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Literature Text
Chapter -3-
Turner was troubled, bothered enough to be somewhat distracted in his work. Thoughts of the human girl overwhelmed him for the few days leading to his brother’s arrival. It took more of his attention than it probably should have. For all his reasoning the only explanation the Guardian could think of was the girl had been part of some elaborate hoax. Humans did not have energy. They did not speak their language. Wints did. Thus a wint had to have paired up with a human. How? And when? Why was the most infuriating question. The Prince knew Turner wasn’t sure if such collaboration was against some law he had yet to reinforce, but it certainly was not appreciated, and he would make it known that pranks like it would not be tolerated in the future. What degree of punishment he would administer would be settled on by their explanation and reasoning.
Since the incident, the Guardian had been far more attentive when feeling the energy of those around him, tying to brush against the wint who participated in the prank. But so far he had found nothing. No wint he crossed felt the same. No adult or even child. It was frustrating; the wint had such an unusual and distinctive feel that he had been sure finding them would have been simple. Even after discussing the matter with the Laylsix in hopes that someone else had come to report a similar hoax, there were no leads for him. Mare suggested it having been a onetime thing and that he dismiss the incident.
I should have brought the human to the Chambers. The Guardian thought. I should not have allowed Marrn’s absence to distract me. I could have dealt with her after. If Mare is correct, I will not get another chance to straighten them out.
Now trying not to dwell on it, Turner went to meet his brothers at Telmfe Zelmig. The adult trees blotted out the sun’s light and held off the wind. Because of that, and despite the shade of the canopy, the heat had collected at the base of the forest. And Turner was hot. Having already removed his outer top, the young man could feel a thick layer of sweat coat his torso, making the thinner cloth stick to him. The energy filled markings on his body did something to keep him cool, but the heat was formidable. He knew that his seething anger was not helping matters at all.
I will not allow some fool to run me around. Turner stormed through the undergrowth. But I swear if I ever find them the Dana will take pity. For a moment the fur on his body stood completely on end. A ticklish ripple ran through his chest and spine. Who would be asinine enough to do something like that? Who thinks they will not be found and punished for it? Taking a very deep breath, he reminded himself not to dwell on the problem. He was excited to see his brother, Bravery. He was even more eager to have both his brothers in the same area at the same time. The last time we were all together was almost five years ago and it was a brief nine days. Have I really been so busy to neglect my siblings? The young Guardian reviewed the past four years of his life. Outside of the incident thirty-eight months ago, his time had been a monotony of making dawn and dusk rounds and handling small squabbles and crimes. He had traveled to Pimla to choose a new Laylfux for the area after reading several unflattering reviews of them. He and Kiirn had traveled off toward the farmlands to help in the redirection of the ibon migration two years running, and he had dealt with emergencies in Eleesal City. And as of recent he had been taking care of preparations for his brother’s visit. While those are all time consuming, could it really have taken up three years of my time? … I did do some traveling. He knew the traveling itself would take up the most time and having to review every Laylfux on the island after replacing the one in Pimla took up almost a half year alone. All the same, it was a valid reason for them not to gather, not an excuse.
Turner broke through the trees and in sight of the ruin castle. If possible the palace seemed more put together than he remembered. The decrepit building looked sturdy and fresh, though no less in ruin. In the courtyard his brothers sat enjoying the sun. They were dressed just as sensibly as he was, their packs tossed off to the side. Bravery cracked open an eye as Turner approached. He was tucked up against a wall in the shade, just barely able to escape the sun. Turner was surprised to see that Kiirn’s unruly hair had been neatly trimmed – no doubt by Bravery who was normally the one to untangle their hair when they were young.
“Turner!” Bravery waved. “Gira’te uo?”
“Ata ciytan.” Turner replied. “Uo hune oyua. Gira’te uo?”
“Ata te ciytan.” The older man stretched out his body to show off his left leg. His knee was still intact, but everything below had been removed. “Ua ltya, uo sadii.”
“Z sadii. Z zuuotiri kuuva.”
“Uo’nn zaqu?”
Turner gave his brother a smirk. “Lah.”
“Vua!” Bravery laughed. “Ua ortiy frim sen. Uo, nugxia, hune aker ol! Nugsa ya apitat! Uo hune aker ol paradi!”
“Kiirn uo buna.”
Bravery stopped his cackling. “De lah.”
“De lha.”
“De lah…. Imoera?”
Turner nodded. “By half a head at least. He has grown taller than Marrn and I remember her always being just about your height.”
“Marrn stoops.” Bravery said after a moment of adjusting to the change in language. “She seems short because of it.” He reached over to shake Kiirn, who had long fallen asleep. “Do you stoop now?”
“What?” The younger Descendant yawned. “I suppose so. I do, I guess.”
“Marrn does as well. You are both taller than me.”
“For the time we are.” Kiirn said. “But you and Turner are both are like your father; neither of you have yet stopped growing like she and I have. Or so I thought; you were shoulder height to me when last we were together, right?”
“Yes.”
“Last I thought you’d be small like Tressa,” Kiirn went on. “but you favor Reese. If that was your concern you can dismiss it. Oh, but Marrn and I have been above you for a while despite your growth, if it matters. You just haven’t seen us in a while…. When did Turner get here?”
