______The crystal looked different to her now, older. It seemed stripped of its luster, and the surface, which had appeared so polished, was upon closer inspection a network of blemishes and tiny fissures.
______The translucent quality of the crystal had also diminished, and the vibrant obelisk that once pulsated now sat silently before her, a dead monument to a dead race.
______Or was that her imagination-the power of suggestion impacting on her perception? Whereas before the strange crystal-and the surrounding temples-had been unimaginably ancient, the exact time had been shrouded in ambiguity and speculation.
______Now, if the science was to be believed-and if her visions were true, then these structures had stood for at least ten thousand years.
______But it wasn't simply that discovery which had made such an impact upon her. The evidence found of a geological cataclysm indicated a similar timeline, and she had known that for some time.
______Somewhere along the way her perception had changed. Whereas before that ancient past had been a concept strictly in the abstract, now she could feel how long the temple had been standing. Somehow, at her tender age of seventeen, she could feel the weight of ten thousand years.
______As she approached the obelisk, she had repeated the number to herself, awestruck.
______Or twenty-eight thousand, Kavolo interjected.
______Huh?
______Remember: procession is cyclical, he explained. The stars appear that way at the top of each cycle. Yes, they appeared as you saw them ten thousand years ago, but also twenty-eight thousand-or forty-six thousand, for that matter.
______Wow… She didn't have much else to say.
______Are you ready? he inquired. Its almost time.
______She nodded with much more outward confidence than she felt.
______Aeon stood before the obelisk, poised at an attempt to validate the story about her strange visions.
______Truth to tell, she wasn't really sure why she felt so uneasy. It wasn't the crystal that frightened her, and she had no sense that whatever defense mechanism it had employed when she first encountered it was being utilized.
______Besides, the second time, it brought her to it-she was convinced of that.
______So what was she so afraid of? Perhaps knowing once and for all. Because what if it really was nothing? What if she had a dream that just happened to coincide with a scientific phenomenon? This was the first thing in her life that made her feel--
______Special. That was really her greatest fear, wasn't it? That throughout her life she would be relegated to the background, simply watching and reacting to people like Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia-people whom the galaxy seemed to revolve around.
______She'd seen it firsthand: the thousands of men who toiled beneath her father, most of who would never distinguish themselves in his or anybody else's eyes.
______The realization made her sad. But did recognizing the distinction necessarily guarantee her a place in that natural order? Not really.
______Was she so afraid of being one of those nondescript people that she would cling to any theory that told her otherwise-no matter how ludicrous?
______Aeon, Kavolo said. I'm ready. It was time to find out.
______She nodded, and turned toward the crystal again. Unconsciously, she followed the tapered angle of its outline to its apex, just below the ceiling of the chamber.
______I'll be monitoring your brainwave activity while we conduct the experiment, Kavolo informed her. I'll attempt to disconnect you if your readouts become...erratic.
______That was inspiring.
______Kavolo laughed nervously. I don't know why, but I feel a bit anxious. He stopped to ponder his emotions. It's nothing I can articulate-quite irrational, really. Almost superstitious.
______Did he have to say that? As if she wasn't nervous enough.
______She stepped forward, unable to think of a single reason to delay further. She extended her arms, revealing trembling hands.
______In an effort to steady them she pressed her hands against the cold surface of the crystal, and the tiny hairs on her arms stood on end. A wave of energy coursed through her, sending a chill jolting along the length of her spine.
______She felt the urge to run away, and she wondered briefly if the machine's defense mechanism had reactivated.
______No, the source of her fear was much closer than she would care to admit.
______But Lom Kavolo-the defense mechanism would explain his reaction. Had she mentioned that theory when she related the story of her encounter? She couldn't remember.
______There would be time for that later. For now, the crystal beckoned. She spread the palms of her hands across its polished surface.
______At the heart of the obelisk, she saw a faint glow emanating from within. She couldn't recall if that had been part of the phenomenon before, although it rang familiar.
______Aeon felt her consciousness expanding, seemingly drawn through the rigid membrane of the crystal's surface. She remembered the teachings of the old woman, and the sensation she felt when experiencing the Ashla.
