Widderkin - 28. Chapter 28

Chapter 28.

Kieran toppled, along with everyone else, and his mind registered a snapshot of countless Spooks and people with strange golden heads. A jolt of pain when his face slammed against the grass passed and was forgotten as his mind raced with shock and attempts at understanding. A terrifying scream of defiance and rage paralysed his thoughts till the sudden cut off built an extra thread of fear that Krol had just been wounded or disabled. Helplessness surged. His body was useless. There was no sense of Rhys's presence or any other mind anywhere ... The Opal ... Call on the opal.

"Steady, Kieran. We are outmatched but not overcome. Our attackers are completely unaware of your network linkage so use it to contact your friends while I try to gather information."

Ranevargar's calm voice in his mind was hugely relieving and Kieran did steady. He made a network link to Rhys first, and a new emotion eclipsed everything else when he saw that, despite being paralysed, flat on his back and able to see nothing but sky and a section of Realm tree, Rhys’s only concern was that Kieran might be hurt or in trouble.

"We’re all paralysed, Rhys, but Ranevargar is trying to work out what to do."

"Are you hurt?"

"Not really. I have to check everyone else is okay and work with Ranevargar for a while. Okay?"

"Go for it, Kieran. You'll get us out of this."

Kieran had no idea if that was possible but Rhys’s blatant confidence sparked a new fire of determination. He rapidly contacted Mr B, Woorawa and Tan, then left them when Ranevargar's voice returned to his mind.

"Link to Krol, Kieran. He is restrained but not paralysed and you will be able to see through his eyes."

"What did they do to him?"

"Nothing. I stopped his attack myself. There is such a massive concentration of power around us I believe he would have been brushed aside."

The first thing Kieran saw when he leapt into Krol's mind was the quelling of the great rage evoked by the sight of Ranevargar's sprawled body, and the order calming his need to take action. Ranevargar had that in hand though, so Kieran accessed a clear view through the powerful Griffin eyes. Spooks! So many? And ranged behind them on tall horses were uniformed riders wearing strange golden helmets and pointing black rods at Krol. Further away three white cloaked elves sat with eyes closed and knees touching knees.

Two other figures demanded far more attention.

One, dressed in a long yellow cloak, was standing farther back, with a look of intense concentration and both hands moving before him with a strange rhythm.

The other, shockingly impressive and garbed magnificently in dark red leather, was striding toward Ranevargar, accompanied by one of the golden helmeted elves. A surge of pressure whirled against Kieran's mind shields and with it came recognition.

"Ranevargar, this is the mind that attacked me and took Rhys. He’ll reach you in a few more seconds but I can fight him off."

Ranevargar’s response was almost a yell in Kieran's mind.

"No! No! He is ready for that, Kieran. Don't use power against him, especially not power from your Opal. Lord Uirebon is maintaining a field of diversion which will transfer any power you call to Lord Maynor's control."

"I can't use my Opal? I don't believe this Maynor. What if I use my reserve energy instead? There should be enough."

"No, that would still leave us to contend with Uirebon, the Fetches, and all these Power Masters while we are paralysed."

Kieran suddenly felt excited."

"I can portal us all to another Grove."

"The triad is blocking any portal attempt, Kieran. This whole confrontation has been meticulously planned. Make yourself ready, though, and hope the triad falters. It's our only way out ... Now, I must concentrate."

The red clothed figure was beside Ranevargar now, waiting while the accompanying Power Master rolled his helpless body onto his back for eye contact. Krol's view was clear but from behind, and since Kieran needed to know everything, he switched to Ranevargar's mind instead.

"End your foolish resistance, Ranevargar. Lower your shields and submit to the will of the High King."

"My title is Lord Ranevargar. My shields remain, and you and your company should leave this Realm forthwith. There is no submission between Realm Lords, as you well know. Submission to the High King is given only to the High King in person, and only for matters concerning the well being of all Faerie."

"Hear my second call for submission. Refuse and the consequences will be dire."

"The call of three does not apply to a Realm Lord in his own domain. Lord Maynor, I formally refuse."

"My third call demands your submission and assistance in the matter of these visitors."

"I have no choice but to refuse. These five have been formally given the full protection of my Realm."

