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Bryte’s Ascent (Book 4 in the Arucadi Series)
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Bryte's Ascent ©2010 by Elenora Rose Sabin Art by Anna Luther, ©2010
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BRYTE'S ASCENT Chapter 25:
FROM THE SEVENTH TIER TO . . .? The seventh tier! She was not only on the seventh tier, but
in the Palace of Government, standing before the Triumvirate. Bryte
could scarcely believe it. Seated behind a long, highly polished table, were the three
members of the Triumvirate: Lady Webler, Lord Greenlee, and Lord
Cannabarger. Lady Webler was a white‑haired, pink-cheeked,
grandmotherly woman, who Bryte felt sure would be sympathetic to their
cause. Lord Greenlee was younger, stern-looking, but his dark eyes held
no hint of cruelty. Lord Cannabarger's thick glasses and heavy beard
made his face difficult to read, but he leaned forward and listened to
testimony with intense interest. Master Onigon was dressed as Bryte had never seen him: in a
black scholar's robe and scarlet tippet decorated with the insignia of
the National University of Tirbat.
Lord Hallomer was dressed more ostentatiously than the
members of the Triumvirate. They wore plain black robes, like Master
Onigon's but without the tippet. Lord Hallomer resembled a peacock, his
magenta cutaway coat topped with an ermine capelet; over his pleated
white dress shirt a scarlet shoulder-to-waist sash of office was
festooned with jeweled medals. His gray‑and‑black-striped
trousers were creased to a cutting edge. Ileta wore a plain white silk dress, simple and elegant.
Kanra had abandoned her priestess's robes for a gown of lustrous blue
silk crepe. Bryte had put on the dressy outfit Lina had bought her. And
Stethan wore short dress pants, white shirt, and a striped silk tie. But presentable as they all were, it was not clothes that
would make the impression but words. Lord Hallomer began by rendering a formal report of Lord
Inver's death, though the Triumvirate was obviously already informed of
the death. "Has the perpetrator been apprehended?" Lord
Cannabarger asked. "We know her identity, Honorable Lord, but there is
strong evidence that she acted to defend herself and others," Lord
Hallomer answered. "Please explain." That was the opening they'd hoped for. Bryte listened
apprehensively as Lord Hallomer spoke of Lord Inver's campaign against
the gifted, a campaign that the Triumvirate had certainly sanctioned. Please,
let Master Onigon speak, Bryte willed as Lord Hallomer droned on. At last he said, "These witnesses have testimony to
offer not only regarding the manner of Lord Inver's death but also in
defense of the gifted and their place in a just society." "Let them speak," Lady Webler said. Master Onigon stepped forward and bowed. "I was a
professor of mathematics and head of the College of Sciences of the
National University before Lord Inver launched his campaign against the
gifted," he said. "I retain my academic standing, though I
have for several years been unable to fill my post but have had to serve
as a simple moneylender in the flats." Bryte listened in open-mouthed amazement. She had never
guessed that Master Onigon had another identity, another role. He went on to explain how the gifted were forced to conceal
their talents, prevented from meeting together as a Community, as they
did in other parts of the country, and if they were found out, were
punished with imprisonment, torture, and death. "Yet," he concluded, "with a few sad
exceptions, the gifted have been loyal and productive citizens, always
ready to use their talents in the service of the nation. And as for
those unfortunate exceptions who have yielded to the temptation to
misuse their gifts for personal privilege and gain, the Community of the
Gifted, when it was permitted to function, policed its own ranks,
dealing severely with those who misused their power. We have never been
and will never be a threat to this government, this capital city, or to
the citizens of this great nation." "You do not follow the state religion," observed
Lord Greenlee. "We do not oppose it," Master Onigon responded.
"We do nothing to destroy the faith of others; we ask only the
freedom to follow our own beliefs. We honor the gods of Arucadi, but it
is true that we revere the Power-Giver, not as a god but as the channel
through which our powers flow to us from the Dire Realms." "The Dire Realms!" Lady Webler leaned forward.
"You admit that your power has that source." Uh-oh,
Bryte thought, that's not good. Master Onigon said, "We do, and we know much about the
Dire Realms and their lords. They are not all evil, as many seem to
believe. Lord Inver was, unfortunately, under the sway of an evil Dire
Lord. But the power that we receive from the Power-Giver comes from Dire
Lords who take a positive interest in human affairs and desire their
good. These young ladies," he indicated Bryte, Kanra, and Ileta,
"have been to the Dire Realms and have had the assistance of a Dire
Lord. With your indulgence, they will tell you about it." The Triumvirate, obviously fascinated, gave assent. Speaking in turn, first Bryte, then Kanra, and finally
Ileta told of their visit with Lord Claid and their battle with Lord
Inver after his death in this dimension. When they'd finished, Lady Webler said, "This is a
most astounding tale, and I frankly find it difficult to believe. What
proof do you offer that these strange things happened as you say?" That was the question Bryte had dreaded. They had no
objective proof. But they had to answer. Kanra called Stethan forward.
