Between ascension, p.30
Between Ascension, page 30
part #9 of Levels of Ascension Series
“Let’s go back to our guests and see what we can do about getting their matters handled.” Nena did not like the idea of Petre being in her house. The sooner she had him gone, the easier she could rest.
Daven nodded his agreement and covered his samara again. As soon as he had it stowed and protected, he canceled the ward over the entrance to the room and they walked back to the great room. Daven noted neither one of the sleepers had moved at all and motioned again for the ward to release them from sleep.
Tirsha was the first to open her eyes. Her head was facing Petre, so she reached out to touch his hand so close to her own. “Petre, wake up. We need to figure out a way to see Corva.”
At Tirsha’s touch, Petre’s eyes popped open, and he turned his hand over to clasp Tirsha’s gently. It was nice to be awoken in such a manner; Petre would like to see if he could make it a permanent arrangement. He cleared his throat and sat up a little straighter. He nodded at Tirsha and looked over to Elder Daven and Nena standing nearby. “I’m sorry I fell asleep.”
“It’s no bother, you both needed it. Now, Tirsha, I have news about your daughter. Are you feeling up to traveling?”
Tirsha nodded enthusiastically, even as she feared the telepod ride to get home. She was willing to risk teleportation if it meant she could have her daughter back. Scooting forward in the chair, Tirsha noted how weak her legs felt even before she tried to stand. She was appreciative of Petre’s assistance in helping her stand and felt even more comfortable when Petre put his arm around her middle to steady her as she walked.
It was slow progress back to the telepod on the landing field. Tirsha asked, “What did you hear from Barla?”
“She has spoken with Captain Ahn as well as Corva. They are expecting us at the landing field in the Port of Cresdon.”
“Good. I wish I could be more presentable,” Tirsha said as she looked down at her soiled dress and dirty hands. She was certain her face looked worse since she had been crying and she could only imagine how her hair must look.
Nena, who had been walking with them, took pity on the woman and used a small amount of elemy to clean the woman’s exposed skin as well as the fabric of her clothing. “I took the liberty of fixing you up a bit,” she said warmly.
Tirsha’s brow furrowed as she tried to understand what Nena was saying.
“Look at your hands and dress and you’ll see what I mean,” Nena hastily offered.
Doing as she was bid, Tirsha’s eyes widened with relief that Nena had been thoughtful enough to make her look tidier. With a heartfelt smile of appreciation, Tirsha gushed, “Thank you so much. You are so kind.”
“Think nothing of it. Safe travels.” Nena stayed behind as the three others boarded the telepod. She stepped back as the door lifted and closed soundlessly. Thinking it prudent, Nena began walking back to the terrace as she felt the crystal drive activate behind her. She turned and waved just as the telepod blinked away.
Daven expertly landed the craft at the Port of Cresdon and powered down the craft. Immediately upon opening the door, he could see both Barla and Ahn waiting a fair distance away. They had not brought Corva, which was probably a good thing since Daven had not mentioned Petre’s involvement.
Captain Ahn’s expression darkened as he noticed Petre disembarking from the craft ahead of the other two occupants. He remained where he was only because of Barla’s restraining hand on his arm. “I can’t believe he has the nerve to show up here,” Ahn growled to Barla.
“I’m sure Elder Daven has a good reason. Please hold your tongue until we find out the meaning of all of this,” Barla hurriedly replied as she watched the three people walk closer. She smiled at Elder Daven and noticed he had a new spring in his step.
“Thank you for meeting us out here,” Daven said to Ahn and Barla when he got close enough for easy conversation. “I’m sure you already know Petre, and this is Tirsha.” He waited for Captain Ahn to explode with anger, yet was pleasantly surprised when Ahn appeared to be in control of himself. This was already going better than he expected.
Ahn barely acknowledged Petre with a minuscule nod of his head while he turned his full attention to this woman who claimed to be Corva’s mother. It made more sense now that he knew Petre was involved and he wished he had known about him before they had said anything to Corva. Petre had found a way to dispose of the only person who could identify him as the one who had been lurking around their neighborhood, spying on Vinia.
“May I speak with you a moment in private, Daven?” Ahn asked tersely.
“Certainly.” Daven expected as much and gestured for them to head away from the group.
Ahn did not want to go too far since he wanted to keep his eye on Petre to make sure he did not try to pull any stunts. “Daven, what’s the meaning of this? You can’t possibly believe anything Petre has told you. Do you realize he was identified by Corva as the man spying on our house while Vinia was staying with us? He has obviously come up with this scheme to get information out of us on her whereabouts.”
Daven nodded his understanding of Ahn’s statements. “I can see why you would believe such a thing, however, after you hear what has happened, you might change your mind. Also, to put you at ease, Petre allowed me free access to his mind, and I find he has changed more than any of us could imagine. Please humor me in this matter; I believe both of them.”
Ahn shook his head in wonder. If any other man had given him this explanation, he would have told him he was crazy. He knew and respected Elder Daven and recognized him to be a competent and trustworthy person. Finally, he nodded his agreement, and the two of them returned to the group and began the short journey to the Harbor Master’s house.