The awkward viewpoint of looking from the ground to the face above did nothing to mask the flash of anger now directed at Ranevargar. Lord Maynor pointed a glowing red finger and Kieran shared the strange sensation enveloping Ranevargar. After a few seconds it dissolved to nothing. Maynor looked even more fierce.

"The geas fails, Ranevargar, but the consequences I promised now follow … He is no help to us at this time. Bind him utterly."

Kieran wondered what that could mean because Ranevargar was already completely paralysed.

"A golden helmet will keep me fettered to Maynor or the Power Master who fits it, and will contain my mental abilities. Ready yourself, Kieran. I believe he intends to penetrate your mind shields with a massive application of the Nexus energy he commands."

"He won't get me, Ranevargar. He’s angry because he couldn't get you."

"Not so. The anger was feigned and covered a deep feeling of satisfaction which worries me."

"I didn't see that. Here’s the helmet. Will we lose contact once it's on?"

"No ... Don't react to Maynor without thought, Kieran."

Maynor was blocked from view while the Power Master leaned over to put the helmet on. Kieran jumped to all his friends minds for a moment, then switched to Krol's view and watched Maynor start walking.

"He is marshalling energy, Kieran. You might have to use some of your reserve as a bolster, but don't waste it on attack."

"He’s glowing red again?"

"Through his Stone of Power, the ring he wears on his right hand ... Kieran, you accessed my Pearl. If you can do the same with his Ruby you can stop all this."

The hope showing in Ranevargar's mind was restrained but Kieran jumped at the straw. Yes! Like Ranevargar's Pearl but different too. He sensed it glowing with power just a few metres away.

Disappointment banished hope when his cautious reach for contact wavered and disappeared.

"I can sense the Ruby, Ranevargar, but when I make a reach it's taken away from me."

Ranevargar's reply didn't register because danger alerts were flashing in Kieran's mind as his shields reacted to a mounting onslaught. The grass in front of his eyes turned red and through Krol's vision came a striking view of his whole body englobed with a pulsing red light. The generalised pressure abruptly changed to the equivalent of a mental lance, stabbing repeatedly in a search for any chink it might penetrate. Kieran modulated the structure of his shield accordingly and sent a burst of gratitude to Ranevargar.

"He can't get through, Ranevargar. He’s using that spear attack you showed me when we practised with our shields, and I only need a tiny trickle of extra energy to stop him."

"Hold tight, Kieran. He has planned for this."

When the lance attack built, and built again, Kieran increased the supporting flow of energy. He was starting to wonder about its purpose though, as he'd had time now to realise that this attack was nothing like the mighty onslaught he’d rebuffed at home.

"Support him while we speak."

Through Krol's eyes Kieran watched the Power Master reach through the red glow, grasp his body under the armpits, then lift till he was held sitting with his back resting against a pair of knees. Maynor, now seen directly, gestured and paralysis dissolved from Kieran's head and neck. Instinctively he looked to his friends, sprawled where chance had left Tan the only one facing this way. He sent Tan a quick reassurance while he looked at Maynor through the red glow.

"Lower your shields and submit to my will."

"And let you mess with my mind? Get lost!"

Maynor extended the hand with the red Ruby and a change came into the nimbus surrounding Kieran.

"I make my second call for submission. Refuse and the consequences will be dire."

This was word for word the geas thing Maynor had just tried on Ranevargar, and Kieran's automatic response surprised even himself.

"The call of three does not apply to protectees of this Realm. I formally refuse."

Kieran was grateful to see Maynor's startlement.

"My third call demands your submission and the cooperation of all your party."

"I have no choice but to refuse. I and my friends have the protection of Lord Ranevargar and all his Realm."

"Ranevargar appears to have taught you much, but your resistance will be heavy in your heart if you choose it over the disposition of your companions."

"You’re a kidnapper, and now you’re a blackmailer as well. No one could ever trust you."

"I will have your cooperation, if not by negotiation, then by force … Power Master, bring me the energy source resting against his chest. Without it all his defences will crumble."

A gloved hand reached under Kieran's shirt, hesitated, then withdrew.

"My Lord, it is beyond me. The power unnerves my fingers."

Kieran tilted his head in defiance.

"You can take it, Realm Lord, but it won't help you. It is always mine."

"Tell him nothing about your Opal, Kieran. I think he seeks to control its power."

Maynor gestured again and the glow brightened around the hand he moved to touch the Opal.

