Chapter Nine

Robert’s muscles had moved beyond cramping, and his toes and fingers tingled from lack of movement. The smuggler’s compartment offered little relief, except to move from flat on his back to partially on one side or the other. He breathed in slowly, relieving some of the anxiety but little of the worry, and added more concerns along with the dank staleness of the air. If the old man driving the cart did not stop soon for the night, he worried the wagon would become his coffin.

“Sebastian,” he finally whispered, mostly to ensure the farmhand still lived.

“What?” the man muttered, letting out a slight groan as he too shifted weight.

“Perhaps this wasn’t a wise choice of transportation.”

The farmhand stifled a laugh.

“Back there,” Robert added, finally ready to face events from the evening, “I did that. I’m not sure what it was, but I did it. The air... it obeyed my mind!”

“Shh...” Sebastian warned. “We shouldn’t talk about it openly.”

“I need to,” the young man admitted. “I’m scared. Does that make me a Dreamer? I don’t know if I trust them enough to become one!”

“I said be quiet!” Sebastian snapped.

“I need to know now. We have no idea what lies ahead after the old man lets us out. I want to be ready.”

The farmhand did not answer straight away, and so Robert waited. Finally, after several long breaths to settle his own nerves, Sebastian offered a solution.

“There’s a way now,” he said, “we can speak openly. I... I don’t like to do it and haven’t in a long time—since before you were born.”

“How?” Robert demanded.

“Close your eyes and focus on the darkness. Ignore the pattern of stars you will see, looking between them and beyond.”

Robert did as instructed, finding the exercise calmed his racing heart as well as his previous worries. It was difficult, to see beyond the tiny specks of light and nearly opened his mouth to demand more clarity. But then he did.

Once fully focused, the lights rushed forward into the forefront of his vision. The sensation caused his stomach to drop, the movement both unexpected and dizzying.

Good, Sebastian’s voice suddenly spoke in his mind. I can see with you now and will guide your journey. Find the cluster in the upper right. Good. Now focus on the fifth star down.

Everything was just as promised, exactly where Sebastian said it would be. The fifth star down, he learned later, was not an address to their destination, merely a focal point they could both share. It sucked his mind forward with a rush, and Robert travelled as if flying. The sensation, he marveled, felt exactly like he expected.

You may see shapes and faces, Sebastian warned. Ignore those. They’re not real, merely distractions conjured by your mind. It yearns to remain attached to your body.

Robert flinched with fear. “I’m leaving my body?” he asked aloud.

Not fully, but a part of you detaches whenever you enter the ether. It remains there, imprinted until you return. Right now, there is a young boy version of me, terrified and fearful in the dream world, and I’ll have to face those fears when we rejoin.

They’re wrong about you, Sebastian, Robert said. You’re not a coward. I think something happened to you as a child, but you don’t act cowardly. Earlier tonight you protected me, and during the Falconer attack you ran to protect Collette. Even now you are overcoming your fears to take care of me. Thank you.

Sebastian did not respond, but Robert sensed he still led the journey through his mind. The end of it neared and the passing stars slowed. Soon a world appeared before them.

Is it like ours? Robert asked, amazed by the spherical shape and clouds swirling over oceans of blue and greenish land masses.

I don’t know, Sebastian admitted, but in my heart, I always feel it is. He led them downward, toward a continent. If it was their world, there would have been a large crack extending from a burning caldera. There was neither, only majestic mountains standing in their place. It was like this when we found it, Sebastian explained, though not all of it was completed. The Dreamers have been busy since I last visited, and it’s nearly complete. After a brilliant flash of light forced them both to cover their faces, he said, “We’re here. Look around.”

Robert opened his eyes. The Dream World was more beautiful than home.

They stood in a meadow surrounded on all sides by dense forest. All around them tall flowers and grasses swayed on a soft breeze. The temperature was perfect, not too hot nor too cooled by the wind. Their noses filled with pleasant scents of rose, lavender, and honeysuckle. This world was a dream in which one could touch and interact.

“It’s gorgeous,” Robert exclaimed.

“Just wait! It gets better!” Sebastian said with a grin. Whatever he had feared before was gone, and he actually seemed giddy to explore.

Off in the distance rose a large hill topped with a gray stone castle. The moat encircling its base reflected stark blue that contrasted the perfect shades of greens all around. Even the sky appeared less pale than home, as white clouds moved slowly across.

“That belongs to the Dreamers,” Sebastian explained the structure, “and it’s where they meet to talk in private.” He led Robert a different direction, into the forest to find a private place for their own conversation. He placed a hand atop a strange mushroom. It was out of place, and the way he gazed down upon it seemed forlorn and full of sadness.

“Caroline used to sit upon this very spot when we were friends. We were close, then, all of us were. Even Marita wasn’t bullied or put out yet.”

