Remembrance Page 20

  Raiden nodded as Jexxa stepped aside allowing another Zanareen girl to walk past her. Gwelle watched as Jefferson beamed at the younger girl who led him away without a glance backwards. Whether he recognized her, or his childlike mind trusted any of the Zanareen after the years they’d cared for him, she wasn’t sure. Raiden tore his eyes away from Jefferson’s back and turned to where the princess waited.

  They followed her onto the small porch-like structure that surrounded the domed pod. She reached to take their hands, one in each of hers. She didn’t speak, only her raised brow and a hint of a smile asked permission for what she was about to do. Following Jexxa’s lead, neither spoke nor asked questions as they placed a hand in hers. The same dizzy, floating sensation overtook Gwelle as they moved through the air faster than she could see. But they weren’t returning to the ground. Instead, she carried them in the weightless limbo through the treetops, until they reached a central pod. It was squatter, rounder than the rest, possibly a meeting place. The forest spun as Jexxa released them on the platform that surrounded the new pod they now stood outside. Raiden reached for her as she stumbled forward a step. The fog took longer to clear away this time, but Jexxa stood waiting until both her visitors looked up with a clear head.

  “My council have questions about why I brought you here. I told them you must return.” Jexxa paused a moment as if trying to think of the word she wished to say. “But maybe you can be of use to both our peoples. A bridge.” Gwelle understood, and so did Raiden.

  “We will try to appease your council. But we must hurry. We do not know what is happening to our family, our friends, back in the settlement,” Raiden said, and stood tall and proud in the light of Varax’s twin moons. For all they’d been through in such a short amount of time, Raiden looked every bit the confident protector at that moment. Warmth rushed over her washing away the jumble of nerves forming knots inside her as Jexxa motioned them forward.

  It took a minute for Gwelle’s eyes to adjust to the dim interior of the large room. Simple wooden benches sat in a semi-circle facing a large chair at the far side of the room. The lights, or non-existent lights, were dimmed to about half of what they were in the other pod casting eerie shadows around the room. But despite pushing away her growing reservations, her palms grew warm at the sight of so many of the native peoples filling the benches. Their pale blue eyes followed Raiden and Gwelle as they walked behind Jexxa to the front of the room. The Zanareen princess turned when she reached the large chair, and she waved a slender, pale arm towards one side as she faced her council.

  Gwelle gulped, her breath sticking in her throat as she looked out over the dozen or so pale, shimmering faces. Each Zanareen present looked no older than Jexxa. Their pale, smooth faces stared at the newcomers as Jexxa lowered herself into the tall-backed seat. Raiden was at her side, closer than he’d been only seconds before. His tall form, his strength, steadied her nerves.

  “You called us here at this late hour, Baeraz. What is so important it cannot wait?” Jexxa’s firm voice startled Gwelle from her thoughts. She watched as a tall, male stood from the bench directly across from the alien princess. He was at least a head taller than Raiden, who was one of the tallest men in the settlement. The Zanareen man’s slim, willowy figure was deceiving. As he raised a hand to his brow in an obvious sign of respect, muscles rippled along his silvery, pale skin. He began to speak, slow and deep, words she neither understood nor had ever heard anything more beautiful before. It was like music but spoken.

  “We have guests. In their language please,” Jexxa interrupted, breaking the spell Baeraz’s words wove over her. Gwelle’s head spun as he began to speak again. How had these beings so far from their home world known their universal language? There were many dialects and accents among the survivors, but one main language used daily to bind them together.

  “We stood by while you allowed the surface dwellers to encroach on our sacred lands. We’ve understood when you showed mercy to their lost exploration party. We’ve waited patiently while you’ve observed them. But now you’re bringing the outsiders here. We overlooked the first instance, but we will not continue to be so gracious with our lives. With our planet!” Jexxa rose while Baeraz spoke, her eyes narrowed, and shoulders squared, but she didn’t interrupt until he paused in his rant.

