Widderkin Interlude - 5. Chapter 5

Chapter 5.

Kieran sent the Sea Eagles ahead. Their superior vision, linked with his own judgement, would quickly assess any possible landing spots.

Hmm! That was interesting. Both eagles were registering an inclination to follow the smaller right arm. A closer look at their memories might be worthwhile.

Michael's mental call interrupted that.

"Kieran! The new orcas remember this place and they’re telling Pod Momma to be ready to run … I wish I could talk to them directly."

"They think there’s something dangerous?"

"Not exactly dangerous. They’re wary about something ahead of us and to the right, and they’re like kids looking for assurance."

Through his orca mind-net, Kieran calmed the growing wariness and hastened the Sea Eagles on what was clearly a known path.

"Slow our progress while I check ahead, Michael. There’s something stirring in the Sea Eagles’ minds as much as the new orcas."

The armada, as Rhys was calling it, slowed, and the humans watched the racing Sea Eagles disappear from view.

"Share their vision, everyone. There’s an area somewhere ahead that’s exciting the Eagles and making our new orcas nervous."

The cliffs lost height, an expanse of water on the left stretched far into the distance and, ahead, a low peninsular tapered down to water level.

Nathan gave a mental yell.

"Look at the green, Kieran. It's too strong to see through."

To Kieran the promontory was only partially obscured so he accessed Nathan's Power Eyes then instinctively recoiled from the glowing brilliance.

"God's, Nathan! Turn your Power Eyes off. That’s so bright it hurts."

"Sorry! I wasn't thinking. Not right off, Kieran. We might miss something."

The brilliance lowered to a comfortable level and, wondering how Nathan's Power Eyes could be working through vision relayed from the Sea Eagles, Kieran examined the fast approaching promontory.

Interesting! The glow strength had a peak behind one section of the promontory, and wondering what it meant, Kieran sent the Eagles to look.

Close vision showed dense forest covering every part of the looming promontory.

A small bay behind the promontory came into view and interest in the forest cover disappeared.

Rhys's excited yell was echoed by Nathan and John.

"There’s a jetty or something!"

There was indeed and it was too regular to be natural.

Woorawa’s yell eclipsed Rhys's.

"There’s someone standing at the end."

Kieran's share in the communal rush of emotions changed to utter disbelief as the Eagles descended to the green robed figure pointing at the T-shaped structure next to him.

Ranevargar?

Feeling the mix of familiarity, pleasure, and belonging, in the forefront of their minds, Kieran let the Eagles follow their instincts.

The female, then the male, landed and after a shiver of settlement leaned to enjoy a welcoming caress.

"Gods, Kieran! I thought it was Ranevargar until they landed. Are you still controlling them? – Yes, we’re still seeing through their eyes. What are you going to do?"

Kieran made his answer general.

"I’m still controlling the Eagles, everyone, but they’re so happy to be near this person we’re just going to watch for a while.

Any thoughts, Corey?"

"Not enough input yet, but that interaction with the Eagles was distinctly positive and welcoming."

"You need to look through my Power Eyes, Kieran. It’s amazing."

Annoyed that he hadn't already done so, Kieran looked – and wondered.

Branching from four major lines of control, a multitude of lesser ribbons reached near and far to latent pools of green energy. How was Nathan coping? He wasn't. His Power Eyes, shuttered to a comfortable level, were revealing only a fraction of the seemingly endless power reserves.

"What do the ribbons mean, Kieran? He’s a bit like an octopus with a thousand tentacles."

Kieran shared the question, along with Nathan's perception, before answering.

"The tentacles are control links to pools of the green fog energy. He’s a Power Master of some kind – and that’s a lot of power."

"If he’s controlling the green fog he’s probably the boss. Can you grab his mind through the Eagles?"

Kieran shared his mental smile.

"I’m not doing any grabbing, Rhys. If he attacks us through the Eagles I might, but I don't want them getting hurt."

"Face-to-face?"

"We’ll be there in fifteen minutes, Arthur. Look at him. He seems to be staring at the Eagles but his eyes are so intent I reckon he’s having a buddha moment."

"That’s a great deal of power at his command. Are you confident our shields can protect us?"

Rhys laughed.