“A very long time ago.” The man lied. “And, no, it doesn’t matter. Go back to sleep.”
“Lah, I’m up now.” To prove it Kiirn sat up and began gathering their few packs. “Am I carrying you, Bravery?”
In response the older man gave him an irritated leer. Kiirn smirked. Turner went to help his brother stand, but Bravery waved him away. With nothing more than a grunt, Bravery had himself upright, adjusting a pair of crutches under his arms. Bravery didn’t seem to need to be carried at all; he moved confidently with the crutches and maneuvered himself just fine over the uneven terrain. Impressed, Turner let Bravery take the lead. He asked and listened as Kiirn told them about the rather uneventful trip. The only thing of interest being Bravery trying to get him to climb into a hole they found while seeking a place to camp. Turner laughed, having heard that Bravery had not taken off his work despite his injury. The younger man could easily imagine his dedicated brother trying to investigate something that resembled his favored environment.
The men talked of the pending surgery as they journeyed back to Village. Turner could feel his bothers’ trepidation and knew they could feel his. But theirs only went as far as the operation itself. Bravery and Kiirn had little knowledge of what had recently been happening in Eleesal City. Turner warned them of the protesters who had been surrounding the volunteering college, threatening to halt progress if the project was not abandoned. Bravery, with his usual impassive attitude, said that if they got in his way he would move them. Forcefully. And the young man wholeheartedly believed him. He warned them of the mayor’s more frequent visitations and of his daughter. Kiirn, who knew well enough of the girl, made a very rude yet still very true comment about her. The Guardian did not reprimand him.
Then, as time had moved on and they passed leisurely through Village, Turner told them of the pink haired girl from the Fence. His marking itched with irritation as he thought of how he had yet to find the wint behind the stunt. Though Kiirn seemed to think the joke amusing, he was having a hard time bringing to mind any wint he knew bold and playful enough to do such a thing. Not even his fascination with humans went that far. The younger of the Descendants wanted to be tasked with finding the human and questioning them. The Guardian didn’t even consider it. No, the last thing the Eleesal City needed was an overzealous Descendant walking the streets looking for a single human. Turner assured him that if he could not find the wint responsible, he would give the police a description of the human and have her brought to him. Bravery did not appear to think the situation so urgent. He moved along beside them, listening with the hint of a smirk.
“Your jasda has returned, baby brother.”
His brother had said many strange things to him over the years, but that one stumped Turner completely. Frown in confusion, Turner asked for an explanation. When Bravery gave a dismissive gesture the Guardian demanded enlightenment. Bravery glared disapprovingly, making it clear that the imposing tone would not work on him. Turner changed tact, using a more respectful tone in his request. His brother was known for being vague so Turner made sure to extract a complete story out of him. And it was not an effortless task. Yet after twice responding flippantly, some reprimanding, and begging, Bravery went into explicit detail. The words came out in an impassive way, showing that the man had already lost interest in the topic.
Listening, Turner neglected to greet some of the passerby that waved or bowed to him. For all but few reasons ignoring the gi’ze was considered rude by all wint people. But he had more important things on his mind than being a little impolite; a human with wint energy. Guardian energy. Jenna with his energy. Or, more so energy that used to be his. How had he not known about that? How had he not felt it at the time? His brother was more than pleased to tell him – and in no small way was he not implying there was something the attentive Guardian had failed to sense. Bravery made sure his account was not a particularly long, nor a complicated one. Quieting any questions from his companions, he only laid out the fact found theories, promising he knew nothing more than what he told them. Bravery assured that Jenna had claimed no discomfort to him and that she had obviously not killed herself since Turner had seen her for himself. Bravery concluded by remarking on the Guardian’s tendencies to worry needlessly over situations that no longer held significance.
Nonetheless it was no more an ease to Turner’s mind. This is something I should have been told immediately. I am beginning to wonder what else or how much my family is withholding from me. Turner scowled at the walkway. How had Jenna managed it for these past years? Has it affected her? Is that why half of her hair is pink? It was not a matter he could just ignore or take lightly. Nor was it one he would refuse a second opinion on. He decided that while his brother rested, he would seek out the Laylsix and speak with them of the matter.
Reaching home, Turner helped his brother to unpack and settle in. He had resisted the urge to switch rooms which made him all the more irritated when Bravery commented that he didn’t need so much space for a short visit. The younger man decided not to respond. He was not happy with his brother at the moment and would not humor his blatant tones.
Sure that Bravery would be fine alone, Turner left with Kiirn to the Chambers. They talked very little on the way; Turner’s thoughts were torn between several things. Before reaching the meeting place they had to track down the Laylsix members. None of them were difficult to find, though all were busy in some way or another. It was a very impromptu summons and the Standing member made it clear that she did not like being pulled away from her activities with little explanation. Perhaps that was why she risked his anger by questioning Kiirn on his travels before allowing the Guardian to speak. Even Kiirn seemed uncomfortable with Mare’s maneuver.
