Widderkin Interlude - 7. Chapter 7

Chapter 7.

 

Rhys's laugh peeled out.

"Get your knee out of my stomach, Woorawa. How can I stand up with you squishing my guts."

Kieran noticed, but only in passing. He was too busy.

Brilliant sunshine – it must be close to midday – forget that and check the immediate surroundings.

Good! There was the HeartStone, about eight metres away. Merge with Nathan and get a move on.

Almost instantly the merge was active.

"Mind shields first, Nathan, and then the Pest Barrier, while I check for power flows separate to the HeartStone."

Nathan, sitting on the ground grunted as Rom, enjoying this strange game, landed on his lap.

With no interruption to his merge tasks he steadied Rom and held him in place with little reaction except a happy chin lick.

Mind activity! – Somewhere close – it felt like about a hundred metres – right where Makelan’s image of the main support building showed they were likely to be.

Kieran focused, very carefully – sixty-seven people and nine of them with minor power auras.

The Pest Barrier, already in place would stop them approaching – hmm! Extend the forty metre radius to sixty.

What about aggregations of power? Tuning out the major flows from the HeartStone wasn't easy but, thankful for all the practices with Ranevargar, Kieran focused and reached.

No, it was Kieran/Nathan reaching, with Kieran's natural abilities augmented by Nathan's Power Eyes.

Power was everywhere, minor sources grouped in numerous and wide spread locations throughout the neighbouring Hexulate, a concentrated source several kilometres away, and a curiously attenuated source starting some five hundred away and extending far into the distance.

"The groups will be gatherings of people like towns or whatever, Nathan, and the powerful source has to be the Usurper. I’m puzzled about this other one though. It spreads like a blanket in a way I’ve never seen before."

"Yes, you have. It’s the same as Makelan’s trees back at the Bay, except without his Green Fog overlay.

Kieran, what are all the tiny points of power? There’s thousands of them and they’re everywhere."

"What? Oh, that's me picking up animals, birds or other living things – see, they’re like the people in that building, just not as strong.

We’ll stay merged Nathan, but let's talk to everyone before we concentrate on the HeartStone."

There was no need to gather anyone's attention. The mini mangle tangle was sorted and everyone was sitting and quietly watching.

"Well, thanks to Makelan we’ve reached the HeartStone with a perfect portal.

There are people in the buildings at the end of that walkway, and the Usurper’s power signature shows she’s about two km away. The close people will probably come rushing, but the Pest Barrier’s working and none of them can reach us."

"What about the HeartStone? Have you checked it yet, Kieran?"

"Only an impression, Corey. I’m about to start."

"Could you highlight all the power flows for us like at Ranevargar’s workshop? Ban or Makelan might notice something helpful. Mr B or Rhys and Nathan, too."

"No problems! – Whoo! A surge of power just reached the buildings, and whoever received it’s heading this way."

It wasn't just one person. Dozens came boiling out in a tumultuous rush along a path.

"Yay! This will be good! How far is the – "

Rhys stopped because the leading group was frantically reversing direction.

Mr B surprised everyone by taking a few steps towards the growing crowd and expressing his hands in a ‘stop there’ motion.

"I’m just letting them know that we’re associated with the barrier, Kieran."

People started ranging sideways from the path, clearly checking for a way around the barrier. Others, still on the path, moved aside when a powerful looking man ran flat out to try and force his way through. Determination meant nothing and forward momentum switched to a desperate effort to reverse direction.

Samuel swore.

"How does that work, Kieran? He was moving so fast I thought he was sure to get through."

"I learnt the technique in a rush, Samuel, so I'm not really sure. It tells your muscles as well as your mind to go back.

Woorawa can beat it, but the rest of us haven't got a hope."

"Hey, look! They’ve cleared the path and he’s having another go."

That was Rhys, and along with almost everyone else, he smiled at the second futile effort.

"I wonder how long before he learns he can't get through."

"I don't think it was him, Rhys. A reach of power came and I think the Usurper was controlling him."

"She’s in his mind? Can you take over and push her out?"

"Let's see what happens first. – Yes, there’s more power – did anyone feel anything?"

That brought head shakes all round – except for Nathan.

"Makelan’s mind shield had a tingle of glow. I think she tried to reach him."

Kieran nodded and turned to Makelan.

"It wasn't very strong, Makelan. More like a test probe than anything else, and it came from that big bloke."

"Do you know who he is?"

"Yes, I do, and I’ve never had much time for him. He’s the proctor for those buildings and HeartStone matters."