"Doubts, Corey. Maynor and thirteen power Masters hardly even registered."

"This is a different situation, Rhys. What if the Realm restraints against physical harm don't apply here?"

"What? You mean like that guy with the gun in Canberra?"

"Exactly, Rhys – or like the monsters when you were in Dead World. Mind shields meant nothing to them, and we haven't got Krol to protect us."

"I’ve learnt how to stop creatures of power like spooks and the Dead World monsters, Corey. Maurice had a compulsion wall to stop Dead World monsters from disturbing his sleep and Ranevargar was so intrigued we had a session to learn it."

"Really? You never practice it."

"It's one of those things that are easy once you know how."

"Wow! No one could get us ... Unless they could sing like Woorawa."

"Look what’s happening with the green fog, Kieran. It’s like he’s making a wall."

Kieran accessed Nathan's unique vision and, with growing wonder, studied the ribbons of green fog flowing from near and far to form what was clearly a barrier.

"Can we get through, Kieran? That’s an awful lot of power and it’s kind of never ending."

"From what I can see, one of our Rubies would be plenty, Nathan, but look how happy the Sea Eagles are. Their minds are healthy, not like our new orcas, and that gives me good vibes about this Power Master."

Corey interrupted.

"I tend to agree with you, Kieran. This individual is clearly aware of our approach, and the fog buildup has shown no sign of aggression. He does have an air of tension, though, so stay on high alert."

"We’re the invaders, Kieran. He has to be as wary of us as we are of him, and he’s using the fog as kind of defence mechanism. You’re close enough. Can you make contact through the Eagles?"

"I tried, very gently, Mr B, but the fog’s like a protective shield, and forcing my way through would be aggression from our side."

A gentle but insistent thought came from John.

"Part of the fog barrier is coming into view for our normal sight, Kieran. When we round the end of the promontory in a few minutes we’ll be face-to-face with it. My suggestion is to stop there and wait quietly for a while. Then if that doesn't bring bring a reaction, you could make a solo and very sedate approach.

If you look calm and composed he’ll hopefully regard you as an envoy."

Along with a general sense of the agreement from everyone, Rhys added his thoughts.

"I reckon that's brilliant, Kieran. One stranger would be way less confronting than our whole armada ... As long as you’re ready if he does get nasty."

"Good thinking, John. That’s exactly what we’ll do – are you and Gwen okay with Nathan and I making a light merge? Power’s being used in ways I’ve never seen and his help might be important."

Kieran watched the shared look and Gwen’s nod.

"Of course, but why ask us? That’s Nathan's decision – is there some kind of danger for him?"

"Only if I can't handle this confrontation, and then we’re all in trouble.

It is a big decision, John, and Nathan will want to help whatever, but he is your son, and he is young."

There was another shared look and another nod from Gwen.

"Thank you, Kieran. Nathan has enough maturity to make decisions like this for himself, and providing it’s well considered we support whatever choice he makes.

"Okay, have a listen while I ask him."

***

"That’s unreal, Kieran. Are you sure it’s fog stuff? It looks like a solid wall."

The company of orcas and people was halted and staring at the strange barrier ahead.

Kieran, merged with Nathan and watching with a mix of abilities, was seeing far more.

"It’s just fog stuff, Rhys, but it’s concentrated so much it’s hard to believe, and the barrier in front of us is tiny compared to the reserves stretching way into the distance."

Kieran now gave his attention to everyone.

"Okay, people. We’ve made no move for long enough. It’s time to see what happens when I make an approach.

Michael, I’ve been helping, but Pod Momma’s doing a great job of holding our new orcas steady. Help her keep them calm as best you can.

I’ve called one of the Sea Eagles to keep me company, and when she arrives I’ll start moving. If she’s perched on my shoulder and looking happy that’s another sign that we don't want trouble."

"Do you think she’ll be able to fly through –"

Mr B's query was cut off when the Eagle seemed to materialise in front of the wall, then manoeuvre to land gracefully on Kieran's shoulder.

"Here we go, folks!"

Under careful control, Kieran's orca moved slowly and serenely to a position just metres from the green barrier.

"Something’s happening, Kieran. He’s moving the power."

For a while, Kieran's perception saw only the massive accumulation of energy barring his way. Through Nathan's eyes, though, he saw energy flow apart and form a tunnel like structure.