After listening again to the rather dull tale of the Descendant’s trip, the Guardian recounted what Bravery had told him about the human. That caused a silent ripple of confusion and panic to spread throughout the Laylsix members. He could not blame them for the reaction; it was the same as what he felt. Turner could almost be relieved that he was not the only one who didn’t know how to process the unusual information. But as they muttered and attempted to understand how such a thing was possible, he saw no useful advice would be coming from the council. Mare alone wanted to send him into the city to claim the human and hold her in the Chambers until they could decide what to do. Her concern was fine, but there was something in her tone and energy that suggested she thought Jenna was enough of a danger to quarantine. Turner wasn’t so sure. The rest of the members were split on the solution. Though still unsure of the stability of the situation himself, the young Guardian assured them that he would find the girl and decide for himself what would be done, and hopefully a resolution would come easily at that time. Jenna had been in trouble with the Laylsix before for crossing the Fence, leading Turner to believe that any difficulties from her would not be so easily forgiven. With the new information shared, the meeting ran far longer than it otherwise would have. On this occasion that was just fine with him.
It was near dark when they left. Turner decided to start his rounds, neglecting the broad blade he usually wore for the task to favor the shorter one currently strapped to his belt. He wished Kiirn a well rest as the Descendent went on home to tend his tired legs. The Guardian found himself feeling weary as well. A weight of unrest took the place of the anger he had felt. An unsteady mix of concern, irritation, and curiosity. It made him feel heavy in a way he did not want to feel. He could not enjoy the land around him as he usually did when patrolling. He could not enjoy the feel of the breeze on his face or scents in the air. The things that normally made the mandatory and monotonous walk interesting had gone.
The Guardian had just completed his nightly rounds when the chime on his wristband went off. A shock to his arm accompanied it. The young man adjusted the elastic, flipping it over as though expecting the adjustment to help, though, he was well aware that if it chimed again he would get the same unpleasant shock – a precaution, Kiirn often joked, to make sure he did not ignore the sound. Leaving open his front door, Turner removed his blade and boots. A pleasant breeze blew in through the opening. Turner relaxed, plopping into his favorite seat – a small, fuzzy, plush seat that Kiirn had introduced him to years ago – let down his hair, and closed his eyes. Bravery, he assumed, had settled down to bed early or left the house altogether. Either was just fine with him. He knew if the older man was there he would pester his elder brother with repetitive questions of the human. And though that was essential during certain times, Bravery would not tolerate it. And more than anything, he did not want to be fuming and short when Mayor Hider arrived because his brother was not taking the situation too seriously. So Turner worked to calm his racing mind and jittering energy. Not expecting the mayor to appear for sometime still, he pulled off the wristband. The device, though useful, was destructive to his wrist, cutting in tight around his arm. If he stayed long enough, the mayor would undoubtedly notice him not wearing it and Turner would take the opportunity to talk to him about it. Laying back his head, Turner fought to replace all of his thoughts with a dull calmness. He vibrated his energy around his body, stretching it out to let waves of it skim across the floor before pulling it back. He repeated this until being disrupted.
“Still worrying, baby brother?” Bravery came in from the hall. “I can feel your upset and confusion in my sleep. It is disturbing.” His brother dropped onto the main seat, tossing down his crutches. “What bothers you this time?”
“You, vua!” Turner frowned at him. “You and our parents not telling me of this sooner. Something could have been done. Not only that, but is it any reflection of your respect toward me?”
“Lah’nn ua buna abugw mo.” Bravery returned the look. “We’ve discussed this. Thoroughly in fact. You claim to have accepted and understood and yet here you are shouting and crying to the Queen over nothing. Your hoss’wa is fine as you see and under full control of energy you still think will kill her. Or do you feel wronged because you think she has stolen from you?”
“That’s not it at all and you know that.”
“Good.” Bravely tightened the knot in his dangling pant leg. “You misplace your worry too often and I’m very tired of it. If anything, my squealing baby brother, worry that she remembers what paru hos means.”
That did worry the young man. “Lha. True. Give me blame for my late worry, brother, but I am hearing of this just now.”
“Oh,” The older man reclined along the couch. “If you are merely catching up with the rest of us, than by all means move it on along. Once it is all out of your system we can find your jasda and have a civilized conversation.”
“Do not call her that!” Turner was just about set to beat his brother, despite inevitable consequences. “How many times do I have to tell you-”
“Should I come by another time?”
Closing his eyes, Turner allowed himself to calm down before turning to the human at his door. Hider stood small and nervous as always, fidgeting with the hem of his jacket. He lingered in the entryway, waiting to be noticed. Allowing the mayor in, Turner evicted his brother from the house before closing the door.
*
The young man rolled over, groaning into his bed sheets. His back hurt, his legs hurt. Most of all his head hurt. The light shone directly into his eyes and he was hungry. The sun’s heat burned through the open window; he was sweating through the sheets. His sensitive ears twitched at the sounds of branches scratching at his roof and birds tweeting about outside. He could smell Kiirn’s cooking fill the house. Along with it all, his alarm was chiming. Turner attempted to adjust his lower body and was popped in the head because of it.
“Te eryye.” Bravery hissed. He combed his fingers through Turner’s hair, yanking out the tangles and knots. “Z worn mio. Uo lah’nn taf nietro. Gira iimagur.”
