Mjoika: A Novel

By M. D. Morris

Can two nations of people coexist if one possess deadly mental powers, but the other does not? In Mjoika, Ajlek and his beloved Dajhanin face a series of unexpected events that theaten their perception of who they are. At the same time, an insidious evil has crept into civilization, one seemingly impossible to overcome. Ajlek is thrust into a perplexing world where he must work against time to solve the life-threatening dilemma facing the Dajhanin and, at the same time, find a way to help the people of civilization. To fail at either could mean an end to them all

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
• Release date: Mar 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781684740178

Book preview

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Chapter 1

I t was a small tremor, one so slight that it probably hadn’t even registered on the seismometers in civilization. None of the people sleeping inside Ghiladi had felt it—except Ajlek.

He opened his eyes into the darkness and lay motionless, his mind on full alert as he scanned to the valley for what might have jolted him awake. Clearly, it hadn’t been his imagination; the herds of horses inside the mountain had felt it as well. All along the length of the valley, they were restlessly milling about, spooked that Ghiladi had just trembled.

When it didn’t repeat, Ajlek forced himself to relax. They were living inside what was once an active volcano, and things could still be shifting beneath them. That had probably occurred many times in the mountain’s history.

He didn’t like being awakened by events he couldn’t explain, however. They played on his mind and made him question his sensitivity. And while this tremor had been weak, the fact that he’d sensed it at all suggested that he should probably monitor the mountain for a while. He’d learned long ago to listen whenever his gut was involved.

When he sensed that the horses were beginning to settle, he closed his eyes, grateful for a little more time before having to crawl from his bed. He was warm and comfortable, and he had a full day ahead of him. A few more minutes of sleep would be good.

And he tried. He lay for some time before finally exhaling in frustration and opening his eyes again. An annoying sound that had inexplicably appeared inside his head two weeks earlier was now in full voice. It had begun as a faint, dissonant sound, more of a curiosity than anything serious; yet, he’d been unable to determine its source. Recently, it had blossomed into a full-bodied, grating sound somewhat akin to fingernails scraping on a chalkboard, and regardless of how hard he’d tried, all attempts to dislodge it from his head had failed. The racket fought for his attention throughout the day and drowned out the natural sounds of the night, making him grumpy and out of sorts when he emerged from his chambers each morning.

With sleep no longer an option, he threw back the covers and slipped from his bed, hurriedly dressing before tiptoeing through his chambers into the crisp morning air. He made his way to Ghiladi’s entrance past occupied chambers where other families were still sleeping, barely emerging from their early morning dreams. He envied them. If he were anyone but Kahyani, he’d be there too.

When he entered the big chamber, he paused to take in a silence only found in the final hour before dawn, a time pregnant with potential. It was an opportunity to make sense of the sounds and sensations constantly pulling at his senses. He did his best thinking in the magic of that single hour.

He took a deep breath and made his way down a narrow passageway toward the only entrance into the mountain, an opening the Ancient Ajnastazzi had successfully masked from prying eyes for centuries. Not that anyone from civilization could ever make it as far west as Ghiladi’s entrance. After three years inside the mountain, the Dajhanin had become quite skilled at keeping unwanted visitors away.

He lowered himself to the granite floor and leaned against the rough wall, inhaling the smells that wafted up to him from the distant forests. Winter was winding down, and even in the semi-darkness of the early-morning hour, he could see the tips of the evergreen trees peeping through the melting snow on the ridge beyond.

He loved the smell of a mountain forest, the sweet scent of rapidly flowing steams, of mosses and underbrush, and of a myriad of trees and their fallen companions that so effectively added to the mantle of the earth. They calmed his active mind. But then, they calmed all Dajhanin. Until moving into Ghiladi, the wilderness had been their natural home, and they’d abandoned it at his request. Ghiladi had indeed kept them safe, just as he had promised, but it had cost them a good bit of their freedom. And while everyone inside the mountain seemed content, would it last? Would the day come when they would begin to resent the confinement? Such thoughts were already nagging at him.

He pushed the thought away and settled against the granite, focusing on the sound inside his head. It was a hard-to-define pitch that troubled him in ways that the sounds of nature rarely did. His ability to feel vibrations and hear the resulting sounds was nothing new to him; this was how he perceived the world. Without looking, he could tell the difference between an oak and an aspen or a mjoika and a fir, even on still, windless days when nothing moved. He could hear the rocks on the path to the bathhouse and the solid granite walls of his family’s chambers. Each vibrated in their own unique way. The sounds that came from the earth were beautiful, and for as long as he could remember, the combined harmony had captured his heart and calmed him. Now they confused him.

He was also familiar with dissonance—vibrations out of sync. He’d experienced them firsthand. Anger produced dissonance, as did jealousy, greed, duplicity, and cruelty—all human sounds. But never the earth, never the natural world—not even storms, as destructive as they could sometimes be. At their most violent, their sounds were startling and dramatic, but always in harmony with life. Now, it seemed that everything he listened to had an odd dissonance to it, and it kept him off balance, as though he no longer belonged. Even his beloved Dajhanin were becoming more out of sync. Something had changed, and he was confused about what it might be. Had years of living inside his head finally short-circuited his brain? It made no sense.