"Good thinking! You had it right, John. He’s opened a way but it's narrow, like he’s only happy to accept one of us. I’m going in."

"I’m nervous, Kieran. What if he snaps it shut while you’re inside?"

"Then he’s unfriendly and we’ll fight back, Rhys. We’ve made a trigger that will react if there’s any pressure from the green fog."

Kieran/Nathan, the orca, and the watchful but friendly Sea Eagle, went into the opening and moved steadily past the shimmering walls.

"Look how he moves the energy wherever he wants it, Kieran. It’s like when you did the glow show at last night's campfire. Grab a tiny bit and see if you can move it yourself."

Kieran was quite startled to realise Nathan was right. It was a very different scale but the patterns of movement were almost identical.

"That’s brilliant, Nathan, but we’ll keep things calm and save it for later. The tunnel’s ending – it’s brought us to the jetty ... And look, there’s a ladder coming down into the water. I won't even have to swim."

The orca moved close and, after sending the Eagle ahead, Kieran made an easy jump to the ladder and after a climb he moved, rather tentatively, and approached till the distinguished but tightly composed figure gestured for a halt.

A deep, curiously resonating voice spoke a series of unintelligible words then stopped.

"You speak a language I do not know."

Hoping this thought message would be understood, Kieran spread his hands, pointed a finger to his head and touched the stranger’s shields with a gentle sense of questioning.

When the touch was returned, Kieran opened a guided channel through his own shields and couldn't help smiling as a phrase he'd heard before sounded in his mind.

"Who are you?"

"A stranger to this land, lost and seeking knowledge and shelter. I hope you can help us."

"You bring a host of the WarBeasts to the heart of my Hexulate yet you ask for help?

You override my community protections with apparent ease while my friends happily grant you fielty?

You approach with protections and power I can barely perceive, let alone understand.

Has the Usurper called new resources to further her ambitions? If you are her minion, then know that I will resist as I can."

All this was being relayed, and into Kieran/Nathan's own puzzlement and wonder came Corey's instant response.

"Ask questions and show him a part of who you are, Kieran. I think he's the local equivalent of a Realm Lord."

A press of thoughts came from almost everyone else but there was no time to answer.

"My name is Kieran, sometimes Keryth, and I am no one's minion.

The WarBeasts you mention must be our new friends, the many orcas whose minds I had to heal and release from cruel bondage.

I have been granted a measure of affinity with living creatures and your beautiful Sea Eagles’ response is natural.

I did wrest control in the extremity of need but, as you can see, it was benign."

"Friendly WarBeasts? My experience and understanding struggles to accept such a notion."

"Use your gift of mind riding to study my friend and steed, and see the kinship we share."

"My name is Makelan.

You will relax your strange protections?"

"Yes. Go ahead. I have told him you might take benevolent control for a moment. Like all my company he is very curious about you."

"Curious? You communicate as we speak?"

"Thank you for sharing your name, Makelan. Yes, I share our discourse with all my company."

"... This ... orca ... Is a juvenile."

Kieran/Nathan gave their first smile.

"In our oceans he's an adult male and a larger than most."

Kieran/Nathan watched carefully, and with growing puzzlement, while the big male was studied with intense concentration.

"This is a new and complicated creature, Kieran. Will he permit a physical connection while I assimilate his identity?"

"Physical? – Yes, climb down. He quite enjoys carrying people if that’s what you mean."

"Assimilate?"

"It must be his way of getting the orca pattern, Nathan."

"He reacted to your smile, Kieran."

"Yes, and look how he’s acting with my orca."

The image, relayed to everyone, showed the Power Master kneeling, with eyes closed and the palms of both hands pressed against orca skin.

Corey's thought came.

"Unless he’s a master of deception his respect for animals appears to be genuine. The vibes are improving, Kieran. Has he taken the control he was offered?"

"Not yet, Corey. It seems to be a drawn out process. We’ll just have to wait."

The wait was another two or three minutes and ended with hands raised in an expression of sheer wonder. Makelan jumped for the ladder and climbed to rejoin Kieran.

"Kieran, the reality of your orca friend is new to me and beyond my understanding. Can this be the true nature of our great nemesis, the WarBeasts?"

