Analindë (The Chronicles of Lóresse) (20 page)

The power within him connected with the dry heat laying heavy in the valley and the scorching heat from the sun. The Energy within him took on a life of its own and jumped around lively. Instead of the bonfire he’d intended, the skies rained fire and it wouldn’t listen to him. He couldn’t stop it. The houses caught fire; Merryn’s face melted underneath her flaming hair. He doubted he’d ever forget the sight.

He turned to Master Zithrien confused and afraid. The old man spared no thought for him, trying with his might to control the inferno Morian had called while shielding the remaining survivors in the village.

The old Master collapsed. Morian alone survived.

The plains burned for days.

Everything was destroyed that day except for himself, and even that was debatable. He wandered alone for hundreds of years, always running from a terrible horror he couldn’t escape.

Analindë stared numbly down at her hands, surprised not to see the ash-blackened masculine hands from a moment ago. She blinked rapidly, her eyes had filled with tears. She heaved a breath and then backed away from the chest. The room was cold; she shivered, no longer feeling the dry heat of summer. She felt tired, hollow. An emptiness greater than she’d felt before filled her and she wondered how long the memory would haunt her. It took awhile to remember that she was herself, not the elven boy who had become impatient with his teacher and been goaded to recklessness.

This time Analindë took time in answering. She was not quite sure what Master Donarion wanted to hear. How was she to explain the travesty that had befallen the young elve, his loved ones and friends?

«The young student pushed himself too fast and too quickly, but for all the wrong reasons, first out of laziness and impatience, and second to compete against another elve his age. His rash actions destroyed all the structures and caused the death of his mentor, his family, his neighbors, and every living plant and animal in the entire village by incinerating them where they stood. He was burdened by tremendous guilt and was never able to reach his potential in life.»

«Very good. Now answer me this. What are they together?» He asked as he pulled the lid to the third box shut. The taste and smell of ashes quickly receded from the room.

Together? What did he mean? Why was he asking? What did he want? It had to be some sort of test, just like the games she had played with her mother. To give herself time to think, Analindë studied the wooden planks beneath her feet. They were well cared for and expertly laid. She looked over at the chests once more. They had been lovingly assembled. Nature had been captured in their making. Graceful whorls in the wood were polished; hinges and locks echoed the curling patterns and had been brushed to a soft hue. She thought past the closed lids and locks to their contents. The golden ball of immense power, the nascent seed, and the charred length of wood. Her thoughts circled the three concepts, searching for links and commonalities. Her mind prowled, tying them together until they formed a basic concept.

«Together they are a test, a measure of one’s strengths and weakness, the ability to analyze, deduce, and act. To see clearly and move forward with caution.» She spoke softly, still staring at the chests. «There are rules and consequences, and in the natural world, oft times the outcome of breaking a rule can be dire.» She rolled her shoulders back, then looked to the awakening stars in Master Donarion’s eyes. The patterns they wove were unknown to her. «The basic lessons one can learn are to be patient and to look past the surface of things for the potential to what could be, and to the various possibilities that can follow, and to be wary of greed and the draw that comes from a source of great power. But mostly, not to underestimate the strengths within ourselves.» She studied the stars in his eyes. She saw a flicker of interest and approval in the patterns they wove, which gave her enough courage to ask, «How did I fare?»

«You did well. Of course I would expect nothing less from a
Mage of Lindënolwë
; they have always been known for their intelligence and strength. You saw and felt more than most.» He nodded to himself, thinking deep thoughts that she couldn’t read in his eyes. Analindë squirmed as she did each time someone mentioned the greatness of her ancestors and the implied expectations for her to live up to them. Other people’s thoughts of what she should one day become usually induced a tiresome burden of weight to settle around her shoulders, weighing her down. This instance was no different. She wanted to chart her own course and not be driven toward some pre-determined destiny. She wanted to live a quiet life like the one she’d had back home. Then she remembered that right now home would be a little too quiet. Her heart clenched, her mind stilled.

«Now come and see.» Master Donarion’s voice broke through her morose thoughts. He stood at the far side of the room, but she hadn’t seen him move. «Never speak to others of what you find here, except to those who have also found this place.» She ambled toward him and nodded her compliance, then felt a swath of Energy move through her, locking something in place. She shivered. Her nod, although nonverbal, had been binding.

«This place, it’s where it all began isn’t it? The first room of Mirëdell,» said Analindë as she gestured to the simple room around them.

Master Donarion shuddered. She glanced at the chest holding the charred bit of wood and blanched. To the keeper of this place, what might the room whisper and what other memories might this room hold?

«Yes, this is the place. They lived in terrible times back then and needed a safe place to hide. Mirëdell became a haven for all those who sought peace and eventually became a place to learn.» He turned toward a door that had not been there a moment before. He opened it and said, «Come.»