They entered the house and sat down in the formal sitting room near the front door. Corva had yet to make an appearance and Barla asked, “Can I get anyone anything to eat or drink?”
“We’re fine, Barla. Please sit down,” Daven directed as he remained standing to share the story with them. Using his considerable power, he called Corva to them and waited for her to make an appearance before he began.
Corva came down the stairs, looking slightly confused until she saw all of the people downstairs waiting for her. She held her hands clasped behind her back and looked down at her toes, uncomfortable with the situation. She no longer remembered anything about either of her birth parents, and she loved Captain Ahn and Barla as if they were her parents.
With a quick glance at the newcomers, she recognized Petre very well. She recalled he was the man who had been watching their house. She hazarded a glance over at Ahn to see how he was reacting to having the man he detested in their home. The expression on his face also left her puzzled because he was only looking mildly irritated and not irate. Corva stepped further into the room, stopping directly behind Barla’s place on the loveseat.
Tirsha could not help but stare at the young woman who could only be her daughter. She seemed so tall and poised. It tore at her heart that she had missed out on so much in such a short period of time. More than anything, Tirsha wanted to hear Corva speak to see if she still had the same voice she recalled.
Daven had his group assembled, and he proceeded to share with them all the events of the afternoon. As each detail unfolded, the listeners shifted between interest and uncomfortable. He could see that Corva was concerned for Tirsha’s welfare at the discovery of her being found near death.
Petre especially did not like how his role in the matter sounded and wished it could have been told in a more favorable light. However, Elder Daven only spoke the facts of the matter, so he had no way to refute any of his statements. With the mention of the samara, Petre only felt a slight twinge of loss over it. Looking over at Tirsha, he believed he had found a greater prize if he could only overcome his former reputation with women.
When Daven finished speaking, Barla was the first to ask, “So you have your own samara?”
“I do. Petre gave it to me and told me it was mine.”
Captain Ahn glanced suspiciously over at Petre to see what kind of angle he was working to give up something so powerful without asking for anything in return. “What’s in this for you, Petre?” he asked rudely.
“Nothing,” Petre answered swiftly. “I almost died thinking I could control his samara. When he came near and rescued us both from between the dimensions, I knew it belonged to him. I gladly let him have it.” He looked over to Tirsha and wondered if he dared to ask for anything from her.
“And how exactly does Tirsha fit into your plans, Petre?” Ahn asked bluntly.
“I hope she’ll allow me to watch out for her. We were drawn together from a vast distance of space and time, and I still am unsure why. I would hope we can have the opportunity to find out for ourselves. That is if Tirsha wants it as well.”
Tirsha looked as if she were surprised by Petre’s statement and floundered a bit before she answered. “Everything has been happening so fast for me. Only a short time ago, I was with Corva, and she was a toddler. My husband was,” her voice broke as the realization hit her. “He was alive earlier today, in my mind. I don’t know what I want to do now, or even where I will be sleeping tonight, for that matter.”
“You can stay here, Tirsha. Absolutely, you must remain here until you can get yourself sorted out,” Barla insisted. She reached up and touched Corva’s hand to reassure her. “You probably want to get to know Corva as well. I think it would be best and easiest for everyone involved if you spent your time here to do so.” Just the idea of Corva calling someone else mother was making her heart ache, yet she was thrilled to think Corva would have another chance to have her mother back.
Corva’s other hand reached out and covered Barla’s in reassurance. She was intrigued by this woman; however, Barla was the mother she remembered from her entire life. This other lady was a complete stranger who happened to look similar to herself.
Petre stood up and drew all eyes to him immediately. He could tell that as long as he remained, the reunion between mother and daughter would be postponed. He wanted Tirsha to have her daughter back so she would be happy. “Well, as long as I know Tirsha is going to be taken care of, I guess I’ll be heading out. I should probably get back to my water craft and make sure everything is still there. I’d like to be able to check in with you again sometime soon, Tirsha, if you wouldn’t mind.”
“I’d like that, Petre. Thank you for keeping me safe.”
Petre nodded at Tirsha and then turned to Captain Ahn. “I know we’ve had our problems in the past, but I hope you can put that aside and allow me to see Tirsha from time to time. I promise I won’t cause any trouble.”
After hearing Elder Daven’s account, and watching Petre closely, he was most surprised by Petre’s request. He was even more shocked when he heard himself say, “I will allow that as long as Tirsha agrees she wants it as well.”
“On that note, then, I believe I’ll be leaving as well. I’ll walk out with you, Petre,” Daven added into the silence. “Thank you for taking in Tirsha.” He turned to Corva and said, “I hope you will get to know Tirsha. I know this can’t be easy for you. If you want to talk to me, simply send a message to me on the patil.” Petre waited for him at the front door, and they walked back up the sidewalk toward the landing field.
“Do you think Captain Ahn meant it when he said I could come to see Tirsha?”
“He’s always been plainspoken before, so I don’t see why not.”
Petre nodded and then asked, “Do you think you could give me a ride to my water craft?”
“Sure, once we get to the telepod you can give me the nearest landing coordinates of where you’re docked.” Daven was still impressed by Petre’s self-control. He wondered what was to come of him in the future.