"Yes! So much power ... Now I understand how you can resist even a Realm Lord."

He slipped the silver necklace over Kieran's head then folded the Opal itself in the grasp of his hand. The pleased look of acquisition and anticipation now evident on his features aggravated Kieran and indignation surged. Keiran knew very well that physical separation meant nothing to the bond that had never stopped strengthening since the very first touch, but this was still like having part of himself taken, and by instinct he resisted. The bond, always deep and strong, surfaced in his mind with an affirmation of identity and belonging.

Maynor straightened and, stepping back a few paces, opened his fingers and stared so fixedly at the Opal Kieran suspected he must be probing and testing, much the same as Ranevargar had done.

Kieran puzzled when something stirred, then jolted with surprise when with no effort on his part his shields suddenly strengthened and tightened.

"As with his mind shield, this stone resists examination. We need another helmet to break the connection."

Maynor, or the Power Master, must have sent a signal because another Power Master dismounted and started forward. Maynor's attention abruptly seemed to turn inward, in what looked like some form of introspection, and Kieran called urgently to Ranevargar.

"Can a golden helmet do what he says?"

"Of course not ... But, Kieran, why are you using your precious reserve energy to strengthen my mind shields?"

"What? Yours too? I'm not doing that."

Kieran used his secret links to make a rush check and saw everyone’s mind shield radiating unexpected strength.

"Yes, I am, Ranevargar, but it's not from my reserve."

"Your Opal must be bypassing Uirebon's diversion field. I wouldn't have thought it possible but this can only be good."

Maynor stirred from his introspection or whatever it was and turned to the approaching Power Master.

"Quickly. Bind him while I ready them all for transport. This Grove has an aspect which disturbs me."

Transport them all? Kieran didn't like that one bit, but then the Power Master knelt beside him and his mind welled with apprehension about the strange golden helmet being lifted toward him.

The bond with his Opal magnified, dazzling his uncomprehending mind, and became the conduit for a blast of physical and mental power.

Every mind in the clearing, save the seven behind their flaring protective shields, lost cohesion or consciousness.

Every body, save those already sprawled in the Grove clearing, was hurled to the ground by a concussive blow of physical pressure.

The support behind Kieran disappeared and the image of a Power Master flying unaccountably away whirled to a view of sky and Realm tree as his body collapsed backwards. Startled and bewildered, Kieran's instinctive head twist in search of information, showed Rhys close by and apparently unaffected. He needed to know more and was about to switch to Krol's eyes when wonder and elation, together with an imperative call for action, powered into his mind.

"Jump, Kieran. Jump! The High Lords are recovering and will quickly re-establish control. Lord Maynor is already on his feet. Now, Kieran! It must be now."

Kieran acted, with huge gratitude that Ranevargar's foresight had made him ready, and everything came together instantly. No. Not everything.

"I can't, Ranevargar. Something won't let me link you to the group."

"Leave! You can help from afar."

The force in Ranevargar's thoughts snapped Kieran from the thrall of indecision and he reached for the beautiful glow of a spider link. Yes, there it was, ready and available. Reserve energy sent the trigger. More reserve energy joined the energy of the partially recovered Central Grove and five paralysed friends and a very groggy Griffin disappeared from the clearing.

***

The High King turned from consideration of the troubles looming at Lady Narello's border and, resigned to the prospect of further delay and lack of progress, opened the channels of communication Maynor and Uirebon were finally requesting.

"News, Maynor?"

"Yes, My Lord. Your understanding of Ranevargar, and the tactics you suggested have given us vital information and the means to ensure Keryth's full cooperation."

Relief, combined with anticipation, coursed through the High King.

"You know his whereabouts?"

"Not at the moment, My Lord, but the memories I have gathered show him healthy and being chaperoned by Ranevargar. Protection has been conferred and the old Lord appears to be conducting the whole group on a whirlwind tour of his Realm."

"Protection? Is there any indication that Ranevargar wishes to interfere with our purposes?"

"That is puzzling, My Lord. I have taken control of every close Elven mind and they all see Keryth's group as visitors from the Human world."

"A whirlwind tour would explain the failure of the triads farseeing ... You are in control of Elven minds?"

