Exclusive: book Online #5

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This novel is available in print, and was a finalist in Operation First Novel 2007,

sponsored by Tyndale House Publishers.

Copyright © 2010 Amlin Publishing. All rights reserved.

Your comments are appreciated. Enjoy!

CHAPTER 5

AN UNLIKELY ALLY

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After much deliberation it was decided that I should be the one to go and look for Humphrey. I knew little about Rath or Tiko and I felt confident that I could get Humphrey to talk. No one else, however, shared my optimism.

Corel and Armadon made preparations to infiltrate Rath's camp to find out more about the woman and child. According to Armadon's sources this information could be found inside a small black box. If they found the box, they were to contact us through the web.

Kitaya and I shared a private moment on the battlement of Armadon’s castle. I wanted her to come with me to find Humphrey but everyone else thought it would be better if she went to find Tiko. He was known to be a womanizer, and Kitaya would undoubtedly have the best chance of persuading him to join us. Not only was she beautiful but Tiko had never seen her before-- and he was always looking for a new plaything.

The thought of Kitaya using her beauty to entice Tiko into cooperating with us bothered me to no end. Though we’d met only yesterday, somehow I felt I’d known her forever. And secretly I hoped that one day our relationship would grow into something more. Perhaps when this whole thing was over I would tell her this. But not now. So we parted ways. And my heart felt heavy.

Armadon advised me to seek the aid of Sajin Barrows. As it turned out he was the second most prominent figure on the planet.

The architecture of the capital city of Oonaj, like forms in a distant dream, towered in magnificent splendor. Their phantom shapes were familiar but their origins could not be attained. I knew them from another time and yet somehow the structures did not seem to go together; pyramids and battlements, marble temples and stone monoliths? In the midst of these a mighty skyscraper reached up into the clouds. It was breathtaking to behold, yet it left me with a sense of foreboding.

In the center of the city, rising up with majestic grace, stood the royal castle. Inside this massive stone structure stood a smaller building. I studied the capital building from a distance. I didn't want to just walk in through the front gate. That would catch Gaza’s attention. After all, it wasn’t every day that Sam’ Dejal, the god of reason, popped in for a visit.

I circled the building and decided to go in through a barred window of what looked like a large empty storage room. I melted the bars quickly, climbed in, and silently moved across the room to the door. The door gave a faint creak as I carefully opened it and peeked out. A man passed by and I made a quick mental note of what he was wearing. Energy leaked from my hands as the threads twisted and bent to form the image of the man’s clothing. Piece by piece the shapes formed in wire frames and then material was added. When I was finished I ran my fingers across the odd fabrics. Each item had its own distinctly different texture, weight, and smell. They couldn't have been any more real.

I was still a little slow at making things from the blue threads, but given time I was sure I could make anything no matter how complex. All I needed was a vague idea of shape and material and the web did the rest. I closely examined the cotton shirt. I had simply thought: cotton and it had appeared out of nothing. Every pore was present, every stitch in place. Fascinating.

Now all I needed was a way to hide my eyes. It took a moment but then an idea came to me. I created a handkerchief and a white cane. I would be a blind man. Using a trick I’d learned from Kitaya I made the cloth visible from only one side. To everyone else it was a thick covering, but to me it was as transparent as plastic wrap.

I stepped through the door and started walking down the hall casually tapping the cane for effect. A woman passed by giving plenty of room, but she took little notice of me. It was the same with the two soldiers standing guard at the next intersection. I continued following the hallway around in a large arc and passed by several more intersections. Each had two men standing guard, but no one paid any attention to me.

For several minutes I searched up and down the long corridors. I couldn’t put my finger on it-- but something was wrong. Like the architecture of the city the objects and people here didn’t seem to fit together. Paintings of all sizes littered the walls, some ornately framed in precious metals, others surrounded by brightly painted wood. In some areas images were carved directly into the finely sanded surfaces and in other spots crude cave drawings could be seen. Soldiers, statesmen, and an assortment of employees rushed about their daily tasks wearing suits and swords. Some carried briefcases, others held rolled up scrolls.

After awhile the corridors began to blend into one another, but then I saw a man who looked like he might be able to help me. He wore a security badge. I waited until he finished speaking with two guards then followed him down to the next corridor. I checked in front and behind. All was clear.

"You, sir, could you help me please?" I stated loudly.

He stopped and coolly replied, "What do you need? I am very busy."

I moved closer and revealed my face.

His eyes widened. "I am sorry, your holiness. I- I did not recognize..."

"I do not wish to be recognized. Will you help me?" I asked gruffly.

"Y- Yes. Yes of course."

"I am looking for Sajin Barrows."

