Pellaz turned his head. Behind him stood Peridot, whose entire body was shaking. The Tigron stared at the sedu unblinkingly.
How did you know? Pellaz demanded. How did you know what I was going to do? You spied on me. You followed me.
You don’t trust me, beloved, Peridot told him.
Pellaz uttered an involuntary snarl. And you don’t trust me, since you’ve clearly been monitoring my movements.
Peridot shook his mane and took a few steps forward. You don’t understand. Our enemies have set your sons against each other. You were there, with Loki, yet you did not recognise him. You were there, with your lost son, Darquiel, and you did not recognise him.
Pellaz leapt to his feet. What? How can that be? I’d have known.
Peridot closed his dark eyes, his equine features set into the nearest to a sorrowful expression they could get. But you didn’t, beloved. Can’t you see what’s been done to your progeny? Darquiel and Loki were fighting. If I hadn’t intervened, it could have been disastrous. If you wanted Geburael brought to you, you should have asked.
Pellaz was so incensed, he spoke aloud. ‘This is preposterous! As if you’d have done that!’
I could have done.
Pellaz gestured abruptly at the hara behind him. If you’re telling the truth, complete our family. Bring Loki to me. Bring my other son… Darquiel. Do it now!
Peridot snorted softly. I can’t bring Darquiel to you, and it’s too late for me to help you with Loki. Why did you not ask for my help before?
Pellaz clasped his head for a moment. Why didn’t you offer? You knew he’d been taken. You could have just fetched him home for me.
It’s not that simple. I could have done nothing until you asked me.
Again, Pellaz spoke aloud. ‘A hint of that might have been useful, Peridot! I’m sick of these games and their ridiculous rules.’
Peridot stamped a front foot and his head went up. For just a moment, his image flickered, as if he was about to manifest in his true form. You have no comprehension! What I do for you, I do in secrecy. Our kings have their own agendas. It’s not permitted for me to help you in any way, but there’s a clause of the ancient contract concerning being asked the right question. There are many truths in the ancient legends. You should have thought of this.
Pellaz turned away. Caeru was wholly occupied by tending the young har who lay before him, but Abrimel had turned his head to watch his father’s exchange with the sedu. Pellaz smiled bleakly at his son and turned back to Peridot. Just exactly why are you trying to help me now? he asked.
Peridot turned his head to the side and stared at Pellaz for some moments. Then his body shuddered with a deep sigh. I wonder that myself, often. I’ve estranged myself from my kin, as have other sedim who’ve come here. Such things have happened before between the creatures of earth and our kind. I took a great risk interfering today, and could only do so because I’d been directed to observe certain events. My task was to help Darquiel, ultimately, but he does not need my help. Pellaz, Loki is lost to the Hashmallim. He has become expendable to the kings of the sedim.
A chill passed through Pell’s flesh. An image of Loki as a young harling flashed across his mind; his innocence, his untouched beauty. What must I do to save him? Tell me that, at least.
I believe his fate lies in the hands of the Kamagrian, Lileem. You can do nothing. His fate lies with Darquiel also.
Pellaz clawed the air with desperate hands. Why were Darquiel and Loki fighting? Who’s influencing Darquiel?
Your sons have been set against one another. I dreaded this would happen. The Hashmallim have persuaded Loki to support their cause. As you know, they always wanted to dispose of Darquiel. It appears they’re using Loki for that purpose. What the two were doing together in that realm, I don’t know. It was a temporary realm, perhaps an arena created purposefully for them to do battle in. I managed to separate them, and both escaped that realm before it collapsed. But no doubt there are plans for them to meet again.
‘Great Aru!’ Pellaz put his hands over his face. We must stop this. My sons must be taken beyond all influences. If you have any real love for me, Peridot, you’ll help me with this.
Peridot’s response felt cautious to Pellaz. There are limits to what I can do.
Pellaz was sure that Peridot had made a decision to conceal something. This unknown information hung between them, like invisible poison. Peridot, you’re troubled. If you want me to trust you, tell me why.
Peridot uttered a groan from deep within his body. It pains me to tell you this, beloved, but Darquiel could be a danger. He’s unprepared to ally himself with any faction, as yet. You know how you made him; he’s not the same as any other har. He’s come into himself. He’s aware and knows who he is. But he’s a lone agent, unattached to your family.
