Widderkin V. O. E. - 20. Chapter 20

Widderkin VOE.

Chapter 20.

"Should we disband our merge for the duration of this workshop, Kieran? The Nexus patterns were given specifically to you and your father."

"No way, Ranevargar, unless you need a break after this morning's big session with Corey. We both see things more clearly when we’re merged and I’ll definitely need your guidance. I do recognise Nexus patterns but Maurice does all my Realm management and I never really use them."

"That mastery will come easily when the opportunity to apply yourself presents, Kieran, but you are endlessly challenged by intrusions on your time."

"That’s for sure! ... Ranevargar, have you had any ideas about why the oracle involved my father?"

"He has ultimate responsibility for all Nexus flows.

He is your father.

He has a part to play in the affairs of the companions.

Proximity and involvement drew him into an action aimed primarily at you.

The possibilities range wide, Kieran, and tease my curiosity as much as they do yours."

"I suppose so. I doubt it was by chance, though. Somehow that feels out of character for the oracle. I’m going to insist we highlight every different facet of the power flows so Uirebon and Lady Narello see the overall picture.

I want Maurice involved too, in case it’s important for my Realm."

"That is more than sensible, Kieran. Bantellar is progressing beyond our expectation and a deep sleep for the duration of the workshop will be more beneficial than continued energy boosts."

Maurice’s voice sounded.

"Thank you for including me, Kieran. I thirst for any knowledge that will help manage the Realm. Bantellar is an apt pupil but a break now will help him cope with missing two sleep periods."

"Two?"

"You leave late this afternoon and arrive early morning human time, Kieran. You will all need energy boosts, and Bantellar doubly so."

"Hmm. That’s going to be awkward, Ranevargar. You’re too busy to give Corey any more special time so we should put him into a recovery sleep too. Especially after your early session."

"I believe he should observe your study and trials with the new Nexus patterns, Kieran. I fully expect his insight to affect the outcome."

"You do? Okay, but straight after that we’ll get him to rest."

"He will resist."

"I’ll persuade him. He’s got a zillion things planned and once he gets started he’s hard to stop."

"That is his way, Kieran."

"I know, but I’ve got the guilts because time with you in the Realms would have been so good for him."

"Young Bantellar will guide him well, and when the time is opportune he will return ... Speak with Corey now, Kieran. Everyone is preparing to gather."

Rhys's laugh sounded from the direction of the Realm Tree and he appeared with Aglaron gripping the nape of his neck.

"Observe your father's smile, Kieran. The High King of Faerie has opened his heart to Rhys."

Kieran smiled himself, then turned to the task of persuading a reluctant Corey to take a rest when the workshop finished.

***

Whoo! This was full on. Noticing the tiny beads of moisture on his father's brow prompted Kieran to brush his own forehead.

"Rhys, give us an energy boost. This is straining both of us ... Add a touch of strength to those different threads, father."

"The thicker ones? I see them as flowing currents rather than threads, Kieran."

"Yes, see how they go to every Realm? All the other patterns link to a single Realm."

"Watch your own Realm closely, everyone, this could result in a universal effect."

The High King concentrated and was immediately aware of a call on the free Nexus energy he controlled.

"Something major must be happening. A wisp of strengthening uses an inordinate amount of power. Does anyone see any effect?"

Lady Narello gave a startled gasp.

"High King, I have something to contribute at last. I think the Chaos pressure against my outer boundary reduced slightly. Reinstitute the tightening while I watch more closely."

"Chaos pressure?"

"The outer boundaries are the great bastion against Chaos, High King, held in balance by the Nexus. Sometimes Chaos wells beyond usual parameters, and while the boundaries rebalance we often experience a natural Chaos Incursion. With my Chaos Masters, I define the degree of welling as Chaos Pressure."

The High King and Ueribon exchange glances.

"Were all the outer boundaries affected, Lady Narello?"

