Second Don: Ardulum, Book 2 Page 14

  Curious, Arik pulled up his own shirtsleeve and compared his arm to hers. He already knew he had the markings for the four Talents—he had checked that when he’d first arrived. But, the marks on his arm—six circles, all the same circumference and all interwoven—were completely different from Kallik’s.

  Mine are different, too, Tik said. What does that mean?

  That we shouldn’t have to bludgeon people to death, Kallik responded. They’re afraid of us, otherwise they wouldn’t lock us up. I think it is time to find out why. She pointed to a silver screen on the opposite wall—the first interface Arik has seen since leaving the communal room, and the first biometal he’d seen since arriving at the facility. Unlike the rest of the molded plastic walls, it shimmered and hummed faintly.

  Communications panel, Kallik said.

  Arik nodded. In fact, the more he looked at it, the more unusual it seemed. Every communication strip he’d ever used had looked like an opaque sheet—easy to bend and curl and completely unremarkable. This one was swimming with shiny, little zigzagging things that seemed to be glowing, giving the panel a rigid, gem-like look.

  We’re not allowed biometals. Or andal. Or cellulose of any kind. I manifested as a Hearth Talent, before things went crazy. I spent my whole life on communication panels. So… Kallik reached out and put her hand on the panel, smiling.

  Be careful! Ukie warned. Arik had wanted to say the same thing, but found he was far more interested in what was happening to Kallik. At her touch, the panel stopped shimmering. Arik moved closer and could see millions of cellulose strands hovering before it, dancing in the hall light.

  I’m…seeing crystalline cellulose, Tik said. That shouldn’t be possible.

  If we can see it, Kallik said, grinning, I bet we can move it. She flicked her thumb and sent a mental command, broad enough for them all to hear. Arik watched, fascinated, as the cellulose responded, swarming around her hand. More strands followed. Bits of metal began to flake to the floor, loose without their cellulosic matrix.

  If we leave holes in walls, someone is going to realize what we are doing, Arik sent.

  Doesn’t matter, she responded. Watch. She brought the strands together, weaving them into a tight cord. Bonds formed and energy pulsed into Kallik. With that energy, she widened her reach. More cellulose came to her, the cascade broadening quickly as the wall buckled. Kallik began to glow.

  I think we’re going to be just fine, she said. Anyone else want to give this a try?

  Chapter 15: Eld Palace, Ardulum

  Those inhabitants wishing to help end the Ardulan threat are invited to mass with the Risalian and Alliance fleets at Korin. Battle training and ship weapon outfitting will be provided to all who attend, regardless of experience level. Together with our allies, we will crush the Ardulans and return an everlasting peace to the Charted Systems. They took from us our innocence, and in return, we will take their lives.

  —Broadband communication from the Markin Council to the Charted Systems, December 16th, 2060 CE

  THE ELD SAT before Ekimet, looming on their intricately carved wooden thrones. Ekimet shifted on the coarse andal mat, bumping into Miketh’s leg. The limb twitched, but Miketh remained rigidly straight, eyes fixed ahead on the male eld of Hearth and Mind and on the female eld of Mind and Aggression. The third throne sat empty, the gatoi eld—Ekimet’s childhood friend—mysteriously absent. Ekimet wanted to inquire, but knew it would seem out of place to Miketh. Ardulans did not ask the Eld questions, and certainly did not question their attendance at meetings. Disappointed in losing the chance to at least share a smile with Savath, Ekimet settled back down and awaited instructions. Surely they would find each other later, after the debriefing. Ekimet desperately needed a friendly face.

  They were in a small room just off the throne room, which Ekimet recognized as the Talent Chamber from zir ceremony almost exactly ten years ago. Nothing had changed, not even the andal bark mats upon which zie and Miketh knelt, the weave just as coarse as it had been the day Ekimet received zir Talent. Of course, zie had had other meetings here too, over the years, but those had never utilized the thrones, kneeling, or any type of ceremony. They also seldom took place during the day, and this was the first time zie had seen the entire collection of anointment oil spread across the floor. If there were any unusual noises about, Ekimet couldn’t hear them. Zie and Miketh had gone straight to the Eld, as they’d been instructed. The healer could wait.