The big man went to the side of the path, picked up something and threw it with great force.

"He's going to throw stones at us?"

There were no more stones but several people ran for the building.

Corey picked up on it.

"Stones don't have mind or muscle, Rhys.

Would he have any projectile weapons, Makelan?"

"Projectiles! Yes, Rhys. - Spears, bows and various other machines."

"This could be trouble, Kieran. There’s no real shelter here and an efficient bow and arrow set up could easily reach us.

Makelan, do you know if the Usurper has archers?"

"Yes! They provide food for contests of skill and other events she promotes."

"Hmm! If it's an issue we’ll extend the Pest Barrier."

"That's a fair bit of energy isn't it?"

"Take control of any archers, Kieran. Just get them to break their bows if they aim at us."

"Good thinking, Rhys. They've got protection from the Usurper but, unless it gets reinforced, we’ll easily brush it aside.

Ban, I'm delegating this to you. Call on your Ruby if you need an extra push.

I've got an uneasy feeling about the HeartStone, and Nathan, Makelan, and I, need to focus on it for a while."

"A while?"

"Yes, Corey. The Usurper’s lit up like a beacon with various power signals and she’s heading this way."

Corey shook his head.

"I think she should be secondary consideration, Kieran. If you ignore her till you’re ready it’ll be you setting the time for a confrontation. Study the HeartStone."

There were nods of agreement and John backed them.

"I agree with Corey, Kieran, knowledge and strength are a combination that's hard to beat."

"We should have thought of this first, Kieran. Use my Ruby to set a Ward and she’ll never get through."

Nathan shared Kieran’s surprise and watched the check that showed Tan was in his normal state of mind. On a private level he was part of a directed conversation.

"Were you in Oracle mode or something, Tan? I haven't got a clue about how to build a Ward."

"It was the something option, Kieran. I reckon you do know, because you were merged with Ranevargar when you protected Maurice against Maynor’s Castle Wards. He was in agony till you helped, and then he ripped through the Wards like they were paper."

"That was all Rane."

"Yes, but he was merged with you, and that means it's in your memory. Do a careful replay I’m sure you'll work it out."

"You're amazing, Tan, and I think you’re right. Tell everyone what a Ward is while we try a deep memory check. Half of them have never heard of Wards."

"We?"

"Power Eyes, Tan. I'm merged with Nathan."

Kieran closed his eyes as a timeout signal and Tan raised his hand for attention.

"A Ward is a construct which will protect us from physical as well is mental attacks, and Kieran’s having a think about it. It's a very powerful shield and should protect us for as long as we like."

Woorawa interrupted.

"I can see five people with bows coming towards the Pest Barrier, Ban. Control them, quick."

The powerful guy was making space for the newcomers, pointing and giving directions.

Ban grabbed Corey's arm, closed his eyes briefly then stared fixedly.

The first archer to lift his bow paused, then, placing one end on the ground, used his foot as a fulcrum and wrenched upwards with both arms. The bow snapped.

One by one each archer destroyed his bow and turned to shake his head at the big, and now very angry, man.

When the last archer started the process a violent shove knocked him to the ground and his bow was taken.

Ban's grip on Corey's arm tightened unconsciously when his reach for a new control went nowhere.

"His protection’s too strong, Kieran. I can't stop him."

There was no answer.

Accessing memories was straightforward.

Holding them in his mind, replaying the patterns and, at the same time, searching for understanding, was so demanding he was temporarily oblivious to anything around him.

The bow lifted. The arrow sped, and Rhys, realising there was no stopping it, moved to protect Kieran with his body.

A miss.

A second miss.

By now John was protecting Gwen, Arthur and Samuel were protecting John, and Tan and Woorawa were protecting Nathan.

The third arrow clattered off the HeartStone and sheered to the left.

The big man was clearly no archer but this was bad. Rhys, with a mix of helplessness and rising anger, turned to watch the next release. What? The big man was battling two of the archers.

Corey was smiling.

"It's Ban. He's controlling the archers."

There was an angry yell, audible from sixty metres as the big man clobbered an archer, knocked him unconscious, and started to aim the bow again.

There was a fierce call when a new archer interfered and was sent sprawling. Onlookers converged, to restrain the remaining archers and once again the bow was lifted.

With a great wrench the bow was snatched by a completely different person who then made a frantic escape effort.

Rhys's cheer ended when a group grabbed the runner and the bow was returned to the big man.

