From: bwr@cbnewsj.cb.att.com (bruce.w.reisman)
Subject: STORY: Darkness Rising (part 54)
Organization: AT&T
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1992 19:56:40 GMT

54.  CHOICES


Shortly after Vilim returns, Wind Runner takes his leave of Ariel and
Jhere.  Ariel translates for him, "I've tarried too long here and am
needed by my people."


Jhere inquires as to when Alan will want to return to Trun and is informed
that the Chief Architect is exhausted from his efforts and too weak to
attempt the journey soon.  Ariel assures the Princess that, when he is
ready, it will be no problem to arrange his travel.

Unexpectedly, Alan dies in his sleep that very evening.  Despite Alicia's
best efforts, he cannot be revived -- his time had come and the death a
natural result of his advanced years.

The following morning, Dorian asks for escort back to Trun, having assumed
the mantle of chief architect.  It is several minutes before any realize
that Dorian is now as blind as Alan was before him.  Oliver arranges with
the new chief architect and the Hira for their return to Trun for a state
funeral; a suitable memorial service is held by Ariel and Jhere, as well.


Jhere and Ariel hold a consecration ceremony for the new keep and city
and a general thanksgiving celebration.


Once the hira scouts find the city reclaimed, word is passed and people in
search of new beginnings slowly add to Knearn's scant population.  Word is
also sent to Thiokol.  When the trolls finally grow bored and move away
from the ambush site below Dromayn, the flow of people increases.  Some of
the mercenaries decide to stay on in Knearn, accepting the offer of land
of their own.  Others, like Jonathan, cannot abide too long in any one
place, and move on.


Joel is knighted, as was promised, and takes his new responsibilities more
seriously than expected.  He may indeed prove worthy of his title.


Becky is made stablemistress and has her hands full starting to arrange
for hay to be cut and brought in.  She talks to Omerta about having some
mercenaries assigned to her to help.

Oliver and Jhere are called to hold their first court as Becky is caught
one day attempting to lift the contents of a pouch carried by one of the
new citizens.  After Becky's lame explanation that she heard him thinking
about the figurine within and that he didn't really need it as he was
really quite well off and how she collected such porcelain items, Ariel
is summoned to assist.  It turns out that Becky can accurately describe
the china figure, though she's never seen it; the merchant is so wealthy
that he considers it almost a waste of time to market such an inexpensive
item; that Becky does, indeed, have a reasonable collection of figurines.
Ariel confirms Jhere's suspicions, while the girl is certainly guilty
of the offense in question, it is most likely due to a complete lack of
control over her latent mentalist abilities.  She is placed on probation
and assigned to Kidd for training as well as being reprimanded and
expected to continue to fulfill her other duties.


Alicia finds herself at a fork in the road (perhaps in a dream, though she
does not realize it if that is the case) -- one way leads slightly upward
and appears more rocky and difficult, the other leads downward into what
appears to be a lush valley.  She hears Mielikki's voice, but does not see
the Goddess, "Choose.  Too long have you ignored your responsibilities.
Choose.  Too long have you been given power without cost.  Choose.  Too
long have you failed to make the distinction between joy and sorrow,
between play and work, between song and dirge.  Choose."

The priestess glances back along the way she had come, the path is open,
lined with evenly spaced trees as far as her eye can see.  Will she turn
back, go right, or go left?  Mielikki has insisted that she make a choice;
she feels it will be irrevocable.  Futilely, she peers ahead, seeking to
see where either path leads.  Both ways are quickly obscured by turns in
the roads.

There is no motion in the forest near by -- if there are animals or other
creatures, they have paused in expectation -- what will she do?

"Choose."  The word echoes in her brain, bringing memories of previous
choices, made and un-made.  Seeds planted.  Seeds not.  Flowers and herbs
plucked greedily, without thanks or consideration.  Animals bent to her
will, helping her.  Animals she helped, without fear or concern for
payment.  How does the balance ring?  Mielikki has judged against her,
but surely Alicia has done more than her share!

