The bluish light shown brightly through the canopy surrounding the Annayl Spire. Shei had just exited the main gates and found Qfove, Qdae, Ycun and Cadyx standing amongst a larger number of Myrics. After taking count, Shei had the new Myrics numbering twenty-seven. Qfove noticed the Diplomat and joined her immediately.

“The Myrics have been assembled. I have sent Qatani to retrieve the Voasq warriors… What troubles you, Hee?”

“We leave for the Nymphallatess in three days. There is much I will need to tell you about the events to follow… but not now.” Shei was obviously focused within.

“The world has been more interesting with you in this place. I will be patient for your report,” Qfove chirped.

A smile flashed onto Shei’s face as she nodded in appreciation. Her smile giving way to a more solid countenance, she gave her orders. “Have Cadyx wait here for the returning warriors. Instruct him that they will need to be escorted to our camp when they arrive. Everyone else will follow you back to camp now. Update the Myrics as to what we saw this past night and have them ready their armor and weapons. I need to locate Copic. When I find him, I will go back to camp and give the rest of my instructions.”

Qfove bowed a little and started to move away. Shei caught a glimpse of the sword and called after the Myric. “Qfove…”

“Yes, Hee?” The Fah started walking back towards Shei.

“Why are there hammers on the ends of your swords?”

In response, Qfove jogged over to a tree and swung the sword attached to her right arm at it; the middle of its length embedding deep within the bark. The other sword’s tip struck the face of the tree like a punch, but the warrior leaned further into it as she withdrew her right arm. This caused an even deeper gash in the tree than the initial strike. If that were another Fah or any other living being, the chances of living after such an attack would be very low. Shei was impressed at the effectiveness of the attack. “Thank you. I have never seen anything quite like that before.”

Qfove bowed and went to the rest of the Myrics. The diplomat now had to find Copic.

Going north, Shei reached the Innokt Spire. Placing her head on one of the watchers on the outside of the towering structure, she inquired about the location of her ‘greyleaf’. The watcher responded with no current information about the priest. Taking another approach, she asked about the location of where a Fah’s last rites were performed and found that, for a Myric, this occurred in the Blood Channel. That was located East of the Innokt Spire.

When she arrived, there were four deep red Myrics standing guard over the underground entrance to the catacombs. Surrounding the area were butchers, forges, weaponsmiths and armorsmiths. Trees and grass were cleared in this area, leaving behind mud and stone; possibly to allow for formations. As she approached the gaping stairway leading underground, two of the four Myrics moved towards her in a way that suggested warning. When she stopped, so did they. “I am seeking Copic, a priest that might be responsible for the last rites for Qvuba, Cajka, Aqujae and Kitji.”

One of the Myric Guards placed his fingertips on the side of his head for a moment. “You are the daughter of Poliden’Ra, Hee.” His fingers came off of his head and were back at his weapons. “Forgive our lack of respect. It is hard to see our brothers and sisters dead. Your priest is here.” The guard gestured with an open hand at the stairway. “Follow a straight path beyond the hive cells into the Champion’s Circle. Follow it around until you see Qfove’s Hive Marker. Your priest will be through the portis it identifies.”

“Thank you, Myric. Know that your brothers and sisters fought well against a formidable foe. We all would have died without them.” Shei’s voice was deepened with respect for the Myric’s loss.

“We have never seen a brother or sister come back in such condition. Many hives have become demoralized over this enemy. Please bring only victory to us- and no more violated hivekin…”

She bowed her head silently and moved towards the entrance. Making her descent, the cavernous Mynei Co’isi of the Myrics yawned before her. The Blood Channel, they called it.

A formation twenty Fah wide could easily pass through this passageway, Shei thought. A line of torches ran along the center of the corridor, lighting well the maroon hexagonal cells that made up the walls. While most of the Fah’s structures were organic and free flowing, the anatomy of this place was organized and symmetrical. Every cell was twice as deep as a Myric was tall, but only half the height. Ten cells high, the monstrous ramparts could easily house two hundred Fah each. Her steps on the cobblestone echoed despite the soft padding of her footwear. The hallway was equally as impressive as that leading to the Dictorium at the Nymphallatess. Shei had seriously underestimated the now obvious importance of the Myrics to the Fah of Annayl.

