Widderkin Interlude - 10. Chapter 10

Chapter 10.

 

"Who are these people, Makelan? They threaten the order of our Hexulates. And why do you allow them to break the sanctity of the Heartstone with their presence?"

"These are my friends, My Lady, and with my full agreement they are here to monitor while the Council of Six makes deliberation."

"When need presses, the Keyholder, and only the Keyholder, calls a council. There is no need."

When a crude and very loud raspberry noise sounded from one of the people lined up behind Makelan, the Usurper used the moment to study the strange mix of individuals.

A lady, arm-linked to a man with an air of assessment and authority.

Two men with watchful, protective eyes, probably guards.

All the rest appeared too youthful to be of much account. Three of them had similarly distinctive and disturbingly dark features, and a fourth had a lighter variation.

The little one, who had wielded unimaginable power as if it were a toy, could hardly have reached the age of reason. His hand was resting on the doglike animal’s head with an air of propriety.

The creature lifted a paw, as if pointing, and its eyes glowed with a hint of blue. That must be a seeming.

The figure standing close behind Makelan turned and made a quieting gesture to the remaining youth. Blatant derision ended with a nod, and became scorn – no, judgement.

"There is need and the absent wardens must be called."

"You try my patience, Makelan.

Your stubborn independence continues to threaten the order and stability I seek for all Hexulates.

Dismiss these strangers and I might consider calling a council."

Makelan straightened and crossed his arms.

"Meet High Lord Kieran, Lady Malania.

He will advise our council, adjudicate our deliberations, and facilitate any outcomes that follow."

The words registered and the Usurper gave all her attention to the youth behind Makelan.

Adjudicate? Facilitate? These were implications of authority.

"That title has no standing in our Hexulates. Who are you and why do you interfere with matters that are not your concern?"

"The title is valid, Lady Malania.

Your Heartstone brought me here and I interfere because I have no choice.

Call the absent wardens to council please."

"I will not. Only the Keyholder makes that decision."

"You refuse my request, so now I speak as a High Lord.

Call the absent wardens."

The Usurper bowed her head in respect, made the two calls, then stared in confusion while Makelan was asked to greet them when they arrived, then direct them to the table.

"You made me do that? I sensed no coercion and my mind barrier stands firm."

The youth made no response till Makelan finished a short conversation with the first warden to arrive.

When the warden left Makelan and hurried forward he was motioned to sit.

A laugh sounded and attention turned to the Heartstone where Makelan was talking with the last arrival.

"The fool makes his presence known. Will I remind Garak of his position?"

The Usurper turned to her left.

"Say nothing, Tamalthus. We are watched."

Tamalthus looked to the boy standing behind Makelan’s seat, the people behind him, and then to the grim features of the warden on Lady Malania’s right.

When his mouth snapped shut, the boy gave a simple but somehow unnerving nod.

Makelan approached, and ignoring the Keyholder introduced Garak and Sagal to the boy.

"High Lord Kieran, the council is called."

"Thank you, Makelan.

Wardens of the Hexulates, I give you my greeting.

Along with my friends, I was called to these realms by your ailing Heartstone. Through the last few days we have encountered ignorance, mystery and conflict. With the help of our wonderful orca friends, creatures you know as WarBeasts, we have restored your Heartstone to full vigour and function.

My changes and protections will ensure that from now on every Hexulate will receive the support the Heartstone was designed to supply."

The warden named Garak jumped to his feet.

"I must interrupt.

I have no idea what a High Lord is, but you make claims I cannot accept, let alone understand."

"Yes, Garak?"

"Well, for a start, the Heartstone is immutable. It is our foundation. It can't be ailing."

"Until I saw your Heartstone, Garak, I thought the same. Wardens, watch while I reveal the basic functions of your now healthy Heartstone."

Five wardens stared in awe at the rivers of power flowing symmetrically in six different directions. The Usurper, awed in a different way, stared at Kieran.

"This must be another seeming. In all my time as Keyholder the flows have radiated directly from the Heartstone, not from some crown like structure."

"I introduced the change, Lady Malania, to ensure fair distribution of power, and to stop the subtle draining."

Five wardens directed questioning gazes but the Keyholder was inwardly focused.