"H- he is in the council chambers. I am not authorized to go in-- b- but I know someone who is."

"Can we trust this person?"

"Yes."

"I will emphasize I do not want it known I am here. I am trusting you will keep this in confidence."

"You can count on me, lord."

"Go then. I will wait." I tapped him on the shoulder, attaching a thread. He quickly departed and I brought up the web to keep an ear on him. He did what he said he would and soon returned with another man.

"This is Randal. He can help you."

The man wore a fine blue suit. White curly hair covered most of his burly face. He reminded me of Santa Claus. I uncovered my eyes.

"Follow me please," he said gruffly.

I followed him down an endless string of hallways until the man slowed to a stop. As he opened the heavy door to the council chamber I quickly scanned the interior. Around a large granite table in the center of the room were twelve men in business suits. The table formed a symmetrical dodecagon. A man sat before each flat edge. Papers littered the table.

Randal spoke in a lowered voice. "One moment, I will get him for you."

Sajin was on the far side of the table apparently in a heated debate with the man next to him. As Randal spoke in his ear he looked up quickly, then excused himself. I couldn't help noticing how tired he looked. This was no great surprise, he was a man with a lot on his mind.

"Greetings, Lord Tardin." He spoke quietly. "What an unexpected surprise. Why do you come in such secrecy?"

I looked at Randal. "Thank you. You may go." I reached out and shook his hand and deposited two rather large diamonds. His eyes widened. "I trust you will keep our meeting secret," I said, looking him in the eye. "And make sure the other man receives his share."

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." He bowed and left.

I turned back to Sajin. "Is there a place we can talk privately?"

"Yes, this way."

He led me to a chamber and as he opened the door the scent of strawberries wafted out. Inside many candles were burning. A fire crackled in the fireplace. In the center of the room, a cloaked figure sat poring over a thick brown book.

I looked at Sajin, slightly annoyed. "I said I want to go somewhere private."

He gave me a puzzled look. "This is private, lord."

I squinted at him. "Then who is that?" I pointed to the slumped figure.

"Again, I find I must apologize. I did not wish to state what I thought you already knew. His name is Charm. He is our sky searcher. Last night he was found here, frozen in that position." He looked toward the figure. "I do not believe he can hear us. We may speak freely."

I did not respond to Sajin but moved toward the silent shadowy form. Completely motionless. Frozen above a thick leather book. The man’s dark features appeared distorted in the flickering firelight. His expression was one of total astonishment, as though he had uncovered something of great importance. My heart skipped a beat as a haunting realization took hold of me. "What book is this?" I asked, fighting to keep my voice even.

"That is the sacred tome, lord."

I looked up. "What is it called?" I asked shortly.

Sajin looked at me questioningly, then stated slowly, "Davata Notrals?"

The room began to swim. I reached for a table.

"Are you all right, lord?"

"I’m fine," I replied through clenched teeth. "I am-- merely experiencing-- entrance fluctuations." Entrance fluctuations? That was a pitiful excuse. Gradually my head cleared and I took a long hard look at the figure in the chair. Who was this man? Why had he frozen in place the night I arrived? And more importantly, what did that book have to do with it? I needed to know more but didn’t want to let my guard down in front of Sajin. "Sajin, what is your understanding of Davata Notrals?"

He furrowed his brows. "It is a gift."

"Is that all you have to say about it?"

He thought a moment. "I understand it is alien to our world and that its text is ever changing." His eyes took on a distant look. "It speaks of lands which do not exist and of great men who have no history in Vrin. It has puzzled our scholars for centuries. They have sought after an answer to the singular God depicted within it. This God is referred to as the God of All, perhaps inaccurately, by our sky searchers." He gave a slight pause, perhaps hoping I would step in with some universal truth. He appeared disappointed and continued. "We have used it as a guide to living a pure life and have utilized its principles in the development of our world’s government. Although we have seen the stories of the people in it change, the message of the law does not. It is this law which has kept Vrin at peace for centuries, that is, until the gods returned." He stopped abruptly. "I beg your pardon for my frankness."

"You speak the truth. I will not hold that against you." I looked him in the eye. "You’re right. War has returned to Vrin and for that I am sorry. But you have to understand, not all the gods wish it. I can’t change what Rath has done, it is tragic and criminal. But a new threat has surfaced which is far more menacing..." Again I wondered how much I should disclose.

 "Lord?"

I threw caution to the wind. "Gaza is on the verge of destroying Vrin. We are gathering forces against him."

He stood dumfounded. "I- I do not understand. He created this world. Why would he want to..."

"We do not know much at this point. We’re not sure what his intentions are, but we can’t allow him to follow through with the threat. We need your help."

"My help?" He looked surprised. "What could I possibly do to help the gods?"