Choose.  She looks again at the alternatives.  Setting her jaw firmly,
she starts along the upward path.  At first, it seems not too difficult,
but soon she finds she is drenched with perspiration, and carrying a
heavy sack ... full of seeds.

Alicia plants a seed and thinks really hard about aliantha.  She senses
the seed seeking water; there is a small gourd now in her left hand, the
sack of seed weighs heavily in her right.  There is no sign of water
nearby.  With a sigh, she heads downhill, not following the path, but
seeking the quickest way to the lower ground knowing that, if water is
near, it will lie there.

She trudges down and carries a gourdful of water back.  She considers the
sack of seeds, its weight has become a burden.  She finds she cannot put
it down!  She senses she must plant every seed within it first and there
must be hundreds, if not thousands of seeds!  Several trips are necessary
before the seed is satisfied.  It sprouts, then wavers.  The soil lacks
some essential for its continued growth -- if Alicia will but give a few
drops of her blood ...  She shudders, but pricks her finger on a thorn and
complies.

Then she plants another seed, and the tedious cycle begins again.  And
then another seed ... and another ... and another.  She grows weak from
loss of blood.  Finally she comes understand: she has been taking the
lifeblood of Mielikki's growing things without replenishing them, without
appropriate thanks, without proper appreciation of the sacrifice.  Now
the roles have been reversed and she must die for *them*!

The ordeal drags on.  Alicia does *not* die, but is held from death only
by the finest of threads.  Finally Mielikki (or Osiris?) has pity on her.
She slumbers deeply and awakens renewed; never again will she pluck a leaf
without making suitable compensation and giving thanks to her Goddess.
She spends the day in prayer and meditation and then sleeps deeply again.
When she awakens again, this time in her own bed, many days have passed.


Meanwhile, scouting reports from the Hira give brief glimpses of the war's
progress:

The Hira were taken by surprise by the explosion north of Roore.  There
was quite a hole made in the ground and the trees were flattened for
quite a distance around it.  Despite the power unleashed, the explosion
did not permanently stop the Death Stalker, although it did return south
by a different route.  Its minions, on the other hand, were rather badly
injured.  Several bodies were left unburied at the site and more died on
the trek south.

Another Hira scout reports that Thiokol has marched to Roore with an army
of a few hundred, all mounted.

Despite repeated inquiries, none report having seen the westbound party
since a few days after they'd left Pegor.  They seem to have disappeared
from the face of Trun.

The Hira have stopped flying over the southernmost cities -- it is too
cold even for their hardy breed and not simply because winter is quickly
approaching.

One Hira arrives with a package from Lord Denethor.  Ariel opens it in
the presence of the Companions.  His note explains that the rings within
are like those he'd given Jhere before.  Three rings are soon unwrapped,
bringing to six the number of rings of warmth available to help protect
the party when we venture against the Death Stalkers.


Jhere finds herself in Freya's holy place, standing on a stone near the
center.  She finds that she is inexplicably clad in only the flowing
white gown she wore when Ariel annointed her as her successor in all
things; not even sandals adorn her feet.  At some level, she is aware of
being unaware of her state of pregnancy, as though the event takes place
either before or after -- the absence does *not* trouble her -- somehow
the baby doesn't *belong* here.  Her staff is not in hand, nor is her
holy symbol about her neck -- without that amulet, she feels naked and
vulnerable, despite knowing she could be in no safer place than Freya's
presence.

Upon the center stone is an archway.  She can see the perfect blue water
and sky beyond.  It is only an archway.  She can turn away, if she wishes,
step through it, or even walk around it.  She hesitates, weighing her
choices carefully, for in this place, nothing is without meaning, nor
consequence.  Whichever choice she makes, it is irrevocable, and holds
some deep significance for her future.

If she goes through, there is always the risk of seeing more than she can
comprehend and yet being unable to avoid such seeing.  There is always the
chance that she will remember too much and be unable to forget that which
must be forgotten if she wishes to retain her sanity.  There is always the
possibility that she will be frozen into inaction, when she must act, by
the fear that her action might be wrong.

