《Fuchsia's Furious Flame.》


 Chapter 1.

    Chapter one.


    Dereniik found Zegreeb leaning over a cadaver, a gleaming crescent blade in hand.


    ¡°Thank you for heading my summons, Deputized Operative Commander Dereniik.¡± The giant man straightened as he offered a brief wane smile and the customary hand signal, somewhat modified by the weapon he held.


    ¡°I live to serve my Lord; how can I be of assistance?¡± Dereniik intoned the appropriate response keeping his features neutral.


    What was Zegreeb doing in the morgue hovering over a body? Where was Senior Commander Gujuus?


    ¡°I apologize for the need to summon you, but the corpse is already in the early stages of decomposition and by the time the necessary script work meandered its way through the upper echelons of our relative departments, three or four days could pass. I want a second opinion before putrefaction makes an unpleasant job intolerable.¡± Zegreeb¡¯s deep voice echoed off the high vaulted ceiling returning as a low mumble.


    Dereniik hesitated, he did not know the man well, they had met once, late last month. Zegreeb was the friend of a mutual acquaintance and had been asked to assist as a Healer during the conclusion of an arduous quest. Dereniik glanced around the spacious room.


    ¡°Senior Commander Gujuus has retired,¡± Zegreeb interpreted Dereniik¡¯s seeking glances. ¡°I have replaced him as city coroner.¡±


    Dereniik wasn¡¯t sure if congratulations were in order, the Command structure of Healers not within his field of expertise. Not that it mattered. Missing the greater part of both limbs on the right side of his body offering the hand signal denoting congratulations was beyond his capabilities. If he had been sitting, a single-handed variation was acceptable but remaining upright without a tight grip on his left crutch was speculative.


    Attired in a full light green starched apron, heavy duty boots and waxy gloves extending beyond his elbows Zegreeb gestured for Dereniik to approach. The customary cowl emblazoned with epaulets and insignias denoting rank, were absent. Understandable while conducting a postmortem, but leaving Dereniik with no insight on how to address the man. Was he a Sir, Lord, Senior, or Honourable Commander? The dark skin tone and broad facial features identified his ancestry as predominantly from the Wild Waters region, although he displayed none of the culturally significant blue tattoos or embedded gems. A region accent was also absent. Erring on the side of prudence Dereniik opted for a course of humility and respect.


    ¡°My Lord Commander Zegreeb, it will be a pleasure to render any assistance that I am able.¡±


    Fatigue momentarily forgotten, curiosity piked, Dereniik shuffled forward. The crutches were new and the leather binding the one to his right arm stump chafed. The wooden ends, ludicrously smooth, were next to useless for maintaining any sort of grip on slick marble floors. Progress was accompanied by clicks. Dereniik found them irritating, he could only hope they didn¡¯t annoy the giant wielding a knife.


    It wasn''t the first time Dereniik had been summoned to the Morgue. Suspicious deaths making up a decent proportion of the assignments he and his team had once been Commissioned to Investigate. But this was the first time he entered the stark, uncomfortable room without his friends¡¯ support and camaraderie. Memories of better times, the sense of his own impending mortality, and the unnatural chilly atmosphere sent shivers up and down his spine.


    Dereniik had seen enough dead bodies not to bulk at the desecrated remains, but not enough to have become callous, indifferent, or unaffected. Approaching the slab, an unmistakable stench of death and decay pervaded the still air. Zegreeb moved aside, a massive gut wound on the corpse was exposed.


    Observing with pity the blanched inert figure before him. Dereniik found it difficult to tell what the man would have once looked like. Face bloated and bloodied, the eyes and soft tissue about lips and cheeks recently providing fodder for forest scavengers. Defensive wounds on his hands and arms evidence not all the damage had been inflicted after death. Tan skin under new beard growth indicated it was also a recent addition. The long-tapered fingers and hands, stained by clay pigments, were not calloused or weather worn from extended exposure to extreme environments.


    Three ragged parallel gouges stretched from just under the ribs on the right side of the torso diagonally across his abdomen to the opposite hip. Internal organs were exposed in various shades of purple, black and crusted rusty brown. To a casual observer the gashes could have been the claw marks of any number of wild animals. Dereniik took his time, he couldn¡¯t help the dead man, but his family and team would have questions that deserved, if possible, answers.


    ¡°My Lord, there appears to be a variation to the depth of each of these primary injuries. Have you taken any measurement?¡± Dereniik asked.


    ¡°Yes, the top and bottom one¡¯s are deeper than the central incision.¡±


    Zegreeb sheathed the knife, although Dereniik could see no indication of where he had been using the implement. Taking a clip board from a side table, parchment pages rustled as they turned. Selecting one, Zegreeb hesitated part way through the action of passing it. Dereniik was mildly impressed. A good half of the people he met treated him as an idiot incapable of rational thoughts or any physical abilities. The other half failed to comprehend or ignored his limitations. Zegreeb took a couple of swift, lengthy strides, grabbed a nearby stool, and with a fluid motion moved it to the side of the slab and gestured for Dereniik to sit. Leaning his crutches against the table freed Dereniik¡¯s remaining hand to take to offered pages.


    After examining the precise and detailed information Dereniik returned them to Zegreeb and went back to inspecting the wounds. Coming to a decision he straightened, melancholic with the implication of his deductions.


    ¡°My Lord Commander Zegreeb, I am sorry to inform you, but I am unfamiliar with any forest animal capable of producing this series of wounds.¡± A wave of nausea and the niggles of a panic attack threatened, but were effectively delt with.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    Zegreeb contemplated the words. ¡°What about a Welcoloon?¡±


    ¡°The Welcoloon does have three talons on their hind legs. A kick may produce a wound with some of these characteristics, but the middle claw would leave a deeper injury, not a shallower one, and the dew claw would be splayed to the side. Also Welcoloon¡¯s do not leave pray with a single slash. Once bloodied I know of no circumstances that would convince the animal to not finish the attack. They are fiercely protective of the kill until it is all absorbed. Several other alpha predators have ripping or slashing claws, but I know of none that would leave this series of wounds. Did you notice the inconsistency with the small animal infestation?¡± Dereniik asked.


    ¡°I did, what do you make of it?¡±


    Dereniik masked his surprise. Senior Commander Gujuus had never sought opinions. Considered admitting a lack of any knowledge tantamount to personal weakness. Although, Zegreeb was possibly only middle aged, five to ten rotations older than Dereniik, Gujuus had been in his early hundreds.


    ¡°My Lord, are you aware of the location where the cadaver was found?¡± Dereniik asked. He would have liked to examine the body before it had been moved.


    ¡°It was not far into the forest on a cleared path forages and gatherers use regularly.¡±


    Okay. Dereniik was grateful he had not been called to examine the body where it had been found. The forest and he were not on amicable terms.


    ¡°My Lord, at this time of the rotation, current weather conditions taken into consideration, the slug like animals in the top slash would be three to four days old, having been laid at least the day previous. The ones in the middle slash are a couple of days old, and the bottom slash has eggs and grubs that would have emerged within the last few hand breadths. It is my opinion that is consistent with the different times that each injury would have been inflicted. I don''t know any forest animal that would attack with a single non-lethal blow, on non-consecutive days. Although I would say the accumulative effect of the wounds were the cause of death.¡±


    ¡°I concur. A pitiable situation, he would have suffered immensely. I don¡¯t know of any forest animal that would act this way either.¡± Zegreeb was thoughtful. ¡°Do you have any other observations?¡±


    Dereniik nodded. It wasn''t intentional, but his next words came out haltingly. ¡°This species of small animal, eats dead or decaying flesh, useful if you have sustained significant injuries and are forced to live in less than sterile conditions. He, or his captor may have been using them for that purpose, to keep the wounds clean.¡±


    Zegreeb raised an eyebrow. ¡°That''s a very astute observation, even many Healers are oblivious to the medical advantages of this creature.¡±


    Dereniik swallowed the lump of rising anxiety. He picked up the information rotations ago and made practical application after having to perform an unprofessional amputation on his own right foot. Reoccurring nightmares of the surrounding events still disturbed his sleep and uncontrolled moments of intense apprehension punctuated his days with unwelcome regularity.


    To cover his unease Dereniik quickly continued. ¡°His right ankle and both wrists show the bruising and ligature marks of being restrained. From the slight green coloration and thickness of the welts I would suggest grip-vine was used.¡±


    ¡°Could be natural, he wouldn''t have been the first man caught by a grip-vine plant, there are plenty in the area.¡±


    Was he being tested? Interesting. But rising to the challenge took Dereniik¡¯s mind of discussing such an uncomfortable topic.


    ¡°I don''t know of any variation of that species or any other predatory plant that would snare a victim with only three runners. Once immobilized multiple runners are used to smother prey and draw it into themselves. Are there other contusions like this that I have missed?¡±


    Dereniik shivered again, he should have worn his thicker cowl, but the request to attend the morgue had been formally worded and on official parchment. He only possessed an older, lightweight Nisayaan Skin cowl, with his official epaulets and insignias. The extra bars denoting an elevation of rank after his last Commission had been added crooked. Dereniik suffered the ignominy without complained. No one, least of all himself, expected him to live long enough for it to matter.


    One corner of Zegreeb¡¯s mouth turned up in a half smile. ¡°No, no other contusions.¡±


    Dereniik grinned. There was a challenge to the words. ¡®No other contusions¡¯, but what had he missed? A scattering of small insect bites crosses the upper right arm and shoulder. An older healed scar decorated both sides of his left calf. The serrated edge indicating it had been acquired by a bivalve snapping animal. An old phase burn scar on his forearm and a jagged smaller scar across his thigh. At some stage in the past the man had led an adventurous life. Scraped knees, and the back of his heels were also bruised and bloodied. He had been roughly dragged. A Glowsting creature had left an infected perforation on his right forearm and a species of barbed, burrowing seeds were in the process of infesting the lower right hip. The swelling indicated they had been there for several days. It was of interest that there was no evidence the victim had done anything to try and remove them.


    Nine radiating arms of a magenta fractal decorated his right shoulder. The size of an open palm its growth indicated the wearer to be of middle rotations. The glyph tattoo of man''s first-born son¡¯s name had been engulfed and was now impossible to read. The second-son¡¯s moniker was only partially obscured under the delicate radiating arms of a smaller burnt orange fractal on his left shoulder. Geraalt, or perhaps Leraalt, both names were popular, particularly among people from Amaraanth. Although the man¡¯s skin had probably been tan rather than the mid-brown the general population of the region. A deep blue fractal decorated the centre of his chest. The bright gem-like colours contrasted with lack-lustre skin. But bleeding out would do that to a body. His neck was obscured by lank, detritus strewn, red/brown matted hair. Yellow bruising peaked from beneath.


    ¡°My Lord, would it be possible for you to pull back some of the hair from around his neck please.¡± Dereniik asked.


    Zegreeb selected tongs and complied, revealing a couple of small, circular puncture marks.


    ¡°My Lord, these puncture marks are a few days old but directly over the carotid arteries. Thats a bit specific for your average jungle dweller.¡±


    The other half of Zegreeb¡¯s mouth twisted into a smile. ¡°I thought so as well. He has a couple of similar but newer marks puncturing the main arteries of the legs.¡±


    ¡°The femoral arteries?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Zegreeb lifted the edge of the small cloth placed for modesty. ¡°You have a knowledge of anatomy?¡±


    Dereniik shrugged, ¡°I read a lot, it¡¯s mostly only theoretical. Puncture wounds of this size to the femoral arteries would result in massive blood loss, how did he survive? Unless: is that residue from the Great Boong tree?¡±


    ¡°I suspect so. A sample is in the capable hands of Honourable Commander Orator; his analysis will be available by this afternoon.¡±


    Dereniik knew it would arrive with a suitably sarcastic comment but any information from the crusty old Healer who ran the apothecary would be accurate.


    ¡°What is your conclusion?¡± Zegreeb asked.


    ¡°The obvious conclusion is that he was murdered by persons unknown, and although I have met men sadistic enough to inflict this much suffering, they are an exception. I am hesitant to lay blame, there is a manuscript on Slithers in the library I wish to consult. I heard an unsubstantiated rumour once about a creature that may be responsible but wish to refresh my memory and confirm the facts.¡±


    ¡°Are you referring to Kostermans work?¡±


    ¡°Yes, my Lord.¡±


    ¡°I guess it''s sensible to eliminate all possibilities.¡± Zegreeb gave his half smile again, but Dereniik thought he was disappointed.


    Dereniik focused on the inert individuals¡¯ remaining facial features, fixing them in mind. ¡°My Lord, do you know who he was?¡±


    ¡°Not a clue. He was brought in without any identification. And both his sons¡¯ names are partially obscured. How big is your workload? Would you accept another Commission?¡±


    Dereniik felt his pulse quicken. Was he up to the task? The Directives Committee had not Recommissioned him since the tragedy at the beginning of the rotation. Disappointing, but with his disabilities and tenuous health, understandable. Lately he¡¯d taken up a couple of small cases, assisting individuals with private investigations. It was a far cry from the days when, with his team, he had broken up drug cartels, stopped human trafficking, and political assassinations.


    ¡°My Lord, I have washed my hands in justice and live to serve.¡±


    There were formalities of course. Protocols to follow. The response to a case involving the suspicious death of an unknown person would fall under two distinct Coalition Councils. His own Directives Council Committee would handle the ¡®Investigation¡¯, and the Indemnity Council would conduct any ¡®Consequence Management¡¯ necessary. The self-centred, process-obsessed members of his own department may even want a ¡®Threat Assessment¡¯ involving the Construction Committee before assigning personnel.


    ¡°Do you have an Honourable Commander you need to report to, or do you wish me to approach someone in my department to grant me the authority?¡±


    Zegreeb gave another one of his half smiles, this one''s almost genuine. ¡°That won''t be necessary, I''m of the Ninth Maal, free to choose my own Commission and have the authority to Commission you to assist me for this necessary business.¡±


    Dereniik hid his surprise. The man was young to have reached that rank, he would have to have an impressive skill set, but if so, what was he doing working in the morgue? And what had he been going to do with the knife before Dereniik interrupted him?

 Chapter 2.

    Viky sat munching and nursing the remaining patisseries while she was brought up to date on the current state of the world. The selection of Jiuliing delicacies available at closest canteen were not what they used to be. The manners of a Sisterhood encountered while at the canteen were not what they should be. And Sheeli¡¯s latest fedora creations were beyond redemption, not enough lace or pink. A reply wasn''t expected. Lady Maddiisa would never run out of things to talk about, Lady La¡¯navikyya would finish eating and then Maddie would continue to monologue as they Strength trained together. It was a satisfying situation, both enjoying things they liked, so Viky was blindsided when Maddie segued into her next topic without preamble.


    ¡°After we warm up today, I want to get straight into some Speed training. You¡¯re faster than me, so you must have had some training, what drills do you know?¡±


    Viky¡¯s chest constricted painfully and for a heartbeat she couldn¡¯t breathe. Precious memories of training with her parent struggled to surfaced, she shoved them aside.


    A glance at her friend confirmed Maddie was waiting for some sort of response. Viky pretended she was still chewing while she contemplated if a distraction or rebuttal would be the better response. Delaying a further few heartbeats while brushing imaginary crumbs from her tunic.


    ¡°Strength is by far your strongest talent, why exert yourself pursuing a skill set that you may not even possess? Weren¡¯t we discussing adding extra weight to your dead-lift?¡±


    ¡°If we don¡¯t explore other Talents how will we ever know if we have them? Just think of the untapped potential we may discover?¡±


    Great. Most of the time Maddie¡¯s lack of impulsive control made her easy to distract. But somehow she could now focus on the one topic Viky did not want to discuss. Even constructing a logical chain of reasoning.


    ¡°We may discover we have been blessed with mysterious hidden talents previously known only to the Ancients.¡± Maddie enthused.


    Or not.


    ¡°Having esoteric talents is more likely to be a death sentence than a blessing.¡± Viky slipped back into the familiar mode as the voice of reason.


    ¡°What about Endurance then? Did your parent also have an orange fractal? My parent had Strength, Speed and Phasing, but plenty of Commanders have all three of the Physical Fractals.¡±


    Viky didn¡¯t bother to correct her.


    Finding another person in her sisterhood had also been secretly trained was a surprise but the fact it was Maddie came as a shock. Most of the young women taken from The Rifts in the rotational contribution would have secrets. But they had been selectively distributed, never more than a single individual in any sisterhood, and strongly discouraged from forming close bonds outside the traditional nine-woman groups. Maddie was from Jiuliing, a bastion of Coalition convention. Rotations ago her people had forced the independent clans along The Rift into submitting to Coalition rule. Evidently keeping the rules you enforced on others had not been important to everyone.


    Maddie had loved training. Wanted to exercise daily, begging until the continual entreaties bordered on embarrassing. Viky did train every day. And Strength training together was beneficial. But some things were private. Personal. Secret. A sacred trust passed from one generation to the next and not appropriate for general distribution.


    Maddie didn¡¯t understand. The product of Jiuliing First Family and had grown up in opulent comfort with indulgent parentals. As the only second daughter born to her mother¡¯s Sisterhood, she was used to getting everything she wanted and had yet to learn the value of discretion. Viky, raised in a forgotten corner of the forbidding and unattractive cliff faces of The Rifts, had enjoyed neither prestige nor comfort. Her practical, strict but loving parentals considered hard work its own reward. Maddie liked to think there was not a trace of snobbery in her. Viky liked to think she didn¡¯t have anything to prove but was honest enough to realise they were both wrong.


    Lady Maddiisa flaunted rules with confidence. Viky¡¯s clandestine training had been one of many subversive and treasonable secrets her mother and parent had taken with them to the grave. Keeping secrets was a deeply in-ground racial tradition. Viky was sure Maddie did not even know the definition of the word secret.


    ¡°It¡¯s a lovely thought but,¡± Viky slid a hand over the small extension of her belly. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if now is a good time, maybe in a few months after my daughter is born.¡±


    Maddie nodded, as though she understood and had anticipated the brush off. ¡°Later then, we''ll have plenty of time during the months of Assault.¡±


    ¡°Definitely,¡± Viky lied, without the slightest guilt.


    ¡°So, Endurance? My parent had an orange fractal, it''s only logical that I''ve inherited some Endurance from him. You didn¡¯t say, did your parent have an orange fractal?¡±


    Viky decided the safest course was intentional misinterpretation.  ¡°I''ve never noticed any particular flair or extra ability along those lines.¡±


    ¡°What colour fractals did your parent have?¡±


    Viky hid her frustration, why was Maddie being so pushy?