  “Our people were chosen as protectors of this planet. Varax chose the Zanareens to oversee the future of this entire system. My family was chosen to carry out those wishes as rulers and have faithfully done so for generations. Do you trust so little in Varax’s choice? In my wisdom which has led us and been passed down from my ancestors?” Jexxa’s words rang clear across the small space.

  Had she heard Baeraz correctly? Jexxa had been ruler when they’d taken in her father and Jefferson? Gwelle’s eyes slid to the graceful princess. Her features, while firm with an inner strength, were still serene, even friendly just as she had always appeared at Nova-Zera. But behind those piercing blue eyes hid an aged wisdom her youthful appearance did not betray. The room tilted slightly as she pulled her eyes back to the gathered Zanareens.

  “I do not dispute your ability to rule or guide us, but demand to know why you’ve chosen to treat these outsiders as favored pets rather than the encroachers they are.” A low grumble echoed around the room, whether in favor of Baeraz’s words or against them, she couldn’t tell. Most of the whispered words which reached her and Raiden’s ears were in the strange tongue of their host despite Jexxa’s request earlier. Raiden stiffened at her side at the man’s harsh reply, but true to his training he remained in position not losing the tenuous hold on his anger.

  “While crass, I believe Baeraz has legitimate concerns, Your Highness,” a graceful woman said softly as she rose not far from where Gwelle stood. Her long silver hair and pale features favored the other Zanareens she’d seen here in the Eather plane with one slight difference. Fine lines near her eyes gave away the fact she was older than the others, not that you could tell if you weren’t looking closely. The only form of acknowledgment from Jexxa was the slight rise of one pale brow, but it was all that was needed for the new speaker to continue.

  “We wish no ill to any of the outsiders, but we must look to Varax and the damage being done. We cannot ignore the mining, stripping Varax’s resources for their own benefit and comfort, and the introduction of harmful new species of plants into Varax’s balanced habitat. What have they to say for these transgressions?” The woman glanced from Jexxa to where Gwelle stood, shoulders straight and stiff before looking away sheepishly. Her words did not hold the sting Baeraz’s had but Gwelle couldn’t help feeling the derision hidden beneath the calm tone they were spoken in.

  “Gwelle Airda, do you wish to rebut the allegations Eldress Sarenn brought against your settlement?”

  Gwelle’s head whipped in Jexxa’s direction. The princess looked the epitome of composure despite facing the harsh words from her elders. And she was completely serious. Gwelle had never been good in front of crowds, not that the couple dozen or so Zanareens classified as a crowd. A chill wound inside her, her breathing growing shallower until she felt Raiden’s warm hand in hers, grounding her. Wisps of fear retreated as peace returned. She cleared her throat, a deep breath filling her lungs as she turned to the solemn faces before her.

  “I know very little about your people, about your history, and heritage. But I do know your love for Varax. My people are survivors. We survived space, survived a journey none expected or asked to make, and survived settling a new world,” Gwelle paused a moment when each face before her seemed to frown even deeper. Jexxa nodded for her to continue.

  “My home world, Earth, was destroyed by war, pollution, and misuse. It was destroyed beyond habitation until the planet itself ceased to be and a group of brave dreamers looked to the stars for salvation. None of the inhabitants of Nova-Zera were born at the time our ancestors left Earth to find a new home. None of my people here on Varax were responsible for the destruction and devastation of
Earth, but we were taught about it from the time we were born. We were taught about it not because of pride for our past, but so we would not repeat history wherever in this universe we may end up eventually calling home. We were taught so we would remember.” A hushed silence followed Gwelle’s words as she turned to face the older Zanareen woman who’d originally asked the questions. Where the strength to answer came from, she didn’t know but she held her head high as she spoke directly to the eldress.