______She was right on the verge of crossing over-she could sense that. On rare occasions she would catch herself in the twilight before falling asleep. This sensation was very similar.
______She concentrated on entering the crystal, on becoming one with it. She closed her eyes to center her focus, and as she did the sensation diminished.
______She opened her eyes again, and the light within the crystal was fading. Panic flashed through her momentarily, and all of her doubts-about her story, and about herself-rose to the surface.
______What happened? Kavolo inquired.
______I don't know, Aeon replied truthfully. It seemed like it was about to happen, then... she let her voice trail off. He knew what happened then: she failed.
______Your readings were changing here-something was definitely occurring, and then it just stopped. He paused. Did something disrupt your concentration?
______No, she said. I don't understand it.
______Well, lets try again. Concentrate-concentrate on entering the crystal.
______I did that. I-- Realization struck her mid sentence. She turned once more toward the obelisk. I think that was the problem, she told him.
______What? he asked curiously.
______She didn't answer. She turned to face the crystal again, sliding her hands along its surface. She could feel tiny flaws beneath her palms. Get ready, she told Kavolo.
______She closed her eyes again, but realized that she could somehow still see the crystal. The same light was burning within the crystal now, brighter than before.
______Her excitement grew, and she understood why she had failed in her previous attempt. This time, she didn't concentrate on entering the crystal at all-this time she opened her self, and allowed the crystal to enter her.
______She was sinking within herself-a strange sensation, but it didn't frighten her. She felt as she had slipped through the floor of the temple, and into the planet itself.
______Everything was dark. There was nothing-not a sound. The only sensation she felt was that of falling. She was slipping silently through the darkness, sinking deeper and deeper.
______She stopped, but there was no impact. For a brief second, she hung suspended in oblivion.
______The darkness was closing in, suffocating her. Suddenly she was real again, and she inhaled deeply. She longed to fill her massive lungs to capacity.
______Her eyes snapped open, and she knew immediately where-and whom-she was.
______The only other question was when?
______She was standing in the corridor of one of the temples. She could hear her-his-breathing echoing against the stone as it slowly returned to normal.
______It seemed the Prince had just been standing there, waiting. For her? No, she didn't think so, but she had never really explored the question of what happened to him-if this was real-when she was living through his eyes.
______Did he lose consciousness, or did they form some kind of symbiosis, where both existed at once? Maybe she wasn't entirely herself, and never realized it.
______My lord, she heard whispered. She spun around to the darkness, and her train of thought was forgotten.
______Before she had a chance to query who was summoning her, Morgan stepped out of the shadows. I'm sorry I kept you waiting, he began, but I thought you should talk to this man.
______I know its not my place to make your appointments, he apologized, but I thought it was important.
______Of course, Aeon replied, sensing the urgency in his voice. You know I trust your judgement. And she did, although she was basing that on only meeting him once. She had trusted him immediately-perhaps another legacy from Vail.
______Morgan led her through the passage, and into a nondescript stone chamber where a simply dressed old man stood humbly waiting for her.
______This is Lavis Olm, Morgan announced. He's from the village. The old man was staring at her, smiling with a strange paternal pride.
______You've grown into a fine young man, my lord, Olm said, if you'll pardon my saying so. I made boots for you when you were a boy. Ah, that would explain his expression.
______Aeon had no memory of the man, either her own or inherited, but she smiled and said simply: Of course.
______The story this man tells is quite incredible, Morgan whispered. I thought you would want to hear it.
______I was trying to gain an audience with your Father, but... the shoemaker's voice trailed off, afraid.
______Sahaar wouldn't allow it, Morgan informed her. Aeon and Morgan exchanged glances. Morgan turned his attention to the old man. Tell the Prince what you told me, he urged him.
______The old man nodded, and began his tale. The land is dying, he told her plainly. Hardly anyone remembers, but it happened before-when your father-the King-was just a boy.
______What do you mean-dying? Aeon asked.
______It's only beginning now, the old man answered cryptically, but it's the same as it was then: The plants aren't giving much to harvest, and I no longer hear the Nalwugs croaking in the marsh.
