Vasselis paused and sipped his wine. Kessian could see worry in the set of his mouth and eyes.
'What is it, Arvan?' he asked gently. The Marshal smiled as he spoke.
'I've known this town for forty years. Since I was a small boy, playing at Willows Lake and swimming in the sea under Genastro Falls. I love every street, every tenement and villa. I love the smell of the fishing nets on the harbour walkways and the sound of ships bumping against the deep water docks when the tide is on the turn. I count you and Genna among my dearest and closest friends, never mind you are ninety years my senior. I used to badger my father to move here and I haven't changed at all. By God-who-walks-beside-us, if I was not Marshal Defender I would settle here permanently, such is the love I have for Westfallen and its people. It is the most beautiful, warm place in the entire Conquord, and you know I have seen a good deal of our beloved empire.'
'There is a major "but" coming, isn't there?' said Kessian, feeling his pride in the town swell as Vasselis enunciated so succinctly why so many who came here fell in love with the place and why those born here were so reluctant ever to leave.
'I am terrified of all that being destroyed,' Vasselis said. 'You have to know this, Ardol, and rightly you will be scared too. You, the Echelon, Westfallen, you have been of necessity cocooned from the real face of the Order of Omniscience for generations. And of necessity, I have not. They are powerful and they are as determined as they are zealous. The Chancellor is a woman blinded by her own faith, unable to see beyond the sanctity of that over which she presides.
'I know you have heard about them through Elsa Gueran but she does not tell you everything. If one of the Chancellor's people, just one, gets wind of what we have done here before we are ready, the armies of the Order will descend. After all, they are not interested in anyone coming closer to God except through their own good offices, are they? And their justice will see Westfallen burned to its last timber and the ashes of its people dispersed into the air to be tormented at the hands of the wind demons.
'If we do not have our allies around us, they will instead stand behind the Chancellor, ignorant of the crime they commit against all the people of this world.'
Kessian stared at Vasselis, unable to take his eyes from the Marshal's face as the words poured out. He could all but smell the timbers burning in his villa, see the citizens run but with nowhere to hide while the flames from their houses reared at their backs. He felt a surge of hopelessness and a despair at what they had done to so many innocents. Abruptly, he could understand where the path of Bryn's thoughts had taken him.
'Tell me what we must do,' Kessian said, keeping his voice firm and calm.
Vasselis nodded. 'You are a strong man, Ardol. And the good news is that our plans are sound. But don't ever forget that your friends are in constant danger from this day on, Elsa first among them. Have faith in the security I can bring you. Remain vigilant as the import of what has happened dawns on your citizens. Relearn again and again, all your plans for escape.
'Remember this and pass it down to those who will shepherd the Echelon after you are returned to the earth: the Ascendancy and its Echelon are the single critical link to our future. Should the worst come, never look back, never feel the guilt for those left in your wake who fall to obstruct those who would kill you. We have all chosen our paths and will live or die as a result.
'You must never, never hesitate to sacrifice any of us if it means you save yourselves.'
'Pray God it never comes to that,' said Kessian.
'Every day,' said Vasselis. 'Yet be prepared lest it does.'
Next morning, the preparations began. And Kessian had been right; Gorian was fully recovered and none the worse for his exertions. His grey had gone as had the wrinkles on his face. Looking at Gorian, it was difficult to believe the age he had displayed the day before. Indeed, Kessian would have doubted his memory but for the weight of witnesses. His ability to renew himself was one more wonder at a most extraordinary time.
A time tempered by a terribly sad reminder of why they had to be so careful how word of the Ascendancy came into the public domain. That same morning, they found Bryn hanging above his forge.
Chapter 11
846th
cycle
of
God,
45th
day
of
Solasfall
13th
year
of
the
true
Ascendancy
Jen Shalke was out in the deeps, seeking shoals of white fish for the fleet bobbing on the surface. She'd brought the Ascendants to the safe haven where they loved to play above and below the waves, and had then left them, trailing her drift line and flag behind her to alert the skiffs to her position.