    ¡°My parent didn¡¯t go around without his cowl.¡±


    ¡°That''s not an answer, or at least not an answer to my question. Does your inability to answer questions come because you were by yourself a lot as a child, or did your lack of conversational skills make others stay away from you?¡±


    It was possibly a little of both, but Viky wasn¡¯t going to admit it. ¡°It¡¯s a cultural thing.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think so, Jieleem¡¯s from the Rifts, he can answer questions candidly. My Aunt Liliaan is also from The Rifts, and no one could shut her up. So why do you always do it? Or not do it, I¡¯m not sure, but you know what I mean.¡± Maddie insisted.


    Viky brushed crumbs from my fingers. ¡°You, Gabreel and Rowaan are all from Jiuliing, and are all different, no culture is a monolith.¡±


    Maddie frowned. ¡°Yes, well I know that, but,¡±


    Viky could see where the conversation was heading. ¡°Your question caught me when I was thinking about something else. It¡¯s been worrying me for some time, and I don¡¯t know what to do about it.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    Maddie was so easily distracted.


    ¡°It¡¯s Tushii. We should do something for her, to help her family out.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it would be great to help, but she¡¯s awfully proud, in the nicest possible way of course. I''ve offered sequin, but she won''t take any. And I''ve bought marionettes for myself and both my girls, I asked for another, and she just looked down her nose at me. You know, in that superior way of hers to let you know, she knows, what you are doing.¡± Maddie shrugged.  ¡°Sheeli and Shaar are helping, they offer her marionettes to all their customers.¡±


    ¡°Her marionettes are good, aren''t they?¡±


    ¡°Oh yes superb quality, and is carvings so intricate. I could never make anything like that. But marionettes are not something everybody wants, even though they do look very nice on a shelf. I was surprised you brought one. Oh, but I guess you did that to help her out, although the shelves in your reception room do need more decoration, they are practically empty.¡±


    ¡°She needs to find something that people need. Use the skill she had already mastered making the dolls to produce something people will find advantageous to possess.¡±


    ¡°The problem is Ladies don¡¯t need useful things; we just need beautiful things.¡±


    Viky could have pointed out Ladies didn¡¯t need beautiful things, and they were only nice to have if you didn¡¯t mind dusting or had a slave or servant to clean for you. Otherwise, they were just more work and of no practical value.


    Viky shot her friend a quick look and resisted giving voice to the sarcastic comment that had come to mind. ¡°Then we need to find something Tushii can make, that women will think is beautiful and important to have.¡±


    Viky fingered the handle of the Grip-rope she wore as a belt. No man, woman or child of The Rifts would leave home without one and securing your tunic was its least important function. Of course, in the capital a Lady seldom needed venture outside the confines of the city and tunics were seldom worn by people of cultures other than the Rifts.  So apart from decorating the band of a skirt or securing a wrap they had little practical value. But the Ladies of Chruciaal loved to decorate themselves. In theory one in nine had originated in the Rifts, so making belts, decorated with Tushii¡¯s beautiful carvings, had the potential to generate sequin.


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°That sounds impossible, and suspiciously like work. Ladies aren¡¯t supposed to work. That¡¯s what slaves are for.¡±


    Viky laughed, keeping her voice light. ¡°I''m a Lady, and I¡¯d never spent an idle day in my life. Even during the months of Fire, we worked, built up a surplus supply of belts, ropes and whips.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but, well, that¡¯s because your people don¡¯t have slaves.¡± Maddie was dismissive.


    ¡°Why should someone else do something for you when you can do it yourself? Also, it didn¡¯t feel like work, it was fun and challenging. And then we had goods to trade for things we couldn¡¯t make or were not available in our area.¡±


    This required some thought, Viky stood and prepared herself for training.


    ¡°I was surprised how much Sheeli and Shaar are making from their crafting hobbies. Although I find weaving and spinning boring, but everyone needs beautiful cloths.¡± Maddie spent some time sidetracked describing how her Aunt Mirrobeel had despaired over her lack of talent with needle work and how much more fun candle making was. Maddie finally noticed Viky was fiddling with her belt. ¡°Did you make your belt? I bet Sheeli and Shaar would sell them for you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, they have told me they would, but I don¡¯t need sequin, Tushii does.¡±


    Viky waited for Maddie to connect the dots. It came halfway through drills for building upper body strength and a monologue about how well her toddler was walking.


    ¡°Do you think you could teach Tushii to make them? I mean it¡¯s basically just platting, and anyone can do that can¡¯t they?¡±


    There was a bit more than ¡®just platting¡¯ but Maddie¡¯s mind was moving in the right direction and Viky didn¡¯t want to waste the momentum.


    ¡°I think I could teach Tushii, that wouldn¡¯t be a problem. The difficulty is getting the raw materials. You need at least two people. Two strong people who are not afraid to venture into the forest. If you want to harvest a lot of vines we will need more people because at this time of the rotation, the vines retain water and are heavy.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not a problem, I¡¯m not afraid, I''ll go with you. We should probably start off small, just you and me. Bring back a few vines. We can ask Tushii for help platting them. Make her feel like she''s doing us a favour and helping us out.¡± Maddie voice betrayed excitement.


    Viky led them into the next section of the work out. Maddie continued to fire off numerous suggestions, some impractical, others unrealistic or na?ve, but a couple quite good.


    Viky grinned. It had taken her a while to make friends, after her clans¡¯ betrayal. Even with the unfortunate habit of bringing up uncomfortable subject Maddie was good value. Jess was alright too, and a trio was always handy. Jess could watch out for Maddie, because she was fearless and in the forest that was not always a positive attribute.


    While Maddie worked out what she would wear during the venture, Viky contemplated how to get her to suggest including Jess.


    ***


    ¡°Good afternoon Deputized Operative Commander Dereniik. What knowledge is it my pleasure to share with you today.¡± Senior Commander Rwakabuub wore an apathetic smile and an elaborate swept up hairstyle. ¡°Please be seated.¡±


    Dereniik offered a modified version of the hand signal for respect, and a half-bow.


    Several men employed in the Education Department owed him favours and held sufficient rank to know the information he sought. His old Team leader Val had a smooth tongue and plenty of charisma, and the twins had also possessed razor sharp wits. Dereniik possessed no such skills. He weathered the wave of nostalgia and loss as he hobbled to the indicated couch. Senior Commander Rwakabuub would never stand if he could lounge, and his spacious office was decorated with subdues tones and luxuriant couches. Custom dictated if you were reclining, a visitor needed to be offered a seat, and the long trek to the Education Department Headquarters had depleted Dereniik¡¯s limited energy reserves.


    A servant bustled in bearing a gilded tray, a small delicate pottery mug and an ewer shaped like cluster of fruit. Dereniik caught the slightest whiff spices.


    ¡°Right,¡± Rwakabuub said with an awkward frown. ¡°I ordered Tea before I knew you were coming; will you join me?¡±


    To not do so would be churlish and Dereniik needed to make the interview continue long enough gather his strength. However, accepting would necessitate small talk and Dereniik didn¡¯t feel up to the exchanging barbs and battle of wits such conversations often elicited.


    ¡°Thank you for your generous offer, actually I am a bit,¡±


    ¡°Too busy?¡± Rwakabuub offered with a trace of an undeniable hope in his tone.


    ¡°I was going to say thirsty?¡±  Dereniik enjoyed watching his expression falter. ¡°Of course, if you are unable?¡±


    ¡°No. No. Never let it be said I would refuse a friend hospitality.¡±


    It was traditional for men of Elimelech to offer tea to guests, but Dereniik thought the man needed to consult a dictionary on the meaning of the word for ¡®friend¡¯. The last time they had seen each other was over twenty months ago when Dereniik¡¯s team had been commissioned to investigate fraud in the Education Department. Although praised for resolving the scam, and later being proclaimed a hero for surviving the attack leading to the demise of the rest of his team, Rwakabuub had never visited to offered comfort or consolation.


    ¡°No, my Lord, I don''t think any would say that. I am here however on official business and trust in your compliance.¡±


    ¡°And the pleasure is all the greater for dealing with you Commander Deranick. What do you need to know?¡± He gestured for the servant to fetch another mug.


    ¡°My Lord, has anyone been reported missing from the Education Department?¡± Dereniik gave a description of the man in the morgue but reframed from mentioning a time frame. The victim may have been held, or lost, before sustaining his injuries.


    ¡°No, not lately. You do know Commander Dereniik that it¡¯s not just men in the Education Department that have blue fractals?¡± The voice was condescending.


    ¡°I am aware my Lord. I have a blue fractal,¡± Dereniik noted Rwakabuub¡¯s slight intake of breath. ¡°But all investigations must start somewhere. I understand your department rotates staff through the three Commanders training facilities with all members spending some time each rotation back at the capital. How long would it take until you to received notification if someone went missing from one of the training facilities?¡±


    ¡°Almost immediately, lecturers get sick or must attend to family matters at times. We have auxiliary and substitutes lecturers available for those situations. Depending on the subject being taught, sometimes a man''s teammates may fill in for him.¡± His gaze slid away towards the door, eager for the servant to return.


    ¡°What do you mean by depending on the subject?¡± Dereniik asked.


    ¡°Junior lectures teach the first rotation students. But if the man was a lecturer, and the age you have indicated, he would have become adept at teaching a specialized subject. Some of his teammates would have possibly vied for the same position and would have knowledge of that subject as well, and be able to step into the teaching position if necessary.¡±


    Dereniik nodded, he was only familiar with the training facilities from the perspective of a student.


    ¡°How often would teammates fill in for each other without your knowledge?¡± Dereniik remembering back to his rotations of training and thought it may have been more often than the bureaucracy would have liked to acknowledge.


    ¡°We may not always initially know, but we always find out,¡± was the smug reply.


    Dereniik nodded. The department was responsible for the exchange of all sorts of information. Education, propaganda, and indoctrination. He hadn''t been explicitly told but was sure they were also responsible for the management of the state-run Traditionalist religion in its various incarnations.


    ¡°Do you consider the death suspicious?¡± Rwakabuub asked.


    ¡°My Lord, it is too early to jump to any conclusions. My first task is to establish identity. How many of the lecturers are in the capital at any given time?¡±


    ¡°About half. Most of the younger men will do a block of three months teaching, then three months back at the capital with their families preparing for the next three months. We do have some men permanently stationed at all three facilities. But not everyone that works for the Education department is a lecture, there''s significant support staff necessary to run the Department.¡±


    The D¡¯char servant knocked at the door, was waved inside and gestured to serve.


    With considerable skill the servant set about pouring their beverages. With one arm outstretched overhead there was perhaps half a body length between the ewer and cup. Cool air surrounding the hot liquid as it flowed from one receptacle to the other. The servant performed the action with a sense of theatre, enjoying the moment. Dereniik could tell Rwakabuub was exerting a huge amount of effort to remain patient.


    ¡°Thank you Vix.¡± Dereniik rested his left crutch against the couch and took the offered mug. His hand hardly shaking at all.


    ¡°Vix? You know this D¡¯char?¡±


    ¡°Vix served me tea last time I was here.¡± Dereniik answered.


    ¡°And you remembered? Or do you know all the D¡¯char¡¯s names?¡± The words sounded like an accusation.


    ¡°The tea and service were of exceptional quality, and no, my Lord, I do not know everyone¡¯s name in the capital.¡± If he did he would not be needing to make inquiries.


    Dereniik took a sip and let the golden liquid slide over his throat, enjoying a moment of self-indulgent luxury. Hot drinks were hard to come by; the canteens always had ample, but negotiating a mug while making his way back to a seat with crutches was not worth the humiliation and mess.


    Sweetened and spiced, the undeniable quality of a superb Elimelech blend was a delight. He nodded his appreciation and approval.


    Rwakabuub closed his eyes to savour the pleasure. ¡°This is just in, fresh from Elimelech.¡±


    ¡°It is superb, it thought it would have been a little late in the season to be fresh but in this case am happy to be proved wrong.¡± Dereniik smiled.


    ¡°Ah, this blend is produced from a late picking. Only the waxy tips of serrated edged leaves that have benefited from the effect of a specific small flying creature are picked. The small creatures arrive a few nine-days before the harvesters, feed on the leaves, sucking moisture from them. The leaf shrivels and becomes stunted, this intensifies the flavour.¡± Rwakabuub explained.


    Fascinating, with some reluctance Dereniik brought his thought back to the topic at hand.


    ¡°Earlier you mentioned that nobody had gone missing lately. How long ago did someone go missing?¡±


    Rwakabuub raised an eyebrow. ¡°I don''t see how it can be relative to your investigation it would have been a good six months ago now.¡±


    ¡°My Lord, please give me the details pertaining to this missing person.¡±


    ¡°I''d prefer not to,¡± he looked away.


    ¡°Can you give me a reason for your lack of cooperation?¡±


    Rwakabuub drummed his fingers on the side of his mug.


    ¡°It''s not a lack of cooperation with your case, I don''t see the need to sate your curiosity. Tell me how the deaths are related, and I may consider giving you more information.¡±


    ¡°I''m not sure the deaths are related; they may not be but eliminating that possibility will be of assistance moving forward.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± He replied in a flat droll voice.


    ¡°It may give me insight that could be pertinent to the case.¡± Dereniik held the man¡¯s gaze.


    Rwakabuub sipped his tea with indifferent elegant poise. Dereniik wasn¡¯t sure he was going to get an answer but remained silent, enjoying his own tea, waiting for Rwakabuub to speak.


    ¡°A group of eleven went out hunting. It was a regular occurrence and there had been a Widewing sighted. Such activity is not encouraged of course, but no laws were broken. The animal attacked, the men became separated, only ten men made it back home. It was all very sad, and the correct paperwork has been filed with your department.¡±


    ¡°My Lord, may I please have the man¡¯s name?¡± Dereniik didn¡¯t think it relevant, but Rwakabuub¡¯s callous attitude was irritating.


    ¡°Commander Trakeidy.¡±


    ¡°Is there any other information you can share?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Please yourself,¡± Dereniik said with forced nonchalant.


    ¡°I always do.¡±


    And that was a problem. Most Commanders did please themselves, often to the exclusion of justice and everybody else.

 Chapter 3.

    Chapter 3.


    Besieged by ferns and vines, trees and reed and the endless chatter of numerous flitters species, Viky felt at peace. Not relaxed, you could never let your guard down in the jungle, but the small stream winding its way through the tree roots nearby was creating a subtle pleasant tinkle. The ground was spongy with moss and far above the wind tossed canopy allowed a smattering of golden light to filter through in mottled streams. Gods Fire danced on the tips of the tallest trees, but the crackle was scarcely audible over the screeches, chirps, whistles, and toots of local inhabitants. Her hair and clothes were already damp from the humidity. Fresh air filled with verdant scents reminding her of home but there the similarities ended. The Rift¡¯s multitudes of towering mushroom¡¯s species were absent with only a few shrunken representatives decorating decaying vegetation.


    Viky had grown used to the women of the capital calling the jungle the Evergreen and that colour was predominant, but flowers, fruit and foliage rioted, representing every shade and tone under the Aurora.


    ¡°How far away will we find grip ropes?¡± Maddie asked, glancing back in the direction of the now obscured well beaten track. It was a mistake, she stumbled over a fallen bamboo cane and narrowly avoiding impaling herself with the ornamental spear she insisted on bringing.


    ¡°They shouldn''t be far. This undergrowth has been freshly cut by a gathering or foraging party, it¡¯s roughly following this little waterway and grip vines like to root in well-watered places.¡± Viky gave her friend a confident grin and intercepted a swooping flying creature as it dive-bombed the plumes on Maddie¡¯s hat.


    ¡°I don''t think the city guards were pleased to see us leaving, I''m fairly sure they were gesturing for us to come back.¡± Jess had the common sense to watch where she was putting her feet, and the situational awareness to continually check her surroundings. The tall slim woman wore sensible narrow trousers, long boots, and a leather jacket without excessive decoration or shiny, predator attracting, ornamentation. Viky had no idea where she had found the impressive club she carried, or the knife sheathed at her waist.


    ¡°There''s no rule that says we can''t venture into the forest.¡± Maddie''s bravado was not forced.


    ¡°I can''t believe you''ve never been in the forest before.¡± Viky said. She had a ceremonial knife on her belt but kept her hands free as a conduit for the aether if it became necessary.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never needed to go into the forest before.¡±


    ¡°Watch out, don¡¯t lean on that tree,¡± Viky interrupted. ¡°See the trunk. It¡¯s not smooth, those are tiny spines, awful trouble to get out and slightly toxic.¡±


    ¡°Slightly toxic?¡± Jess came closer to the tree.


    ¡°Well, you would need to do something stupid like hug the tree to get a fatal dose. But they itch something chronic, is more annoying than anything else. And don¡¯t pick that flower Maddie.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s very beautiful, do you know its name? I think those pink tones would look nice in a vast my aunt Mmodiia gave given me.¡± Maddie said.


    ¡°Nope, don¡¯t know the name, but if you touch it a few heartbeats later you will feel a burning sensation. Not too bad, so long as you don¡¯t rub your hands anywhere near your mouth or nose. And watch out for those little blue flying creatures.¡±


    ¡°Let me guess, they are toxic as well?¡± Maddie effectively shooed one away but completely missed seeing the other two. Jess dealt with them effectively.


    ¡°No, but they have a bite that you would swear is coming from an animal ninety-nine times their size.¡± Viky pushed on, maybe she should have come by herself.


    ¡°From what I¡¯ve read everything in the Evergreen has a bite or sting, strangles, spits, or has teeth and claws to rip and shred.¡± Jess didn''t appear to be particularly deterred, and Viky wondered if she had some inherited talents the rest of the sisterhood didn''t know about.


    ¡°Have you spent time in jungle before?¡± Viky asked her.


    ¡°Sort of. My parent was a merchant and my family lived for many rotations at the way station between Amaraanth and Jiuliing. It wasn''t a large settlement, and our defensive wall was often breached, particularly in the months of Assaults. So, I guess if you want to be technically correct, I didn''t go into the Evergreen as much it came to me.¡± She grinned, competently flicking a Dribble bug out of her path with a twitch of the club.


    ¡°If it''s not rude, can I ask how a merchant''s daughter got to be selected for the contribution? I thought we were all supposed to be Commander''s second daughters?¡± All around them the spores from a multitude of colourful Keep-it flowers twisted in a sweet-scented fickle breeze.