Leaves rustled nearby, and a luminescent salamander emerged. At first Robert jumped, but realized at once the creature would not harm either of them.

Sebastian laughed and rubbed its head like an old friend. It closed its eyes and settled for a nap at his feet.

“You created him?” Robert asked of the creature.

“I did, though he turned out lazier than I’d hoped as a child. Seeing him here gives me...” He paused, frowning a bit to find the correct words. “I don’t know what it gives me, but I want to say hope. Maybe by returning I can finally move past some of the terrors I experienced as a child.”

“So, I’m like you?” Robert asked gently. “I’m a Dreamer?”

Sebastian shook his head. “No, the Dreamers choose who they include, like an exclusive club you have to know their password to fit in. But you are an emotant. Early on I discovered you had latency, which made sense considering your father.”

Robert stepped back in shock. “You lied to me?”

“Yes. I’ve always known who your parents were, even if Eusari and the others never told me directly. Your mother, due to deliver, was with them when they entered Eston, but they only returned with you.”

“So she died in childbirth?”

“It would be easier to think of it that way,” Sebastian said sadly. “Your father had already died, and you were destined to be born alone into the world. After the battle, Eusari took you as her own. Collette was your wetnurse. That’s how I met her, brought by Eusari on her return to Logan.”

“Sebastian,” Robert demanded, “who were my parents? Why does Mother work so hard to keep it a secret from me?”

“To protect you, but telling you now will do more in that regard.”

“Who am I? Why do I need protection?”

“You’re Robert Esterling, son of Prince Robert and the Lady Sarai Horslei.”

Robert’s eyes grew big, the news catching in his throat and choking back any reply. This is too much, he thought. First these powers? Now my parents? The world around him moved and he staggered as if to fall. With swimming vision, he reached behind and felt something soft but supportive. He turned and watched as a purple toadstool spread out to bear his weight.

“Thank you,” he muttered to Sebastian, the farmhand. No... no longer a mere farmhand, but a hero of the Brother’s War. The one-time Dreamer and friend to pirates smiled back. “For everything, thank you. For bringing me here and for telling me the truth. Thank you, Sebastian.”

“You’re welcome. Eusari should have been the one to tell you, but I think she’ll understand.”

“So the king knows I’m alive? He wants to kill me before I make a claim against him?”

“I don’t think so. I know Amash very well, and he’s a kind man. Eusari said she was keeping you safe until of age. I think he means to proclaim you now, as his heir.”

“So the Dreamers? They aren’t trying to kill me?”

“No,” Sebastian shook his head, “I don’t think they are, merely focused on finishing their task by bringing you before Amash. But, like Sippen said, it was important to know the truth about your lineage. I just wish it was Eusari who told you instead of me.”

“Then I should go back and face them... go before the king.”

“No, Logan is along the way. You should see Eusari as planned. Let her answer whatever questions you have first.”

Robert nodded, staring at the salamander at his friend’s feet and taking it all in.

Suddenly, Sebastian sat up. “We have to go,” he said. “The wagon stopped and the driver dismounted. He’ll free us soon, and we must be fully awake.”

Without warning, Robert felt his mind zoom into the clouds, retracing the dark journey home.

Robert awoke with a gasp, heart pounding and ears ringing as light flooded their secret compartment. He tried to rise, but his muscles again cramped. A wrinkled hand reached out to grab his, pulling him free of his imprisonment. Sebastian was already sitting up.

“I’m sorry you had to stay hidden so long,” the old man said to both. “I wanted to get down the main road before circling back to ensure we weren’t followed. Whatever you two are running from isn’t anywhere to be found, but I felt it best we stayed off the main road to Logan the rest of the way.”

Robert looked around. They sat in a well-hidden part of the forest, protected from above by dense canopy. If the Dreamers had bonded birds, none would find them easily.

“I think it’s best if we keep only a small fire, so as not to draw attention, don’t you?” the old man asked.

Robert nodded. “Yes,” he said slowly, as if awakening from a dream. Only, the dreamy fog clouding his brain had only just begun to murk his thoughts. Prince. Emotant.

“Thank you,” Sebastian said, “but my friend and I must be getting along. We’re sorry to have brought you into it and should leave you now to travel on our own.”

“Nonsense.” The old man’s eyes smiled. They were kind, as one would expect from a loving grandfather. “Reaver, you met,” he said, gesturing to the Falcon. It sat hooded quietly on its perch. “We haven’t properly introduced,” the man said. “My name’s Campton, but my friends call me Camp. You may do the same.” He bowed deeply before the young men. “I’m a tinker by trade, a merchant’s friend and worker of finer tools.”

“I’m Robert, and this is Sebastian,” Robert said, ignoring a warning glance from his friend. He took Camp’s hand and shook it firmly. “A small fire is wise, but do you have any food? We’re famished after a difficult night.”