If she goes around, things will look at her sidewise, and she must look
at them and allow them to happen.  Her hands will be unbound and movement
free, but her path will ever be curved, never straight nor clear.  Much
will change and much will remain, perhaps she will not be sure which is
which, or if it even matters.  But it will.

If she turns away, it is possible to still live worthily, to maintain her
attitudes, direction, her course.  She may be able to keep her position,
her friends, her companions and followers.  Yet how much will blind her
and how much will elude her grasp and what price will she pay?  She feels
an almost overwhelming desire to go back and pay the price of not knowing.

The archway is but simple stone, like that of the stepping stone upon
which she stands, or the larger one upon which it rests.  It makes no
promises, gives no assurances ... it is only an archway.

She looks back over her shoulder and sees only a seemingly endless line
of stepping stones.  She shakes off her frightened urge to flee and
resolutely walks up to and through the arch before she loses her courage.

Brilliant stars erupt ... Jhere spins and falls dizzily through the void
... though she's aware of Freya's presence, the Goddess seems distant and
aloof ... powerful winds tear at her, buffeting her about as leaf on a
brisk autumn breeze ... the sun sears her ... a tidal wave drowns her ...
she's everywhere, yet nowhere; touches everything, yet nothing; torn
apart, and brought together whole and unharmed ...

Jhere wakes abruptly, nauseous.  Quickly she seeks the latrine, startling
Oliver awake with her sudden departure.  He follows her, concerned at her
weaving, erratic pace, and holds her as she heaves out her guts.  The
dream fades.  Afterward, she's too weak to stand and Oliver carries her
back to their bed.

"Morning sickness?" he inquires, concerned.

"No..." she closes her eyes to rest.  "Something else, I think.  A dream --
or nightmare? -- I'm not sure."

He lays down beside her, propping his head on one hand so he can watch her.
Slowly, her breathing relaxes and her color returns.  She seems to him more
beautiful, more radiant, then ever.  Perhaps it is only his imagination
that whatever troubled his beloved's sleep had almost taken her away from
him.  Seeing her safe beside him now, he wonders.

A ripple at her stomach tells him that their child-to-be is again active
and well.  He wraps her in a gentle embrace, kissing her brow, then her
lips as her eyes open and greet him with a troubled smile.

"I was in Freya's holy place deeply troubled.  I had to decide something
and I don't think Freya was there somehow to guide me.  Choices.  There
was a stone arch.  Oh, Oliver.  I can't remember enough.  And I've never
been made ill before.  Could this have been a mental attack?  Or simply a
very bad dream?  Or could I be starting to be affected by the pregnancy?
I must ask Ariel when we get up -- but not just yet.  Hold me for a
while?"  She closes her eyes again to rest a bit longer.

Later they seek Ariel out.  Jhere explains what happened and asks the
Queen her opinion about the dream, if the baby is all right, and if
there's anything she can do to prevent this from happening again.

Ariel is silent for a moment, focusing inward.  "The baby is fine.  It
seems you are as well, though you have changed ... grown in power in paths
I cannot follow.  I would say that the Goddess has tested you again ...
and the choice you made ... perhaps it ... I think the effort required may
have caused your physical distress.  I doubt you will have a recurrence,
unless Freya chooses, in which case you could not prevent it."

As Ariel speaks, Jhere finds that she hears more than the spoken words.
The Queen's thoughts lay open to her, not by the careful link they had
woven before, but as natural and clear as sound itself.  Some of those
thoughts startle her: "you have changed -- she's not just a ranger now,
what is she? ... tested you again -- She offered a choice!? -- and the
choice you made, obviously wrong, perhaps it demanded more than she
anticipated ... has Freya punished the girl?  It does not seem likely,
yet why else?  I cannot tell her that, if it is so, Freya will make it
clear."  Then suddenly, Ariel looks surprised and her thoughts are walled
away from the Princess.

"I think Freya has gifted you with new abilities," Ariel concludes with
an odd half-smile.