There was a small flash of light and a moment later the bow was thrown to the ground.

"Wow! What did you do, Ban. Did you get through to the boss guy?"

"I don't know, Rhys. I was battling to keep up with so many sudden control changes when he looked at the bow and threw it away."

Kieran's voice.

"You were brilliant, Ban. Rhys’s cheer got through to me and I saw what was happening. I'm not quite there with the Ward but, thanks to John, the bows won't be a danger from now on."

Everyone turned to John, who just looked puzzled.

"Back at the first island when you had the idea of using heat for more than just cooking. I just flashed the bowstring."

"From sixty metres away?"

"It doesn't take much, Arthur. It does call for focus but other things have given me tons of practice."

For some reason Rhys laughed.

"I don't understand. Burning the bowstring’s funny? I don't understand you sometimes, Rhys."

"God's, Corey! That's the pot calling the kettle black. An idea popped into my head about how Kieran could send that big guy running and give us a break."

"I'm listening."

Everyone was.

"Give him a shock and burn all his clothes off."

Corey boggled – then grinned.

"That's brilliant, actually.

Could you do that without burning his flesh, Kieran?"

"I'd need more practice, Corey. Confining the heat to just the clothing would need really precise control.

I want to get the Ward working, so we'll just ignore him. I'll set things up so any more projectiles automatically get stopped."

"Are you confident about the Ward?"

"For sure, Corey. I've got the fundamentals so now it's just a matter of getting the details right."

"Converting theory to practice?"

"Yep! A few more minutes, I hope, and then it's the HeartStone.

Michael! What are the vibes from Pod Momma?"

"Um … All good. They're excited because they’ve reached the open ocean and they’re looking for food. Pod Momma wants the new orcas to learn team hunting, instead of their old mindless attack frenzy."

Kieran nodded and closed his eyes.

"Keep watch while I figure the exact Ward pattern, Nathan, and use my frizzle skill if there’s any need."

"Okay! Can I muck around with it?"

"Well, don't hurt anyone, - and leave the big man alone unless things get dangerous."

"Not fair! Merging means you know what I'm thinking."

"Yes, it does, but just because we like Rhys's idea doesn't mean we have to use it.

Nathan, relax while you can. Studying the HeartStone while we’re merged will be really heavy going."

"??"

"More for me because I’ll be in control, but we’ll both need recovery time, whatever we find."

"Yikes! We're going to gonk like we did yesterday?"

"For sure."

Nathan's understanding lit up and Kieran plunged into deep thought.

Rhys, keeping close to Kieran, watched Arthur collect one of the arrows and return with it.

"This is deadly, Rhys. Look how sharp it is. If those archers are even halfway skilled we’d have been in big trouble without Ban’s quick thinking. Do you think your healing would cope with one of these through a vital organ?"

"Kieran prepared me with a huge pool of healing energy but it does take time to work. I don't know, and I sure don't want to find out."

"Kieran doesn't like our guns and said we should only use them as a last resort. I think we should be prepared."

"I was angry enough to agree with you a moment ago, but let's see what happens first. What exactly do you mean by being prepared?"

"Samuel or I could go near the Pest Barrier and demonstrate what we can do."

"What? Shoot him in the foot or something?"

"Something appropriate. We’re both quite skilled as marksmen."

Rhys knew that this was a complete understatement as he’d had a conversation with Samuel about what it took to become security for John.

Rhys hesitated then shook his head.

"When the Ward’s in place we – gods! – Now what are they doing?"

Half a dozen newcomers, bringing some kind of machine from the building, suddenly started some kind of crazy dance. No, not a dance, something about their feet was making them rip their shoes off.

Rhys jolted then laughed.

"I just got a message. Their shoes got heated and that mounted crossbow is about to become completely useless."

In fact, the message was from Nathan who, in merge mode, had the skill to send it without distracting Kieran.

The big man, cranking frantically on a tension handle, jumped backwards in reaction to a flash of light and swirl of smoke in front of his face.

"Yay! There goes the bowstring. – And the big guy’s not a happy chappie."

Even from sixty metres the vibes of anger and frustration were very clear.

"Relax everyone. Make yourself comfy and get settled. There’ll be no more interference till we allow it."

"Kieran, you've made the Ward? Is it invisible?"

"I’m about to, Rhys. And it’ll be impressive so they’ve got something to think about."

Purely for show, Kieran moved a few metres towards the big guy and the assembly of watchers and gestured dramatically.