For a moment, Pellaz was swept by a surge of disorientation. He had this son he had never seen, who had grown up and now had opinions of his own. Where had he lived? What was he like? I want to meet him, Peridot. You must help me. It pains me to say this too, but I beg you!
Peridot tossed his head. I can’t. All I can tell you is that our king, Lurlei, approached Darquiel and offered to convey him here. Darquiel refused to accept it. He has learned very recently, to some degree, how to negotiate the otherlanes on his own. So has Loki, because the Hashmallim have given him that skill.
It occurred to Pellaz then that Cal might be involved, since he was absent from Immanion, with no explanation. This was not unusual, as Cal often liked to escape the city for a few days. He came and went as he pleased. But this time, was there a reason for his absence? Pellaz knew he wouldn’t have had this thought without his instincts sensing some truth. Could Cal have found Darquiel and begun to teach him? If Darquiel was a dangerous har, it was likely that would appeal greatly to Cal. He was not beyond keeping secrets from his consorts either. Pellaz resolved to make every effort to contact Cal as soon as he could.
Peridot, Pellaz said, trying hard to keep emotion from his thoughts, do you know if Cal has found Darquiel?
The sedu answered at once, which reassured Pellaz he was telling the truth. I can’t tell you that. Lurlei has forbidden any of us near Darquiel, in the earthly realm, but for himself. He paused, then said, Darquiel is strong-willed, Pell. He might not be what you expect. The sedu turned his head to regard Abrimel, who was observing the conversation speculatively, not least because he would only be able to hear his father’s occasional outbursts. He could be more trouble than that one.
Pellaz couldn’t suppress the shudder those words conjured. He couldn’t think too deeply about Darquiel now. One thing at a time. Will the sedim take action against Loki? he asked.
If they get the chance, they might. I will not take part in any such action, I assure you.
Pellaz stared the sedu in the eye. Just where do you stand, Peridot?
The sedu did not respond. For some moments longer, he regarded Pellaz with his dark intelligent gaze, then ducked his head and disappeared into the otherlanes.
For some moments, Pellaz remained staring at the space where Peridot had been. He felt bewildered.
‘Pell!’ Caeru’s voice.
Pellaz turned round. It seemed that in the midst of crisis, Caeru and Abrimel had been reconciled, at least temporarily. Geburael was still unconscious, his head in Caeru’s lap. His face and hands were badly scratched. It was impossible yet to discern what other damage his body might have taken.
Pellaz pressed his fingers against his eyes. Cal, where are you? It was not an idle thought, but projected like a mind call. Don’t do the disappearing in time of need act again, please!
Pellaz waited for a responding call, however faint, but there was none. He sighed and went to his family. Caeru had placed his hands on Geburael’s face, presumably to project healing energy.
Pellaz stood over Abrimel and put a hand on his son’s shoulder. ‘How is he?’
‘Shocked, I think,’ Abrimel said. He took Geburael’s h
ands in his own. ‘If that sedu hadn’t shown up…’ He shook his head.
‘He didn’t exactly show up,’ Pellaz said. ‘I think he took us there. He helped us.’
‘It was Peridot, wasn’t it?’ Caeru said. ‘He’s different from his brethren, because he cares for you.’
Pellaz exhaled heavily through his nose. ‘He’s certainly different, yes.’
Caeru smiled tightly at Pellaz. ‘This is our high-son, Pell.’
Pellaz nodded. ‘Yes.’
‘He’s beautiful,’ Abrimel murmured. ‘He’s mine.’
Geburael had the Cevarro look, but also hints of the height and facial appearance of Ponclast. Pellaz felt dizzy with the thought that Abrimel, his own son, had created this life with the Varr leader. A harling who was now an adult.
‘I think we should take him to the infirmary,’ Caeru said. ‘He doesn’t feel badly hurt to me, but I’d be happier if he was checked properly.’
‘I agree,’ Pellaz said. He addressed Abrimel. ‘Once Geburael has been examined, and if the physicians allow it, I’ll bring him back here.’
‘You’ll let him stay with me?’ Abrimel asked, surprised.
‘Why not? You are his father.’
