Aumelan - Blessed of the Gods

~ Sample Chapter ~

Chad gazed out over the myriad of Aumelan's inhabitants gathered at the city's center. He hated these gatherings. Yet, being the Leading Father of Mastery's son, and by that virtue a Leading Father himself, he was required to attend. He lowered his gaze to Becca's hands clinched around his arm. Regardless, he would have been one of the first to attend. He set a comforting hand on hers.

The air was thick with solemn remorse. He lifted his eyes to the grand ceiling that protected The Hollow Hand from the World Above. A protection that could do nothing to shield them from the true danger to his people. The vaulted upper scope crowned the capitol city with majestic formations. Sediment drapery in shades of amber and toffee. Delicate soda straws, hues too numerous to count, hung like shining streamers in the gaps between pineapple and spaghetti crystals. Long glittering stalactites stretched low to kiss the ground creating large columns that held firm the heavy rock above. Fortification. Stability. Home.

Popcorn Crystals shown bright, marking the intersections below and mirrored the layout of the metropolis' byways. Embedded within the cavern's dome, they glowed brilliantly setting the city alight - illuminations that many would never know to compare to the radiance of the sun, the stars.

Afore a backdrop of amber, an imposing stalactite organ sat poised center stage on a platform of dark marble. The musician seated himself and began to key the intricate tabs. Calcium and limestone joined to utter a strain of reverberant voice as the organ's mallets struck the works of nature. The three acre instrument filled the region with rich tones, deep harmonic salve that quelled the city with the song of bereavement.

Chad's core vibrated at each cord. How many more of these ceremonies would he stand as witness to? How many slaves would be commanded to offer more service than needed in the aftermath of a Tsosey's death? Three day intervals would turn to two. And in the larger families who afforded only minimal hosting, how many servants would be crippled by the beamer's continuous summon? Chad's stomach sickened as he thought of Dee's dedicated service. He'd never require such profuse assistance of her. As it was, he stretched his required assistance as far as he dared.

Styne stood beside him, his life-long friend. He was looking directly at the Leading Fathers of Aumelan as they lined the base of center's pillars. His expression was unreadable. Chad didn't expected more.

Pure water cascaded from the heights to the pool at the grand spire's plinth, an endowment that had long lost its meaning. Tradition stood, however, concerning them - an offering of closure to those left by the passing of loved ones.

Ben Aumelan stepped forward and Chad glanced at father then looked away. Leading Father of Mastery or not, he didn't have to hang on his every word.

The musician ceased his strains and the doleful refrain's echoes softly died throughout the depths. Ben turned to Becca and taking her hand, passed her a small vial.

Without a word, she lifted the bottle and emptied the crimson liquid into the water. She set the container on the marble base and reclaimed Chad's steady arm.

Ben turned to Styne. He placed a hand on his shoulder and handed him a vial. Styne stepped forward and scanned the many inhabitants that filled the vast city center. His blue eyes betrayed nothing. It was a simple acknowledgement. Recognition of the honor his people held for his parents. He turned and poured the blood of his father into the pools of the fountain. "Aaron Compton, Leading Father of the Nation, I honor you, my father. May this people remember your dedicated service and accept me in your stead."

The Leading Father of Mastery stepped before him. His baronial appearance left no doubt of the standing he held. His aged face was stern, heavy lines creasing his brow and cheeks. Taking the vial from the young man's grip, he set it on the marble ledge. He placed a golden sash over Styne's shoulder. "Styne Compton, I endow you will all rights of your father. From this time forward, you will be revered as a Leading Father of the Nation, holding all the authorities and responsibilities of such standing. Your father has taught you well the constitutions of this rite and honor is now placed upon you." He turned to the people. "The Compton name lives on."

As Ben shook Styne's hand, Chad could barely retain a scoff. That's it? All the years that trusted comrade stood beside him, and that's all he had to say? No eulogy, no recognition for dedication rendered? He set a hand on Becca's and softly caressed her fingers. These two deserved more than a mention of continued heritage and transfer of authority.

~ * ~

As soon as they entered the Aumelan family home, Becca was in Chad's arms. He pulled her into a tight embrace and kissed her silky hair.

Ben hung his sash on the coat rack beside the mirror. "Styne should be here. We have matters to discuss."

Becca turned her head to him, leaving it rest on Chad's chest. "He went straight home."

Ben grunted. "Is your slunk mating age?"

Becca nodded.

Chad grimaced. "She only became a woman a few months ago. Serving two masters will be a great strain."

Ben glanced at his son. "She'll cope. But I suggest partnering her soon." He returned his attention to Becca. "To an older Chamber man. If her parents haven't trained her well, you could have difficulties. You don't need an emotional slunk maid to deal with. I can give you names of several masters willing to partner her with one of their male slunks. Eager ones given light it's to serve in a Leading Father's home. Cost shouldn't be an issue given Aaron's securities. You'll need to begin a continued line of service soon."

"It's about time we partner Dee, Father. She's well into bearing age."

Chad lifted his eyes to his sister as she headed up the stairs. Her words grated on him. Her obvious pleasure at catching his attention showed in the smirk on her face.

Ben turned to follow her. "We have plenty in our household as it is. When Murray's filled his purpose, we'll seek out a suitable replacement. Now as for the Compton household, one young server could fall short. Becca, you and Styne will stay here until sufficient arrangements are made."