"This lad is a truth-reader," she said.
"That fact is known to all those who serve in the Temple of Mibor,
where he resided for three years. He will tell you that we speak truly.
And he will recount his own experiences as a victim of Lord Inver." Stethan spoke haltingly, bashful in front of such an august
audience. But his very reticence made his tale convincing. When he told
of being captured by Lord Inver and held prisoner first in a dank,
dungeonlike room and then in a featureless and cold place where he could
see, hear, or sense nothing, the terror he'd felt was so clear that the
three lords were visibly moved. When Stethan concluded, Lord Cannabarger said, "This
boy is most impressive. However, I am wondering why two principal
participants in these events are not present. Where are the young man
and young woman whose arrival in Tirbat began this series of
events?" Bryte said, "Oryon is recovering from the injuries he
received in his battle with Lord Inver. And Lina—" She was interrupted by a commotion in the rear of the
audience chamber, and then she heard, "Lina is here." The pleated skirt of her green charmeuse frock swished as
Lina strode toward the table where the Triumvirate sat. She paused in
front of it and made a respectful curtsy to the three leaders of the
nation. "How did you get inside?" Lord Greenlee asked.
"You have a pass?" "I wasn't asked for one," she said. "But the guards—" Lord Cannabarger began. "Were afraid to stop a panther," Lina finished
quickly. "So you're the shapechanger," Lady Webler said.
"You're the one who killed Lord Inver." "In self-defense," Lina said. "And in
retribution for all the killing he's done or had done and the good
people he's twisted and made bad." "Like your friend Oryon?" Lady Webler asked. "So you've heard the story. Yes, like him. He's been
restored, but I doubt he'll ever get over what Inver made him do."
Lina stood straight and her gaze pinioned each member of the Triumvirate
in turn. "Lord Inver held power by your authority. I came to learn
whether you condone the things he did. Whether in fact you approve
them." "Young lady, we are doing the questioning here,"
Lord Cannabarger said. "You are a witness, not an inquisitor." Be careful, Lina,
please,
Bryte willed. Don't undo all we've
done. "It is not your place to administer justice,"
Lady Webler said sternly. "I had no choice. My friends' lives were in
danger." Lord Greenlee cleared his throat. "We are going about
this without regard to protocol, it seems. Young lady, please present
yourself properly. Identify yourself by name and provenance, and ask
permission to address us." Lina bowed her head, raised it, and said, "I am Lina
Mueller from the city of Stansbury in Richland Province. My parents are
well known. My father is Stansel Mueller, a dealer in fine wines. He
sits on the provincial council. I believe you are acquainted with him,
Lady Webler." Lady Webler's eyes widened. "Indeed I am," she
said. "And your mother is Maryl Mueller? Is she well?" "Quite well, thank you." "And I believe you have a brother?" Her sharp
gaze alerted Bryte that this was no casual question. Lina responded in a low voice. "My only brother died
eight years ago when he was three years old." "Ah," was Lady Webler's only response. "You are a shapechanger," Lord Greenlee said.
"May we see a demonstration of this change?" "With the permission of you all." "You have mine," Lord Cannabarger said. "I'm
curious, too, to witness this phenomenon." Lina looked at Lady Webler. After a moment's hesitation,
Lady Webler gave an almost imperceptible nod. The transformation was instantaneous: where Lina had been a
sleek black panther stood, tail twitching. Stethan edged close to Kanra,
who put her arms about him. Lord Hallomer took a backward step and wiped
sweaty hands on his cutaway as he eyed the panther. After a moment, the panther raised up on its hind legs, and
Lina stood before them once more. Both Lord Greenlee and Lord
Cannabarger took deep breaths. Lady Webler merely smiled. "Now, my dear," Lady Webler said, "let us
hear your testimony."