I don’t care anymore. Turner threw his weight, tossing his brother to the floor. Bravery let out a painful shout, then released a threatening growl. Turner refused to feel threatened. He can’t chase me this time. Sitting up, Turner slid off the bed to stretch out his legs. He ran his hand through his hair. Even though it was still coiled, his fingers went through it easily. Before it had been knotting and matted from lack of proper care. Begrudgingly Turner thanked his brother and offered his hand. Bravery bore his fangs in response. I’ve made him mad. The young man felt a pang of guilt, though it was dulled by a hint of amusement. Changing tack, Turner grabbed his brother by the arm and hoisted him over his shoulder. A low growl rippled through Bravery’s throat as Turner carried him down the hall. I remember when he carried me like this when there was something I did not want to do. Of course, I was never as big as he is now when he did. The smell of cooking food swelled. Food will calm him down and lessen my pending punishment. Turner slowly eased his brother on to his favorite seat. Immediately the older man relaxed, his stirred up energy resting completely. Now I’m never going to get my chair back.
“You are heavy.” Turner said. “Thank you, brother; I appreciate what you’ve done and I’ll try to maintain it. But don’t ever hold me down like that again.”
Kiirn was staring at them from the kitchen area. There was an entire spread of food on the counters and kitchen table. Turner knew Kiirn well, and Kiirn knew him just as. His friend had made enough food to last the men a week at best. If not for the fact that his friend loved to cook, Turner would feel bad for all the work he did. Making a plate for his brother, the Guardian noted another chime from his wristband. Again he opened the door so that the mayor would not have to break his knuckles rapping the thick wood. As they ate the bell went off several more times. It was a rapid twing twing twing that stung his ears and wrist. Frustrated, he pushed away his plate and went to dress properly. He knew now that it was not Hider calling him, and he was far from edger to see them. When he returned to the main room, Bravery waited by the door with his crutches. Kiirn waited too, giving him a knowing look. Turner said nothing – Kiirn knew the girl well enough to not be fond of her and Bravery would soon meet her – he would keep his thoughts to himself.
The day was not one for wearing conservative clothing. It was by far the hottest day of the summer; a day that caused the air to blur before them and birds to stay hidden in the shadows of their nests. Not even the water coos could be seen hovering on the breeze from one source of water to the next. Turner could just imagine the little white insects covering the surface of the nearest lake like a blanket of fresh snow. Sweat had already built under Bravery’s arms where the crutches supported him. The older Descendant was doing very well for himself with his one leg and didn’t seem much in a hurry to have the other replaced. Outwardly he appeared as uncaring of the situation as he did of everything else. But Turner knew better. And more than anything hauling his weight around on the two supports used more effort and energy than the man was comfortable with. Turner reminded himself to get his brother a flask of cu’emen later in the day.
As the Guardian suspected, Malinda waited outside the Fence. The gate had been repaired, but only minimally. When she saw them coming, Malinda went up to the patch and tried to remove it so that she could meet them. Right then he made up his mind not to open the gate for her benefit. The young woman was dressed in just about nothing – a fashion for his people would not be considered so unsightly, but he knew to sometimes be inappropriate for humans – and heels that looked high even to him. As they came right upon the chain links, Kiirn leaned over to whisper in Bravery’s ear and Turner caught the word vua. Malinda wasted no time once he settled by the gate.
“Did you have dinner with Robert last night?” she burst.
Turner considered his answer. The mayor – Robert Hider – had visited him the previous evening with concerns of people protesting the operation. He had stayed through Turner’s normal dinner hour, but neither of the men had eaten.
“He came to see me, yes.”
“Told you about the annoying people standing around public places bothering everyone?”
For the barest of moments the young man thought she was referring to herself and her friends. “He did, of course. I am going to the amusement park tomorrow to see about them, since that appears to be a place they like to gather. I’m sure they are not as much trouble as your father thinks they are.”
“You should put them in jail.”
“They’ve done nothing thus far to deserve that.” Turner fought a frown. “And still, that is not my job.”
“It should be. The cops can’t do all the work.”
They don’t. He resisted rolling his eyes. They do their share and I do mine. I do not understand how that is not evident.
“I will have a talk with them. But I will not arrest them.” he said. He glanced over to Kiirn, only half wondering why he was wasting his time with the girl. If not for obligation he would have crushed his wrist band and pretended to have lost it. “If these people are merely causing a disturbance it is nothing for me to handle. You know that as well as anyone else. If it becomes a larger matter it is still not for me to see about. You need more faith in your law enforcement or less expectations from me.”
“You need to start doing things like normal people.” The human female glared at him in a way he had never seen before. “Your job is to-”
“Z dana dispon.” Bravery said suddenly. “Wet dana gayvn bu.”
“Lah’nn jhael’sul.” Turner responded. “Dana lintamas, lah ductyor.”
“Lha dana.”
“I can hear you!” the girl whined. “And I agree with whatever Turner said.”
“Dana oclon.” Turner smiled. “Uo’ya trel osga mo pecait yavwa ol riglo. Ua jasdin cun mo ogimjur. Your father has been very good at his job as mayor, Malinda. You do not need to go behind him just to say the same things. Do not call me again for any reason. This is the last time I will tell you.”
