool. Your time is well and truly passed. Knowledge will mean nothing against the power I have gathered. Give me the use of your Pearl or tomorrow night I will divest your every connection to it."

"I may be foolish, Lord Maynor, but I have wit enough to recognise that the power you give so much trust, bounces inconsequentially from the strange wards around my mind. If Aglaron deploys similar wards to protect the High Castle your power will mean nothing."

Maynor said nothing for a moment then laughed in what both Kieran and Ranevargar interpreted as derision.

"Your efforts to goad and discomfort are pitiful, Ranevargar. Aglaron knows less of Keryth's shields than I do, and when you reveal his hiding place the warding will be mine."

"Keryth, the High Kings son? I do lack knowledge, with my mind bound and body restrained how could I be otherwise after all this time, but I don't need much wit to recognise an obvious deceit. Aglaron’s son is barely of age and this shield can only come from an adept with centuries of application. To suggest a youngster could construct such a thing is absurd."

Maynor studied Ranevargar thoughtfully.

"You claim you don’t recall being in Keryth’s company? … Your conviction is so persuasive it indicates some sort of memory manipulation. When your shield falls a recall trigger will reveal everything you know of Keryth and his power stone."

Kieran missed the next short while. His astonished mind was reeling and racing. Maynor thought he was an elf called Keryth? No, he didn't just think it. He'd stated it is a matter-of-fact. An elf? The son of the High King? ... The High King who, according to Ranevargar, must have been part of all the attacks? Impossible! ... But ... being an elf was one of Ranevargar's explanations for all these things he could do.

He couldn't be, all his memories were of growing up in Melbourne ... But then Ranevargar had also said there was something not quite right about them and memories could be changed. A whole lifetime though? Kieran's whirl of thought was interrupted when a new surge of power raged against Ranevargar's shields. In quick response he used this cover to push more energy into Ranevargar's reserve.

"You try my patience, Ranevargar but I have other pressing concerns. You should consider that this is but a portion of the power tomorrow will bring."

With a gesture of dismissal Maynor strode from the room.

Ranevargar's surface thoughts were rushing too and very interesting, with a degree of amazement about his mind shield and a puzzlement for where Maynor could be accessing this unaccountable new power. Why did Maynor hold the High Castle’s defences in so little regard?

Concern for what was to happen on the morrow grew strong and Kieran decided to reinforce Ranevargar's level of confidence through the Pearl link. Ranevargar felt the change and identified its external nature. How did he do that? He himself had shown Kieran how to make it undetectable as part of their planning. Yet another puzzle. As abruptly as it had commenced, the storm against the shields dropped to almost nothing and it was time to leave the kaleidoscope of Ranevargar's mind.

"That must have been major, Kieran?"

Kieran took in all the curiosity and concern.

"Unbelievable, Rhys. Maynor lashed at the shield with the most power ever and told Ranevargar this was his last chance to be sensible. He says he’ll be the High King tomorrow and that he'll take Ranevargar's Pearl away from him."

"Tomorrow? Ranevargar hasn't even got the Pearl so that doesn't make sense."

"Yes, it does, Woorawa. He doesn't mean physically. He means to break all Ranevargar's links. It sounds like it’s something the High King has the power to do."

"So that first time when you nearly lost the Opal it must have been the High King?"

"It must have been, Tan, and it would be like death to Ranevargar if it happens so we have to stop it."

"We won't have the time, Kieran."

"We’ll reach Maurice in the morning, Rhys, and Maynor said he wouldn't see Ranevargar again till the evening."

"Whoo! So tomorrow we have to reach Maurice and then save Ranevargar. What else happened? You were using the Opal."

"I sneaked some energy into Ranevargar's reserve and I found out that Maynor's biggest attack against the High King starts in the morning."

"That's good then. They won't be thinking about us."

"Could be, Rhys. If Maynor does win he’s going to come looking for us so it would probably be best if there’s a stand-off. I'm going to spend more time with Ranevargar once we’re set up for the night."

Woorawa pointed up the road remnant.

"Walk and talk, Kieran. Time’s getting more and more important, and if we’re going to camp at the top we’ll need your glow to show the way."

"That’s no good, Woorawa. If Kieran makes a glow it will keep the Monsters awake."

"No it won't, unless Kieran makes it strong enough to need the Opal."

"Rhys is right, Woorawa, but three close ones did react when I sent power to Ranevargar."

"Three’s nothing. Krol will get rid of them easily."

Their target of reaching the top of this climbing section took another hour of steady but slow progress up the old road. For some reason it was improving in condition and that was a complete bonus. When they passed the crest Rhys rushed past Kieran and Woorawa and happily wrapped his arms around Krol's neck.

"Tell him he’s the best, Kieran. We’d be dead without him, and I can't wait to get warm under his wing."

"What about food?"

"I can't make up my mind which I want most, Mr B."

"You don't have a choice, Rhys. If you don't eat you’ll feel the cold even more."

"Food is Tan’s job. I'm going to cozy up to Krol till it's ready."

"Tan’s job? ... You’re a lazy grub, Rhys."

"I know. I'm going to poke my head out and watch while everyone else does all the work."

"Suffer then. When Kieran heats the water Krol will have to leave ... Unless we have cold food."

"Cold? Yuck! What’s the Monster situation, Kieran? Are there many close ones?"

"... That is weird. There aren't any."

A distance reach with a touch of Opal power revealed a different story.

"Gods! Tomorrow’s going to be scary. Close by is all clear but then there are ... about twenty of them all grouped together."

"Together? That’s new."

"And bad news, Rhys, when it’s that many. How far are they, Kieran?"

"That’s another interesting thing, Mr B. They’re all gathered round about where Maurice should be."