______The others don't see it, he lamented, shaking his head. They don't want to see it. But I remember.
______The old shoemaker pushed back his hair with a trembling hand. We have to do something. We need Agdamaria.
______Aeon was taken aback. What? she asked. How did the old man know about her? She remembered then that Agdamaria had been the seer to Vail's grandfather when he was King.
______The old man's words reminded Aeon again of the evidence found in her time of an environmental cataclysm on Yavin IV. Was this the beginning of that?
______Tell him the rest, Morgan prodded the old man. Olm frowned reluctantly, and summoned his courage.
______When I was a young man-younger than you both are now-we saw the same signs. Those were dark days, and many people died. It wasn't just the crops-diseases ran through the village-one after another. My wife's sister lost her husband, and her son. No family was left untouched.
______It was more than nature. Some...thing was happening. A shadow had fallen across the land. The old man looked past her, trying to peer into the past. The flowers had lost their color, the birds no longer sang...
______No one believes me when I tell them its happening again. He paused. No, they believe me-I see it in their eyes. And they know as well as I the old witch's secret.
______Secret? Aeon listened raptly as the shoemaker slowly wove his tale. The Old man nodded to himself. Yep, she knew, he said. She knew then.
______Knew what? Aeon asked impatiently.
______There was a great celebration afterwards, the Old man began. Agdamaria seemed in no mood to celebrate. The King-your father's father-raised his glass to her, and proclaimed that she had defeated the curse forever. But we could see the truth in her eyes.
______The shoemaker looked at her. We knew: that whatever had plagued the land, and whatever spell she may have cast to destroy it-was only keeping it at bay.
______Now its returned, Olm said. She has to perform the Rites of the Bogan again.
______The Rites of the Bogan. What was that, Aeon wondered?
______I will warn my Father, Aeon said to the shoemaker. I promise.
______I told you he would listen, Morgan assured the man.
______Please, my lord, the old man pleaded. Time is short. Only Agdamaria can save us. The shoemaker kneeled before Aeon, a gesture that surprised her.
______Please, stand up, Aeon said, and the shoemaker complied. It took courage to come see my Father-to tell him what you believe. She caught a glimpse of Morgan smiling at her out of the corner of her eye. I'll go to my father immediately, she told Lavis Olm.
______The shoemaker's face beamed with relief, and he took Vail's hand in his. Thank you, my Prince.
______Aeon nodded, and looked to Morgan. Morgan came over to escort the man out, and they headed for the door.
______The Old Man stopped, and turned to face her once more. You'll be a good King, he told her, and then left the room. She couldn't help but smile.
______Minutes later, she was walking swiftly down the corridor toward the throne room.
______The guards outside the room's double doors gave her only a look as she marched into the chamber.
______She descended the short staircase, and walked the length of the long chamber to the rostrum where the thrones sat.
______She found Sahaar draped across the King's throne, his leg hoisted up and dangling lazily over one arm . He was taking bites out of a piece of fruit, and gave no indication that he had even noticed her.
______Aeon was about to address his lack of respect when Sahaar glanced at her sideways, and hurled the half-eaten piece of fruit. Catch!
______Aeon's instincts guided her, and before she realized it her right hand was reaching across her waist. In a single motion, she drew the sword, and cut a graceful arc through the air.
______The two halves of the fruit fell to the stone floor on either side of her.
______Sahaar sat up in the throne, a bit surprised. Impressive, he said.
______Aeon was a bit surprised herself. Where had she learned to do that? Was this something else she had inherited from Vail? Her mind drifted momentarily to her earlier thoughts, but there were more pressing matters that required her attention.
______Sahaar was inspecting her closely. Something's changed about you. I can't tell exactly what it is, but you've become more thoughtful...more formidable.
______Sahaar leaned forward menacingly. But mark my words: You'll never be King.
______Anger flashed through Aeon, and she tried to think of how the Prince might react to being threatened. For a moment, the presence of the sword in her hand was very palpable, and she realized that what she held was a weapon. One that she knew how to use, even if the origin of that knowledge remained a mystery.
______You were so impressed with the swordplay, she smiled. Care for another demonstration?
______Sahaar returned the smile: Careful with that temper, my young Prince.
______Aeon doubted that he would genuinely try to warn her, but she heeded it nonetheless.
______She forced herself to calm down, to center herself-and only then did she realize how much the anger had possessed her. She wasn't just angry-she had wanted to do him harm.
