Ghosts from the Past

[Alais d Nitesong]

I listened to Uly’s explanation about the Graham Fortress, a sense of excitement suffuses the loneliness I have felt when you are absent. Knowing that I can look up into the nite sky, and at least see where you are makes the separation more bearable.

Upon arrival, Ozy performs as a perfect host, introducing me to the fortress, and at last I get a look from the aerie like windows from the cliffs overlooking the beach we had spent an evening upon not so very long ago.

Uly’s admonition not to remove the ring is met with a wide eyed silver stare. “There ist nae annathin' that couldst induce me tae dae sae by mine own volition luv.... fer this tae be removed, 't shall haff tae be done by force.”

I stood on a balcony, and got my first up close look at a Starship. As Ozy had informed me that we were to have a visitor, I am none-the-less a bit surprised at my first look at the Exotic that departs from the Starship. Inviting Chys inside, we seem to hit it off companionably. Her curiosity almost matched my own in hers. Chys was unflaggingly patient with my lack of experience with her world. And as the day wears on, I had grown to like the female Exotic.

Her explanation of the *unbinding* still puzzles me. “Chys, ye haff said th' ancient ritual.... what ist th' difference betwixt th' ancient an' th' modern? Dae ye know th' reason fer th' selection o' th' ancient version?”

I had explained to Chys that Ozy an' I plan to do some experiments with my sorceries using the energy matrix of Mai-rhee. I also told her about the experience using Ozy's augmented sensory capabilities, and confide that I am a bit frightened of trying that again, as the unexpected trip to the negative plane is not a trip I cared to make again.

“We shall work slowly from 'ere.... cantrips, spells wi' inert an' inanimate objects fer now.... Uly hath warned me that I cannae tame th' energies o' Mai-rhee, an' sae great care must needs be invoked as we dae widen our understandin' o' this matrix.”

Chys' offer to help came as a surprise. “Ye work wi' sorceries?” I was clearly puzzled, as I had thought Uly's world did not work with sorcery.

We agreed to begin studies in the morning. I chuckled softly as Ozy seemed a bit reticent, though mayhap it was just my own fears coloring his reply.

>Ozy? Dae ye recommend th' augmented sensory link fer these cantrip practices, or dae ye thin' 't wiser tae stay separate? There be pros fer both ways.... wi' yer link, ye'll perceive dangerous conditions b'fore I shall... thou' unlinked, I haff a better grasp o' what th' spell *aught* tae be daein' an' 'ow 't aught tae be feelin' thru th' staff.... thou' wi' this unfamiliar matrix..... 't ist 'ard tae say.<

[Alais d Nitesong]

Continuing on Mairee, tte fortress was comfortable, in spite of the impending sense of massiveness. Ozy explained that nearly all softer stones on Mairee were eroded to sand long ago. I witnessed the torrential rains first hand on several occasions, and the spectral displays of lightning do indeed turn night to day.

Chysandra's ship appeared to be almost organic, uncomfortably similar to the curves and yielding impression of Ozy's prior form. Chys spent a great deal of time examining and interviewing Ozymandias, as he was once part of their existence but was eliminated by the overlays. The paradox apparently fascinates the Exotic.

“The ancient ritual is longer and more complex, Alais--or do you prefer Mrs. Graham?” She gave me a gentle smile. “The modern ritual focuses on the external representation of external influences. For instance, separating your voice from Ulysses own inner voices would be one of the major objectives. With the ancient ritual the focus is turned more precisely inward. In the case of Ulysses, this is critical, for he carries one-hundred and thirty-nine portions of separate psyches within. We do not believe he realized the consequences of further bonding while in this amalgamate form, or if he did--he underestimated them. We do not wish to lose him either, dear.” Her use of the familiar term seemed to come quite easily, and seemed somehow appropriate. I felt Ulysses in her, as though the bond through this nestling of his mother has been dormant, but never severed.

“I am not a sorceress in your terms. Energy matrices are my specialty. I have data collected from many worlds and am deeply linked to the flow of the forces within the Harmony star system. Since Ulysses' appearance with the anomalous ring, I have been quite excited to spend time with you.” She laughsed softly. “I do hope you will use Ozymandias' full capabilities, for though I do not have recollection of him--he apparently knows me quite well. He claims I am his mother.”

[Alais d Nitesong]

Perched high upon the rock formations overlooking the beach, the first storm brought with it more lightening and reverberating thunder than I had ever dreamed imaginable from a natural storm. As I sat watching the multi-forked lightening strikes in awe... Ozy and Chys seemed amused at my enchantment by all the raw energies being rained down upon the landscape.

“Oh Ozy.... such power.... all wasted. Unleashed against a land and leaving only the most enduring behind.”

An inspection earlier of the rock outcroppings had confirmed that the towering cliffs were indeed only the igneous basalts and olivines.... not even the granites had survived... the plagioclase and oligoclases being too soft to survive long in the kind of onslaught that even now pummeled the ground around them.

Chys' inspection of Ozy was puzzling at first, until she explained that she was apparently Ozy's mother.