Mirron had watched her go through the clear calm waters, her arms by her sides, her strong legs propelling her away. They'd all learned the underwater techniques from Jen these last two years. From the first moments of drawing water into the lungs, when the fear was terrible and the reflex to choke unstoppable, to the understanding of pressure effects on the body and how to breathe and rise slowly to combat them, to the sheer joy of swimming beneath the surface, spotting fish and discovering the wonders and dangers of the sea floor.
She turned away, glancing up quickly to see the brightness of the sun on the surface about forty feet above her and swam towards the others who were already nearing their favourite place, cavorting under the waters of Genastro Falls where they plunged into the sea. It was a great place for underwater hide and seek. She worked her legs harder to catch them up, feeling a pang of isolation as she did so. Ever more, these three whom she considered her brothers were the only real friends she had.
Jen tried her best but she was too old and it just felt awkward. Mirron had friends from the school but less and less often did their parents want her in their homes, or their daughters in hers. Mirron didn't really understand. She knew she was different because her abilities were active. But most of her friends used to have one ability
or another in their early years. Perhaps they were jealous, though if they were they didn't show it.
The others were already into a game by the time she arrived. Gorian was hovering in the water, almost lost in the air bubbles that stormed around the plunge pool. They felt soft on the skin and the roar of the falls in their ears was like muted thunder. It sent tingles through Mirron's body every time. He saw her and beckoned her towards him. She felt a small thrill and did as he asked, aware they were alone for the moment.
Gorian was beautiful. So moody but so alive. His hair eddied around his head and his eyes shone in the water, the muscles in his arms, chest and legs stood proud. She swam up close to him and hung there while the bubbles coursed in front of their faces. She had the powerful urge to kiss him then and it frightened her a little because she saw the same thing in his eyes as well. There was peace for them here. She didn't want the moment to end and fought to resist the desire to touch him lest that should spoil it. Gorian opened his mouth, sucked in bubbles and blew them out towards her. She laughed, the sound alien in her ears.
Who seeks? she asked, using the signs of upraised palms and a hand on her brow, hooding her eyes.
Ossacer, he replied, holding up four fingers to indicate his sign. She was two, Arducius three. Gorian of course, was one. It was hardly fair but it was the reason why Gorian was hiding in the water and air bubble streams. Ossacer's sight was fading rapidly. The illness he'd contracted following the shock of Mirron's emergence two years before had begun the process and nothing the doctors did would halt or reverse the problem. He would be blind before the coming dusas reached its height. But until then, he enjoyed what little sight he had, making his work and play ferocious and determined.
Where Arducius? She used the seek and three signs.
Gorian shrugged then pointed downwards.
Ossacer?
Gorian smiled and pointed down again repeatedly, indicating a long distance. He moved a hand towards her and let it drift through her hair, some of which had escaped its band to wisp about her eyes in the swirling warm water. She had no desire to pull away. There was a hot lump low in her stomach. She trembled. A shoal of tiny silver grey fish flowed past them, enveloping them for a few moments before moving on across the bay. Gorian leant in, his face coming closer to hers. She imagined feeling his breath on her face, his lips large in her vision.
A dull clang echoed through the water. Once, twice, three times. It was Hesther or Shela, summoning them back to the shore. Mirron backed away from Gorian who frowned and beckoned her. She shook her head and pointed up and away towards the beach, raising her eyebrows in the 'now' sign. Gorian nodded. The moment was gone. He held out his hand. She took it and the two of them led the way back to Westfallen, the others swimming to join them from below.
'When can we start developing our Waterborn ability?' asked Gorian. 'Jen says we're already as good as her. We should be trying to be better.'
'Fancy controlling the fish, do you?' asked Mirron, head emerging from her towel to see Gorian's skin glistening in the sunlight.
'Dolphins and sharks, more like,' said Gorian.
'All in good time,' said Hesther. 'I don't think we've worked out a method just yet. I think you'd be better trying that sort of trick on sheep.'
Ossacer chuckled. 'You can see it, can't you? Gorian controlling the mind of a sheep and ordering it to attack.' They all laughed at the joke. All but Gorian. 'Well you won't be able to because you'll be blind,' he said. 'Gorian, you will apologise for that right now,' ordered Shela. 'Well, he will be.'
