Seekers call, p.11
Seeker's Call, page 11
Rhimesh finished and the three remained quiet for a long while.
Iviana had several questions, but one burned within her that she knew she must seek first. "Why is the time before all of that called the Age of the Great One?"
"A good question," Rhimesh said, "and an important one if you truly want to know our history and understand much of what we are today. Latos was Realm Leader of the Greater Archipelagos for only eighty years, but he was a Seer—one of those blessed with the capability of seeing what the Great One wishes to reveal—and his sight was the strongest we have ever known. It was said that Latos considered himself a friend of the Great One and it was with the wisdom he gained from his Friend that the Greater Archipelagos were able to gain the order and peace, the resplendent abundance that our realm has today. I am certain we would have come much further if the man were to have lived longer."
"Who became Realm Leader after Latos?" Iviana questioned.
"It was myself," Rhimesh answered, almost tiredly. Iviana's shock at this was so evident that the woman felt it necessary to explain. "At the time a person is appointed Realm Leader, that is when their aging process halts." She let out a long breath. "I have done the best I can, over these last, oh, hundred years or so, to keep the Greater Archipelagos as close as possible to the ideals that Latos established for us, but I am no Seer. It has been a difficult path."
"Rhimesh," Iviana began, finding it hard to breathe as she formed her next question. "This Latos... is it possible I'm related to him?"
Rhimesh hesitated and eyed her fiercely. "You've guessed accurately," she said. "Though, how you did, I cannot imagine." She raised an eyebrow, casting a curious glance on the young woman. "Yes, we believe you are his great-granddaughter."
Chills crept up Iviana's spine. If the information she received in her dream had been correct, would anything else from the dream haunt her waking life? She gulped. "How do you know?"
"That is another long story, Iviana, but I will try to condense it as it is nearly time for the evening supper. For one, you are the very image of the woman Latos' grandson married, but also because of that woman's connection to Naphtali."
Iviana couldn't believe the woman thought that was a valid explanation. "How were they connected?" she asked hungrily.
Rhimesh looked her over and forfeited. "I suppose I should begin by telling you of your grandfather, the youngest son of Latos and your father's father. His name was Damask. He loved his father, Latos, a great deal for they were very close while he lived. When Latos passed, your grandfather grew very angry with the Great One for allowing his father's death and he rejected the Great Gift he'd received from Him. Damask was what we call a Seeker and when the time came for the new Realm Leader to be selected, he refused to do his duty as Seeker. He would not follow the Great One's guidance to help find who would succeed Latos as our Realm Leader. Your father was one of two Seekers at the time. The other had passed in the Great War with the dark dragons, leaving your grandfather with the only gift of the Seeker in all the realm.
"This did not create an impossible situation, as there were other gifts such as seeing, but it is customary that a Seeker's gift be used for the task of discovering the appointed successor, according to the word of the Great One. Also, it is terribly difficult for a Seer to locate a single face in the midst of thousands of others over the whole of the Greater Archipelagos.
"At any rate, the islands were outraged at your grandfather's disrespect. They felt he'd turned his back on his people and I suppose he had, in a way. They were threatening to banish he and your grandmother, Lana, if he did not return to the Great One... and Damask told them they were free to do so. I suppose we should have known what would happen then. Maybe we did. The morning after the council had made their threats, your grandparents were nowhere to be found. It was assumed they had left through the door into Jaela's Cavern.
"It must have been close to sixty years later when a strange man by the name of Redden came through that door from your world, claiming he was the son of your grandfather, who had opened the door for him to enter. He said his father wished him to claim his birthright: the spot of land that Damask had lived in before he left for your world. I'm afraid the man was rather... presumptuous and left a sour taste in the mouths of the council. However, he was eventually allowed to reclaim the land and the house that stood on it.
"Some time later, it was discovered he had been wooing a daughter of one of the Island Leaders. Her name was Tasia. This was not necessarily a negative issue. It was only that Tasia was a good deal younger than Redden and her father did not approve of Redden at all. In fact, he had been one of those that opposed Redden repossessing his father's land."