Camp’s eyes lit up once more. “I do! I brought along perpetual soup!”

Both young men raised their eyebrows. Neither had heard of it.

Camp moved to the driver’s bench and pointed at a copper pot hanging from a hook. At its base was a small compartment smoking softly with hot coals.

“The trick is to keep it forever warm, changing out the coals whenever you make a fire. It’ll simmer all day long, and you add to it as you go along your journey. Small game fits best, so do roots and vegetables you find along the way. Just keep it warm and it never goes bad!”

Robert stepped closer to examine the contraption, smiling big and wishing Sippen could see it, too. This was the kind of invention the little man loved, and Robert couldn’t wait to tell him. Only, he wasn’t going to see him for a long time, possibly never again. Sadness overtook him, and he stepped away with a feigned smile. “Thank you,” he said. “It smells wonderful.”

Sebastian tended the fire while Camp dished out the soup. It tasted wonderful, and the younger men laughed quietly at his stories. He was well travelled, it seemed, and claimed to have visited every part of Andalon.

“Even Pirate’s Cove?” Robert asked with shock.

“Even The Cove,” Camp bragged. He yawned. “It’s getting late, and I’m an old man. I think I should be getting to sleep.” He stretched and stood, making his way toward the woods. “But I’ve got nature business to attend to first. You can’t hold it as long at my age,” he said with a laugh.

The boys waited till he had gone, watching him make his way deep into the denser trees for privacy.

Robert glanced at Reaver, still hooded and perched quietly on the wagon. The falcon had only moved when Camp had earlier fed him a mouse. He kept a few in a pouch around his waist.

“I think we can trust him,” Robert said. “He’s a kind fellow, and riding would be faster than walking to Logan. We could be there in a day or two.”

Sebastian stole a timid glance toward the woods. “I don’t know. He’s still a stranger, and we don’t know who or what he’d sell for a price. That includes information about two young men travelling this night toward Logan.”

Robert found arguing pointless, his friend had a point. “Let’s talk it over in the morning, I’m exhausted and think we should rest.”

Sebastian agreed, but neither men moved. They couldn’t douse the fire until Camp returned. He may need the light to guide his way back. Both men shifted their weight uncomfortably.

“He’s taking a very long time,” Robert remarked.

Sebastian shrugged and smiled. “Well,” he said pointing a thumb the way the old man had walked, “he is old! Cedric always complains his business takes longer the older he gets!”

Robert grinned. “Cedric’s takes longer because he’s stuck it in so many nasty places over the years. You should hear the things he’s bragged about doing!”

“Oh, I’ve heard. I’ve known that man since I was a boy, so believe me I know he has no shame!”

They both laughed aloud at this but was cut off by a sudden shrieking overhead.

Sebastian moved fast, snuffing out the fire by kicking dirt then stomping it dark.

Robert strained his eyes to see, but the falcons overhead were hidden above the branches and leaves. “Falconers?” he asked Sebastian, who nodded violently. A roar from behind caused him to jump, and he turned just in time to see two large forest cats had emerged. On the cart, Reaver squawked then rose into the air, his hood still covering his eyes. Robert’s were still locked on the animals and wished the fire still burned. He picked up a uselessly smoking branch and waved it, hoping the heat would be enough.

“Jaguars,” whispered Sebastian, with eyes rounded and very much afraid.

“What are those?” demanded Robert.

“Worse than Falconers!”

The big cats lunged, just as several falcons dove from above.

Sebastian moved quickly, stepping between Robert and the cats, and a dome of shimmering air formed around him. The Falcons screeched as their talons scratched against the surface and the jaguars bounced harmlessly off, pacing and circling their prey trapped within.

Robert watched the animals closely, shivering as their eyes reflected cool patience.

“It’s really better if you don’t resist,” Camp’s voice said from the tree line. Behind him stood four specters.

“How many can you fight?” Robert asked Sebastian.

But the farmhand’s instinctive courage had faded, replaced by gripping fear. His weight crumbled and he slid to his knees. Along with his composure, the shimmering shield fell. Wisps of air securely wrapped around both their bodies, strangely braided ropes the pattern of which Robert had never seen. Around their feet, roots slithered like snakes rising from the ground, coiling around their legs.

“Yes,” Camp said, “it’s best you come along without a fight.” He reached out a wrinkled hand holding four wriggling caterpillars. Holding them close to Sebastian’s ears, the larvae slipped into his ears as he wept with fear. Then camp brought two toward Robert. The creatures hissed as they slid into his ears, muffling the world around him.

Robert struggled, trying desperately to loosen his bonds. Each time he connected with the wisps of air, the caterpillars screeched horribly and his connection failed. Then he passed out.