Turner was troubled, bothered enough to be somewhat distracted in his work. Thoughts of the human girl overwhelmed him for the few days leading to his brother’s arrival. It took more of his attention than it probably should have. For all his reasoning the only explanation the Guardian could think of was the girl had been part of some elaborate hoax. Humans did not have energy. They did not speak their language. Wints did. Thus a wint had to have paired up with a human. How? And when? Why was the most infuriating question. The Prince knew Turner wasn’t sure if such collaboration was against some law he had yet to reinforce, but it certainly was not appreciated, and he would make it known that pranks like it would not be tolerated in the future. What degree of punishment he would administer would be settled on by their explanation and reasoning.
Since the incident, the Guardian had been far more attentive when feeling the energy of those around him, tying to brush against the wint who participated in the prank. But so far he had found nothing. No wint he crossed felt the same. No adult or even child. It was frustrating; the wint had such an unusual and distinctive feel that he had been sure finding them would have been simple. Even after discussing the matter with the Laylsix in hopes that someone else had come to report a similar hoax, there were no leads for him. Mare suggested it having been a onetime thing and that he dismiss the incident.
I should have brought the human to the Chambers. The Guardian thought. I should not have allowed Marrn’s absence to distract me. I could have dealt with her after. If Mare is correct, I will not get another chance to straighten them out.
Now trying not to dwell on it, Turner went to meet his brothers at Telmfe Zelmig. The adult trees blotted out the sun’s light and held off the wind. Because of that, and despite the shade of the canopy, the heat had collected at the base of the forest. And Turner was hot. Having already removed his outer top, the young man could feel a thick layer of sweat coat his torso, making the thinner cloth stick to him. The energy filled markings on his body did something to keep him cool, but the heat was formidable. He knew that his seething anger was not helping matters at all.
I will not allow some fool to run me around. Turner stormed through the undergrowth. But I swear if I ever find them the Dana will take pity. For a moment the fur on his body stood completely on end. A ticklish ripple ran through his chest and spine. Who would be asinine enough to do something like that? Who thinks they will not be found and punished for it? Taking a very deep breath, he reminded himself not to dwell on the problem. He was excited to see his brother, Bravery. He was even more eager to have both his brothers in the same area at the same time. The last time we were all together was almost five years ago and it was a brief nine days. Have I really been so busy to neglect my siblings? The young Guardian reviewed the past four years of his life. Outside of the incident thirty-eight months ago, his time had been a monotony of making dawn and dusk rounds and handling small squabbles and crimes. He had traveled to Pimla to choose a new Laylfux for the area after reading several unflattering reviews of them. He and Kiirn had traveled off toward the farmlands to help in the redirection of the ibon migration two years running, and he had dealt with emergencies in Eleesal City. And as of recent he had been taking care of preparations for his brother’s visit. While those are all time consuming, could it really have taken up three years of my time? … I did do some traveling. He knew the traveling itself would take up the most time and having to review every Laylfux on the island after replacing the one in Pimla took up almost a half year alone. All the same, it was a valid reason for them not to gather, not an excuse.
Turner broke through the trees and in sight of the ruin castle. If possible the palace seemed more put together than he remembered. The decrepit building looked sturdy and fresh, though no less in ruin. In the courtyard his brothers sat enjoying the sun. They were dressed just as sensibly as he was, their packs tossed off to the side. Bravery cracked open an eye as Turner approached. He was tucked up against a wall in the shade, just barely able to escape the sun. Turner was surprised to see that Kiirn’s unruly hair had been neatly trimmed – no doubt by Bravery who was normally the one to untangle their hair when they were young.
“Turner!” Bravery waved. “Gira’te uo?”
“Ata ciytan.” Turner replied. “Uo hune oyua. Gira’te uo?”
“Ata te ciytan.” The older man stretched out his body to show off his left leg. His knee was still intact, but everything below had been removed. “Ua ltya, uo sadii.”
“Z sadii. Z zuuotiri kuuva.”
“Uo’nn zaqu?”
Turner gave his brother a smirk. “Lah.”
“Vua!” Bravery laughed. “Ua ortiy frim sen. Uo, nugxia, hune aker ol! Nugsa ya apitat! Uo hune aker ol paradi!”
“Kiirn uo buna.”
Bravery stopped his cackling. “De lah.”
“De lha.”
“De lah…. Imoera?”
Turner nodded. “By half a head at least. He has grown taller than Marrn and I remember her always being just about your height.”
“Marrn stoops.” Bravery said after a moment of adjusting to the change in language. “She seems short because of it.” He reached over to shake Kiirn, who had long fallen asleep. “Do you stoop now?”
“What?” The younger Descendant yawned. “I suppose so. I do, I guess.”
“Marrn does as well. You are both taller than me.”
“For the time we are.” Kiirn said. “But you and Turner are both are like your father; neither of you have yet stopped growing like she and I have. Or so I thought; you were shoulder height to me when last we were together, right?”
“Yes.”
“Last I thought you’d be small like Tressa,” Kiirn went on. “but you favor Reese. If that was your concern you can dismiss it. Oh, but Marrn and I have been above you for a while despite your growth, if it matters. You just haven’t seen us in a while…. When did Turner get here?”