Before her, a stone, hexagonal entranceway gaped open and still, letting out more torchlight. As she passed through to the Champion’s Circle, the Diplomat noticed the outer rim of the arena descending even deeper into the planet. In the middle of this cylindrical hall was an arena pit that could allow 50 Fah to practice with their weapons within. Following the spiraling path, Shei took notice of the hive markers, each intricately different than the last. After only four, she found Qfove’s. Entering another blood red hall, the halfling found Copic and several other priests. Her Greyleaf was overseeing the reconstruction of Qvuba into a supporting pillar of the rounded room. The hulking Fah was being integrated into the Co’isi itself; not as a thin sheet to the outer layer, but as a hero- whole and complete. He would be idolized for his bravery against the Di’Fet. He would be immortalized in the eyes of all the light pink Myric saplings to begin training for the day that they, too, would be heroes of Annayl.

The pillar in the center of the room hung like a stalactite with one and one half Fahs’ clearance beneath it. It was surrounded by stone obelisks that stood waist high from the ground. The hive marker was imprinted on each of them. Shei quietly approached the priest. “Is that hers?”

“Yes. Even while Qdae stands as the hive princess, Qfove will rest there when the time comes . From the conception of this chamber, it was always hers. It is said that she was polished in that very spot- screaming during the painful process she endured. She’s the only one from the Blood Channel who will live out her life already a legend, despite any path she takes.”

“Hmm.” Shei was musing about Qfove’s preordained hero status. It seemed that heroes were the dead in almost all cases excepting Shei’s newly gained protector. The Rooted Fathers, the Myrics in this chamber and nearly all Fah that were idolized in the Antebasal Cuniform lining the interior walls of Annayl. The Diplomat knew of no other living Fah that had the title, much less one bearing it over all but the beginning few Aunnei of their lives. A thought intruded into her mind. ‘Has there ever been another Fah that was so willing to leave behind Thokta Dell to travel the world?’

Copic heard it. “There are legends written of such a Fah, white and tall, that left Thokta Dell and never returned. Ybis is what the stories call him.”

“What do the legends say about him?” Shei became thoughtful.

Copic turned and went closer to the girl. “He was known for creating armor that could not be destroyed, but would only forge it for the solid of heart. The Fah’Voy Ra was still such a young race when he lived among them and, as the stories go, he found very few that he decided could wear the armor. It is supposed that Ybis left, saying, ‘Let your morals defend you. There is no sword that can pierce the heart of he who is truly just.’ No Fah had ever seen him since.”

Shei looked around at the blood red cavern. The heroes in this hall were few; probably numbering no more than twenty. Her attention wandered to the laboring priests. Qvuba’s skin was being smoothed to erase the seams of his mending. “Wouldn’t Ybis be recognized if he were found?”

“It has been too long since the Fah left, but his moral character was renowned in such a way that made him a hero. In those times, he was sought after, but only in vain. Yes, he would have been found, as no Fah since him had such pearl-white flesh.” Satisfied that the priests had effectively assembled the heroes who fought the Di’Fet, Copic nodded at the cavern’s entrance. “We should go back to camp.”

The journey up the slope that brought them to the Champion’s Circle and through the cell-lined hall that led to the exiting stairs was only shared to the sound of echoed scuffing and the dull sound of Copic’s footroots hitting the stone floor. They walked together, but did not even share thoughts. Shei had only to organize the new  party before she could fall asleep and lift the cloud that shrouded her mind. The guards at the top nodded to the priest and the Diplomat as they came above ground and took the path leading to Annayl.

As though her feet had memories of their own, the veil of tiredom lifted from her mind to let her plans flood in. Strategies formed around what was seen only the last nightfall. Holes in her preemptive measures started to fill. Intuition reaching from the deepest parts of herself went as thousands of tendrils into that part of the forest, feeling the best manner of defense. Then the guard’s image passed through her mind, asking her for only victory. Shei felt confident in the trap she laid out for the Di’Fet in her mind. She only had to use her voice and hands to bring it into reality.