# Bryte perched on the edge of a velvet divan, feeling
thoroughly out of place. She had to pinch herself from time to time to
reassure herself that this was not a dream. She'd been overjoyed—they all had been—when the
Triumvirate rendered its verdict, absolving Lina from guilt in the
killing of Lord Inver and declaring that the gifted were to be accorded
full rights in Tirbat and restitution made for the persecution suffered
under Lord Inver's cruel policies. Lord Greenlee had expressed gratitude
that those policies had been restricted to Tirbat and not spread over
the entire nation, though he recognized that prejudice against the
gifted existed in many places. To combat that prejudice, the Triumvirate
issued a directive that tolerance was to be taught in schools across the
country. Lord Hallomer was awarded another medal to add to those
adorning his sash. Bryte was never clear what deed it represented or why
he deserved it. Lord Hallomer thanked the Triumvirate for this honor and
ended his speech of acceptance with an announcement: "I wish the
Triumvirate to take note that I hereby name as my son Stethan Graf,
hereafter to be known as Stethan Hallomer, and name as my daughter,
Bryte Miro, hereafter to be known as Bryte Hallomer. I regret my action
in condemning them because of their giftedness or that of their mothers,
and I give them a place in my home and full inheritance along with my
daughter Ileta." The announcement was greeted with approval by the
Triumvirate and applause by Ileta, Kanra, and Lina. And now Bryte sat in
Lord Hallomer's formal reception room, enduring an elegant reception for
all the high government officials and their families, invited to
celebrate Bryte's and Stethan's entrance into the Hallomer home. Over all the chatter and clatter that filled the room, she
heard peals of laughter and rounds of applause from an adjoining room
where Aubie and Frannie were entertaining the younger children with the
antics of Peppet and Peppine. Stethan was not in that audience because
as a guest of honor he had to remain with the adults. He didn't seem to mind. He sat ensconced between Kanra and
Ileta, happily feasting on a plate of fancy sandwiches, carrot curls,
and dainty iced pastries. Bryte held a plate in her lap, but her stomach
rebelled at the fancy food. Or perhaps it was the excitement, the
newness of achieving her rightful place at last. Bryte Hallomer. She'd never expected to have that name and
the position that went with it. She should be overjoyed, ecstatic with
pride and happiness. She felt miserable. Looking at Kanra and Ileta, she
thought, Kanra should be Ileta's sister, not me. They're close to the
same age, and they get along so well. And Stethan adores Kanra. He
hardly notices me. Kanra would be staying here with them. Lord Hallomer had
invited her, at Ileta's request, and Kanra had gratefully accepted,
knowing she could never return to the Temple of Mibor. Bryte rebuked herself for feeling resentful. Stethan needed
time to get used to her, that was all. To distract herself, she gazed at the people in all their
finery. Even Master Onigon was here, again in his scholar's robe. He
confided to her when they had a moment to talk that he would be closing
his moneylender's shop and returning to the university, where he was to
chair a new department devoted to the study of magical gifts. Something made her say, "Be sure you give me the rest
of my savings before you close the shop." He laughed. "Greedy, aren't you? A third of Lord
Hallomer's fortune will be yours. But you want that paltry amount of
savings." "I earned that by hard work. I don't want Lord
Hallomer's fortune." Something of the bitterness she was feeling
slipped out. He laughed again and patted her on the shoulder. "I
plan to leave the reception early and return to the shop. I have
accounts to go over and many things to settle before I can close, and
I'm eager to get started. You can come tomorrow or even later tonight
and claim your earnings with the interest they've gained." He went off to chat with Lady Webler, the only Triumvirate
member who'd accepted Lord Hallomer's invitation. Kirsie stomped about, supervising the maids and butlers
serving the food and keeping the guests' wine glasses filled. Whatever
else she might adjust to here, Bryte would never lose her dislike for
the surly duenna. Nor, she suspected, would Kirsie ever accept her.
The glare Kirsie threw her way each time she passed confirmed that
impression. Lord Hallomer moved easily among his guests, chatting with
first one group then another, beaming with pride and often casting
loving glances at Ileta and Stethan. Only rarely did he throw one of
those proud looks at Bryte, and when he did, she found it impossible to
meet his gaze. "Having fun, Bryte?" Lina plopped down beside her
on the divan. "I guess," Bryte said. "Just think. All this is yours," Lina said with a
wave of her hand and a sly smile. Sudden tears filled Bryte's eyes. She pretended to be
interested in something on the other side of the room. "Bryte, you can't fool me. You aren't enjoying this.