"Yes, My Lord, of necessity. Your understanding of Ranevargar's propensity for using his Central Grove for his undertakings has rewarded us with this breakthrough. The moment Lord Uirebon and arrived I took control of the local wardens, and through them five of Ranevargar's flying Guardians. From them I learned that when Keryth arrived yesterday he was given a ceremonial welcome and that Ranevargar has hosted him personally ever since."

"A ceremonial welcome for a band of humans? I wonder what motivated such an unusual reception? In centuries past his mind was a force of significance but, with the ravages of age and waning strength, he has increasingly withdrawn from wider concerns and devoted his declining power to maintaining his Realm and nurturing the animals he regards so highly. Maybe Keryth’s own empathy with animals has struck a chord with him?"

Maynor’s focus was more immediate.

"My Lord, we must prepare. Before Lord Uirebon and I arrived, these wardens were gathering provisions for an extended expedition of some kind, with the expectation that Keryth would arrive soon to collect them."

"Excellent! Do you need my assistance yet?"

"Soon, my Lord. I'm about to portal our support forces, and Uirebon is confident that the preparations we planned will be successful."

" He has established a barrier against the strange gemstone?"

"I have never seen anything like it. He describes it as an energy trap rather than a barrier, and it diverts any flow of power to my control ... I do have a concern that Ranevargar’s grant of protection might give him cause to interfere."

Aglaron considered, briefly.

"Yes, with the granting of protection he must. Invoke a call to fealty, and if he refuses render him temporarily helpless before confronting Keryth."

"I must make haste. Ranevargar is now interrogating his warden’s minds for signs of anything unusual – his arrival may be imminent … Stay in contact, my Lord."

Aglaron watched the play of concentration in Maynor's mind as he marshalled energy for this major portal event. Fetches, Power Masters and a junior triad, all gathered in an unusually large meld and translated with a surprising application of power. Curious? Maynor had unexpected reserves.

Aglaron watched Uirebon guide the triad in its precautionary task against Ranevargar's Tree portal, build a paralysing network through the assembled Fetches, then construct a protective field for the Power Masters and energise their rods with force carefully structured to control any fierce flying Guardian.

Aglaron watched Maynor call on his stone of power for recovery and the construction of the new and powerful mind shield designed with the help of Uirebon's researchers.

Yes, this time success was certain. Aglaron overlaid his link to Uirebon with satisfaction and appreciation, then tapped the Nexus for the overarching strength they all knew Maynor must carefully wield against Keryth's baffling shield. Uirebon's belief that the mysterious gemstone needed to be isolated had resulted, after calls to many of his learning centres, in the energy trap now covering the clearing. Aglaron marvelled at the form and function of it while holding some reservation that it would be enough. A moment of fierce concentration reduced Nexus flow to the Realms, freeing a major portion as a safeguard against Maynor becoming over-extended yet again.

Time passed. Aglaron followed Maynor's control links to the Grove wardens and examined their expectations. Yes, Ranevargar's instructions intimated both haste and imminence ... And their memories showed Keryth looking very strange in his human garb, slightly strained but well ... Energy stirred and registered.

"Maynor! Uirebon! A portal is initialised."

Energy flared from the fetch field, power surged through the energy trap, and the interference from the triad peaked as six bodies materialised then crumpled to the ground. A fierce scream of defiance and rage erupted and a great flying Guardian lunged toward Maynor then abruptly stopped, held by the Power Master’s rods.

Maynor moved to deal with Ranevargar who, as expected, refused the demand for submission and had to be helmet-bound as a precaution.

Aglaron, considering the exchange carefully, was surprised by Ranevargar's dignified acceptance of this treatment and felt a twinge of respect for the solitary old Lord.

Maynor now moved to Keryth, and Aglaron's attention focused for this confrontation. All the energy pulsing so strongly through Maynor's Ruby pressed futilely against that strange shield.

"As you suspected, My Lord. This is beyond me. Is Uirebon's energy trap functioning?"

"Perfectly, Maynor. Hold that pressure while we implement his plan."

Not surprisingly, Maynor faltered. As Uirebon had predicted Maynor was not able to maintain the level of unrelenting pressure which would eventually break through Keryth's degrading shields. Aglaron hurriedly transferred control of the Nexus power and watched with relief as Maynor steadied, then rebuilt the pressure.

"... And let you into my mind? Get lost!"