Surely not? Alarm compounded with the realisation that five highly secret power sources were gone. This youth really could see and change the workings of the Heartstone?

"It was a matter of necessity, High Lord Kieran, to maintain and strengthen stability."

"What draining, Lady Malania?"

This was loudmouth Garak and the Usurper ignored him, waiting with increasing dread for what the High Lord might say.

"One part in twenty of the basic energy was being leeched from five Hexulates and redirected to one.

The internal imperative to compensate was steadily degrading the health of the Heartstone, Warden Garak. It would inevitably have a reduced ability to hold Chaos at bay."

The warden who’d wounded Samuel shook his head in denial.

"This cannot be true. Lady Malania gave warning that you would use your mastery of deception to bring discord. For once I agree with Warden Garak. The HeartStone is immutable and even the Keyholder cannot change it. This structure you present is beautiful beyond comprehension, but it can only be a seeming."

The youth pointed and five sections of the structure faded, highlighting the purple glow of the one remaining.

"Reveal your Amethyst, Warden Tamalthus, and watch while I make a ‘seeming’ with your Free HeartStone energy."

Warden Tamalthus raised his hand, quite involuntarily, and watched his PowerStone shine with purple brilliance then steadily fade while power flowed to a small globe hovering above his head.

"Your Free energy, Tamalthus. Will I offer it for the strength and stability of all Hexulates, or will you retain its proper use?"

Perspiration broke, along with growing apprehension. The glow of his Amethyst and the appearance could well be a seeming. The redirection of power was frighteningly real.

The globe dwindled and the Amethyst returned to full brilliance.

Tamalthus didn't express his relief because Garak was on his feet.

"High Lord Kieran, I don't understand. Only the Keyholder can access the free energy of our Heartstone. Surely that was a seeming?"

"It was real, Warden Garak. The current keys are easy to bypass and I will be making changes. Lady Malania has increasingly used her position as Keyholder for purposes detrimental to the Hexulates and the Heartstone."

Lady Malania was instantly on her feet.

"That is not true. All my efforts are to build order and stability I –"

"Your efforts are self-centred and threaten the freedom and independence of the Hexulates.

How many orca beings have you turned to mindless WarBeasts?"

"The WarBeasts are animals, trained to bring order to the chaos of our oceans."

"Orcas are the key to the health of your Heartstone. Without the help of healthy orcas from another place, that health would not have been restored.

Lady Malania, it is time for the keys to pass to a new holder."

Lady Malania stiffened, stared, then shook her head in complete denial.

"You are mistaken, High Lord Kieran. I am the keyholder and that cannot be changed. Every warden knows that only an Opal holder can manage the keys. The tree lover holds the Pearl, the least of all power stones."

"Raise your hand, Lady Malania, while the council examines your Power Stone."

Defiance flared.

"My Opal is not for public display"

"I understand, and normally I would agree with you, but your knowledge is limited and misplaced. Any stone holder with appropriate power and ability can wield the keys.

Show us your Opal, Lady Malania. Everyone at this table is a stone holder and understands the unique association."

A hand lifted and the Opal sparkled with life.

"Yes, Lady Malania, your Opal is quite beautiful, but it's power is limited. Warden Makelan’s Pearl is far more capable."

Makelan looked at Kieran in surprise.

"Very much so, Makelan. Your unique gifts, combined with your new mastery of power, far outclass your fellow wardens."

Kieran now looked to Lady Malania, and for the first time, took on an aspect of authority.

"Lady Malania, you have great skills and strength that could serve your Hexulate well. Would you like to keep your Opal and your place at this table?"

Lady Malania quailed.

"That is not a choice. Only death can break the bond between Power Stone and holder."

"Once again you are mistaken, Lady Malania, but I sense that only Makelan believes me.

Wardens, let me know when you have understanding and I will stop."

Five wardens turned their attention inward as a strange and disturbing sense of loss began a steady build.

Slowly, remorselessly, their Power Stone links began to fade.

"Stop! Please stop! I believe you."

The five way mind net snapped to four-way control and Warden Tamalthus gasped with relief as his Amethyst connection returned to full health.

