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“What you don't know can't harm you,” Cal said. “That's all I can say. At one time, I despised Orien for this kind of behaviour, and the irony is not lost on me, but I'm sorry, I can't say more. We must concentrate on the problems here for now, evacuating Galhea.”

  “But where could we go?” Ferany asked. “Where could we take an entire community so that Ponclast couldn't find us?”

  “You must think about it,” Cal said, gazing at Cobweb. “Think hard.”

  “If you're here to help, you think!” Cobweb snapped. “Can we get to Immanion?”

  “No, the otherlanes are still disturbed and you'd need too many sedim. I doubt Pellaz can spare them.”

  “Imbrilim?” Tyson suggested.

  “Prime target,” Cal said.

  “We could go to the forests, I suppose,” Cobweb said, “but how would we feed everyone?” He shook his head, then paused. “Wait...”

  “You've thought of somewhere?” Cal said.

  “A possibility,” Cobweb replied, “though it's a couple of weeks ride away, through the cloud forests.”

  “Where?” Tyson asked.

  Cobweb pulled a sour face. “When Ponclast was in power the Varrs had... breeding facilities. It was a disgusting concept, quite grotesque. The Gelaming liberated one of these harling farms some years ago, the only one that ever really became 'successful', and I became friendly with the har who was left in charge of it once the Varrs abandoned them. It became an education centre and a kind of orphanage, but still has the advantage of being fairly hidden and I know they already have some basic facilities...”

  “Like what?” Cal asked.

  Cobweb rubbed his temples, eyes closed to conjure up old memories. “Fields nearby, where the visiting soldiers would stay, a covered pavilion, fireplaces and some running water built in, a few showers even.” He looked up. “Running water in the facility too, more indoor sleeping space than they need these days, a small farm, kitchens... And I know they've stockpiled on supplies – Lis is paranoid about that. It's possible...” He frowned. “But no, it won't work... It's not really big enough, certainly not designed to handle an entire community like ours.”

  “But it sounds the perfect place,” Tyson said. “Way off in the wilderness, supplies even...”

  “I doubt Lisia could, or would, help us,” Cobweb interrupted. “He is fiercely protective of his hara.”

  “Whoever this har is, he's obliged to help,” Cal said. “You are in extreme need. If this is the best you can think of, and I agree with Tyson that this does sound feasible, you must go there.”

  “Can you try to contact him, Cobweb?” Ferany asked.

  “I could try, although the ethers are still not too reliable, and I haven't communicated with Lisia for quite some time. I'm not sure we are attuned as much as we used to be.”

  “We could just go there,” Tyson said. “Turn up unexpectedly. Then he could hardly refuse to help us.”

  Cal smiled. “Good thinking. But less of the 'we'. You'll be going somewhere else.”

  “Oh? Like where?”

  “With me,” Cal said. “To Fulminir.”

  “Great,” Tyson said, “and this suicidal mission is for...?”

  “To free Azriel and his chesnari,” Cal said. “Had you forgotten them?”

  “You will do this?” Cobweb asked, surprised. “You won't help us evacuate the town?”

  “That is your task, and Ithiel's. We have to get Azriel out of Fulminir fast. We believe that Ponclast intends to use the Sarestes for some abominable purpose. Too many harlings are being created like perverted machines. The mingling of blood of the snake and what Ponclast has become is too dangerous.”

  “Does your harling still live?” Cobweb asked. “The one that Rue hosted?”

  “Yes,” Cal said. “He does.”

  “How? Where...?”

  Cal raised a hand to silence him. “And Ponclast seeks to create somehar similar. We know that, but not everything. Some areas are cloudy. When he heard he had taken Aleeme Sarestes, we feared the worst. The Colurastes hide their light, and their considerable powers. There is something in their blood. Not even Ulaume is aware of everything about his tribe.”

  “You know about...”

  “We know Ulaume and Flick are in Shilalama, yes,” Cal said, “although I was stringently prevented from meeting them when I was there. I wish I had. I should have seen Flick. He would have persuaded me that I intended to do was wrong, but...” He sighed. “It no longer matters. We cannot change the past. We can only change the future.”

  All were silent for a moment, then Cobweb asked, “The harling you created, Cal, what has he become? What is he? Why was he taken and by who?”

  “He was a mistake, a product of the Tigron's arrogance.”

  “The Tigron's fear,” Cobweb amended curtly.

  “What we did was wrong. Two hara create pearls, not three. It was... sickening, an abuse of Rue's body. Every time I looked at him, afterwards, it was as if I could see that thing... The pearl inside him, sucking out his life, greedy and monstrous, so much bigger than a pearl should be. Pellaz was rash and ignorant to persuade us. We trusted him.”

  “Pell felt he had to do it, you know that,” Cobweb said. “He felt he needed to create somehar special. It was instinctive.”

  “Maybe that is true, but the motive changes nothing. The harling is safe now, where he can do no harm.”

  “You make him sound like a monster, but he's as much your son as Tyson is.”

  Cal closed his eyes briefly. “I know that. But I trust the hara who care for him.”

