BDS: Chapter Twenty-Three

Gyan allowed himself to be slowly ushered by Jabari and Shamira through the hall to the Thesarei later that evening. He kept his mind closed, not wanting to be prodded by any of his team, especially Kesól. He felt like he failed. He couldn't believe that he had no recollection of what had transpired after he saw Jalena in the hall, even though Kesól warned him that would happen. He also couldn't believe he had killed Mordán so easily. He dropped his gaze as he entered the Thesarei to avoid everyone's questioning stares.

The warriors quickly recited the philosophy and took a seat.

Syam glanced at Gyan. "It seems that much has occurred over the last several hours, so let's catch everyone up on events. First, we will report that Mordán is dead."

A small murmur arose from around the table as Gyan stirred uncomfortably in his seat.

Syam put up his hand. "Let me explain." The room quietened. "The plan was for Master Jabari, Master Shamira, and Master Jalena to capture Mordán at his country estate in Sulta. Master Gyan followed them after glimpsing Jalena during a Shanlo episode, which resulted in him killing Mordán."

"Are you serious? Jarek started. "Gyan, how did you—?"

Jarek, Hoshi interrupted as she shook her head. She looked over at Gyan.

Jarek followed her gaze and stopped when he saw Gyan's mortified expression.

Gyan stood and bowed. "I apologize for anything I have done to upset the plans for the Order," he glanced at Jalena, "or anyone individually." He turned to Kesól and spoke softly. "I feel I have failed you, Sir Kesól."

"There is no need for self-criticism, Master Gyan," Malik said reassuringly. "The events that transpire are within a synchronicity that we cannot always understand."

"How is Marcile?" Gyan asked as he stared at the floor.

"He has recovered fully, but is resting now," Malik responded.

"Master Gyan, I would not consider your behavior a failure," added Kesól. "To carry the role of a Shanlo takes considerable courage and control, and yet, it is the responsibility of this team. If anything, my lack of response to your state of mind could be interpreted as a failure on my part as your instructor. Luckily, you have a strong team. Even so, from the reports of your comrades, you still demonstrated restraint and reason to a degree even in your Shanlo state. That is something to be commended, not chastised."

Gyan gave a quick nod. His teammates watched him with wide eyes as he sat back down. He knew they were trying to prod him mentally for questioning, but he didn't want to talk about it yet. It didn't bother him that he killed Mordán. There was a side of him that always wanted to do it—to avenge Aderes.

In a way, he blamed Mordán not only for creating a situation that ultimately took Aderes from him but also for interfering with the peace the Order attempted to uphold. Gyan could understand the greed of the hearts of those on the planet who lacked knowledge of internal value and power and their desperate actions to gain it externally, but Mordán had made it personal when he deliberately tried to destroy those Gyan cared for most.

In the current moment, Gyan was more upset with the fact that he could not remember what he said or did while at Sulta. He couldn't believe that he had stolen a ship and followed Jalena without memory of it. He internally cringed at the thought of Fane's future scolding.

"Sir Malik, if you will bring us up to date on your current mission," Syam stated.

"Elder Master Zareb and I have destroyed Akila's home in Dremma. It was built beneath the forest near the Elustrian River. It seems as if Nemerus had been working on it for years before the war. It was equipped with many learning tools and necessities for someone to live comfortably for a long time, as well as a bunker large enough to store two ships. It included a lab for experimentation, which was likely where Nemerus transformed himself into a Javen. Jars of Mysteis blood were kept in the lab, as well as one last portion of moonfire."

Malik reached into his cloak and pulled out a small, sealed container holding a flickering blue and red flame.

"Does that mean we have a way to get rid of Akila for good?" Jarek asked.

"Yes, Master Jarek," said Malik.

Sighs of relief were released around the table.

"However," Malik continued, "I wouldn't put it past Akila to have more stored elsewhere. As you recall, moonfire is the only thing that can remove a Mysteis's spirit involuntarily from their body.

"Do you believe she will attempt to gain control over Elsaria now that Mordán is dead?" Syam asked.

"I know that she will still attempt to kill me, but I do not believe she wishes for anything else. However, I can't be sure of her intentions because the future of any Mysteis is unrevealed to most. While in Dremma I was able to injure Akila before she escaped. My hope is that the injury she sustained will slow her plans because she will not be able to heal instantly from the wound I inflicted. The scarring that results should also limit her physical movements."

"Surely, the Androsan and Nardan armies are likely to disband their front when they learn that Mordán is dead," said Kesól. "There is little promise of land and resources if your supplier is no longer available."

"Akila may persuade Governor Jarmil to continue his pursuit of Uthar's land as a continual distraction for our forces," Syam stated.

"As we have with Mordán, we need to take the initiative and stop her rather than wait for her next move," Zareb said.

"I agree," said Malik. "If we wait, the results could become even more problematic."

Jalena's eyes narrowed in curiosity as she watched Malik. What are you hiding?

Not now, Jalena, he replied.

"I have an idea to capture Akila," he said aloud to the group. He stood and waved his palm over the edge of the table, and a holographic image of Elsaria showed. He manipulated the image until he found the location he needed.

As he shared his plan, Sorda interrupted the meeting with a knock. The Order pilot, Sade, entered alongside him. Sorda gave a small wave to Hoshi as Sade approached the group.