The two passed Annayl with a slightly hurried pace, but the travel back to camp was automatic. The Fah entering and leaving the city, the females gathering for the Planting Season’s Till, and the saplings playing amongst themselves were her focus. Time slowed the sprinting Fah children to almost a crawl. They were not in tune with the new circumstance. Today was the same as the last in these minds. No talk of Myrics and the enemy they fought would be had today. Yet, the Di’Fet would not wait for the people of Annayl to be ready. The Dragons would embrace this moment as part of the plans to enslave these minds or to destroy them. Shei did not know how long these people had. A war ignited within her; the part of herself that wanted to warn the whole of Annayl and upward into Thokta Dell currently submitted to the side of her that wanted the Fah’Voy Ra to live without conflict for as long as possible. Both of these options would bring heartache and, eventually, death. This would be one of those decisions that Ardoren Lohtohr would consider naive. Perhaps overconfident in her plan. ‘One more attack,’ Shei thought to herself, ‘will determine my action concerning Annayl.’

“Let us pray that warnings will subside for tales of victory.” Copic responded.

“Even a victory will come with warning, Greyleaf.” Shei averted her eyes only enough for them to see the priest through their corners. A victory is only one step forward on a path coated with blood in the journey to freedom. The maintaining of absolute freedom is never-ending, especially against long considered plans to destroy it.

The camp was filled with Fah of different tribes. The Voasq outnumbered the Myrics and looked eager to fight. These new Fah were strange in appearance, having leather coloured skin and short, soft, black hairs lightly coating the sides and back of the body. They had charcoal grey eye spots and white spots running along their backsides. A single black stripe started at the nape of their heads and ended in the arch of their backs. The back of their thighs were white. The arms and footroot of these Fah were more slender. As a finishing touch, they had false ears, mimicking those of a votheri fawn; a forest animal that had long, spear-like antlers protruding from the back of their skulls. An interesting adaptation that suggested either a Votheri’s defensive nature or the aunani, a predator, wearing Magonfur to appear more docile. Based on their actions, it seemed that the latter was more plausible.

Though more Fah than Shei anticipated having at her disposal, the girl found this to her advantage. The Voasq were able to camouflage themselves in more ways than one, making those not serving as warriors excellent scouts.

Qfove approached Shei and Copic. “Everyone here is familiar with the enemy. They stand ready for your orders, Hee.”

“Good. When I’m done, I’m going to sleep.” Shei lifted one of the corners of her mouth in a half smile then went to the edge of the crowd of Myrics and Voasq. Raising her hands, she yelled, “Warriors! Gather around me!”

The rattling of conversation came to a dead silence and the Fah encircled Poliden’Ra’s daughter. By that time, every one of them knew who she was. She was no celebrity, but her story certainly made her voice worthy of the most attentive forms of respect possible. “Warriors. Myrics. Voasq. Fah. People of Thokta Dell. I am Shei, daughter of Poliden’Ra and Diplomat between Nymph and Fah. I call upon you today, not as a Royal or leader, but as a friend and fellow warrior! By now, you have all witnessed the threat of the Fah Di’Fet, in one way or another. For those who have only seen them in shared memories, know that this enemy is ruthless and hungry. It is unpredictable and strong. Despite what you may have heard, it was not strategy that saved me and the remaining members of Qfove’s Hive, but luck. Through this bright sliver of chance, we are more prepared for this enemy today. Because of those brave few who have died, we are now afforded the chance to know a little more about how to confront these monstrosities.

“As one who has witnessed the power, speed and nature of the enemy, I ask for your trust and faith when I ask you to face what was an impossible foe to fell only two nights ago! We now have three of their unknown numbers- dead and buried without honor. Being little more than animals, the Fah of this tribe cannot be considered one of your kind. For now, Annayl needs a defense system made up of our bravest. I ask you to offer your lives in service to Annayl for this very reason. Until we know more, I will not ask you to invade the lands of Lower Sefspar. Just protect your fellow tribesmen, women and saplings.