A shimmering blue dome enclosed the friends, as well as the HeartStone, in a translucent, glowing sanctuary.

"Oh my! It's so beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like it. What happens if we touch it, Kieran? It looks like it’s alive."

"It's our Ward, John. We can pass through as if there’s nothing there."

Gwen started moving.

"I can't resist this. Will I be safe on the other side, Kieran?"

"Go for it. I’m leaving the Pest Barrier in place so we’re not distracted by a close mob of gawkers."

"Why not make the Ward opaque and save the Pest Barrier energy?"

"No, Tan, we can see what's happening this way."

Makelan and Nathan, come with me so we’re close to the HeartStone while we study it."

He explained to everyone else.

"Makelan has a unique connection through his Pearl, and Nathan's Power Eyes will add a different perspective as well."

"Will we interrupt you if something major happens?"

"Things will get interesting when the Usurper lady arrives, but don't let her worry you. I doubt she’ll be able to get through the Pest Barrier, let alone the Ward. Expect lots of futile action."

Rhys laughed.

"Futile! I like the sound of that."

Mr B laughed back at him.

"Did you hear that, Woorawa? Rhys is finally approving of dictionary talk. D’you reckon his mind’s finally going?"

"Ha! We couldn't tell the difference if it was."

Kieran, Makelan and Nathan moved to sit by the HeartStone, and after a little begging bark, Rom bounded to be with them.

"Share my special view of the HeartStone, Makelan. I’ll highlight the power flows so you see the connections to your Hexulate."

On merge level Kieran spoke to Nathan.

"Be ready, Nathan. The HeartStone is the foundation of this world, and with your Power Eyes we’ll be seeing something that's never been seen before."

"Never? What about the one in your own Realms?"

"My father and I see that, but not with Power Eyes – yet."

Makelan gasped.

"This is utterly magnificent."

Nathan gave his own mental gasp of wonder.

"I can hardly believe what I’m seeing."

Kieran's reaction was one of shock. The sense of unease he’d felt ever since they’d arrived became almost despair.

"What's wrong, Kieran? It's like pure power."

To help Nathan understand, Kieran brought memories of the Realms Nexus to the front of his mind.

"Sheba! This one’s nearly had it."

Amusement at the Rhys influence was fleeting because the comparison was so apt. Kieran started studying.

The wonderful construct his father used for efficient power distribution didn't exist.

The basic flows to the six Hexulates were happening, except for some kind of interference.

Interference? At that level?

"Makelan, I need to take partial control of your Pearl. It's a scary feeling but we have to look closely at how that interference affects your Hexulate."

"You can do that when it's bound to me?"

"It's a unique ability I have. Trust me.

Can you see the connections between the HeartStone running through your Pearl?"

Kieran directed Nathan.

"Watch him closely and keep sending assurance while I concentrate. It's one of the worst feelings ever for a Stone holder."

"Okay!"

Kieran initiated the first stages of taking over a Stone of Power, reached for the unique connection between HeartStone and Pearl, and started studying.

Yes, the interference was affecting the basic flow of Hexulate power. The blurry edge, totally new to Kieran, meant nothing till he applied Power Eye view.

The blur resolved to a myriad of tiny lines.

Thankful for all Ranevargar’s practices with fine control, Kieran refocused on a single line, watched the transfer of power, and instantly thought of a parasite sucking life from a host.

Unbelievable. Where did the lines all go?

A moment of tracing revealed a junction back in the HeartStone.

"Can you see them, Makelan? All those tiny filaments are leeching energy that should be going to your Hexulate."

"I can't see a thing, Kieran. What do you mean?"

"Whoops! I haven't highlighted them.

Now – there you are."

"Yes. I see them. Kieran, this is all new to me. Are they some kind of inner process for the HeartStone?"

"No way! They’re bad news. Let's see ... They’re leeching about 5% of the energy that’s fundamentally yours."

The junction construct became the new centre of attention.

"Gods! That structure is sucking energy from four other Hexulates as well – and who do you think is getting it?"

"The Usurper holds the keys to the HeartStone, Kieran. It can only be her. Can you do anything to stop her?"

"I sure can. When I smash that collection structure your Hexulate should start getting a fairer share.

Our first step is to watch your Pearl and make sure that’s happening."

"First step?"

"We'll have to work out some way to stop her from rebuilding the structure when I'm not here."

"All this is beyond me. You would have to do something so strong she couldn't touch it."

"I’ve got some ideas, but we won't try them till we work out what else is wrong with the HeartStone."