    Jess chuckled. ¡°I''m not offended, my parent was a good and honourable man, I''m not ashamed of him or his lack of prestige and rank. He and my mother truly loved each other, after he passed away my mother decided to move back to her family in Amaraanth. There are never enough second daughters born to Commanders in that city, so second daughters of wealthy families are found and recruited.¡±


    ¡°Did you have a choice?¡± Viky asked, she had been betrayed and forced to leave home. The Nononagantian drifting on an erratic gust caught the brunt of her unresolved anger.


    ¡°Sort of, maybe. It¡¯s considered a great privilege to be asked, and my mother was very happy when I was chosen. It effectively doubled the family¡¯s wealth. My older sister no longer needs share the inheritance. But more importantly to my mother, I was guaranteed a first born daughter. My sister only has two sons and is of an age where she is not planning another child. Hannaraay¡¯s birth has brough great joy to my mother, she is delighted our family will continue for another generation.¡±  Jess correctly identified some electrically charged moss and deftly stepped around it.


    Viky nodded her head in comprehension but found the concept strange. Coalition rules clearly dictated all possessions and hereditary rights firmly belonged to the women of the family. The gender divide was not as rigid among her people, men, women and the whole community needing a greater degree of cooperation to survive the inhospitable environment. Child rearing was not the exclusive responsibility of the mother. Apart from feeding a newborn she would leave her infant and any other children in the capable hands of grandparents or older members of the clan. People whose age prevented them from scaling the Cliff face and actively gathering life¡¯s necessities.


    Maddie began monologue detailing all the reasons being selected for the contribution was wonderful.  When she let out a screech it echoed off the cliff face and Viky was sure it could have been heard in the far reaches of Xiaan.


    Viky grasped for the aether. Jess¡¯s club came up. Ambient sounds fell silent.


    ¡°Something touched me.¡± She yelled, masses of pink fabric fluttering in all directions.


    ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°On the leg.¡±


    Jess looked down, so Viky looked up, and around. A clump of grasses waved, stirred by a seeking tendril creeping towards them. ¡°To the right, more vines coming.¡±


    Maddie screamed again, no longer alarmed, but a defiant blood curdling cry of rage. Viky focused on the closest approaching vine. Pouncing as it came within reach, she yanked sharply, drawing a couple of body lengths into herself. Firmly grasping further along the newly exposed section she jerked again. Another body length writhed at her feet as she swiftly took her knife and sawed through the wiry sinew.


    Viky was tripped. Falling forward one knee impacting the ground. Before she could recover another strong fine tendril sort to wind around her ankle. A third wove through the moss. Snaking towards its companions, questing to add strength to the bond. With a swift decisive move Viky grabbed the slender tip before it could complete a circle and jerked. Keeping a tight grip on the tip she slid her other hand down the exposed length of vine and hauled again. The trick was to not let the vine loop around you while exposing as much length in the shortest time frame. The plants were not intelligent, but possessed an instinctive self-preservation wisdom. If the predator was too large or uncooperative it would withdraw and seek sustenance elsewhere.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Pulling again revealed enough vine length for a decent whip. Viky brought her hands together, grasping tip and stem in one hand, with a practiced motion she slashed the stem. She dealt with the second seeking tendril before the first offered its last shuddering spasms and quietened.


    Viky glanced around at her friends.


    Jess was in the process of heaving at a vine that had foolishly ventured close to her. She wore a frown of deep concentration and was gritting her teeth but didn''t need assistance. Maddie had a tendril wrapped around her calf. As Viky watched she frantically grabbed both sides of the plant and using brute force ripped it apart. Viky was impressed, had only ever seen a Ceretroop rip grip-vines apart before, but it was one tendril that was never going to make a belt, whip or rope.


    Sighting another length of vine Viky went on the attack. Lunging at the growth, with calculated speed, she grasped the apex, hauling swiftly. Panting Maddie came to assist and using Viky¡¯s knife cut through the tough fibre. Keeping on the alert, Viky began winding the gathered vines into manageable loops.


    ¡°Yuck, just look, it¡¯s left a ring around my leg,¡± Maddie pulled a disgusted face.


    ¡°Once we get back you can use some of the sap from the severed stems, give it a bit of a scrub, and the green coloration will go.¡± Viky reassured her.


    ¡°That was invigorating.¡± Jess wiped sap from her blade on the springy moss. ¡°Are we going to get more?¡±


    Viky coiled the grip-ropes watching a flock of bright blue and pink flitters take off mid-canopy. Shrieking and cartwheeling they were tossed by a blast of freshening air. She glanced around for other indications, flower buds withdrawing into stems, small swarming insects retreating to their chrysalis, the canopy tops irregular motion.


    ¡°The weather¡¯s coming up. If I were still at home, we¡¯d be getting a Circle Storm within the next hands-breadth. The ones I¡¯ve seen are milder here than in the Rifts, but it¡¯s still better not to get caught outside when one hits.¡±


    ¡°Do we have enough vine?¡± Maddie asked. ¡°I was expecting more adventure.¡±


    ¡°Adventure is overrated and yeah, this lot will take us the rest of the nine-day to process.¡± If Maddie had wanted more time in the forest she should have not kept them waiting while she changed her outfit three times.


    ¡°If last rotation was anything to go by, there was generally only a couple of hands breadths lull in the weather between circle storms. Although they drew closer together later in the month.¡±


    Jess shouldered the grip ropes she had coiled. Maddie picked up a couple before gathered the fragments produced by her efforts and wandered further along the overgrown track. Viky flicked some Fire Crawlers away.


    ¡°Can we go back this path,¡± Maddie asked. ¡°It looks like it''s been used more recently, and we can enjoy some different scenery?¡±


    Viky shrugged it made no difference to her. Both tracks lead back to the city and Maddie was already forging the way. Spear swishing before her decimating narrow razer bamboos shoots and emerging ferns crowding the newly cleared path.  They passed through a patch of creeper draped trees with slender twisting trunks that rose to fill the canopy.


    Just beyond Maddie stopped, ¡°What is that stench?¡±


    Glancing around there was plenty of evidence confirming recent human activity. The area beneath a couple of Great Tree¡¯s had been cleared to facilitating regular harvesting and the forest floor and lower branches were devoid of fruit. Covered by a single day¡¯s re-growth a wide Scythe slashed path led from the trees.


    Viky caught a whiff of the scent Maddie had been referring too.


    ¡°Keep moving.¡± She said, pushing hastily onward, senses springing to full alert.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Maddie insisted.


    ¡°Something unpleasant.¡± Jess dashed to catch up and Maddie was forced to follow.


    Underlying the dank moss, ripe body odour and scent of Great Tree Fruit there was something pungent and bitter-sweet. Diminished, but undeniable, and once identified it was something Viky would never forget. The stench of death.


    ***


    Dereniik collapsed into plush cushions on his preferred couch. Chruciaal boosted the largest library under the Aroura, and the vast space was his favourite place. Lines of leather bound books, rows of cubbies for scrolls, plinths of etched script, tapestries and tomes. The scent of parchment mixed with linseed, contee and a hint of cloves. No sounds above a quite murmur and the undeniable feeling of tranquillity. Dereniik didn¡¯t believe in an afterlife, how could anything be more perfect than this?


    On silent feet Chen approached and bowed from the waist. ¡°My Lord it is this humble servant¡¯s pleasure to be of assistance. What is your desire to study this day?¡±


    Dereniik took a heartbeat to catch his breath. ¡°Thank you Chen, I require Kosterman¡¯s work.¡±


    ¡°It is with great regret this unworthy one must inform you that work is already being perused by another Commander this morning.¡± Chen twisted fine fingers in distress.


    Dereniik hid his surprise and disappointment.


    ¡°May I please inquire as to the name of the Commander studying the manuscript?¡± Was someone else investigating the case already?


    ¡°Commander Cassenteen, my Lord.¡±


    Dereniik frowned, he knew of the man, but only by reputation. His flirtatious and womanizing behavior had reached legendary proportions even before he had chosen to become a commander.


    ¡°Chen, will you please make inquiries of Commander Cassenteen as to the length of time he will requiring the manuscript?¡±


    ¡°At once my Lord.¡±


    Dereniik hesitated to pull rank, but what was the chances of it being a coincidence that the manuscript he wanted to look at was already being studied by another? There were thousands of pieces of literature in the library, only a handful of people visited at any given time.


    Several heartbeats later a deep rich voice and melodious chuckle preceded Commander Cassenteen as he turned from between shelves and into view. Chen, thick manuscript tucked under his arm, trotting to keep up with the confidant, long legged strides. Tall, well-muscled and with chiseled predominant Chinquaar features Cassenteen was a man artists would love to use as a model when making representations the Heros of old.


    Sighing Dereniik gathered crutches, mustered his remaining energy, and shuffled to stand. The insignias on his epilates identified Cassenteen as of the Fourth Maull. Dereniik had qualified at the top of his rotation with a ranking of fifth Maull and been promoted once since. Protocol dictated; he spoke first.


    ¡°Commander Cassenteen, thank you for your consideration. I apologize for interrupting your study, I could have waited.¡± Chen placed Kosterman¡¯s manuscript on the side table by Dereniik¡¯s couch.


    ¡°My Lord,¡± Cassenteen gave him an engaging smile and an excessive bow of Amaranthaan origins, although paradoxically his accent was Upper Class First City.


    ¡°The interruption is welcome. My teammate Flagsteen speaks highly of you, so I am glad to become acquainted. It¡¯s not every day one gets to meet a real Hero.¡±  Cassenteen flashed an exaggerated smile.


    Dereniik had spent most of last night screaming with nightmares or awake in too much pain to sleep. He felt as far from a Hero as the unfathomable distance between God¡¯s eyes rising to setting.


    ¡°I live to serve and have done nothing others also would have not done in the same situation.¡±


    Cassenteen¡¯s tawny eyes gleamed and the laughter lines around his eyes crinkled. ¡°I don¡¯t believe that for a heartbeat, most Commanders a few rotation¡¯s out of training have become too fat and comfortable to walk for one day, let alone for a couple of months. And that¡¯s not even taking into consideration the dangers of the forest and your injuries.¡±


    Dereniik held Cassenteen¡¯s steady gaze. He was opiniated for a young man and presented as older than most of his newly graduated peers. It was possible of course. A couple of light mint and teal streaks decorated predominantly yellow wavy hair. If the streaks were natural the mint green denoted Longevity. Scarce among the larger population, it turned up with surprising regularity among those of Chinquaar decent.


    ¡°May I inquire as to your interest in Kostermans Work?¡± Dereniik asked, the strain of standing making him feel lightheaded.


    ¡°Kostermans? Oh, I see the manuscripts author. I don¡¯t really have an interest in his, or her work. I just asked one of the D¡¯char for a work on Slitherers and that was what they delivered.¡±


    Cassenteen graced him with a charming smile as he gestured for Chen to move a couch closer. Without invitation he proceeded to lounge.  Grateful, Dereniik returned to his own couch. Cassenteen¡¯s unorthodox action forestalling the embarrassment of tottering or fainting.


    ¡°Has your team started training with any of the High Council Committees?¡± Dereniik asked conversationally, mental tension continuing to blossom.


    ¡°No, no we are just kicking our heals waiting for Flagsteen to produce an heir before being shipped out to wherever the Coalition dictates.¡±


    ¡°I thought your team may have been asked to stay at Chruciaal, Flagsteens Healing capabilities are being utilized.¡±


    Cassenteen laughed, the mirth was real, but the smile didn¡¯t reach his eyes. ¡°I think there may have been some of the High Council that entertained that notion, but on coming to know us, they were dissuaded.¡±


    Dereniik nodded he knew it was only Glilmoor¡¯s mothers influence and sequin that has kept him from punishment for his outspoken criticism of slavery and the D¡¯char caste system. Cassenteen¡¯s dalliances had initially been tolerated, but the man was masterfully effective, and he preferred young women who were other men¡¯s life partners, lenience could only be extended so far. Even the youth Flagsteen was a rule breaker, using his Healing powers compassionately without consideration for protocol. Dereniik couldn¡¯t complain, he had been a recipient, but it wouldn¡¯t sit well those who required exclusive control, or the procedure obsessed High Council. The other six men in the team were unknown to Dereniik, but generally regarded as diss-functional.


    ¡°So, why study Slithers?¡± Dereniik asked.


    ¡°Why not,¡± Cassenteen put his hands behind his head and with a chuckle lent back. ¡°Am I under investigation?¡±


    ¡°Is there a reason you should be?¡±


    ¡°I hope not, don¡¯t see why my choice of reading material should be of any concern to the Directives Committee. Although I have stopped being bothered trying to work out the idiosyncrasies of our beloved Coalition.¡±


    Dereniik intentionally didn¡¯t respond to Cassenteen¡¯s irreverent attitude, but the arrogance was annoying.


    ¡°Commander Cassenteen neither you, nor your choice of reading material is of interest to the Directives Committee. I was simply sating my own curious but would appreciate an answer to my question.¡±


    Cassenteen spent a few heartbeats examining perfectly manicured fingernails.


    ¡°I have been feeling bored lately, though reading about Slithers would be exciting. I must say the manuscript did not live up to my expectations. But don¡¯t you find so many things in life are like that?¡±


    Dereniik found his mind inexplicably contemplating unfulfilled expectations. He searched and identified a slight cool pressure and immediately understood his impression of mental tension. A fleeting look of surprise passed over Cassenteen¡¯s eyes. Next heartbeat the chill evaporated, and pressure resolved itself into a mild throbbing headache. Cassenteen¡¯s nonchalant attitude returned.


    ¡°Any way, I am keeping you from your investigation. Heralds blessing, hope you discover what you¡¯re looking for. I¡¯ll find another interesting animal to study.¡± Cassenteen gracefully rose making the correct hand signals for respect when leaving.


    ¡°Have you heard of Trusfraids?¡± Dereniik asked conversationally. ¡°They are fascinating, not unlike Slitherers, but yellow and mustard concentric bands. The ensnare their prey by hypnosis, coercion, or mind control.¡±


    For a fraction of a heartbeat, Cassenteen¡¯s features faulted before he masked them chuckled and shaking his head replied. ¡°I think Nisayaan¡¯s require further research, I don¡¯t want to give myself nightmares.¡±


    Dereniik nodded and gave him a modified variation of the hand signal for dismissal, noting Cassenteen had not answered his question.


    Kostermans Work was informative, the reasoning sound, and potentially not the only interesting irrelevant information he learned from the visit to the library.


    Cassenteen had lied about being bored and attempted to use one of the yellow, mind-control fractal powers on him.

 Chapter 4.

    Chapter 4.


    The luminescent Biophyte was just starting to shimmer, another couple of hand breaths and dawn would break. Sipping from a mug of water Viky¡¯s throat remained tight and dry. Jieleem lumbered into the room.


    ¡°What are you doing up dear-heart? Is everything alright?¡± He ran a meaty hand back through sleep tussled hair.


    ¡°I''m fine, you didn''t need to get up.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure,¡± He rubbed bleary eyes. ¡°You look, I don¡¯t know, upset?¡±


    Viky glanced away. She didn''t often have nightmares, didn¡¯t let her mind dwell on the days following her parentals death.


    ¡°Just a bad dream nothing to worry about.¡±


    ¡°You know can''t talk to me about anything.¡± He came and sat by her side. ¡°I probably won''t know the answers, but sometimes it''s good to talk.¡±


    Talking accomplished nothing. Served no useful purpose, but Jaileen¡¯s sincere honest expression was wistful. And he tried so hard. The big man settled himself on stool and waited. He was not the brightest light under the aurora, but he was patient. Would wait all night if she made him. Viky sighed, some explanation on her part was going to be required.


    ¡°I think it was the smell, a sort of sickly-sweet scent I now associate with death. It brought back memories of losing my parentals.¡±


    They sat in sociable silence as he worked through a response.


    ¡°I am so sorry dear heart.¡± Jieleem eventually stopped massaging his neatly trimmed beard. ¡°I wish I knew the right words to say, to make you feel better. You never told me, what happened to your parentals?¡±


    He had no right to ask her, and the world did not contain enough words, in any language, to make her feel better. The flash of anger faded as quickly as it had flared. At least he was trying, tried to support her and if she told him an edited version maybe he would go back to bed and leave her to suffer in peace.


    ¡°A landslide covered the entrances to a cave complex. Nobody knew if the people inside had been crushed or were just trapped. My parentals went to help. To see if they could recover any survivors. More of the Cliff face collapsed and all those who went to help were killed. The area was deemed too unstable for further rescue attempts.¡±


    Jieleem contemplated her words.


    ¡°That¡¯s horrible. I am so sorry. I heard there was an earthquakes and landslides in First City last rotation but didn¡¯t know there was also one in the Rifts. Did it happen during the Months of Shifts?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but it shouldn¡¯t happen. No one should have died.¡± Viky held back the tears.


    Gently taking her hand he in his own and choosing his words care the big man softly replied. ¡°No beloved, it shouldn¡¯t happen. It was a great tragedy. Your parentals were brave, to attempt a rescue. They were heroes. It¡¯s beyond tragic that we don¡¯t have the construction skills of the ancients. Most of the Rift¡¯s structures existed well before the Great War and it¡¯s a miracle a lot more of them haven¡¯t collapsed. But that doesn¡¯t make what happened to your parent and mother less heartbreaking. I am so sorry. But what¡¯s that go to do with a smell?¡±


    ¡°I didn''t believe they had died. Couldn''t believe it. So, I flew down the Canyon, and eventually found the site. But by then, it was too late.¡±


    ¡°You found them?¡±


    ¡°Not exactly.¡± Viky whispered. ¡°Clan Elders caught up with me before I had time to recover my parentals bodies. But they were not the only ones involved in the tragedy. I found one of my parents team-mates, and another man.¡±


    Viky closed her eyes to shut out the anguish. A mental image she had endeavored to bury surfaced. Uncle Rusty, one of her parents teammates, a larger-than-life character with a mane of blood-orange locks. Opening her eyes Jieleem¡¯s concerned face sprung back into view.


    ¡°My poor love, I am so sorry. It must have been awful.¡±


    ¡°It was. I don¡¯t like talking about it.¡± She had been grief-stricken, but the sharp reproof received from her Elders had been the start of relationships deteriorating. Seven months later when Commanders had come to collect second daughters no-one in the clan had defended or even attempted to protect her.


    After another protected silence Jieleem frowned. ¡°Er, dear heart, why, how come you were reminded of this smell?¡±


    Viky had chosen her life partner for his physically and fractal abilities, attributes she wanted her children to inherit. Intellectual capabilities could come from her side of the family. But Jieleem¡¯s perception had surprised her before, and he was not as easy to manipulate as she had first assumed. She tossed up a few options but settled on the truth. Maddie¡¯s life partner was Jieleem¡¯s best friend, he would find out sooner or later anyway.