“Voasq! Before today, I have never met your tribe. I still have yet to speak with any one of your great numbers here today. Despite this, know that I place my life in your hands. Using your strength and camouflage, I ask you to be warriors, guards and scouts. Five of you will personally guard Copic. Many of you will walk the boundaries to the west, south and east of this camp. The rest of you will stand with the Myrics on our front lines. I will further define these areas with you once we all divide into smaller groups

“Myrics! Most of you will stand guard at the south of the camp, near the bonfire. It is my hope that you can use the current opening to deal with a single Di’Fet at a time, with Copic’s help. Three of your finest will stand guard to the northeast part of Annayl and three others will guard the landing camp to the northwest. Additionally, a Voasq runner will accompany each of the smaller parties in the case they need help. Those who are in the smaller camps will be cycle out incrementally, to avoid to little contact with the main group.

“To all, I thank you for your dedication to your people. By keeping aware and acting with your brothers in mind, you ensure that we will all meet success!” Shei paused. “Let those with seniority come forward. I would like you to keep the ranks with which you are used to working. Lower ranks, fall back and continue preparing your weapons and your hearts for the enemy that lay in wait.”

Nine Fah stepped forward, three of them being Myrics. Qdae, the new leader of Qfove’s Hive gestured in respect. “We are at your service, Hee, Daughter of Poliden’Ra.” Qfove also approached, but stood at Shei’s side instead of joining the rest. The glossy Myric was an extension of Shei now. The Diplomat also guessed that Qfove wanted to keep the appearance of authority for her charge a reality.

“Wonderful. Each of the Myric clans will choose and send two to the eastern and western camps. Cycle them when you feel it is appropriate.” Shei felt her diplomatic countenance running out of fuel, making her feel brief and cold. “Understood?”

They bowed. Qdae stepped forward and asked, “Can we offer ourselves to these smaller groups as well?”

“We need your leadership here, as this is where the Di’Fet will most likely strike.” Shei thought for a moment. “Only one leader may be at either camp at one time. The other two must remain at our main camp.” To that, the Myric leadership bowed again. “Voasq, I do not know how your hives work. Are each of the same format or does each have notably different disciplines?”

One of them responded. “It is the second case, Hee. My name is Qrava. Mine is a hive of Runners, as is the hive of Comaj. Sabad leads a hive of spies. Danae, Treib, Ngan and Qdedo have many warriors.”

“Warrior Hives, please report to Qdae. She will relay my instructions to each of you. Qrava, Comaj and Sabad, stay with me a little longer. Everyone else is dismissed.” Shei was much closer to sleep now. Once only those whom she requested and Qfove remained, the Diplomat continued. “Sabad, your hive will disperse and keep an invisible watch over all three camps. They may move as they please, but avoid detection. No ahnsha vodm. If one of your spies sees a Di’Fet anywhere but the new south pass, he may try to assassinate it, provided that he has the resources and help he needs. If he is alone, he should contact a runner. Qrava and Comaj, your hives will be my scouting parties. They will locate and map out the mountain ridges for any likely breaches those in Lower Sefspar might use to access Annayl or any other tribe north or west of us. Eventually, we will move to these breaks and defend them individually. The goal is to keep the fight as far away from civilization as possible. Any questions?”

Qrava spoke again. “Hee, would it not be logical to use the spies for surveying the land? They may be able to get more information about it.”

“Runners, as I remember, are trained to know terrain best. If they are wandering in the mountains, they will be able to escape a Di’Fet with greater ease than a spy. Besides, it is also my understanding that spies are more heavily trained in combat than runners. We need those kind or resources here. Anyone else?”

Comaj stepped forward. “You have proven to be a wise strategist, Hee. I trust your judgment.” The rest of the leaders rattled their tongues in applause.

“Thank you, my fellow Fah. Be ready with your teams well before nightfall.” Shei stood tall until all but Qfove had left. Her shoulders slouched forward and her head felt light. “I must rest, my friend…”

“Please do. I will keep watch.” Qfove followed Shei until the Diplomat found a desirable tree to lean against. It had roots that jutted out like the arms of a chair and a soft patch of soil between them. Nearly as quickly as Shei slumped back into the roots, the girl was asleep. Qfove stood tall and silent next to her sleeping charge.