You've had a taste of a freer, more adventurous life, and you're not
looking forward to the restrictions of being the daughter of a great
lord." "I'll get used to it," Bryte said, still looking
away and surreptitiously wiping the tears from her eyes. "Maybe," Lina said. "I was raised in this
kind of life, and I never got used to it. From childhood I knew it
wasn't for me." "Maybe you didn't give it enough of a chance." Lina laughed a bitter laugh. "Maybe I didn't. I know
I've had all I can take of this now. I'm going to prowl a while. And
then I'm going to get my things from the Widow Kipley's and head for the
bus station. You change your mind about this life, you can come with
me." "Where are you going? Home to Stansbury?" "Home? No, never." Lina repeated that bitter
laugh. "I'll take the late bus for Mercanton. I don't know where
I'll go from there, but I'll find excitement somewhere." "You're leaving tonight?" Bryte looked in
consternation into Lina's green eyes. "I won't see you again?" "Not unless you come with me." "But I can't—not now." Lina shrugged. "It's your choice." "But—you're going alone? Oryon won't be with
you?" "Oryon's leaving in the morning for Hillcross up in
Northwoods Province. There's nothing for me there, and we decided to go
our separate ways." Lina's voice was taut, her jaw set. "I
always do fine on my own." Bryte nodded, unable to control her voice even if she knew
what to say. Lina rose and glided from the room. Bryte pictured a
panther easing through the formal gardens and leaping onto the
surrounding wall and down onto the street. She felt a pang of
loneliness, of longing. Lady Webler came up to her and said, "Did your friend
leave? Miss Mueller? I'd hoped to chat with her. It's been so long since
I've seen her parents." "She's leaving Tirbat," Bryte said. "She has
to pack." Lady Webler gave Bryte a shrewd look. "She's an
intriguing young woman. I'm sure her parents never knew how to handle
her. I wonder if anyone does." With that, she moved off to talk to
a man who'd been introduced earlier as the Minister of Finance. Bryte couldn't repress a giggle, thinking of Lina's parents
coping with a strong-willed, shapechanging child.
Kirsie came and glared down at her. "Missy, your
father wants you to get up from there and talk to his guests. You're his
daughter, you got to make a good impression." Bryte got to her feet and dutifully circulated among the
guests, mouthing meaningless phrases, a false smile pasted on her lips. From the adjoining room a wild round of applause followed
by excited young voices told Bryte that the puppet show had ended.
Frannie and Aubie would soon gather up their props and take Peppet and
Peppine to their wagon. She headed toward the other room, hoping for a
chance to speak to them before they left. She was stopped by the finance minister's wife, a tall,
angular woman swathed in jewels, who peered down at Bryte through a
gold-rimmed lorgnette. "So, you are the new daughter," she
said. "Well, I suppose you will fit in eventually." She
sniffed and stalked away. As she turned, a gold bracelet set with gems caught on a
branch of an artificial plant and slid unnoticed from her arm. Bryte
grabbed it and started to call the woman's attention to her loss. But the woman had just snubbed her. And with all the jewels
she was wearing, she'd not miss this single piece. Bryte slipped the
bracelet into her pocket. With that act, she made her decision. Continuing to work
her way through the crowd, giving amiable greetings to the guests, she
eased toward a side door, watched until no one was looking her way, and
darted outside. In minutes she had reached the puppeteer's wagon. "Aubie,
Frannie," she called, "I need a ride to the flats." Frannie poked her head out of the wagon door. "To the
flats! Now? At night?" "It'll be safe for you, with Peppet and Peppine to
protect you. I have to get to Master Onigon's. He left to go to his shop
and work on accounts. He's closing the shop. I have money deposited with
him; I gotta get it." Aubie had come from the front of the wagon, where he'd been
hitching up the horses. "What you need money from Master Onigon's
for, girl? You're rich now. Lord Hallomer's gold not enough for
you?" "Hush, Aubie," Frannie said. "Of course she
needs her own money. Go get in the driver's seat." And to Bryte she
said, "Hop in, child. We'll get you there fast as we can." That wasn't very fast. The trip from the fifth tier to the
flats took a lot longer than she'd estimated. When she reached Master
Onigon's, she had to wait while he calculated the amount of interest she
was owed and made careful notations in his ledger.
At last she returned to the wagon. "Drive by the bus
station," she told Aubie. "Lina's leaving on the late bus, and
I want to say goodbye." "You're way too late for that," Aubie said.
"The bus would have left an hour ago." But Frannie said, "It won't hurt you to drive by
anyway. Sometimes buses leave late." With a shrug, he set the horses in motion.
And suddenly she was there, at the station, and the bus to
Mercanton was sitting there, its motor running, the driver about to pull
out. It had been too late, but
now it wasn't. She had folded time just enough. Someday she'd have to
repay the stolen time, but she'd worry about that another day. She waved Aubie and Frannie off, ran to the bus, and
pounded on the door; when it swung open, she hopped inside. Lina was
seated in a window seat, in the middle of the bus. "I have to get on this bus," Bryte said
breathlessly. "I don't have a ticket, but I have the money for one.
Please, let me board." "It's irregular, miss. Don't know as I can do
that." "Of course you can," Lina said, rising to greet
Bryte. "This is my cousin. I have her ticket here." She held
out the strip of stiff blue paper. To Bryte she said, "What took you so long?" THE END
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