Off-Grid
Pacazahno
The two Haosa and Beni acting as a screen, the others arranged themselves at the center of the garden. Yferen stood to the left, Chalis to the right, with Ander tucked between them. Not wishing to disturb the work, yet conscious of her duty, Seylin stood half a dozen steps to the left and behind the threesome. It seemed to her that the colorful air was slightly . . . thicker just a step or two in front of them, as if a tiny, localized fog was rising.
“Now, Cousin Ander, be as easy as you may. All I want you to do is to think about that Intention you Saw back there in the library. Just let it rise to the top of your thoughts—no pushing or straining—no reprisals if this doesn’t work. It’s only a mad notion, after all.”
Seylin caught herself nodding, and looked at Yferen with new respect. Ander was standing quite still, scarcely seeming to breathe. The air before the three of them continued to thicken, picking up a swirl as it shaped itself into—into something Seylin had never seen before, but was instantly recognizable for all of that—ill-will bled off of it, and determination, an intention to frighten and subjugate. To rule.
“Nasty bit of anything,” Chalis commented, low-voiced. “I’ve got it.”
“I’ve got it,” Yferen said. “Going to try for the other one. If we can hold the match in the ambient, that might be useful, even if we can’t fix the signature.”
“Don’t wear him out,” Chalis cautioned.
“No, we’ll feed him again before setting him to help you sort the library,” Yferen murmured. He took a breath, and spoke again in that easy, transfixing voice.
“Now, Cousin Ander, you remember that first Intention, back at your workplace. Think of that now, just that. I know it’ll be muddy, but let’s just try.”
Thick air swirled again and this time the sensation of malice was so strong that Seylin gasped.
“That’s pure hate, that is,” Yferen said. “You all right, Civilized?”
“Yes, only—surprised.”
“That’s three of us, anyhoot. I think we’ve seen enough, Challi.”
“I agree.”
“Fine then, Cousin Ander,” Yferen said, loudly cheerful, “I think you and Challi ought to get a snack and then get busy in the library. I’ll take a look around out here.”
Ander shook himself.
“Did I help?” he asked tentatively.
Chalis laughed and patted him on the shoulder.
“You helped most wonderfully, Cousin! And, you’re witness to one of those rare occasions when one of Yferen’s notions not only bore a flower, but an entire bouquet.”
“Mock me,” Yferen said mournfully, and Chalis laughed again.
“When haven’t I? Come on, Ander, let’s grab some cake and tea. Coming, Civilized?”
“Coming,” Seylin answered.