Next to her, Danika nudged Hoshi with her elbow. Hoshi rolled her eyes as a hint of red tinged her cheeks.

"Is everything alright, Sir Sade?" Syam asked.

"Sorry to interrupt, elder master, but our spies are reporting from Kraundor that Mordán is alive."

"That can't be," stated Shamira. "We saw him die."

"I do not know how it is possible, Master Shamira," Sade continued. "His rumored death has unsettled Kraundor citizens, so they are demanding proof. Lucian has called a meeting with the townspeople at the palace tomorrow evening to put the rumor to rest."

"This must be Akila's doing," said Malik. "We should leave for Androsa as soon as possible."

A large middle window in the room darkened and then lit up. Nafín's face appeared across the glass.

"Greetings, Nafín," Malik said with a bow.

Nafín held two fingers up to his brow. "Our Tridaun allies have landed," he reported. "We have also detected unusual atmospheric activity, which indicates the presence of unfamiliar objects. However, we have not been able to identify what it is. If it is the Avehkal, they are likely operating on a different frequency and will remain hidden from us until we learn how to decode their signals. Be on alert for any sign of their presence."

Syam and the rest of the elder masters nodded.

Malik stepped forward. "Please send your ally representatives to Mordán's palace by tomorrow evening and accompany them, Nafín, if you are able. Have them contact me when they arrive. There is a meeting at the palace I wish them to be present for."

Nafín nodded and disappeared from the screen.

"Masters Jalena, Jabari, Shamira, Sir Kesól, and I will be in disguise amid the townspeople tomorrow," Malik said. "I wish for the newer masters to remain on standby in the forest. He turned to Cahira. "I would like you to greet King Garsaun and whoever accompanies him, Master Cahira. Then, join us in Androsa."

Syam and the elder masters nodded their agreement and the group separated.

Finally, you open your mind, Valora said to Gyan as he made his way back to his and Tarak's chamber. Aren't you going to eat?

I'm not hungry. I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Don't shut me—us out.

Gyan paused. I'm just tired. I'll answer anything you want to know—anything I can remember—tomorrow.

As soon as his bedroom door slid shut, Gyan fell onto his bed and buried his face in a pillow. A soft knock immediately followed. He sighed. "Come in."

Jalena appeared in his doorway.

"Jalena," Gyan breathed. He sat up quickly.

"I know—the last person you expected to see."

"I just—I haven't seen you in so long and then only a glimpse in the hall…then chaos."

"I just thought you should know that this hasn't been easy for me either," she said. "Not in the sense that I have been going through anything close to what you have… I just mean it isn't easy having to let you go through this alone. I know you have gone through heartache and isolation and I can't show my support. It seems twisted that I have to allow you to go through it alone when I'm why…well, you know. I don't like to be the reason for someone's discord," she added quietly. "Sir Malik has talked me out of summoning the priestesses and demanding answers several times."

She dropped her gaze. "Anyway, I just thought you should also know that the pull to be near you increases on my end too when you experience your Shanlo state. I feel when the urge heightens within you, and I don't like that I can't somehow bring you comfort."

He stood. "Seriously? You feel it?"

"It started some time ago, and I didn't tell you. I thought that you would interpret it as meaning that it was safe to be near each other. Then, last night, I felt you calm down immediately after it started, so I thought you had just advanced in your ability to control it. Now, I understand that you became calm and blacked out because you heard and saw me during the episode."

Gyan nodded as he approached her.

"Had I known—"

"It's not your fault," he said as he brushed her hair back from her face. "In fact, it's not anyone's. Mordán contributed to the factors of his death," he scowled, "even if I don't remember delivering the final blow."

"You might get the memory back. Although…" she smiled.

"What?"

"You may not like the part where Shamira stabs you in the shoulder."

Gyan winced. "I'm sure I deserved it." He sighed. "I'm going to see Marcile in the morning to apologize."

She held up one hand to reveal Gyan's pendant. The stone flashed. "Thought you might want this back."

He nodded and hung it around his neck. He touched his forehead to hers. Every time I get to see you makes it all worth it. He pulled back and was quiet for several moments as his eyes trailed her face.

"What?"

"Just strengthening my neurological imprint of the details of your face."

She laughed. "You're such a philosophical nerd."

"I love it when say things like that." He kissed her softly on the mouth as he cradled her face with both his hands. "It gets me crazy."

She laughed again as he kissed her neck. "I don't want to stay too long in case your obsessive behavior isn't over."

"With you, it will never be over—Shanlo or not." He smiled. "But, yes, Sir Malik would have a fit if I whisked you away right before we were due to attend Mordán's back-from-the-dead party."

She sighed as he brought his forehead to hers again. "I am ready for this to be over. Know that I am with you, Gyan, even when I cannot be near."

"Will you stay until I fall asleep? I feel like that could happen any moment."

She nodded.

"Although, with you next to me, surges of nerd energy are known to heighten."

"Is that so?"

"Yes," he yanked her arm. They both laughed as they toppled to his bed.

"It's raining," she said as she stared at the droplets of water that began to pound against the window.

"Perfect," he added as he followed her gaze. He turned to find Jalena studying him, her expression soft.

"I love you, Gyan," she whispered.

"With all that I am," he replied.