"This orca has never been a WarBeast, and your local orcas have the same potential. Free of subjugation and mind control this is their natural state of being.

Makelan, just two days ago, a strange force my orca friends describe as a calling brought us to this place of oceans and prolific life. We offer no threat unless we are threatened ourselves and we are minions to no one."

"Two days? Then you must have been drawn through one of the Wild Gates. We think the Usurper has some type of association with them."

"Is this Usurper someone who threatens you?"

"Always. She controls the HeartStone and wishes to subvert the Hexulates to her own purposes."

Corey's insistent thought came through.

"We’re in a version of the Realms, Kieran. The HeartStone must be a Nexus and the Hexulates are the six domains that go with it. Offer him some support."

"Your pause is a consideration?"

"My pause is a communication from our strategist.

Amongst other things, he tells me to offer you support."

"Support? ... Curious ... Very well. I will widen the way while you bring your people through."

"Widen it? Why not dissolve it?"

"You’re not aware of the approaching WarBeasts?"

"Orcas? You mean not ours?"

"Eight groups are converging at great speed toward the entrance way."

"Converging?"

"If this is a confrontation they will congregate then proceed in force"

"Makelan, my friends are weary with travel. With your permission I will widen the way and bring them to refuge."

"Permission? You know how to manipulate my barrier?"

"We believe so, yes! We’ve been studying its structure and making subtle changes as we speak."

"Changes? That should not be possible. Show me, Kieran."

Kieran/Nathan drew his necklace and presented the softly glowing Opal.

"This is my Realm Stone, Makelan. It seems we have much in common."

Makelan’s tentative probe stopped abruptly and wondering eyes lifted.

"Another impossibility. Your gemstone feels like an Instrument of Power."

"Why do you say impossible? Yours has been in constant use."

Makelan stared.

"There are six unique Instruments of Power, Kieran, each one tuned to the HeartStone and the Hexulate it serves. Your rainbow gem looks like a giant version of the one wielded by the Usurper."

Kieran/Nathan shook his head at the mental shouts coming from Corey, Mr B and Tan.

"It's definitely a version of the Realms, Kieran. Bring us in as quickly as you can."

"My friends are yelling their excitement. When they’re all here we’ll have a council. Watch while we widen the tunnel."

"Go ahead, Kieran. I am feeling somewhat overwhelmed."

Nathan, who’d been quietly directing Kieran's abilities to experiment with the Green Fog, passed control to Kieran and startled his mum and dad with an exuberant yell.

"We’re on the way. He's a good guy."

Rom barked and looked in all directions.

The way through broadened and, through Michael and Pod Momma, the armada began to move.

"We’ve been riding our friends all day, Makelan. A number of us will need to rush for a space of privacy and personal comfort."

"There is a facility, but it is some distance away. Kieran, what have you done to the outward face of the barrier? I watched the change but don't quite understand it."

"I made it stronger. Look! Here’s Michael leading the way."

The orcas with riders led the way to the jetty and the ladder, then the rest came in a great flood and spread to explore the sheltered bay.

Kieran/Nathan couldn't help laughing.

"Look at them all, Makelan. We call them the armada. The big ones had strong memories of this barrier but they’re all calm and happy now that Pod Momma looks after them."

"Pod Momma? Is that a name or a designation?"

"Hmm! – It’s both really, and this is Pod Momma now at the ladder with Michael. Natural orcas have a close community group called a pod with a dominant female as a leader."

Makelan stared.

"Kieran, what happened to him?"

"What do you mean?"

"His skin is dark."

"Dark? Oh, that’s natural. Wait till you meet Woorawa. He’s even darker, and Tan is a different colour again.

Makelan, I’m one of the group who’s in a rush. I’ll be back soon."

***

Kieran, much relieved, returned to an interesting situation. Bantellar, the only mind speaker present, was relaying questions from Corey and John.

Too complicated.

"Makelan, only four of us can properly share thoughts so I’m offering you access to the surface level of our minds. That way you’ll be able to communicate the same as we do."

Makelan nodded, rather seriously.

"Thank you. That is a generous offer which I now return.

You have extraordinary companions, Kieran, but my immediate concern is with the approaching WarBeasts. The numbers are unprecedented and if they come with any augmentation my barrier might not stand."