  “We cleared enough land for Nova-Zera and our farmlands, but samples and saplings of each and every plant and tree were preserved and transplanted before one building was built. Each tree that was felled was used in the settlement; nothing was wasted. We have been experimenting with transplanting species from our home world but only after extensive studies inside the hydroponics lab which ensures they will cause no lasting harm on Varax’s ecosystem. And we harness the energy to power our settlement and technology from Varax’s sun and wind, not strip mining. We love this new world and intended to watch over it for future generations unlike our ancestors.”

  Raiden squeezed her hand as she finished speaking. Her voice hadn’t quivered once in all the time she spoke but now the words were out, her insides trembled wondering if she’d made sense enough to calm the Zanareen’s fears. After all, she was just a girl. Barely seventeen, not one the adults who’d been trained to lead her people. Sarenn inclined her head in what she’d come to know as a respectful gesture among the Zanareens before sitting without further word. They were a very direct people wasting no words on frivolities. She counted the gesture a victory until she noticed Baeraz’s arms crossed over his chest and the frown still on his pale face.

  She answered a few more random questions from some of the elders who were all softer spoken than the previous two. With each answer she gave, it became easier to speak in front of the group. Whether the Zanareens were satisfied with her answers or not, she wasn’t sure. Their impassive expressions never changed, but they didn’t seem upset anymore. At least most of them except the tall man still standing across from Jexxa.

  “And we are to take the word of a child? Who is she that we should listen to her on something this important?” Baeraz’s words bit into her heart wiping away the small amount of confidence she’d just gained. Raiden let out a low rumble, anger radiating off him. It was her turn to anchor the man she loved, gripping his hand when he tried taking a step forward. Jexxa was the one who ended up stepping in front of her guests. Gwelle watched as she looked the irritated Zanareen in the eye.

  “She is Gwelle Airda, daughter of the late Niell Airda. She is our guest, but more than that, she is the first chosen as protector from among her people.”

  “Chosen?” Gwelle whispered, confusion clouded her mind like a fog as she shook off the effects of the Eather plane to focus on the princess’ words. Jexxa turned towards her with a broad smile, but it was Baeraz she watched. His solemn features turned to shock before he could hide them.

  “How?” he demanded.

  “The way we were all chosen, Baeraz. She was chosen by Varax itself.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Acceptance

  Gwelle couldn’t believe Jexxa’s words. Beside her, Raiden’s sharp intake of air let her know he was just as shocked, but neither said a word as Jexxa and Baeraz stared at each other. Hours ticked by, or maybe mere seconds, she wasn’t sure, as a reverenced hush fell over the entire assembly. Even Baeraz’s look of derision was replaced by a begrudging awe which puzzled her.

  Every grain and pore of the cream walls stood out with a clarity she’d never experienced. She heard the voices, Jexxa’s, Baeraz’s, the other woman’s - what was her name? Oh, yes. Sarenn. Even Raiden’s deep timbre filled her ears, so close she could reach out and touch them, but still so far. Her vision wavered, the walls closing in on her, until she saw nothing but the porous material they were made from. A ringing in her ears grew until she was alone.

  She was alone with the voices, but by herself. Her eyes fluttered, blinking away the flurry of color swirling around her faster now. When had it happened? Why? Why her? The questions swirled inside her just as fast as the confusion.

  “...shock.”

  “It will... acceptance.” Pieces of the conversation around her flitted past the fog in her brain but nothing made sense. Like a tide rolling out, the fog receded, slow and steady leaving thin tendrils curling at the edge of her conscientiousness.

  “She needs time.” Jexxa’s calm serene voice floated through the sea of doubts.

  “What did you do?” Raiden was upset. Concern dripped from each word he spoke. Blinking, the room cleared as Gwelle found herself seated on one of the now empty benches. Only Jexxa, Raiden, Sarenn, and Baeraz stood near her. When had everyone else left? When had she sat down? That’s when she noticed Jexxa’s hand stilled on her shoulder. The princess’ fingers were firm but gentle. Moving her hand, the pale girl stepped away, a cool wake caressing Gwelle’s skin where her fingers had been.

