Arnica Read online

  "Where are these people disappearing to?"

  "Another time line or dimension or just," snapping her fingers, "nowhere."

  "You mean, nowhere we know about," O'Malley clarified.

  "Exactly."

  "The elders may not buy that. I don't buy it," O'Malley stated flatly. "Why only leaders or people that are specialists in their fields?"

  "You have only heard of them, but there have been others. All were in a short distance of the woods and all were alone, even if for a brief moment. It's occurring on three continents that I know of…Allint I cannot see."

  "What are you intending to do?"

  "Find a way to get everyone back. I don't sense anything malicious behind the disappearances, just curiosity. The same feeling it invoked in you."

  "My journey back to Allint shall be longer than I intended," he said softly, more to himself.

  "I do not advise you hunting this phenomena out, Jack O'Malley. It's best to pass on the information to your Queen and let those she feels are better equipped to investigate it."

  "And you? You don't fear it?"

  "Fear? No. Curiosity. Yes. But not to the point of being drawn into its sticky web."

  O'Malley rubbed his forehead irritably. He suspected the queen was aware of this.

  "She doesn't know everything that is going on. She is mortal and though a powerful soul with great wisdom, she knows her limitations and knows that one soul cannot manage Arnica's growth at this crucial time. She has a vast network of assistants who have responsibilities that demand the dedication of a Kiuzi."

  O'Malley laughed, knowing it was a jibe. It did give him some comfort that others were supportive of his queen, however, it also caused him to realize that there was a lot of things he didn't know about on Arnica.

  "I will take care not to get too close to forests, though it will be rather difficult not to travel through Dissync Woods."

  "I will send word ahead and the Elfs of Dissync will make sure you are not way-laid." Celene turned to her young assistant and whatever communication passed between them, was not shared with O'Malley but the sudden disappearance of the two and his sudden appearance outside of his parent's yurt told him the conversation with Celene was finished. He had a lot to think about and a lot to look for on his trip back to Allint. His first stop would be at one of the temples so he could check in with Queen M'Lu. He had some questions for her and did not trust sending unguarded thoughts her way.

  Chapter 4

  Horiku was 7th level trainee, not high enough to warrant any special consideration but she was a very good camp cook, and scavenger if they needed food. That meant the various 9th level trainee troops always asked her along when they went on missions among the commoners. Three times she accompanied the arrogant Stalking Greou troop, 10th level trainees under the Ju'n teacher and five times with the Blue Mumbua troop, the 10th level who worked beside the monks. They were the most fun, and enjoyed joking with her. Stealth was the Blue Mumbua's forte, and Horiku took advantage of her time with them to learn first hand this skill.

  Horiku, once known as Emma White, was of Human-Elf mix. A child of colonists who were killed by a mob when she was five. A Ju'n family rescued her and hid her away in the forest until her care was given over to a wandering band of gypsy nomads. She was lucky that the old man that took her in was only interested in using her youth to keep him alive. She learned how to scavenge, steal, hunt, bargain, and wear many faces.

  Commander O'Malley had caught her picking his pocket. Since then Horiku has been thanking her lucky stars.

  Horiku was a fast learner, rising in the trainee ranks quickly. Kiuzi fascinated her.

  Honor meant many things to many people, changing with circumstances, but was constant for Kiuzi warriors. Though she had made light of it, she wanted to be Kiuzi. A common soldier works for someone whose morals and dealings were usually convoluted with politics. It gave her a headache just thinking of it. Horiku smiled as she thought of Kiuzi warriors. They were unpretentious, laughed a lot, and were very mysterious. Just the group she would like to belong to.

  Horiku half listened to the steam from her water pot, letting her mind quiet to the rhythm of the night rain against her windows. The pot signaled it was ready with the beginning of a whistle. She focused on each body part and its position as she leaned to lift the pot from the fire, and then on how her body felt as it leaned back. With a steady hand, water was poured over the leaves in her cup. Appreciation of the steamed scent that rose from the first cup, and then the second cup was experienced. Though she was drinking alone, it was customary to fill an extra cup for an unexpected guest, most notably, in spirit form, as Drosu teachers sometimes projected their forms to visit with their trainees.

  She had not experienced the honor, nor did she care one way or the other. Her pleasure was derived in the ritual for its sake.

  Horiku once asked her teacher why she filled hers first, and not her guest. He answered that if she smelled the tea was bad, indicating she did not choose good leaves, she could then correct the error before serving her guest. However, Lorna said it was to prove to one's guest that the pot of tea was not poisoned. She liked Lorna's explanation better.

  Her hand remained steady when her bowed eyes spotted a cloaked leg, sitting before the guest teacup. She even stifled the mental self-congratulations when she continued on as if she knew this guest was there all along. In the ceremony, as with the life of Kiuzi, thoughts are stilled. Focus is on movement and breath. Horiku completed the ritual, bowing to her Master, Commander O'Malley. After they had finished their tea, she tidied up the area, still withholding all her thoughts. He left just as quietly as he came.