"Are they still eight groups?"

"The numbers have not changed but the two leading groups have amalgamated and are not far from the river entrance."

"How are you working out their numbers and location?"

"With a few exceptions, I have communion with the life in my Hexulate."

"All of it? ... Through your Instrument of Power?"

"Yes, except for any intruding WarBeasts, and my two close companions."

"Close?"

Kieran looked at the Sea Eagles.

"I took control because I needed their help. Sorry – they’re all yours again.

Makelan, we won't need your barrier. If I break their cruel conditioning the WarBeasts will all become friendly and part of your Hexulate."

"Not without protection from the Usurper, Kieran. Knowledge of their ways is one of her great masteries and she would very quickly rebind them."

"Kieran's shields would protect them."

Rhys had moved close and Kieran draped one arm across his shoulders.

"We’re companions, Makelan.

I think they would in the short term, Rhys, but after we’re gone they won't have any backup.

Makelan, can we take the Eagles to the river entrance? I’d like to study the new WarBeasts from close at hand."

"You know how to share control of my Eagles?"

"I meant for you to have control while I access their vision."

"I don't take direct control. I make suggestions and the Eagles comply eagerly."

Mr B interrupted.

"Kieran, let’s move off the jetty and start organising some sort of shelter while you’re doing that."

Makelan nodded.

"My facility is only a short distance and there is food, shelter and a gathering place."

"Are dogs welcome?"

Makelan looked to where Nathan was ruffing Rom's neck fur, then saw everyone else's smiles.

"Of course ‘dogs’ are welcome. I am keen to make proper acquaintance."

"Shake hands, Rom."

Following where Nathan was looking, Rom trotted to Makelan and lifted his paw.

Makelan held it steady for about fifteen seconds then looked at Nathan.

"He is a very special companion, Nathan. He offers you complete trust and loyalty."

Tan moved next to Nathan.

"Nathan has a beautiful story about a dog with mystery in his eyes, Makelan, and if there’s an opportunity to hear it you should listen."

"Nathan is a storyteller?"

"We’re all storytellers, Makelan, but before meeting Woorawa, Nathan kept his stories private. When this encounter with the WarBeasts is resolved Woorawa and Nathan will recount it in a special way."

Nathan looked astonished.

"Me? Tan, Woorawa’s the real storyteller so why are you dobbing me in?"

"Because you have a dog with magic eyes."

Corey nudged Mr B and they beckoned everyone along the jetty.

Makelan fell into step beside Kieran.

"Who is Tan, Kieran? Was his talk of storytelling a distraction to take worry from young Nathan's mind?"

"Tan is amazing. He sees things the rest of us don't.

The Eagles are nearly at the river entrance so let’s have a look."

Makelan gave a mental gasp as images of the cliffs and passageway came into his mind.

"Everything is so sharp and clear!"

For a moment Kieran/Nathan was surprised, but then he remembered Ranevargar's instruction with the joker birds and his own reaction.

"We’re accessing your Eagles’ eyes directly, Makelan. I’ll show you how as soon as we get an opportunity.

Wowsers! Look at them all. Take the Eagles down and circle closer while we study them."

As far as Makelan could tell the studying involved numbers and general WarBeast activity.

For Kieran/Nathan the study was far more.

"Oh my God, Kieran! This is way different to the first lot. Look how much power they’ve got. Every one of them is glowing like crazy."

The glow was Power Eye perspective and demanded more understanding.

"See that big outlier, Nathan. We’ll try our trick of sneaking through it’s defence so we can work out what's going on."

That involved following a pathway of new energy coming for reinforcement but this time it didn't work. The defence flared but no help came.

"It’s only one orca. We can push through."

"No way, Nathan. She’s already given them much stronger defence and if she learns we can push through she might give them even more. When the other groups arrive we’ll do it in one go."

Kieran watched Nathan set the Life Force measurement going.

"That’s no good. It's tiny compared to the new power and I wouldn't use it anyway. They’ll need it if we manage to heal them."

All this checking and deliberation was at deep merge level and Makelan was starting to wonder what was happening.

"We tried to sneak past one of the WarBeast’s shields, Makelan, but we couldn't without letting the Usurper know we’re here. We're going to do it in one big go when the rest of them arrive."