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Maddie, Jess and I went to the forest. We passed an area where something had died. It was no big deal.¡±


    Jieleem shook his head. ¡°The forest. You went into the forest? Why, why would you want to do that?¡±


    ¡°We are going to make belts from Grip Rope vine.¡±


    ¡°You, harvested Grip vines, just the three of you?¡±


    ¡°Only for belts, we didn¡¯t need long lengths.¡± Viky¡¯s defenses rose.


    ¡°Viky, dear heart,¡± Jieleem took a sustaining breath, let it out and wisely decided to not comment further.


    Jieleem poured himself a mug of water. Looked like he would have liked something stronger.


    ¡°Why, why do you want to make belts? Do we need sequin?¡±


    Involuntarily the corners of her mouth turned up.


    ¡°No, don¡¯t look so worried. I haven¡¯t touched any of my allowance in months, we have plenty of sequins. But, do you know about Tushii¡¯s situation?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Ageoon says her family back in Amaraanth are destitute and she sends back her allowance to them.¡±


    ¡°Well, Maddie, Jess and I are going to make belts and Tushii is going to carve decorations into them. Sheeli and Shaar will offer them to their customers, and we are hoping it will help.¡±


    A slow smile spread across Jieleem¡¯s handsome features. ¡°That¡¯s great, hope it works. I bet you came up with the idea.¡±


    ¡°It was a collaboration.¡±


    Jieleem nodded. ¡°Okay but next time, if there is a next time, you want to head off into the forest could me and a few of the boys join the collaboration and go with you please?¡±


    Viky didn¡¯t want to commit, tossed up a few options and decided further distraction was necessary.


    ¡°That is so sweet of you.¡± She ran a soft hand up her life partners well-muscled arm, lingered caressing the powerful shoulder, before trailing fingers down his chest. ¡°I don¡¯t know how successful we will be, I¡¯ll let you know how things go.¡±


    His grin broadened as she put her mug on the bench and led him back to their sleeping chamber.


    ***


    Ryukyaan hid his annoyance. Cassenteen¡¯s appointment was not until tomorrow and an interruption to his schedule this early in the morning was always unwelcome. The man had also taken to incorporating gems into each strand of finely braided hair reminiscent of a Xiaanes style. Ryukyaan knew from personal experience they were an honourable people, but slander and misinformation since before the Power Wars had left the average citizen of the Coalition adverse to anything vaguely connected with the culture. Moss and Mould, Cassenteen wanted to stand out, wanted to attract attention. Not for the first time Ryukyaan asked himself why he was wasting his time training the man.


    Cassenteen had taken up his usual position, leaning against a support colonnade with casually crossed his arms. Wearing an elaborate Ktar¡¯kish skirt and cowl, extravagant and far above his rank, it only needed the hood, and he could be mistaken for a High Council member. His full beard never hid the perpetual, patronising smile and perfect teeth. His carefully cultivated reputation as a self-absorbed playboy like all good deceptions it was rooted in truth. Young fool.


    ¡°I presume you have a good reason for this interruption?¡±


    ¡°Of course, My Liege, most Honourable High Commander Ryukyaan.¡±


    ¡°Insincerity don¡¯t suit you and is wasted on me. Why have you come.¡±


    Cassenteen flashed him an engaging smile. ¡°I was investigating the matter you requested and ran into Deputised Operative Commander Dereniik in the library. He is investigating the same subject, and out ranks me.¡±


    ¡°I am not raising your rank. You can earn it like any other man, so stop Nudging.¡± He gave Cassenteen¡¯s statements consideration before continuing. ¡°It¡¯s a little sooner than I expected but not everyone on the Directives Committee is a complete fool.¡±


    Ryukyaan frowned. He knew of Dereniik¡¯s impeccable reputation. Had even used his former Team surreptitiously on a couple of occasions. As the teams Lancer Dereniik had played a pivotal role in closing cases. Cassenteen, possessing the unique sort of that treachery that left your standard Commander not even sure if there had been a conflict, was an instrument of stealth. Dereniik¡¯s team had been a blunt instrument but epitomised the honesty and justice the Coalition was supposed to support. Working against such a brilliant man was counterproductive. How had he missed the Directives Committee offering this Commission? And why after ignoring the man for most of the rotation had they recruited his services now? He needed to talk to Archeery and would suggest additional attention to that section of their intelligence organisation.


    ¡°I was surprised. I see him about the library occasionally, but he is seriously not well, almost collapsed on me. I had to sit so he would. But there is nothing wrong with his mind. In a few heartbeats he worked out I was Reading him and Blocked. He¡¯s crude and untrained, but effective. You told me there was no one under my age with those sorts of skills so I am going to infer you didn¡¯t know about him.¡±


    Cassenteen was grinning, enjoying the novelty of having unique information. The fool didn¡¯t think of the long-term consequences or implications.


    ¡°I see.¡± Although he didn¡¯t, ¡°I will make inquiries and give you further instructions tomorrow. In the meantime, try to be discreet.¡±


    Cassenteen laughed, his tawny eyes danced. The gems in his hair tinkled as he tilted his head back. ¡°When have I ever been anything else.¡±


    Ryukyaan did not answer, sure Cassenteen didn¡¯t know the meaning of the word, made the hand signal for dismissal and bent his head over the parchments on his desk. Still chuckling Cassenteen leisurely stepped back three times before turning and ambling out.


    ¡°He¡¯s gone.¡± Archery Sent directly into his mind.


    ¡°Arrogant fool. How did we not know about Dereniik?¡±


    ¡°I thought the Directives Committee were ignoring him. What do you know about him?¡±


    ¡°He was honest, clever and strong minded. A good man to have on side, a bad one to work against. I heard his condition was terminal and had dismissed him from my mind. Bribery won¡¯t work on him; he sticks to his principles and now has no family to leverage. It would be a pity to work against him.¡±


    ¡°So we recruit him. He must have some Chinquaar blood to have inherited Communication functions. May even be sympathetic?¡±


    ¡°Maybe, I thought he was from Hunnaal, mixed Commander stock. Haven¡¯t seen him in a few rotations. I¡¯ll get Dos to look into it, we will move quickly, but be thorough. Make sure he won¡¯t be a liability.¡± Ryukyaan twisted a knob under his desk.


    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t know I turned my life partner from a liability to an asset. It¡¯s hard work, but someone had to do it.¡±


    A rare smile crossed the cantankerous timeworn features. Flame and Assault he loved the woman, and she had turned his life around. He had thought himself beyond redemption and second chances, she had proved him wrong. They had shared a heart-harmony and rotations of partnered bliss, followed by the tragic loss of their son¡¯s. Her spiralling health concerns and subsequent life-choice decision, his knee-jerk reaction and subsequent infidelity had nearly broken them, but somehow the relationship survive, recovered and blossomed.


    A light flashed under his desk and Ryukyaan slid his hand to a lever. A section of wall slid open revealing an aperture and Dos stepping into the room. A warm smile graced handsome Chinquaar features.


    ¡°My liege, how can I be of service?¡±


    ¡°What have you heard about Commander Dereniik?¡±


    ¡°He is a cripple, possibly dying. Survived some terrible ordeal at the beginning of the rotation, all his team killed. Well spoken of and respected by the D¡¯char. Have not met him personally but those who work in the library will have more information. I can talk to them.¡±


    ¡°Do that but also you are to break into the Records Room this evening, copy out his academic transcripts, original and final True Light assessments and the de-briefing from his last Commission. After that access any medical records you can get your hands and copy them out.¡±


    ¡°It will be done my lord. Do you want me to read his complete file at the records room and note any discrepancies?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think that will be necessary, at the moment, and I want you back with the report during my shift tonight.¡±


    ¡°I live to serve.¡± Dos grinned, gave the appropriate hand signals, back stepped and left.


    Ryukyaan grunted. Storm blast, so much paper work. How had a man such as himself ever become embroiled in this mess?

 Chapter 5.

    Chapter 5.


    Derrick planned his day with meticulous care. If you only had limited strength, it made sense to not double back on yourself. At this point of the investigation most of the people he intended to visit would not have information pertinent to the case but if you threw out a large enough net statistically some of what you caught would eventually prove relevant.


    Commander Yashoof opened the door himself. He had spread the rumor that he was off work on sick leave and a bandage around his head appeared to support this claim. Dereniik knew it was a lie, disciplinary proceedings under Coalition rule were always exhausting and extensive.  After the initial surprise the large man ushered Dereniik into a luxurious reception room. Lady Islingtee bustled in, her kind face broke into a familiar warm smile and with predictable enthusiasm hospitality and refreshments were offered. Dereniik nodded his appreciation, the closest canteen to his suite was in the opposite direction to the people he needed to visit, breaking his fast had always been on the agenda and Lady Islingtee the most probable conniver.


    Exchanging pleasantries as piping hot Caraaf and small savory rolls were consumed made for satisfactory multi-tasking. A month ago, Yashoof had been a distant acquaintance, but his teammates kept him firmly in the loop with all matters related to the Education council, making him a valuable resource with an unusual amount of time on his hands. Both enviable assets. Dereniik had cultivated the relationship, and the couple had responded with pleasure, recognizing the mutual benefit. It was natural for a man who had lost his team to forge new friendships with others. With Yashoof¡¯s status tarnished, a decorated Hero choosing to socially call improved his community standing.


    Dereniik subtly steered the conversation to his latest commission.


    ¡°An unidentified Commander at the Capital, I bet you wouldn''t see too many of those?¡± Yashoof ran a hand back through his thinning brown hair. Both it and the meticulously trimmed goatee were streaked with grey and a couple of shades of blue.


    ¡°No, but this is perhaps not the best conversation to talk about in the presence of a Lady.¡±


    ¡°Oh, don''t worry about me,¡± Islingtee chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m not looking at the body. And honestly your visits are the most exciting things we have going on now.¡± She shook her halo of soft orange hair.


    Dereniik accepted her words with a smile. Women only made-up less than a fifth of the population at Chruciaal but he estimated they often produce at least half the useful information in many cases. His own beautiful bond mate had been instrumental in helping resolve several commissions. He quickly brought his mind back to the task, thinking about her, or his children, was unproductive and unnecessarily painful.


    ¡°It would be unusual for someone who works in the Capital to be missing for any length of time without members of his team knowing and covering for him. I''m not saying it couldn''t happen, but it is more likely that the Commander is from another city or region and has run across foul play before it was known he was in this area. If that is the case, it''s quite likely somebody has been expecting a visitor, and thinks they have been delayed.¡± Dereniik reasoned.


    ¡°I can check with my teammates, see if they''ve heard of anything like that.¡± Yashoof predictably volunteered.


    ¡°I''ll ask around my sister''s, discreetly like, this hasn''t been a good rotation. Far too much tragedy in my opinion.¡± Lady Islingtee¡¯s brow furrowed as she sighed.


    Tragedy was a strong word, not quite the descriptor he would have used for Yashoof lack of self-control and subsequent reprimand. It was more apt a description for his own past rotation. Lady Islingtee was not a melodramatic person.


    ¡°My Lady, I am distressed to infer that some of your sisters have also experienced painful circumstances this rotation.¡±


    ¡°Well, not directly. Marciia is a third daughter and her second-daughter sister lost her bondmate a few months ago. Quite sudden it was, heart they think, he had never been what you would call a robust man, but it was such a nasty shock. And so soon on the heels of Trakeidy¡¯s demise.¡±


    ¡°Commander Trakeidy? The Commander who was killed while out hunting a Widewing?¡± Dereniik inquired.


    ¡°Yes, I should have guessed you''d know about him. But I bet you don''t know that the team leader, fellow by the name of Gaudioo committed suicide not long after. It was all hushed up. They said he never really forgive himself for leaving one of his men behind. I mean there must be a measure of guilt on his part, but I''d have never picked him as the remorseful type. He was always bragging about his forest trophies. So proud of killing.¡±


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°Removing alpha predators from the capitals immediate environment may be unpleasant but it is necessary function.¡± Dereniik reasoned.


    ¡°Oh no. This guy didn''t just go for the alpha predators. He loved the thrill of the chase. The gore and the glory. Charismatic bloke, could get all his Workmates excited and involved. I even considered going myself once, rotations ago now. He was trying to recruit a lot of us of us to cut through a flock of migratory Denobious Flitter. Someone higher up found out and put a stop to it.¡±


    Dereniik was not surprised the scheme had been routed. Flitters of all species did not seek out companionship with people. If you left them alone, they didn¡¯t interfere with you. It was a satisfactory situation; with sharp claws and serrated beaks they were not defenseless. Denobious Flitters, twice the size of a regular man, swift and tenacious, filled the aurora for a couple of months with vibrant colour as they migrated in vast flocks. The animals were capable of rudimentary communication and superb cooperation between the individual members. Panicked people seldom showed similar attributes.


    The conversation shifted to rumors of an unidentified predatory animal in the vicinity of the city. The lack of Great Tree Fruit available, a shipment of parchment that had gone missing and news of a group of refugees from Chinquaar.


    Dereniik was making to leave before Yashoof offered to assist.


    ¡°Thank you, my friend,¡± Dereniik gave the man a smile and contemplated the question for a few heartbeats. ¡°If you have time, could you go to the Nisayaan roost and check out if any riderless animals have come in over the last 9 days?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, glad to do it. Good thinking.¡±


    Time was not on Dereniik¡¯s side but with a few more casting nets some relevant information would have to come to light. He had not even hobbled from the enclave before sighting lady Islingtee, scurrying to one of her neighbors suites.


    ***


    ¡°My lady, as always it is a delight to see you.¡± Ly bent gracefully from the hips.


    ¡°The pleasure is mine Ly, do I dare ask what Maddie has done with the grip vines we harvested?¡±


    The bald servant suppressed a smile. ¡°They are draped in the reception room my lady.¡±


    ¡°I''m surprised, the green must clash with her colour scheme.¡± Any colour clashed such an intemperate amount of pink.


    ¡°They are providing an interesting obstacle course for the toddlers my lady.¡± Ly usured her into the hallway and gestured towards the reception room.


    ¡°Toddlers, plural, who else is here?¡± Viky abruptly stopped, it wouldn''t be Jess and her daughter, the volume of noise was tolerable, and stress levels appeared to be normal.


    ¡°Ladies Sheeli and Shaar and their respective offspring are visiting.¡±


    Viky hesitated, could she count on Ly¡¯s discretion if she left now? Possibly, in the past the servant had being willing to put themselves out and come to her assistance.


    It wasn''t that she didn''t like the twins company. They were excellent sling wielders, training with them was a challenge she enjoyed but with Maddie in the mix and it was a lot of strong minded personality to handle in a confined space.


    ¡°Actually, I really came to talk to you.¡±


    ¡°I live to serve my lady; in which way can I be of use to you?¡± Ly maintained an unperturbed professional demeanor, but the grey green eyes twinkled in amusement.


    Viky grinned; the elderly D¡¯char would be circumspect. Know where she could find a deserted tunnel or room specific for her needs. Not ask questions, offer advice, or interfere and not having to interact with Maddie would give her at least an extra half a hand-breadth of uninterrupted practice.


    ¡°Viky, I thought I heard your voice, Ly why have you kept her out here in the hallway, come in, come in.¡±


    Or not. Viky plastered a smile across her face and greeted her friend.


    Maddie''s reception room, much like its primary inhabitant, had no comprehension of the word moderation. Every surface, stuffed to capacity, shouted with items vying for attention. Vases of glass and fine China, candles, bowls of paper mach¨¦ and intricately designed jewelry displayed in exquisite boxes. Cheerful needlework and candlewick cushions spill over couches. Fabric sachets and threaded shells imbued with exotic scents. From the softest blush of pastel pink to aggressive hot fuchsia, Viky had not relised the colour came in so many subtle variations. Stephaan had added an absurd number of shelves to every vertical surface and realistic sculptures and carvings crowded the smoothed wood. Suspended from these soft furnishings cascaded down walls.


    The curly brown hair of Maddie''s first-born daughter Llyghaan stood out in stark contrast against the profuse layers of magenta swaddling the little girl. Vicky needed conscious effort to locate her friend¡¯s newborn daughter. The infant had inherited her mother''s soft pink coloring and tended to disappear, swallowed by the caotic background.


    Draped across the room at awkward angles lengths of grip vine-rope intersected the already cluttered living area.


    ¡°I take it we have to blame you for this absurdity?¡± Sheeli laughed shaking her head after customary greetings had been exchanged.


    ¡°Not exactly, I would have asked Ly for the directions of an unused servant¡¯s tunnel and dried them there. They don''t have to be off the ground, enough air will circulate if they are just spaced a little apart.¡±


    ¡°How long will it take?¡± The ever-practical Shaar asked.


    ¡°At this time of the rotation, you''d want to start cutting and working on them within the next three or four days.¡± Viky gave one an experimental prod, judged the moisture content to be about where it should be.


    ¡°And how long will it take before you have the finished product?¡±


    ¡°That will depend on Tushii. I''m not sure how her skills will translate onto a different medium. We haven''t even asked her yet, so I don''t think you have to develop a marketing strategy just yet.¡±


    ¡°That''s OK, Jess and I already talked to her this morning.¡± Maddie, gave herself a hug in self-appreciation. ¡°She''s very excited to be on board.¡±


    Interesting. Viky would have liked to have known exactly how Maddie had spun the story to gain the proud woman''s acceptance so quickly. Although, she had taken Jess and the more discreet woman had possibly take the lead in the conversation. Viky contemplated the pleasant idea that minimum instruction and effort on her part may be necessary. The project would also keep some of the more energetic and interfering members of her sisterhood engaged.


    She was looking forward to the additional privacy .

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6.


    Dereniik made it to the central through-fair before dancing black spots and an accompanying shortness of breath forced him to collapse to a convenient stone bench.


    Placed strategically at the edge of a small park, a tinkling fountain styled to represent a waterfall drew his eye as clouded vision cleared. The park was a popular place to visit. Although not one he would have chosen. If he had a choice. A few youths lounged on the spongy Moss covering the ground. A mother unsuccessfully encouraged a small child away from the gentle flowing water meandering along an artificial stream bed. Manicured foliage stagnant with heavy perfume contrived to imitate a natural environment.