______There are dangerous emotions, she remembered. Had Sahaar been trying to goad her? She would have to be wary of that in the future.
______She sheathed the sword, and heard the doors to the side entrance of the chamber open.
______Sahaar, who had been paying attention only to her, sprang out of the throne awkwardly, and stood sentinel over it. The lack of decorum irritated him-she could tell. She grinned.
______Sahaar's eyes narrowed. I have more fruit. Shall we demonstrate your sword technique to the King?
______I'm not here to perform tricks for you, Sahaar, she stated boldly.
______The royal entourage had entered the chamber, and was filling in around them. Just audible enough for Aeon to hear, Sahaar answered: We shall see…
______What did he mean by that? Sahaar smiled malignantly as Vail's father took the throne behind him. She would address that later.
______Ah, Vail, the King said, you've saved me the trouble of finding you.
______Actually, Father, I need to speak with you. Alone.
______Later, son, the King answered. Your Uncle's sent an envoy. We must receive him first.
______Aeon opened her mouth to protest, but the King piped in: Later. Aeon frowned, an expression that brought Vail's mother some amusement.
______She smiled upon her child endearingly, and Aeon's frustration wilted upon seeing her. She reminded her so much of Aeon's own mother-or was that just another aspect of Vail's life that was bleeding over into her own?
______She had felt that way wielding the sword, that a line was being blurred between the two of them. The only swords she had ever seen had been ceremonial. She had never even held one before, and yet she had within her the ability to use it with deadly accuracy. It wasn't just her mind, it was her muscles that were trained with the weapon.
______She knew that knowledge was inherited from Vail. Were, also, the feelings about his mother? Or did she just miss her mother much more than even she realized?
______The doors to the grand hall opened, and all eyes turned toward the entrance to the chamber.
______Son, the King said, and gestured to a space beside the throne. Without thinking, Aeon pointed to herself, and gave them a questioning look. The Queen laughed to herself, and the King frowned.
______Aeon recovered quickly, and smiled, playing it off to Vail's sense of humor. She climbed the steps to the rostrum, and stood beside her Father's throne.
______Her eyes crossed Sahaar's. He was examining her intently, suspiciously. Apparently he hadn't been fooled by her attempt to play off her gaffe. She simply smiled, and returned her attention to their visitors.
______She fought the urge to take one last glance at him, and kept her vision locked on the front of the chamber.
______A major domo stepped forward, dressed in the regalia common to her father's court. Behind him, a man stood with his head slightly bowed, awaiting his introduction.
______My lord, the Domo's voice boomed through the hall, I present to you Emrich, son of Gossler-envoy to your brother Malekai, Duke of Laniff.
______The King gave an exaggerated, slow nod with his head, signaling them to proceed. Aeon watched him closely, as she knew none of the royal etiquette that a Prince should know.
______Of course, from the impression she received from those closest to him, there was a very good chance that Vail didn't know either.
______The Domo and the Duke's ambassador made the long march from the chamber's entrance to the rostrum. Neither of them were young men and Aeon had to resist tapping her foot after a few moments.
______Aeon surveyed the view from the platform, and realized that she was standing almost exactly where Princess Leia had stood during the award ceremony a few days ago. The realization brought a genuine smile to her face.
______After some time, the envoy approached. The Domo stepped to the side, allowing the Duke's ambassador to face the King and Queen himself.
______Emrich was the same age as the King, with a small cap of dark gray hair that was once black. He was dressed in a large red tunic, the emblem of which was obviously the seal of her uncle.
______Emrich bowed graciously before the King. My lord, he said, displaying a rolled scroll of paper, if I may?
______Of course, the King replied. But tell me first-how is my brother?
______He is well in body, your lordship, but his spirit suffers. He is worried about his people, who are his heart and soul. The remark clearly caught the Kings attention. The envoy presented the scroll again. I pray you, allow me to transmit to you his message in his own words.