"Sneak? You mean bypass rather than breakthrough?"

"Yes! It’s tricky and we can only do it while the shield is being bolstered from somewhere external."

There was a time of mental silence.

"Where do you come from, Kieran? In the space of a few short breaths you make direct use of my Eagles’ faculties and challenge my understanding of the nature of a mind barrier."

"Where we come from is another complication, Makelan, and later this evening I hope we can share many things with you."

"This evening? You have great confidence."

"Well, we’ll find out soon enough. Do you have an idea of how long it is before the last WarBeasts arrive?"

"Give me a moment while I gather information, Kieran."

Kieran/Nathan watched a time of introspection similar to the meetings with Rom and the big orca.

"Do you know what he's doing, Kieran?"

This was Nathan at merge level.

"I think it’s a network through his gemstone, Nathan, except he doesn't know a lot of the stuff Ranevargar taught me. I expect he’s tuning in to any sea creatures the WarBeasts are passing."

Makelan’s eyes opened.

"They must be driven, Kieran. They approach at great speed and I estimate final congregation in no more than twenty minutes."

"Send your Eagles for a rest at the clifftops, Makelan, and while we walk to your shelter place we’ll show you what we did to strengthen your barrier."

***

Kieran/Nathan shared the view with Makelan as the Eagles circled above the final group of WarBeasts approaching the river entrance.

"Ready, Makelan. There’s an awful lot of them, and we’re going to make four successive mind net's so we can get basic control as quickly as possible."

"A mind net?"

"It’s a way to manage groups, but it does mean we’ll have to wield large amounts of energy."

"Yet another intriguing skill. Kieran, I don't sense anyone, but you often speak as if someone else is with you."

"Yes, Nathan’s working with me at a deep level. Together we can do and see things we can't do individually."

Trepidation about the size of the huge WarBeast congregation was building in Makelan's mind so the merge gave him a touch of assurance.

The process was straightforward.

The execution wasn't

"Grab some Lifeforce, Nathan. Just enough to take the edge off all that aggression."

A pool of Life Energy gathered and the selected WarBeasts became pleasantly lazy.

"Okay! Now for the breakthrough."

The first push, a kind of assessment, had little effect except to shock Nathan.

"What can we do? They’re too strong."

"No they’re not. We’ll use some of Makelan's green energy first, then we’ll call on your Ruby."

"Okay."

The Kieran/Nathan merge concentrated and 232 needles of focused energy lanced their way through 232 individual shields. Defences collapsed and, within seconds, basic control was taken and new mind shields put in place.

"Wow! That needle attack’s brilliant."

"Let's hope the Usurper person doesn't figure out how to counter it. Quick! Next group!"

Kieran glowed blue, Nathan's Ruby glowed red, and for several seconds Makelan’s Green Barrier dimmed till the defences for the second group of WarBeasts collapsed.

Nathan was exuberant, well, so was Kieran, but then Makelan's concern came through.

"That is the end of my reserves, Kieran, and renewing them takes time."

"Okay! Don't worry! We’ll get what we need from Rhys."

The third mind net was cast successfully and when this group was settled and shielded the merge paused and gathered itself.

"We’ve got them, Kieran. One more go and – what are they doing?"

With a great roil of water one quarter of the great congregation was submerged and powering towards the open ocean.

"Well, they’re leaving. But, whatever the reason, we’re finishing this job."

Three flows of power combined and with practised precision lanced against fleeing WarBeast shields.

Penetration failed.

"Look at all those little ribbons of power coming in, Nathan. She’s started reinforcing their shields."

"What do we do? Call on Woorawa and Mr B's rubies?"

"No way! Look at all that power arriving. We’ll just grab it and use it for ourselves."

"Use her power? We can do that?"

"Well, there’s no protection to stop us. Watch!"

The merge reached for 218 incoming flows of energy, combined them with their own, and lanced decisively through every remaining shield.

Nathan's jubilant yell startled the whole gathering and set Rom quivering in happy reaction to whatever.

There was no time for a message from the merge though, because the massive task of freeing and renewing the minds of 998 orcas was now underway.

Makelan spoke instead.