    Overhead a myriad galaxy opals, each reflecting hidden worlds, sparkled from the towering, vaulted ceiling. Ceramic Flitters perched on overhead branches and a couple of sculpted mythical creatures cavorted over springy ground cover. One, a creative variation of a Symayaan, if his memory served him correctly, had not weathered the passage of time and a small rock protrusion was now all that remained.


    Dereniik shuddered. The Park was a shallow reminder of the world outside the complex tunnels and caverns of the City of Chruciaal. Carved deep into the cliff face of a plateau the city was the Capital of the coalition and subsequently the entire world. Or as much of the world that mattered. Overhead luminescent biophyte tendrils placed in swaths admirably replicated the wavering arura, swaying in the gentle air that circulated through artfully contrived vents. This walkway boosted a soaring ceiling ornately flared resembling Flitter wings.


    Breathing with difficulty, Dereniik fought and brought his racing heart back under control. Initially physical pain, the need to survive, and lead Kyd to safety had all served as a buffer in the aftermath of his team¡¯s slaughter. He hadn''t seen them all die and kept hoping some of the others had made it out alive much longer than reasonable.


    When the numbness and shock faded, guilt surfaced. Why had he and Kyd survived? The rest of his team and hundreds of others, men women and children, perished in quivering heartbeats. And could Kyd¡¯s existence even be considered life. Exiled unendingly in the Void, with communication and interaction with the physical world limited, it was a miracle he had lasted the last eleven months. Even with Dereniik¡¯s loss of limbs, chronic pain and health issues he was still better off than Kyd.


    It the nine days since they had last spoken a constant unspoken dread lurked morosely in the back his mind. Dereniik was powerless over so much of his own life, had no control over another¡¯s. Always a deeply private introvert, Kyd valued solitude, resenting perceived intrusion.


    So Dereniik waited. It was an unsatisfactory situation. Kyd refusal to be cajoled into a scheduled time or place to meet was inconvenient, but he often passed this way. The need to use a personal room interrupted his watch, a smattering of gossip gleaned from passing Godmothers was noted with interest and deducting the various tasks energetic D¡¯char were involved with, occupied his time.


    Dereniik noted a familiar mental presents heartbeats before his introverted teammate made himself known.


    ¡°Well met my friend.¡± Dereniik spoke at a measured pace, pitched his voice low.


    The feather light tracing of the glyph for acknowledgement was traced on his forearm.


    In any other conversation questions about one''s health or activities would follow. But Kyd¡¯s Physical state had moved beyond the realms of rational explanation and even when his teammate had possessed a material body his reticent nature had not encouraged idle discussion.


    ¡°My friend, I have been commissioned to investigate the identity of a dead commander I would value your insights and assistance.¡± A few more commissions could only help boost Kyd¡¯s ebbing self-esteem.


    The single glyph refusal was screwed onto his arm.


    ¡°What do you mean ¡®no¡¯. It''s an easy job. At least hear the details.¡±


    Dereniik wasn¡¯t just Kyd only surviving teammate, he was the only one who still knew the man was alive. Kyd had always considered the anonymity of Invisibility its greatest asset.


    ¡°No, not interested.¡±


    Frustrated Dereniik attempted to think of a word expressing his surprise and irritation. Decided instead to settle for an explanation.


    ¡°May I inquire as to your reasoning on this matter?¡±


    ¡°You. Almost. Died.¡±


    <ol>


    <li>There''s been a lot of that, almost dying. His most recent investigation had almost been his last. But, according to the Healers, that situation was inevitable, soon. Finding small mysteries to solve had made the last few months of life meaningful, preferable to idleness.</li>


    </ol>


    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    And much better then dwelling on a past that couldn''t be changed.


    ***


    Just to the left of the doorway into Viky suite was a perfect location for a comfortable bench. It was also a good place to observe events unfolding among the other eight dwellings surrounding a circular moss-covered public area. Looking in the other direction afforded her a view of the broad central tunnel on this level. If she timed it right no one ever noticed her leave.


    Isobeel and Tu¡¯shii were currently huddled together on the green. From the snatches of conversations that drifted in the slight air currents the conversation was political, rhetoric from one of the Godmothers. Maneuvering, posturing, and power plays held no interest to Viky.


    But noticing the subtle emerging dynamics within the fledgling Sisterhood had become a recent pastime. One she had not anticipated she would need or enjoy.  After she had chosen him, Jieleen had mentioned his first bondmate had died in childbirth. His concern had been she would be superstitious, thinking he had been cursed with bad luck, and it may rub off on her. Viky had laughed.


    She had not considered the difficulty establishing her independence with a group of women who had already been together a full rotation. The expectation to fit in with their established patterns and join the group mentality was nauseating. But then they had all helped her, in so many unexpected small and generous ways. They were not a bad bunch of women, but wanted to share, emotionally and physically. And everything, all the time. And some things, so many things, were personal, painfully private.


    Shaah was entertaining a handful of the toddlers. Showing them how to stack the colourful set of blocks into different patterns. The little girl¡¯s skills were questionable, but Shaah, who found it hard to sit still and hated to be bord herself, wasn¡¯t critical. She kept the game interesting by adapting her designs and randomly tipping the whole structure over, much to the delight of her actively engaged audience.


    The spongy moss had seen births celebrated, babies¡¯ milestones reached, Maddie¡¯s parent¡¯s memorial service, naming ceremonies, and even Jess¡¯ last miscarriages purification ritual.


    ¡°Any sign of them yet?¡± Jess emerged from next door. Her toddler Hannaraay sprinting off to join block de-construction game.


    Viky¡¯s doorway¡¯s position also gave her advanced notice when the men return from work.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s too early, are you limping?¡±


    Jess blushed, ¡°A little, it¡¯s nothing.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Can I help?¡± Viky scooted along the bench making room for the least annoying of her sisters.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing to worry about, but thank you, I¡¯m fine. Tu¡¯shiii took our suggestion well. I think she was trying to not show how excited she was.¡± Sitting, Jess adroitly changed the subject.


    ¡°I thought you would have Isobeel suggest it. She always seems to be able to convince people of doing what she wants.¡±


    Jess was thoughtful, ¡°Yes, but most of us speculat she has some sort of Nudging ability, so suggestions from her are always suspect.¡±


    So, they all knew, and no one had thought to warn her. Left her to figure it out for herself. Viky tried not to let her mind dwell on it. What else were they not sharing?


    ¡°Do you have any idea what our men do all day?¡± Viky¡¯s gaze returned to the broad tunnel outside the enclave.


    ¡°¡®Commanders Business,¡¯ specifics are not required, and speculation is discouraged. We were all called to the Godmother¡¯s and received a reprimand when Shaah and Sheeli attempted to follow their Bondmate¡¯s and see where they worked the first rotation we were here.¡±


    Viky nodded, had heard the same story as a warning from Tu¡¯shiii, perceived consolation from Maddie and gossip from Isobeel. Or in Maddie¡¯s case Viky inferred it to be a reference to the same story, if you ignored half the drama some of the details had been vaguely similar.


    Answers not forth coming, observation and deduction were her resources.


    The men were still training, whispered of learning, and improving skills. The work had to be physically demanding, they all had impressive musculature but didn¡¯t exercise at home. Discreetly questioning her sister¡¯s revealed all the men wore variations of purple fractals on their chest. And the compulsory fractal on each shoulder in and Mirro and Jeileen case had been augmented by an additional one mid-way down the backs.


    None of the men were what she would describe as intellectually inclined, but were well respected, indicating the work was considered important. They didn¡¯t always work together but separated regularly into three groups of three. Jieleen working with his friends Mirro and Stepaan. During Bakaada, a nine-day meal celebrated with the entire Sisterhood and families, the men often gravitated into the subgroups. The distinctions were obvious.


    As they watched, a D¡¯char, laboring under a yoke with large amphoras of water, stepped out from the ninth opposite their circle of homes. The servant came every day and filled a water tank, cleverly disguised as a sculpture and sitting flush against the tunnel walls. Pipes, cunningly shaped as trailing vines and complementing the design, gravity feed the central tap used to supply households of her sisterhood with fresh water.


    Thrilled to work the system out, Viky¡¯s appreciation grew when she realized all the households on the second level were supplied with water by similar systems. It was such a waste that most of the city was uninhabited. Entire enclaves on multiple levels, richly ornamented but sterile and empty. Valuable knowledge and resources not available to her people back in The Rifts.


    Lugging water up a vertical cliff face was nobody¡¯s favorite job.


    ¡°Previous to you showing me the secret tunnels I thought the regularly placed trapezoid structures support columns.¡± Jess took her eyes off the laboring servant to check her daughter as excited squeals filled the air. Shaah had the children jumping the blocks now.


    ¡°They possibly serve multiple functions, could be structural as well as concealing the tunnel entries and shortcuts.¡± Another world just waiting for her further exploration.


    A woman of middle year Viky had only met once saunter passed. Glancing at Viky and Jess with a haughty disapproving stare. Continuing without returning the hand greeting or smiles she continued to stand outside the next cluster of dwellings. Then loitered, pretending to inspect the script on a decorative menhir.


    Waiting for someone Viky guessed.


    ¡°What do you think of her?¡± Jess asked.


    ¡°I guess I don¡¯t think of her. Why?¡±


    Jess shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know, but she¡¯s trouble.¡±


    Viky fixed the woman¡¯s face more clearly in mind. ¡°Do you know her name?¡±


    ¡°Sequees, I think.¡±


    Viky nodded, Jess would be right. She repeated the name to herself several times. Imagining an introduction, using the name in an invented conversation, attaching Jesses perception to the newly created memories. It always paid to take Jesses impressions of people seriously and unless Viky made a conscious effort to retain personal details that sort of information didn¡¯t stick in her head.


    People were both more complicated and not as interesting as the written word.

 Chapter 7.

    Chapter 7.


    It had all taken longer than the time Ly had available to them. In their next life, if they were lucky and there was a next life, they would come back as a Commander with at least a couple of orange Endurance fractals.


    Trudging up the steps from one of the lower levels with leaden legs was grueling and they couldn¡¯t afford to slow down. It was inevitable that one of Lady Maddiisa¡¯s household would wake soon. The body purifying tub had been filled with fresh hot water and an abundance of food was already laid out, but servants needed to be present to serve.


    D¡¯char were not citizens. Didn¡¯t have their own lives and couldn¡¯t own possessions, but Ly had carved out dice and a simple Strategy set from scraps of bone. Sneaking a game during quiet evenings with a couple of friends was not a regular occurrence. Fe was simple and the dice would no doubt be stolen, bribed, or taken from them within the nine-day. But the youth¡¯s pleasure at receiving the gift had been worth the effort and would at least temporarily give Fe a reason to endure the nightmares. Their conversation had been revealing because even a fool sees more than they know. Ly wasn¡¯t sure what to do with the information, but it did confirm what Lod had spoken about.


    Ly sort and found Co stirring a vat of crushed grain used to make potage. They hadn¡¯t the time to find out exactly why such vast quantities of food was prepared each day. Circumstantial evidence suggested an answer that was seriously unpleasant. Sadly, there was nothing they could currently do about the situation.


    ¡°Will you be able to direct foraging parties away from the gabled lower entrances until the danger is past?¡± Ly asked.


    Co grimmest. ¡°Only if I can make commander O''Leeary think it was his idea. Just now he thinks it''s quicker to send them out via the aqueduct. How long do you think it''s going to take?¡±


    ¡°Depends on who is commissioned to investigate. The current new team is very young and inexperienced. Unexplained D¡¯chaar deaths are such a low priority they may be commissioned the job just to give them a bit of experience.¡±


    Co grunted. Not surprised.


    ¡°You can''t look into it?¡±


    ¡°No. I''m currently looking after a mother and her newborn.¡±


    ¡°You always were a lucky one. Any chance of getting me a promotion?¡±


    ¡°We have always been friends; I will certainly be on the lookout for opportunities or you.¡± Ly grinned, not that they felt like smiling.


    ¡°Well, I owe you one, no, I owe you more than that. Anything I can do for you?¡±


    Co had offered. And there was something. It was a simple task. No risk to Co and another loose end tied up.


    Reaching the gallery their friend Py had a batch of Sullaat rolls ready, straight out of the oven. Tantalizing mouthwatering aromas trailed Ly back to Maddie¡¯s suite. Elite people seldom realized some of the most useful friends were not in high stations.


    ***


    Each night Dereniik put off sleep for as long as possible. Delaying the inevitable in a vague hope that exhaustion would allow sleep so deep dreams would not invade his subconscious mind. But it was not to be. With crystal clarity the reoccurring nightmare unfolded, dragging him through the trauma afresh. Heading as surely as a twig caught in a crushing current to an inevitable fatal end.


    The team traced down a couple of women who had unexpectedly been able to purchase property. Then a few more whose first-born sons were wearing tiny new fractals not acquired from the Coalition. Dereniik guessed their next commission would be to find the black-market supplier. They followed the sequins. Established the women all had either social or bonding connections to the small tribe who were inexplicably no longer represented at the Council chambers, by either an Arbiter or Regional Commander.


    Like much of The Wild Waters, the tribe was in a remote, isolated area. Team Leader, Deputised Operative Commander Vavant bribed a youth from an adjacent tribe for its precise location. Dereniik called him out, voicing disapproval, the familiar mild teasing of best friends ensued. Dereniik rubbing it in as they struggled to decipher the rough drawn cryptic map.


    Finding the settlement where the informer had formerly lived had taken the luck of The Herald. The neighboring one, where they suspected to find more information about the drug cartel, proved elusive. Three days of futile searching. Another fruitless morning with no progress. The Team regrouped at the mouth of yet another steep walled valley.


    ¡°Only have another nine-day,¡± Vav shook his head. ¡°We split up, three groups of three, need to cover more ground.¡±


    ¡°Small groups of Nisayaan are less likely to attract attention.¡± Aqiid drawled.


    ¡°The arura today is full of lilacs and blues tones, the Nisayaan won¡¯t stand out,¡± Targo voiced his concern. ¡°I think we should stick together.¡±


    ¡°I sighted a wild flock, five or six animals, only a hand-width ago. If my city eyes could pick out wild ones, glittering and shimmering in and out of sight, nine flying in formations going to be flaming obvious. We should have gone stealth from the start.¡± Fhran muttered.


    Dereniik gave his team mate a warning glance, they were all frustrated, didn¡¯t want another argument.


    ¡°So, we drop the formation and stick together,¡± Targo looked to the twins for support.


    ¡°No. We¡¯ll be fine, three Nisayaan playing, dancing, it¡¯s got to be a fairly commons sight, and we are just locating the settlement. We will divide up, each group scouts an area, meet back here when Gods first eye is ninety degrees above the horizon. Sooner if anyone sights anything.¡± Vav usually tried for a consensus of opinions, but that wasn¡¯t always possible.


    ¡°We are a long way from the roost, my mount is already getting antsy,¡± Timaan unconsciously rubbed a red rash on his arm, magenta fractal glinted in the strong light.


    ¡°Understood, how many more hands widths¡¯ do you estimate we have until the Default will make them unmanageable?¡± Vav asked Aqiid.


    The rest of them had been city boys, only becoming skilled riders during the rotations of training. Aqiid cast an experienced glance at Gods First Eye.


    ¡°The homing instinct will kick in early ¡®cause these narrower valleys won¡¯t get a lot of light when she¡¯s low. I¡¯d give it four or five hands breath. Tonight, Gods Second eye will rise before First set¡¯s but she¡¯s low and Third eye¡¯s not due for a couple more days. We¡¯ll be riding back under a light arura, not full dark.¡± Aqiid replied in his heavily accented drawl.


    ¡°We have plenty of time then.¡± Vav nodded, decision made.


    Dereniik glanced to where the magnificent nine-winged beasts perched with long whip tail and guide ropes anchoring them in the trees nearby. He agreed with Fhran, nine animals, even dodging and weaving imitating undomesticated stock, would draw attention, be noted as an omen, warning or good luck depending on the individual¡¯s religious inclinations. Facing the unknown without the security of a full team was daunting but they were running out of time.


    Vav turned towards Dereniik, ¡°Take Kyd and Aqiid, check everything on your right and cut around that ridge till you reach the range we searched yesterday. Then work down anything that looks like a valley. I¡¯ll take Jorgo and Friink, start from this valley mouth and work up. Timaan take the twins work on the left, up to that ridge and back down all the waterways. We should meet in the middle, if not we return to this place and head back together.¡±


    Climbing trees, the men gathered reigns, mounted pouches and took to a shimmering arura laced with golds, lilac and blue. Dereniik, Kyd and Aqiid soaring over the rugged twisted mountain to flank the others. Winging up through thermals and gliding in the shimmering rays of light. Gods Fire danced on the tips of the tallest trees and the calls of a thousand flitters and other animals of the jungle canopy below drifted up in joyful chorus. It was a perfect day.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    They lost valuable time following a ravine that twisted, heading away from their intended destination to an area previously searched. The next lead back to the informant¡¯s tribe¡¯s territory. Retracing their steps, Gods First Eye slid another hands width closer to the horizon. Another hopeful candidate, and another dead end. Kyd finally located a spring. Following the steady gushing water as it cut its way down the steep gorge twisting into a narrow valley. Tinkling streams merged, white-water gushing together, cascading over rocks.


    Dereniik missed the subtle signs and overshot an abandoned settlement. Long deserted, the ruins were nearly indistinguishable from the surrounding rampaging jungle growth. Kyd¡¯s sensitive artists eyes picked them up and with hand signals alerted the others. Turning back Dereniik picked out the unnatural straight lines that would have once been a wall surrounding the settlement. Vegetation, Drop-vines and brambles smothering the surfaces. Substantial trees grew through gaps and now he was looking, an almost complete circle of Great Trees nestled within the overgrown gardens. A second fly-over and what could have been a dark tunnel entry was sighted. They circled again. Kyd signalling, he had seen movement. Dereniik reasoned it must have been a flitter or other animal as nothing human materialised.


    The dank stench of moulds and stagnant water caught his throat. For the longest time he thought the smell would never leave him.


    The feeling of loss and despair gript at his heart. Once people had laboured at length to build themselves a home. All that remained of their ambitions was a discarded carcass of stone reclaimed by the trespassing jungle green. Who had lived there? What dream had they woven, and stories had been told? What questions plagued them and what answers had they found? A tickle of foreboding crossed his mind and was quickly discarded. Abandoned historical sites always made him question his own mortality. Marvel at the insignificance of man, and his inconsequential place in the rushing passage of time.


    It wasn¡¯t worth landing. Ruins offered nothing to attract drug dealers and sequin. Guiding his mount away the inkling of discord niggled at his mind. But he was snug and secure in the Nisayaan pouch, nine strong wings effortlessly vibrated above.