He remained in place for nearly an hour, meditating on the sound in his head and on life in general; then, sensing that his family was awake, he stood and brushed the dust from his trousers. His wives were already moving about the main chamber, no doubt wondering where he was. They’d be put out with him if he wasn’t there to help them prepare for the massive gathering about to take place in the valley. It was an annual event held each spring, and it involved everyone inside the mountain. It was also a way to clean out the excess food stored over the winter

What are you doing away from your chambers so early in the morning? Ejlek asked, suddenly appearing inside his head.

Thinking, Ajlek replied, not yet ready to divulge his insecurities to his twin.

Does that mean you’re ready for today?

I’m heading home now to help my wives, Ajlek replied, aware that the question was intended to get him moving. We did much of the preparatory work last night before going to bed.

Smart. You probably got more sleep than I did.

Maybe, Ajlek said, making his way back through the narrow passageway into the mountain. I’m looking forward to today. It’ll be fun.

It’ll be good for us, Ejlek said. Especially with people being on edge.

Ajlek blinked. What does that mean? I haven’t sensed anyone on edge.

Well, not on edge, exactly, Ejlek said. I don’t know what I mean. Ignore me. It’s probably just my imagination.

Has someone said something to you?

No. As I said, ignore me.

But you said—

Honest, Ajlek. No one has mentioned anything to me. I’m not even sure why I brought it up.

Ajlek frowned. Maybe he wasn’t hiding his insecurities as well as he’d thought. Possibly, people were picking up on them.

What’s going on with you? Ejlek asked. And don’t tell me it’s nothing.

I’m mostly just tired, Ajlek said. I’ll be fine when I’m with other people.

Seconds passed before Ejlek responded. Someday you’ll have to tell us what’s troubling you, he said. I’m worried about you, and I think others are as well.

Ajlek frowned. Sometimes he regretted living in a fishbowl.

I heard that.

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By the time Ajlek returned to his chambers, Ghiladi’s cathedral-like spires were humming in sympathy with the noise from the mass of people already gathered in the valley. The sounds, competing with the discordant tone inside his head, were enough to make his teeth hurt.

Do we have everything? he asked his wives, as Janis tried to push past him to the outside.

As far as I can tell, she said over her shoulder. Ejlek’s family is on the way. We need to hurry and claim a spot for ourselves.

He stepped inside and hoisted the wooden table he’d recently built onto his shoulders, carrying it to the outside and following a path that led closer to the bathhouse.

Will this do? he asked, setting the table down.

Perfect, Palima responded from behind him. Let’s get everything set out so we can visit.

In moments, their table was laden with their favorite foods, things they were proud to share with their friends and neighbors. Cassie, of course, had added her culinary touch to each item, being the spice queen of the family. She instinctively seemed to know how to enhance every dish she tasted. The others often stood to the side and watched as she inhaled the aromas emanating from each dish, satisfying herself that she’d done all she could. They had long ago learned to leave her alone; she was usually right in such matters.

There you are, a voice sounded from behind them.

Ajlek turned and spotted Raymond and Dan approaching. Raymond was grinning, having just extracted himself from a group of children, which included Marc, Ajlek’s ten-year-old son.

It looked like you were entertaining most of the children in the valley over there, Ajlek said, grinning at his friend. What were you doing?

Raymond laughed. It began as a way to keep my children occupied while my wives finished setting out our things, he said. We were playing a stick game that I learned in grade school in civilization, one that teaches concentration. Succeeding at the game took a good bit of practice while I was there, but here, I’ve been forced to add more steps to keep it challenging.

I don’t know this game, Ajlek said. How does it work?

Nothing difficult, Raymond said. The steps accumulate, which requires the players to focus. They each start with two matching sticks that are different in some way from all the rest. That way they can identify them when the game is over. They start by tapping them together in a rhythmic pattern, and at one point in the pattern, hand one of their sticks to the person sitting next to them in the circle. That, along with picking up the stick that was just handed to them becomes part of the pattern. They do this until their sticks return to them. A lack of concentration on anyone’s part will result in someone’s sticks becoming separated. I recall loving that game when I was young. It was always a challenge.

That would be why Marc is so enthused, Ajlek said, grinning. He loves a challenge.

Marc was almost scary, Dan said, his hand on Raymond’s shoulder. He was partly responsible for the game’s continued success and why it attracted so many children.

Dan was Raymond’s father, who had moved into the mountain from Weyland six years after Raymond had. Raymond inherited his build and looks from his father, especially the warm, brown eyes and soft, brown hair. Both men were striking in appearance.

Raymond grinned. When I first noticed it, I started watching him. Every time it looked as if someone would falter and cause the game to break down, he mentally helped them stay on track.

I don’t know why you’re surprised by that, Ajlek said, smiling. Marc has been influencing creatures for years. If you’ll recall, he started with minnows from the creek while we lived in the Ajnastazzi Valley.

It wasn’t his ability to influence them that was so fascinating, Dan said, smiling. It was the fact that throughout the game, he kept an eye how everyone in the circle was performing and prevented them from making mistakes.

What I found to be so interesting was that the other children accepted what he was doing without question, Raymond added. Much the way the rest of us accept the things you do.

Ajlek gazed wistfully at the group of children now chasing each other across the valley. I never played games like that as a child. Except for Celeste Winstead, I had no friends, and I only saw her for two weeks each year.

