The Fire and The Storm - The Nexus of Kellaran #2 novel Chapter 10

Part 2

Much of that work was indeed finished by nightfall, and though all were tired and many had not slept for many hours, they still found the energy to gather for a celebratory founding dance in the hall. They were joined by seventy-three children who had not been brought along for the constructions to keep them out from underfoot. All the new children were human except for three elves and one unicorn, none of whom were allowed to play with young Karzog. As Povon explained, the young dragon only ate once per week and was due to eat the next day. Until he had eaten, it was unwise to trust him with other children since he was already almost seven meters long. And after all, he was still an infant.

Karzog didn’t mind. He stuck to Kragorram and Povon like a burr on a sheep, observing everything carefully. Occasionally one of his adoptive parents leaned down and quietly spoke with him in Draconian, as discretely as that snarling and growling language allowed.

Mark and Talia took their turns leading the dance; choosing a song and singing it as Mark played the harp and Talia played a lute, or sometimes a flute. Tables covered with dishes of delicious foods were arranged near the entrance to the kitchen, and everyone ate their fill.

Almost everyone there stayed in their new homes on Hiliani that night, since exhaustion, magic depletion, and intoxicating drink and herbs ensured that few were willing to trust their Translocations. Most went back to their old homes the next morning, to continue with saying farewells and preparing their affairs for their extended absence.

PART 3

Mark and Talia went back to their routine for the next five days, and concentrated their visits on those they knew who would not be joining them on Hiliani. It was only a little sad for them to say such farewells, since everyone they were emotionally close to would be coming with them, with the exceptions of Tithian, Somonik, and Grakonexikaldoron.

Those three joined them in Hiliani on their last morning in contact with the rest of the world. Many others were visiting the settlement that morning as well, taking advantage of the last chance to see loved ones who would not see them for a score of years. All were gathered on the beach, enjoying a warm and sunny day.

“It’s a strange thing, knowing I will see you in two months, but I will have missed twenty-four years of your life.” Tithian said as she nuzzled with her daughter and gently rubbed their horns together. Her deep emotion was well conveyed in her psionic voice. “How much more strange it must be for these human visitors, who will miss a third of the lives of those they visit.”

“I’m hoping that won’t be the case, actually.” Mark told her. “We’ll be working with Hilsith the Healer and the other senior wizards while we’re here, to try to extend the youth and lifespans of our human citizens. We’re hoping we can end the aging process altogether, as is the case with the elves and you People of Morning. I’m pretty sure we can at least eliminate the aging they’d normally experience in our score of years here, so the adults shouldn’t be much older physically when we leave than they are right now.”

He paused and shook his head. “It’s just so unfair that some races are long-lived, and others have such short lifespans. If we can end aging in humans, we should be able to do it for the rest of the short-lived races too, once we’re out of here again.”

“A noble goal, to be sure.” Tithian nodded. “I wish you the best of luck in it. As a seer, I have no indication whether you will succeed or not, more’s the pity. It would be nice to be able to give these people that assurance.”

“It would, but we can’t have everything, I suppose.” Mark commented as he looked around, and noticed the arrival of Falgaroth and Visinniria.

“The gods arrive, our time together grows short.” Tithian noted.

“Greetings. I trust that all is ready?” Visinniria asked as they approached.

“It is.” Talia told her. “Except to send our visitors home a minute before the time-bubble is cast. And good day to you both.”

Falgaroth nodded and shook his long blue mane, waving his horn as he did so. “We will be Translocating all visitors home in fourteen minutes.” he announced, and was ‘heard’ by everyone there.

“It is much more occupied here than it was.” Somonik observed.

“Yup.” Mark nodded. “We’ve added over a hundred new human citizens, some seventy elves, and three more unicorns since the first day of building here, and built all their homes. And of course the livestock pens and shelters and the gardens have helped fill in some of the empty spaces. It’s still a very spread-out little village, compared to most. I think only the elves build their communities so sparsely, and even they don’t when the town has more than a few thousand in it.”