"I only see my own, High King. You have the overview so take my pattern of observation and share it before we restart."

The pattern was straightforward and Kieran was surprised when Ranevargar could only apply it to his own boundary.

"It makes sense, Kieran. My perception is linked to my Pearl and its unique connection to the Nexus ... Corey is compelled to speak."

"High King, my understanding of the boundaries is basic, but I think you should be very cautious. If a tiny tightening strengthens them all, then a loosening might let those Incursion things through."

Ueribon shuddered.

"My Lord, heed Corey's words. Proceed with tightening tests and only consider the alternative if you develop competence and control."

"I agree. Watch carefully."

Kieran, completely impressed, watched the High King’s deft control as he tested and retested with almost casual competence.

"It’s my turn to try, Ranevargar, so watch me carefully. I know what to do but father made it look far easier than it really is."

"He should find it easy, Kieran. He has been manipulating power flows ever since he became High King. The patterns will click for you, as usual. Make your first test with less tightening than your father used."

"Have I measured it wrong?"

"Not at all. It is just a variable you should monitor carefully."

Half an hour later Ranevargar called the workshop to a halt.

"Enough, High King. We are clearly just scraping the surface of the potential these patterns offer for you and Kieran, but we have already extended this workshop and we have other priorities we must attend."

***

"These plants are fascinating, Woorawa. They possess a hardiness grater than any tree or shrub growing in the Realms."

"They have to, Ranevargar. The conditions at home are very harsh ... Do you think any of them have features that will help?"

"They all do, but would you mind if I ask you to leave your pod with me? To properly understand these diverse little plants will require more time and study than I expected and even more time to determine the most effective mix of features."

"That’s no problem. Woorawa decided that planting the pod in the middle of summer was probably a crazy idea."

"And very sensible, Rhys, but with Kieran's help the young seedling would cope. With modification it will thrive."

Woorawa smiled.

"Kieran said the pod would sprout and grow because we’ve guaranteed its water supply, but this sounds much better. What makes it harder than you expected, Ranevargar? We watched you grow a seedling in about a minute."

Uirebon gasped and jolted with surprise.

"A seedling? Growing in a short moment? You have that ability?"

Ranevargar nodded and gestured, first at the Grove, then at Krol, Gryl and Maurice.

"Centuries of study combined with my natural affinity with living things are the very foundation of my Realm, Lord Uirebon. Yes, I have certain abilities, but Woorawa has misinterpreted my demonstration somewhat. The growth was a temporary and localised stimulation of an already living Realm Tree."

Uirebon nodded his understanding.

"That is still an extraordinary ability, Lord Ranevargar, but we are all as curious as Woorawa about why these plants present such a challenge."

"The characteristics are unlike anything I have ever seen, Uirebon, and my initial examination reveals a range of extraordinary survival skills. Look at this nondescript little plant with the russet tinge to its stem. The colouring is a protective layer against prolonged exposure to strong sunlight. How did you choose such interesting plants, Woorawa?"

"I didn't. I asked the botanist at the nursery to give us a selection of the hardiest local plants he had available. Two of them are trees and the others are more like shrubs. They had to fit in my pack too, so we couldn't use his best recommendations. All of them are frost, heat and drought tolerant because that's what my Tree will face ... How long do Realm Trees live, Ranevargar? I know you started this Grove 600 years ago so it must be ages."

"Indefinitely, Woorawa. Tree managers ensure they are always in prime condition."

Rhys spoke up.

"Woorawa’s wondering about his own Tree, Ranevargar. There aren't any Tree Managers at the Valley of the Eagles."

"That will be for Woorawa to decide when his Tree is well-established."

"Me? What do you mean, Ranevargar? I can't control Tree Managers."

"You wouldn't have to. Tree maintenance is their natural function. I –"

Three sets of inquiring looks stopped whatever Ranevargar was going to say.