***

“Enjoy your citizenship, Pahkah.” The Lord of the Guard smiled warmly before closing the wooden door between himself and the Mayan.

Paca was fascinated with his insect companion. About the size of a large rat, excluding the wings, the critter moved around its new owner quickly; sometimes on foot, while others in the air around him. It wasn’t nervous, but rather purposeful. Paca scooped up his guardian with loose hands and studied it closely. It had the coloration of a bluebottle fly. The overall deep topaz blue insect was illuminated bright green where light direct light reflected from its shell but a deep amethyst purple in the shadows. The padded feet at the end of each of the four legs protruding from its body had pads that stuck very well to everything they touched willingly, even Paca’s naturally oily skin. The forelegs of the insect came to a thorn’s tip that extended beyond the knee, pointed upwards. The underside of the legs also had three smaller thorns. The thorax was shaped like that of a wasp’s, but no stinger was detected. From the upper thorax to the abdomen, the insect’s body became little more than a twig. The dorsal side of the abdomen had a ball-tipped spike protruding out if it at a backswept angle. The ball had tiny hairs on it. Below that spike lay its four onyx black wings, each nearly twice the length of the whole insect. The top of the abdomen flowed into a thin, black, prehensile neck. The head of the insect was much like that of a praying mantis and coloured much like the rest on its body; except for the eyes, which were banded golden yellow and bronze brown. It appeared to have the stature of a cat while in its relaxed, standing position: its head held up regally while the rest of it swept gracefully down and back.

It didn’t seem to mind the attention when Paca ran his finger over the smooth shell that covered his new little friend. “We should name you.”

It was completely oblivious of what the Mayan was saying, or so it seemed. The head was constantly moving; allowing the eyes to take in the environment and the actions of its owner. The wings spasmed, creating a short, rough buzzing sound.

Paca smiled. “Ourik Arheshi.” Satisfied that the name was fitting, the Dark Man looked at the door. The smile faded from his face, but his heart remained warm. He really was free to go about when he pleased. Despite this, there was nothing for him to trade for his essential goods. Only moments after gaining his freedom, Paca decided to make a visit to Voy’Brakken and learn the healing techniques of the Nymphs. “Come, Ourik.” Even that caused the Mayan to smile as he left his chambers for the first time as a citizen.

He drew his hood as he left the dormitory portion of the Nymphallatess. Stares burned through his garment; Paca could feel it. There were two things uncommon with the sight of him at this moment. The first was his height. The only two people in the co’isi that could compare were the Lord of the Guard and Shei Rhessi- and he was obviously not either of them. The second thing was the fact that he had an insect, but it wasn’t attached to his back. These insects, like Ourik, were only bound to watch over the livestock and hoards of wealth and food; never a citizen. Not until now.

Paca actually had to watch where he was going in this part of the co’isi because it was never traveled with Shei at his side. Every face that approached him was looking at him, but not with fear. It was almost always a face that had a questioning look about it. The people were curious, but still unwilling to inquire. It would take time, Paca supposed, before he would get the same greeting flit of the wings almost everyone else got in passing.

The walk was long. The walls were made of either packed mud or wood. Despite those differences, the greenish yellow algae tied it all together. There were some stray merchants with carts of wares outside of the trade sector, each with one or two customers. Some Nymphs had musical instruments, playing little solo melodies that sometimes borrowed from the musician not far from him. The talking, buzzing of wings, chatter of insect drones and music somehow blended beautifully. Naturally. Effortlessly. The environment was harmonious and alive at all times. The co’isi seemed to agree with the Mayan, as the algae grew more densely in the places that were more active during all parts of the day. Paca knew that he would only need to be around the yellowed parts of the Nymphallatess to gain instant notice.

The Dark Man moved into more familiar territory when the trees started to rise mightily out of the ground. He could see the public cell and the silk merchants. The sun’s light formed a bright blue rim around the opening of the Nymphallatess. Paca’s hood fell down to his shoulders as he looked up at the bottom of the darkened, thick canopy.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” A voice said from below him.