Chapter Forty-Two
VINIA HAD DINNER prepared and on the table by the time she heard a knock on the door. If she were truly contemplating a life with Ozian, she knew she ought to at least spend more time with him. Marriage was more than just liking how someone looked or appreciating how he acted toward her; it was about compatibility and common interests.
She smoothed out her tunic and hastily looked around the house to make sure everything was in place before she walked across the room. Danika was playing quietly on the floor, already full from her dinner. The evening should go smoothly since everything had been taken care of beforehand.
She opened the door and smiled warmly at Ozian. He held out a bouquet of flowers for her and waited to be invited inside. “Thank you. These are beautiful,” Vinia said as she took the flowers from him. “Come inside. Dinner’s on the table. Go ahead and sit down while I get a glass and water for these flowers.”
Ozian watched Vinia as she moved confidently through her house. He could hardly wait to be able to spend every moment with her. Danika squealed on the floor, catching Ozian’s attention. He revised his previous idea to include spending time with Danika as well. All his life, he had wanted children, but to imagine there being one so soon was both slightly overwhelming and exciting at the same time.
“Have you heard anything from your other kids?” Ozian asked as he sat at the table.
“No, but Vala seemed to be in a better place when they left. I’ve never seen anything like what’s happening between her and Willian. Could you even imagine? And for him to be betrothed to her best friend? It must’ve been terrible for her.”
“As you said, it seems to have all worked itself out. What’ll happen to them now? What’s the common custom here in Tuala?”
His question caused her to notice once again how much he still did not know about her homeworld. Would it always be like this? Would he want to stay where he was unsure of the customs? “None of what happened between them is common, here or anywhere I know of. It was special…a miracle you might say. The part which made it okay was the fact that both parties of the betrothal were willing to give it up. There won’t be any repercussions from the dissolution, so that’s good for all involved.”
“Does this mean that Valentina and Willian are now betrothed?”
Vinia set the vase on the table and sat down across from Ozian. “No, Vala wants to wait. However, according to Elder Daven, her reticence won’t change the outcome. The two of them are destined to be together. I just hope Vala will accept it sooner, so she won’t torture herself with indecision.”
“Well, I can understand her position. If she were to marry Willian, wouldn’t she have to leave Earth to live with him? I mean, he’s the Elder’s heir so it’s not like he can move to Earth and stay there with her, can he?”
“No, I don’t suppose he would although Riccan has figured out a way to live in both places. Maybe Willian can work something out similarly.”
“I’m sure they’ll figure it out. They have time. Dinner looks amazing.” He nodded approval at the many dishes prepared in front of him.
“I can say grace, and you can serve,” Vinia offered, knowing Ozian still felt self-conscious about what to say for the blessing of the food.
Ozian readily agreed and bowed his head as he listened to Vinia’s eloquent, yet simple prayer. When she finished, he dished up both of their plates and began eating. There were several things which were new to him, but he was always willing to try new things. Vinia’s cooking was wonderful, and he felt like a lucky man.
“Tell me about Heliok,” Vinia suggested during the lull in their conversation. “What was life like there?”
“It’s an old planet with even older customs. The people are archaic in their thinking, and the men make all of the decisions. Like I told you before, I never agreed with this way of living because the women are the ones who do most of the work.
“The planet is dying; all of the lands are barren and sterile. The people live in buildings which are climate-controlled and where food is scarce. They also have a government system similar to here, but the ruling men are only in charge of individual buildings which can house several thousand people. Crime is rampant partially because of the scarcity, but mostly from the uncertainty. I can’t imagine the planet will be able to sustain itself much longer.”
“What about your family? Are there people there who you need to help?” Vinia had no idea things were so bad on his homeworld. Even at the worst time in her life, Vinia knew she could go to the Elders to give her food or shelter.
“I don’t have any family anymore. My mother died quite some time ago. My father couldn’t handle being around me, so he left me to work in the slave’s dome. I basically raised myself which was the reason I ended up volunteering for duty on Viceroy Blair’s spacecraft.”
“If your people have the technology for space travel, why can’t they figure out how to revive your planet?”
“That’s the thing; we don’t have the technology. Viceroy Blair stole the craft from visitors to our planet. They had come on a peaceful mission to help our people, but they didn’t know what they were getting themselves involved with. Viceroy Blair gathered a group of thugs to kill the crew and take the ship off-planet in search of resources elsewhere.
“We were all figuring out how the spacecraft worked as we went along. Anytime something would break, we had no idea how to fix it. When the food beds broke, we quickly ran out of anything to eat, and that’s why we ended up landing on Tuala. I was especially impressed with Juila’s skill at fixing the equipment on board the ship, mostly because she was so young and had never actually seen the system before. Even then, Juila had everything running in almost no time at all.
“Heliok could possibly survive if they allowed all of the people to use their brains. As it is, they’re too proud, or too stupid to allow any change, even if it means the death of everybody.”
Vinia had stopped eating while she listened to Ozian’s story. She could not believe how bad his planet had gotten. It was no wonder he was so ready to try a life somewhere else, in a place where he could make a difference. She felt honored that he wanted to make that life with her.