Maybe that was best, Dan said. You didn’t need to learn what the civilized people tried to teach you.

They taught me plenty, Ajlek said. You can thank Celeste for keeping me straight.

Raymond laughed. Celeste always did have—

His words were interrupted by a sharp cracking sound followed by a teeth-jarring boom. The vibrations reverberated around inside Ajlek’s head to the point where he was forced to place his hands over his ears and grimace in pain. The ground beneath their feet heaved upward and dropped back, toppling most of the people in the valley. It lasted scarcely fifteen seconds, but that was enough to frighten them.

Ajlek lay still for a moment, forcing aside the annoying sound still screaming in his head so he could scan to his wives and children. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

As he attempted to stand, another small ripple passed through the valley, and he waited until it passed, shifting his gaze upward to the tall spires, almost expecting to find one of them tumbling down on them. He shot a glance at the valley for damage, but beyond puddles of stew that had sloshed out of hanging pots, and one or two toppled tables, everything seemed to be okay.

That was interesting, he said, slapping the dust from his pants.

I thought this mountain was dormant, Dan said, his gaze following Ajlek’s to the spires.

That doesn’t mean it doesn’t move from time to time, Ajlek replied.

He winced when Cassie grabbed his arm and spun him around. His other wives and several other women were right behind her, many with their children in their arms, their eyes wide with fright.

What exactly was that? Cassie demanded. The ground beneath our feet is supposed to support us, not topple us onto our heads.

It felt like a tremor, Ajlek said, his voice remaining calm to ease her fear. We’re okay. It was the mountain shifting somewhere beneath us. I’m sure this isn’t the first time it’s happened. We may not feel another one for years. Either way, we’ll be fine. The mountain is strong.

That seemed to satisfy the women, except for Cassie who walked away muttering something about the mountain being stronger than they were. He took a deep breath, painfully aware that the piercing sound was once again front and center in his head.

Interesting way to start a gathering, he muttered to himself.

That’s one word for it, Ejlek responded. Glad it wasn’t any stronger than it was—and, what’s going on in your head?

Ajlek’s shoulders fell. I’ll let you know when I figure it out.

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That evening, after his family had gone to bed, Ajlek returned to Ghiladi’s entrance. He was finally calm, and the rest of the people in the valley seemed to be as well. He’d never experienced an earthquake before. The unexpected speed with which they’d all been shaken from their feet impressed him. It was a reminder of how helpless they were to stop whatever nature might throw at them. They had taken steps to protect themselves against the marauding people of civilization, but this … There was no defense against an earthquake. Was it a warning? Somehow, it didn’t fit with the unsettled feelings growing inside him.

He turned his attention to what Raymond had told him about Marc. His son amazed him. Ejlek claimed it was from living with a father who was Kahyani, and whose mind was limitless. Marc naturally assumed, as most young boys did, that he would someday do whatever his father did. And he wasn’t far from wrong. Ajlek had tried to convince all Dajhanin that they were capable of doing far more than they imagined. Still, Marc seemed to have a knack for imitation, and whenever he saw something that piqued his curiosity, he usually tried it—not always with positive results. His attempt to control others had backfired on him three years earlier when he’d stopped General Gregory Gage from bringing down a mountain. Still, it was gratifying to see how the young people inside the valley had picked up on Marc’s ability to share his knowledge with them. The result was that they were growing in strength at a rate faster than their parents had dreamed possible. They were well on the path to becoming powerful adults.

Ajlek remained at Ghiladi’s entrance until his eyes grew heavy, then made his way back to his chambers. He needed sleep, and while he fully expected to be awakened in the middle of the night, he should at least try. His wives had made it clear to him that they wanted none of his ill humor. They had enough to do without him coming into their chambers out of sorts. On those days, he usually resorted to taking his frustrations out on the weeds that grew in abundance in the family garden. Besides hanging out at Ghiladi’s entrance, it was another way he could relax, and it was constructive.

A day or so later, after a particularly trying day, Ajlek wiped the sweat from his brow and leaned on his garden hoe. He gazed at his neighbors across the valley, each moving in and out of the lengthening shadows of Ghiladi’s towering spires while tending to their never-ending chores. Occasionally, someone would spot him and wave, their broad smiles visible even from the distance.

He smiled and returned his garden tools to the storage chamber. He was still tired, but, marginally, less irritable. When he entered the large, open chamber, his wives were just putting the finishing touches on their evening meal.

Do I have time for a bath? he asked, eyeing the platters already set on the rough-hewn table.

If you hurry, Palima said without looking up from a pot hanging over the fire.

I’ll be quick, he said.

He grabbed a change of clothing and started for the outer doorway, stopping when a deep, sonorous rumble swept through the entirety of Mt. Ghiladi, which rattled the platters on the table and caused the pots over the fire to clang together.

Palima jumped back to keep from being scalded by the sloshing stew. The other women were frozen in place and eyeing the chamber walls with wide-eyed concern.

Are you hurt? Ajlek said, rushing to Palima’s side.

Only startled, she replied, eyeing the pool of stew that had sloshed to the granite floor.

Let me help you clean that, he said.

No, you get your bath, she said, pushing him away. I can do this, and you’ll feel more like eating if you’re clean.