“Prithee Chys.... doth nae th' loss o' such knowledge an' memories via th' overlays bother ye? Tae suddenly discover such news?” I was clearly pondering what it would be like to have produced offspring, only to lose any such knowledge thru the manipulation of events.

“Chys, I dae nae dwell 'pon formalities... Alais ist jus' fine. Effen Uly doth nae refer tae me as Mrs. Graham, thou' if 't would please 'im, of a certes I wouldst adopt th' formality. We didst nae wed in th' common term ... 't was a Lifematin'... th' bonds may nae be broken as in th' means o' wedlock.” I glanced down at the starfyre band. “We are bound tae one another far more deeply than that.”

Her explanation of the process made sense, and the term of endearment one of pleasant surprise. “Chys..... 'ow dangerous ist this ritual? Knowin' Uly an' 'is mother as ye dae.... mayst ye suspect an' ootcome?”

She gave me a soft smile. “Indeed... th' moonsilver ring was a thing done an' giffen b'fore mine olde Uly didst depart fer 'is last mission... an' that didst bring this current Uly back tae me. I 'ad wondered 'ow ye'd take th' introduction o' th' moonsilver band. I too desire tae learn more aboot ye an' yer people Chys... an' I wouldst be most honoured tae haff ye join Ozy an' I in studies o' th' energy matrices 'ere. We haff already 'ad some small experiences wi' Ozy's augmentin' o' mine sensory capabilities.... an' I dae confess some concern o'er workin' that way again.... thou' 't ist th' only way tae learn... an' I haff a great desire tae dae jus' that.”

As the thunder echoed off the rocks, I grew more comfortable with Chys, and planning began for the first experiments on Mairee using the Maireean energies.

[Alais d Nitesong]

Chys' amusement was blended with curiosity. “Nature is a work in progress, Alais. The thunderheads do not waste; they hold the power for a time, and when it is right--they release it. I wonder, do you believe the rains should not fall, the lightning not strike and the stones turn to sand? I would like to understand your philosophy.”

Ozymandias quirked his head at an odd angle, listening intently to us both.

Chys' gentle smile was ever-present. “We do not believe knowledge is owned or lost. Our minds borrow for a time, and that time passes. Not unlike the thunderheads above. You have shared with Ulysses and Ozymandias; you know some of which I speak. I know it is difficult, not being an Exotic, to understand us. We share, always. I do not mourn loss over memories to overlays; I am eternal in the ways of my people and Harmony--perhaps more--in eternity I know those memories will return again and again forever.” Her laugh was soft and full of joy. “This is also our curse. Our world-model is not conducive to decisiveness, since all things will eventually come to pass somewhere and somewhen. We are thankful for Mairee and Her people. As for Ozy” She tousled the feathers on his head affectionately. “I am glad to have invested my cycle's work in him. I take joy in his being. His matrix and abilities to affect matrices are born from my toil and the sharing of Chultys. When I have taken the last walk among the flowers I will be with him always.”

Her smile was bright. “It is well that you appreciate the gift you share. Your binding signifies you understand the power of love over life. We do not believe life can dictate love; they are eternally equal.”

Chys' gentle smile remained, but the twinkle in her eyes become...sharper. “Alais, you have noticed how blunt Ulysses can be, how he reacts to politics and deceit. You must be careful what you ask of him, of Ozymandias and of me. An Exotic may withhold portions of truth or stress points of minor truth as a tactic of misdirection, but it is very difficult for us to lie. Many of us cannot. Ozymandias is a good example. The ancient Ritual of Unbinding drives all but the strongest mad. Ulysses is a random factor. We do not know what will happen, only that the modern ritual would have only postponed the inevitable collapse of his psyche.” Softly taking my hands in her. “We do not have the same need for him as you, for you are his lifemate, but believe that we do need him desperately. The Exotics in the ritual are risking their own sanity to preserve his, for it must be done at all costs. He will not fail.” The certainty in her voice was disturbing, as though this is not a guess or belief--but the future.

The plans for studies passed the time comfortably. Chys was tireless and patient and endlessly curious. Ozy explained all Exotics share these traits. >Though you should know, Lady Alais, she is the foremost scientist in energy manipulation and modeling in the history of Chultys. Her nest is noted for longevity, being over forty standard years she is considered ancient by Exotic measure. Do not allow yourself to judge too much by her manner; she recreated Ulysses as much as she created me. The Cataclysm was her design.<

[Alais d Nitesong]

Chys was tilting her head slightly to one side. “Then sorcerers are predominantly concerned with harnessing power? Power they perceive to be wasted? We do not perceive entropy as undirected energies. We believe all space-time-probability events have purpose, and that we should take great care in altering purposes.”

I was shaking my head. “Nay, nae precisely Chys.... ‘t ist more that a sorcerers power is called upon from th’ matrices o’ th’ natural energies aboot us.... an’ such displays as I haff seen ‘ere bespeak o’ massive amounts o’ energies... an’ th’ thought o’ bein’ able tae tap such a vast resource ist enou’ tae make anna sorcerer most desirous o’ tastin’ th’ power that rushes thru yer mind an’ body whence directin’ th’ energies. ‘t ist an emotional an’ physiological ‘igh..... an’ tae th’ sorceress in me, th’ energies I see as “wasted” is th’ envy I dae feel watchin’ such.” I pulled up short at her comment about altering purposes, but keeping silent for now.