  Of course we are glad you could return to us. We will have you see a healer after this meeting has adjourned. Asth smiled slightly, and Ekimet shivered. Zie had not spent a great deal of time with Asth over the years, but the woman’s chilling presence still set Ekimet on edge. You understand that recovering you was not a possibility. Not with the current political climate on Ggllot and the move so close.

  Your information is useful. Adzeek patted the arm of his throne twice. You are to be commended.

  So, what are you going to do? Miketh blurted. She shrugged off Ekimet’s cautionary hand. The Mmnnuggls will follow us no matter where we move.

  I do not like the idea of a flare helping them, Ekimet added softly. Being aggressive would not get them anywhere with Adzeek. We cannot have Ardulans fighting Ardulans, no matter how damaged they are. Your guidance is desperately needed, my Eld. Zie also wanted to ask about zir grandmother, but now seemed not the time.

  Asth turned to Adzeek and stared for several seconds. When she turned back, there was a jovial look on her face. Any hope Ekimet had had for the Eld taking the threat seriously evaporated.

  The flare will come to us. We have dreamt it. The Mmnnuggls will be unsuccessful in their attempts. Her expression turned smug. We are unconcerned about Mmnnuggl aggression on Ardulum at this time.

  We have need of you again, Ekimet and Miketh. Will you serve? Adzeek offered both hands, palms down, out to Ekimet. Asth did the same to Miketh.

  Hesitantly, Ekimet laid zir own hands on top of Adzeek’s. Zie would have much preferred to lay out a plan instead of blindly following, but there was something going on behind the scenes that even zie wasn’t privy to. It would be vitally important to reconnect with Savath after this meeting. We are always in your service, Ekimet said.

  Approval radiated from the elds’ minds. Tomorrow, once your hearing is restored, you are to travel to the Charted Systems. The coordinates of a planet called Neek have already been entered into the ship’s computer.

  Ekimet pulled back. Leaving so soon? No chance to connect with family? And…the Charted Systems? Were the Eld joking? What possible reason could they have for returning there, now that the Risalian flares were dead?

  Ekimet tried to sound a reasonable excuse. I am not well-versed in Neek culture. I have only studied the subspecies of the Alliance.

  I barely remember them from training, Miketh added. Why would they side with us? When was their homeworld seeded?

  Adzeek waved his hands from side to side. Your lack of knowledge on this species is inconsequential. They view us favorably and will no doubt assist us. You will build there—build and train a defense force. We agree that the Mmnnuggls will not leave Ardulum alone. They are a species of technology. Conflicts must be decided with power, leaving only the victors and the defeated.

  We are uninterested, however, Asth cut in, on having conflict near Ardulum. Our andal is weak and must be protected.

  If the andal is so weak, why move? Miketh asked. The change in environment will not help.

  Adzeek reached across Asth and smacked one of Miketh’s hands. It is not your place to question.

  Miketh bowed her head and brought her hands to her sides, muttering, There’s no strategy! across her link to Ekimet.

  We have decided the battle will be near Neek. We have prepared a small fleet to draw the Mmnnuggl forces there. Regardless of the outcome, those who remain on our planet will be safe.

  Ekimet did not like where the conversation was going. What is it you require of us on Neek, Eld?

&nbs
p; We will have forces in space, but none on the planet Neek. You and Miketh will be in charge of the populace. You will keep them focused. Asth stood from her throne, walked over to Ekimet, and took zir hands tightly in her own. Ekimet wanted to pull away, to wipe the coldness from zir palms, but stayed still. You will work within their belief structure. You will comply with their religious leaders. You will lead, but you will not usurp.

  Miketh rubbed her forehead. If the Ardulan forces fail, we will die.

  Adzeek stood, reached out, and tipped Miketh’s chin up so they were once again eye to eye. You died on Ggllot. We have informed your family as such.

  Ekimet felt Miketh’s rage. It mirrored in zir, reverberated, and then lay flat. Savath would have an explanation, if not a mitigation. Until then, there was nothing to do but consent. The Eld were their leaders. The Eld were of the andal. They had no choice.

  We will perform to your expectations, zie managed to stutter, hands still encased in Asth’s icy grip. No harm shall come to Ardulum. The andal will remain safe.