    It was taking a long time to meet up with the rest of the team.


    Dereniik made excuses.


    He was setting a measured pace, had been a little humiliated at missing the ruins.


    The unpredictable twists and turns slowed them down.


    They had been constantly diverted, exploring small gorges when other streams joined the main waterway.


    Gods First Eye traveled a good two hands breadth. They didn''t reach the valley mouth or met up with the other teams.


    Anxiety built as they wove around bends.


    The first sign of recent human activity appeared. They overflew a bridge spanning the watercourse at a narrow junction.


    The rapids ended with a series of small waterfalls and smoothed into a placid stream curving around a graceful bend.


    Dereniik¡¯s Nisayaan harrumphed.


    Ignoring his directions through her reigns she attempted to turn back on herself. Ahead Kyd¡¯s mount spun, fighting her snout rings, skittering upward she narrowly avoiding clipping his animal. Dereniik circled, fighting to keep his mount¡¯s head. Nisayaan were sensitive to scent, particularly blood, a jungle predator had possibly made a kill ahead. Aqiid, with enviable perfect control over his mount, scouted around the bend.


    Returning in a heartbeat.


    ¡°Settlement. Destroyed. Ahead.¡± Head and shoulders out of the pouch Aqiid¡¯s hand-signals were an excited blur.


    With extreme caution Dereniik encouraged his resistant animal around the next bend. Snorting and harrumphing the Nisayaan turned in the general desired direction but took herself higher. Resisting all urging to move lower for a closer inspection.


    The air was clear, no indication of smoke, but Dereniik felt slightly lightheaded. A similar sensation when they had worked in the highest mountains on an assignment close to Xiaan. Then a teasing breeze brought a slightly acrid scent to his attention.


    Destruction on a staggering scale, scaring on exposed rock faces and shattered rock, lay before him.


    ¡°Phasefire.¡± Aqiid signaled.


    ¡°Recent and a few varieties. Multiple wielders.¡± Dereniik signaled back.


    ¡°Would have been a wonderful place, whoever destroyed it had some powerful fire power.¡±


    Dereniik agreed, couldn¡¯t keep the horror from his mind. Felt the tension translate to his mount and with effort controlled his emotions.


    The settlement had been carved into the cliff face of the valley wall. Low, but well past the high-water level of the Month of Flood Assaults. Lost somewhere in the mists of time the river had undercut a naturally less resilient shelf of rock. Into this softer substrata people had dug tunnels and habitats. A jungle wall had once enclosed a perimeter both up and down stream, it now lay in scattered chunks.


    Dereniik encouraged his jittery mount to hover as he tried to comprehend the overwhelming devastation. The lack of co-operation limited his perspective but it was not difficult to imagine the sprawling settlement would have amply provided for accommodation for several nine hundred people. Ornate carvings decorating portions of the cliff not pockmarked with Phasefire. Toppled statues and menhirs were sprawled among torn up terraced garden beds. All indications of previous prosperity.


    The rock overhang was obliterated in places, deep hollows indicating where collapsed tunnels would have once provided access to the interior parts of the settlement. Whip-Phasing score marks crisscrossed walkways and steps rendering them useless. Strew rocks and scared vegetation indicated someone with one of the variations of Manipulative Phasing had played havoc with the debris. Pockmarks scattered around the ruined gardens and outbuildings showed a Bolt Phaser had picked off individual targets.


    Scattered over the area remnants of Nisayaan carcases were strewn. A settlement this isolated would have benefited from a roost, although animal husbandry was not a high priority for people of the Wild Waters. Predatory animals and scavengers hadn¡¯t had a chance to work on them indicating the destruction was recent. Although the lingering acrid smell of Phasefire may have kept some carnivorous scavengers at bay.


    Scenarios ran through his mind. Had this population worked for the drug cartel? Been eliminated when exposure was immanent? Or had Wild Waters Arbiters taken matters into their own hands, removed an embarrassing problem? What of the people? Were some still trapped inside, or had they been evacuated before the destruction?


    Dereniik¡¯s apprehension grew. If people were still trapped inside, they would try and dig themselves out, once they felt the danger passed. Whoever had wiped out the settlement had access to an insane amount of fire power and would be sure survivors didn¡¯t cause further trouble. A hostile reception could await them.


    Aqiid, with better control of his mount, was lower and assessing the ruins. Out of range for Dereniik to call and not within line of sight for hand signals. Glancing about Dereniik couldn¡¯t see Kyd, the forward-facing pouches of a Nisayaan and bulk of the animals¡¯ body and wings cutting off the view above where Kyd evidently still struggling to instil his will on his mount.


    Dereniik wheeled his animal to sight Kyd.


    Skin tingled as his hair stood up.


    Phasefire leapt from the ground.


    In a heartbeat Aqiid was ingulfed. Vapourised. Static burst, pulsating the air. A smell so acrid he could taste it, accompanied his futile cry.


    Cracking like a whip, the stream swung his direction.


    The distance dispersed much of the energy, but the cascade clipped the tips of his animal left wing blades.


    She squealed. Faltered. Ripped the reigns from his hands. Bolted. Frantic, and in agony. An erratic, lopsided, life-saving flight path. The Nisayaan shimmered out of sight.


    Phasefire whooshed past them again. Blinding Dereniik as bright purple static flashed in his eyes. Close enough to feel the throbbing energy. An amethyst stream of devastation cut another swath through the surrounding air.


    Dereniik brain went into overdrive. His mount, straining, fought to put distance between them and their attacker. There was nothing he could do for Aqiid, nobody survived a direct flare of that intensity.


    Don¡¯t think about it.


    Grieve later.


    Kyd was higher, the sweep continuing his direction. Had he dodged out the way in time?


    Winging up over the waterfalls Dereniik¡¯s animal chose to reappear. Glancing behind a purple bloom signalled the next stream. It sliced towards them with bizarre, brutal beauty. Throwing his body to the right his Nisayaan lurched. She screamed and shuddered as the stream took out the tips of her wing blades on his left. Speed decreased, and with each wing oscillation a heart wrenching grunt was yanked from deep within the suffering animal. She disappeared again. Rounding the bend took them out of the line of fire.


    Plummeting, Kyd¡¯s animal materialised, and collided with them. Human and animal screams combined, echoing off the narrow valley walls. A smouldering stump all that remained of Kyd¡¯s animal¡¯s whip tail making manoeuvring and balancing beyond unpredictable.


    Heart racing, blood pumping, a strong muscular spasm tightened around Dereniik¡¯s legs. The pouch he road in contracted. When facing danger female Nisayaan could expelled whatever the pouch contained. God¡¯s Light, what else could go wrong? Dereniik caught a glimpse of Kyd¡¯s wide terrified eyes before the animals parted.


    How much time did they have?


    Another contraction built, stronger, enduring the pain took his mind from contemplating the fate of the rest of his team. Rounding the next bend Kyd¡¯s Nisayaan crashed into protruding rocks on the cliff face, righting herself she struggled weakly onward. Dereniik¡¯s animal dropped lower, unable to maintain altitude. Shimmering out of sight. Kyd fell behind and out of sight as Dereniik rounded another bend.


    His animal shuddered. A contraction built, forcing Dereniik¡¯s head and shoulders above the lip of the pouch. Dereniik, re-establishing his grip on her reigns, attempting to turn the animal. His effort was met with blatant refusal. Dereniik couldn¡¯t bring himself to bloody her snout, adding to her pain. Her instinctive Default had kicked in and deviating from the path home would not an option she would consider.


    Trembling another contraction rippled through the Nisayaan¡¯s abdomen. Lacking the fierce intensity of the first few it didn¡¯t bode well for the animal lasting the long trip home. Wind tugged at Dereniik¡¯s cowl as he was edged further from the pouch. The weaken animal convulsed. Dereniik felt her pain and his heart sank.


    Nisayaan were not intelligent, but they were majestic. Watching them dance in the arura one could not help but delight by their free-spirited natures and agile beauty. Damaged wing blades hummed with stress. How the nine, oscillating, simi-translucent wings kept Nisayaan afloat was a mystery. Flitters flapped leathery wings that caught the air. Other animals had plumes or bellows. Tribalight waved broad filaments that caught the air and pushed them along with acrobatic easy.


    But nothing under the arura flew well with half its flight structures sliced away.


    Dipping lower, whip tail and remaining wing tips brushed the top of the jungle canopy. Gods Fire scattered. Flitters screeched. Dereniik made himself Invisible and therefor lighter. With a final heaving contraction and callous indifference, he was expunged from the pouch. Dereniik floundered, grabbed a fist full of the pouches edge. Dangling, clinging to the lip, Dereniik shimmered back into sight. Contemplated pulling himself back in the pouch but crashing while in a pouch was as equally undesirable as negotiating a landing from freefall.


    Searching for an appropriate landing site Dereniik¡¯s arms were straining and beginning to cramp before a relatively clear small moss-covered patch of ground appeared. This was going to hurt. He let go.


    Dereniik awoke in a bed soaked with of perspiration. Reality re-established itself as his mind caught up with his current existence. He had been given praise for his quick wits and courage in taking the leap. At the time thoughts of bravery hadn¡¯t crossed his mind, desperation and fear leaving no room for heroic thoughts.


    His survival had been a fluke. Dumb luck. Not skill, knowledge or ability. Memories of his team tugged waves of heartache from his guilt-ridden soul.


    With supreme effort Dereniik stopped his spiralling thought. Allowing the trauma of rising to occupy his mind while forcing his remaining unco-operative limbs to respond.


    He had a Commission.


    He had found a name.


    He would report to Zegreeb and start investigating why someone had murdered Commander Issolo.

 chapter 9.

    a


    Chapter 8.


    Knowing the unpleasantness of this room in intimate detail only added to Viky¡¯s vehement loathing. Each association furthered her dislike, cementing the desire to never return. But a summons from the Godmothers could not be ignored. Tardiness not tolerated and even a lack of enthusiasm could lead to reprimands and extensions of the visit. And they knew, somehow, they always knew everything.


    The room was cold. All underground dwellings were cool, it was one of the reasons Traditionalist women wore nine layers of clothing, but this room had the penetrating, raw feel of air ladened with moisture and miserable memories. She shivered, huddled with her sisters in submissive, supressed near silence. Severe old women glowered down from rows of portraits in gilt frames. Each competing with its neighbours as to who could cast the most censorious or critical gaze.


    Swaths of yellow and green Biophyte, enmeshed and overgrown, competed for ceiling space and cast the room below with dull mustard shadows. The stone bench wasn¡¯t just cold to touch but the longer a person was required to remain seated the bitter chill crept up your spine, seeping silently into your soul.


    Shaar fiddled with a tatting spindle, fingers working mechanically without thought. Viky noted, with some dread, a sling surreptitiously augmenting an elaborate headpiece. Her twin wore a similar design. Sheeli¡¯s sling was less obvious, but both sisters were proficient with its use. And they were both impulsive.


    Viky drew no comfort that they had chosen to arm themselves.


    Gabreel was practice controlled breathing in-between consoling her little girl who was finding it difficult to fit on her mother¡¯s lap along with her newborn brother. The Godmothers were displaying a lack of common decency by keeping nine women and their young children waiting, and Gabreel, who was always on time and scheduled everything, wore disappointment openly.


    Punctuality was also important to Tus¡¯hii. She had marshalled them all effectively to arrive on time and with nothing currently needing organizing was attempting to sooth Hannareey.


    Jess was close to panic, and perhaps exhaustion. Hanna had been misbehaving all night. Runing off early this morning and needed chasing down. It had taken Jess, Moves-Like-a-River and Viky to corner her. Viky had grabber perhaps a little too hard and wasn¡¯t sure if Jess was ever going to talk to her again.


    Isobeel held her little Arrabeel in the warmth of an embrace. It was difficult to tell who was comforting who, but Viky was sure no clothes would be crumpled in the process and the beautiful woman would emerge from whatever befell them like a Princess from a classical romance.


    When the summons to visit the godmothers had first arrived Ly with practical for-thought had passed Maddie a thick traditional quilted blanket. Now spread at her feet within its folds her daughter¡¯s and the twins¡¯ girls settled in a sociable group, muttering in muted undertones as the older three imitated each other¡¯s finger play.


    ¡°I wonder what Power they will display when they eventually turn up this time,¡± Maddie whispered.


    ¡°Something to fill us with respectful awe no doubt,¡± Viky shivered.


    ¡°They are watching from behind that screen,¡± Shaar¡¯s fingers flew, not missing a stitch.


    Viky gave a barely perceptible nod. It irked her, they were watching to see how her sisterhood was responding, and she was playing into their hands by over-reacting. They were supposed to be uncomfortable, and she was, and that further fed her displeasure. Viky emotions progressed from apprehension to provocation.


    Little Hanna, never one to sit quietly for long at the best of times grew tired of Tushii¡¯s ministrations and gave voice to complaints with a lusty bellow. Startled, placid Arrabeel joined in with the low insistent droning whing parentals everywhere knew to fear. The plaintive cries woke Maddie¡¯s baby causing an avalanche of demanding voices to join the chorus as mother¡¯s futility consoled.


    Apparently even the most heartless Godmothers couldn¡¯t ignore the distress of so many young children. Three elderly women stepped from behinds a screen covered door.


    ¡°Hush, babies sleep, adults silence.¡±


    Words and cries cut off with quick gasps and cool efficiency. Unnatural silent descended. An unfamiliar oppressive mental sensation blanketed her mind. Her parents had warned her about this. The mind-altering effects of a yellow communication fractal. Not having experienced the sensation before she wasn''t sure if it was full Coercion, Nudging or something different. It was beyond annoying.


    Viky experimented with attempting to murmur under her breath. Exhaling her efforts produced a small cloud of fog. Sinking into soft folds the children on the quilt shut eyes in silent slumber. Arabeel hickuped, eye lashes brushing flushed cheeks. Viky filed away the fact powered Commands didn¡¯t apply to involuntary reflexes, not that that information was currently useful, she couldn¡¯t vomit at will. A skill it may become necessary to acquire if she was going to spend the rest of her life at the capital.


    Godmothers Nichool Introduced herself with a conceited half-smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. The woman revelled in the trepidation on her sisters faces. The skill was impressive, in a depressing, domineering way, but her rebellious mind asked why the demonstration had been necessary? If the Godmothers hadn¡¯t been tardy the children would not have become fractious.


    ¡°I am your Godmother Odeet,¡± A softly spoken woman with flabby cheeks quivering with each word addressed them. ¡°We have called you here to discuss a recent situation. It has been reported to us that some of you young ladies have ventured into the Evergreen unchaperoned.¡±


    With grey hair streaked every colour of the arura she smiled in a grandmotherly way. Viky was not fooled; the old shrewd eyes didn¡¯t smile.


    Odeet continued ¡°It is inexcusable that any woman should experience or expose herself to harm. It is our belief all of you are complicit and involved with this endeavour.¡±


    Viky wrestled with self-reproach. She should have known the Godmothers wouldn¡¯t support any worthwhile endevor.


    ¡°You,¡± the tall angular Godmother stuck a bony finger at Maddie. ¡°What is your name? Tell us of your involvement. Weigh your words with care.¡±


    ¡°I am Maddiisa Your Grace, and I should have known better. It was my idea, and I just got caught up in the moment. I am so sorry.¡±


    Unable to continue Maddie¡¯s sobs were muffled as she hid her face in trembling hands. Viky hadn¡¯t been sure if Maddie was going with defiance or na?vet¨¦.


    Timoyyn quietly weeping, attempting to hide the fact. Sheeli sniffed, whipping her eyes as Shaah¡¯s hand itched towards her sling.


    ¡°You,¡± the condemning finger moved to Tushii and was met with an unruffled serenity.


    ¡°My name is Tushii your grace. but don¡¯t think we can be blamed.¡±


    Clear and concise Tushii spoke with conviction, looking in turn, at each stern Godmother¡¯s face.


    ¡°You do not appear to agree, speak your mind,¡± Odeet swivelled her podgy digit at Viky.


    A shudder ran up Viky¡¯s spine, settled as a bundle of detachment at the back of her head. Storm blast, how did they always know? She had been controlling her features, focused on Navleen. Internally groaning, collected her thoughts, Viky struggled to shake a chilly mental lethargy creeping into her consciousness. The deep knowledge and sagacity of the Godmothers was legendary, but it must have limits, otherwise why were they bothering to ask question?


    ¡°My name is Viky. When I discovered Jess had been abused, she asked me to tell no one. The laws and conditions of our bonding and the penalties for breaking the contract are explicit and Jess was afraid of further punishment or only making the situation worse if she let anyone know. She feared losing her sisters, her friends. If we share a measure of blame then it is because we, like Jess are kept in ignorance, without resources or knowledge. None of us know what happens in this sort of situation, we still don¡¯t know what is going to happen. If Jess had told us earlier, we wouldn¡¯t have known what to do then either.¡±


    ¡°The right thing to do would have been to come to us and let us deal with the problem,¡± The third God mother shook her head sadly.


    ¡°Why?¡± Viky asked before she could stop herself.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Godmother Nichool frowned. ¡°We said so we could deal with the problem.¡±


    ¡°No, let her speak her mind, explain yourself little one,¡± The third grandmother encouraged.


    Viky took a deep breath, she was in so much trouble, the force at the back of her mind intensified as she fought against answering.


    ¡°Why should we have come to the Godmothers? You have never given us any indication that you would help us. The only times we see you it¡¯s when you want to tell us off, the rest of the time we are ignored. Each time we have been in this room you intentionally make us uncomfortable. Trying to frighten us with displays of power, and now you accuse us of being complicit and not helping our friend. We didn¡¯t know you would ¡®deal with the problem,¡¯ and until now had no indication our health, safety or happiness was of concern to you.¡±


    ¡°You would have let your sister continue to suffer mistreatment?¡± Godmother Nichool¡¯s eyes narrowed further.


    ¡°No. Of course not. Jo-joohn suggested that someone had hired an assassin, so, I don¡¯t know how, but such a thing must be possible. We may not have done that, but we would have thought of something.¡± Viky met Godmother Nichool accusing eyes.


    The godmother who had not introduced herself chuckled quietly.


    Odeet¡¯s features momentarily softened, before returning to the furrowed composition.


    Beside her Shaar¡¯s body was ridged and Maddie gave a strangled gasp.