Paca looked down at his waist to find an older looking male Nymph with grayed hair. His wings flitted when the Mayan took notice. “Yes. It is. This is the second time I’ve seen this wonder.”

“Oh… oh my. I detect an accent, but otherwise your dragontongue is flawless! I remember when you came, Dark Man… Half, half, whole!” The old Nymph’s face lighted with every word he said.

“You do remember. That was a long time ago.” Paca was astonished.

The old Nymph flitted his wings again. “Not long enough, Dark Man! Certainly not long enough for you to have such a perfect tongue by now! What is your name?”

“Paca. And you?”

“Ah. Pahkah. My name is Ziumedi!” The old Nymph showed his yellowing teeth as he drew out the last syllable of his name.

“Sounds important. What does it mean?” Paca never liked looking down at the Nymphs, but Nesonda warned that it would be rude to many Nymphs to stoop down to their height.

“You might know the phrase if you heard all of it, Pahkah. Consider the root words: ziuforous medifahs.” Ziumedi was challenging his Dragontongue.

“Ah. Yes. I know now.” Bring victory to the trees. “What victory was to be had at the time of your birth?” Paca was fully engaged in the conversation.

“You would not believe me if I told you, child!” Ziumedi smiled. “Maybe I will tell you when I see you next! Hey-’ He pointed. “What are you doing with an Apranis Guardian? Oh… they mean to keep an eye on you yet!”

“Exactly, Ziumedi.” Paca smiled at the old Nymph.

He leaned in. “I’ll wager you named it, child… What is it?”

Paca laughed. “Ourik Arheshi.”

“Haha! So true! Those things live forever, Pahkah, better get used to it!”Ziumedi flitted his wings as he laughed and began walking away. “I will see you again, Pahkah!”

Paca smiled and waved after the old Nymph, then resumed his journey. The Nymphs who witnessed the conversation were smiling at the Mayan as he replaced his hood and began moving ahead. A few even greeted him with a polite flit of their wings. ‘I suppose that they didn’t need as much time as I thought.’ Paca thought.

With the trade quarter behind him, he moved into the part of the co’isi that was most familiar to him; the hallways that lead to the Dictorium. While he couldn’t enter that hall, his destination was not that far away. The Apranis Guardian chirped as it flew ahead of the Mayan. “I know, Ourik. Have patience with me.” A swift left turn into the hall before the Diplomatic Sector calmed his guardian into resting on the Dark Man’s robe instead of flying frantically about.

The door at the end of the hall looked the most familiar, as he had seen it open before, though from the inside of the room. That was a sick room, not an office. Paca tried a different approach. “Voy’Brakken,” He said sternly.

A moment later, a familiar face peered out of a door the Mayan passed. “I’m here to start working, friend,” Paca smiled and exclaimed.

Voy’Brakken was apparently not the smiling type. This Nymph was more the kind of healer he was personally used to dealing with. “Come in.”

The Nymph healer ushered him into the room. Several nyfyles, long dead, were pinned to a wall by small wooden pegs through the wings. A Nymph skeleton was half embedded into the same wall. Some wooden regalium-like plaques were posted on another wall, explaining the anatomy of the Nymph and how the nyfyle attached itself to the host body. Below that one, a smaller plaque showed the bony tube that eventually evolved into the Nymph’s natural structure. Just the visual aides that lined the walls were extremely helpful to Paca’s curiosity.

Closer to the Mayan, there was a large rectangular piece of wood that had leaves preserved in a clear film made of sap. Beneath the leaves were their names and healing properties. Paca immediately began memorizing the information, though he felt the healer’s stare boring a hole into his back. “Pahkah,” Voy’Brakken finally said. “Although these plants are the staple of medicinal healing, they are also the most basic.”

At this, Paca turned towards his mentor. “Tell me.”