She listens quietly, ever smiling. “It is not the requests you might make which concern me the most, dear, but the questions you may ask. An Exotic learns from the nest which answers to seek and which to leave unsought. You radiate courage, and I am not questioning your ability to survive emotional duress, but I encourage you to consider carefully what you truly wish to know--particularly in regards to the future. However, I will share my knowledge of Ulysses' life and family with you...and the future I see, if you wish.”

“I wouldst verra much enjoy ‘earin’ what ye wouldst tell me ‘boot Uly’s family an’ life. I dae sometimes wonder what Uly doth see in me, mine understandin’ o’ ‘is world ist woefully inadequate. As fer th’ future, ist th’ Exotic’s viewin’ o’ th’ future anna different from th’ Priest sect’s lookin’ intae th’ future? Some o’ them see verra well future events an’ ‘appenin’s. Prithee, ‘ow ist our method differ from yer own? While I dae nae haff strong divination skills, I would indeed be most curious tae ‘ear what ye wouldst willin’ly share wi’ me ‘boot th’ future. An’, what ye haff in mind fer Uly... therein lies mine concern Chys. Wilst ye be leavin’ Uly tae live ‘is life.... or wilst ye be callin’ ‘im back intae service.”

“Respectfully examining the moonsilver staff, her eyes were bright. “How was this created? As you have said, it assists you in manipulating energies, but I do not fully understand how the device works. I see no inherent mechanisms--at least none I recognize--but I sense its influence and attunement. How does it enhance control and direction? Is it primarily the crystal? What do the markings mean?” The questions came quickly and urgently, as Chys became increasingly excited.

Soft chuckle as Chys took a keen interest in the’ staff. “‘t ist th’ final project a sorcerer completes b’fore leavin’ a mentor.... th’ creation o’ th’ staff. ‘t ist th’ culmination o’ all that ye haff learned from yer studies, howeffer, ‘t ist jus’ th’ beginnin’ o’ that tool’s life. Th’ staff must haff th’ ability tae adapt as a sorcerer’s skills grow. ‘t was created o’er manna weeks time Chys. Hours ‘pon hours o’ careful research an’ castin’ went intae th’ ensorcelry o’ that object ye now ‘old. Th’ *mechanism* ye seek are th’ runes. Each rune is th’ spell a sorcerer hath captured an’ stored wi’in th’ staff. A sort o’ segment o’ th’ staff devoted tae that precise spell. Tae activate th’ spells there, a sorcerer must summon th’ appropriate energies thru th’ crystal.... th’ crystal reflects th’ sorce o’ a sorcerer’s energies... hence whence I use th’ staff... th’ energies are coloured blue in mine ‘omeland. Whence Uly didst utilize th’ staff.... th’ energies were green. Control an’ direction are molded by th’ sorcerer’s will. Th’ staff ist simply a tool for callin’ th’ energies, an’ ‘oldin’ spells fer quick release. Some o’ th’ spells wouldst be useless in practicality, as they simply take too long tae cast from scratch... hence, a sorcerer may store them wi’in a repository lackin’ only th’ trigger words. Summon th’ energies, and trigger th’ spell ist much more efficient.”

>Lady Alais, I am somewhat surprised you would ask me if I am sure. As Ulysses explained, in all the overlayed probabilities there is consistency up to the Cataclysm. In every one of them she is the theoretician who made it possible. I am the anomaly, since I departed to Rhydin rather than be eliminated by the 132nd overlay. Only on the account of my own existence does my pre-Cataclysm history diverge from theirs.<

>I didst mean nae insult Ozy.... ‘t ist simply ‘ard tae believe she ist capable o’ such actions.<

Chys releases a faint sigh, but her smile exuded patience. “Alais, I am a scientist--a philosopher. This is the Exotic way. We make plans, explore possibilities, but we do not make the decision to implement. These paths you ask of were charted years ago and chosen very carefully to insure the security of Harmony. An Exotic would not make such choices, for as I have said, we are not very good decision makers. All things do come to pass in space-time-probability, and thus it is difficult to choose to change anything--very difficult. But not for Maireens, particularly not for the greatest general in their history. Ulysses' father would have better explanations for you than I, for all of these things were his decision--as commander of the fleet.”

I was clearly puzzled by Chys’ explanation. “Ye haff made these thin’s possible tae th’ Mai-rheean’s... ye know what th’ probabilities were fer such uses... I dae nae understand th’ rationale Chys... truly I dae nae. Why assist anna wi’ doomsday weaponry, obliteration o’ whole systems, an’ continue tae revisit such thin’s? Security I dae understand... verra well... I haff fought fer mine ‘omeland, an’ continue tae dae jus that... thou’ neffer could I haff pondered th’ thin’s Uly hath told me haff ‘appened in ‘is world. An’ I mean nae disrespect... fer I dae like ye verra much, howeffer, th’ way I dae understand th’ situation, ‘t ist th’ Exotics whom haff been responsible fer these thin’s that haff come tae pass.” ::I glanced up at Ozy, and wondered if I had gone too far in my opinions.