"All the gathered WarBeasts have been freed from the Usurper's control and Kieran, with Nathan's help is tending to their welfare."

"What are we going to do with them?"

This was Tan addressing Michael.

"What do you mean?"

"There’s so many, and every one of them will need looking after. Pod Momma will go crazy being the leader for over 1000 giant babies. Have you told her yet?"

"Tan, we only just found out. I suppose Kieran and Nathan will bring them here when they’re all healed.

Is there much food in this river system, Makelan? They’ll all be hungry."

"Food is abundant, Michael, but not at the scale required for so many large creatures."

"Hmm! That means ocean feeding. It might be best if our pod goes to meet them at the entrance."

Everyone looked at Kieran and Nathan but they were both in buddha mode and Corey interceded.

"Wait till they’re back with us, Michael. It won't be too long and there may be other considerations."

"Where can we set a campfire, Makelan? Tan and Woorawa have said they’d like one for the storytelling, and we’ll need to use it for cooking."

Makelan pointed to a cleared area in front of a long low building.

"The gathering place is both suitable and appropriate. I have sent for helpers and food will be provided for all."

"Is that where you live?"

"That is a comfortable provision for any visitors, Rhys. My own dwelling is in a glade at the end of the track next to the hostel."

Curious about what Makelan meant by dwelling, Rhys checked the gap in the thick treeline but couldn't see anything.

"Okay, let's get organised. What part of the building will we use? It’s long enough for an army."

"Anywhere you like, but this end might be more convenient."

Rhys picked up his day pack then jumped when Kieran grabbed his arm.

"Not now, Rhys. We’re bringing all the orcas to the Bay for a big meet up with Pod Momma and Michael, and after that we’ll need your help to heal some of them."

"Physical healing? What happened?"

"Nothing just now, but some of them have previous wounds we need to fix."

Mr B laughed.

"Looks like getting organised is postponed. Who’s going to miss seeing a thousand orcas getting together?"

"I’m going to miss it, Mr B. Kieran’s giving me another recovery trance and I’ll just stay quiet for a while.

No, mum. I don't want you to stay. It’s just like having a nap and Rom will look after me."

"How long before they get here, Kieran."

"Ten minutes, Mr B. Their cruising speed is pretty fast."

Mr B looked to Makelan.

"It might be a while before we’re back. Will that be a problem for your helpers?"

"No problem at all ... Kieran, your companion Rhys has experience in tending orca wounds?"

"Come with us, Makelan. This is your Hexulate so I’m happy to show you something special."

Now Rhys was concerned.

"Kieran, what about you?"

"I need to be there, Rhys. It was a full on job fixing so many minds, so I’ll kind of blank out till we reach the jetty, then it's mostly just keeping an oversight."

On a private level Kieran told Rhys a lot more.

"I’m stonkered, Rhys, but it's mental stonker and I’ll get over it quickly. Makelan will see you do your healing and we’ll have to work out how to handle that."

"What do you mean?"

"So far we’ve only shared thoughts at surface level and we should be careful till we know more."

"Wow! He seems pretty trustworthy to me."

"Me too, but Corey reminded me how well our own Realm Lords can keep their true thoughts hidden."

"Like Maynor hiding his plans from your father and Uirebon for centuries?"

"Exactly like that. It’s even possible this Usurper lady is the good guy."

"No way! Not when she treats orcas like that."

"That’s my feeling too. Corey thinks the same but says we have to be careful about jumping to conclusions without real proof."

"Kieran, who cares if he knows about my healing?"

"Ranevargar warned us to keep it secret, even from our own Realm Lords."

"I suppose. So why show him then?"

"Hmm! I think I’ve made another hasty decision. We’ll put him on Pod Momma with Michael, and they can go to meet the nine new groups while we do the healing elsewhere."

"Nine groups? Like pods or something?"

"They were nine groups before they all congregated and for the moment Michael and Pod Momma are going to keep them that way."

"You’re in contact with Michael?"

"With everyone actually. Quick scans of surface thoughts to keep up with everything."

"Holy hell! No wonder you’re stonkered. Kieran, start your blank out now. Nothing special’s likely to happen while we walk to the jetty, and Mr B or Ban can hold the fort if it does."

Rhys linked arms and the group moved off.

***