"I’m looking for Humphrey. Do you know where he is?"

"I don’t. But I know someone who does."

"Can you bring him to me?"

Sajin looked doubtful. "I can bring her to you, but I cannot guarantee she will cooperate; she is a refugee of the war. Before the war, she stayed with Lord Humphrey for a time because her father died in his service."

"I thought Humphrey was a hermit?"

"He is. That is why her father’s services appealed to him."

I waited for him to continue. Then asked, "What do you know about Humphrey?"

"Sir?"

"Tell me everything you know about him."

Sajin again appeared puzzled by my lack of knowledge. He furrowed his brow and began. "Humphrey was always too stubborn to use his power for even the smallest pleasure or necessity. So every time he went into town the people gave him a hard time because he wouldn't bless their community with treasures. Humphrey swore he would not use the power and was not willing to make any exceptions. He had decided to move on but that’s when he met Janod, Thana’s father." Sajin hesitated. "Is this what you wanted to hear?"

"Yes. Go on," I said, eager to learn as much as I could.

"Janod was a local businessman and fairly well to do. He approached Humphrey with a proposition. His only request was that the old god bless his daughters with a touch. In return he would bring supplies directly to Humphrey's cabin. Humphrey informed the man that his touch would not do the children any good, but that did not matter to Janod; he believed in his heart that it would protect them.

"And so it was. For four years Janod brought fresh supplies, and often Humphrey invited him to sit and talk. The children would come out and play near the river and over time a bond developed between Humphrey and Janod’s family.

"But then one day Thana came in the place of her father. She told Humphrey her father was ill. Humphrey went with her to see him. He was indeed very ill and the local healer said there was a good chance he would not survive. Humphrey sat with him for several days providing what comfort he could but it was not enough, and on the sixth day, Janod died. Janod’s wife knew Humphrey’s convictions yet she could not bring herself to forgive him. So she packed up her belongings, and her children, and moved away. After a time Thana returned to let Humphrey know that she was not angry with him. Like her father she believed Humphrey was a good man and she understood his convictions. He invited her to stay as long as she wished; he missed the company of her family very much. She stayed for a short time but soon left to go back to her mother and sister."

Sajin stopped and furrowed his brow. "But when she reached home, she found both of them dead."

"Dead?"

"Yes. Because of the war between Rath and Armadon." Sajin shook his head. "And now she is the leader of the resistance group called SCAR. I believe you remember Dirm. He is one of them."

I let out a small laugh. "It’s hard to forget a guy who points a crossbow at your head."

Sajin gave an apologetic smile. "So I realize Thana is unstable, but I know of no one else who could lead you there. Given the circumstances she would be foolish not to help."

"Do you think she will refuse?"

"We won’t know until we ask."

"That is acceptable. Where do we find her?" I was anxious to get on with my mission.

"I will have to bring her to you. She will most likely want to meet in a public place, perhaps in the square."

"That will be fine. Lead the way."

The town square was bustling with merchants and peasants. Anything and everything was for sale and barter was alive and well. Sajin was unsure how long he would be but I told him not to worry, I would amuse myself.

The alleyway in which I found myself was filthy, but I paid no attention; I was engrossed in my conjuring. The fragile blue threads glowed around me, filling the air with a web of blue. I waved my hands through them and the strands became brighter. The power created by my thoughts spoke to the threads in a language which communicated need and imagery. From thought came energy, and from energy, substance.

I pictured a balloon in my mind and with a subtle shifting of perception the web responded to the thought. The threads filled the air with their ghost-like essence and at once began to bend and form to the shape of my desire. A solid frame appeared before me, balloon-like, but empty inside. I knew as soon as I added texture to the glowing frame the balloon would become real. I willed the balloon shape toward me. It responded.

My intention was to test the theory behind the threads. First was a test for substance. I made the balloon solid rock and it fell hard into my hands. It had the look of a bright red balloon but was heavy and solid with a rough stone surface. I studied it for a moment before stripping the texture, returning it to a hollow wire frame.

Next I turned it into an actual balloon. It was much lighter and the surface appeared smooth and shiny. I let it go and tried to keep it afloat with my mind. It did not respond. Apparently once the texture was applied it reacted to the laws of physics governing this world. I thought back to the magic carpet. How did it work? Perhaps in order for an object to have magical qualities it needed to be created with special material which would react to thought energy.

I started from scratch and applied a new texture to the balloon frame, a material that was an approximation of what I thought flying carpet threads would look like. It was ugly but would it function? When I let the balloon go it floated awkwardly. When I willed it to move, it did. Quite pleased with myself I moved on to the next test.