[Alais d Nitesong]

Chys’ laughter was lilting music filling the room. “Ozymandias, have you been hiding the truth from our lovely guest? Alais, hasn't Ulysses explained the roles of Exotic and Maireen? I find it very hard to believe that he hasn't, and I think you understand more of us than you give yourself credit for.”

>I have been...judicious. Lady Alais has known this in my nature from the start.<

“Ah, and Ulysses the strategist--so much like his father. Alais, are there no major events in your homeland's history? Times when the fate of your people was chosen; actions taken which affect you to this day? The Cataclysm is such for us. It will one day be overcome, and that is part of the Odyssey. To achieve that day, to continue on this path, certain things must happen and lead to other occurrences in the string of space-time-probability events. We do teach these things to the Maireens; we share. In return, they use their moral and survival instincts to choose what course our people will follow. We lack those instincts. You like me because you enjoy my mannerisms, expressiveness and intellectual traits--but I was born with these. An Exotic does not have to make choices like you. We do not have to struggle for inner resolution and peace like the Maireens. When a choice is too hard, we do not make it--and in such we make a choice, a choice we are at peace with. You may believe I should feel guilt for actions in my cycle, but I am not capable of guilt--no more than you would be capable of knowing each moment of your remaining cycle before you live it. We do not divine; we know. However, we do not look to events and segments of the future--we perceive the circle--so there are some...surprises. Space-time-probability is a chain from my viewpoint--a circle of circles--each link a separate probability in the loop of space-time. The links are not of equal strength, and there are stresses on each probability to either side--links collapsing and forming of natural accord into other links without notice or knowledge of those affected. This we made known to the Maireens, because our races are bound--because we share. Knowing what they would do with such knowledge could not make us stop sharing. An Exotic cannot make that choice. Stopping our investigations of existence, exploring why we are here, is equally impossible. We walk to the last walk and then others walk in our place; it is our cycle. ::She tilts her head inquisitively once again.:: Can you stop being a sorcerer? Can you look upon the raw nature of Mairee and not feel hunger to know its energies? Surely you have religion, and the object of that faith is what it is, and your people have great difficulty questioning it. An Exotic's cycle is like that religion. We are our own faith--we believe in our lives, our existence. We rely on the Maireens and this wonderful savage planet to inject doubt and hope into our society--else races like the Zolarians would have destroyed this system years ago. We are here; the Maireens are here; we share.” Her laughter came gently. “Alais, we have advised the Maireens for centuries, but never in a thousand years has a single Exotic told a Maireen what to do. It would be ludicrous...for many Exotics it is beyond comprehension--fortunately I am a radical and can conceive the thought. We are not inferior one to the other; we are different. Our aptitudes vary widely between race and individual, and combining that we are strong. It is Ulysses' ancestry and his destiny. He cannot be forced back into service unless the Maireens could somehow be foolish enough to attempt it--and they would fail; and we would advise them they would fail. However, he will command again. He will choose the fate of these worlds--thus how can the Maireen commanders choose to let him live his life? How could we, as the researchers and developers of Harmony, not explore the potentials Ulysses represents?”

Her smile remained pervasive. “Alais, Ulysses has seen his future. He knows. His cycle is one of sorrow and joy, but it satisfies him. He cannot pass his cycle to another, that is why he is now finishing the ritual. Ulysses understands...you know he understands, and accepts. How often does he lapse into bitter complaint over the miseries of his life?” She nodded, smiling, knowing the answer. “His pains are intense, but short. He does not dwell. He fights and survives because he is Maireen; he accepts and lives because he is Exotic. You love him for these strengths, and how they exhibit themselves in his nature. As space-time-probability unfolds to him like the blooming flowers these strengths will grow. And like the Exotic to the Maireen, he will look to you for hope and doubt in his strongest hour. We have great faith in you both, Alais.”

The conversations continued, interspersed with interludes of sorcery. “Ah, I begin to understand your desire to utilize your staff here on Mairee. Ozymandias? Will you help us? A mindlink between yourself and the two of us would be beneficial. I can help Alais with the matrices while you augment her perceptions. I think we can produce spectacular results, though adjourning to the testing facilities would be wise.”

The testing facilities were hardened bunkers at varying levels in the rock on the far side of the island from the living areas of Fortress Graham. Ozymandias and Chys explain the different alloys used in the separate bunkers to damper potential effects from tests on energy devices. The facilities are quite limited compared to Jacynth's, but Ulysses' father primarily experimented with propulsion and Flux transference systems...which should be conducive to your own sorcerous abilities. The computers are also enhanced to interface with Ozymandias' data aquisition capabilities. As he has explained his origins to me, Ulysses' father contributed a great deal of research toward Ozymandias' locomotive abilities. The prototype we created in this continuum was never enhanced to those levels.”