"Redden was my father, then?" Iviana interrupted.
Rhimesh nodded meaningfully and continued. "One day, news broke out that Redden was to be married to the girl, but her father refused to give his blessing. The council asked that Redden and Tasia postpone their marriage until the conflict between Tasia's fiance and her father could come to some sort of resolve. They agreed and waited one year. When no good came of the delay, Tasia was discovered to have been gone from her father's home and neither her nor Redden could be found. It was eventually discovered they had escaped into Jaela's Cavern, like Redden's parents before him."
Iviana sat back in the chair she had taken when they entered Rhimesh's home and stared at the ceiling, trying to swallow back tears she did not understand. This did, at least, explain why those in the council considered her untrustworthy, but she still couldn't comprehend what her Naphtali had to do with it. "What of Naphtali?" she whispered.
"Ah, yes. After Tasia's mother had passed when she was very young, Naphtali became like a mother to the girl and helped in the raising of her. When your mother left, Naphtali was brokenhearted and blamed herself. She pleaded with the council to allow her to go and search for your mother in your realm, that she might convince them to return. They refused her and they deemed that if she chose to disobey their order, she would not be welcomed within the Greater Archipelagos again."
Iviana grew angry, trying to imagine anyone attempting to demand something of her beloved Naphtali. A thought occurred to her. "You would have been apart of the council at the time..." she almost dared Rhimesh.
Rhimesh nodded, "Yes, and I was not in agreement with the decision, but I was quite outnumbered."
Iviana sat up in her squeaky chair and declared, "But you're Realm Leader of all the Greater Archipelagos! You couldn’t have overridden them?"
"That is not what a leader does, Iviana," the ageless woman replied. "I do not know how you came to be raised by the Healer, Naphtali, but be grateful, at least, that she chose her own path."
Iviana was still angry, but she couldn't help agreeing with Rhimesh. "I am."
"Then you are wiser than I assumed at first," Rhimesh spoke quietly, almost proudly, then put on her stern face again. "Now, it is time you all headed to the Grand Pavilion for the banquet."
Nimua rushed Iviana to her temporary dwelling. When they reached it, Nimua insisted she choose Iviana's clothes for her and took great pains with Iviana's appearance, though Iviana couldn't imagine why.
"Alright, you are a vision," Nimua stated when she was done with her. Iviana tried to turn and look at herself in the mirror, but Nimua took her by the arm and declared, "No time! We've got to get to the banquet hall."
Iviana discovered the night before that the islands held banquets every night "but last night was in your honor," Nimua had insisted. Sure, Iviana had thought doubtfully. She knew the only one who wished to celebrate her presence on the island was Nimua.
"There you are," Darist said when the girls arrived in the Grand Pavilion. He quickly scooted a girl over who'd been flirting with him to make room for them. "You're late." He made a tisking motion at Nimua.
"We're sorry," Nimua answered sarcastically. "We didn't have your gifted strength to carry us here in a timely manner."
Darist rolled his eyes. Then he looked behind Iviana and said, "Oh, look who comes this way," and winked at Iviana before she could turn to see who it was.
"Hello," Nico said as he sat beside Iviana. "You ladies are late."
"We know, " Nimua assured him as she stole a glass of deep purple juice from a tray. Nico snatched two glasses.
"For you," he said, offering one of them to Iviana.
Iviana gave him a confused look, but accepted it, if awkwardly.
After an uncomfortable silence amidst the group, Nimua broke it with, "Iviana, have you ever enjoyed mango?"
"I don't think so," Iviana answered. "What's it like?"
"I'll get you some!" Nico declared and jumped to his feet to chase after a tray across the banquet hall.
Darist gave Nimua a quizzical look to which Nimua responded with an unquenchable giggle.
"What?" Iviana asked.
"Nothing!" Nimua replied a little too loudly.