______I beseech thee, the King replied, and Aeon could see the concern on his face.
______Without further hesitation, the envoy opened the scroll and began reading:
______My dearest Brother and King, he began, When we were children, our father would tell us stories about leadership, about adventures, and about challenges he had faced as sovereign. I hearken you to think back now to a distant time, when our father gave us a warning.
______Aeon watched the King's expression change ever so subtly. After years on the throne, he was an expert at masking his feelings behind his crown, but he looked…afraid. Whatever warning had been issued by their father, Aeon could see it in the King's face that he remembered it well.
______Emrich continued. In the thirteenth year of our father's rule, a great curse fell across the land. First famine and then disease struck at his people. The cause of the plight was shrouded in mystery, but it took the witchcraft of his seer, Agdamaria, to heal the rift.
______My brother, I have heard the elderly in our village speak of it, and I have seen the signs myself. I fear that whatever once plagued our land has returned.
______We must seek out the witch Agdamaria, if she still lives, and implore her to work the same magic she cast all those years ago. She may be reluctant, as it nearly destroyed her, and she was much younger then. But you must convince her to try. She is our only hope.
______Aeon remained silent, but her mind was spinning. She would have to interrogate Agdamaria at length about this episode from the distant past.
______Until I see you again, my brother and King, I remain your humble servant. It is my will to do your will and spread your good word throughout your Kingdom.
______The envoy lowered the scroll, and slowly rolled it closed between his two hands. All in attendance were silent, and even the King took a moment to digest what he had just heard.
______Aeon's curiosity was piqued, but she understood the gravity of what the envoy was saying. She was especially fascinated by the tale of a spell that was almost fatal to cast. Was that the Rites of the Bogan that the old shoemaker had spoke of?
______Is all of this true? the Queen asked, looking between the envoy and her husband.
______The King nodded solemnly. I'm afraid it is. We were only children when it happened. I barely remember it, and I'm surprised Malekai does at all.
______But then, he always listened so attentively to our father, the King added. To Aeon, he seemed a bit sorrowful.
______Why Agdamaria? was shouted out from behind the throne. Sahaar walked forward, the author of the question. He stared down at the envoy like prey. Does he not think me capable of casting the spell?
______I don't know, the envoy said. He does not include me in such discussions. I am only the messenger.
______My liege, Sahaar addressed the King, your brother would choose a seer for you, if you let him.
______No, my lord, the envoy pleaded with the King. The Duke exists only to serve his people and you.
______Sahaar sneered. The man's humility is--
______Inspiring… the King said softly, his face sallow. That will be all, Sahaar, he said, and the Seer stepped back behind the throne.
______My brother is a great ruler. Perhaps I should have let... his voice trailed off. The Queen reached out across the space between the thrones, and took his hand. She smiled, and shook her head softly.
______You're a good King, she whispered quietly. Aeon was moved by the sight, and for a moment she was propelled to the past-not in the sense that she believed she already was, chronologically, but to her own personal past.
______It was strange to see a leader seemingly plagued by the same doubts that weren't supposed to afflict such men. But just as she witnessed the moment between the King and Queen, she remembered on rare occasion when her mother could lift her father's spirits with a single smile.
______The King squeezed his wife's hand, and turned to the envoy. Tell my brother that I have heard his warning...
______And give him my thanks, he added.
______Yes, my lord, Emrich said, and bowed deeply. He turned, and was escorted out the chamber by the major domo.
______Father, Aeon said. One of the villagers came to me this morning with a similar tale.
______To you? the King asked, a bit surprised. Aeon's eyes darted toward Sahaar. Did she reveal to the King that Sahaar had prevented the shoemaker from having an audience? Not yet, her instincts told her.
______She didn't listen. He wanted to see you, Father. Sahaar wouldn't allow it.
______My Lord, Sahaar maneuvered, I knew the Duke's emissary was arriving. I didn't want to burden you until I could confirm the man's tale.
______He chuckled. I didn't want to alarm you with prophecies of superstitious nonsense.
______It's not nonsense, Aeon argued. He remembered the curse during my grandfather's rule. He'd seen the signs before, and he sees them again now. He says only Agdamaria had the power to cast the spell. That one she directed right at Sahaar, and the lack of subtlety escaped no one.