"Nathan, gather all my memories about locks for Nexus energy and my father's distribution tool while I study the underlying identity patterns for all six Hexulates."

"Wreck the collection thing first. We should make sure that's all done."

Kieran laughed, mentally of course.

"Okay! Here’s a big shock for the Usurper."

Nathan was right. Finish each step properly where possible.

Kieran studied the leeching structure again. It was a new thing and Ranevargar would want every aspect stored for future study. Good! Now, how to get rid of it? – Easy!

Blam!

Myriads of tiny filaments vanished and five basic Hexulate channels increased their energy flow.

Feeling very pleased, Kieran highlighted the improved flow for Makelan.

"See the difference, Makelan? 5% will improve everything. While I've got control of your Pearl I’ll –"

The HeartStone resonated with a strange surge of power.

A warning yell penetrated the buddha concentration.

Kieran's awareness refocused and he swivelled just in time to see Samuel tackle and restrain a stranger.

Arthur pounced as well, grabbed at the still free arm poking frantically at Samuel, took something and held it aloft.

"Intent to harm! Quick thinking, Samuel! - Are you okay?"

"Take over, Arthur. My vest worked, except for somewhere at my side."

Dismissing his shock and disbelief, Kieran reached for control. His first effort failed, compounding the puzzle of how his Ward had been passed.

Instant examination, aided by Nathan's Power Eyes, showed an ordinary mind shield built to an extraordinary level by an external source.

Makelan gave a gasp of recognition.

"Kieran, he's Tamalthus, the Prairie Warden. He’s used his Ruby to come through his Gate."

Rhys, now beside Samuel, jerked the bloodied vest upward and placed his hands to staunch the slowly welling blood.

The Prairie Warden, clearly one of the Usurper's cronies, was physically restrained by Arthur. Forget him for the moment and make sure Samuel was okay.

Yes, energy was flowing through Rhys’s hands to where it was needed. Not very quickly though? Good! That meant it wasn't too serious.

"Take him to the Ward, Arthur. We don't want him here."

"What? You’re kidding! He was after you with deadly intent and he stabbed Samuel."

"He's nothing. We’ve got bigger things to sort out before we waste time on him."

One command glance totally ended Arthur's hesitation, but then Rhys’s querying look steadied Kieran.

"Sorry, Arthur. That was my frustration with the all the interruptions. When you get to the Ward just shove him through."

Authority surfaced again, in both manner and voice.

"Escort him now please. He might be a Warden but if he annoys us again he’ll lose his Power Stone."

Anger and defiance withered and, as the message registered, turned to disbelief and then fear.

Kieran gestured, almost imperiously, while the escorting happened.

Rhys looked up from where he was attending Samuel.

"Are you okay, Kieran? You’re sounding a bit tetchy."

Tetchy? Trust Rhys to come up with a word that brought a smile. Kieran moved to drape one arm across Rhys’s shoulder.

"How are you feeling, Samuel?"

"Weird. My side was burning."

"That's good ... About one more minute and Rhys will have you all fixed."

"Where did he come from?

I'm sorry I hesitated, Kieran. Protecting John was on my mind and I took too long to evaluate the situation. He’s through the Ward. I can't believe you let him go scot-free. I'm talking too much."

Rhys laughed.

"It wasn't scot-free, Samuel. Kieran used his command voice and frightened hell out of him.

Kieran, this Usurper person’s totally aggro. We’ll need to be ready if any more Wardens come through."

"Not a problem, Rhys. I know the signs now, and if a Gate starts to activate I'll warn you."

"What if it’s the Usurper herself?"

"She’ll get a shock, Corey. But I reckon she’ll try other things first. Especially if she heard what I said to that Prairie Warden."

Corey nodded.

"I think you’re right. Is she still coming this way?"

"Yes, another fifteen or twenty minutes and she’ll be here."

"Is there some way of blocking the Warden Gates?"

"... Probably, but just now it’s about number 792 on my priority list.

Stuff Samuel with some of our food supplies, Arthur. His body’s about to feel like he’s starving."

The situation lightened when Rom, seeing where all the attention was directed, nosed his way through for a healing lick of Samuel's face.

Dodging a new licking, Samuel pulled him close.

"Get away, you great slobbery brute."

That brought a lunge and another lick.

Rom wriggled free – not because of what Samuel had said. Nathan's little tongue click was a come along message that mustn't be ignored.