‘Then essentially he will be in confinement too.’
Pellaz took a deep breath through his nose. ‘No. I just think he would prefer to be with you.’
Caeru removed his hands from Geburael and Abrimel began to lift him. At this point, Geburael stirred. He did so quite aggressively and pushed his father’s hands away. It was clear the har was frightened and disorientated. He uttered a cry, put a hand to his eyes, then lowered it.
‘Geburael,’ Abrimel said, reaching out towards his son.
Geburael backed away from his father in a crablike scuttle, and then stared at him from a safe distance. ‘I know you,’ he said. ‘I know your face. Who are you? Where am I?’
‘Don’t be alarmed,’ Abrimel said softly. ‘You’re safe.’ He touched his own breast. ‘I’m Abrimel, your father. Do you remember what happened?’
Geburael sat up, his hands braced against the ground, as if he feared it would disintegrate beneath him. His skin looked waxy. ‘Loki, something… A terrible force. Then a creature had me.’ He looked around himself. ‘Where’s Loki? How did I get here?’ The reality of the situation appeared to dawn on him. ‘Father? Is it really you?’
‘Yes.’ Abrimel gestured towards Pellaz and Caeru. ‘And this is your high-father and high-hostling.’
Geburael glanced at Pellaz, looked away, glanced back. ‘I’m in Almagabra?’ he asked abruptly.
‘Yes,’ Pellaz said. ‘Welcome to Immanion.’
Caeru stood up and bowed to his high-son. ‘I wish the circumstances of meeting you could have been different, but we’re very glad to have found you.’
Geburael flicked the briefest glance at the Tigrina. ‘What do you want with me?’ he asked Pellaz.
Pellaz strove to keep his voice pleasant. ‘Your hostling has advised me to speak to you concerning Loki. We think you might be aware of his whereabouts. We wanted to find you, to ask you some questions, and also, well…’ He held out his arms. ‘We are your family, Geburael. We should have looked for you long ago.’
Geburael uttered a caustic laugh. ‘Yet you didn’t. You were looking for Loki, not me. Ironically, you could have taken him just now, but you took me instead. Why? Couldn’t you see what was happening? ’
Pellaz nodded once. ‘I know what happened. Unfortunately, at the time, we were unable to recognise Loki. We didn’t realise he was there.’
Geburael sneered. ‘He was in great danger. Something attacked him, and you left him there!’
‘He escaped,’ Pellaz said. ‘I have that on good authority.’ He folded his arms. ‘Were you responsible for Loki’s abduction, Geburael?’
Geburael didn’t answer. His face took on a mulish expression.
‘Where have you been keeping him?’ Pellaz persisted.
‘Am I a prisoner?’ Geburael snapped.
‘Not at the moment,’ Pellaz said mildly, although his hackles had begun to rise. ‘If you co-operate, it will be well regarded.’
‘I can’t co-operate with you,’ Geburael said rudely. ‘We’re on different sides.’
Pellaz sighed. ‘Geburael, at this stage, I don’t think any of us truly appreciate what these ‘sides’ consist of. Your hostling thinks the same. Whatever our differences, the only sensible course is for us to work together, otherwise we risk being used.’
‘But you’re allied with the sedim.’
‘Really? What makes you think that?’
Geburael narrowed his eyes. ‘Aren’t you?’
Pellaz walked closer to Geburael, who visibly became nervous rather than simply hostile. ‘I have an open mind,’ Pellaz said, ‘but a very concerned mind. I’ve a lot to tell you, not least what your hostling has discovered in his place of exile. I want you to hear everything I know, and hope you’ll extend me the same courtesy. We shouldn’t be enemies. The competing factions aren’t interested in allying with me, or Ponclast. Not any more. It’s the next generation they’re interested in. I think they want to get to hara who are impressionable and young. But perhaps you already realise this.’
Geburael swallowed, rubbed his face. ‘The Hashmallim have befriended Loki,’ he said. He paused for a moment, sighed. ‘All right, I’ll talk to you. The Hashmallim have told him that the freakish son you made is the enemy of all Wraeththu. They want Loki to be their avatar and destroy his own brother.’ He pursed his lips. ‘Recently, some things have bothered me. I’m not sure if you’re the one I should really be confiding in, but I’m concerned too. I worry for Loki, not least because I think all hara are expendable to the Hashmallim.’ He stared at Pellaz. ‘I never thought I’d want this, but I think Loki should be brought back to the earthly realm as soon as possible. I’ll help you with this, but there must be conditions.’ He looked at Abrimel. ‘Loki in return for my parents. Release them.’