Ajlek had no response to the expression on Cassie’s face, and he picked up his clothing, starting down the path to the bathhouse. He couldn’t predict what the mountain would do, and while he wouldn’t admit it, he was as concerned as she was. Why was it shaking? The earth beneath them didn’t seem unstable.

Did you feel that?" Ejlek asked.

I expect everyone from here to Weyland felt it, Ajlek answered, not surprised to hear from his twin. I’ve been meaning to ask one of the elders if this has happened before.

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The bath felt heavenly, and Ajlek would have remained far longer, but he sensed that his wives were growing impatient. He climbed out of the water and dried himself, quickly changing into his clean clothing. Then, whistling something in the same key as the tone in his head, he headed up the path to his chambers.

Moments before stepping through the doorway, Jeron, the oldest of Aaron’s sons approached him, and from the look on his face, it was clear that he wanted to talk. Ajlek hesitated, sensing that his family was gathering around the table.

Good evening, Jeron, he said. Are you looking for me?

I am, Kahyani, Jeron answered.

Jeron was a fine-looking young man of about seventeen, who had inherited his father’s broad shoulders and dark hair. His eyes had the fire of a budding adult, and Ajlek instinctively sensed that he would soon have a family of his own.

Would you care to join us for our evening meal? Ajlek asked, aware that his children, who were already at the table, were asking for him.

You’re very kind, but we’re about to have dinner ourselves, Jeron said. I promise to keep you for only a minute.

Ajlek tucked his soiled clothing under his arm and nodded. What can I do for you?

Kahyani, as you know, I’m beyond my sixteenth year, Jeron began. My father has agreed that I’m ready for my Think Trek, and I’m eager to get started. I’ve noticed how others have chosen remote areas inside the mountain for the required three-week adventure, but I see no challenge in that.

What sort of challenge are you seeking? Ajlek asked, gazing curiously back at Jeron.

Jeron drew himself up to his full six-six height, a good two inches taller than Ajlek’s six-four. I understand our reasons for moving into Ghiladi, he said. It was for our survival. I also understand that we must remain here and mask ourselves so that others will not find us or suspect that we’re here. We’re happy here, more so than we were when we were scattered across the Ojberdine-Haijlan Mountains, and we’ve grown stronger. The move has benefitted us in every possible way, except one—where we go on a Think Trek.

Ajlek blinked. I’m not following you.

Isn’t the purpose of the Think Trek to learn to take care of ourselves without the aid of our fathers? Jeron asked. Aren’t we supposed to meet challenges and learn ways to overcome them? How is that possible if we’re never challenged? The convenience of Ghiladi’s solid walls have effectively removed the hardships. We don’t even have to build a shelter or fire pit. If a storm appears, we simply retreat into one of the abandoned chambers. Food is so abundant that we don’t even have to search for it. What’s the point of a Think Trek under those conditions?

Are you arguing against going on a Think Trek? Ajlek asked, staring back at Jeron.

Certainly not, Jeron said. I’m actually looking forward to it, but when the three weeks are over, I want to start my adult life secure in the knowledge that I’ve faced any challenge I’ll ever meet inside these walls. I want to be strong like my father.

Ajlek regarded the young man in front of him. Jeron, you’re already stronger than Aaron was at your age. And knowing Aaron as I do, I’m sure that he would never have agreed to let you start your Think Trek if he hadn’t sensed that you were ready to meet the challenges you’ll face, wherever they might be—certainly not the physical ones.

Jeron frowned. What other challenges are there?

Two fairly significant ones, Ajlek replied, smiling at the perplexed look on his young friend’s face. Being completely alone for the first two weeks and then gaining an understanding of yourself.

Aaron did mention that to me, Jeron said, his demeanor a little less certain.

Ajlek smiled. I’m sure he did. You’ve been helping Aaron build shelters and huts since you could walk. I expect you’ve been building fires since your mother trusted you to be near one, and finding food is certainly no challenge for you because you’re Dajhanin.

But that’s—

Hear me out, Ajlek said, holding up his hand. As Dajhanin, we’re naturally sensitive, but, even so, we understand strangers better than we do ourselves. We rarely think about who we are, mostly because we’re too busy absorbing the millions of sensations around us, like others’ perceptions of us. Their assessments are our barometers, and we accept it because we trust them. However, it’s important that we understand ourselves and not just how others see us. We need to understand why we react the way we do to what life throws at us. We’re all individuals, and what sets one of us off is different from what sets someone else off. The same is true for what calms us and helps us relax. This is especially important to know when not in your comfort zone. And, while a Think Trek is only three weeks long, it can be quite enlightening.

So, it’s not about mundane things, like survival? Jeron asked, frowning.

Not really. You already know how to survive. That part is instinctive. But, besides giving you a better understanding of yourself, a Think Trek benefits your future family as well. You must always be honest with them, and you can’t do that unless you’re honest with yourself. For that, you have to understand yourself.

Jerod nodded. Where did you do your Think Trek? he asked. You didn’t grow up with the Dajhanin in the mountains.

Inside my mind, Ajlek said, grinning. By the time I returned to the Dajhanin, I’d already accepted my destiny as Kahyani and was committed to my first wife. It wasn’t easy—it still isn’t. I’m constantly being bombarded by how people feel about me and what they expect of me, not to mention the thousands of things I sense every second of the day—especially the ones that come at me from out of nowhere.

