Rift in the Sky

“Karne d’sud Witthun,” the other replied stiffly. “I could ask you—or them—” with a nod to Naryn, “—the same question. Your place is with the rest.”

“Chairs.”

“Chairs?”

“Someone has to make you Adepts comfortable.”

Don’t mind him, Anaj sent. He gets irritable when he’s hungry. Unharmed by the ’port, the Old Adept had been remarkably calm since arriving at Sona, perhaps because she was the only one of the hundreds here in her proper place, however that place had changed. Her home, not theirs.

Theirs now, too, if Enris could believe it. Without asking any of Sona’s present members if they wanted more. He’d have said yes in a heartbeat to another twenty or so. Seven hundred?

Including Adepts who paid no attention to Aryl di Sarc’s leadership?

He growled deep in his chest, and Karne gave him a worried look.

Noticing, the former Tuana gestured apology. “Welcome to Sona. I’m Enris—” he stopped there. Among the many things yet to be explained to the new arrivals was the clever way Aryl had convinced Sona’s locks to open for them all. It hadn’t seemed the right time to say they’d simply given themselves the ‘di’ of Adepts. Instead, he nodded at the doors. “Why do you think we belong in there?”

Because we DO! came from Naryn. I do!!

No, I said. I need a rest, Anaj answered firmly. Find us a bed before you fall on your face.

Enris hid a smile. Poor Naryn. Anaj might be her baby, but the Old Adept left no doubt who was eldest and in charge. “While I’m off to hunt chairs,” he informed the Rayna. “So why are you here and not there?”

“I’m lesser.” From his tone, Karne was beginning to wonder if Enris was capable of understanding anything but chairs. “They don’t need me.”

“Ah. Another body to carry chairs. Good.”

Don’t be mean to the child, Enris, Anaj sent, just to him.Once trained, Adepts sort themselves by individual Power. The strongest act as Council for the others. Only First Level Adepts will gather close to Aryl—hers is the greatest Power here. Karne can sense yours. He’s brave to speak to you at all.

Like Dama. Chastise and compliment in the same sending. A laugh bubbled up from his chest and Enris sent a rush of affection to Anaj. Grandmother.

Charmer. Then, with worry. Naryn can’t take much more.

He knew. The only rest they’d had was after Tikitna, and she’d wasted it pacing the sand. She knew it herself. She might protest, but hadn’t Naryn listened to Anaj and left the meeting?

The Rayna wasn’t done. “I thought you’d have some answers.” Karne stepped closer, his arms waving at the corridor. “What happened to this place? Why are you living like this?”

“We don’t actually live inside—”

The young Adept didn’t stop. “You’re both Tuana—that Clan was attacked after you came here. Why? Is that going to happen to our former Clans?”

The last came with such fear, Enris strengthened his shields to keep it out. “We don’t know,” he said. “Not yet. But you’re safe here.” Before he could say more, like a flash of light, Ziba appeared in the corridor, laughing. At the sight of them, she covered her mouth and disappeared.

Yao appeared in the same spot, disappeared. Followed by three children Enris didn’t know, holding hands. They giggled and were gone.

Karne looked dazed.

Worin appeared next.

“No, you don’t!” With a lunge, Enris had his brother by the arm. “Who said you could ’port in the Cloisters?” He’d looked

at the M’hir. It remained coiled around itself like a towering summer storm. Complete with lightning. “It’s not safe yet. Even if Ziba thinks so,” he warned at the beginnings of a rebellious frown.

“Husni sent us to look for benches,” Worin announced virtuously, black hair tumbling over his bright eyes. In other words, Husni had had enough of the mischievous pair.

They thought of the M’hir as another playground. What had Aryl told him? The M’hir was already part of their children. With an inward shudder, Enris brushed back Worin’s hair, ruffled it. “Why benches?”

“For beds. Did you see how many Om’ray have come?” He radiated joy. “We found a whole room of benches, but they’re fastened to the floor.”

“If they’re fastened, they serve some purpose where they are,” Karne warned. “You’d better check with your Adepts first.”

Enris shook his head. “They’d debate it all ’night.” Making it pointless to find beds. Anaj? he sent.

Show me, child.

Worin’s eyes widened. “You’re Naryn’s baby!” You can talk already?? Can you play?

Enris snickered. Naryn gave an impatient sigh.