BDS: Chapter Thirty-Four

The next morning, Jalena went to visit Lunara. As soon as she entered the room, Lunara opened her silver eyes wide and smiled. "Finally, we meet."

"You were waiting to meet me?"

"You are the one I am here for—the one who carries fire within. It is time for you to fulfill your destiny and assist the sister planet." She stared at Jalena's blank expression for several moments and then chuckled. "Oh, I see. The priestesses have yet to reveal who you are."

Jalena shook her head. "I think you are mistaken about me. I actually just came to see if you can tell me what the latest prophecy in here says." She held up the Libran, displaying the most recent entry.

"I cannot."

"Sir Malik said that you may know because it appeared the night you arrived, so he thought there may be some connection to you."

"It is from the dwellers within the planet I oversee, but I am not the one who is to decipher the message. You must present it to a descendant of Galinia."

"Galinia?"

"Yes, only they carry the ability to decipher the script, as it is a message from their people. The light of gold appears within their gaze." Lunara closed her eyes. "My vessel is still weary. We will speak more of this later."

Jalena watched Lunara sleep for several moments and then exited the healing chambers to attend a brief council meeting. She entered the Thesarei behind the others with the Libranin hand.

After the warrior philosophy had been recited, Syam spoke. "I know that all of our hearts of heavy with Malik's passing, but given the current situation that we are in with Drasúl, I think it best that news of his transition should not extend beyond headquarters just yet. If Drasúl suspects that Malik is gone, he may become even more ruthless to innocent citizens. I feel there is a part of him that fears Malik as he did long ago."

"So, we aren't returning to Yevani for ceremony?" Jarek asked.

"We will hold ceremony to celebrate his life soon, Master Jarek. For now, we will still depart for Yevani to briefly check in with your families. There, we will immediately prepare a plan to rid Elsaria of Drasúl and the Avehkal once and for all. Now that Aeolus and the Mandopa army have arrived, we should not delay."

"But, won't he know that Malik has died?" asked Danika. "We know if one of us does, so it could be the same for the Mysteis."

"From what I understand of the Mysteis, Master Danika, is that their bond is stronger with those they share an emotional connection with rather than with those of their race," explained Kesól. "So, there is a strong possibility that Drasúl will not know about Malik."

"There is something more, however," said Syam. "The night before he died, Malik found a lady in Woven-Light Forest that carries Goddess energy. She is not from this realm. I do not understand why exactly she is here or why she has arrived at this time. However, what we know to be true is that there is always synchronicity in events that occur."

"The only information we have gotten from her is that her name is Lunara and that this message appeared in the Libran the night she arrived," Jalena said, leaving out Lunara's personal message to her. She slid the Libran across the table. "She said that only a descendant of Galinia would be able to decipher it."

Kesól straightened. "She stated Galinia, specifically?"

Jalena nodded.

"What is it, Sir Kesól?" Faelán asked.

"That is where the Avehkal originated. Ralian's homeland is Galinia."

"So, we have to kidnap an Avehkal and force them to decipher the script to know what it says?" asked Jarek.

"There has to be another way," Syam said. "Did Lunara mention anything else, Master Jalena?"

"She said the descendants carry the light of gold within their gaze."

"That is certainly true," Kesól said. "The Avehkal have gold eyes."

Gold eyes. An image of the first time he met Affera flashed through Gyan's mind. He did not remember the whole of their conversation anymore because it occurred in the kitchen of the domusé just after the warriors advanced to being sans. But, one thing he knew he would never forget was her intense golden gaze. It was the first time he had ever met someone with gold eyes until he met—"Elder Master Nyhra," he said out loud.

The warriors turned to him.

"The priestesses and their descendants also have gold eyes," Gyan explained.

"But, Master Gyan, Elder Master Nyhra is not from Galinia," Zareb said.

"Do we know this for sure?" asked Jalena. "Our version of the story of the twin sisters—Elder Master Nyhra's ancestors—only stated that they arrived from a distant land. She turned to Garsaun and Kesól. "Do either of you know any more about the twins' homeland?"

The two shook their heads.

"Where is the elder master now?" Jabari asked.