Pellaz cleared his throat. He wasn’t quite sure how best to respond to this demand, but Abrimel spoke for him.
‘Don’t think of me,’ he said. ‘Think of yourself. There are many conditions the Tigron will fulfill. Don’t wreck the potential before you with useless demands. Find Loki for them. Bring him here.’
‘But…’ Geburael appeared confused.
‘I’m your father,’ Abrimel said. ‘It’s what I want. I’ve made conditions too.’
Geburael shrugged. ‘In that case…’ He shook his head. ‘This situation is unreal.’
‘You feel disorientated,’ Caeru said gently. ‘We think it might be best if we take you to the infirmary to be checked over. That exit from the otherlanes was rough.’
Geburael raised a hand. ‘I’m fine,’ he said. ‘I haven’t got time for that. I want to take action.’
‘Perhaps we should go inside,’ Abrimel suggested.
Despite objections from Caeru, Pellaz wished to talk to Geburael alone. He took the young har to a sitting room in the house, leaving Caeru to wait with Abrimel in another room. Geburael was surly and very much on his guard, but he wasn’t silent. It didn’t take Pellaz long to realise that Geburael and Loki lived in the realm from which Ta Ke had been exiled. Geburael was honest about having abducted Loki and taking him there. He seemed to think his actions were justified, although it was clear he was feeling confused about finding himself conversing with a har he’d taken to be a mortal enemy.
Pellaz too was confused. This young har was of his blood, and in many ways it was a good thing to have found him, but there were issues that made this reunion difficult. Pellaz felt he had to address them. ‘If you help us, you’ll be rewarded, like I said. However, you do have some things to answer for, namely the murder of a har in Freygard.’
‘What?’ Geburael snapped. ‘I killed no har there. I took Loki, and it was right that I did. At the very least, it has made everyhar more aware of what’s going on.’
‘May
be you didn’t mean to kill him,’ Pellaz said patiently, ‘but the har who was supposed to go to Loki for his feybraiha is dead. From his injuries, I find it difficult to believe that death was an accident.’
‘I didn’t do that,’ Geburael said. ‘You won’t believe me, of course.’
‘Then who did kill him?’ Pellaz enquired. ‘It has to be somehar connected with you – Diablo, perhaps?’
Geburael fixed Pellaz with a stare. ‘Diablo helped me,’ he said. ‘It’s possible. Does that let me off the hook in your eyes?’ His voice was bitter.
‘Geburael,’ Pellaz said, ‘let’s focus on the most important things now. Can you bring Loki to Immanion?’
‘I want to,’ Geburael said, ‘although I can’t guarantee success. I don’t know what happened after that sedu seized me.’
Pellaz tapped his cheek with the fingers of one hand. He came to a decision. ‘Together, we’d stand more chance of success. Take me to Thanatep.’
‘You?’ Geburael laughed. ‘The Hashmallim would kill you. They know you’re an ally of the sedim, and whatever you say to the contrary won’t convince them.’
‘I’m not that easy to kill,’ Pellaz said. ‘Loki must be brought home. ’ He knew that the Hegemony would be furious at him putting himself at risk like this, but he’d taken great risks before in his life. He wasn’t afraid.
Geburael frowned. ‘All right.’ He paused. ‘I think Loki’s in danger. Like you, I want him out of there.’
Pellaz smiled. ‘I can tell you’re very fond of him and that you’re concerned for his welfare. Do you feel strong enough to go to Thanatep now?’
Geburael nodded. ‘Yes.’ He held up his hands, examined the scratches on them, then shrugged. ‘I won’t be able to guarantee your safety. If you come with me, you’ll have to look out for yourself. Also, it’s not easy for me to take hara to Thanatep. Loki was less of a problem because he’s young and his abilities when I took him there were not that developed. Thanatep protects itself, and coupled with that, the Aasp don’t want anyhar going there. The wards around it are almost impenetrable.’