Jhere flushes, deeply embarrassed and stammers, "Thank you.  I, uh, it
did not occur to me that Freya was responsible -- yet -- new abilities?
Yes, it seems so."  She glances at Oliver, then back at the Queen.  "By
your leave?  I need to meditate for a while."


During the following days the population swells by an additional 50 to 75
people who either camp in tents outside the new keep or sleep within the
great hall with the majority of the mercenaries who stayed.  They begin
building crude shelters.  Supplies beginn to come in on a more regular
basis from Dromayn to the north and Scurtee to the east.

Although furnishings and fittings, rugs and tapestries are being brought
in, it isn't enough to more than make the great hall endurable for the
majority of people living there now, along with a couple of other rooms
for the Queen, Princess and Duke, and one for the rest of the Companions.

During Alicia's absence, the effect of the magical herb that she used to
sustain the main party without need of food or drink wore off; and it
became necessary to delegate a number of people to hunt for meat, gather
grain from the neglected farms, and harvest what nuts and berries and
tubers can be found.  Indeed, the resolve of the new population of Knearn
will be sorely tested as winter is rapidly approaching.  A large number
of people are also delegated to gather and bring in firewood for the cold
months ahead.


One afternoon, a month or so after the keep was completed Jhere finds
herself with nothing pressing to do and she goes to the chapel to
meditate.  Ariel soon joins her.  After a while Jhere turns to Ariel.

"I have been thinking," she begins.  Ariel raises an eyebrow and smiles
slightly.  "Now that you *are* in the south could you find Smidge?"

Ariel starts to shake her head 'no'.  "I am still blocked," she patiently
answers.

"But channeling?" Jhere protests.  "We could still talk to each other.
Can you not reach, if not Smidge, then one of Freya's priestesses?"

Ariel is genuinely startled.  "I had not thought to try.  Of course,
Jhere!"  She unfocuses and Jhere patiently waits.

Several minutes pass before Ariel stirs slightly and opens the channel
to Jhere.

"Jhere, follow my line to Smidge.  I wish you to know how to find one
another."

Jhere does so and greets Smidge briefly, sensing now is not the time
to renew old acquaintances; that Smidge is somewhat impatient with the
contact.

When Ariel closes she explains that Smidge escaped the takeover of her
city with a small band of warriors and continues the fight against the
males who have succumbed to the dark path.

"Is she safe?" Jhere asks.  "Wouldn't she be able to do more if she was
with us?"

"Jhere, patience," Ariel chides.  "I have asked her to join us and help us
more directly in our fight against the Dark Ones.  She has agreed provided
we can safely transport the ten members of her band, who are willing to
leave with her, rather than continue their fight.  Gather the Companions
tonight after dinner.  Perhaps we can find a way to bring her to us."

Jhere nods and leaves to find Oliver.


That evening Jhere asks everyone to gather and explains Ariel has found
Smidge.  Ragnor's head snaps up and he stares intently at Jhere and the
Queen.  Kidd smiles to himself.  Only he, Alicia and Jhere are left
who remember anything at all of Ragnor's "wild" relationship with the
cat-like woman.  Omerta asks who Smidge is and Ragnor reddens and mumbles
something incomprehensible.  Jhere explains that Smidge is one of the
great warleaders of the Idiyva on our side and it is not right she be
imprisoned.

Vilim is most disappointed to learn Ariel's powers do not extend
transportation capabilities; he knew Jhere couldn't but hoped the
Queen would be different.

He also regretfully has to admit his powers, while most powerful, could
only move one at a time and he had to be there to send the person; he
could *not* bring the person to him.  But he perhaps Kidd could?

Kidd answers that yes, he could bring someone to him, *but* he had to know
absolutely where the person was.  Jhere then asks, "If Ariel could show
you mentally where they were, could you bring them through?"

Kidd nods 'yes' as Ariel comments, "Unfortunately, Jhere, I cannot channel
the information to him without grave danger to him -- different realms."
Jhere is disappointed and annoyed with herself; she should have known
better.

Vilim finally summarizes, "Is the problem then, that we cannot rescue
Smidge and her people unless we are there physically to send them here?"
He looks at Jhere and the Queen, who both agree.