“There is energy, Pahkah, that makes all of this possible. You might be aware that it comes from the spirit of Logos-Anima. I believe that you once referred to it as a gaia. It is the harnessing of that energy that brings about the healing process that any of these plants can offer.” Voy’Brakken had the Mayan’s full attention. “Otherwise, these plants are seriously deficit in their healing properties. It could even be said that their healing without such an infusion with prana is all in the head of the patient. At least, in comparison to the full effect.”

Paca said nothing and sat upright on his knees on the floor. Every measure of his countenance was that of a student in full harmony with his teacher’s words.

“The Nymph sciences note that there is nothing in existence that could be called ‘the smallest object’. We are all made of very small objects, which are made of other small objects and so forth. Eventually, that which we perceive as an object changes in property. Objects become like prana. Still solid, but more energy than substance. Even this energy can be broken down. Let me show you.” Voy’Brakken grabbed a small wooden marble from one of his work tables. Holding it in his giant palm, the healer closed his eyes. The marble floated out of his hand and exploded into dust. The dust didn’t fall, however. It formed a condensed cloud. Voy’Brakken opened his eyes a little and waved his hand through the cloud, brushing some of the dust away. When he was satisfied, his eyes closed again. The particles of dust became bigger and exploded into hundreds of bright green lights. Again, his other hand brushed away the little lights until there were just a few. When the lights grew, he saw what looked like a little sun and six or seven planets orbiting around the sun erratically. That, too, exploded. This time, there were green, purple and blue lights; though only a few. The green lights were removed and the blue and purple grew. Paca’s mind was looking for an explanation for what he saw when he saw the substance of these two particles. The blue looked like a gaia. The purple light was a disc that transformed into a sphere, which became two spheres and collapsed into a flat object again. “Now, Pahkah, I want you to put these two objects together in your mind while reaching for them and closing them in your hand.”

Paca closed his eyes and did as he was told. When his eyes and hand opened, He was holding a little wooden marble. “This is a trick.”

“No. It isn’t. Watch carefully.” Voy’Brakken knelled to the floor and retrieved a few particles of the dust. He broke them down as before, until he had the gaia and the disc. He brushed the gaia aside. “Now take your marble and put the purple light inside it. Don’t close your eyes this time.”

Paca pushed the marble into the disc. As soon as the light disappeared, the healer snatched back his hand. The marble dropped from Paca’s fingertips and fell to the ground solidly.

“Pick it up.” Voy’Brakken moved away from the marble at his feet. The Mayan reached down and grabbed it, but, to his surprise, it didn’t move at all. Paca tried again with both hands. No movement. “Surprised?”

“Yes. It’s just a wooden marble. What’s wrong with it?”Paca was bewildered.

Now, Voy’Brakken smiled. “It weighs nearly as much as Sheidell, Pahkah. There is no way to move it.” The healer brought the gaia back and gave it to the marble. “Now try.”

The marble came off of the floor with no effort. “So what happens if we remove the disc from the marble?” Paca thought it would float upwards and become absolutely weightless. No. He was wrong again. There was no marble at all. To his surprise, however, the algae on the wall livened up noticeably. “What you have just shown me is that there are physical properties and living properties in everything.”

“Precisely. If this balance is interrupted in any way, there are massive, often unexplainable results. Life creates objects. Objects influence life. If you change both in harmony, the results are stable. Using one to change the other at the smallest scale, and you will change the whole.” Voy’Brakken let Paca absorb the concept he just offered. “We are done for the day.”

Paca looked up at his teacher. “I am ready to learn much more than this today.”

Voy’Brakken sat back in his chair, which creaked as it took on his weight. “You may read as much as your mind can handle, Pahkah. However, I must rest. Go into that room and you will find the place where you will study the Nymph healing arts.” The tired healer pointed lazily at the door next to the nyfyle carapaces on the wall. “I will be in the room at the end of this hall if you should notice any emergencies.”

The Mayan silently opened the door to which he was directed and entered. The room was nearly as large as the Dictorium, but the information that lined the whole room was immeasurable. Neatly stacked wooden plaques made pathways along the floor. Nymph, nyfyle and warfyle bones were embedded into the vertical surfaces of the chamber. Countless illustrations lined the outer rim of the library at eye-level. Paca would be in this room for a very long time.