At dinner, prepared by the fortress systems--a banquet of seafood delicacies which Ozymandias heartily enjoys, somewhat new to the concept of eating--Chys turns the topic toward her nestlings. “Ulysses' mother was a...priestess--I think you would call her. She perceived and advised on the health of Harmony society. The influence of external races on the balance of Maireen and Exotic is a primary concern for both races. We have been successful as partners for centuries--and this has contributed toward a structured isolationist policy. She was a voice in favor of exosystem potentials, a source of infinite chagrin to her lifemate. Her openness, her gentleness--her Exoticness.” Her smile brightened. “had a profound effect on the growing Ulysses. Still, there was a rightness in the father as well, an inner strength to reach out and protect. Something in that mix made Ulysses so...strange...to other Maireens. It's part of why he did so well at academy, at piloting and at commanding. He thinks like his mother and chooses like his father.” She chuckled.

Ulysses would say to her, "Mother, why am I different?"
With smiling fascination, "Different in what way, Uly?"
Shrugging, "You know, just different."
Eyes twinkling, "We are all just different, son. You must be different to be Ulysses."
Frowning, "But why do I have to be more different?"
With a soft laugh, "So you can be more Uly, of course."
"Mother!" And the boy would stomp off to think on her words. He has her knack for puns.

Chys did not hunger or thirst or sleep. She was always in motion and smiling.

[Alais d Nitesong]

The days passed quickly in the company of Ozy and Chys. Ozy's knowledge of Mairee being leaned rather heavily upon by myself.

>Ozy? Wouldst 't be possible tae spend th' day walkin? I would like th' opportunity tae see if 't ist possible tae locate th' ley lines near Fortress Graham<

We walked slowly across Graham lands, my senses seeking the equivalent of the ley lines of Nitesong and RhyDin. Here and there, strong undercurrents pull at my senses, though the Maireean energies are vastly different from NItesong's.

Sitting with Chys later that day, I ask her about the specifics of the energies here on Mairee. “Chys, durin' mine walk taeday wi' Ozy, we didst find sefferal undercurrents that seem tae fit th' ley line signatures I am more used tae.... though fer sae much energies as I haff seen loosed 'pon Mai-rhee, I am verra surprised that I was nae able tae locate more than these few currents. Dae nae th' energies o' Mai-rhee travel wi'in ley lines?”

We chatted about the ley lines, darkness began to fall, and without thinking twice, I conjured several globes of Faerie Fyre to brighten the room.

>Alais? The automation of the Fortress would have compensated< Ozy's voice reminded me just as Chys' curious gaze met my own.

>Sorra Ozy... mayhap 't ist simply reflex, an' mayhap 't ist jus' that I dae miss 'ome<

[Alais d Nitesong]

I listened as Chys explained the actions of the Exotics in relation to the Maireeans. Though not necessarily agreeing with all that she said, however developing a better understanding of Exotic thoughts and rationale.

As Chys speaks of Uly's knowledge and acceptance of his future and the reasons for the things that have come to pass we developed a better understanding of one another. “Chys, well dae ye ken Uly doth nae effer complain. Nae in anna o' th' Uly's I haff known. 'e suffers silently.”

I was clearly startled at her comment about having faith in *both* of us. “Prithee Chys, ye dae nae know me yet... 'ow mayst ye haff faith that encompasses m’self?”

As we had begun practicing the linked sorceries, the advanced connections between Ozy and myself once again formed the expanded sensory input I had last felt when I had taken my unexpected trip to the negative plane. Apprehension apparent to Ozy as the first connections were formed.

>Ozy? Dae ye recall annathin' tae 'elp prevent a repeat trip tae somewhere unplanned?< Trepidation was ringing in my thoughts.

The bunkers were fascinating as Chys explained the purposes. “I dae wonder though Chys if I may be capable o' callin' mine energies through these walls.” The simple cantrips we practiced as a trio were a fascinating exercise in new sources of power and control for me. The cantrips did continue to trigger more quickly in the linked sensory state, and the sizes of inanimate objects remained larger than expected.

I Studied Chys a moment. “Haff ye anna theories regardin' this phenomenon?”

At dinner later, I was amused by Ozy's ravenous appetite for the seafood. As Chys related some of Uly's family life, a sudden weariness creeps over me. Struggling to remain awake, the last words I remember are Chys' comment on Uly's knack for puns.

Uncertain how I arrived in the room I have taken in Fortress Graham during Uly's absence, the early grey dawn found me ensconced in the pallet I do not recall seeking... along with a horrid wave of nausea. Trying to keep my body from rebelling, forcing a calm, wondering if the seafood had been too rich and disagreed with me. Sickness was not a familiar condition for sorcerers. As the wave relents a bit under the concerted efforts, I seek out Ozy's consciousness.

>Ozy? 'ow dae ye feel this morn? an' prithee.... 'ow didst I come tae be in mine room last eve?<

Slowly sitting upright, orienting myself to the room before getting up to start the day. Focusing on the studies with Chys and Ozy, breakfast holding no appeal, I headed toward the bunkers where practice time had been arranged earlier.