"She left this morning to assist the Spear warriors and other tribes in delegations concerning the restabilization of Uthar."

"Send her a request to return as soon as she is able. I would scan the message and send it to her, but we should keep this information private given the Avehkal's skill when it comes to technology. Information doesn't appear in the Libran unless it is vital to the Order, so we must solve this mystery as soon as we can, especially if the symbol beneath it is associated with the Avehkal."

"Why would the Avehkal send a message through the Libran if they are trying to help Drasúl destroy the Order and take over Elsaria?" asked Brogan.

"I am uncertain, Master Brogan," answered Syam.

"Hopefully we can figure out more once we speak with Elder Master Nyhra," Zareb said.

Gyan stared at the symbol beneath the runes. "This symbol—we have seen it before." He stood and removed his cloak to lay it on the table before the others. "It's on our Master cloaks." He pointed to the symbol, which rested in the lower middle area of the cloak, below the warrior Lumsigne. "It is also carved on the Thesarei table in Yevani," he added. "I remember seeing it when Aderes and I were changing for our San graduation ceremony."

"Why would we have a symbol from another planet on our cloaks and our Council table?" Hoshi asked.

"The symbols on the table have always been there," said Syam. "I assume they represented organizations that the Order has worked with or protected at some point throughout generations."

"Then it seems that Galinia already has a connection with Elsaria," Faelán stated, "perhaps through Nysa and Kya."

Syam nodded. "Let's depart for Yevani. We will gather at the temple there tomorrow morning to discuss our plans for Drasúl. Elder Master Nyhra can meet us there."

Hours later, the Tritum-Xlowered at the edge of Ceiabré Forest near the Temple of Kya chinálei. Gyan impatiently waited for the ship ramp to lower so he could bolt across the monarosia field—his favorite shortcut to home.

You don't have to run the distance anymore, you know. Valora said as she watched his antsy pace. You can teleport.

I like the run. He smiled. But, I might cheat a little—maybe teleport when I am near to scare Mili if she's around.

Valora smiled and rolled her eyes.

Gyan met Jalena's eye. She gave him a small nod and smile.

With all that I am, he stated before bolting down the ramp.

The rest of the warriors filed out of the ship. Jalena turned when she heard a loud thump next to her to find Jarek on his knees.

"Jarek!" Shamira said in alarm. She knelt beside him. "Your heart is racing."

Jarek closed his eyes, and beads of sweat quickly appeared on his forehead. Those who hadn't already teleported gathered around him.

"You're having a vision, aren't you?"

He nodded. "They're crossing the borders into Alsar."

"Who?"

"Drasúl, the Black Sector Vaznaun, and the Avehkal."

Jalena reached mentally for all the light warriors so that they could see and hear Jarek.

"How is that even possible?" asked Shamira. "Malik and Fane designed a barrier that should keep them out."

"Does Malik's magic still work after he departs the realm?" Valora asked.

"It should. Once magic is infused into the barrier it is no longer reliant upon or tied to the energy of the one who brought it forth."

Jarek swallowed. "They aren't trying to penetrate the border." He looked directly into Jalena's eyes. "They are coming from underground—from the Ukilian Drifters and the west—I can't see exactly where but Ralian's fleet will appear in the sky tomorrow."

***

Gyan paused at the top step on the front porch of his parent's home as Jarek's message entered his mind.

Sahdika burst through the screen door and threw her arms around her son. "We didn't even know you were coming!" She glanced over her shoulder. "Eamonn—Lesiana—Mili… Hurry!"

Gyan laughed a shallow laugh as he tried to regain his focus. "Nán," he said as he squeezed her to him.

Eamonn's large hands embraced Gyan and Sahdika together. "It is about time you checked in," he said.

Gyan's parents released him as Miliani and Lesiana plowed through the door.

"Gyan!" Lesiana squealed. Her blonde curls bounced as she jumped and grabbed him around the neck.

Gyan stumbled back several steps. "Hi, Lesiana." He laughed as he returned her hug and then grabbed Miliani to him, who was staring at him with a raised eyebrow.

"About time," she said as he kissed her forehead.

