Tentyrian Legacy (7 page)

Hathor hoped the olive branch of independence
she was extending would ameliorate any anger, especially from
Stavros. Their friendship had long been strained, and she worried
he was no longer her ally.

“There is more than enough money and
resources for each Coven to have a significant appropriation,”
explained Hathor. “Funding should not be a concern. I know this
announcement was unexpected, and for that I apologize. I hoped that
it would be some time before we needed to discuss this. But I think
this strategy is in the best interests of your Covens. It will
preserve the safety and longevity of all Tentyrians.”

“What about the Luminaries, Hathor? Where
will they go?” asked Sophia.

“I have discussed it with them, and they will
relocate to the new sanctuary with me,” said Hathor, “along with
their families’ Guardians, servants, and the Tentyrian Guard.
However, it appears Calypso may be having second thoughts . . .
Aristos’ Coven will also reside there. As Daria’s husband, they are
sharing in the decision to relocate the Cancer Coven. We can
accommodate additional Covens, if you wish. However, I have
expressed my concerns regarding that issue. You should know the
location of the new complex and its surrounding conditions are, in
short, challenging.” Nodding to Maximos, he continued for
Hathor.

“The mountain is located over four thousand
miles away, requiring us to traverse many seas and miles of land.
With our powers and resources, we can get there far more easily
than any human, without the dangers. And as Council members, we can
shift there in a matter of minutes. However, it is still far from
our current homeland and very different. An ice sheet predominantly
covers the land. The land is generally inhospitable, with
summertime temperatures rarely reaching above the freezing mark.
Wintertime temperatures are hostile, and the territory is shrouded
in snow. The mountain itself is the closest peak to what we know as
the Northern Pole. Most of you are familiar with the properties of
snow and ice. Essentially frozen water, they can cause hypothermic
reactions in humans and Tentyrians who have not yet come of age. As
adult Tentyrian bodies don’t feel external temperatures, we won’t
be affected. But nevertheless, it is not a warm or thriving
environment for humans or animals. There are almost no humans
there, except for a few tribes of people who are indigenous to the
area.”

“But what will be the blood source if the
humans are so scarce?” asked Damian.

“It will require a modification in diet,”
answered Daria. “Many of us already drink animal blood in addition
to human. This new area has animals, though different from what we
have seen and domesticated here in Tentyris. But based on our
expeditions, their blood is compatible with our digestive systems.
Feeding primarily off of animals is for our own benefit. Suspicions
amongst the humans as to what we are will be minimized. And
although our access to human blood will be limited, the isolation
will work in our favor. Humans are unlikely to find the complex,
even thousands of years from now. It is hidden deeply within the
mountain and is situated in an area that is almost impossible to
access.”

“I don’t understand what is remotely
appealing about this. This place has temperatures that can barely
support life, and it’s almost at the opposite end of the Earth. Not
to mention you are planning on drinking animal blood? That’s just
unnatural,” protested Stavros.

“The appeal is in the anonymity,” Daria
replied curtly. “It is not for our entire clan to live there. This
place is to serve as a safety net. It is about establishing a safe
place for our people that humans will never find. This new
sanctuary will be the point of governance for Tentyrians and the
location of our yearly Council meetings. Mother, my sisters, and I
can travel to and from the various Covens quite easily when our
counsel is necessary. In the event that emergency meetings or
governance sessions require the presence of all Council members, we
can convene at the new sanctuary on an ad hoc basis.”

“Isn’t this an overreaction?” asked Damian.
“Only Hector has died, and we are capable of fighting back.”

“It’s about being proactive and putting
measures in place to protect ourselves. There will be a time when
we are at war. The longer we can stave that off the better,”
resolved Hathor.

Sophia addressed the group next. “I
understand Hathor’s motivations, and it’s important we all remember
that her visions have rarely led us astray. She speaks what she
sees as truth. I am confident the Luminaries and Hathor can oversee
the Covens from the new complex. It is a rare instance, anyway,
when they all are needed to weigh in on regular Coven proceedings.
As far as I can see, this changes nothing about the Code. It can
and should still be followed. Our governing structure will remain
intact. The only difference is that we all won’t be living in the
same ten-mile radius.”