[Alais d Nitesong]

Chys’ smile was briefly enigmatic. “Alais, Uly has undergone the Unbinding. All that was as he perceived himself and perceived others to perceive himself is now among the Exotics. I assure you, I know all that I need to have faith in you. My cycle draws short and the questions remain many. His sight extends farther than any others save my own, but sight is not enough. He is old for an Exotic, and yet relatively young for a man. Even for having the reliving of thirteen years one-hundred thirty-five times at his disposal, he has lived not one whit beyond the thirtieth year. He must learn and believe truths not of thought, but of life. You are both young in spirit, and you will learn so many of them together.”

Ozymandias was particularly silent during the experiments. His periods of preoccupation growing in length.

>Pardon? I'm sorry, can you retransmit? I was thinking.< became his increasingly frequent response.

>During our experiments I will monitor for the signatures observed in my prior data. These facilities enhance my predictive time by several milliseconds--more than enough safety margin to activate the dampeners. It may even be beneficial to purposefully repeat the phenomena to allow the baffles to collect the precise frequencies and amplitudes for detailed analysis. In any case, the instrumentation here will be of great benefit to our maintaining control.<

Chys' laugh was merry. “Control may be your very problem. You might try succumbing to the will of the energies. Follow the compulsion to change with the flow--see what happens. Ozymandias' senses can open doors to you if you let them. By trying to control what you see, perhaps you are missing something--perhaps the matrices are trying to tell you something.” She shrugged and smiled. “I am not a sorceress.”

>I am fine, Lady Alais. The automatonic system brought you first to the infirmary. After satisfying my concern for your health, I had you transported here--for the sake of comfort. You seem to be experiencing a hormonal imbalance, though I find no dysfunction internally. This could be attributed to our experiments with the Harmony matrix. We could do a complete scan of all hormone regulating and producing elements of your body, but it would be a bit extreme, I think, for an upset digestive system--which is why I did not pursue it last night.” He assumed a curious posture. “Chysandra seems to have disregarded the whole episode, which also seems extreme. Her advice was to simply put you to bed--curious behavior from a scientist.<

After returning to the Fortress from the walk, finding Chys in the testing facilities. “Mairee and Chultys have a stronger binding to the Harmony star. You will not frequent channels near the Maireen surface save the vertices intermittently extending across Harmony space to the sun and sister planet. This system matrix has been of great assistance in our development of interstellar travel...and warfare. All systems have some interaction between celestial bodies, but we have yet to find another approaching the level of Harmony. Thus came the theory that Harmony is a manufactured system, rather than a naturally cosmological one. The degree of balance between Mairee's unfettered power and Chultys' reserved constraint is difficult to credit to celestial evolution. Yet, stranger things do happen in the infiniverse.” Her smile was a veritable glow and her body language is excited as she speaks on a subject she obviously loves.

Later I conjured the soothing glow and spoke of home.

“You'll return to Rhydin and Nitesong soon enough, my dear. I must return to Jacynth as well. Ulysses has need of my skills before I rest.” Her laughter was easy and reassuring--though the word rest seems to carry connotation far deeper than mere sleep, and it has become almost impossible to imagine her ever sleeping.

[Alais d Nitesong]

Chys' smile takes on a strange...sympathy? “Alais, this is one of those questions I would rather not answer, but perhaps it is better you begin to understand from me than from Ulysses. I choose not to tell you how long he will live, but I will say there are no natural causes which can take him from this world--even with the genetic alteration he patterned after your DNA. However, you already understand and must never forget that part of his very being is to continue changing. Within a standard year his matrix--matter and energy--will be vastly different from what it is now, but take comfort that he will remain your Ulysses--possibly forever. I cannot pretend to fully understand the paths he now walks; we are trying--he is sharing. Harmony's leaders are even now petitioning him to assume command of all our resources. As usual, Ulysses and the plan itself are well beyond our most idealistic estimates.” Her eyes twinkle with...expectation?

Ozy sounded almost offended. >Lady Alais, a millisecond to me is...well, it's like an hour to you. I am not currently dedicating processing time to conversation--allowing this minor function to operate in a background thread to my current primary tasks. I assure you, when we are experimenting--all data will receive a priority thread. You, Ulysses, Chys and I all want this data for various reasons. My current preoccupation is due to conjectural analysis of the feasibility of moving a celestial body through a Flux rift. The modeling is highly complex and I am spending a great deal of my resources crossloading with the AI systems on Jacynth.<

Chys' smile is gentle and bright. “Have you always pursued order so persistently, Alais? Ulysses must take you to Chultys before the year is out--let you walk. Help you let go of life's driving needs and just be. Ozymandias will place Jacynth on a lengthy bit of the project and devote himself exclusively to our needs. My own attunement to the Harmony matrix should keep us out of trouble, but I am very curious to see what Mairee is trying to manifest through you.” She chuckled.” As for riding, the Maireen way was always to use the knees--leaving the hands free for other tasks when riding a cooperative mount. Whether Harmony will cooperate or not remains to be seen. Exotics do not ride, so I can only understand your analogy vicariously.”

The imaged shift to the moment of revelation.