Four more acknowledgements came in a rush and then, pale and distressed, Lady Malania recovered herself enough to test the link to her Opal.

"I accept your authority, High Lord."

"Good! Now we are getting somewhere.

Lady Malania, you retain your Hexulate and your Opal on two conditions. First, respect the freedom and independence of other Hexulates, while you use your skills and resources to rebuild and nurture your own.

The second condition is of limited duration but vital for the future health of the Heartstone.

You will work with Makelan and myself till every WarBeast is restored in mind and body.

I will speak with you in person when the council ends."

"I will cooperate with the wishes of the council, High Lord Kieran, but will I have full authority in my own Hexulate?"

"While you hold to the spirit of nurture and restoration, yes.

Warden Makelan, will you use the keys of power for the good of all Hexulates?"

Makelan came to his feet, made a formal little bow to each warden, then took out his Pearl.

"I have much to learn, High Lord Kieran. I will do my best."

The Usurper’s keys dissolved.

New keys with Ranevargar level locks settled in Makelan’s mind.

Kieran pointed to the Heartstone.

"Makelan, direct the full flow of Free energy to each Warden in turn so they understand your new facility."

Each stone of power shone with brief radiance.

"Well done, Makelan. Now share the power evenly."

Warden Garak jolted in surprise.

"Is this right, High Lord? I am receiving much more than I expected."

"The orcas helped the Heartstone return to full health, Garak. This is the new normal for every warden."

"The WarBeasts can do such a thing? It defies understanding."

"I don't understand the process myself, but the results are clear.

Garak, a WarBeast can't do this. It must be restored to full health first.

Makelan, show some of the wonder of healthy orcas. Share your memory of the healing song and then the calming song."

Five wardens regarded Makelan with new interest, then listened while the songs sounded in their minds.

"They’re all impressed, Kieran, even the Usurper."

"She’s impressed, Nathan, but she still wonders if it's a trick. She’s finding it hard to accept that animals can be important."

"That doesn't sound good for the wild orcas. Could a different warden look after them? – Garak has a good feel."

"He does, but I don't think he’d cope. Makelan is best suited, but he’ll be overwhelmed while he settles into the Keyholder position. When I speak privately with Malania she’ll get very strong guidelines about everything."

"I don't like her. I wish You could give her Opal to someone else."

"Me too, but it’s like the Maynor situation. She’s got skills and knowledge that will be vital to help the Hexulates rebuild."

"Some of her skills are unreal. - Do you think Makelan’s strong enough to keep her under control?"

"Easily! In the last few days he’s learnt things she’s never even heard of.

Here we go, Nathan. The songs are finishing and I'm giving them an open discussion time for fifteen or twenty minutes. Keep watch on their deeper level thoughts."

***

It looks to me like they’re accepting everything Kieran says. What’s your take, John?"

"It’s very interesting, Corey. Their reluctant acceptance turned almost positive when Kieran and Makelan answered so many questions. I do have a sense that Lady Malania is a one directional person though, and I’m dubious about letting her stay a warden."

Rhys interrupted with a mind call.

"Big moment everyone! Kieran’s finished with the council and he's going to have a secret talk with Bossy Boots Malania."

Kieran moved and pointed to the Heartstone.

"Walk with me, Lady Malania. Would you like a privacy ward while we speak?"

"Privacy? Yes, of course."

An opaque blue curtain surrounded the two figures and for all intents and purposes they weren't there.

***

"Do you know what they’re talking about, Nathan?"

"Not exactly, Corey. Kieran offered her true privacy so we dropped the merge. It’s some kind of session to make sure she know where she stands."

"I think I know."

This was Rhys.

"Kieran and Ranevargar did something like this with Maynor in the Realms so he wouldn't cause trouble."

"Hey, yeah! Kieran did access memories about that, but I didn't watch because I was checking how well the other wardens were linking with the new Nexus levels."

"Gods! The merge let's you do stuff like that?"

"You know it's not me, Rhys. I just access Kieran's abilities. You’ll find out for yourself when we get home because Kieran’s making learning about merging as a kind of big deal."

Corey interrupted.

"When do we get home, Nathan? Did you see that in Kieran's mind?"