  “Pell and Rue should know about this,” Cobweb said.

  Cal shook his head. “No. I should not have told you. You must say nothing.”

  “I can't promise you that!” Cobweb snapped. “Rue was ripped apart, Cal, literally. He deserves to know.”

  “Does he?” Cal asked sharply. “I won't discuss this any longer.” He turned to Tyson. “After we've finished breakfast, take me to Ithiel.”

  In the event, they did not need to, because Ithiel came to the house before they'd left the table. He was shocked to find Cal there, but listened to all Cal had to say. At the end of it, Cobweb said, “I want to speak to Ithiel privately. We have a big decision to make.”

  “Of course,” Cal said. “I understand that.” He stood up. “I'd like to go down to the town, Ty. Care to show me around? I wonder how much it's changed.”

  “Quite a lot, I expect,” Ferany said. “I'll go home, give you two time to get acquainted.”

  “Beautiful and considerate,” Cal said.

  Ferany actually blushed at that and left the room quickly.

  “Some things never change,” Cobweb said darkly.

  He took Ithiel out into the gardens, not least because the thought of having to leave them made him want to spend time there while he still could. “What do you think?” he asked Ithiel, as they strolled down a gravelled path.

  Ithiel did not answer immediately. “I don't know. It's a big move, and from what I saw last night you and Snake held the shield together.”

  “Cal thinks we might not be able to do it again, though.”

  Ithiel stopped walking, wrinkled his nose. “I don't know. Maybe we could get local farmers to move the herds to higher pastures, make some kind of arrangements for a possible evacuation. It wouldn't do any harm to be prepared.”

  “No, I agree, but I don't think we should just scare every har and human in this town into taking flight. What would Swift do?”

  “He'd be cautious, but also prepared. I think perhaps we could evacuate harlings, and the human children and older humans. The forest lodges could accommodate them.”

  “That makes sense. Will you see to it?”

  “I will, though I doubt it will go down well. Galhea trusts this house, Cobweb. It believes you can keep it safe.”

  “Precautions are never amiss,” Cobweb said. “This is what you must impress upon the hara and people.”

  Ithiel to
ok hold of one of Cobweb's arms. “And how are you bearing up?”

  “Managing,” Cobweb answered. “Thank you for asking.” He stopped walking. “Come to me tonight, Ithiel. I need comfort.”

  “I will be there,” Ithiel said. “It has been too long.”

  “I am unfair to you. I snap my fingers and you always come to me. It feels like I'm using you, but I'm not.”

  “I understand,” Ithiel said. “I know the boundaries. Don't concern yourself with it.”

  “There are things, perhaps, I should have said to you.”

  “Hush,” Ithiel murmured. “Save it for the time when all this is over. You have enough to worry about. I'm not one of those things.”

  “You are a good friend,” Cobweb said.

  They went back into the house.

  Cal did not approve of Cobweb and Ithiel's caution. “You should begin preparations for a whole scale evacuation now,” he said. “If you don't, it might be too late.”

  “You don't really believe the Gelaming are unable to contain this problem, do you?” Cobweb said. “I can't see the point of such an upheaval if the danger is to be eradicated sooner rather than later.”

  “And how long will your shield hold against attacks?” Cal said. “It could happen again tonight, and you don't have the strength for it.”

  “I do. We'll get more hara from town to help us. Snake and I can take it in turns to lead them. I don't see that as a problem. One of us will always be on alert. I'll sleep this afternoon.”

  Cal sighed. “Well, at least you're getting the harlings out. It won't be enough though. I just hope you're not dooming most of them to being orphans.”

  “I appreciate your concern, and of course you know things that I don't, but unless you're willing to share that information with me, I am yet to be convinced complete evacuation is necessary. Amber Ridge was taken by surprise. We are forewarned. We know what to expect and so does every resident in this town.”

  Cal shrugged. “I was going to leave for Fulminir today, but will remain here one more night. I've a feeling that's all it's going to take to convince you, if indeed you survive it.”

  “I wonder whether appearances are deceptive,” Cobweb said. “You look sane, but only a mad har would attempt to sneak into Fulminir, surely? What hope have you of success? I don't approve of you involving Tyson.”

  “I have my methods,” Cal said. “You needn't be afraid for us.”

  “How did you get here?” Cobweb said, suddenly aware of the obvious. “You don't have a sedu.”

  “No,” Cal said. “I don't need one.”

  “And you can transport Ty in the same way?”

  “I think so.”

  “Think?” Cobweb laughed scornfully. “That's not good enough.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Moon, like most of the young hara of his acquaintance, was excited by what was happening rather than frightened. Every day, parties of hara from different tribes were arriving in Immanion for the council of war that Pellaz had called for. Some were uneasy allies and the city filled with a strange sense of friction and anticipation. It would take time for everyhar to arrive, but already discussions were being held in the Hegalion. Moon could not attend them, but friends of friends did, and from them he learned some of what took place. Gelaming agents had investigated Gebaddon and had found it empty of Varrs, but for a few dying, insane individuals, from whom no sense could be wrenched. Now those same agents were riding north to Fulminir, but it would take time. Moon felt restless. He wanted to be involved.