***

"This HeartStone’s awful, Makelan. Do you ever get feedback from the other Wardens about anomalies with weather or fluctuating energy flows?"

"We’re rarely in contact, Kieran. But, yes. Three of us believe that the Usurper’s manipulations have put things out of balance, but then, on the rare occasions when the full Council does meet, she complains more strongly than anyone."

"She does? That’s interesting. Well, she’ll soon have even more reason to complain because I think I might be able to stop any more leeching."

"Really? – Permanently?"

"My father developed a wonderful control mechanism to distribute the energy flowing from a HeartStone. If I can build one here, it will cut out the stage that’s vulnerable to the leech filaments.

Watch carefully. When I get this working properly I’ll set it so the basic flows to the Hexulates can't be interfered with."

"Will that be possible while the Usurper holds the keys to the HeartStone?"

"The keys give access to Free Nexus energy, not the core energy that underpins the Hexulates. Messing with that’s bad news."

At merge level, Nathan had his own questions.

"What do you want me to do, Kieran?"

"Just about everything. Maintain what’s going on, and do whatever’s needed to keep me from being interrupted for the next while.

My father opened his mind to show me how the management system worked so I’m going to relive those memories first. When they’re fixed in the front of my mind I’ll be able to study the way the structure’s been put together. Then I’ll build my own version."

"Sounds impossible to me."

"Let's find out."

***

"Are they all right, Rhys? They look like three statues."

"Yeah! It's some kind of three-way connection, Woorawa. It’s hard for me to get through, but they’re all concentrating like crazy. It's like a tornado of thoughts whirling around."

"What? Including Nathan?"

Rhys lowered his voice.

"Nathan’s merged with Kieran and that makes his mind way different to normal."

"What’s merging like?"

Rhys made one of his amused sounds.

"I’m not telling!"

The surprised look brought another amused sound.

"It’s unreal, Woorawa, but you’ll find out for yourself.

Everything’s too full on at the moment, but Kieran’s got plans to merge with everyone when he gets a chance, and you’re next."

"Me?"

"You’re special to your own people and they only know a tiny bit compared to us. Of course he wants to merge with you – My God look at that!"

A green shimmer enclosed the HeartStone, along with the three statues, resolved to six distinct bars of light, then dissolved from view.

The whole group stared at the quiet figures.

"What d’you reckon, Corey? Any ideas?"

"Not really, Rhys. The six bars probably relate to the six Hexulates. – Have you noticed the buildup of people though? They’ve been arriving near the Pest Barrier."

"Hey, yeah! – But they’re not looking at us."

"Whoa! Look!"

Rhys jumped at the tug on his arm and turned to where Woorawa was pointing.

"What?"

"It’s like a cloud, but it’s not ... It’s birds, I think, coming this way."

It did look like a cloud to Rhys, so if they were birds there must be a lot of them. Sure enough, Woorawa’s keen eyes were right, and closure revealed thousands of individuals.

"Look how big. They’re twice the size of Makelan’s Sea Eagles. Is she sending birds against us?"

Once again Woorawa saw it first.

"They’re carrying something – I think they’ve all got rocks."

A few early birds reversed their power glide with a sudden frantic effort to escape the influence of the Pest Barrier, circled higher, then started dropping their rocks.

Mr B yelled.

"They can’t get through the Ward. Enjoy the show!"

Twenty or thirty rocks plummeted in a dangerous trajectory, impacted blue shimmer, and bounced harmlessly to the ground. A new and bigger phalanx arrived and circled at a greater height.

Rhys laughed.

"They’re clueless. That won't make a scrap of difference."

It didn't.

"I wouldn't say clueless, Rhys. The new lot didn't go anywhere near the Pest Barrier. Whoever’s controlling them must be testing what’s possible."

"They might be trying extra height, Corey, so the rocks are falling faster when they hit."

"You’re right, Mr B, but that still indicates some sort of control and quick learning."

"They could bury us. There’s enough of them, especially if they set up a relay."

Everyone stared at Tan till Corey ended the group surprise.

"Did you say that, Tan, or was it the Oracle?"

Tan pointed to himself.

"I’m pretty sure it was me. I kind of pictured what all the rocks would look like if they kept dropping in the one spot. I remember saying it too, which I usually don't."

"Sheba! Enough rocks would squash us if the Ward was relaxed."

"No way, Rhys. Kieran would think of a way out."

A stream of rocks battered the Ward for a while, then abruptly cut off.

"Now what? That’s only a fraction of the flock."