Tied to the High Court by the need to be near the Nexus, a smile of pride at his son's strength played briefly across the High King’s features while his mind watched from the distance.

"... Dire consequences."

The geas of submission augmented by Maynor's power stone settled then faded to nothing when Keryth voiced a legitimate formula of rejection. The likelihood of an early takeover was now gone and Aglaron watched Maynor's assault on Keryth's shields reach a new level.

This was the beginning of the prolonged stage of Uirebon’s strategy, where isolation from the mysterious stone should separate Keryth from his energy source and eventually drain his reserves to normal levels.

"The power unnerves my fingers."

The gemstone was acting against the Power Master? That shouldn't be possible. Aglaron rushed to check the energy trap and then to question Uirebon.

"Your structure appears to be functioning, Uirebon. How can the gemstone repel a Power Master?"

Uirebon was struggling to hold his concentration on so many things he couldn't manage any extra focus.

"Later, My Lord."

Aglaron forgot Uirebon because Maynor flexed his newly acquired Nexus power then directed it to his Ruby.

"I must, my Lord, the gemstone has a natural resistance."

This was a departure from Uirebon’s carefully considered strategy ... But it was working ... and when Maynor's hand made successful contact Aglaron saw his amazed realisation at the sense of vast latent power.

His son’s shield flared against a gigantic new thrust of finely concentrated pressure.

"What are you doing, Maynor?"

There was no answer. Another frightening thrust preceded a deep probe of the stone … and then access to Maynor’s mind was unaccountably gone.

Aglaron's first thought was of interference from the gemstone ... No, the link with Uirebon was intact ... and showing his stirrings of puzzlement, first with Maynor's use of brutish and concentrated force against Keryth’s shields instead of the steady wearing down process they’d carefully planned, and now with the suddenly severed link. The need for information sent Aglaron through Uirebon's link to the Power Master supporting Keryth.

"Aglaron, cede control of the High Court, offer me your fealty, and Keryth will be returned to your keeping."

This order, clear and demanding through a guarded link, so shocked Aglaron he had no response while implication and possibilities raced through his mind.

"… Impossible, Maynor. You propose both treason and treachery with this unconscionable demand. The High Court and convocation of Realm Lords would revoke any such action."

"For treason, yes, but not for the formally expressed Challenge of a Realm Lord with the strength and ability to take the position."

"Strength? Pure folly."

"I control all free Nexus energy, the resources of three Realms, and now the vast store of power contained in this gemstone. You will inevitably succumb."

"Then why resort to this cowardly act of holding Keryth. Release him and make Challenge in a manner befitting a Realm Lord."

"Keryth is now a pawn in the game of power and there is much I will learn from him."

The guarded link severed abruptly and, while gathering the strength he'd need to regain control of the Nexus power he’d so freely offered, Aglaron watched through the Power Master's eyes as Maynor confronted Keryth again.

A new lance of energy bounced ineffectively from Keryth's mind shield. Bounced? That was new.

"... We need a helmet to break any connection."

Aglaron watched the second Power Master approach and, worried about the effect it might have on Keryth's shields, but not yet ready for his own attack on Maynor, he strengthened his link to Uirebon and saw, with cautious relief, the growing bewilderment and outrage filling Uirebon's mind.

"You have no part in this treachery, Uirebon?"

"Only through misplaced trust and years of deceit, my Lord. Use me as a conduit for your actions while I redirect my energies to support you."

Uirebon's offer was invaluable. The advantage gained by contending directly with Maynor, rather than from afar and across the Realm boundary, could be critical.

The few short moments needed to make ready weren't granted.

Through Uirebon's vision, Aglaron saw the red glow of Maynor's Realm Stone flare to brilliance then disappear in a maelstrom of utter chaos.

Uirebon's own mind, reeling on the verge of consciousness, struggled to recover and Aglaron, protected by distance, saw the whirl of sky and Realm Trees as his host’s body lifted into the air then sprawled backward on the ground.

After a few seconds though, Uirebon struggled to his feet and took in the incredible scene of all the Fetches, Power Masters and their steeds, as well as the triad members, lying unconscious on the ground metres from their previous positions.

Keryth, his companions, and the huge flying Guardian vanished through a beautifully ordered portal structure, and Maynor, the only other conscious being, turned from the still paralysed body of Ranevargar to regard Uirebon.