    ¡°You are entirely too opiniated for one so young. Is this how you show respect for your elders? We have heard enough of your excuses.¡± Godmother Nichool was not impressed. ¡°A Sisterhood is supposed to support all its members. We cannot express enough our disappointment that you have failed in this sacred duty. A suitable punishment will be considered at our leisure.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me please, but what is going to happen to Jess?¡± Viky asked. If they were going to be punished anyway, they may as well find out.


    The woman had turned away, but the third godmother stopped, turning back.


    ¡°Be at peace. Jessaaray will be expected to satisfy the conditions of her bonding contract, producing a daughter and two sons, but Jo-joohn has lost his rights to be the parent of any more children. As Jessaaray already has a daughter, and the young newly graduated Commanders all have the right to a first-born heir to claim as their own, she will need to choose a widower or otherwise single Commander who already has an heir. The situation is unusual, law dictates as Jo-joohn caused the death of two of her children, she can claim his right to the first-born and second son. Whoever she selects can become the parent to her first two sons, regardless of any other son¡¯s he may have. This will make her highly eligible, she will not have a problem finding a bondmate and fulfilling her contract.¡± The woman graced them with a half-smile.


    Viky nodded, she hadn¡¯t known of the rule, but that was not unusual. The intricacies of the legal system were mind-blowingly complex. Thankfully this one sounded fair. Perhaps after History she should study Law?


    ¡°Thank you, will she be able to stay a part of our Sisterhood?¡± Viky knew she was pushing her luck expecting an answer.


    The woman smirched, giving her thoughtful consideration. ¡°That will depend on the man she selects. If the man is part of an established team, then no, Jessaaray will join the Sisterhood of his team-mates. Your men are going to be assigned to stay at Chruciaal, so if she chooses a man who is also stationed permanently in Chruciaal then you will have opportunity to continue seeing and supporting her.¡±


    From the doorway Godmother Nichool shook her head and glared. ¡°Viky, I will remember your name and keep my eyes on you. Such impertinence is not becoming of a Lady.¡±


    ¡°Come now Nichool, her comments and questions were valid from her perspective. Motivated by concern for her sister.¡± Another half-smile formed, and the old eyes twinkled.


    ¡°Elrii, you would have us moddy-coddel every young woman that passes through Chruciaal,¡± Odeet gave the reprove with contempt and turned to leave. ¡°You may leave, speak and wake at your leisure.¡±


    Elrii moved her hand to conceal the smile she gave Viky from the other older women as she turned and following in their wake leaving the room.


    Tushii put her forefinger to her lips, looking at them fugitively as they gathered sleeping children. Gabreel stood with relief, not quite supressing a groan, as the Sisterhood departed.


    Once out of the room Tushii rounded on Viky.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have irritated them. It will mean trouble for the whole Sisterhood; they will remember that you vexed them long after forgetting your comments were legitimate.¡±


    ¡°Do you think I had a choice? The same power that was used to make us all quiet was added into the instructions we were given to speak. I was commanded to speak my mind. Could you have refused to answer one of their commands?¡± Viky deftly defended herself.


    Tushii opened her mouth and shut it. ¡°Flame and Assault.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true, my grandmother had the same power, or something similar,¡± Maddie said. ¡°I could feel it, cold and a slight pressure in the back of my mind. If it¡¯s any consolation the Godmother will be chilled and have a massive headache after controlling so many people.¡±


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    ¡°That must be why they only ever keep us for a short time,¡± Tushii frowned.


    Viky faltered, shot Maddie a warning look. If her grandmother had the talent Maddie may have inherited and that sort of information was best closely guarded. A puzzled frown crossed her friends features. Cold, she shivered, not the delightful tingle of supressed excitement but a numb dread that grew in her heart and caught the breath while still in her throat.


    That chilled sensation had punctuated pivotal moments in her life since arriving in Chruciaal. Something she couldn¡¯t quite remember connected to Naveen¡¯s arrival and earlier when she had considered courting Jieleen.


    ¡°It was good you found out what¡¯s going to happen to Jess and that we will be staying in Chruciaal.¡± Gabreel said, giving Viky an encouraging smile and interrupting her train of thought.


    There was a murmur of agreement.


    ¡°What will happen to your family Tushii?¡± Timyyn asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, maybe I should ask the godmothers for help,¡± she replied bitterly.


    ¡°How much longer will their resources hold out?¡± Shaii asked.


    ¡°This rotation, maybe part of the next if they can get a good price for the family home. But the Warrens of Amaraanth have a substantial number of unsold and empty First Family Houses. It was a calculated risk. Thought it was a one in seven chance of me being assigned back home but knew teams were also occasionally asked to stay at the capital. My parent and brothers would have coped with moving to another city and joining my Household almost anywhere. I will write, and we will decide on one of the contingency plans.¡± Tushii hid her disappointment under firm resolve.


    ¡°How did they let a first daughter, with a dependant family, into the women of the contribution anyway,¡± Timyyn asked.


    ¡°There are never enough second daughters to make up the quota, I wasn¡¯t the only one, and this wasn¡¯t the first time it¡¯s happened.¡± Tushii¡¯s reply was terse.


    ¡°It¡¯s the same in First City,¡± Maddie added sympathetically. ¡°Although some of that problem is resolved by Major House first born sons bonding women from the Trades or Crafts and the grandmother adopting her sons first born daughter as the heir.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be illegal?¡±


    Tushii shrugged. ¡°For every law a man makes, within a heartbeat there will be nine ways found, if not break it, at least to circumnavigate it.¡±


    ¡°If we can help out in any way let us know.¡± Gabreel puffed.


    ¡°I just need to be left alone to think.¡±


    Viky understood. Would have liked to have been alone. To absorb the information and ruminate over its deeper ramifications. The chill etched in her bones wilted as a throbbing behind her temples grew.


    ¡°I wonder why it¡¯s not that bad in The Rifts?¡± she muttered.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Gabreel asked.


    ¡°In The Rift, there are more boys than girls born, but most families have at least one daughter, many had a couple. I wondered why.¡±


    ¡°I was told the ratio was five to one, thought it was a universal truth. If we¡¯d have known Rift families had daughter¡¯s I would have just moved there instead of coming to Chruciaal.¡± Tushii sighed.


    ¡°No, the ratio varies according to city and rank. I don¡¯t want to sound disrespectful to your people Viky, but Diggers, Xianees, isolated settlements of primitives and people of the trades always have more daughters than the nobility of any major city.¡± Gabreel said.


    ¡°My grandmother says it¡¯s because men are always doing stupid things like fighting in wars or running of into the jungle, things that get themselves killed. With so many boys not going to live long enough to become men the world needs more male babies. And of course, the ones you don¡¯t need for first or second sons become D¡¯char, who are required for all the dangerous and boring jobs.¡±


    ¡°But sons of noble families don¡¯t do, well anything much. Look at our men, some have hobbies they pursued before training, but unless a man of noble birth becomes a Commanders they are not required to work. I know some men fight, but it is illegal and, well my brothers were never interested in the forest.¡± Tushii argued.


    Viky was struck with the injustice of life. So many situations were unfair. Surplus baby boys made into second class citizens. What had happened to Jess¡¯s was wrong on so many levels. But if people were willing to subjugate babies to mutilation the jump to hurting others was not the extreme gulf she had been led to believe. And controlling another¡¯s mind, her personal sanctuary, was not even considered a crime. Since coming to Chruciaal how many decisions she had thought were her own were in fact the will of others?


    The desire to hide resurfaced. To find a place where thinking was not required, and time passed without interference. But she was an adult, a Lady, a mother, and couldn¡¯t afford the luxury of inactivity. There was a lot of things she couldn¡¯t change, but that didn¡¯t give her the excuse to do nothing.


    Dereniik Froze. Ahead on the track a barely definable movement rippled against the Evergreen. Colloids momentum continued and he reared ended derenick.


    Flickering tongues of white blue gods fire continued to crackle irregularly throughout the forest canopy. Creatures without number provided a cacophony of break background ambience a small comfort many would fall silent in the presence of an alpha predator.


    Some things ahead Derek mumbled a warning.


    The more intelligent animals wouldn''t attack a human. Unless you startled or provoked them, invaded their territory, threatened their young, all held your mouth the wrong way. But just as deadly with mindless animals, or the swarming buzzing winged ones, those acted on impulse or were carried by fickle forest breezes.


    Tired beyond belief derenick inhaled. Filling his lungs with dank mouldy air that was not no refreshing and judging by the beats putrid aroma a health hazard he would have loved to avoid. If he had a choice.


    He planted the branch had strapped to the remnants of his right calf carefully into forest floor regrowth and detritus. Pain continued to throb from the recent unprofessional amputation but other equally serious injuries competed obliterating perspective. Grasping the bamboo currently used as a crutch he scanned for danger. Not much of A weapon, when employed as such Darren leak lossed much needed support, but frantically waving it had scared away a couple of curious obstinance teens and he wasn''t going down without a fight. His mother had sacrificed too much for him to die now.


    See it Dominic struggled to discern a fade outline.


    Card hurriedly scrawled glyphs on his left arm.


    Yes colour?


    Did have black spots no they and encroaching fuzzy edges were constant feature.


    Translucent no green I think. Superbly camouflaged almost invisible


    describe.


    Floating below the canopy. Irregular body. Don''t think it''s a fixed shape. Long, lustrous, hella cool appendages trying to drift above the forest floor.


    Symayaan.¡±


    Clyde sounded sure And was usually right.


    As if recognising its designation the creature pulsed, becoming opaque. Snatches the tranquil breeze carried a waft of decay to dare Knicks over world sensors. Flowing limb like structures billowed and shimmered in the , mottled light it didn''t appear to have a face but derenick felt scrutinised.


    Dredged through numbing mind fog, searching forgotten corners. If he had ever once known anything about the animal the winds of time had eroded the memory. Although near starvation, horrific injuries, and unimaginable grief interfering with his ability to assemble coherent thoughts.


    Kyd Made the glyph for extinct.


    Either the animal was extinct, And subsequently the nightmare had become a hallucination of epic proportions or Kyd should have made a Cliff for endangered. Derek suppressed his annoyance and the rapidly following guilt.


    It wasn''tKyds fault, he had never been interested in linguistics, never wanted to be a commander. Chasing down drug cartels was far from his dreams as it had been for academic derenick to ever wish this much exposure to the great outdoors.


    ¡°Dangerous?¡± Donik noted a creeping group vine tender and wobbling precariously flicked it away with his crutch.


    ¡°Defensive, not aggressive¡±


    defensive how, how does it defend itself?¡±


    ¡°Unsure.¡±


    ¡°Have you got anything does it hunt using sight sound sent?¡±


    ¡°Unsure.¡±


    ¡°You''ve got nothing is it a predator scavenger vegetarian.¡± The last was a little too much to hope for.


    ¡°Unsure.¡±


    Storm blast, what wasn''t kind telling him? Derek used his crotch to swat away one of the small multi legged flying creatures that were constantly attracted to the remnants of his lower calf. Buzzing a short distance it''s settled to glare longingly from a branch. They needed to move. Some animals and plants responded to static heat signatures, and plenty of plants possessed offensive or defensive structures. Spines, thorns, barbs, grouping and tripping tendrails, Catapults and trumpets that spent burning juice or shot Darren X personal nemesis borrowing seats.


    ¡°You think we can edge passed it?¡±


    ¡°Possible,¡± Kyd scrawled.


    Trial they were using, not quite as wide as a man was tall, had been cleared by a wandering giant gastropod. Derrick estimated, from the forest regrowth, they were only a day or two behind the lumbering beast. Roughly parallel to a small Creek it headed the general direction of a valley he thought may eventually lead to a small settlement. Finding the trail their chances of survival had blossomed from nonexistence to now only needing the luck of the herald. Derek was an atheist, kyd had been a believer, maybe someone had loved him enough to give him a break, but injuries accumulated each day and movement off the path, into the tangled Evergreen slowed their pace to that of a dribble.


    Shuffled forward, the vines between Kyd and himself pulling taunt as he told his friend to the left edge of the path.


    Fleeing the cartels first attack they had lost seven teammates, their mounts, and kites feet. The second attack cost even more lives, derek''s right arm, conscience and possible sanity. The amputation of his right foot had become necessary. Donut was not sure how many days had passed since then, time was no longer linea. Dilating some moments to impossible lengths, contracting others to a heartbeat and freezing some with crystal clear clarity.


    Should leave him. Not many men survived extensive gut wounds. It was hard to tell if becoming stuck in the void had saved his life. They had been warned his current condition was irreversible. Dying alone, left to become forest folder, Dominique couldn''t have done that to an enemy.


    With a Bush green flame erupted from a Bush to his right just ahead.


    Instinctively derenick pool centres, tapping the power of his lilac fractal, and shimmered out of sight.


    The world changed. Without eyes to reflect light was momentarily blind. I heart beat later his brain adjusted, I sound vibration and energy scape emerged. Learning to interpret what he was ¡®seeing¡¯ had taken rotations practise and ur nick was still far from an exit expert. Body lighter, or more correctly, reacting to the force that kept everything falling to the ground in a different way, he started to drift. Muscles reacting differently to the physical environment, the bamboo wood dropped from fingers no longer able to grip. Overhead, distorted calls he recognised as screeching flitters or accompanied by blight bright flashes of their life energy. And the pain, the relentless agony of accumulated injuries, ebbed. Not evaporating completely, but the relief was profound.


    The Symayaan, more beautiful than he had imagined, distracted him from the sprouting flames that should have been a more immediate concern.


    Der nick shimmered back into sight with great reluctance. Stumbling was followed by an inelegant role to avoid strange green fire. Kyd, jerked by his fall, impacted ground behind with a soft thud. Derek mentally swore.


    Reorienting himself, groping for the bamboo, struggling to stand who took precious heartbeats. If the animal had been intent on a kill he should have been dead.


    The flying hadn''t spread, confining itself to 1 Bush. It looked like an ordinary Bush, but then so many of them did. The forest was quieter. Not the silent treatment he had experienced before the well Cologne had stalled them. Was that yesterday, a couple of days ago, nine days ago. He couldn''t tell.


    They had to move, didn''t have a choice, forward seemed the best direction. He had taken a few cautious shuffling steps  before another Bush exploded. To his left I faint after image, similar to the residual grew glow of base fire, shimmered for half a heartbeat before dispersing.


    ¡°You see where that came from?¡±


    ¡®Symayaan>¡±


    storm last. That''s what he thought. Although having one animal attack them was enough, more than enough. Only was it attacking, could they be warning shots? Maybe they could cut back into this track after a short detour around the animal.


    Inviting wall of greenery found the track. In places he could have been almost a tunnel. Closer to the river the foliage was impenetrable. Not scrambling uphill? Not easy in his current condition. He couldn''t die not yet. Derek glanced at the 9 pin securing a bandage around his torso. It promised its safe delivery.


    With only a slight wobble Derrick stepped resolutely over the clam like pincers of something that could have been either flora or fauna and edged around electrically charged Moss. Knocking the trunk of a tree with his bamboo sent shooting spines into surrounding foliage. He tapped it again to judge the real own time. Once negotiated, he spinning animal was avoid, then kyd was untangled from a drop vine.


    Donic checked they progress there about a body length from the path.


    ¡°Leave me.¡± Kyd wrote.


    ¡°Never.¡± Derek didn''t have the breath to argue. It had all been said before.


    A venomous slither flaming from before them. Bathed in perspiration he would have to have been a highly offensive to its delicate sensory organs.


    ¡°My choice.¡±


    ¡°And this is mine.¡±


    The glow sting creature flashed iridescent orange as a flock of purple winged  brocas flitters scolded him. Der nick stumbled and crash.


    ¡°I want to die.¡±


    ¡°We are on a Commission; we don''t get to choose.¡±


    The collection of rocks he had been using to balance morphed into a snapping animal with more teeth and eyes than a tree had leaves. Keenan with his leg stump sent the creature spinning why and his stump became half hands breath shorter. Panting heavily he scrambled up and remove thorns from water made of his leg. A viscous goo wept from a lingering puncture wounds. He didn''t have the bandwidth to think about it. What what he could off with what, in another life, had once been his best cowl.


    ¡°Please.¡±


    Kyd had begged previously. It had taken a bit to work out, but eventually confessed he thought derenick would have a much better chance without him.


    ¡°We started this together; we finish it together.¡±


    Storm blast. The fool opened wounds on his side where he had removed, we had been there leeches? Not important now, needed to keep moving.


    Step, shuffle, scan for danger.


    Step, shuffle, scan.


    Repeat.


    Each hard 1 action and accomplishment. When they were approximately 3 body lengths from the path he turned to run parallel to it again.


    Keep moving.


    Something scratched on his arm. It took a few heartbeats to recognise Clyde was frantically repeating a glyph.


    ¡°Sorry. What?¡± Where had his head been? Not focused that was sure.


    ¡°Rustepheen.¡±


    ¡°Where?¡± Der nick struggled to lift his head and raise bleary eyes to the canopy.


    ¡°Left.¡±


    Gods light! How had he missed the animal? It was a monster. lurking high, red on orange, it crouched tentacles extended, draping over tripwires that ran to the forest floor. Waiting for some idiot to stumble into them. Any unexpecting victim to brush one would be caught in the sticky web like snares. Once trapped prey was hoisted into the cabinet P further bound and left to decomposed.


    Dernek felt sick. It was a horrible slow death. No that was the stench. The air was rank.


    Storm blast. Bye weren''t going to survive if he couldn''t detect an animal that obvious. Ironically he''d received top marks when they''d studied biota. But that had been so long ago. Ancient history. Only he was still a young man, wasn''t he?


    ¡°Thanks Kyd, can you see the tripwires?¡±


    ¡°Not alive,¡±


    well it was worth asking. The almost translucent threads would be hard to pick up in the mottled light under perfect conditions. There nick tucked the bamboo under the stump of his right arm and rumped weary eyes. It accomplished little, except a residual amount of glue, was something else he had touched, stung. Adding another layer of discomfort and tears further clouding his vision.


    Avoiding the final plants and the patch of foyer thorns Derrick edged further from the Rusterpheen. The cunning animal had positioned itself strategically over the path. But evidence suggested it had lived in the general area for some time. Trip wisely did the surrounding pendant trees and tautly wrapped decomposing carcasses were strewn overhead. Ileet swarms investing some of the fresher cadavers.


    Dear Nick''s heart sank further as a haystack nest came into view. A larger detour would be required.


    Slick biophite coated forest floor as Danny started up the incline again. Resorting to his hands and knees keep it flowers stained his skin. Unfortunately the stain would remain visible even when he wasn''t , negating his one defence strategy against predatory animals who hunted by sight. Bring his bamboo around in time to ward off an electrically charged tumble Bush. With callous indifference it brushed past. Convulsive spasms shook his limbs I call it jerked against the ropes binding them together.