"Monsters and a Dragon at the same time? Definitely scary!"

"You’re right, Woorawa. We’ll have to separate them somehow because Maurice will need my total concentration."

"Using your Opal will attract them ... but we don't want twenty at once so is there any way to focus on a few at a time?"

"Brilliant, Tan. I already do that when I light them up for Krol. I'll just change the directed glow to straight out power. Problem solved."

"Hey! Still too much talk. We can make plans after we eat."

Woorawa turned towards Rhys.

"It was your question got us talking. Blame yourself."

"Minor detail, Woorawa, and anyway I only started it. It was you lot who kept it going."

"Give him last serve, Tan. He’s a nutter!"

Kieran heated their food and drink with a reduced flow of energy. It took longer but meant no Monster worries.

As quickly as was practical Kieran had the group set for the night, snug against Krol, wrapped in their cloaks and covered with the wonderful insulation of his great wing.

"Controlled sleep tonight, everyone. I’m making it deep all night so you’re fit and ready as possible for tomorrow."

"Sounds great to me, Kieran, but you didn't include yourself."

"As soon as I can I will, Mr B. I've got stuff I have to do first."

"No way. You need to be refreshed more than any of us."

"About an hour, Rhys. I need to run through the instructions for waking Maurice and check Ranevargar's situation."

"Ranevargar? Won't he be asleep?"

"Probably, but that won't matter. I can check his reserve any time.

... Go to sleep!"

The full on command put the four friends plus Krol instantly into the deepest level of sleep.

Now, making sure the construct awakening procedure was clear and practised was the biggest imperative of all. At least once every day he’d made the time to practice the technique and every time had improved his confidence. Tomorrow was the real thing and one last run through could only help.

The Rhys key unlocked the special area of his Opal network and, with the thought that he really should change it to something less obvious, he brought the complex set of instructions to the front of his mind and concentrated on the patterns of their application ... So much power was hard to envisage ... Yes, the link to the Central Grove was clear and strong. After only ten minutes he was satisfied this revision had locked the procedure as securely in place as it would ever be, and the special knowledge was returned to its secure hiding place.

Now for a Ranevargar. The Pearl network activated and, with his usual careful reach, Kieran mentally left Dead World, crossed the Boundary Wall, bypassed the powerful Wards surrounding Maynor's Castle, and slipped into Ranevargar's consciousness. Well, the background hum of sleep rather than his stronger buzz of consciousness was a help for his current purpose.

Shields first. Yes, they were functioning exactly as they were meant to, with no sign of degradation, drawing just the right amount of energy to foil the constant pressure from Maynor and keep Ranevargar's mind free from the influence he'd been worried about.

Reserves next! Not so good. That earlier onslaught with the extra power had seriously depleted them, and without the two undercover bursts the shields would have collapsed by now.

The constant pressure from Maynor would drain them in ... approximately four hours ... and there was no storm of assault to hide another burst from the Opal now. What to do? Well, there was no choice. Ranevargar was reliant on the shields so if a burst wouldn't work it would have to be a trickle so small it couldn't be noticed. The session where Ranevargar had made him practice the control of energy flows sprang to mind and, calling a tiny tendril from the Opal, he carefully, ever so carefully, directed it through the Pearl link and into the reserve.

Yes! This would work ... The pressure against Ranevargar’s shields was enough cover but the tendril was so small its supply would have to be continuous. Not good enough, make it an automatic process or stay awake all night .... Done ... But the number of triggers and automatic happenings was becoming a complicated structure to maintain ... How did Ranevargar manage the vast complexity of his Realm? ... Through his Pearl of course. It took a search of the Pearl and some fierce concentration but a new structure formed in his Opal network and kind of took charge.

Wow! That was neat, like a delegation of control that would unclutter his conscious mind. Yet again Kieran marvelled at the possibilities Ranevargar was opening for him. If only he had the time there must be zillions of great things to learn from the Pearl.

With great satisfaction Kieran watched the tiny trickle of energy now flowing from Opal to Ranevargar’s shield reserve without any effort on his part. Hmm! If Maynor's pressure stopped, the trickle would become obvious. A new trigger to cover that went into the command structure.

Kieran switched his attention to the third puzzling reason for this extended visit with Ranevargar. Something was different and he’d noticed it strongly during Ranevargar's last confrontation. Yes, even though Ranevargar was asleep it was still there, and even more pronounced. The background hum of his thoughts was changed, stronger and definitely more complicated, and, despite the constant paralysis, Kieran sensed that life and vigour brimmed more strongly through Ranevargar's body than it had just a few days ago. Yes, there was definitely a change and it was definitely good. Another puzzle but, for once, a positive one.

Confident that Ranevargar was secure, at least until Maynor’s promised attack of tomorrow night, Kieran withdrew to focus on his own concerns. Was he ready? Time would tell, and he’d certainly followed Ranevargar's advice and guidance as best he could. The strange grouping of Monsters would be a major worry if their numbers weren't reduced before he called the great power flows from the Central Grove and the Opal. The intensity would send them crazy ... And attract others from a huge distance.

Hmm! That energy control technique for tiny amounts had worked well. Reviewing the techniques for the other end of the scale might also be a help ... Tomorrow though.

Now, the revelation from Maynor. So puzzling! The High King? Why would a father be part of such awful attacks? it didn't make sense. If only he could talk to Ranevargar he'd have good advice ... Come to think of it though, he'd already said way back that there were too many puzzling things to allow for any certain conclusion. Yes, he was right. Puzzling it out without proper information would get nowhere and use valuable time. It would have to go on hold.

Kieran made a final check of Krol and his amazing companions, then relaxed with the comfort of his head against Rhys's chest and the secure warmth of Krol's covering wing.

***