***

Sky! That was all Kieran could see till he turned his head to the side where Rhys was looking at him with teary eyes.

Crying? That wasn't like him? Kieran linked instantly, and smiled at the mix of relief and excitement. A rapid check revealed the tears were simply his eyes’ response to being unable to close or blink. Kieran expanded the link to include everyone.

"We’re all okay, except I had to leave Ranevargar behind."

"Can you move, Kieran? All I can see is a Realm Tree bole."

"We’re all paralysed, Woorawa, except for Krol. I can move my head because that Realm Lord wanted me to speak."

"Can Rhys heal us?"

"No, I..."

A familiar flow of energy sought to replenish Rhys's healing pool then rebounded to Kieran's own pool when there was no room for it.

"What did you do?"

"I can't believe it. My Opal’s here. That Maynor had it, but it must have portalled with the rest of us."

"Kieran, can Krol move enough to push you in contact with Rhys?"

"Good thinking Mr B. Hang on while I make it happen."

There was a happy's scrawk from Krol when Kieran linked, reassured him, then asked for his help. After a cautious and wobbly approach his giant talons closed carefully round Kieran and gently moved to dump him on top of Rhys. Kieran had just enough flexibility of his own to move his cheek against the warm flesh of Rhys's neck.

Zap! Kieran scrambled to his knees and lifted Rhys’s lifeless hand to touch his own temple.

Zap! Rhys galvanised to life, wiped his blurry eyes clear, and wrapped Kieran in an irresistible hug. It had to stop though and in short order, Krol who was closest, and then the others were zapped, stretching, laughing and gathered round Kieran.

"Damn Spooks! What did you do to them all, Kieran? The whole clearing exploded without touching us."

"I didn't do anything. The Opal didn't like that High Lord taking it, so it blasted them all. Ranevargar snapped me out of my shock and made me use the portal while we had the chance."

"Can they follow us?"

"I don't know. Probably. They must have got there by portalling so I guess they can go to any of the Groves."

Tan, looking very serious, interrupted.

"Kieran, there are a thousand questions but don't we need to be doing something, and why couldn't you bring Ranevargar? All the supplies and Griffin mounts he organised are back at Central Grove and we’ve hardly got anything in our packs."

"Everything happened too quickly, Tan. I couldn't bring him because they put a gold helmet on his head and I think it blocked him from the portal. He made me leave because those Realm Lords were recovering and we couldn't help him if we stayed."

"We can't be any help from here either, can we?"

Kieran jolted with guilt.

"Gods, Rhys! We’re all free, and the Opal’s not blocked, and I haven't checked with Ranevargar yet. Hang on!"

The only access to Ranevargar was by the secret pathway through his Pearl or the Opal network. That had been broken by the jump and Kieran reached to reconnect and was surprised that a small burst of Pearl energy kicked in.

"Wonderful, Kieran... I see that everyone is safe for the moment."

Kieran looked through Ranevargar's eyes at a bewildering view of moving ground, part of a Courser’s side, and hooved feet stepping forward.

"Sorry I took so long to reconnect. We had to get everyone healed from the paralysis. Where are you? This link was an extra long reach."

"Yes, a great deal happened, very little of which I understand. Lord Maynor and Lord Uirebon were barely recovered from your astonishing assault when a great contention of force raged between them. Bound with the helmet and my body still helpless, I am taken from my Realm and captive to Lord Maynor."

"It wasn't my assault, Ranevargar. My Opal did it all by itself. I think it got angry when that Maynor took it away from me."

Kieran saw knowledge of the Opal's presence burst into Ranevargar's mind

"Kieran, I saw Lord Maynor using his Realm stone to contain your Opal. Did you call it after you made your portal?"

"Call it? No, it did that by itself too. Can I send you some energy? I can feel him pushing against your shields."

"No, Kieran. These marvellous shields will hold for weeks, and much as I would appreciate it, there is a strong likelihood of detection. If Lord Maynor learns of any connection between us he will take steps to cut it off ... Our best course is to free the Dragon."

"Okay. But do you think it will be safe to portal to the Central Grove for the supplies and the Griffins?"

"It should be safe but check the Courser and the Grove hosts first. Kieran, apart from Krol who is committed to you, I must assign the Griffin Guardians to the protection and maintenance of the Realm. My absence and reduced function make that an imperative. Collect your supplies then portal to the Lakes Grove where Gryl and four other Panthers will help you till you reach the Boundary Wall."