"Yep! He’s ready to go. When that privacy thing dissolves we’ll get started."

"Started? What exactly does that mean?"

Nathan looked to his mum and dad then pointed.

"We walk five hundred metres in that direction and leave from there."

"What?"

The pointing focused everyone's attention and Rhys laughed.

"You’ve lumbered us with a drama queen, Tan. – He’s loving this."

"What's the point of walking five hundred metres, Nathan?"

"Well, we don't really have to, but Kieran needs some time to help Makelan settle into the Keyholder position.

It’s the oldest grove of the special trees and, after Makelan assimilates a whole stack of new information, Kieran wants to watch in case the Focus Tree process needs any adjustment."

"Five hundred metres! That’s only a few minutes."

"Yep! Add another ten while the Focus Tree gets set up, Arthur, and then a little wait while Makelan tests it."

"By going to his Hexulate?"

Corey answered that.

"And back here, Arthur. He has five wardens wanting to know where they stand."

The privacy shield dissolved and Kieran and Lady Malania returned to the council area.

Makelan, now released from his learning trance, caught the eye of each warden in turn, then addressed them quite formally.

"The council will reconvene when I return.

Lady Malania, I suggest you make facilities available and arrange refreshments. We have a great deal to discuss and our session will be prolonged."

A great smile developed as he turned from the wardens.

"Walk with me, High Lord Kieran and friends, while the wardens gather their thoughts."

He gave a directing nod and the friends moved with him towards the buildings.

***

The Grove was ancient, so ancient that walking past the massive trunks and gnarled limbs was an experience. Rhys gave Kieran a questioning nudge.

"Are these trees giving off vibes or something? They make me feel like I should be whispering."

"Me too. There were a couple of big ones near Makelan’s dwelling that felt something like this – but here it’s almost every tree."

Makelan stopped and, with a smile, indicated a particularly large and interestingly shaped tree.

"Certain trees take my attention and this one has an unusually strong sense of age and energy."

"Energy?"

"Yes, Corey. A surprising amount. Way more than my Hexulate trees."

"It divides into three. I reckon it was hit by lightning or a windstorm or something when it was little. Do they have much wild weather here?"

"Not that I know of, Rhys. – Rest your hands on that knotty section and tell me if you think it would suit as a Focus tree."

"Me? How would I know?"

Makelan gave the most relaxed smile.

"You don't know that you don't know till you try, Rhys. Then you’ll know that you don't know, or you'll know that you do know."

Rhys gawped and contacted Kieran.

"Weird! Has he gone bonkers?"

"He’s de-stressing, Rhys. It’s a friendly stir, a Makelan version of Rhys talk."

"For real? Okay!"

Thinking of a comeback, Rhys moved and rested his hand.

"See, Makelan. It’s a no-know. I can't feel anything I –"

Green luminescence covered his hand and started spreading up his arm.

Rhys laughed and turned to look at Makelan.

"Very funny! That's a good trick, Makelan. Why don't you try it on – what?"

He stopped mid-sentence because Kieran, Nathan, and Makelan were all staring.

"I’m not doing anything. Lift your hand, Rhys."

Rhys's hand lifted, and the luminescence retreated.

"Hey! That’s neat! What does it mean?"

Nathan answered.

"We haven’t got a clue what it means, Rhys, but it came from the tree, not from Kieran or Makelan."

On a private level Kieran heard much more.

"Put your hand on the knotty part and watch through my Power Eyes, Kieran. There’s a strange combination of Tree LifeForce and Fog Energy concentrated there."

"You want me to touch it?"

"Well, Rhys liked it, and Makelan will put his hands there when he makes it a Focus tree."

Kieran accessed Nathan's power eyes and saw why he was so intrigued. LifeForce and Tree energy concentrated where Rhys had put his hand. On impulse he rested his hand on a different part of the tree.

The energy combination left the knotted area and flowed toward the new point of contact.

Oh my!

Luminescence covered Kieran's hand, spread to his elbow, and then to his shoulder.

Kieran responded to the group reaction.

"It’s pretty amazing, like the tree can tell where it’s being touched. I’m trying to study the energy patterns but they’re beyond me."