______Sahaar stepped forward. Have I displeased you, my Lord?
______What? Aeon was thrown a bit off guard.
______Is there something you'd like to say? he challenged. Aeon didn't know what to say.
______Son, in this court, we say what we mean, the King chided.
______Was he kidding? Sahaar simply smiled at her, waiting for her to react. She had never guessed he would be so bold.
______If you think I acted in poor judgement by not granting the peasant an audience, say so, but why this insistence that Agdamaria save us?
______The old man said that--
______Oh yes, Sahaar interjected. Let's trust the expert, he said smugly. Do I tell him how many stitches to put in my boots? I am the seer of this court-not the shoemaker, and not Agdamaria.
______I'm sorry if you'd prefer it differently.
______Aeon opened her mouth to answer when Vail's father interjected.
______Son, Sahaar has pledged his life to the service of this court, and we are in his debt. We will have no more of this attitude.
______Dammit! The King had finally put Sahaar in his place, and now, thanks to her, he was defending him.
______Her understanding of etiquette-more accurately: her lack thereof-had allowed herself to be cornered.
______She would not make the same mistake again. Of course, Father.
______She turned toward Sahaar. My apologies, Wizard.
______Of course, my lord, Sahaar bowed magnanimously.
______And as for Agdamaria, the King said, I'm afraid she's too old to help us now. Her powers are weak. He put his hand to his chin, and glanced at Sahaar. We will have to find another way.
______Yes, my Lord, Sahaar said, bowing slightly. I'll begin right away. He shot a look at Aeon as he turned and left.
______Well, she had much more faith in Agdamaria's power, even if it had diminished over the years.
______Father, Aeon inquired, May I be excused? I would like to…practice my sword.
______I thought you needed to speak with me alone? he inquired sarcastically.
______It can wait, she answered simply, mimicking the aloofness that seemed to be expected of the young prince.
______I suppose, the King frowned. Despite the obvious disapproval in his voice, Aeon bowed slightly, and turned to exit. She had to find the old witch.
______She exited the chamber from the side door, angry at herself for making such a stupid blunder. She had thought Sahaar would back down when challenged directly, and she'd been made to look like a fool for her assumption. She had underestimated him, and she couldn't afford to make that mistake again.
______She winced slightly, a sharp pain shooting through her head. She kept walking, and it passed.
______Suddenly she felt weak in the knees, and reached out to catch herself. She made a quick survey of the corridor, and was glad to find herself alone. The Prince leaned against the wall for support, and that was rather unbecoming of royalty.
______She felt the pain in her head again. She brought her hand up to apply pressure, but she couldn't fully control it. She stared at her hand as it trembled before her eyes. She couldn't feel any sensation. The pain in her head intensified, and her vision clouded.
______What's happening?
______She clung to the wall desperately. She had to get to the old witch. She had to see Agdamaria!
______Panic stricken, she pondered a grim possibility: Could this be Sahaar's doing?
______She was being torn apart, and slumped to the ground. She struggled to get to her feet again. The Prince shouldn't be seen like this.
______She fell again, lacking the strength. And besides, up was becoming harder and harder to discern through her spinning perception.
______The pain in her head was accompanied by a high pitched frequency. They grew in intensity in tandem, and Aeon thought that either the pain-or the vibration-would tear her skull apart.
______In a wash of pain it crested, and relief flooded through her. She marveled that the pain in her head could be considered relief, but if not for the fact that it had been worse just seconds before. And every moment it was better.
______Aeon! she heard calling. It sounded like her father.
______I told you not to forcibly disconnect her!
______If anything happens to her, Kavolo, I'll--
______Sir, she's coming around!
______Aeon, said her father again. Can you hear me? Aeon opened her eyes, and saw her Father kneeling over her.
______What did you do…? she asked groggily. He didn't seem to hear her.
______Get her checked out, he ordered the men holding her. He stood up, and walked over to Kavolo. He motioned with a nod of his head, and one of the other soldiers grabbed Kavolo's arm, placing handcuffs on his wrists.
______What the--! Kavolo demanded.
______Father, what are you doing? Aeon shouted angrily.
______Neither plea penetrated the cold barrier of his expression. Lom Kavolo? he inquired rhetorically. You're under arrest.
|