He rubbed his hand fast over her head. "Your hair's crazy. I guess that means Sheldrían is fulfilling the mission I assigned him."

She grabbed her head. "There is nothing wrong with my hair!"

Gyan laughed loudly as Miliani punched him in the shoulder.

She shook her hand. "Ow! You're like a machine." She poked him in the chest.

"Been training a lot."

"What's the matter?" Sahdika said as she peered at Gyan.

Gyan's gaze faltered. "Still as sharp as a warrior, nán—that intuition of yours. Let's go in and I will explain."

"So, what's going on, Gyan?" Eamonn asked as they gathered in the living room. "We know of the Javen and the arrival of the Avehkal in Elsaria. Does this have something to do with that?"

Gyan nodded. "The team actually came for just a brief visit and then we were to meet to form a plan to take care of the Javen—a dark Mysteis," he added at seeing Miliani's and Lesiana's confused look, "once and for all. He calls himself Drasúl. But after our ship landed, Master Jarek had a premonition. The Avehkal and Drasúl are crossing into Alsar from beneath the mountains and will approach Yevani from the Ceiabré Forest by tonight."

Eamonn stood. "Tonight? Are you certain?"

Gyan nodded and then looked at Miliani, whose eyes went wide. "There is nothing that is going to happen to any of you, Mili. I promise you that, but I want you to do exactly as I say."

She nodded.

"Now, where are Haji and Sheldrían?"

"Sheldrían is asleep. Haji is at work."

"Okay, I want you to get Haji and gather some things that you will need for the next couple of days for the baby. There is a substantial amount of food in the underground bunkers, so do not take anything other than what you immediately need." He turned to Lesiana. "Lesiana, is Aderes's sword still here—does it still exist in physical form?"

She nodded. "What do you mean, 'does it still exist?'"

"There has been a change in the gladaés, but I'll explain later. You are to take it with you. If you have to use it, all you have to do is hold it before you and set your intention. I have infused the sword with my energy too, remember?"

She nodded again.

Gyan sighed. "I am sorry to have just arrived and revealed all of this, but I am happy we made it here in time to see all of you first. I have to meet the team at the temple in one hour, so I will leave shortly. The Protective Units of Yevani and the ascetas at the temple will guide everyone in an evacuation."

Miliani stood. "I'm going to get Haji now."

Eamonn met Sahdika's eyes. "And I need to go to work."

Gyan grabbed the bag he had carried with him and followed his father out to the shed. "Dán—"

"There is something you need to see, Gyan," Eamonn interrupted. "You can tell me what you need to say once we get in the shed." He glanced back. "I already know Malik is dead."

"How did you know?"

"You know I work for the Order."

"Yeah, but I thought that was for mechanical means or on a when-we-need-you basis."

Eamonn laughed. "That part is true." He turned as they entered the shed. "But, it’s a little more than that. I'm also in charge of surveillance in Alsar and work as a spy on that when-we-need-you basis." Eamonn pushed a wooden board on the wall in the shed and the segment beneath his hand lit up, outlining his hand. "Stand next to me," he told Gyan. "We are going below." He chuckled at Gyan's shocked gaze. "Guess your old dán has a little more power than what you thought. Where do you think you got your warrior spirit?"

"To be honest…nán."

Eamonn threw his head back and laughed heartily. Scattered remnants of hay flew to the corners of the room as the floor opened and descended. "She's certainly full of fire, that one."

"You're so centered and well…gentle," said Gyan.

"That's the best type to lead," Eamonn said as the floor stopped. He placed a hand on a strip near the shaft door, and the door slid open. "I don't prefer to exert fierce energy unless I have to."

Gyan looked around in awe as workers bustled about in a multitude of rooms. Holographic monitors depicted images of the Alsar everywhere Gyan turned.

"Hi, Master Gyan," a man with a jacket displaying the Lumsigne on the sleeve called out as Gyan followed his father. "I'm Sholan. You've talked to me through the radio on Fane's ships before. It's good to finally see you down here." Sholan gave Eamonn a nod.

"He knows a lot about you because I talk about you all the time," Eamonn explained.