"Only that all Nico was able to talk about before you got here was how impatient he was for you to get here," Darist quickly informed Iviana before Nimua could get her elbow in his ribcage.
Iviana blinked. "Why?"
Darist raised an eyebrow. "I can only guess that the matchmaker is at work again."
"I am not!" Nimua defended.
"Ooh, no." Iviana's face turned red. "Please tell me you didn't." She cast a pitiful face at her friend.
It was apparent Nimua felt some regret over her actions, but she replied, "Oh, don't look so upset. I may have said a few things to encourage him in your direction, but it wasn't difficult to get him there. He was already interested."
"And the matchmaker can't help herself, " Darist added.
"It's for her own good. She was so terrified at the thought of me finding her a man that I knew I had to. She needs to know your kind isn't scary," Nimua responded, poking Darist on the nose.
"I'm not afraid of men, Nimua. I just... don't want the attention."
"How couldn't you?" Nimua asked, almost shocked. "You just don't know how fun it is."
"For Nimua," Darist added again.
"Stop acting like you know me sooo well, Darist," Nimua said.
"He sort of does, though," Nico put in as he sat down next to Iviana with the mango. "Here you are." He handed her the plate.
"Thanks," Iviana answered.
The rest of the banquet continued without much exchange between Iviana and Nico. Brenna, the beautiful Swimmer from that morning, and a girl named Leilyn eventually came to join them, the latter attempting to drape herself around Darist who rolled his eyes and scooted a little closer to Nimua.
Iviana discovered she very much liked Brenna, who had an adventurous disposition and was very in-tune with nature. She spent her life researching and cultivating it and was fascinated by everything Iviana shared about Kierlia's environment. It pleased Iviana to speak about her homeland with someone who was so interested.
Leilyn was another story, however, for she refused to give Iviana any attention whatever, even when Iviana had spoken directly to her. It was as if she thought Iviana too far beneath her interest to be treated as any human ought. This was discomfiting, but Iviana concentrated on the friend she was making in Brenna.
Finally, the banquet came to a close and the islanders left in groups until the six young people were the only ones remaining in the hall.
"I suppose we all ought to be getting home," Nico said regretfully to Iviana. "They don't like us out too late."
"I think Ivi broke that rule last night, though," Darist tattled. "How'd you pull it off?" he asked her.
"I wasn't out that late," she defended.
"You shouldn't do that," Nico insisted. "It could be dangerous. In fact, I think I ought to escort-"
"Yes, why don't I escort you home tonight, Ivi," Darist interrupted before Nico had a chance to finish. "Come along, ol' gal," Darist said as he stood and offered Iviana his arm, "Good night, Nico... Nimua, Brenna, Leilyn.
Iviana noted the icy glare Leilyn gave her, the first sign of acknowledgment since they'd met, and cast a nod to pitiful Nico when he told her he would see her later.
When the two were out of hearing distance from the group, Darist turned to her and said, "I hope you don't mind, but when I realized what Nico was about to gallantly offer-"
"Thank you," Iviana interrupted. "Though I'm sure you'd have rather escorted Nimua." Her eyes sparkled innocently, if not mischievously.
Darist blinked, asking, "Is it really that obvious? You haven't even been here very long."
"It is—at least to me."
He was quiet a moment before saying, "I think she pretends she doesn't care for me."
Iviana looked up at him. "Pretends?"
He smiled. "I hope so, anyway. I think I've cared for her since we were children, but lately she's been distant." He looked her in the eyes as they walked. "I know you haven't been here long, but do you have any idea why she would do that?"
"No," she answered, then added hesitantly, "Perhaps she wants to keep her options open. Perhaps she's afraid of being trapped on the island forever if she ties herself down."
"Has she said anything like that?"
"No, I only wonder."
"You won't say anything about my feelings for her will you?"
"Of course not."
"Thank you," he replied, then chuckled when they arrived at the little path leading to her home "Enjoy avoiding Nico tomorrow."