The Fourteenth Chapter

S
he followed Master Donarion through
the door and down a winding staircase that was cut out of solid rock. The air thickened with age the further they descended, and a sense of being weighed and measured in some manner swirled around and through her. It was an odd sensation. She felt open, vulnerable, as if all the private thoughts she kept hidden deep inside were suddenly out and being evaluated. She didn’t like it.

The stairs ended abruptly. The only way out was back up the stairs. Master Donarion studied her for a moment, face blank, then turned and walked through the rock wall in front of them. Analindë gaped and took a few steps back; had the keeper really just walked through solid rock? Then she remembered that they were both wisps of self. They could pass through just about anything.

With trepidation for what might be on the other side, Analindë pressed up against the barrier. Cold rough stone pressed against her palms briefly; then she felt herself dematerialize. Moments later she followed him through the wall. Yet through was not quite accurate. Into the bedrock of the mountain would have been more precise.

She followed him through the rock until a short path of sorts opened up around them. A few more steps and they reached a narrow peninsula jutting out into an ocean of reddish-black Energy so great she couldn’t measure it. «What is this place?» She asked as they continued to walk. The power glistened as it lapped in small waves. Glowing softly, it illuminated the ceiling above them and the path they trod.

«Mirëdell’s source.»

«But how?» She twitched her skirts in place to cover her embarrassment when she realized she’d been swinging her head back and forth, gawking like a child at a fair. Master Donarion either hadn’t noticed or had decided not to notice. She hoped for the former.

«When this haven was established, the founders knew that they would need power. And that they would need to hide and protect it from those who would have used it to destroy them. The founders wove a spell of hiding so strong that no enemy has yet found the source. It draws the earth’s energies to itself slowly, a trickle at a time.

«See how it in turn feeds Mirëdell?»

Analindë looked up, following the tendril of Energy that Master Donarion sent out. She saw how Energy flowed—with no discernible trace—into the very foundation of the school, giving power to the walls and strengthening defenses. She looked to the outer curtain walls . . . impenetrable.

She’d studied those very walls, in detail, just a short while ago. «I would have never noticed had you not shown me.»

«That was the founder’s intent; you can feel it if you are very still.» He looked at her questioningly.

Analindë focused her mind, listening. A deep song filled her mind, but there were no words. It reminded her of . . . something she could not name. It felt masculine and strong, of a ruthless protection distilled over time with age and wisdom. After a long while the nuances finally came. There was a sense of urgency, some fear.
Never be found, except by us. Don’t be detected, except by us. Draw the energies to yourself. Protect Mirëdell. Store your energies for our time of need. In turn, we will guard and protect you.

Shocked, she blinked her eyes open, «It’s alive?»

«Yes, in a manner of speaking all energies are, but this one more so than others.»

«Their intent gave it life. They were afraid and were hurrying.»

«They lived in troubled times. And yes, Analindë, their intent did just that, gave the source life. You are a quick study.»

«Thank you, Master Donarion. If I am, then I owe it to my mother.» She shuffled in place for a moment thinking of the family discussions she’d had most winter evenings and the puzzles her mother constantly gave her, then added, «Much has changed over the past several weeks. Most times, I just find things a bit frightening.»

«Yes, it would be. Take comfort in knowing that because you have access to your source, you see more clearly. Because it grew so quickly, you then also were able to see and understand so much faster.» His words surprised her; she didn’t think she’d have ever arrived at
that
conclusion. He stared at her intently. «I have read that oft were the times when mages came quickly into their power such as you. To do so without the chance of harm is a technique that has been lost. Analindë, with such great power comes responsibility. You found your way to me, as few others do these days.» He looked troubled. «Since the founding of Mirëdell, those who come are tested, weighed and measured. Those who come and pass are granted access to the source, but in return the source must be safeguarded from all harm that may come upon it. It is the vow we have sworn.

«Will you accept?»

«Yes, I do.» The something inside her that had earlier locked in place ratcheted tighter then became solid, impenetrable, immovable. Another binding?

Analindë let the thought slip away and gazed around in awe as Mirëdell’s source surged up around her. The exhilarating power rushed past her and part of her trilled in excitement; fine particles misted in the air. The sensation of being weighed and measured started again; this time she recognized it as coming from the source. It was more intense this time, excruciatingly so. Every little particle of every little item within her felt like it was being opened up, shaken a little bit this way and that, and then set back down. After what felt like centuries later, waves of power curled around and enveloped her in a firm hold.

«Welcome, young one.» A voice old with age spoke to her, and then the power slipped away.

Surprised, Analindë looked to Master Donarion, «Was that–»

«Yes, Mirëdell’s Source has approved you. Analindë, you may now count this place a safe haven. If ever you are in trouble or seek shelter, come here. You may also return to seek council and guidance, although Mages have their own havens and Stone Masters usually are the only ones that come here. You are welcome the same.»

«Thank you Master Donarion.»

«Now go. Learn, and do so quickly. Such is your responsibility. Power such as yours should not be unfettered and left to wander.» He looked at her grimly.

«I will try the best I can.»