  Adzeek and Asth smiled broadly. They gestured to the door, where a healer waited. Your appointment is ready. Tomorrow, you leave. The fleet will remain in contact with you, but you are to speak to no one else.

  Understood, Ekimet said.

  SOMETIMES, IT IS really hard to be an Ardulan, Miketh said as they trailed after the healer.

  It sounds harder to be a Neek, Ekimet retorted. They entered a small laboratory sectioned off from the kitchens, containing six small wood beds. Zie lay down on one and closed zir eyes. Especially once the warships begin to arrive. This wasn’t how I planned on spending my birthday.

  I thought it was sometime soon. Ekimet opened zir eyes, looking up. A soothing calm filtered across Ekimet’s mind as Savath entered. Golden robes billowed behind the gatoi eld. Zie had zir long, dark red hair braided and wrapped around zir head, a style that Ekimet recognized from zir own childhood. Ekimet had even braided Savath’s hair into this style on more than one occasion during zir first don, before Savath had ascended to Eld and become of Science and Hearth. Back when Savath had been a mentor, a confidant, and Ekimet’s closest friend.

  Savath brought wisps of emotion with zir, the flavor of which Ekimet could not readily discern. It didn’t matter. Zir presence was enough. Happy birthday, Ekimet. I’ve missed your friendship during these troubling times.

  Savath— Ekimet began, urgently, but the gatoi eld cut zir off.

  Be at peace, Ekimet, Savath sent. The healing must be done, and then I must leave. We haven’t much time, you and I. A cool, damp hand covered Ekimet’s mouth and zie started—a moment of panic before reminding zirself that there was nowhere to run to. That zie was safer in Savath’s hands than any other’s.

  Zir hand was covered in the synthetic mucus used for Talent Naming. Zie, however, was no doubt using it to boost zir healing ability. The mucus turned warm, and then Ekimet’s inner ears began to itch. The itching turned to burning, and zie had to work to keep a mental scream from leaking to Miketh.

  Almost finished, Savath soothed. There was a pinch and what felt like ripping before a low buzzing began in Ekimet’s ears. The buzzing slowly faded into the mechanical white noise of the laboratory, leaving only a dull ache behind.

  “You’re done,” Savath said, helping Ekimet to a sitting position. Ekimet steadied zirself on Savath’s arm, stealing a moment of kinship. No words came from Savath, but Ekimet felt a mental embrace before the eld pulled away and moved to Miketh.

  She lay on her bed with her eyes squeezed shut, breathing heavily. Perhaps Ekimet hadn’t done as well at sealing zir emotions as zie thought. Uninterested in watching the operation on Miketh, Ekimet looked around. The wood walls were lined with shelves of glass beakers and flasks. Expensive looking machines hummed on the countertops, and in the nearest corner sat a small andal sapling in a pot.

  Ekimet hopped from the bed and walked to the potted andal. Zie ran a finger down the middle of a fat leaf, and it curled in response around zir fingertip. Moved by the gesture, Ekimet reached out with zir mind and tried to get a feeling from the sapling. Some of the varieties had a wispy consciousness about them, although only the Eld could really communicate with the andal on any significant level.

  The sapling responded to Ekimet’s prod by filling zir head with a rolling wave of fog. It felt damp but warm, as if the andal was happy to see Ekimet but unable to elaborate.

  “This one is a new variety,” Savath said, coming up behind Ekimet and brushing Ekimet’s back with zir hand. “The scientists in this lab are working on lower lignin contents so there is more cellulose per cubic meter. It should help the resource go further.”

  “That would explain why it looks crooked,” Miketh added, joining them. “Without lignin, how will it stay upright?”

  “We’re actually considering growing the andal on scaffolding, to alleviate that issue.” Ekimet raised an eyebrow. That sounded like a horrible idea, but what did zie know about farming? Ekimet looked up at the skylight and tried to imagine living life inside a lab, with only the faintest glimmer of sunlight. It was almost akin to being raised gatoi—treasured but confined within the Eld Palace. A constant reminder of preciousness.