Other workers called out greetings as Gyan and Eamonn passed.

"This is amazing," Gyan said as he followed his father into an office.

Eamonn sighed. "I know it is a little much, and I wanted to tell you about it the last time we saw you, but your nán thought it should wait."

Gyan raised his eyebrows. "Nán knows?"

"Yes. There are no secrets between us. I was in the Order even before you were born."

"Does Mili?"

Eamonn shook his head. "If I want an emotional redhead on my hands, I'd tell her. Although I don't think I have much of a choice now."

Gyan shook his head. "And you kept it from me? I just never—"

"It began after I was employed by the Maveik."

"Wait—you work with Gyasi Tomé?" he asked as his eyes widened. "Your life just keeps getting stranger by the second!"

"You're telling me." He smiled. "Gyasi recruited me during the time I lived in Solara, long before I met Sahdika. I don't always go on assignments unless it can't be helped, but I wanted to tell you now so that you don't freak out if you glimpse me on the field."

"I don't want you on the field."

"I've had my share of battles, Gyan. The Maveik are usually called to be on standby. I was on the outskirts of Aikon with Gyasi when Aderes opened his Reserve and in the shadows for many other team assignments."

"I can't believe that I didn't sense you nearby in Aikon."

"Well, you didn't suspect it."

Gyan grabbed and hugged his father tightly. "I have mixed feelings about this. I can't say that I'm happy about you fighting, but it is comforting somehow that someone like you has always been in the wings."

Eamonn smiled. "And I always will. I will be able to get everyone out through the tunnels down here. Mili will just have to deal with it. The tunnels from the farm lead up to the bunkers. My men and I will guide their families through the shed." He looked at the time displayed on a nearby monitor. "You better get to the temple."

Gyan nodded. He unzipped his bag and grabbed several silver bands from it. "Here. Take these and give them to your men in the field," he said. "Fane's been working on replicating my frequency to make an impenetrable shield around the ships—much stronger than the normal ones—and he has found a way to make a synthetic version in compact form. It only has one good use in them though and I'm not sure how long it lasts, because our charisma frequency is hard to replicate—" He stopped and looked at his father, who was grinning. "What?"

"Already have them." He pointed to a bag sitting on a corner table. "One for each wrist—maybe for each ankle too."

"Wow, you guys really move fast."

"Underground rebel, remember?" He hugged Gyan. "Now go."

Gyan nodded and moved to the door. "Gyan."

He turned and met his father's gaze. "I love you too, dán."

As soon as Gyan reentered the house, he was cornered by Lesiana. "I have to tell you something," she said. "It's about Aderes. He doesn't talk to me anymore. Can you hear him? Do you think something's wrong?"

He put a hand on her shoulder. "I can't hear him either, but there is a reason for that. I don't have time to explain, but I promise I will later. He is still okay though."

Lesiana's expression relaxed. "I have his gladaé." She pointed to the sheath beneath her cloak.

"Okay, wait for dán."

"Gyan."

Gyan turned to Sahdika. "What's wrong?"

"I don't know exactly, but something is off." She grabbed his hand. "Look at me."

Gyan stared at his mother's eyes. "You make sure you are following your intuition, you hear me? If the Order commands you to take action and you feel otherwise, do what your heart says."

"Got it. Thanks, nán," he added as he hugged her. "Love you."

"I love you," she whispered.

Haji and Mili walked through the front door.

"Where is the baby?" Miliani said.

"Hasn't even stirred," Sahdika reassured her.

Mili hurried to retrieve Sheldrían from the next room.

Gyan moved past them. "I have to go. I will find you all after." He met Lesiana's gaze. "You know what to do."

She nodded.

"Gyan!" Miliani suddenly called out as Gyan pushed through the door. She hoisted Sheldrían up higher on her hip.

Sheldrían gave Gyan a sleepy smile as he turned back and kissed the baby's head. He met his sister's worried gaze. "It will be okay, Mili, no matter what. Believe that."

The group followed Gyan out to the porch. He turned to them and held them in view for several moments when he reached the middle of the yard. He made a heart-shaped sign with his hands, then flashed a grin right before disappearing in a bright burst of light.