Mr B pointed and all eyes fixed on a single plummeting shape.

"Oh my God!"

Feathers, body parts and a mist of blood spread at the impact then settled to the ground.

"Corey, if that’s control, the mind doing it must be sick. If solid stone can't get through the Ward a bird’s got no hope."

The hail of rocks recommenced, built for twenty or thirty seconds, then stopped abruptly.

"What’s she going to try now? It better not be more suicide dives."

A concert of motion washed briefly through the massed birds and more stones began their descent.

"She's mad! Or maybe Tan’s right. I don't – Holy Hell! Look at that."

Panic and pandemonium reigned as the people beyond the Pest Barrier ran for shelter.

"The birds got their aim wrong?"

"It's more than that, Rhys. Look at Nathan."

Woorawa was right and there were general murmurs of exclamation, and a loud gasp from Gwen at the sight of her son's chest glowing bright red.

"It’s his Ruby, Gwen. Nathan’s okay. The Ruby glows like that when power gets called."

Apart from four individuals still being assisted and three prone bodies, the onlookers were gone.

Rocks stop falling and the friends watched every bird turn and head in the direction they'd come from.

Kieran had no direct involvement at all. He was totally immersed in the recall and study of his father's energy management system.

Nathan ignored the falling stones, but the cruel death of an innocent bird had been too much. His youth and natural empathy came to the fore.

Conscious that interrupting Kieran must be a last resort, he considered options.

Yes, control the birds and turn the tables. That would work. Access to Kieran's abilities meant many things, but controlling animals was a familiar experience. Probe the Shields. Easy. The closest birds were just 200 m above.

The first probe met very strong resistance so Nathan used the strategy that had worked so well to get through the WarBeast shields.

Grab Life Force to dull any natural resistance – Hmm! Go easy. These birds didn't have as much as orcas.

Life energy flowed and a sense of calm enveloped over 4000 birds.

Now for the mind net stage.

A small net first and maybe the Usurper would send reinforcing energy to the remaining birds - energy which could be taken.

Two hundred shields flared and collapsed. Purpose changed and two hundred birds released re-targeted rocks then headed for home territory.

Pleased with this achievement, Nathan turned to finish the job. What a nuisance. There was no reinforcing energy to tap. She must have learnt from the orca takeover.

Okay, all at once would be a big power call but more efficient than a series of smaller mind nets.

Power flared and, rocks forgotten and discarded, flight paths responded to a welcome imperative for home grounds and familiar hunting territory.

Whoo! The big mind net had worked perfectly. Why was his Ruby still glowing?

Oh! He’d copied the previous orca control process and over 4000 birds had automatically received a new mind shield. Why were they calling so much energy though?

Whoops! There was pressure on all the shields and he’d overlooked the warning trigger.

Accessing a different ability, Nathan checked the outflow against the total amount of energy stored in his Ruby – and was staggered. He’d known the ruby stored lots of power but the merge gave him a fuller understanding.

Okay, leave the shields in place for now.

Attention flicked past the Pest Barrier to three clearly visible bodies, assessed them as unconscious but probably okay, then switched to the buzz of mind activity concentrated in the closest buildings.

Apart from one clear ribbon of power there was nothing of any real concern. The ribbon reached, not far, to the moving power source that was the Usurper.

She was close, but the imperative from Kieran was to ignore her if possible, and react only if it was necessary.

Check the Ward. It was sure to be tested.

All good.

Thinking about the Ward brought an associated memory of his mum walking to have a close look. Wow, it did look beautiful.

Nathan had an impulse to run his hand through the soft blue shimmer the same way his mum had, then an even stronger impulse to run and give both his parents a big hug.

Later! A look and a wave would have to do for now.

Concentration faltered when the whole group responded with giant smiles and their own waves and, in Rhys’s case, a fist pumping triumphantly to the sky.

Nathan sent a quick burst of gratitude, assurance, and a sense of being busy, then gave Rom a calming hug.

Whoo! Monitoring everything to keep Kieran from being distracted was full on, with non-stop demands for attention.

God's! He hadn't checked on Makelan for too long.

Oh boy! He was battling to assimilate the vast amount of information flowing into his mind.

How to help? Nathan, clueless himself, accessed Kieran's patterns for taking in knowledge and planted a method of storing information for later examination

A pattern of light flared not far above and Nathan watched it dim, then resolve to six far reaching and extraordinarily complicated ribbons of power

Too bright. – No, that was his Power Eyes revealing what normal eyes couldn't see.