«Good. I see the ordeals of the past few weeks have drained you. Extend your hand and ask, if your intent is good; the source will assist.» Unfettered and left to wander? She was puzzled at his words; what could he mean? And then she realized what he had just said about asking for assistance.

Analindë looked into the aged Master’s eyes, searching for truth or reassurance. Again, she found nothing. Could it hurt for him to give her a little guidance? She pushed the thought away. His face and eyes were a mask she could not read. He simply waited to see how she’d act, standing by to pass judgment.

Analindë wiped her sweaty palms against her skirts, unsure of what to do next. She thought of the glacier lake and how it had offered assistance. And then there was that taste of freedom that the mountain breeze had given her. She gripped her hands together, let go, and then reached out to touch the glistening power circling around them. It was a beautiful deep rich red bordering on black; it sparked as it moved.

Please.
The source latched onto her hand at the word.
I am willing but lack the strength to learn quickly. Will you help?
She thought.

The source answered her by drawing her into his thoughts and showing her his world. They traveled to the depths of the earth where the ground burned a molten red. She saw heat and energies; how they flowed, the movement of the earth around its axis. They traveled to the outer crust of the earth where things had cooled and the energies moved more slowly, trickling down from above. He showed her how and why earthquakes happened and the massive amounts of power generated when they were triggered. She saw sparkling red energies merge with brilliant browns, greens, blues and golds. And at last she saw the gentle growing energies flow downward from the trees and plants into the core of the earth below. Energies continually cycling at various rates, mighty energies erupted outward from the world’s core while tame gentle energies flowed downward from the growing and living things above.

«There is an ebb and flow, give and take; the energies help each other. Through sharing a balance is struck,» she said.

«You understand,» the deep voice rumbled. The source pulled her back to Mirëdell. As they went she saw miniscule trickles of Energy gathered and pulled toward the source. None followed a direct path, but all made their way there nonetheless. Reaching the place where Master Donarion waited, the source retreated from her saying, «Go and learn. Quickly.»

Within moments, glorious warmth filled her, then traveled back up the line that tethered her to her body and source. This Energy was different than any she had felt before. It was explosive power, mellowed with age, and highly concentrated which had been compacted down to fill the smallest space possible. Such strength.

Analindë felt Mirëdell’s source let go of her outstretched hand. «Thank you,» she said strongly.

«You will always be able to find your way back now that you know the paths to follow.» The stars in Master Donarion’s eyes swirled in pleased circles but his face still betrayed nothing.

«The Source, it is separate from the powers of the earth?»

«Yes, it is separate. Yet intermingles with them.» They started walking toward the stairwell. As they began their ascent, a hint of steel edged his voice. «You have seen much this day, speak to no one of what you have learned here. Except to those who have already seen.» The stars in his eyes stood still and blazed. She faltered, stumbling at the next step. He continued on, his voice softer. «Master Therin is one. In time his young pupil Andulmaion will make his way here as well.»

Analindë nodded her head. «Yes, my Lord.» She thought of the wizened old elve and the possible hundreds of others who had sworn to guard the source and the multitude of tributaries that fed it. She would never betray this secret.

«You should go now. Master Therin is coming to speak with you.»

She abruptly sought his gaze, his eyes were bottomless. How does he know? Instead, she said, «Farewell, and thank you.» Analindë transmuted herself back into a wisp of self, then found her way back up through the school to Therin’s tower. The shield standing between her and her room now looked like a child’s puzzle. Of course she’d already spent a fair amount of time studying it, but now when she looked at it she grasped the underlying concepts contributing to its formation. Patterns righted themselves, shifting in logical progressions. It looked like Master Donarion was right; the more power she held, the better she saw. She wiggled through the shield and reconnected to her body. She took a deep breath, feeling so incredibly good inside. Exhaling, she opened her eyes to find Andulmaion crouched white-faced in front of her.

“Analindë? What happened? Are you okay?” Fear laced Andulmaion’s words. He grasped her arms, pulling her forward to search her eyes. A moment later he released her and stood. His movements were capable and strong as he abruptly strode to the darkened windows. Sparks of Energy fizzed around him in an out of control frenzied whirl. She’d read about this type of thing before; it sometimes happened when men were engaged in fierce battle. He turned toward her, stark fury in his eyes. “Why ever would you leave the safety of the tower unprotected? I would ask you if you thought this was a joke, except for your fight to reach here in the first place. If there is nothing else you ever learn from me, let it be this. Never leave yourself unattended like that again. Ever.” He chastised. His muscles flexed, his hands were fisted tightly, vexation now roared in his eyes. She felt ashamed. He must have read it in her eyes, for a moment later his gaze dropped to the floor, then shifted to the nighttime view outside. His face softened; his expression was beginning to ease into an unreadable court mask when a knock sounded at the front door.

Relieved, Andulmaion strode out of her room to open it. “I apologize Master. I did not realize that you had arrived. Later I will show you how to unseal the shield yourself.”