THE NEXT DAY, Iviana awoke feeling restless. She had not had much time alone since she'd been on the island and, though grateful for that, she wanted to do a little exploring on her own. So, quickly dressing herself, she headed out the patio door, stealing fruit from a nearby tree.
It was a beautiful morning. Iviana enjoyed the warm, tropical breezes blowing gently over her face and hair. She had always hated the cold and detested the crisp winters in Kierelia. Here, there was no winter, so she was told, and Iviana thought she would remain in this world forever, if only for that reason.
She came upon a row of tall bushes covered in berries and began to stroll beside them, enjoying their fruit as she went.
"Kurnin, you're not being fair," a voice said from behind one of the fruity hedges.
Iviana thought the voice belonged to Rhimesh and guessed this was where her home was located. She did not at all intend to stay and eavesdrop; she only wished to go on her way, but what she heard next stopped her cold.
"That dragon girl is a poison to our island, just like her father," she heard Kurnin, the Island Leader, say. "We allowed him to live freely among us and, well, you're aware of what took place. You, more than anyone, know what a poor decision that was, considering, if I remember correctly, it was highly influenced by your words to the council at the time."
"You were yet very young at the time, Kurnin, and I believe your memory of the matter isn't something to be relied on," Rhimesh answered tiredly.
"I remember enough. Therefore, I know what this girl is akin to. After all, we really know nothing about her. She could be seducing our young men for all we know, like her father did her mother. She's influencing our children, Rhimesh. We've all seen the way Naii's daughter worships her. Who's to say the rest won't follow? And what are they following? The offspring of one of the Greater Archipelagos' greatest mistakes."
"Kurnin," Rhimesh spoke soundly, silencing the leader for the moment, at least. "You forget she is also the great-granddaughter of Latos. And, if you'll permit, I would like to mention that I have never believed the rumors spread about her father. His care for the girl was true, whether or not his every action was correct. And yet, you are correct. Correct in that we do not know much about her, and certainly we do not know that she is a seducer, or a bad influence. I, for one, have viewed nothing at all of the sort."
"I have, I'm afraid, seen things I wish I had not," Kurnin responded with artificial concern.
There was silence on that side of the hedge for a time until Rhimesh said slowly, "What is it you claim to have seen, Kurnin?"
Kurnin cleared his throat before saying curtly, "I do not think it wise to repeat."
There was silence again, larger than the last. And then: "Likely," Rhimesh replied icily.
"I will say this, however," he began again, sounding as though he wished he could backtrack, but knowing he had no choice but to move forward, "she may be related to Latos, but I think she could very well undo everything Latos did for this great world. After all, she has already broken laws, such as entering our realm without express permission from our council. That is just one more attribute she shares with her father."
His every word hit like physical punches at Iviana's heart. Everything he said exuded a putrid spirit, almost as though not all of his words were his own—could not possibly be. They were too hateful to be coming from the mouth of the Island Leader, whom she had never even spoken with directly. Her head ached and she began to feel dizzy; she wanted to defend herself or scream at him, but she couldn't. She could not move. Even breathing was a struggle.
The first dark clouds she had seen since coming to this world began to curl in overhead and she felt as though the whole darkened sky was going to cave in on her small frame.
Meanwhile, Kurnin continued, "What I mean to say is, these people turn up out of nowhere and we are expected to openly accept them into our society? I believe it is offensive and disrespectful to the Great One."
When Rhimesh was too dumbstruck to respond, the man took it as encouragement and continued, "After all, Rhimesh, she is only a little girl. We can easily be rid of her, for the sake of our children and the Great One."
Iviana would have heard him sigh in self-righteous exhaustion, but suddenly a gasp sounded behind her, causing her to cry out in surprise before turning around to find that Nimua's mother had been standing there, gazing at her with teary eyes. Iviana didn't know how long she'd been watching her eavesdrop. She clamped her hands over her mouth after the frightened yelp escaped her, but when she turned back to look behind the bushes, she found the eyes of Rhimesh and Kurnin on her.