'And he does not need reminding by that nasty mouth of yours, does he?' Shela said. 'Apologise.'
Gorian gazed defiance at Shela for a moment. 'Sorry,' he muttered.
Mirron had been trying to see Ossacer's reaction. He'd been staring at the ground and fiddling with the sand at his feet. Now he looked up.
'Anyway, I won't need my eyes,' he said. 'One day, the animals will see for me.'
Hesther was frowning at that, eyes locked on Ossacer. After a moment, her expression cleared and she clapped her hands together.
'Right. If you're all rested and mostly dry, grab your things because it's time for something to eat and a surprise.'
Mirron and the others got to their feet and followed Hesther and Shela away from the beach towards the slopes leading up to the orchard. They passed the Marshal Defender's house on the way. Mirron looked at its shuttered windows and wondered when the family would be back. It was more fun when Kovan came to stay. He always joined in whenever he could and didn't seem worried by them like some of the others in the town. He never strayed far from her side either, unless they were playing Waterborn of course, and that was a comforting feeling. Pity he and Gorian didn't get on very well.
The Marshal's villa boasted a beautiful private garden that stretched for fifty yards on each side. Its walls were whitewashed and high, capped with red slate. At each corner and in the middle of each wall, statues of previous Marshals stood in heroic or philosophical poses. The wooden side door into the gardens stood open and Hesther ushered them inside.
Mirron loved these gardens with their marble paths crisscrossing the lawns; the fruit trees offering them apples, oranges and lemons; and the ornamental fish pond and fountains in which great golden carp swam lazily. The centrepiece was a raised marble plinth, open-sided and with a domed roof held up by four columns. It had a ring of benches and on one of them sat Father Kessian. She yelped in delight and ran forward, leading the Ascendants in an excited babble.
They were taught by Hesther more and more these days. Father Kessian was old and always seemed to have a cold or an ache or something. But when he did come to teach them, it swelled her heart and not just because it would be something important. She loved him. They all did. There was silence when he spoke and warmth when he smiled. And every word he spoke struck to their hearts and showed them things they had not understood. Made them better.
'Hello, my young Ascendants,' he said, his voice soft and soothing.
‘I
trust the water was warm and the fish friendly.'
'It was lovely,' gushed Mirron, planting a kiss on his cheek and hugging him around the neck. She was joined by the others.
'Steady, steady,' said Kessian, chuckling and struggling to keep upright under the weight of them all. 'Give an old man the space to breathe.'
They let him go.
'Gorian wants to control the sharks,' said Arducius.
'Does he indeed?' Kessian raised his eyebrows. 'Ambitious, aren't you? Well nothing wrong with that. Now then, sit down. Shela will bring you food and I will take your teaching this afternoon.'
Mirron clapped her hands together and sat down right next to the Father. She gazed up into his knowing eyes, half-hooded by the folds of skin on his old face. One day he wouldn't be here to teach them or encourage them. He was reaching the end of his cycle and would be embraced by God. She didn't want that day ever to come.
'Are you feeling better?' she asked.
Kessian smiled. 'Yes, my child, and thank you for asking. My chest is clear and Genna says I no longer snore.' Tm glad,' she said.
'Right then. All comfortable? Then let's learn something new,' said Kessian.
Mirron felt her heart beat faster. She shared a smile with Gorian. Nothing was better than new skills. It meant the Echelon thought they were improving.
'Now, during all that I am about to say and the experiment I want you all to do, bear in mind the heart of your learning since your emergence. Almost two years ago now . . . time passes so quickly doesn't it? What can you tell me about elemental energy cores? Arducius?'
'They are the most concentrated sources of life energy that we can use.'
'Good,' Father Kessian stretched the word. 'But what more is there than mere use that you have found so surprising?'
'We can make more energy with it,' said Ossacer.
'Yes, you can amplify it. But I know you've all found it difficult even when the source is steady and strong. We've all seen the temporary ageing effects you suffer when you have used your abilities. And we have noted also that there is only so much work you can do with your abilities before you are both exhausted and grey, do you agree? Yes, Gorian.'