  That was one of the gifts Drosu Masters imparted on the Kiuzi warrior; to move into areas unheard and unnoticed until the warrior wanted his or her presence to be known.

  Twenty mins later she was in the dojo, working out with her partner on hand holds. She was proud of herself that she finally learned to avoid getting into a position where such a hold could be locked on her. She was the youngest in her group, though due to her height, she fit in easy. Horiku earned a reputation for not being easy to fool or capture.

  "Horiku!" the dojo master called.

  Horiku ignored the call as her partner sought to take advantage of the distraction.

  Instead, her partner, Maki, landed on her back.

  Thump!

  "Oh, are you hurt, Maki? I will try next time not to drop you so hard. Please, forgive me." Horiku bowed to her partner, surprised that even the smirk that would normally have been on her face was missing. She was changing.

  After they exchanged bows, closing the bout, Horiku looked to see who it was that had rudely interrupted her. Maori was at the front of the dojo. He was the Blue Mumbua's troop leader. It was rumored he would be leading two 10th level trainee troops on their final test, a vision quest.

  Singu.

  He beckoned to her.

  "I wish they would ask me to go with them on their business in the cities," Maki whispered.

  "Careful, you may get your wish and find out it's not as you thought it would be.

  No master to pull you out of trouble," one of the others warned.

  "What're you complaining about? You're on the list for the seventh group of travelers."

  "I want some short excursions before then, to get use to road life." Horiku heard mumbled from Maki as she moved to the front of the dojo where two men were standing.

  "Squad Leader Maori, you have something for me to do?"

  "Yes. Blue Mumbua is moving out in the early light and needs a good cook." He leaned a little toward her and added in a low voice, "One that can cook better than palatable trail food."

  "I would be honored to cook for Blue Mumbua, Squad Leader Maori." She bowed, with wrists crossed over her heart.

  "When the sun touches the Pleadees Mountain tip…at the Temple of Ilo, tomorrow." He bowed and left.

  Her heart was pounding. To meet at the temple meant th
at something big was planned, and it was 10th level! Her favorite troop.

  Horiku hoped it was not for their vision quest. She wasn't ready to meet any strange beings she could not see. Do they have cooks on vision quests? No. They only take water. Well, that thought was a relief.

  It was still dark out when Horiku gave one more look at her room. It appeared as if it were vacant. She had few personal belongings. Her travel pack was stuffed with fresh herbs and healing powders, and three sets of clothing. Her wrist cuffs with crystals charged were packed on top. They were a precious gift from a monk she never learned her name or saw again. She touched her sacred bag to be sure it was secured. Gently the door was closed to her quarters and soundlessly she moved down the dimly lit corridor.

  At the docks others were just arriving from the mainland, Allint. She chose a single seated kayak, wanting to go to the temple by water rather than the path through the forest. Smoothly she paddled across the cold waters. She could see fish leaping up to grab an insect, and the occasional bird that swooped in and had it for breakfast. Witnessing such things filled her with a profound sense of understanding the rhythum of life in its various manifestatons.

  Her trip ended too soon. As she pulled her kayak up onto the shore, she found there were others neatly beached. The temple area looked busier than usual. Since Queen M'Lu's reinstating the Drosu codes of living there was a renewed interest in taking up the attire of the traveler without being asked. It kept many of the lower ranks of Kiuzi trainees busy escorting the travelers into lands uncharted to the inhabitants of Allint, and protecting them from such attackers as the Black Alliance.

  She bowed politely to those that acknowledged her, and gave a morning greeting, moving slowly to a corner where she could watch the goings on.

 

  Horiku continued to look around in a natural manner, noting who was observing her and who was not, then moved further back into the shadows, blending in with the walls of the Temple.

  The fourth column was actually the thirteenth if you counted them from the entrance to the front. However, if the person was from the Temple, it would be counted from the High Priestesses chair, when she attended the high rituals. Horiku knew this because she liked riddles and this was one of the ones a 10th level trainee gave to another.

  The Temple was deserted, which was not surprising. Personal morning rituals among the monks had started. She knew them well. It was what beginning warriors practiced. How dreary it was until a young monk had explained the meanings behind the movements, and how it quieted the mind. Now, she found comfort and absolute peace in the rituals.

  "Step forward, young warrior."

  Horiku's heart started to pound rapidly. She knew the voice, though, only from a hall, and to be called a warrior by such a person was a great honor that left her speechless.

  After a space of time went by she finally felt a light touch on her forehead and then the Guardian brushed past in apparition form, leaving her with raised hairs on her arms from the energy. Commander O'Malley stepped out of the shadows and gestured for Horiku to follow him. Elated, Horiku followed her sponsor and hero.

  The steps were winding and long. Horiku knew if she was not in good shape her legs would cramp halfway up. At the top she was given a moment to breathe. A chime sounded and then she moved into the hall beside her commander. Eleven Drosuans, a Tajarin, and seven warriors not all Kiuzi, plus the commander, were gathered. The Queen was in an ornately crafted chair at the head of the table and the Guardian sat to her left.