Touch a different part of the tree when I break contact, Mr B, so we can see how it reacts to someone else."

The luminescence moved to Mr B, but it wasn't as bright and only reached his elbow.

This was fascinating. At Kieran/Nathan's request everyone took a turn and every time there was a different result.

After Kieran, Nathan brought the most reaction and Arthur the least. Time was passing though, and Kieran reluctantly called a halt.

"We'll get back to this some other time, after we've had a talk with Ranevargar.

Makelan, do you still want to make this your Focus tree?"

"Absolutely, Kieran. It's links to the forest around are much stronger than the three Focus trees in my Hexulate. As I said, I feel particularly drawn to it."

"I can't wait to see this. I reckon it’s going to be good."

"What do you mean, Rhys?"

"Kieran says your affinity with trees is even stronger than his, and look at this one. It’s so old it’s likely been here since the grove started. It might even be the original tree and all the others come from it."

What a startling idea. Kieran half expected someone to say Rhys had been reading too many fantasy novels.

Corey beat them to it.

"We have no way of knowing, of course, but I believe Rhys is on to something. All our attention has been on the tree itself and not on the surrounds. Look at the situation. We came on one track, but there are three others converging here as well, almost like a hub or centre. We are pushed for time though, so make the Focus tree and let's see what happens."

Makelan approached the tree and, true to pattern, reached with both hands.

Luminescence flowed, as expected, but then it kept flowing, and flowing, and only stopped when Makelan was completely enveloped.

"Sheba! I didn't think it would be that good!"

Everyone else was transfixed. Woorawa said later that Makelan looked like a mystical being from a spirit world.

The merge was too challenged to be transfixed.

"Is Makelan all right?"

"He’s more than all right, Nathan. That pleasant feeling we all had is so strong for him his mind’s gone on hold.

It's like ... It's something like when Ranevargar or I give a benison."

The luminescence retreated and Makelan, radiating happiness, returned to the business at hand.

"This is an exceptional tree, Kieran. It has a comforting sense of presence, and when it becomes a Focus Tree it’s going to be a special place for me."

As he’d done with the other Focus Trees, he closed his eyes and concentrated.

The merge watched in wonder as each new tree added complexity and strength.

"This is the first time I’ve seen this with Power Eyes, Nathan, and I think something’s different. Each new tree is making a main link to this one, but your Power Eyes show minor connections to all the nearby trees as well."

"Wow! Like zillions of tiny strings making a three-dimensional spiderweb."

Kieran/merge blinked mentally at the sophisticated model Nathan was seeing and stored every moment for Ranevargar’s benefit.

Power flared and Makelan disappeared.

"Whoa! That was quick. How long before he gets back?"

"Pretty much straight away, Rhys. He knows how keen we are to get home. - It was quick though. There are lots of things about this tree we don't understand. There’s –."

Power flared again and Makelan reappeared.

"Wonderful, Kieran! Everything works exactly as you said it would.

I ... Um! ... I wish you well and look forward to every future visit."

"Pod Momma will let us know when it’s time, and you’re in my Opal net now, so I’ll check in most days, - especially for a while."

"That won't be enough, Kieran. That’s every fourth day for Makelan.""

Hmm! You’re right, Corey. Well, not to worry! We’ll sort it out."

Okay! Big circle everyone. This is it."

Makelan gave Kieran a very formal little bow, then another one to the group in general. He moved to one side and watched quietly.

The circle formed with Rom inside and pressing against Nathan's leg.

With every eye watching intently, Kieran reached for the unique and powerful pattern of the Mparntwe Nexus.

***

Kieran shared the group smiles as Woorawa rushed to join the figure waving from the meditation rock.

"Burrimul must be very special to Woorawa, Kieran."

"That's for sure, Gwen. Rhys reckons they’re more like brothers than an uncle and nephew."

"Well, it’s the same for Nathan. We’ve never seen him so happy and confident."

"He’s very special, Gwen. Without him we would’ve been hopelessly stranded."

The group reached the thinking rock and the conversation had to stop.

After happy greetings Burrimul pointed to the minivan.

"We’ll talk while we’re driving.”

He checked his watch.

"You’re due at the airport in one hour and forty minutes.

***