Ozymandias' reaction is less than startled. >Considering your level of sexual activity, there is a reasonable probability you have conceived. The level of scans performed would not have detected gestation this early unless specifically calibrated to do so. I would be happy to arrange for such if you wish. Having many nestlings herself, this would certainly account for Chys' behavior.<

As you resolve to control the onslaught of sickness in the morning hours, Chysandra slips quietly into the chamber. “You are doing the right thing, dear, just keep breathing. Calm yourself and the nausea will slip away.” Her hands are gentle upon you, with a surety born of knowing you through Uly and a mastery of life's matrices. “This is our last day together, for I have great works ahead of me in the coming months. I would rather remain here, comforting and speaking to you, than continue experimenting. You and Ozymandias can pursue such things later. For now, there are words of great import I would pass to you, if you will accept them--for as my namesake, I am doomed to know the future and not be believed.”

[Alais d Nitesong]

The Foreign Quarter faded.

Chys graciously accepted the offer of tea, and endeavored to imbibe a small portion. “I'm sorry, dear, but as we near the end of our cycle our consumption rates drop dramatically.” The ever-present smile was bright. “With my current metabolic rate, things just go right through me.” She giggled.

Her smile widens, the gaze clearly appraising. “I will speak to you of the Myth, Alais. I do this, because I have faith that you do believe. Though you were near to giving up on much you hold dear, the life you have with Ulysses is strong--and the child your body has chosen to bear will be strong as well.” She laughed softly. “So seldom does the body obey the mind. Because the child will inherit so much from mother and father, I give to you something of our heritage. True, there are volumes discussing these matters, and Ulysses is a living embodiment of what we are--but I want you to have this from me.” Her hand was gentle over mine.

“Some do not believe the Myth of Harmony. Though the evidence of creation abounds, they are blind. One of the manifestations of creation came to this place long ago. Where there was nothing, there became a warm yellow star. From the star sprang two worlds--halves of the whole. On this star and these worlds sprang the matrix, manifesting the two sides one to each world. From the matrix came the lifeforms--including the two races, halves of the whole. In the lifeforms this Creator invested itself, setting their course of discovery with the desire to understand itself. Since our beginning, the essence of that Creator has pulsed through the matrix of Harmony--with the natural yearn to be whole again.” Without pause she continued. “Minerva and Mentes knew this well, as do I, for we are from lines leading back to the beginning, when that Creator divested itself of oneness into us. They are the names of Ulysses' parents, my nestling and her lifemate, and I will not speak them again.”

I wondered at the destruction wrought by the Cataclysm and Ulysses the Starkiller. I cringed, rightfully so, at the thought of the Vortex. I delighted in the purity of the Flux. But I knew, these things had a purpose. “All things have purpose, and we are not always privileged to understand these things within our cycle. The Odyssey Project culminates our purpose. The Creator will be remanifested from us--to draw on what has been learned from this dichotomous state. Do you not wonder that Maireen and Exotic could co-exist? For me, it answers the question that people so different can live in Harmony. We are saddened that so many systems are now devoid, but this was meant to be--Ulysses' targets were drawn to us and selected for the latent energy matrices within them. They are part of that Creator whose final manifestation was Harmony.” She spoke quickly, in the perpetual motion I accepted as her manner.

“The Maireens, the Exotics, the Harmony stars, the starkilled systems and the Ulysses across space-time-probability are about to change. The cycle is nearly ended. The ancient Ritual of Unbinding prepared the final arc of the circle. The Flux and Vortex will pour their energies into oneness--and the Creator will emerge. Jacynth must remain, for it was formed and placed from matter outside of Harmony and the targeted systems--a gift from a benevolent race in our star-seeking infancy. The Creator, Ulysses, you've seen glimpses of that which is within him--how he and the one of the Vortex bind and connect us all. It has reached out to touch a handful--you, Celebriel, the Death Knight--these things were meant to be. The overlays, Ozymandias' transformation--and yes, Ozy shall remain, for he is of xenogenesis as well--Ulysses' development, all have been stepping stones to the Ascension of Harmony. We are living our myth.”

“But the child” her smile emanated pure love, “is part-born of Harmony. The Creator's essence is within it, and I have known it since your first night on the sands of this island. It has chosen to once more invest--for when all is joined in Ulysses, the new one shall remain to investigate the mysteries of life.” Her hand gently squeezed mine. “Teach the child well, Alais, I know you will. We never hoped to leave a legacy in this realm. All the philosopher Exotics and leader Maireens have believed the Ascension of Harmony was our end in this space-time-probability--that Ulysses would depart back to wherever it came from with whatever it had learned--but now, I am so happy.” A tear crossed her golden skin. “I and my nestlings live on in you, love. You carry the extension of my race, my cycle. I will be with you always. And Ulysses will remain at your side, to nurture the new one until your cycle's end--then He will be with you always” her fingers lightly touched against my temple and then over my heart and then upon the starfyre brand. “and the child will be strong...doubly chosen by the legacy of mother and father.”

[Alais d Nitesong]

The image fades, to a watch fire burning. With prayer Journal in hand . . . a lady prays . . .for the journey, she does not fully understand. . . for courage, she does not possess. . for Kestri, her brother's wife, for the child, she tries not to think of because if it is true that she had been in the hands of a demoness these many weeks . . . Pomona would not let herself linger on that thought . . .