  The glass dimmed. Ekimet hoped to check the height of the sun to determine how far into the day it was. When no light returned after several seconds, zie squinted, trying to determine if something might be clouding the view. Was there a blind that was pulled down at sporadic intervals? Maybe low-lignin andal couldn’t tolerate too much sun.

  After another moment, a shape became clear. It was a bird, and it was headed directly for the window. Savath grabbed Ekimet and threw them to the floor, covering Ekimet’s body with zir own. The glass shattered and rained down, bits scratching the back of Ekimet’s exposed neck. The bird screeched as it dove and struck the top of the sapling, snapping the main stem in half. The bird and the broken-off andal hit Miketh squarely in the chest, knocking her back against the wall.

  Indistinct sounds blared inside Ekimet’s mind as Savath rolled off and helped Ekimet sit up. A large piece of glass stuck out of Savath’s back, maroon blood staining the robe.

  Are you all right? the eld asked. Ekimet nodded, tried to reach around Savath to assess the damage, but Savath gently brought Ekimet’s arms down.

  “It is as it should be, Ekimet,” Savath said. “When Ardulum speaks, we all must listen.” Zie kissed Ekimet lightly on the cheek and then stood. “It is your own injuries I am concerned with. Yours and Miketh’s.”

  Ekimet’s mouth snapped open and shut several times. Of course Savath could heal zirself. Zie was of Science. Still, the glass had to be excruciating. Zir own wrists were sore, seemingly from the fall, but that was a minor inconvenience. Bruises healed, and the buzzing in zir head would dissipate with time. Savath didn’t seem to be bothered, however, even with the sizable blood puddle pooling on the wood floor.

  “Argh. Help!” Miketh was kicking the large, black bird away from her legs, one hand on her forehead. There was a faint trickle of blood near her right eye.

  In one fluid movement, Savath stepped to Miketh, pushed the bird aside, and healed the wound. Savath’s own wound continued to seep. “You’re to see the lab tech now,” Savath said. “She will guide you for the rest of your time on Ardulum.” Without looking back, the gatoi eld stepped over the now unconscious bird and began to walk away, the glass shard still firmly embedded in layers of gold cloth and flesh. “I have great faith in you, Ekimet and Miketh. Listen to Ardulum. Follow its demands.”

  Savath disappeared around a corner, leaving Ekimet with a distinct emptiness that contrasted with the fullness in zir head. Savath had always been abstract, but to brush a wound like that aside, to have no time to even chat with Ekimet…what did that mean? Ekimet puzzled over this until Miketh took zir by the shoulder.

  “Do you realize what the odds are of a bird that size fitting through a window frame that small?” she asked, looking down at the bird. “She had to do s
ome amazing flying to make that fit happen.”

  Ekimet shook zir head, trying to clear it. The noise was making it hard to concentrate. “Miketh,” Ekimet asked, hoping zir voice wasn’t too loud. “Did the healing leave you with a really irritating sort of rustling in your head?”

  “No. I’m completely back to normal.” She looked quizzical. “Did you hit your head on the way down?”

  “Must have.” Zie looked at the broken sapling, thick sap running from the main break point, down the trunk, and onto the floor. “Looks like those epicormics are going to get their day in the sun after all.”

  “The tech is waiting for us, Ekimet,” Miketh prodded. “Let the other lab sprouts worry about the broken andal.” She led Ekimet out of the lab and to the left, where a dour-looking third don waited, tapping her foot impatiently.

  “They still have andal on Neek, right?” Ekimet asked, more to zirself than Miketh.

  Miketh shrugged. “Probably. Why?”

  Ekimet sneezed and looked back the way they had come. A streak of broken glass trailed them as fragments continued to fall from their clothes, highlighting their path. “Because I might have a concussion from that fall. My head is…it isn’t ringing so much as whispering. A hearty meal might help clear it.”

  Miketh raised a hand to her shoulder, pointing behind them. “I’m sure we have time for lunch if you really need to eat. We’re already near the kitchen.”

  Ekimet shook zir head and continued walking, absentmindedly rubbing zir sore wrists beneath the thick fabric of the flight suit. “Not those,” zie responded. “Genetically modified, low-lignin pot saplings are not going to cut it. Maybe I just need to lie down. I swear it sounds like andal is muttering in my head.”