  The Guardian waved her forward. "You may sit, Horiku."

  Horiku promptly seated herself in the chair indicated for her.

  "Horiku, do you remember your childhood?" Queen M'Lu asked.

  "Not much, my Queen." It was not that she didn't remember; it was that that life mattered little to her now so she chose not to waste time remembering it.

  "It is important that you do. WE have a mission for you, should you choose to take it."

  "Merely ask and I will gladly do your bidding, my Queen."

  The Queen studied Horiku thoughtfully, admiring her tenacity and courage to get as high as she did in the trainee ranks for her age. Her teachers felt she should be in a higher rank, but held her back to be sure she absorbed each level. To avoid boredom they sent her on assignments with the higher ranks, hoping she would take the initiative and pick up what she could from them. She did not disappoint them. Now was a time when she would be given a task to prove her worthiness to become Kiuzi. The youngest in ten generations. Few students were given this opportunity and those that received it never spoke of it. It was an initiation designed not just by the High Priestess and monks, but also by the Tajarins, as a test to see if she would be moved to another level of training.

  General Aroi, who had a permanent residence with the Tajarins on the 3rd continent, Padma, oversaw the protection of all spiritual teachers on Arnica with the

  exception of the Queen and High Priestess of Allint. His present attention was on the Black Soldiers that were too near the Sha'Kar's place of meditation.

  Queen M'Lu, Guardian C'Lea, Commander O'Malley and the elder monk Hamaru, had recommended Horiku to General Aroi as a candidate. This was to be Horiku's first test, unchaperoned, to see how she handled herself with foreigners, violence, and unfamiliar experiences. To begin her own initiation, she needed to return to the village that ended her parents' lives and make peace with her memories.

  The guardian spirits of the Kiuzi were called to witness and set up situations for Horiku to become involved in so she could learn and be stretched in her lessons. Whether she made it or not, Horiku's soul would learn valuable lessons.

  "You do not mind going back into the streets where your parents set up a home?"

  the Queen asked.

  "I have no opinion of where I am sent by your desires, my Queen. This humble one has pledged her unworthy self to your bidding."

  "Yes, yes. And you have learned words and rituals that go with it."

  Curiously and openly, Horiku studied the young queen, trained for her position while still in her mother's womb, or so the rumors said.

  "My Queen?"

  "Trauma. In all your studies, we have not taught you about trauma. How to handle death, sorrow, violence, and the pain of watching someone you love unjustly slain before you. It is a lesson of the 10th level."

  Horiku looked around the table at the rest of the Drosuans surprised. "My parents taught me the art of sorrow, and handling the unjust killing of a loved one. It is through crying."

  "This is all they have taught you of this experience?" one of the elders asked.

  Drosu children were protected from the knowledge of the death of loved ones that met with a violent end at the hands of another until they were older and able to grasp it on several levels. Drosu children had psychic abilities that commoners did not, which out of control, could harm innocents besides themselves.

  Horiku mentally watched as an event in her life played out, and how her parents taught her to face her anger when a pet of hers had been intentionally killed by a neighborhood child.

  "It's not just crying," she elaborated, "it also involves rituals to be performed on the anniversary of their passing and remembering good moments when they were alive.

  One never really loses someone if they are remembered." She admitted this with guilt, for she didn't really remember much of her parents and their violent deaths. Memories of them never came up, until now.

  "So, you will be able to return to your birthplace and face those that caused your loved ones to die without retribution, even in thought?"

  Horiku searched within, looking for any animosity she may harbor, or fear she had of going back to the town. She found only emptiness.

  "No, my Queen."

  "And so I judge that you are speaking the truth as you know it."

  The others disappeared.

  "Come here, Horiku," the Queen commanded. She had seen deep wi
thin the young woman, deeper than Horiku could see within herself, and there she found unresolved issues with the death of her family, and other issues from her childhood.

  Horiku stood up and walked to the other side of the table, closer to the Queen's chair, feeling not just the nape hairs rising but also the hairs on her arms.

  "It is the energy from the ley lines. You are sensitive. Stronger than most trainees," the Queen explained.

  Horiku nodded, her own suspicions verified.

  "You should be proud. You have worked hard, and you have not abused anyone, nor unfairly held your mastering of skills over those with lesser abilities. You are making yourself into a noble warrior, Horiku. You must remember to acknowledge your abilities, and not think it selfishness or being vain. You will certainly meet others more skilled, and challenges you would rather not deal with, but it is what hones a warrior to be a greater person. When you feel you have nothing more to learn, then you know that you have reached the greatest challenge. The next step then becomes to find a mentor for the next level."

  No matter how much younger than her the queen appeared, Horiku felt absolute respect and love for her. The power that radiated from the queen was not something to do with domination but something so pure and clean it filled her heart, causing her to yearn to be able to open up to more, yet hurting because she could not.

  "The job you are being examined for requires an honorable person. You must be willing to let go of distractions, and private agendas. It requires you to dedicate yourself for a greater purpose than self-serving dallies."