"Well, couldn't Alicia *fly* Kidd and me down?  Isn't she a channeler also
so you *could* show her where to go?"

Jhere grins. "That would work. Alicia, are you willing?"

"Of course!" she preens.

Jhere goes on, "Then we just need to work out the details and timing."

"How many of Smidge's people are there?" Vilim asks.

"Eleven."

"I can send six in any given day including myself," Kidd comments.  "How
many can you send?" he asks Vilim.

Vilim again admits he can transport but one person a day.  Discussion
ensues over how best to get help to the Idiyva.  Alicia can transport only
one at a time, and neither can safely teleport over that large a distance,
to a place with which he's unfamiliar.  Finally, it is concluded that only
Kidd need go with Alicia: he can transport six just before dawn, then the
remaining five plus himself just after dawn, when his power is restored.

"It will still be risky," Ariel comments.  "There is a violent blizzard
blanketing the area."

"Oh, well, I can fly *above* it until it's time to land. I can do it!"

On that note, Kidd excuses himself to get a good night's sleep and the
rest of the party breaks up soon after.


The following morning, after a hearty breakfast Alicia changes and Kidd
carefully mounts and ties himself down.  Jhere has given each of them one
of the rings of warmth to use since conditions are so nasty.

Alicia takes off and within four hours suddenly plunges downward into the
violently churning blizzard.  It is much worse than she anticipated but
she prays mightily to Meilikki and is finally able to land in a clearing.

Kidd most shakily unties himself and slides off as several Idiyva silently
appear in the edge of the clearing.  Kidd turns back to Alicia.  "Go back,
Alicia!  Don't think of staying!"  She gives a great scream and leaps back
into the blowing snow and is gone.

Several hours later she drops wearily into the keep where Jhere and Ariel
tell her she's done well and put her to bed with a warm bowl of soup.

Kidd hunches into his furs as Alicia leaps away and stumbles over to the
waiting Idiyva.  The Idiyva motion him to follow and with some difficulty
he plows through the deepening snow.

He is taken to an outcropping of rock and follows the tracks into a small
cave where a tiny fire is burning.  An Idiyva waves to him to sit and when
he does, she stands.

"I am Smidge.  You will send us to the Queen?"

"Yes, Chieftess," Kidd formally answers, not sure what else to call her in
this setting.  Smidge is clearly more pregnant than Jhere.  Kidd briefly
wonders about Ragnor and timing but not really knowing anything instantly
dismisses the thought.

"We must wait till nearly dawn?"

"Yes."

"Then rest.  Stay here.  We will return then." Smidge turns and follows
the others out.  Kidd is left alone.

He spends a cold but otherwise uneventful evening and night.  Just before
dawn, Smidge and the others duly appear and Kidd begins sending them to
Knearn.  He then rests a few minutes and shortly after dawn, Kidd sends
the remainder and then himself.

Smidge is the last of the Idiyva to appear.  She strides up to the Queen
and formally greets her and then nods to Jhere.  As she turns away,
Ragnor moves up to her.  She nods in his direction but otherwise barely
acknowedges his presence.  He formally greets her and then backs off,
confused by her reaction to him.


+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|       Copyright 1992, 1991, 1990 by B. W. Reisman & E. E. Wolfe.        |
|                           All rights reserved.                          |
| No part of this tale may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,   |
| or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopying,  |
| recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the     |
| authors.                                                                |
|                                                                         |
| Permission is hereby granted, in so far as no fee or charge is made for |
| such publication, and that this notice is retained.                     |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| To get copies of missing episodes via email, send mail to att!mtfmi!bwr |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+

Note: the last episodes of "Darkness Rising" will be posted by year's end;
the sequel, "Darkness Fall", will be available only via email subscription.
To subscribe, send email to att!mtfmi!bwr.  Thanks for your interest.

-- 
- + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + -
      Bruce W. Reisman          AT&T      Bell Laboratories
      att!mtfmi!bwr             200 Laurel Avenue    3G-102
      908/957-6533              Middletown, NJ   07748-4801
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.misc