  One morning, he was summoned from his schooling by the Tigron, a development that filled him with hope. He knew that Pellaz was very busy, so it must mean something important would be asked of him. The Tigron received his sori in his office in Phaonica, and his manner was brusque and formal. “I would like you to go to Megalithica,” he said.

  Moon experienced a chill at these words. His idea of involvement had been to work in the Hegalion, perhaps looking after important visitors or running errands. He didn't believe he'd be asked to leave Almagabra. “Why?” he asked, a little impertinently.

  “I wish for you to go to Galhea,” Pellaz said. “Your father will need you at this time.”

  “But how?” Moon persisted. “How will I get there? A sea journey would take forever.”

  “My sedu, Peridot, can take you there. We have been investigating the otherlanes, and have found a route. It might not be the most comfortable of journeys, but I'm confident of Peridot's abilities.”

  It occurred to Moon then that Pellaz knew what he suggested was fraught with peril. Why would he risk the life of his own flesh and blood in this way? Moon couldn't believe it was simply because Snake had need of him. But if there were another reason, why wouldn't Pellaz just say it?

  “What must I do there?” Moon asked.

  “Snake will no doubt find work for you.”

  “Has he asked me to come to him?”

  “Not in so many words. He wouldn't believe it was possible for you to reach him, but it is. I wish you didn't have to go alone, but Peridot cannot get more than one har through.” He fixed Moon with a stare. “It is important, Moon. I can't tell you why, only that I feel it strongly. There is work for you in Galhea. My instincts tell me so. I wouldn't dream of asking you to do this if I wasn't convinced it's vital.”

  Moon laughed uncertainly. “Don't know how much use I'll be, but of course I'll go. If you think Snake needs me, I have no choice.”

  There was no outward sign of Pellaz slumping in relief, but Moon sensed that was how the Tigron felt inside. “I'm pleased to hear it. You are of my blood, Moon. You are very dear to me.”

  Moon knew in his heart that Pellaz had never said those words to his own son. He'd heard all the gossip about Abrimel and his relationship with the Tigron. Now, Moon felt sorry for this har he had never met. He felt he was stealing something that rightfully belonged to Abrimel, which was strange. If the accounts were correct, Abrimel didn't care one way or the other what Pellaz thought of him.

  Before he left Immanion, Moon knew he should at least say goodbye to Raven, but couldn't face the prospect of Raven's worry and complaints. If he was going to go through with this, he'd leave without seeing anyhar. If he didn't say goodbye, it meant surely he'd come back.

  Pellaz took him to the stable block in the palace and together they walked out of the city leading Peridot. Pellaz clearly didn't want anyhar to see Moon leave, and Moon intuited this was because nohar knew that the otherlanes were at least partially negotiable. Hidden among the hills, Pellaz helped Moon onto Peridot's back. Moon had never ridden a sedu without a harness before. He felt unsafe and hoped his anxiety wouldn't affect the creature. He dug his fingers deep into Peridot's thick mane. He wanted to leap to the ground, beg Pellaz not to make him go, but at the same time he wanted the Tigron to admire and respect him.

  “It is not shameful to be afraid,” Pellaz said. “Your courage will not be forgotten.” He laid a hand briefly on one of Moon's legs and then stood back. Peridot began to walk forward. Moon's last image was of Pellaz raising a hand in farewell, and then reality shattered.

  Pellaz had not exaggerated. It was the most uncomfortable of otherlane journeys. Peridot enfolded Moon totally in his being, but even so, Moon was aware that many times their headlong flight was arrested by insurmountable obstacles. His very soul felt sick at the constant twists and turns, the abrupt halts, when it felt as if his essence would be torn to shreds, and the unimaginable treacherous leaps through what felt like nothingness – gaps in the path. It should take only minutes to reach Megalithica, but it felt like hours. Time does not exist in the otherlanes as it does in normal reality: Moon was only aware of how long the journey was taking because he felt himself losing all sense of identity. If it didn't end soon, he'd disappear completely. It was like dying, slipping away. Perhaps Peridot couldn't find a way out. But then a portal opened and the sedu plunged through it. Moon could not repress a scream of pain. It was like being
dragged through a maze of broken glass.

  Peridot crashed down onto hard earth with such a jolt that Moon finally fell off his back. He curled into a ball and lay there shuddering, so full of fear his being was consumed by it. His whole body was covered in a crust of ice. Gradually, he became aware of Peridot's hot breath on his face, and the sedu's long whiskers tickling his cheek. Reality came back to him and he was able to struggle into a sitting position, shrugging off the melting shards that clung to his clothes and hair. Peridot had brought him to the gardens of Forever. From the position of the sun, Moon could see it was later afternoon. Everything looked normal. There was no sign of conflict and for that he was grateful. Using Peridot's broad flank for support, Moon got to his feet. He could see that a har was already running from the house, no doubt having felt the portal open. Peridot nudged Moon with his nose and then walked away into the trees. He opened another portal at once and disappeared through it. Moon hoped the sedu would find it easier to travel without a passenger.