I wanted to know about an object’s inner space, whether it was solid or hollow, after the outer material was added. I stripped away the magical texture of the balloon and brought the wire frame back to my hands. How about a balloon apple? I mused. The texture became red and glossy and its weight seemed correct for an apple of its size. I lifted it to my mouth and took a bite. It was sweet and juicy.

I examined the reaction of the threads to my physical influence. New threads formed to make up the shape of the bite mark and a new texture appeared, simulating the apple’s interior. Carefully I turned the apple around and stripped away the skin opposite the bite mark. I peeked inside. Nothing but darkness. The apple was hollow. Without the threads glowing on the surface the large balloon apple looked real but I now knew, that it was not. It seemed this entire world was made up of material being simulated by an unknown source. It gave me chills to think about it. Hollow apples.

I continued fiddling with the threads and time went by. Then something very odd happened. A thread passed by very close to my face and suddenly I was aware of something. Something was inside the thread! I pulled it closer and examined it. Amazing! Inside its dark center, so tiny and easily missed, something was moving. I squeezed the thread between my fingers and it flattened. I looked closer but still could not make out what it was. I needed to stretch it to increase its surface area. But how? I visualized the thread becoming flatter and thicker and with much reluctance it reacted to my desire. I pulled at its sides until it was finally wide enough for me to make out the object of my interest. My jaw dropped. It wasn’t possible! It just wasn’t possible!

A hand touched my shoulder. Quickly I willed the threads to vanish and blinked up at the two figures standing above me. Slowly I got to my feet, gathering myself on the way up. "That was fast," I said, brushing the dirt from my pants.

"I did not mean to startle you." Sajin looked at my hands and down to where I had been crouching. "What were you looking at?"

"Nothing." I offered no further explanation. Apparently he could not see the web. "You must be Thana," I said, offering my hand to the young woman at Sajin's side.

It was refused.

She was obviously not interested in sharing pleasantries. "Right then! Where do we start?"

"Thana has agreed to be your guide as long as you agree not to use your powers." Sajin’s expression was one of apology.

"If that’s what it takes then I agree." I smiled at Thana.

The smile was not returned.

"You will be traveling on horseback. Humphrey’s is about a day’s journey from here."

An entire day on horseback did not sound like my idea of a good time. I would have to tell the others my mission was going to take longer than expected. "Would you excuse me for a moment? I must use my power one last time before we begin our trip."

It was impossible to miss the annoyance on Thana’s face as Sajin turned her toward the street.

I brought Kitaya’s image into my mind.

"Hello, Jason." Her thoughts where warm.

"How are you faring?" I asked.

"Tiko does not stay in one place for long. That makes it difficult."

"I’m experiencing some complications as well. I don’t have time to explain but it looks like I’ll have to finish my journey without using my powers, so it's going to take awhile."

"Oh that does not sound good."

"I know. If things get too hairy, I’ll use them but only as a last resort. --Well, I guess I have to go. --I look forward to seeing you again. I... It's nicer when you’re around."

I felt her giggle. "I miss you too." Her words were so light and innocent. "Take care."

"Thanks. I’ll do my best. You take it easy on Tiko. Okay?"

"Alright."

As much as I hated to, I pushed her from my mind. I stood for a moment, letting her words wash over me. She missed me. I felt like a little kid.

Now to check on Corel. "Corel?"

"Yes, Jason?"

"This is going to take more than a day to finish up. How are you and Armadon faring?"

"Not sure. Armadon is very meticulous. Could take hours before we depart from here. Do the best you can, Jason. I will try to inform you if things change."

"Good luck then." I broke the link.

While Thana was out of sight, I took the opportunity to consider my situation. It was difficult enough trying to combat Gaza’s minions using the power of the web. Without it, it would be much more difficult-- if not impossible.

I needed a weapon.

I remembered my discussion with Armadon. I had asked him why his troops used primitive weapons such as bows and arrows and swords. He had replied that he didn’t know how to make a firing mechanism. He knew what a gun looked like and how to use one, but he didn't know how they functioned.

Fortunately for me, I did. It was odd how my memory was fragmented. I could remember intimate details of pistol firing mechanisms, but I had no idea who had taught me, or where I was when I’d learned it. I brought up the web and created the items I would need for my trip including a pistol and a holster, which I neatly hid under my shirt. Last of all I made a backpack in which to carry everything.

 "Well, I guess I’m as ready as I’ll ever be," I said, emerging from the alleyway. "Thank you for your help, Sajin."

"My pleasure, sir. Good luck." He backed away as we moved past him and mounted the horses waiting patiently nearby.

I looked at my quiet partner. "Lead the way," I said, trying to sound cheerful.

Silence.

Oh yeah, this was going to be fun.