A warning triggered, the Ward hummed in his mind, and the blue shimmer brightened slightly.

Now what? Nathan followed the power flow to just beyond the Pest Barrier where the big guy was standing with an arm extended. Forget him. The Ward wasn’t even being affected.

Three other groups were doing something?

Good! They were attending the three who’d been clobbered. Hmm! Only two were still unconscious.

A power tingle turned Nathan's attention to the HeartStone.

Again?

"Watch out, everyone! Someone’s coming through a Warden Gate."

The warning sounded physically with a yell of youthful excitement, and mentally with the strength of the merge.

John, Arthur and Samuel lunged frantically when a body appeared close to Gwen.

A white flag dropped to the ground and John, beaten by Arthur and Samuel's trained response, reached to pick it up

"Hold him secure but don't hurt him. He didn't struggle, he’s not struggling now, and I think the white flag’s a symbol of truce."

The man said something and Corey, moving close, turned to Ban.

"Can you translate?"

"His shields are beyond me. We need Kieran to break through - or Makelan might understand him."

Nathan, recovering from the shock of possible danger to his mum, did nothing.

Merge/Nathan was a different story. The man’s shield crumbled, obliterated by a fierce and determined surge of power. Muscles froze and every surface thought was examined.

"He’s all yours, Ban. Hear what he has to say, return his muscle control, and then push him through the Ward."

Ban, startled by the tone of command in Nathan's mental voice, glanced briefly at the three figures by the HeartStone. Nathan was facing this way but looked as intense and withdrawn as Kieran and Makelan.

"Speak!"

Ban’s command aura was a shadow compared to a Realm Lord like Kieran, but this new Warden still had to gather his thoughts.

"You have violated the sanctity of our HeartStone. Give submission or face the anger of the Keyholder."

Before Ban could respond a curious sound began, and a strange dark skinned person moved to confront of the Warden.

Daunted by voice and features unknown in the Hexulates, the Warden made a clumsy and involuntary move backward. Further retreat was blocked and the only course was to watch and listen.

Sound and motion stopped.

Bright shining eyes focused purposefully and a mental voice sounded.

"Walk with me now and I will sing you safely through the Ward."

The dark figure pointed, the way cleared, and the Warden, realising full control of his body had returned, hastened to follow.

At the strange blue shimmer a new message came.

"My voice will grant you passage. Move quickly through and only return when we call."

The rhythmic voice sounded again, a dark hand reached to touch the Ward, and with three quick steps the Warden was through and making his way to the buildings.

Woorawa rejoined his friends.

"What happened? Can your chants really get through the Ward?"

Woorawa grinned at all the wondering faces.

"I made it all up, Rhys. Remember how Makelan had never seen anyone with dark skin? It might make the Usurper more cautious if she thinks there’s some strange person who can do things she’s never heard of."

"Well, you had me fooled. It might work, but I think she’s too aggro. What do you reckon, Corey?"

"Everything’s getting too complicated. I like it but it does make Woorawa a focus for attention."

Woorawa nodded.

"That’s what I wanted, Corey. There’s no worry because of the Ward and our mind shields."

Corey looked aghast.

"Get real, Woorawa! Samuel’s just been healed because she figured how to bypass both of them."

"She’s run out of Wardens. There’re only two more and they both side with Makelan."

"Is that so? Well, what if one’s a stooge, planted so the Usurper gets inside knowledge?"

Rhys piped up.

"Hey, yeah! Realm Rulers are tricky beasts. Maynor fooled everyone for centuries.

I don't think it’s a problem though. We’ll get warned if another Warden Gate starts."

"I agree with you, Rhys. On balance I don't think we need worry about another Warden – it's more likely to be something unexpected – those clouds for example. They’re building above us in the middle of a clear sky."

Every head lifted to the bank of cloud forming directly above.

Rhys laughed.

"Making it rain on us won't do much."

"Look how dark and angry. I think it's going to be lightning."

"Sheba! I think you’re right, Tan. Kieran and Maurice made huge storms to get water and the lightning was unbelievable."

Rhys turned to Ban.

"How safe are we here, Ban? Do Wards protect against thunderbolts? Electricity’s different to rocks or other solid things."

"I have no idea, Rhys. This is the first time I’ve even been close to a Ward. Knowledge of how they function mostly rests with the Realm Lords and those trained to assist them. I’d be surprised if lightning could penetrate though. Wards have been used for millennia."

The first rumble of thunder sounded.

***