“A very long time ago.” The man lied. “And, no, it doesn’t matter. Go back to sleep.”
“Lah, I’m up now.” To prove it Kiirn sat up and began gathering their few packs. “Am I carrying you, Bravery?”
In response the older man gave him an irritated leer. Kiirn smirked. Turner went to help his brother stand, but Bravery waved him away. With nothing more than a grunt, Bravery had himself upright, adjusting a pair of crutches under his arms. Bravery didn’t seem to need to be carried at all; he moved confidently with the crutches and maneuvered himself just fine over the uneven terrain. Impressed, Turner let Bravery take the lead. He asked and listened as Kiirn told them about the rather uneventful trip. The only thing of interest being Bravery trying to get him to climb into a hole they found while seeking a place to camp. Turner laughed, having heard that Bravery had not taken off his work despite his injury. The younger man could easily imagine his dedicated brother trying to investigate something that resembled his favored environment.
The men talked of the pending surgery as they journeyed back to Village. Turner could feel his bothers’ trepidation and knew they could feel his. But theirs only went as far as the operation itself. Bravery and Kiirn had little knowledge of what had recently been happening in Eleesal City. Turner warned them of the protesters who had been surrounding the volunteering college, threatening to halt progress if the project was not abandoned. Bravery, with his usual impassive attitude, said that if they got in his way he would move them. Forcefully. And the young man wholeheartedly believed him. He warned them of the mayor’s more frequent visitations and of his daughter. Kiirn, who knew well enough of the girl, made a very rude yet still very true comment about her. The Guardian did not reprimand him.
Then, as time had moved on and they passed leisurely through Village, Turner told them of the pink haired girl from the Fence. His marking itched with irritation as he thought of how he had yet to find the wint behind the stunt. Though Kiirn seemed to think the joke amusing, he was having a hard time bringing to mind any wint he knew bold and playful enough to do such a thing. Not even his fascination with humans went that far. The younger of the Descendants wanted to be tasked with finding the human and questioning them. The Guardian didn’t even consider it. No, the last thing the Eleesal City needed was an overzealous Descendant walking the streets looking for a single human. Turner assured him that if he could not find the wint responsible, he would give the police a description of the human and have her brought to him. Bravery did not appear to think the situation so urgent. He moved along beside them, listening with the hint of a smirk.
“Your jasda has returned, baby brother.”
His brother had said many strange things to him over the years, but that one stumped Turner completely. Frown in confusion, Turner asked for an explanation. When Bravery gave a dismissive gesture the Guardian demanded enlightenment. Bravery glared disapprovingly, making it clear that the imposing tone would not work on him. Turner changed tact, using a more respectful tone in his request. His brother was known for being vague so Turner made sure to extract a complete story out of him. And it was not an effortless task. Yet after twice responding flippantly, some reprimanding, and begging, Bravery went into explicit detail. The words came out in an impassive way, showing that the man had already lost interest in the topic.
Listening, Turner neglected to greet some of the passerby that waved or bowed to him. For all but few reasons ignoring the gi’ze was considered rude by all wint people. But he had more important things on his mind than being a little impolite; a human with wint energy. Guardian energy. Jenna with his energy. Or, more so energy that used to be his. How had he not known about that? How had he not felt it at the time? His brother was more than pleased to tell him – and in no small way was he not implying there was something the attentive Guardian had failed to sense. Bravery made sure his account was not a particularly long, nor a complicated one. Quieting any questions from his companions, he only laid out the fact found theories, promising he knew nothing more than what he told them. Bravery assured that Jenna had claimed no discomfort to him and that she had obviously not killed herself since Turner had seen her for himself. Bravery concluded by remarking on the Guardian’s tendencies to worry needlessly over situations that no longer held significance.
Nonetheless it was no more an ease to Turner’s mind. This is something I should have been told immediately. I am beginning to wonder what else or how much my family is withholding from me. Turner scowled at the walkway. How had Jenna managed it for these past years? Has it affected her? Is that why half of her hair is pink? It was not a matter he could just ignore or take lightly. Nor was it one he would refuse a second opinion on. He decided that while his brother rested, he would seek out the Laylsix and speak with them of the matter.
Reaching home, Turner helped his brother to unpack and settle in. He had resisted the urge to switch rooms which made him all the more irritated when Bravery commented that he didn’t need so much space for a short visit. The younger man decided not to respond. He was not happy with his brother at the moment and would not humor his blatant tones.
Sure that Bravery would be fine alone, Turner left with Kiirn to the Chambers. They talked very little on the way; Turner’s thoughts were torn between several things. Before reaching the meeting place they had to track down the Laylsix members. None of them were difficult to find, though all were busy in some way or another. It was a very impromptu summons and the Standing member made it clear that she did not like being pulled away from her activities with little explanation. Perhaps that was why she risked his anger by questioning Kiirn on his travels before allowing the Guardian to speak. Even Kiirn seemed uncomfortable with Mare’s maneuver.