He smiled. In a way, I suppose I’m on a perpetual Think Trek. I’m constantly having to assess what I sense and determine how I feel about it. Sometimes it’s overwhelming, and at other times, even frightening.

How do you find the time for reflection? Jeron asked.

Ajlek chuckled. I’m sure you can guess the answer to that. I do my best thinking in the early morning hours before everyone is up.

Our early-morning flights into the universe, Jeron said with a knowing smile.

Exactly. At other times, after my family is in bed, I retreat to Mesali’s chamber or Ghiladi’s entrance, but that’s when I’m particularly bothered by something. Usually, I’m too tired.

Do you ever regret being Kahyani?

Ajlek hesitated, considering the question. I admit to occasionally wishing for a little more normalcy, he said, but at the same time, I’m happy that I’m able to help the Dajhanin.

You sense things we can’t, Jeron said, which is what makes you different from the rest of us, and it’s why Aaron trusts you.

And that sometimes terrifies me, Ajlek said. What if I don’t know what’s best? People have accepted some fairly radical ideas since my return, and, so far, they’ve worked out; but, Kahyani or not, I can make mistakes. My greatest fear is that one day I’ll lead us to our downfall.

Jeron smiled, his eyes shining with undisguised respect. I doubt anything you do will lead to our downfall.

He laughed when Ajlek’s shoulders fell. Thank you for listening to me. I understand better now.

You’re quite welcome, Ajlek said, clasping Jeron’s hand. You’re a fine young man. I understand why Aaron is so proud of you.

Jeron blushed. I try not to disappoint him.

You won’t, Ajlek replied.

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When Ajlek finally made it to the table, his family had already started. Sorry, he said, sliding out a bench to sit. It looks wonderful.

We heard you talking to Jeron, Belini said. Why would he want to leave Ghiladi?

Ajlek shot a knowing glance at her. Belini had been raised inside Ghiladi, which gave her a different perspective from his other wives. She’d known nothing else until she’d committed to him, and he’d taken her out of Ghiladi to live with them in the Ajnastazzi Valley.

Spoken like a Ghiladi native, he said. Living inside Ghiladi’s solid walls is as much of an adjustment for the rest of us as living on an open mountainside was for you. It takes time.

We’ve been here for three years, she said with a worried frown. Do you think others regret the move?

Not at all, Ajlek said, ignoring his own misgivings, Everyone seems quite happy.

Good, Belini said, planting a kiss on his cheek. I’m happy we’re here.

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That evening, as Ajlek lay in bed trying to ignore the sound in his head, he reflected on his conversation with Jeron. Even though it wasn’t Jeron’s intent to leave Ghiladi permanently, the request had surprised him. Most young people understood that leaving Ghiladi could risk exposing them to the people of civilization, the very thing they were trying to avoid. Was there more to it than he realized? Was it possible that Jeron was responding to some deep, inner longing that he wasn’t even aware of?

No one feels trapped inside this mountain, Ejlek said, interrupting Ajlek’s thoughts. If anything, it’s the opposite. We’re safe here; what more could we want?

Freedom, Ajlek said with a deep sigh. We’re confined to this one mountain, and while it’s a big mountain, and we haven’t come close to filling it—nor will we in our lifetime—it’s still a barrier to the rest of the world. We’re Dajhanin, and we’re meant to be free. I haven’t forgotten what riding through virgin forests in the fall of the year is like, and I expect others feel the same way. We don’t get that opportunity anymore.

Isn’t this what you wanted?

Ajlek hesitated. I wanted a safe place to live out of sight of civilization, and this certainly is that, at least for now.

For now?

I can’t argue that the mountain suits us, Ajlek said, but I don’t know if it’s our permanent home.

I don’t understand, Ejlek persisted. Ghiladi has felt right from the beginning. We’re where we need to be.

We are, and I haven’t changed my mind about that, but it doesn’t feel permanent.

Ejlek snorted. I have news for you, brother mine; there’s nowhere else to go. It took two Kahyani’s to get us here, which says there must have been a reason.

I know. Ignore me.

Not likely.

Ejlek was right; Ghiladi was where they belonged—at least for now.

Ajlek frowned, confused by the thought. The idea of being forced from the mountain caught in his throat. He scanned to the towering spires above him that had so completely captured his attention after leaving civilization. He hadn’t seen them from the outside in three years. Recently, he’d caught himself battling the urge to rush from the mountain to catch the dying sun before it disappeared behind the western wall. Those final rays had a way of setting fire to the spires and dancing across the glistening snow, which clung to them for most of the year. It was a spectacle that had always made his heart sing. Ghiladi was their home; he wasn’t mistaken about that. Yet, something was changing, something he couldn’t put his finger on, and it was robbing him of the pleasure he should be feeling from living inside the mountain he loved so dearly.

Frowning, he turned over and fluffed his pillow, and shaking the irritating sound from his head, he forced himself to relax. Perhaps the answers would come to him overnight; they sometimes did.