"Again, the discussion is lost to us. Are some of your Grove hosts trained to nurture and manage your Realm Trees, Lord Ranevargar? Sending one to live in the ancient continent would indeed be fraught, but Woorawa's response conveys a sense of something different."

"Tree Managers are another of my constructs, Uirebon. I will introduce you to them on another occasion."

Rhys laughed.

"Sometime when you’ve got days to spare, Uirebon. They do things at their own rate and it took us about an hour just to say hello. When Kieran learns to communicate better he’ll be able to control them for Woorawa."

Aglaron looked wonderingly at Kieran before turning to Ranevargar.

"You quickly showed us how to communicate with your Griffins and Panthers, Lord Ranevargar. Is this new construct different somehow?"

"They are not new, High King. They have been with me as long as the Realm Trees. But, yes, they are very different. Maurice is a construct of pure power. Krol and Gryl are a mix of animal and power. The Tree Managers are predominantly plant with enough animal to enable communication."

"For 600 years you have been able to communicate with plant life?"

"With the Tree Managers as intermediaries, yes."

"And now Kieran is learning?"

"As could you, to a very small degree, High King. You have more affinity with life than most."

"I could speak with a plant?"

"Communicate, High King, enough for a mutual recognition of identity, but nowhere near the level of passing information."

"Would an introduction be possible tomorrow? We will delay our departure."

"Certainly. That will be an interesting experience, but now we must address our immediate concerns ... Woorawa bring your knowledge of conditions in your Valley of the Eagles to the front of your mind. I already have a broad understanding but the more detail I can glean the better."

"There’s too much. Will I keep jumping from one thing to the next?"

"Your first thoughts are the weather patterns and rainfall. Stay focused on that and I will follow every associated link ... Good. Now picture the planting location and its surrounds with as much detail as you can ... Yes. Now reflect on any risks, natural or otherwise, we should take into account."

"Um! Lightning strikes. Animals eating the wood or leaves. The creek might get flooded but that would be very rare and unlikely to last long."

Rhys joined in.

"What about termites? They might be a big deal. They’re everywhere and they love eating trees."

Ranevargar raised an eyebrow at the emphatic agreement from all the companions.

"Think of them please. Hmm! Mr B knows more than the rest of you combined."

"Ha! That’s because he cheats. When he doesn't know stuff he goes and looks it up."

Ranevargar responded to Uirebon's startled reaction.

"A Rhys mannerism, Lord Uirebon. He indicates respect for Mr B's pursuit of knowledge by making a jest of it.

"I don't know the ways of your plants, Woorawa, but these little plants will all have their own mechanisms for coping with local insect predation. This also highlights the need for making a full and proper study."

"The site’s ready now but we were going to wait at least a couple of months."

"Wonderful. I can assure you that by then your Realm Tree will be even more unique."

"What does that mean? I know it’s unique for spreading instead of growing high."

"It will be the hardiest Realm Tree in existence, Rhys, and if I can utilise the energy from all that heat and sunlight, the fastest growing as well."

"Faster than Kieran's Realm Trees?"

"All things being equal, yes. Kieran's trees are being boosted to reach portal capability as soon as possible."

"If Michael had a Realm Tree we could portal to Melbourne."

"Give it up, Rhys. You know it won't work."

Mr B turned to Ranevargar. "It’s an idea Rhys can't get out of his head."

"It is a good idea, Mr B. We would have to take precautions against discovery, of course, but rapid access to Michael's situation might be more important than mere convenience."

"Precautions? Phillip Island’s close to Melbourne and there are people everywhere. The size of a Realm Tree would be noticed no matter how you disguised it."

"Yes, a level of bulk is required for the portal function. Michael, give me a mental image of any large trees, and of your locality."

Michael's eyes lit up.

"I know a lot about this because my boss is on a committee to restore the Island's tree cover and she talks about it all the time. There are lots of big trees, Ranevargar. The main ones are gum trees and a few wattles but there are also stands of pine trees everywhere. People plant them for windbreaks because they’re tall and grow quickly."

