The Eynan 2: Garileon (15 page)

"He also seemed to think my...desire to be a mage would override my loyalty to him and you." She stepped closer. "Surely you know how grateful I am that you came to aid me, to free me from that evil creature." Her voice was rising. "When I heard what you'd learned from the journal, I was so afraid, and so grateful that you'd rescued me. I'd
never
risk being under the creature's power again!"

Ninian took hold of her shoulders and stared into her eyes, trying to show how sincere he was. "It's all right. I understand, and I believe you. Jhond might be clever and intuitive, but he is not infallible. Under the title of the Eynan is a young man trying to cope with the power so recently thrust upon him. He's capable of handling it, believe me, but he's still learning."

She sagged in his arms, and he gathered her into his embrace, her head dropping on his shoulder. "I so hoped he trusted and believed in me the way I do in him. And even with this, I still feel the same." She leaned back and looked into Ninian's eyes. "I'm a fool, aren't I? I'm little more than a country bumpkin, and, from what little you've told me, he's a noble close to royalty."

"Are you telling me you have...feelings for him? Personal feelings?"

Remelin sighed. "I dare say I am. Like I said, a fool." She pulled free and stepped back, her gaze on the floor. Abruptly, she looked up, her upper lip caught in her teeth as she stared at him. "Does he have anyone waiting for him? A wife? A promised one?"

Ninian hesitated, being unsure what to say, what he felt about her confession, what Jhond's reaction might be. He believed the truth was easiest. "No, there's no one special. His life revolves around being the Eynan."

He liked Remelin, but he didn't believe this was the time to be entertaining such ideas. For either of them. He had noted the way Jhond looked at her on a couple of occasions, but he had brushed it off as Jhond just showing interest in her situation. Was there more to it than that? He hadn't thought Jhond was interested in a relationship of any kind; that all his attention was on being the Eynan.

She covered her reaction to his words by going to wash her face in the small sink. When she turned back, she had control of her emotions. "Any chance of something to eat? I'm suddenly starving."

* * * *

Jhond arrived in the Temple of the Magi, just outside the portion of wall spelled to hide the door to the hidden room. He could have materialized inside the room, however he preferred not to interfere with the complicated magistry hiding it. Only the current spell was of Jhond's creation; the other was much older. He felt much more confident removing the spells from outside before entering.

Jhond's attention was immediately caught by the iron-banded box on the stone bench, the one associated with Ninian's family. He was as curious about its contents as Ninian, but they would both have to wait. He shifted his gaze to the reason for his visit, the chest in which they had stored many valuable artifacts, the cracked crystal included. Jhond opened it and almost reached in to take out the crystal before he recoiled at the memory of the pain he'd felt on last touching it. There was a small wooden box inside the chest, and Jhond removed that, opening it to see what was inside. It contained a velvet bag in which were stored a half dozen crystals. He took the bag out and put it back in the chest. Then he wove a spell around the cracked crystal, causing it to be transferred inside the box.

He was about to close it when it occurred to him that perhaps it would be wise to also bring along the crystal that had sent Ninian on his journey to find the young mage in Garileon. It might be a coincidence that it had been stored in proximity to the cracked crystal, although, then again, perhaps not. It might have already completed its task, but it was possible it could have a different purpose when in proximity to the mage who was meant to find it. Coming to a decision, he picked up the crystal to put it inside the box.

He was shocked when he got a reaction from his contact; the last time he'd touched this crystal, he'd had no response at all. This time, he had a sudden distinct vision of Ninian speaking with Remelin. They were in the cellar in the nunnery and were deep in conversation, though frustratingly, Jhond couldn't hear what they were talking about. Jhond's immediate feeling of concern abated as his talent told him it wasn't a current sighting, though it was difficult to tell if it was a past or a future vision. Of one thing he was sure...the image was a warning.

The vision faded, and Jhond quickly dropped the crystal into the box and closed it. He sealed the chest and exited the room, replacing the spells to reseal and hide the room. He attached the small box to his belt and, concentrating on Ninian, he twisted the pendant against the ring and returned to Remelin's cottage.

* * * *

Ninian had just finished eating and was feeling much better.