'But we are much better than we were even a year ago,' he said. 'We can already do so much more than we could then.'
Kessian nodded enthusiastically. 'Oh indeed, and I'm delighted you are all developing so well. That will undoubtedly continue. But I want you all to bear in mind that there will always be limits and that you must make yourselves aware of how far your bodies and minds can go. Particularly when you are causing growth in living things. Yes? Good.
'Now, the reason I've reminded you about that is that I want to begin your understanding of other ways to use the energies that you have all proved so adept at finding and directing into your work.' Father Kessian picked up a sheet of paper that was on the seat to his left. 'Gorian wrote that—'
'The first Gorian?' asked Arducius.
Kessian looked at him with a slight frown. 'Well, obviously.'
The three boys dissolved into laughter, clutching at each other helplessly, trying to speak and doing little more than spitting half words.
'AH right, all right,' said Kessian with a broad smile on his face. Mirron shook her head, happy that she had a little more control. She looked up at the Father and shrugged. 'Boys,' she said, echoing her mother's tone.
Kessian chuckled. 'Indeed. All right boys,' he said.
‘I
think it's time you told us why my words are so funny to you.'
They looked to each other, threatened to lose control again but sobered enough to explain themselves. Gorian was the spokesman.
'Sorry, Father, but it's what you always say. You and all the Echelon.'
'What, exactly?' asked Kessian.
'You always say, "well, obviously", Father. All the time.'
'Do we,' said Kessian. 'Well, the way to stop us is to stop asking dim questions, isn't it? Eh?' He smiled and reached forward to ruffle Gorian's hair. 'Now, if I may be allowed to continue?'
'Well, obviously,' managed Ossacer before roaring with laughter and taking the other two with him.
Even Mirron couldn't quite contain herself. They were right as well, now it had been pointed out. Father Kessian waited for it all to subside, taking the chance to lean back and let Shela serve them some lunch before calling for order once more.
'Gorian - the original Gorian - wrote this: "We accept the existence of energies within all things, living and silent, and that shapes and densities of energies are moulded to particular tasks. For instance, the specific signature of energy trails typical in an orange tree versus that in a farm animal. This is as much learned from ancient scriptures discussing the veins and blood of God through his earth as it is from my own observations and those of the Ascendancy with the vision to see.
' "We also believe and accept that when the first true Ascendant is born, he or she will be able, once emerged, to divert and determine uses for these energies other than that which is their current purpose; though that determination will likely be kin to the current purpose."' Kessian paused and smiled. 'He was at times rather long-winded. All he means is, fire for fire work, earth for root and branch. And I can see what you are about to say, young Gorian, so don't. The joke will quickly wear thin.
'Gorian said this last too, which is important as well as brief: "There is no reason, however, that energies moulded for one purpose by God should not be adjusted by an Ascendant for an entirely different purpose. After all, all energy is essentially the same at its core and guides the overall cycle of life that is the glory of God and to which we all of us are bound." '
Kessian put down the parchment and looked around the Ascendants. Mirron felt excitement growing. If she'd guessed right what they were going to try today, it was a big step forward. A difficult one, too.
'Now, I'm not going to push any of you into this but let me say this first. You have all mastered, and mastered quickly, the basic rules of adapting the life energies to produce the effect you want. It means you understand how the lifelines work and how you can augment them with your bodies to amplify your effect. You are all capable of doing what I am about to ask.
'Now, what I want you to consider this afternoon is this. By example . . . Mirron, you are a peerless Firewalker. We have seen you manufacture a blaze from smouldering kindling that could heat a forge. Your challenge is to use the life energies of any tree in this garden and use them to create fire. Can you remember the signature of energy that is present in fire? Can you mould that of a lemon tree and bring flame where there was none? And, if you can do that, do you have the strength within yourself to fuel that fire, to amplify what you have built?'
Father Kessian placed a hand on her knee. He favoured her with a warm smile, seeing the anxiety that must have crossed her face as it passed through her mind. This was a bigger step than she had imagined. She looked to Gorian. Even he seemed a little worried, while the other two appeared lost in thought.