Sebastian trusted Sophia’s word
implicitly—the Libra Coven leader was all that was reason and
truth. He secretly wished, though, that she could set aside the
rational for the emotional and realize how much he loved her. Being
separated from Sophia would be difficult. But Sebastian understood
that leaving Tentyris was for the best. However, the logistics of
the mountain for the royal family, their humans, and the Tentyrian
Guard were nothing short of daunting.

“Granted you all can probably live off the
animal blood alone,” said Sebastian, “but we still supplement our
diets with human food. Plus the Tentyrians who are not of age and
the human Guardians and servants require grains, meats, vegetables,
and fruits. How can you obtain that easily? The humans and your own
children who have not yet turned can’t possibly survive in so
difficult an environment. They need heat, light, and nourishment .
. .”

“You bring up an excellent point, Sebastian,”
said Hathor in a conciliatory tone. She needed as much support as
possible. “With Phoebe’s skills and Pello’s engineering, we’ve
found a way to manipulate the mineral deposits in the mountain to
produce lanthanum ore in mass to create the necessary energy. There
are now lanthanum processors built within the core of the complex
that supply endless amounts of heat and energy. We’ve also been
able to create a self-sustaining farm inside of the mountain. As
you all know, we’ve been experimenting with energy lamps and new
agricultural processes for many years. Our technology is years
ahead of the humans. The supply of lanthanum found in the mountain,
after being processed, has enabled Phoebe to create energy orbs
that mimic solar light to make crops grow. The entire complex is
illuminated by these orbs, which can darken accordingly for sleep
cycles. In total, approximately four square miles have been carved
out of the inside of the mountain. The farm grows from
nutrient-rich soil that has been crushed from mountain rock. Water
is brought into the mountain from aqueducts that filter fresh water
when it is available and salt water from the surrounding fjord when
the mountain air is too dry to produce snow. The fjord also
contains a bountiful supply of fish, which can be used for
food.”

“This construction is a technological
wonder,” said Aristos. “I’ve seen it myself. The years of work will
soon pay off. There are approximately ten more months of
construction. Our Tentyrian builders skilled in telekinesis have
worked tirelessly under Pello’s direction to carve out this refuge.
Along with them, Hathor, Maximos, the Luminaries, and I have
routinely visited to help with the construction. If all goes
according to plan, you will see the splendor at our next yearly
Council meeting.”

“The new complex is impenetrable,” said Pello
confidently. Pello, leader of the Sagittarius Coven, could
transform matter into rock and, conversely, break and carve it
easily with the power of his mind. Pello was the primary engineer
behind the new sanctuary and was responsible for the building of
Tentyris itself. “The depth of the rock will protect this new
complex for generations. Although the mountain is unremarkable from
the outside, the structures within have the same beauty, design,
and comforts of what we are used to here,” said Pello with
pride.

“I’m sure I speak for many of us when I say
that I am disappointed I was not included in this decision,” said
Karis with palpable hurt in her voice. “But I am not questioning
your judgment, Hathor. The new sanctuary sounds wonderful.” After
hearing the rationale, Karis and Damian both agreed to support the
relocation. “Damian and I will be there at the Rising of Sirius for
our next Council meeting. But what is the complex called?” asked
Karis.

“We thought ‘Sanctum’ made sense,” said
Narcissa. “It is, after all, designed to be a sanctuary for our
people.”

“But Calypso, it appears you’ve changed your
mind,” pointed out Stavros. Throughout the debate, Calypso listened
with furrowed brow and obvious discontent.

“I won’t leave Tentyris without avenging my
father’s death. I, however, will leave when that is accomplished,”
she replied firmly.

“Your own mother said that is not the way of
our kind,” answered Stavros.

“It is also not the way of our kind to not
implement swift justice and action,” retorted Calypso. “I will only
leave Tentyris under the condition that Auletes dies.”