"Why do you differentiate, Michael? The imagery looks promising."

"That’s just my bias. At our national park we like native trees, and pine trees come from other countries."

"What is a National Park?"

Michael turned to answer Aglaron.

"They are places for preserving all kinds of natural features. Our park is famous for its penguins."

"And what is a penguin?"

"It’s a little bird that flies through water instead of air."

Four Realm Lords stared and Aglaron spoke up.

"Your association with Rhys has influenced you. Surely you jest?"

Ranevargar took over.

"Michael speaks without mischief, High King. His little charges are unlike any creature in the Realms. Kieran share your memories of how Michael gave you a special opportunity to meet these little birds."

"What about the part with Pegger? They’ll see Rhys do a major healing."

"The secrecy strictures you set with Burrimul, Auntie and your companions apply just as effectively to you and me. Send the memories and watch what happens."

Four Realm Lords smiled with a mix of humour and wonder as successive groups waddled to visit the companions, smiled at the little penguin resting so trustingly in Rhys's lap, then nodded at the consternation so clearly evidenced through Michael's sound device.

"They are curious and unique, Michael. Are they trusting by nature or was Kieran's gift at work?"

"That was Kieran. I couldn't believe what –"

Michael stopped because Ranevargar's hand was once again raised.

"The trees, Michael. Which type associates best with the surrounding life forms?"

"Life forms? Oh, birds and animals. That counts out the pine trees. They give shelter but the others give food as well. Gums would be best. The big ones get hollows which are perfect for nests."

Ranevargar went thoughtful, then spoke aloud to Kieran.

"I suggest you find a suitable location and proceed with this project, Kieran, and since Michael lives in the area, he should have oversight."

"Oversight? You mean control?"

"Of course, Mr B."

"He’ll have to be the owner for that to happen. How big should this location be?"

"The bigger the better."

"That’s no help. Put an image in our minds so we can work out what we need."

Ten minutes later Michael was trying to accept that he was to become the owner of two hobby farms adjoining the coastal strip of state owned land. The ‘for sale’ signs had been up for ages and consensus at his work was that they were too overpriced to ever sell.

The first idea was for a large block of vacant land, but when Mr B said it made sense to have a house close by Rhys and Woorawa got totally eager.

"What do you reckon, Kieran? We’d have a place to stay and it would save all the time and hassle of fitting in with the airlines ... How long before the Realm Trees would be ready to portal, Ranevargar?"

Be prepared for patience, Rhys. I will need to study samples of the trees Michael is recommending, and for a while you will be too busy to return to the Realms."

"Hmm! I suppose so. It makes sense if Michael brings some seedlings when it's time to collect Woorawa's pod."

"Hey! That means this workshop’s finished early, and if we portal back to Mparntwe now it’ll be an awkward time for Burrimul to meet us. How about we all go to the oasis for a swim and relax? We’ve been crazy busy ever since we got here. Ban and Corey can portal without waking up and it’ll give Aglaron a chance for some special time with Kieran."

"Rhys is right, Ranevargar. One hour here is more than four hours for Burrimul. It would mean waking him at two o'clock in the morning if we leave now instead of when we organised."

"A good idea on all counts, Kieran. I will observe this portal with interest."

"What do you mean?"

"A gathering of this size will require more power than usual, as well as a new level of finesse if you don't want to disturb our two sleepers."

Kieran had plenty of power but the sleep thing was new ... Aha! Not a problem. A momentary barrier against any sensory input would do the trick.

Ranevargar raised a mental eyebrow.

"Interesting! Go ahead, Kieran. Everyone is wondering what you are thinking."

"I like this idea. Who wants to come to the oasis?"

That was everyone, and along with all the people, Gryl, Maurice, and three Griffin Guardians disappeared from the central Grove.

***