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Chapter 2

T en-year-old Marc sat by a fast-moving stream just down from the main bathhouse, enjoying the warmth of the water as it flowed across his fingers. His friend Luca, Ejlek’s son, and Tyler, another friend who, years before, had been the last Dajhanin to be rescued from Irolah, had, moments before, abandoned him. They’d been called by their mothers to help gather wood and peat for their fires. His being alone was unusual, as there was an abundance of young people willing to play with him; but, today, everyone was occupied.

He smiled when he spotted his father working outside their chambers. Ajlek’s mind, as always, was busy working on something. What would it be like never having a moment when your mind was completely blank? No, that wasn’t accurate. Ajlek had assured him that there were times when he stilled his mind, and that those moments were as necessary as sleep, which had amazed Marc. How was it possible to simply turn your thoughts off? Was that what Ajlek did when he slipped out of their chambers at night to spend time at Ghiladi’s entrance?

Ajlek had once explained that he did his best thinking when he was alone, and that the vibrations in Mesali’s chamber and at Ghiladi’s entrance calmed him. Marc assumed the former was because of the strange instrument they called Mesali’s Voice. Even he could feel its energy when Ajlek pulled it down from the peg above the fireplace. When Ajlek used it to accompany his songs, the whole mountain lit up, and people everywhere stopped to listen. The music was beautiful, and even when Ajlek only played, they easily understood his message. He’d told them that his music was an expression of what he heard. Its beauty came from them. Marc was still trying to process that.

Ajlek was Kahyani, the leader of the Dajhanin, but as far as Marc could determine, his father didn’t act any differently than other fathers. Ajlek loved his family as much as they loved theirs, and he spent the majority of his day working to keep them happy, except when he was doing Kahyani things—which was often. It was Ajlek’s mind that made him different, the strange twist to his thoughts when he was working on something new. Others sensed it, even if they didn’t understand it.

Marc easily sensed the boundless power of his father’s mind, as others did, and he accepted it with little thought. But Ajlek’s ability to impart new, unfathomable information to others, which, once learned, became obvious, was nothing short of amazing. On more than one occasion, this unique talent had caused Marc to scratch his head in wonder. How could something become so obvious when, moments before, it had been unknown? It wasn’t that it hadn’t existed before—it had always been there—but no one had recognized it. Yet, once noticed, it remained clear and obvious.

That had been an epiphany for Marc. What else was out there that they weren’t seeing? He’d once asked Ajlek about that and had received a chuckle in return. The things we don’t know and understand vastly outnumber the things we do, Ajlek had answered. Learning is about discovery. Each revelation adds a layer of understanding to what we already know, which often leads to new discoveries.

Will we ever reach a time when we’ll know everything? Marc had asked.

I doubt that’s even possible, Ajlek answered. Life is about change. There will always be something new for us to learn. That’s how it is.

Marc was proud of his father and proud that others revered him as they did. He marveled at how quickly they responded when he was in need. They would do anything to keep him safe, even sacrifice themselves for him. And as amazing as that was, Marc was especially proud of the enormity of the love he sensed in Ajlek, and not just for those inside Ghiladi’s walls. Ajlek loved people in civilization as well, even beyond Dr. Bill and his family. It was a boundless love—a loyal love, but one that sometimes caused Ajlek a great deal of pain.

He had honored his promise to the Dajhanin to never return to civilization. He’d nearly lost his life the last time he’d been there, and it was only because he had strengthened the Dajhanin to a level where they were strong enough to defend him when he was in danger that he had come back to them.

Marc closed his eyes, remembering the helicopter that had turned back for its final strike, and how the man with the fake hormone had been filled with such hate for his father. The memory still gave him chills. He’d been in the big chamber at Ghiladi’s entrance with the men, watching the events unfold when the cave had exploded around his father. He’d witnessed their terror and how they had lost complete control of the bond that gave them their strength, and against his instructions, had tried to leave the mountain to help him.

That was the moment when he too had deliberately defied his father’s wishes. Caught up in the panic, he’d forced the man in the helicopter to stop what he was doing. That was also the moment when he’d fully understood why his father had cautioned him against trying to control others without understanding what he was doing. In his excitement, he had stopped the man’s heart.

The horror of helplessly watching the man’s life draining from his body had driven Marc from the big chamber into the valley where he’d fallen to his knees and vomited. He’d pulled himself to an outcropping of rocks and curled into a fetal position, shaking and crying, desperately trying to dismiss the horrifying image from his head. Everything Ajlek had warned him about had come true, and the knowledge that he would have to face him and tell him what he’d done had nearly paralyzed him. He had never wanted to disappoint Ajlek, but how could he not? He’d ended a man’s life.

It wasn’t until his friend Luca had found him that he began to move again. Luca had sat with him, assuring him that Ajlek was okay, assuming that Marc was grieving for his father. Marc didn’t enlighten his friend. He couldn’t bring himself to tell Luca what he’d done.

In the three years since that event, Marc’s respect for his father had continued to grow. Ajlek’s commitment to his people and his drive to make them stronger were rooted in his love for them. It gave Marc much to think about.

When his legs began to cramp from kneeling for so long, he stood and brushed the grit from his hands. Maybe he’d help Ajlek with his chores. It was something to do.

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Ajlek was delighted when Marc offered to help, and in no time, the family garden was free of the weeds that always managed to sprout there.

Is it okay if I do something with Luca now? Marc asked, his blue eyes wide with anticipation. He’s finished gathering peat.