Kieran took more advice and ideas from Ranevargar then made the link fade gently away and refocused on the five sets of waiting eyes. He relayed the reassurance and new instructions from Ranevargar to Krol then voiced some of his aggravation.

"That Maynor’s a total mongrel. He’s kidnapped Ranevargar and kept him paralysed and helpless while he takes him to that Castle we saw. I’ll tell you more when we get a chance but we have to rush for the supplies at the Central Grove and then jump to the Lakes Grove and meet Gryl."

Woorawa surprised everyone with his big snort of wry amusement.

"What? None of that’s funny."

"Yes it is, Kieran. We've said we're going to talk everything out when we get the chance so many times now it’ll take a whole day – except something else will happen and you'll be saying next time we get a chance again."

Three other heads nodded in strong agreement.

"Yes. I suppose, but we need to get moving."

"Back to the Central Grove? Right now? Won't they just grab us again?"

Kieran felt a mini stab of guilt.

"I think they all went when they took Ranevargar, Rhys, but I'm about to check anyway."

"Checking didn't work when we left the Rainforest Grove. How do you know it’ll work this time?"

Tan's question set Kieran back.

"You’re right, Tan, but I think an ordinary check will be good enough because the Realm Lord isn’t there anymore."

Kieran made a little hand movement which signified his attention would be elsewhere and reached for any Courser pattern near the Central Grove, and then for the hosts.

"The hosts are gathered on the edge of the clearing, and the Courser is miles away ... Whoo! All the Coursers have left the Groves and they’re racing at top speed towards the Realm boundary.

… Join hands for the jump."

This was Kieran speaking with authority and four hands snapped instantly into place. The Grove had no transfer energy at all now but with the Opal free to provide that didn't matter. Reality blurred and everyone turned as four saddled Griffins screeched a welcoming cry to Krol. While the group moved to join them, Kieran reached for the host elves to relay Ranevargar's set of instructions, and was surprised to see that their only memory of events in the clearing was a sudden and mystifying appearance of an elf glowing yellow with the discharge of great power. That appearance was brief, and before any approach could be made the elf collapsed on the ground and vanished. Kieran remembered from Ranevargar's discussion about the Realm Lords that yellow was the signature colour for Lord Uirebon's Stone of Power, so he stored the scene to share with Ranevargar the next time they linked.

There was huge consternation when Kieran informed the hosts that Ranevargar was a captive and currently being carried sideways and bound facedown across the back of a horse in another Realm, then rapid acceptance and calming when Ranevargar's plans gave them purpose and understanding. The next step was to link with Kron, Kan and the other Griffins, and pass on Ranevargar's instructions about their vital new guardianship role. A concert of enraged griffin screams sounded at the understanding of Ranevargar's capture, then cut off when all four glowed with the power flaring from the Opal.

"What the blazes are you doing, Kieran? For a moment I thought they were burning."

"Krol won't be here to protect the Realm when a Dead World monster arrives, so I’ve activated auras for Kron and Kan and given them enough energy to fight off at least two attacks. Kron’s in charge now, and he knows what he has to do while Ranevargar’s not here."

"You said when? Ranevargar told us those monsters only come rarely."

"Except when someone disturbs things in Dead World, Woorawa, and going through the Boundary’s a big disturbance, and then Krol protecting us against all the internal monsters will make it even bigger ... Swap packs everyone. The hosts are rushing to set the new ones up with water and supplies for at least a couple of weeks."

"Sheba! This pack will weigh a ton. It's going to be hard work without the Griffins."

Kieran hefted the new pack and shared a disconcerted look with everyone.

"We’ll get used to them, Rhys. We'll have to, and they’ll get lighter every day."

Mr B was right and, because he'd seen Ranevargar's instructions to the hosts, Kieran knew exactly why.

"You know what Dead World’s like, Rhys. Water’s the biggest problem and we have to carry enough to get us to that snow we saw. When we reach our waterfall Krol’s going to load up with as many water skins as he can."

Woorawa and Rhys preferred their first packs but Kieran vetoed swapping the contents and hurried everyone to get ready for the next jump.

