Gallel's Heir

Chapter 4: Encounters

"And yet we pray to her, and she hears us," said Dylin. She held the book at her chest and leaned against the shelf. "The tradition of her greatness pleases those who need a patron to look to."

"Most of us do need one," he said.

"What can you tell me of the Ball of Lights and Truths?" The words slipped out.

Olive skin blanched on his face. "That... question seems not random."

"Perhaps."

"Hmm," he said as he turned and walked towards a small table near a window overlooking her garden. A glance back to her indicated he wished her to follow. She did. They sat, he on the edge of the bonewood chair opposite her. He watched her, a faint smile touching his lips. She met his gaze, then turned her own to where the purple rug met the narrow slabs of wood floor. His studying look made her giddy, and she was too weak despite the scalwax to look him comfortably in the face. In her dream, he was a beloved companion. Here in the library, he was a near stranger. She forced her eyes to meet his, then she looked at her lap where her fingers fidgeted.

"You've read half the library, I'd guess," she said. "As much as jen Kaylar. Is there ever any mention of the Ball of Lights and Truths?"

"And what did jen Kaylar tell you?" he said.

"I haven't asked her yet," she said.

"I did," he said. "She'd never heard the term." He chuckled comfortably. "The only ball I know of with any interest whatsoever is Lady Anath's ball, and everyone knows that she had it, though some say she was just an athlete. Shall we call that the Ball of Lights? I have read that her ball was her link to the Creators, which was more than Kaylar said. I was looking for that book I'd read it in."

Dylin's heart skipped. "The Creators?"

His eyes widened, then he looked toward the high ceiling. Afternoon sunlight glittered through the skylight. "Hardly anyone in Galia speaks of the Creators these days, though Gizelle once told me that the title is irrelevant, and almost everyone looks to someone or something. But I... had a dream of a glowing ball last night." He looked her in the eyes, disconcerting because his were so honest. Cloud-gray. "In the dream, I was with Lianna, and you were... somewhere. A woman's face - she must have been Anath - floated in the sphere. She said something about finding a... ball... truth and light, something like that. She said something about Hope and Love and the heart of Gallel. Hallel in trouble. There was another man, too. I think he was holding the sphere." He twitched as though he felt he had spoken too much, too personally.

"Did you dream of a cathedral of light, full of people, with the Creators?"

"I... did. How did you know?"

"I dreamed the same thing," she said. "Why did we both dream of the Ball of Lights?"

His mouth opened, but high pitched screams reverberated from downstairs. It sounded like Lianna. Dylin grunted.

"I better see what's wrong," she said. She closed her eyes and pushed herself up.

He rose and took her arm. "You don't look well." He helped her down the stairs. His touch was gentle, and she realized that was the most physical contact they had ever shared.

"It's Tutang and this stupid war," she said. "He drains the life out of me."

One eyebrow rose and he said, "I imagine he'd have that effect on anyone with sense."

They came to the source of the noise: Hameline, Lianna's half sister closest in age, straddled her on the floor, pressing a book into Lianna's face. "Hammy!" In Dylin's weakness, the scold sounded timid, and her movements were too weak to push the girl aside; she succeeded only in falling to her knees.

"She's reading, Dylin!" Before Hameline could finish her gleeful statement, den Ubal lifted her by the arms and tossed her aside. She screeched and ran, but he and Dylin ignored her. Lianna stared at him wide-eyed, kicked him in the shin, then leapt to Dylin's side where she clung to Dylin's neck. Den Ubal's eyes widened in apparent surprise that he'd been kicked.

"Lianna! No. We don't kick people. I'm sorry, den Ubal," Dylin said. "Thank you for your help."

He shrugged, but favored one leg. "I did what you would have done."

She nodded. "You know Hammy will tell her mother you beat her up."

A shadow crossed his face. "Well, I didn't, so I shouldn't have anything to worry about. Her mother should be grateful I saved the heir." He twisted his shoulders as though squeezing out of an uncomfortable shirt. Or an uncomfortable thought. "Why did we share a dream?"

"I don't know," she said. "And who is Hallel?"

"We saw him get born, and now this. What do we have to do with any of this?"

"Yes. If he's a Creator," said Dylin, "why would he need our help?"

Merase appeared. "There you are, my Lady." She held a folded parchment in her hand.

Dylin's face cooled and her hands twitched. "What have you got for me?"

"Only one this afternoon." Merase handed her the note. "It seems serious. A little girl has been trampled by a cow."

Dylin's gut tightened in disappointment. Emergencies came first: She couldn't relax and wait for her wari to return.

"How will you manage?" said den Ubal.

"I always do," said Dylin. "Cacao and scalwax do wonders."

"You shouldn't have to. I'll go with you," he said. "We can continue our conversation."

She nodded and somehow felt stronger. Lianna clung to her as they both stood. Dylin leaned on den Ubal as Lianna leaned on her, and they made their way to Gallel's north entrance, which led to Dylin's garden. "Lianna," she said, "run up and get your shoes, and my things." The thought of trudging her way up so many steps stifled Dylin's breath. "We'll meet at the Logan Bridge."

Lianna ran with the alacrity only a child can muster.

"She'll come with us, then?" said den Ubal.

"Sometimes I can sneak her past the guards."

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*Thanks for reading Chapter 4! If you enjoyed it, don't forget to comment on what you liked, and to click the little "vote" star! If you have any questions, I am more than happy to discuss anything with you. I am always open for improvement.*