I’m sure Luca would love it, Ajlek said. Just be home for the evening meal.

When Ajlek put away his gardening tools, he decided to join a group of men across the valley near Aaron’s garden. They had removed a dead mjoika that had been struck by lightning, but when they’d tried to remove the root ball, they’d been forced to stop, stunned by the size and number of roots branching away from it.

This is impossible, Aaron muttered with a dark frown as Ajlek approached. As if the tree wasn’t enough, now we need to dig up the whole valley to remove its roots.

He wiped his brow and shot a glance at Ajlek. Jeron told me he paid you a visit. Was something troubling him?

He didn’t tell you what we talked about? Ajlek asked, surprised.

Aaron shrugged, hoisting the axe to his shoulder. He said something about wanting to go outside Ghiladi for his Think Trek and that you discouraged it.

Should I have done otherwise? Ajlek asked.

Of course not, Aaron said, frowning. I would have told him the same thing, but he didn’t ask me.

Ah, Ajlek said, smiling. That’s probably because I’ve made such a big deal about our staying inside the mountain.

I understand that, Aaron said. What I don’t get is why he didn’t understand it. I’ve certainly explained it to him.

He was concerned that he wouldn’t be properly challenged here, Ajlek said, eyeing his friend. He seemed worried about missing something important and disappointing you.

Aaron turned to Ajlek with a stricken look. Crazy kid. Why would he think that?

He worships you, Aaron, and he wants to be just like you.

Aaron’s shoulders fell. He’s already beyond where I was at his age. He knows that.

Ajlek smiled. I pointed that out to him and told him that his best bet was to find a nice quiet place inside the mountain and focus on himself.

Well, it must have worked. He took off this morning and told us he’d be back in three weeks.

Ajlek laughed. Then watch out, he said. You’ll be lucky to keep up with him when he returns. He’s a fine young man.

Aaron snorted. I can’t keep up with him now.

He turned back to the root. This thing isn’t going to remove itself, he said. We’d better get back to it.

Ajlek reached for a shovel, but when he leaned closer to see the root, his breath caught. Wait, he said, holding up his hand. Let’s examine this a bit more.

He scrambled into the hole and pushed some of the dirt away, his eyes widening. Look at the size of this thing, he exclaimed. It’s huge.

He placed his hands along the top of the root, jerking them back when a jolt of energy shot up his arms.

Whoa! he exclaimed, nearly slipping from the root onto the loose dirt.

A powerful sound exploded to the forefront of his mind, one that seemed to come from out of nowhere to meld with the one already hijacking his thoughts.

What’s wrong? Aaron asked, reaching for him.

The root, Ajlek said, trying to clear the buzz from his head. It’s …

He shook his head again. Something strange is happening. Hand me your spade.

Aaron tossed the spade to him, and he straddled the root again, nodding to the men who had just appeared at Aaron’s side to watch. When he began scraping the dirt away, exposing a good twenty inches of the root’s length, his breath caught a second time. The sounds streaming into his head were now blotting out everything surrounding him.

Aaron and his friends involuntarily stepped away from the root, their eyes wide as they covered their ears.

What is that? Aaron demanded with a horrified expression.

Ajlek turned. You hear it, too?

How could I not? Aaron asked. Why is it doing that?"

I don’t know, Ajlek said, stroking the root. I’ve never heard this from other mjoikas.

He frowned, scanning beneath Aaron’s garden to the tangle of roots that seemed to cover the valley, all healthy and strong. The tree you cut down couldn’t have produced roots like this. It must have sprouted from the root of another tree, and judging by how pervasive the root system is, that must be one whopper of a tree.

Aaron and the others moved closer to peer at the offending root.

This will drive me crazy, Aaron said, holding his ears again. Can you make it stop?

I don’t think so, Ajlek said. I haven’t had much luck with that, recently.

Is this the sound you’ve been fighting?

Not exactly; this one isn’t unpleasant.

He cocked his head to the side and listened. Something about it seems familiar—even comfortable. The sound is quite similar to that of the Dajhanin.

I’m not sure I like having a root sound like me, Aaron said, backing away again. It isn’t natural.

Aaron, it’s a root, Ajlek said, gazing at the big man in amusement.

That’s my point, Aaron said, frowning. We’re not trees and roots, and we shouldn’t sound like them. I don’t like it.

What don’t you like? Curtis asked, approaching from several feet away where he’d been helping others dig a second hole. He brushed the soil from his hands.

Curtis was another of Ajlek’s friends from Weyland. He was a tall, sandy-haired man, who had returned to the mountains with Laura, his pregnant wife, a year before they’d moved into Ghiladi. His natural sparkle and sense of humor kept them entertained.

Take a gander at this root, Aaron said when Curtis reached the edge of the hole. It’s taking over the valley.

It must be part of the same root we found in the other hole, Curtis said, his eyes narrowing. They’re about to remove it.

No! Ajlek shouted, scrambling from the hole as the other men took a swipe at the root. Stop!

He raced to the startled men, dismayed when he spotted a thick, green sap oozing from a wound nearly six inches deep along the top of the root. The sound was now reverberating wildly around inside his skull. He stumbled forward and slid into the hole, straddling the root and placing his hand over the wound, silently willing it to heal. As before, its energy shot up his arms to his head, and before he had time to consider what was happening, his head began to swim.