    ¡°Sorry my friend.¡± Dominique whispered.


    Kyd had never been one to waste energy complaining. How much was he still suffering? What if he was being cruel, dragging his friend through this endless nightmare? It seemed the right thing to do. Maybe there was a cure for being stuck in the void. If he could just get back to civilization, surely after suffering so much Kyd had to have a chance?


    The world hushed. Flitters stopped screeching. Buzzing flying creatures stopped humming. The only sound came from a teasing breeze rustling leaves and stirring branches.


    Looking up dernek knew what he would see. With malevolent, lethargic, elegance the Rustopheen Was stirring. In moved fascination Dora nick watched as tentacle appendages pantages wrapped around branches and body flowing moved with stately calm towards them.


    Stone blast. The tumble Bush had become ensnared in a tripwire. Reaching this area a profusion of binding silken threads would coat them all.


    Heedless of screaming muscles Derek scrambled. Tearing out Tufts of Moss and skidding decomposing mulch. Lanyards of a swinging spiked vine blocked his path. Dear nick crashed through. Over balancing he skid down a few body lengths and collided with a nest of ground fitters. Squawking they took to flight. One leathery wing touched the tripwire, the creature writhed, became more entangled. It''s futile struggle and cries grew fainter.


    Would the flitter be enough to distract the Rustephee? Amazing how callous you became after a few 9 days spent in the forest. Lying on his back the canopy spread before him, another problem approached.


    The Symayaan, With enviable dexterity move through the Rustepheen web and tripwires. Straight for them.


    Dereniik Rolled. Spent precious heartbeats untangling Kyd, again. Where was his bamboo? Didn''t matter. Had to move. Crawling would have to do.


    The forest floor had given way to leaves twigs and a depressing number of bones, cartilage, claws and flitter beaks. Avoiding the tripwires dear nick ripped his hands and means dodging through trees and bushes. Saw a few living animals, not a big surprise. Almost made it back to the path, or at least where the path would have been, except the rotting remains of a child gastropod hung suspended and wrecked from a spreading lilla tree.


    To slow. Filtered light faded as the Rustepheen¡¯s shadow arrived above them. Dear nick frantically sought a solution. Invisibility wouldn''t work. The creatures picked up vibrations. Pounding heart and erratically twitching limbs we''re not doing him any favours.


    The Rustepheen started spinning web, sleek, sticky, almost invisible threads caught the slight breeze and began to drift towards them.


    This was it.


    Using a convenient tree for support Derrick stood. The world wavered darkness encroaching. If he was going to die he wanted to be on his feet. Foot. Or at least standing. Leaning. Realistically couldn''t have gone much longer anyway. Didn''t know how long it had been but It had to be some sort of record.


    The Symayaan attacked.


    Spouting green fire she blackened the drifting strands of web and continued in ark to inflamed a dangling tentacle.


    High pitched squeal. Startled, darnick had not expected such a large monster to make that noise.


    Not expected the Symayaam to position its body between the Rustepheen and himself.


    ¡°Move.¡± Kyd scrolled on his arm.


    Yes. He needed to move. The Rustepheen was Three or four times the size of they deliver And he didn''t know how a confrontation of this nature would end up. Hope in the Symayaan knew what it was doing and hadn''t brought him to a battle he couldn''t win.


    There nick crawled until locating at bone, possibly a Welcaloon femour She uses a crutch. He heard rather than saw the Bush''s further flames erupted.


    She knew.


    Knew what?


    Rustepheen ahead.


    Yes, yes I guess you''re right. She wanted us off the path. Her first shots were warnings to protect us.


    Smart.


    Do you mean intelligent not just instinctively protective.


    Yes.


    You called her her is it a female?


    Unsure.


    Well I hope she''s alright.


    She''s ahead.


    What Are you sure?


    Yes.


    Couldn''t see her. Pulling centres he she mid out of sight. Brain adjusting as the life ahead signature burst interview. Moving, almost swimming other life energy signatures scattered before her. It took him a few heartbeats to realise what she was doing. Clearing the path. For them? Possibly. Either way flowing hair make life easier.

 Chapter 8.

    Chapter 8.


    Knowing the unpleasantness of this room in intimate detail only added to Viky¡¯s vehement loathing. Each association furthered her dislike, cementing the desire to never return. But a summons from the Godmothers could not be ignored. Tardiness not tolerated and even a lack of enthusiasm could lead to reprimands and extensions of the visit.


    And they knew, somehow, they always knew, everything.


    The room was cold. All underground dwellings were cool, it was one of the reasons Traditionalist women wore nine layers of clothing, but this room had the penetrating, raw feel of air ladened with moisture and miserable memories. She shivered, huddled with her sisters in submissive, supressed, near silence. Severe old women glowered down from rows of portraits in gilt frames. Each competing with its neighbours as to who could cast the most censorious gaze.


    Swaths of yellow and green Biophyte, enmeshed and overgrown, competed for ceiling space and cast the room below with dull mustard shadows. The stone bench wasn¡¯t just cold to touch but the longer a person was required to remain seated the bitter chill crept up your spine, seeping silently into your soul.


    Shaar fiddled with a tatting spindle, fingers working mechanically without thought. Viky noted, with some trepidation, a sling surreptitiously augmenting an elaborate headpiece. Her twin wore a similar design. Sheeli¡¯s sling was less obvious, but both sisters were proficient with its use. And they were brash, impulsive people.


    Not at all reassuring that they had chosen to arm themselves.


    Gabreel was practice controlled breathing in-between consoling her little girl who was finding it difficult to fit on her mother¡¯s lap along with her newborn brother. The Godmothers were displaying a lack of common decency by keeping nine women and eleven young children waiting. Gabreel, who was always on time and scheduled everything, wore her disappointment openly.


    Punctuality was also important to Tus¡¯hii. She had marshalled them all effectively to arrive on time and with nothing currently needing organizing was attempting to sooth Hannareey.


    Jess was close to panic, and perhaps exhaustion. Hanna had been misbehaving all night. Runing off early this morning and needed chasing down. It had taken Jess, Moves-Like-a-River and Viky ages to find and then to corner the child. Viky had lunged and grabbed perhaps a little too enthusiastically and wasn¡¯t sure if Jess was ever going to talk to her again.


    Isobeel held her little Arrabeel in the warmth of an embrace. It was difficult to tell who was comforting who, but Viky was sure no clothes would be crumpled in the process and the beautiful woman would emerge from whatever befell them like the Princess from a classical romance.


    When the summons to visit the godmothers had first arrived Ly with practical for-thought had passed Maddie a thick traditional quilted blanket. Now spread at her feet, within its folds her daughter¡¯s and the twins¡¯ girls settled in a sociable group, muttering in muted undertones as the older three imitated each other¡¯s finger play.


    ¡°I wonder what Power they will display when they eventually turn up this time,¡± Maddie whispered.


    ¡°Something to fill us with respectful awe no doubt,¡± Viky shivered. She hadn¡¯t been in this room in the eleven months since she first arrived at the capital. Once had been enough.


    ¡°They are watching from behind that screen,¡± Shaar¡¯s fingers flew, not missing a stitch.


    Viky gave a barely perceptible nod. It irked her, they were watching to see how her sisterhood was responding, and they played into their hands by over-reacting. They were supposed to be uncomfortable, and she was, they all were. Further filing her displeasure. Viky emotions progressed from apprehension to provocation.


    Little Hanna, never one to sit quietly for long at the best of times grew tired of Tushii¡¯s ministrations and gave voice to complaints with a lusty bellow. Startled, placid Arrabeel joined in with the low insistent droning whing parentals everywhere knew to fear. The plaintive cries woke Maddie¡¯s baby causing an avalanche of demanding voices to join the chorus as mother¡¯s futility consoled.


    Apparently even the most heartless Godmothers couldn¡¯t ignore the distress of so many young children. Three elderly women stepped from behinds a screen covered door.


    ¡°Hush, babies sleep, adults silence.¡±


    Words and cries cut off with quick gasps and cool efficiency. Unnatural silent descended. An unfamiliar oppressive mental sensation blanketed her mind. Her parents had warned her about this. At her age and with her current experience there wasn¡¯t much Viky could do to defend herself, other than respond with physical violence. The mind-altering effects of a yellow communication fractal were supposed to be subtle, at least she didn¡¯t have difficulty picking up she was under the influence. Not having experienced the sensation before she wasn''t sure if it was full Coercion, Nudging or something different. It was beyond annoying.


    Viky experimented with attempting to murmur under her breath. Exhaling her efforts produced a small cloud of fog. Sinking into soft folds the children on the quilt shut eyes in silent slumber. Arabeel hickuped, eye lashes brushing flushed cheeks. Viky filed away the fact powered Commands didn¡¯t apply to involuntary reflexes, not that that information was currently useful, she couldn¡¯t vomit at will. A skill it may become necessary to acquire if she was going to spend the rest of her life at the capital.


    Godmothers Nichool Introduced herself with a conceited half-smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. The woman revelled in the trepidation on her sisters faces. The skill was impressive, in a depressing, domineering way, but Viky¡¯s rebellious mind asked why the demonstration had been necessary? If the Godmothers hadn¡¯t been tardy the children would not have become fractious.


    ¡°I am your Godmother Odeet,¡± A softly spoken woman with flabby cheeks quivering with each word addressed them. ¡°We have called you here to discuss a recent situation. It has been reported to us that some of you young ladies have ventured into the Evergreen unchaperoned.¡±


    With grey hair streaked every colour of the arura she smiled in a grandmotherly way. Viky was not fooled; the old shrewd eyes didn¡¯t smile.


    Odeet continued ¡°It is inexcusable that any woman should experience or expose herself to harm. It is our belief all of you are complicit and involved with this endeavour, but we wish to hear your defence.¡±


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Why was a defence necessary? Viky wrestled with self-reproach. She should have known the Godmothers wouldn¡¯t support any worthwhile endeavour.


    ¡°You,¡± the tall angular Godmother stuck a bony finger at Maddie. ¡°What is your name? Tell us of your involvement. Weigh your words with care.¡±


    ¡°I am Maddiisa Your Grace, and I didn¡¯t know venturing into the Evergreen unchaperoned was a matter for concern. Three of us went, so we were careful and took measures to keep safe. It was my idea; the others were not to blame.¡±


    ¡°Your idea? Yours alone?¡±


    How well did the Godmothers know Maddie? Tushii and Jess were smart enough to realise Maddie didn¡¯t have many original thoughts. Isobeel would be able to work it out as well, if she bothered to put her mind to it.


    Shaar lifted her chin in defiance. The action attracted the attention of Godmother Odeet.


    ¡°You have something to say child?¡± She asked.


    ¡°My sister and I have the proper authorization to run a small enterprise. We were commended for our initiative when we initially put forth the proposal. Although we didn''t go into the Evergreen, nobody told us it was off limits. Harvesting raw materials ourselves makes economic sense. I thought we would have your approval as it is sensible to selling products made by others in our sisterhood, expanding our business. As long as the workmanship is of a high standard.¡±


    ¡°Foolish child, sensible people do not need to be told not to place their hands in a fire. If your elders have been so negligent in your education that you need instruction for basic life skills, I pity your daughters as you have nothing to contribute to their lives.¡± Godmother Odeet sneered.


    Harsh. And fundamentally flawed logic. With the proper protection every man and woman attending the hearth back at home removed cooking implements from the fire. You just had to know what you were doing.


    ¡°You, what part have you to play in this disgraceful mess.¡± the condemning finger moved to Tushii and was met with an unruffled serenity.


    ¡°My name is Tushii your grace.¡± Clear and concise Tushii spoke with conviction, looking in turn, at each stern Godmother¡¯s face. ¡°I am from an honourable family who have recently found themselves under some financial distress. The allure of honestly obtaining extra sequin, employing skills I enjoy using, did perhaps influence my decision to go along with the plan. I personally would not have ventured into the Evergreen. I do not I have the skills or mental and emotional disposition for such an endeavour And I''m currently with child. But when I found out some of my sisters had been to the Evergreen was not surprised. I do not believe they put themselves in extreme danger doing so.¡±


    Viky wanted to interject. If they were all going to have to speak it was better to be seen as an eager participant and maintain some form of control. She could form the thought, will her mouth to speak, but no sounds resulted.


    ¡°You, name and involvement.¡± Odeet swivelled her podgy digit at Jess.


    ¡°Lady Jessaaray. I went into the Evergreen with Maddie and Viky to gather Grip Vine Ropes so they could be made into belts. At no time did I feel I was in mortal danger, and I didn''t know we were doing anything so terribly wrong. I am so sorry to have displeased you.¡±


    Viky hadn¡¯t been sure if Jess was going to play with defiance or na?vet¨¦. Her answer wasn''t a bad mix. And it had been very carefully worded.


    ¡°Which one of you is Viky?¡± Odeet¡¯s question was evidently rhetorical she shifted her gaze and then pointed the finger at Viky¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Speak.¡±


    A shudder ran up Viky¡¯s spine, settled as a bundle of detachment at the back of her head. Storm blast, how did they always know? She had been controlling her features. Internally groaning, collected her thoughts, Viky struggled to shake a chilly mental lethargy creeping into her consciousness. The deep knowledge and sagacity of the Godmothers was legendary, but it must have limits, otherwise why were they bothering to ask question?


    ¡°Your Grace, I used to enjoy weaving Grip vine belts back at the Rifts, have been enthusing about them. They are awfully practical, and Tushii¡¯s carving is so beautiful. We didn¡¯t go far. The guards even gave us a friendly wave. We didn¡¯t mean to make trouble for anyone.¡±


    She hoped to have reached the right level of innocence while acknowledging an acceptable amount of the blame.


    Odeet¡¯s features momentarily softened, before returning to the furrowed composition.


    Questions were shot at Moves-like-a-river and Gabreel, but they had genuinely not been involved and had nothing to add. Isobeel was not questioned. Viky wondered if she was exempt because of her family¡¯s status or because they considered her too inane to weigh in on the discussion.  Either reason was wrong, but it was a moot point because Isobeel hadn''t been involved. Or maybe they just realised venturing into the Evergreen would ruin exquisitely lovely slippers and perfectly manicured fingernails.


    The godmother who had not introduced herself chuckled quietly. The interview concluded with her intoning a warning delivered in an expressionless voice and an indifferent attitude. When they were dismissed Viky was left with the impression she was missing a subtext. Or three.


    Tushii put her forefinger to her lips, looking at them fugitively as they gathered sleeping children. Gabreel stood with relief, not quite supressing a groan, as the Sisterhood departed.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s an experience I don''t want repeat regularly.¡± Isobeel sighed with dramatic flair.


    ¡°They, didn''t even question you.¡± Tushii said.


    ¡°You all felt their power, didn''t you? I know I''m extra sensitive to things like that, but you had to have felt something, didn''t you?¡± Isobeel raised a perfectly arched eyebrow.


    A few of the women mumbled and acknowledgement.


    ¡°It¡¯s true, my grandmother had the same power, or something similar,¡± Maddie said. ¡°I could feel it, cold and a slight pressure in the back of my mind. If it¡¯s any consolation the Godmothers using the skill will be chilled and have a massive headache after controlling so many people.¡±


    ¡°That must be why they only ever keep us for a short time,¡± Tushii frowned.


    Viky faltered, shot Maddie a warning look. If her grandmother had the talent Maddie may have inherited and that sort of information was best closely guarded. A puzzled frown crossed her friends¡¯ features. Cold, she shivered, not the delightful tingle of supressed excitement but a numb dread that grew in her heart and caught the breath while still in her throat.


    ¡°What will happen to your family Tushii?¡± Moves-like-a-river asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, maybe I should ask the godmothers for help,¡± she replied bitterly.


    ¡°How much longer will their resources hold out?¡± Shaii asked.


    ¡°This rotation, maybe part of the next if they can get a good price for the family home. But the Warrens of Amaraanth have a substantial number of unsold and empty First Family Houses.¡± Tushii hid her disappointment under firm resolve.


    ¡°How did they let a first daughter, with a dependant family, into the women of the contribution anyway,¡± Jess asked.


    ¡°There are never enough second daughters to make up the quota, I wasn¡¯t the only one, and this wasn¡¯t the first time it¡¯s happened.¡± Tushii¡¯s reply was terse.


    ¡°It¡¯s the same in everywhere,¡± Maddie added sympathetically. ¡°Although some of that problem is resolved by Major House first born sons bonding women from the Trades or Crafts and the grandmother adopting her sons first born daughter as the heir.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be illegal?¡±


    Tushii shrugged. ¡°For every law a man makes, within a heartbeat there will be nine ways found, if not break it, at least to circumnavigate it.¡±


    ¡°If we can help out in any way let us know.¡± Gabreel said.


    ¡°I just need to be left alone to think.¡±


    Viky understood. Would have liked to have been alone. To absorb the information and ruminate over its deeper ramifications. The chill etched in her bones wilted as a throbbing behind her temples grew.


    ¡°I wonder why it¡¯s not that bad in The Rifts?¡± she muttered.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Gabreel asked.


    ¡°In The Rift, there are more boys than girls born, but most families have at least one daughter, many had a couple. I wondered why.¡±


    ¡°I was told the ratio was five to one, thought it was a universal truth. If we¡¯d have known Rift families had daughter¡¯s I would have just moved there instead of coming to Chruciaal.¡± Tushii sighed.


    ¡°No, the ratio varies according to city and rank. I don¡¯t want to sound disrespectful to your people Viky, but Diggers, Xianees, isolated settlements of primitives and people of the trades always have more daughters than the nobility of any major city.¡± Gabreel said.


    ¡°My grandmother says it¡¯s because men are always doing stupid things like fighting in wars or running of into the jungle, things that get themselves killed. With so many boys not going to live long enough to become men the world needs more male babies. And of course, the ones you don¡¯t need for first or second sons become D¡¯char, who are required for all the dangerous and boring jobs.¡±


    Viky was struck with the injustice of life. So many situations were unfair. But controlling another¡¯s mind, her personal sanctuary, was not even considered a crime. And now the Evergreen was off limits. Her personal freedom curtailed further. How had her parentals coped with living at the capital for ten rotations before escaping back to the Rifts?


    Thinking about them was a mistake. Activating downward spiral of loss and longing. The mother had talked about conversations with the godmothers. You had to have a plan, and then hide A plan behind another. Viky wasn''t even sure what that meant, and now it was too late to ask because there was nobody there to answer.