After listening again to the rather dull tale of the Descendant’s trip, the Guardian recounted what Bravery had told him about the human. That caused a silent ripple of confusion and panic to spread throughout the Laylsix members. He could not blame them for the reaction; it was the same as what he felt. Turner could almost be relieved that he was not the only one who didn’t know how to process the unusual information. But as they muttered and attempted to understand how such a thing was possible, he saw no useful advice would be coming from the council. Mare alone wanted to send him into the city to claim the human and hold her in the Chambers until they could decide what to do. Her concern was fine, but there was something in her tone and energy that suggested she thought Jenna was enough of a danger to quarantine. Turner wasn’t so sure. The rest of the members were split on the solution. Though still unsure of the stability of the situation himself, the young Guardian assured them that he would find the girl and decide for himself what would be done, and hopefully a resolution would come easily at that time. Jenna had been in trouble with the Laylsix before for crossing the Fence, leading Turner to believe that any difficulties from her would not be so easily forgiven. With the new information shared, the meeting ran far longer than it otherwise would have. On this occasion that was just fine with him.
It was near dark when they left. Turner decided to start his rounds, neglecting the broad blade he usually wore for the task to favor the shorter one currently strapped to his belt. He wished Kiirn a well rest as the Descendent went on home to tend his tired legs. The Guardian found himself feeling weary as well. A weight of unrest took the place of the anger he had felt. An unsteady mix of concern, irritation, and curiosity. It made him feel heavy in a way he did not want to feel. He could not enjoy the land around him as he usually did when patrolling. He could not enjoy the feel of the breeze on his face or scents in the air. The things that normally made the mandatory and monotonous walk interesting had gone.
The Guardian had just completed his nightly rounds when the chime on his wristband went off. A shock to his arm accompanied it. The young man adjusted the elastic, flipping it over as though expecting the adjustment to help, though, he was well aware that if it chimed again he would get the same unpleasant shock – a precaution, Kiirn often joked, to make sure he did not ignore the sound. Leaving open his front door, Turner removed his blade and boots. A pleasant breeze blew in through the opening. Turner relaxed, plopping into his favorite seat – a small, fuzzy, plush seat that Kiirn had introduced him to years ago – let down his hair, and closed his eyes. Bravery, he assumed, had settled down to bed early or left the house altogether. Either was just fine with him. He knew if the older man was there he would pester his elder brother with repetitive questions of the human. And though that was essential during certain times, Bravery would not tolerate it. And more than anything, he did not want to be fuming and short when Mayor Hider arrived because his brother was not taking the situation too seriously. So Turner worked to calm his racing mind and jittering energy. Not expecting the mayor to appear for sometime still, he pulled off the wristband. The device, though useful, was destructive to his wrist, cutting in tight around his arm. If he stayed long enough, the mayor would undoubtedly notice him not wearing it and Turner would take the opportunity to talk to him about it. Laying back his head, Turner fought to replace all of his thoughts with a dull calmness. He vibrated his energy around his body, stretching it out to let waves of it skim across the floor before pulling it back. He repeated this until being disrupted.
“Still worrying, baby brother?” Bravery came in from the hall. “I can feel your upset and confusion in my sleep. It is disturbing.” His brother dropped onto the main seat, tossing down his crutches. “What bothers you this time?”
“You, vua!” Turner frowned at him. “You and our parents not telling me of this sooner. Something could have been done. Not only that, but is it any reflection of your respect toward me?”
“Lah’nn ua buna abugw mo.” Bravery returned the look. “We’ve discussed this. Thoroughly in fact. You claim to have accepted and understood and yet here you are shouting and crying to the Queen over nothing. Your hoss’wa is fine as you see and under full control of energy you still think will kill her. Or do you feel wronged because you think she has stolen from you?”
“That’s not it at all and you know that.”
“Good.” Bravely tightened the knot in his dangling pant leg. “You misplace your worry too often and I’m very tired of it. If anything, my squealing baby brother, worry that she remembers what paru hos means.”
That did worry the young man. “Lha. True. Give me blame for my late worry, brother, but I am hearing of this just now.”
“Oh,” The older man reclined along the couch. “If you are merely catching up with the rest of us, than by all means move it on along. Once it is all out of your system we can find your jasda and have a civilized conversation.”
“Do not call her that!” Turner was just about set to beat his brother, despite inevitable consequences. “How many times do I have to tell you-”
“Should I come by another time?”
Closing his eyes, Turner allowed himself to calm down before turning to the human at his door. Hider stood small and nervous as always, fidgeting with the hem of his jacket. He lingered in the entryway, waiting to be noticed. Allowing the mayor in, Turner evicted his brother from the house before closing the door.
*
The young man rolled over, groaning into his bed sheets. His back hurt, his legs hurt. Most of all his head hurt. The light shone directly into his eyes and he was hungry. The sun’s heat burned through the open window; he was sweating through the sheets. His sensitive ears twitched at the sounds of branches scratching at his roof and birds tweeting about outside. He could smell Kiirn’s cooking fill the house. Along with it all, his alarm was chiming. Turner attempted to adjust his lower body and was popped in the head because of it.
“Te eryye.” Bravery hissed. He combed his fingers through Turner’s hair, yanking out the tangles and knots. “Z worn mio. Uo lah’nn taf nietro. Gira iimagur.”