Instantly, the world around him wavered, and he found himself drifting into the familiarity of the universe, except that this time, something was off. The sound he was accustomed to hearing wasn’t there. In its place was an offending dissonance, as if a string had snapped.

He blinked in surprise when he spotted an area in front of him that appeared to be wavering, its size difficult to determine. At first glance, it appeared solid, until he realized he could see through it to the stars beyond. They flickered in and out as if he was seeing them through a field of rising heat waves. Only it wasn’t heat; it was energy. As he stared, he felt himself being pulled toward it, and random images began appearing in his head. He saw the Ajnastazzi Valley, and then his dad’s house in Weyland. Ghiladi popped into view, its spires rising in the distance like the guardian of the western mountains. Yet, it wasn’t the Ghiladi he knew. It seemed young, more rugged, from a time long before the ancient Ajnastazzi had taken up residence inside its walls.

When he felt as though his head would explode, he jerked his hand away, staring at the spot where the sap had oozed. The wound was now little more than a thin line, but the sound inside his head had grown.

Curious, he touched the root again, and as before, he drifted away, the sound of Aaron’s voice now masked by the cacophony of sounds thundering inside his head. Then, he froze. From out of nowhere, a voice pierced the chaos, begging for help. It sounded weak, so weak that he’d almost missed it; yet, the desperation in the plea was unmistakable. He sent his mind outward to find its source.

Get him out of there! another voice shouted, one that sounded like Aaron.

Strong hands clamped down on his shoulders and pulled him from the hole, dragging him across the loose dirt.

Ajlek opened his eyes to the alarm in his friend’s face. Did you hear it too? he asked.

What in thunder did you just do? Aaron demanded.

Surprised by the tone of his friend’s voice, Ajlek hesitated. Why are you angry with me? he asked.

Aaron lowered himself to the ground beside Ajlek, wiping his hands across his face. I’m not angry, he said. You frightened me.

Before Ajlek could answer, he spotted a mass of people rushing across the valley toward him, his twin and Lohni mere steps ahead of his brother Billi. A host of their closest neighbors from down the valley had nearly overtaken them.

What’s going on? he asked his twin.

You nearly disappear from the face of the earth and you ask me what’s going on? Ejlek demanded.

Even over the sounds still swirling inside his head, Ajlek had no trouble hearing his twin’s pounding heart.

What are you talking about? he asked. I’m right here. I haven’t gone anywhere. Ask Aaron. He’s with me.

When his brothers and the others reached him, Ajlek staggered to his feet to greet them, his head swimming.

Curtis reached for him to hold him steady, his brow creased with concern. Easy there, he said.

What did you do? Lohni demanded, his face a perfect match to Ejlek’s.

I don’t know what you’re talking about, Ajlek said gazing in confusion at the droves of men still racing his way.

Lohni’s gaze flattened, and he turned to Aaron. Will you enlighten us? You were here.

Aaron snorted. I can’t explain what happened, he said. I can only describe what I saw.

Then, please do.

Aaron ran his hand through his dark hair. We found a mjoika root, a fairly sizable one that wants to serenade us, he said, shooting a dark glance at Ajlek. Ajlek jumped into the hole to heal a cut and began fading on us.

Fading?

Yes, as in disappearing.

Ajlek blinked, as surprised by Aaron’s words as Lohni was. He glanced back at the root, remembering how he’d felt and what he’d seen. No doubt he’d been pulled toward the root—it still seemed to be pulling at him—but fading?

He felt a heavy hand on his shoulder and turned to see Lohni peering at him with concern.

What’s wrong with you? Lohni demanded. You’re not paying attention.

Nothing’s wrong with me, Ajlek said, bending to brush the dirt from his clothing. I’m fine.

He glanced at Curtis, whose sense of humor would normally have lightened the tension, but even he was staring at him in concern.

Ajlek’s shoulders fell. Okay, he said. I don’t know what happened. I can’t explain it, except to say that there’s something about that root we need to explore. Under no circumstances should we attempt to dig it up.

Aaron sighed, rolling his eyes. Why did I ever believe that expanding my garden would be simple?

He gazed at Ajlek. Mjoika or not, it can’t be good having all those roots running under our gardens.

Ajlek smiled. Aaron, those roots have been running under this valley for a long time. Do you see any evidence that they’ve hurt anything? Look at the lushness of the grass our horses are getting fat on. I don’t know about you, but my garden has never lacked for nutrients. How is this root hurting us?

What do you make of it? Ejlek asked, stopping short of laughing at the perplexed look on Aaron’s face. He peered at the bark that had been stripped away, and his eyes widened. Look at the size of that thing. It’s as big as a man.

A man-eating root, someone said.

Ajlek grinned. Hardly that, but it is interesting. Feel the energy.

Can you describe what you felt? Billi asked.

I became disoriented, Ajlek said. That was moments before I was launched into the universe and saw what looked like an odd wrinkle in space. Strangely, while I was gawking at it, the Ajnastazzi Valley appeared in front of me. I even saw Ghiladi, but from the outside. That’s when I felt Aaron pulling me from the hole.

That’s when you became solid again, Aaron said, shuddering. When I first grabbed you, it was like holding onto … He stopped. I can’t even describe it.