Hathor knew she needed to tread lightly. To
not have Calypso’s support would mean she’d only have the Luminary
vote of three. Based on the Code, she would need unanimous
agreement from her daughters to relocate the heart of their
Council. The Coven leaders were advisors and needed for democratic
votes when Hathor and her daughters wished it. However, at the end
of the day, the real power of the Zodiac was between Hathor and her
kin.

A lot had changed since mother and daughters
agreed to build the new complex twelve years ago. Since then, their
people had grown. Egypt was on the brink of war. Hector was dead.
And Hathor knew she was next. With her death on the horizon, Hathor
couldn’t allow Calypso to remain in Tentyris. Her four daughters
needed to be together, not just to protect each other but to
protect the future. Hathor would have to compromise.

“Auletes will die prior to us leaving for the
Sanctum,” answered Hathor. “It will need to appear as an illness.
We will not kill him openly and allow his death to be traced back
to us. Calypso, I know you wish to dispense his punishment, so I
will leave it to you. But mind me, Auletes will not die until our
preparations for leaving are finalized. Now, let us take a formal
vote amongst the entire Council regarding our plan of action,” said
Hathor. “The relocation of the Luminaries, me, and Aristos’ Coven
will happen with or without the vote of the Coven leaders. However,
the eleven remaining Covens’ decision to stay in Tentyris remains
in the balance. You will need at least seven votes to decide one
way or the other. Who votes the Covens stay?”

Stavros, Calix, Aglaia, and Asia said aye.
Karis and Damian changed their minds, along with Calypso, giving
the majority to those who wished to disband from Tentyris.

“Then it is done,” Hathor said decisively,
with a hint of sadness in her voice. “We will leave in ten months’
time. Now, for the remaining Covens, you must decide where you will
go. You all have traveled the world, and many of you already have
small enclaves set up in various regions. Ultimately, you will make
the best choices for your Covens. You don’t need me to remind you
that this may be the most important decision you will make as
leaders. If you need more time, and if ten months is not enough,
you are welcome to reside at the Sanctum in the interim. You will
not be staying in Tentyris, though. We shall abandon the city and
leave it to the Egyptians. They will carry on with the bounty we’ll
leave behind with our temples, homes, and fields. Who knows, maybe
they’ll even commemorate our kind—one day.”

2001 AD, April

New Canaan, Connecticut

Ari had been at Silver Hill a week. The
doctors ran their tests, only to reveal that Ari’s “episode” with
Howard was likely the result of her not taking her medication. This
was a natural conclusion considering she had been throwing out her
pills for years. Ari was unusual in that her brain scans were
atypical of a schizophrenic. Rather than demonstrating a loss in
gray matter, which her doctors expected to occur when she was first
diagnosed and then increase through her teen years, her brain scan
revealed no degeneration. This finding was consistent with what
doctors’ saw in her scans previous, but it continued to boggle
them.

What they did find different this time was an
enlargement of Ari’s corpus callosum. The corpus callosum, located
centrally in the brain, was the neural bridge that connected the
two hemispheres of the brain to each other. The enlargement wasn’t
dangerous, as it didn’t look like it was the result of abnormal
blood swelling or cancerous cells. And it was possible that it had
been there since childhood—but they were just seeing it now. It had
been at least five years since Ari’s last scan, and imaging
technology had improved significantly.

The doctors couldn’t attribute her condition
to her unusual corpus callosum, but they resolved that it was worth
exploring. At least one doctor in particular did. Dr. Aman Raad saw
Ari’s brain scan by chance. He was a neurologist new to Silver
Hill, and his pioneering research made him well respected in the
psychiatric community. Raad had accepted a position at Silver Hill,
as he’d wanted to move away from the demands of a daily operating
schedule. In his role at the facility—Connecticut’s best treatment
hospital for psychiatric disorders and addictions—Raad had reviewed
neurological scans of patients and assisted in appropriate
treatment plans.