"That was good," Remelin said. "I've not eaten as well for a long time before you arrived. I'm going to put on weight." Her mouth curved in a smile, which suddenly morphed into a gasp.

Ninian turned to see Jhond standing just behind him. "Hope I didn't shock you too much," Jhond said to her. "I forget how strange it must seem to those watching."

"Shock? Maybe a little. Fascination? Oh yes," she said with a smile.

"Everything satisfactory?" Ninian asked.

"Yes, with a little extra."

Ninian frowned. "Pardon?"

Jhond saw a third chair was set at the table and sat. After setting the small box on the table, he opened it. "I brought the cracked crystal, and I have yours, too."

"Mine? Oh, the one that sent me here. But why? It's served its purpose."

"Has it? I'm not entirely sure why, but I thought perhaps it might be useful, partly due to its storage in proximity to the cracked crystal. Anyway, when I picked it up to put it in the box, I received an image."

"But that... You got no reaction from it before." This puzzled Ninian. What could have changed?

"Exactly."

"What did you see?" Remelin interjected.

Jhond glanced at her. "You"--then he looked at Ninian--"and you. You were both in the cellar, talking."

"But we haven't been anywhere while you were gone," Remelin said.

"I know. It was either a scene from the past or one from the future."

"A possible future," Ninian said. "Is that it, do you suppose? A warning?"

"I don't know, not for certain, but it makes more sense that it'll be a future event. Not far into the future because you both looked the same as now. Though it is possible that a past event could be cause for a warning, a prelude to something that'll happen in the future."

"So either way, it's a warning of something to come," Remelin said.

"Was there any sign of you in this image?" Ninian queried.

"No, but it was a narrow angled image. I recognized the cellar steps because behind you I saw the section of wall with the stone block missing, where the journal had been hidden. It's possible I was there, but out of sight. I can't think of any reason why you'd be there without me, but I think we must ensure that doesn't occur."

"Can I see the crystals?" Remelin asked.

Jhond looked thoughtful. "You can see, but you must not touch."

Remelin clucked her disappointment, but didn't comment. She rose and stood behind Jhond to look into the box. "Which is yours, Ninian?"

"The smaller one." Ninian suddenly felt a reluctance to touch the crystal.

"Oh my," Remelin said, "I can see why the cracked one would make anyone nervous to touch it."

"I never have," Ninian commented. He sucked in a breath and reached into the box to take out his ovoid crystal, aware of Jhond's gaze on him.

It was as if he wasn't holding the crystal. "Well, that's odd."

"Nothing?" Jhond asked.

"Not a thing. And compared to the last time..." Ninian let the sentence hang.

"Perhaps it's told you all it had to," Jhond commented, as Ninian put the crystal back in the box. "I wonder what would happen if you touched the cracked crystal."

Ninian's head snapped up at the comment, and he stared at Jhond. "Are you seriously suggesting I should?"

"What's wrong?" Remelin asked, obviously sensing the undercurrent.

"It was the first time I'd ever even heard of a cracked crystal, let alone seen one," Ninian explained. "I was reluctant to touch it when I saw it, and considering what happened to Jhond when he picked it up, I've even less reason to want to now."

She turned wide eyes to Jhond. "What was it like really?"

"It was painful and took me on a tempestuous journey. Even now I can remember it very clearly. I saw the frozen wastes, and my senses were overwhelmed. I could smell heat and decay, taste copper, acrid as if burned. I could hear sobbing and prayers for help, broken by a sudden scream. Pervading all of this was the knowledge of pure evil."

"And you want me to touch it?" Ninian was incredulous, but Jhond met his gaze head on.

"I think perhaps you should try. It might be similar to what happened to me with 'your' crystal, Ninian. Now you're in proximity to the purpose of your vision, you might react to it. You are a very strong mage. You taught me much of what I know." Jhond rose and walked around the table to Ninian, who got to his feet to meet him. Jhond reached out and gripped his shoulders. "I am the Eynan, Ninian. Do you trust me?"

"You know I do." He took a deep breath. "Very well, I'll do it." He turned from Jhond, who stayed where he was, watching as Ninian reached inside the box. His hand hovered over the cracked crystal for a few seconds as he gathered his courage and then abruptly his fingers reached out and lifted it up.

