Circles of Stone. Ian Johnstone

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СКАЧАТЬ a sense that they were being watched. And of course, they were. Hundreds of eyes peered between branches and through leaves, trying to catch their first glimpse of the travellers. Children sat fearlessly on the boughs, their feet dangling as they pointed and whispered. Many of them looked on enviously, wishing perhaps that they too were allowed to join the adventure, to travel to the great city of Gheroth – perhaps even to meet Isia herself. Most of the adults were quieter and more thoughtful, gazing down with worried expressions at these two tiny children upon whom rested so much.

      Triste was leaning up against a tree puffing on his pipe, just as he was the day before, but today he was wearing a heavy coat and as they approached he hoisted a large pack on to his shoulder. He nodded impassively as they approached.

      “Are you … coming with us?” asked Simia, completely failing to hide her disappointment.

      Triste regarded her through tired, sunken eyes. “I am. Didn’t Paiscion tell you?”

      “No,” she said, bluntly. “He just said someone would be coming along.”

      Triste shrugged. “Well, it’s me. They thought you might need a Scryer.”

      “Sure,” she said, walking past him and on, into the forest.

      Sylas watched her go, shaking his head, then turned and grinned. “She’ll warm up. She was like that with me at first.”

      “It’s OK,” said Triste, setting off after her. “I see more than you think.”

      Sylas frowned. He wasn’t quite sure what that meant. He sighed, adjusted his own pack on his shoulder and walked after them.

      The further they walked, the more faces they saw peering down at them from the canopy, and they began to realise that the entire community had turned out to see them go. Simia threw back her shoulders, drew her huge coat about her and walked as tall as she could, enjoying her place in the lead. Sylas nodded politely to the many children who waved and adults who bowed as they passed. He was struck again by the warmth of these people: the kindness and generosity in their faces, the open innocence of their features. And yet he also saw in them something darker: the sadness and resignation of a people who knew that, for better or worse, their time was drawing near.

      He was so busy looking about him that he almost stumbled into Filimaya and Paiscion as they stepped from the trees.

      “Morning!” cried Paiscion. “And what an exciting morning it is!”

      Filimaya slid an arm around Sylas and Simia. “How are you feeling?”

      “Ready,” said Simia boldly.

      “And you need to be,” said Paiscion. “Have you said goodbye to Ash and Naeo?”

      “Haven’t seen them yet,” said Sylas. Then he paused, lowering his eyes. “But they’re coming.”

      He had begun to feel the familiar pang of pain in his wrist, the sickness in his belly, the sense that something was amiss. And sure enough they all soon saw Ash’s full head of blond locks winding between the trees and beside him Naeo’s tall, slim figure, walking with all her usual grace. Both of them were wearing heavy coats and carrying bags over their shoulders.

      As they drew closer Naeo slowed and stayed back. Sylas too stepped away and walked to the far side of the group.

      “I guess this is goodbye!” cried Ash, striding up to the gathering.

      “You remember everything I told you,” said Filimaya, embracing him, “about the Other, and about those tricks of yours. The Three Ways are strictly off limits there. They could get you into—”

      “I’ve already forgotten,” said Ash, breaking into a playful grin. He squeezed her hand, then turned to Sylas and Simia. “OK, you two, see you afterwards. I trust you’re going to make as much mischief here as we’re going to make there!” He winked playfully and leaned closer. “But just look after yourselves,” he whispered, glancing at Triste. “I won’t be there, and these Scryers are no match for a Muddlemorph and sorcerer like myself.”

      Simia grinned. “You be careful too. And don’t eat their food.” She screwed up her nose. “Like I said to Sylas, it can’t be … natural.”

      Ash laughed and patted his stomach. “My diet starts here!”

      As everyone said their final goodbyes, Filimaya walked over to Naeo, who was still standing at a safe distance. Before she even drew close, Naeo raised her hand.

      “I’m fine,” she said. “I just want to go, if that’s what I have to do.”

      Filimaya opened her arms and drew her close. “Well, I know you don’t need this, but I do.”

      Naeo looked puzzled and awkward, but she returned the embrace.

      “Take care of yourself,” said Filimaya, stepping back. “And remember what I told you. Try not to worry about your father. I know that Sylas will do all you would do.”

      Naeo looked unconvinced. “I hope so,” she said.

      Paiscion wandered over and took both her hands in his.

      “Now remember what I said about the Circle of Salsimaine. Get there as quickly as you can – don’t give Thoth any more time than you have to. And when you’re through, remember to look for—”

      “You think I’ll just … know what to do?” said Naeo.

      “At the Circle?”

      She nodded dubiously.

      “You’ll know,” he said dismissively. “You summoned the Passing Bell! The Circle of Salsimaine will be no challenge at all. When you’re through, remember to look for our friends – if you don’t find them, they’ll find you. And whatever happens on the other side, remember this: we are in a race against a dying moon. Keep to our plan and do not delay. Is that understood?”

      He lifted his glasses and eyed her closely until she nodded.

      “Then you’re ready. Filimaya, perhaps you could guide Naeo and Ash out of the valley?”

      Filimaya nodded and turned to leave, but Naeo stood rooted to the spot. She was looking across the clearing, searching for Sylas. The impulse confused her. It did not come from a thought, nor a feeling: it was a need – a powerful, consuming need.

      Sylas was already looking at her.

      It was a peculiar moment, a moment when as individuals they were unsure what to do, but something beyond them, something between them, left no doubt at all.

      They each turned and walked towards the other.

      Everyone fell silent, transfixed by what they saw. Paiscion opened his mouth to call them away, but stopped himself. The people in the trees craned their necks and leaned over branches to get a better view. Children ceased their chatter and adults held their breath. They, like Paiscion, could see that this was not like the Say-So. There was something different in their manner, in the way they held each other’s gaze. They were single-minded, confident, fearless.

      As they drew close they slowed, extending their hand to the СКАЧАТЬ