  “She’ll be able to focus now,” Jexxa replied, glancing to where Raiden knelt in front of her.

  “What happened?” Gwelle asked, afraid to look around too fast should the dizziness return.

  “The calling,” Baeraz mumbled.

  “What’s that even mean? Can someone please explain what’s happening?” Raiden’s calm exterior from earlier was gone. Worry radiated from his green eyes. Gwelle looked between the four faces watching her, each showing some form of concern. Jexxa’s eyes softened, the princess watching her with what appeared to be more pride than any of the others.

  “Varax is more than a planet. Some might say it is sentient, knowing. Every plant, tree, beast… person who lives here becomes, in some way, part of it. This was also one of the reasons your people were denied the right to settle here. After all these millennia, we weren’t sure how it would affect Varax to introduce new lifeforms. It wasn’t because we wished evil on your people.” Gwelle nodded at the girl’s words, remaining mute, but understanding. She wondered whether her people would have done the same.

  “Now we know the answer,” Sarenn spoke up, from one side of the princess.

  “And what is that?” Gwelle was almost afraid to ask but something drove the words from her mouth.

  “Varax has accepted your people, because it has accepted you,” Baeraz replied before Jexxa could, his deep voice grumbling with what sounded like disappointment.

  “Varax has placed what is known among the Zanareen as the calling upon you. Among our people, select individuals receive this gift during their youth enabling them to convene directly with the planet’s wishes. They are those who see.”

  “See?” Raiden asked, now sitting beside Gwelle holding a steady arm around her should she sway from the dizzying pressure of the Eather plane again.

  “Yes, see. See things the others can’t. They see more with their mind than eyes, much like being able to see the planet’s thoughts. Gwelle is in the first stages of adjusting to Varax’s tug on her consciousness. I believe that’s why she was able to see our cloaking on the surface. In time, she would be able to see completely through it, nothing being able to hide from her sight.”

  “And this… sight… is it all that will change?” Gwelle asked, each word slipping off her tongue like she was testing a new language, not sure if she were saying things correctly and sounding strange to her own ears.

  “No, other things will set you apart as well, but nothing you should fear. Being gifted the sight from Varax is a great honor and holds you in esteem among my people.”

  “Will she… change?” Raiden asked, but hurried to explain himself when Jexxa’s brows dipped. “You know, will she, be able to do things like you do… here?”

  “Oh. No. The Zanareens’ abilities to blend with our surroundings, exist inside the Eather plane, do not come from the sight, but are the way our people have lived since the beginning of our existence. Gwelle will remain much as she is on the outside. But the whispers of Varax in
side her will allow her to gain insights others of your kind will not have. She will know things others couldn’t know. I believe your kind call it instinct. But it will be more than simple instinct. It will be her gift.” Jexxa tried explaining in simple terms, but a heat rose inside Gwelle as she thought about how even now she’d be different than everyone around her.

  “But I didn’t ask for this. I don’t want to hear whispers of things which aren’t there, see things which aren’t there. Among my people that will get you set apart and not in a good way.” Gwelle rose as the harsh words left her lips. She knew she sounded like a spoiled, ungrateful child, but she couldn’t help the turmoil swirling inside. Instead of grimacing at her as he had through the meeting, Baeraz smiled.

  “I see why she was chosen now. It takes a strong individual to balance this life and the desires of Varax. The two can sometimes conflict. You must choose wisely, ask questions, and always seek council from those around you,” Baeraz spoke softer than he had before.

  “You were always jealous the gift chose me, brother,” Sarenn spoke up from beside the man who now looked friendly, even a small grin tugged at his lips.

  “I was. But not now. I know sight or no sight, we each serve Varax in our own way.”

  “Let me introduce my family,” Jexxa interrupted, smiling between the two Zanareens and their guests. “Raiden, Gwelle, this is Baeraz and Sarenn, my uncle and aunt. Youngest siblings of my mother, late princess of Zanareen.”