The flames reached up over and over again with frustrated golden arms reflected in the tears quivering just at the edge of her eyes. Ridges move along her stubborn jaw.

"I will not cry for that which I do not know. . . ." The anger in her voice is focused at herself. This is no time for weakness expressed in insipid tears!

The low chanting song begins . . . at first quietly, through choke of tear s. . . .

"High and lifted up Ever Present. . .
Instrument of Peace and Power . . .
See your servant, your appointed comforter . . .
Make her worthy in a journey she does not understand. . .

See the watch fire . . .
See and reach down your mightily right hand among us . . .
We join in comfort's song
We agree with you, in prayer . . .

High and lifted up Perfect Judge of All Things
Instrument of Eternal Joy
See mine brother . . .Athlstan, your servant . . .
Make him worthy of that which you have for him this evening . . .

See the watch fire . . .
May it bring you comfort . . .
Come and stand among us . . .
We join in comfort's song . . .
We agree with you in prayer . . .

High and lifted up He Who Comes Face to Face With Us
Instrument of Friendship . . . .
See your humble servant . . ."

Her prayers continue . . . .

. . . The sun tries to throw her shadow forward, but the flames' light won't let it. It sets in the West as the watch fire burns down. She stands, still facing the spent coals . . she is quiet.

Athlstan appears near her. “Are you ready?” He asks her.

"Aye," she answers her brother.

[Alais d Nitesong]

I gave a soft smile to Chys. “Pray forgiff mine lack o' understandin' yer needs at this time, thou' I haff need o' th' 'erbs in th' tea tae keep mine stomach settled these past sefferal days, an' I dae trust ye'll nae mind if I dae continue tae sip th' tea whilst we talk?”

I listened as Chys talks about the Myth, somewhat surprised when she spoke the names of those gone before.

“Chys? What shall become o' Mai-rhee an' Chultys once th' cycle ist complete? Ye say Jacynth shall remain....... dae ye mean Mai-rhee an' Chultys shall nae longer remain?”

Sadness crossed my face listening to Chys as she spoke of living on thru the child so recently conceived. “Chys--ye seem sae certes that Uly shall stay, effen after th' Ascention.... an' that our child shall be special beyond Uly an' I... an' yet, 'ow dae I teach 'boot what shall soon be lost.... if I dae interpret correctly what ye haff been sayin' tae me?”

I was intently studying the Exotic before me, trying to understand what this completion of the arc forebodes.

“Chys, ye commented earlier that ye 'ad questions fer me.... prithee, dae ye inquire them o' me b'fore ye must needs depart fer Chultys? I shall miss yer company.... an' effen more I dae suspect whence I dae return 'ome.”

[Alais d Nitesong]

Chys was gone, Uly returned, and I fell asleep safe within Uly’s arms, the thought of the nitemares of the previous nites dwindled into insignificance... the sanctuary of his presence was reassuring.

During the night the dream begins again.... a slowly encroaching crimson fog.... encircling... growing... blotting out all around me.... the light, diffuse and hidden casts a ghastly crimson glow within the fog... speech eludes me... I cannot cry out.... my staff fails to respond... without the uttered words.... it is useless.

Daemonbane's voice calls through the fog... it speaks of death, dying, blood, and souls.... and yet the voice is not simply Daemonbane's... there is another voice speaking in concert.... a voice full of rage..... and yet... so like Uly's voice... cold fear snakes thru me, and still there is no escape from the fog and the voices.

Then, there is silence... more horrible than the voices of Uly and Daemonbane... the fog clears... and I am standing near a crumbling well... in the middle of a muddied space... with the bodies of scores of dead all around.... some bearing the marks of death by blade... others bearing marks of death by fiery explosion. There... behind the well..... in the midst of the ghastly crimson of blood and the browns of the mud stands a single, perfect rose bush.... in vibrant green.... and a single crimson rose.... the petals absolutely perfect.... and still I am alone in the middle of the carnage of lost souls forceably wrenched from life ......

A scream finally escaped my lips as the grey of dawn lightens the skies above I' Taurn.... my heart pounding, perspiration drenching my skin, as the realization that again the dream was present... again.... unchanged.

[Alais d Nitesong]

It was late on the evening of the winter solstice when the cleric Athlstan found Pomona sitting by her watchfire. Although he bore none of the items he had so carefully chosen for the journey to Redwin, he stooped and spoke urgently of the need to leave immediately.

"Sister-mine... the journey is upon us. We must leave at once. Are ye ready?"

Her reply was short..

"Aye."

"Our destination has changed. We go but the short way to the dojo of Xenograg. He has found glimmer of Kestri... and bids us come swiftly that we might recover her. For such travel as he has in mind, I know not what provision needs be made."

Quickly she set about the business of extinguishing the fire and gathering her belongings. Her eyes betrayed the misgivings she felt at the sudden change.

Athlstan gave a quick grim grin. "I heard thy prayers as I approached... I am grateful for thy skills... they may be sorely needed."

After scattering the remains of the fire's ashes, the two set off through the night.

Outside House Darelir, they were checked briefly but thoroughly by the watchful guard and then admitted into the dojo of Xenograg.