Ninian gasped as he was swamped by the power of the crystal, accompanied by a flash of cold making him shiver, but the sensation was overpowered by the pain surging through his hand. It felt as if it was on fire and, though he wanted to let go of it, he gripped the crystal tighter. All his senses were bombarded simultaneously, and he opened his mouth to scream, but he heard no sound beyond the thundering noises of fear and hate. Slowly, the cacophony died into silence and at last he was able to see clearly. The first person he saw was Jhond standing with his back toward him. Jhond was speaking to someone, though Ninian couldn't hear his words. Then Remelin came into view, and it was obvious from her posture and expression she was arguing with Jhond. She stopped directly in front of Jhond and it was then that Ninian could hear what she was saying: "You're wrong and I will prove it to you! You're not as all powerful as you believe. It has given me the power I deserve!"

The image shifted so it seemed Ninian stood behind Remelin watching Jhond, who lifted a hand, fear clearly visible in his expression, as he called out: "Please, no. You must trust me. Remi!"

Ninian sensed the fear and distress Jhond felt as he watched Remelin and was surprised at the depth of Jhond's feelings. Without warning, the images became hazy and then faded to be replaced by the awful noise again, though much to Ninian's relief, it swiftly disappeared and the pain in his hand died at the same time. It was with utter relief that he found he was finally able to release his grip on the crystal, but it was then that he heard it. It began as soft lilting laughter, lifting in volume until it was the cackle of madness.

Jhond moved forward to catch Ninian, as it looked as if he might collapse. "Are you all right?"

Eyes sparkling with interest, Remelin asked, "What did you see?"

Jhond glared at her, annoyed at her lack of concern. "Give him time to recover." Jhond helped Ninian to a chair so he could sit.

"It's fine." Ninian gave a lopsided smile. "I'm in one piece, though I'm not sure all the various parts fit correctly."

Confused, Remelin asked, "What does that mean?"

Ignoring her, Jhond poured Ninian glass of wine, pushing it toward him. "Here, have a drink."

Ninian murmured his thanks and took a gulp. He sighed and sat back in the chair. Remelin was hovering by his shoulder.

Ninian glanced from one to the other, his gaze settling on Jhond as he sat opposite. Taking the hint, Remelin sat, too.

"It was very unsettling," Ninian began. "I think a lot of it was similar to your description of handling the crystal, Jhond. The cold, except for my hand, which felt as if it was on fire, the overwhelming noise, the sensations. I wanted to scream, but I couldn't. Then everything stilled, and an image began to form. It was of the two of you"--he dropped his head as if he didn't want to see them--"and you seemed to be arguing."

Jhond was about to ask for more detail when Remelin spoke up. "What about?"

"I don't know," Ninian said, looking up then. "I could see you both clearly, could tell from your expressions that you were in disagreement about something, but I couldn't hear anything at first. Not until the very end when Remelin stormed out of sight."

Remelin looked puzzled and was about to speak again, when Jhond asked, "What did you hear?"

Ninian sighed, and Jhond knew he wasn't happy to reveal whatever it was he'd heard, but it was too late to take back his query now. Remelin was nothing if not eminently curious, and she wouldn't take it well if she knew they excluded her.

"I only heard the end of the conversation," Ninian admitted. "Remelin said you were wrong and she'd prove it to you. She also said you weren't as powerful as you believe." He glanced at Remelin as he added, "Then she said, and I quote: 'It has given me the power I deserve!'"

"It? What?" Remelin asked, appearing more confused than disturbed by what she had heard.

Ninian ignored her and continued, "Jhond asked you to stop, asking that you trust him. He called out to you, sounding desperate, but you walked out of view."

"Could you tell where we were?" Jhond asked.

Ninian frowned, and Jhond guessed he was trying to recall the scene. "No. The vision concentrated on the two of you. The surroundings weren't clear."

"Was that all?" Jhond asked quietly.

"Yes."

"But what does it mean? What is this
it
I was talking about and what does Jhond want to stop me from doing?" Remelin pressed. "When
is
this? Where? The cellar? Here?"