I don’t care anymore. Turner threw his weight, tossing his brother to the floor. Bravery let out a painful shout, then released a threatening growl. Turner refused to feel threatened. He can’t chase me this time. Sitting up, Turner slid off the bed to stretch out his legs. He ran his hand through his hair. Even though it was still coiled, his fingers went through it easily. Before it had been knotting and matted from lack of proper care. Begrudgingly Turner thanked his brother and offered his hand. Bravery bore his fangs in response. I’ve made him mad. The young man felt a pang of guilt, though it was dulled by a hint of amusement. Changing tack, Turner grabbed his brother by the arm and hoisted him over his shoulder. A low growl rippled through Bravery’s throat as Turner carried him down the hall. I remember when he carried me like this when there was something I did not want to do. Of course, I was never as big as he is now when he did. The smell of cooking food swelled. Food will calm him down and lessen my pending punishment. Turner slowly eased his brother on to his favorite seat. Immediately the older man relaxed, his stirred up energy resting completely. Now I’m never going to get my chair back.
“You are heavy.” Turner said. “Thank you, brother; I appreciate what you’ve done and I’ll try to maintain it. But don’t ever hold me down like that again.”
Kiirn was staring at them from the kitchen area. There was an entire spread of food on the counters and kitchen table. Turner knew Kiirn well, and Kiirn knew him just as. His friend had made enough food to last the men a week at best. If not for the fact that his friend loved to cook, Turner would feel bad for all the work he did. Making a plate for his brother, the Guardian noted another chime from his wristband. Again he opened the door so that the mayor would not have to break his knuckles rapping the thick wood. As they ate the bell went off several more times. It was a rapid twing twing twing that stung his ears and wrist. Frustrated, he pushed away his plate and went to dress properly. He knew now that it was not Hider calling him, and he was far from edger to see them. When he returned to the main room, Bravery waited by the door with his crutches. Kiirn waited too, giving him a knowing look. Turner said nothing – Kiirn knew the girl well enough to not be fond of her and Bravery would soon meet her – he would keep his thoughts to himself.
The day was not one for wearing conservative clothing. It was by far the hottest day of the summer; a day that caused the air to blur before them and birds to stay hidden in the shadows of their nests. Not even the water coos could be seen hovering on the breeze from one source of water to the next. Turner could just imagine the little white insects covering the surface of the nearest lake like a blanket of fresh snow. Sweat had already built under Bravery’s arms where the crutches supported him. The older Descendant was doing very well for himself with his one leg and didn’t seem much in a hurry to have the other replaced. Outwardly he appeared as uncaring of the situation as he did of everything else. But Turner knew better. And more than anything hauling his weight around on the two supports used more effort and energy than the man was comfortable with. Turner reminded himself to get his brother a flask of cu’emen later in the day.
As the Guardian suspected, Malinda waited outside the Fence. The gate had been repaired, but only minimally. When she saw them coming, Malinda went up to the patch and tried to remove it so that she could meet them. Right then he made up his mind not to open the gate for her benefit. The young woman was dressed in just about nothing – a fashion for his people would not be considered so unsightly, but he knew to sometimes be inappropriate for humans – and heels that looked high even to him. As they came right upon the chain links, Kiirn leaned over to whisper in Bravery’s ear and Turner caught the word vua. Malinda wasted no time once he settled by the gate.
“Did you have dinner with Robert last night?” she burst.
Turner considered his answer. The mayor – Robert Hider – had visited him the previous evening with concerns of people protesting the operation. He had stayed through Turner’s normal dinner hour, but neither of the men had eaten.
“He came to see me, yes.”
“Told you about the annoying people standing around public places bothering everyone?”
For the barest of moments the young man thought she was referring to herself and her friends. “He did, of course. I am going to the amusement park tomorrow to see about them, since that appears to be a place they like to gather. I’m sure they are not as much trouble as your father thinks they are.”
“You should put them in jail.”
“They’ve done nothing thus far to deserve that.” Turner fought a frown. “And still, that is not my job.”
“It should be. The cops can’t do all the work.”
They don’t. He resisted rolling his eyes. They do their share and I do mine. I do not understand how that is not evident.
“I will have a talk with them. But I will not arrest them.” he said. He glanced over to Kiirn, only half wondering why he was wasting his time with the girl. If not for obligation he would have crushed his wrist band and pretended to have lost it. “If these people are merely causing a disturbance it is nothing for me to handle. You know that as well as anyone else. If it becomes a larger matter it is still not for me to see about. You need more faith in your law enforcement or less expectations from me.”
“You need to start doing things like normal people.” The human female glared at him in a way he had never seen before. “Your job is to-”
“Z dana dispon.” Bravery said suddenly. “Wet dana gayvn bu.”
“Lah’nn jhael’sul.” Turner responded. “Dana lintamas, lah ductyor.”
“Lha dana.”
“I can hear you!” the girl whined. “And I agree with whatever Turner said.”
“Dana oclon.” Turner smiled. “Uo’ya trel osga mo pecait yavwa ol riglo. Ua jasdin cun mo ogimjur. Your father has been very good at his job as mayor, Malinda. You do not need to go behind him just to say the same things. Do not call me again for any reason. This is the last time I will tell you.”
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