"What's changed, Kieran? Ranevargar said the Groves needed a day of build up before they were ready for a new jump, and we’ve always needed a recovery time."

"Nothing really, Mr B. Ranevargar had to wait for the Groves to recover but I just top them up with the Opal. I had to figure out how, to save us from the Realm Lords."

"I can hardly believe it but these portals are starting to feel like a normal way of travelling."

"Not the one after we were paralysed, Mr B. That was the best portal ever."

"Hands gripped, everyone. It's time to see George and Gryl again."

Wishing he'd had more time for better explanations, Kieran sent a message of thank you and farewell to the watching host elves then gathered Krol and his friends for another journey across the shimmering spider link.

***

"Quickly, my Lord. Attack before Maynor recovers himself. You must regain control of your Nexus energy."

Aglaron was way ahead of Uirebon, marshalling every readily available resource of power for a strike against Maynor's battered shields before they could be rebuilt. Precious seconds passed. The clearing shuddered with new contention, but despite the welcome flood of assistance from Uirebon, Maynor's newly structured shields held. Maynor, sheathed with the glow from his Ruby, pointed angrily towards Uirebon, then along with all the support forces, portalled out of the clearing.

"Build new locks for the Nexus power you still control, My Lord. His first effort will be directed there, then rouse the Court and strengthen the High Castle."

Aglaron was already doing this, but making new locks was pointless.

"New locks, Uirebon? We worked just recently to improve them."

"And that is why you must change them now. I suspect that Maynor has been manipulating my mind."

"Can I trust any of your advice then?"

"I believe so, manipulation is not control, and I share your rage at this deceit."

This was an imperative and for the next few seconds Aglaron turned his attention to the Nexus. Building new locks would take minutes, far too long if Uirebon was right, whereas accessing a protected area of memory for previous locks would be instantaneous. Done. A surge of energy distracted his mind. The boundary to Lady Narello's Realm was flaring with disruption? Later. The High Castle wards faltered and a flow of carefully directed energy reached into the Nexus, probed momentarily against the changed locks, then disappeared.

"Uirebon, Maynor penetrated my wards and tried to access the Nexus with the keys we had in place."

"We have a serious problem, My Lord. Alter the structure of any wards we built jointly and set a triad to watching the forces Maynor has arrayed against Lady Narello."

"Why?"

"Consider his claim of having control of three Realms. One must be through Ranevargar, taken against his will. The other must be through Lady Narello or myself."

"You think Maynor can force you to fight against me? He and Lady Narello have been bitter enemies for decades."

"Access through manipulation is not control, My Lord. Look for conflict between Maynor and Narello."

"Narello's boundary is already registering high levels of activity. Uirebon, do you have reserves enough to portal here? Your insight will be invaluable."

"I have the reserves, but first give me time to analyse my mind and make certain my thoughts are my own. I have a protected sanctum designed for such a purpose.

Activate every triad at your disposal and accumulate power."

That was already happening, along with a multitude of other strategies available to a High King.

"Build defence, not offence, My Lord. To take the throne, Maynor must gather enough strength to take the High Castle first, and given enough time I believe I can negate his use of the purloined Nexus energy against you."

"Time?"

"Yes, use it effectively. Maynor won't act against you until he is Warded in his Castle, and his mistakes give you an advantage."

"What mistakes? I have been too active for an analysis."

"Until a formal Challenge comes to the High Court my feasance remains with the High King and, unless he has little regard for any effect my assistance might have, he has acted rashly.

Using your concern for your son against you has disappeared, along with Keryth, and Ranevargar's submission is by no means certain."

"He has Keryth’s stone. That could well be the deciding factor."

"Physical possession only, My Lord. Keryth's act of reprisal bypassed our elegant structures of isolation as if they didn't exist. I suspect that stone will reject his efforts to control it."

Aglaron recalled the shocking rebuttal of his own attempt.

"As always you speak sense, Uirebon, and what do you make of that reprisal? I have never seen anything like it."

"Neither have I, My Lord, but later..."

Uirebon staggered under a new blast of Maynor’s stolen Nexus energy. His body collapsed, but his mind held while he firmed his shields and used his last vestige power to portal to the protection of his own Realm. Uirebon's sanctum wards cut their links and Aglaron turned his mind to the babble of question and uncertainty rising among the gathering Elven Lords of the High Court.

***