Becca tightened her hold on Chad. He knew she expected to stay there regardless. "Thank you Mr. Aumelan."

As he stepped onto the second floor landing, Ben called the senior servant. He set his hands at his waist and turned back to the others. "I'm needed in Litrel and will leave shortly."

An elderly Chamber man appeared and knelt, before his master. Setting his hands on the floor, he sat on his feet and bowed low.

"I trust things are in order for my departure."

"All is completed as you commanded."

Ben nodded and withdrew his beamer. "Murray, rise." The servant obeyed. A press of the little button on the base of the instrument, and a gold beam shot forth catching Murray in the stomach. The older servant barely flinched then stepped aside to allow his master to pass. "Have Dee help you deposit the items at the entrance."

Chad didn't bother looking up, but called after his father. "Dee's in penitence."

Tara furled her brow. "Dee? In penitence?"

Murray headed to his masters room. "I will perform the duty, master." His haste made evident his desire to avoid further punishment on his daughter.

Chad watched Tara turn and ascend the marble stairs. "Styne could use some company right now, Tara. He was there for you when Mother passed. It's the least you can do."

Tara turned to look down at him, her fair features hardened. "I didn't attend this ceremony for a reason. And I didn't ask him for any attention back then. I handled it on my own. He can do the same."

Chad sighed as she disappeared down the hall. "I'll go get him. Convince him to stay with us."

"Don't leave me, Chad," Becca whispered. "Not yet. Just hold me. I don't know what I'd do with out you."

"Without me," Chad swallowed as a lump formed in his throat. "Your parents would still be alive."

~ * ~

Chad paced the den of his cavern home. The white crystals imbedded in the ceiling set a warm glow to the hard polished rock that enclosed the abode, but did nothing to soften his troubled heart.

He set his hands at his waist as he turned and stepped to the cordial cabinet. Chad shook his head and looked at his guide and confidant lounged on the dark sofa. "There must be something we can do, Uncle Tyro. I can't accept that we're meant to live this way."

"You can't change what we are, Chad." Tyro leaned his head, his slate eyes watching him. "We've always had to deal with this limitation and nothing you do will change that. It's who we are. You're paining over it won't help."

Chad scowled and stretched his torso to tower his stand. "You weren't there. You didn't see what it was like."

Tyro looked to the burnished amber wall at his side. "I know exactly what it's like. I was the one to find your Aunt Paula."

Chad immediately regretted his words.

"Look, Chad. The Comptons will be missed. They were great friends. His standing among the Nation's Fathers was exemplary. And they left Aumelan with two great assets. Becca is a beautiful intelligent young woman and Styne holds many of his father's qualities. He's level-headed, accepting of others, and he respects his fellow beings, no matter what standing in life they have. Few young men possess those attributes. Grieve the loss but celebrate the fortune of having them with us."

"But it shouldn't be that way. We fashion our lives around whether or not we'll have service nearby." He paced the room, giving little thought to his direction as he weaved through the meticulously kept room. "When their servers were taken by the storm, they were left with no chance. If I hadn't been there when I was, they'd all have -" He closed his eyes, biting back his words.

He placed a hand on the mantle above the hearth. The continuous glow of fire crystals warmed him, but a chill traveled up his spine. "They'd be dead too." He looked at his uncle with a sickened expression. "You saw the turnout at the ceremony. How many of those masters do you think rushed home and required service of their slaves whether they needed it or not?" He didn't wait for an answer as Tyro too a breath. "Nearly all. You know they did. The Chambers give freely, but to expect more than they're able to give is pure cruelty."

"Fear drives people to drastic action."

"That doesn't make it right."

"But it's the way of our world." Tyro shifted in his seat to set a steady gaze at his nephew. His slate eyes bore into him and his set jaw accentuated his thin lips. "We require energy from the Chambers. The Chambers offer selfless service. They're strong. They're loyal. And as masters we guide them and care for them. How many do you think could survive on their own with out their lords? This arrangement has aided both races for centuries. Good or bad, it works to the benefit of all."

Chad looked away. "I know our ancestor came here for protection, and the slaves that were loyal enough followed. But where along the way did we begin to require such service from them? When our bodies couldn't adapt to loosing the Sun's nourishment?" He looked back at his father's brother. The man who'd raised him while his own father was away conducting the nation's business. "Uncle Tyro, we can reclaim our place in the World Above. Overcome this limitation. Relieve the Chambers of this burden and..." he glanced at the door. "Set them free." He suddenly realized Dee was still in penitence. Regret hit him.

Tyro followed his gaze. "She's in the supply closet. And don't let guilt enter your mind. No Chamber questions her master's command. Especially before another master."

Chad's voice was low. "With everything that took place, I failed to release the punishment. It was more severe than I intended."

"There was no offering beside the door. She's not expecting forgiveness yet."

A heavy breath escaped his lungs. "Something has to change."

Tyro tilted his head and furrowed his brow. "I think it's safe to say that I know you better than any other, Chad. Don't attempt what I know you're considering. When Ben left for Litrel, he made it clear you were to stay in the Hollow. He knows this had a strong impact on you. And we both know your ambitions lead you to make unwise choices. Don't chase your dreams of change to the World of the Sun. The consequences are too great."

"Consequences? Uncle Tyro, the only consequences I'm interested in is relieving our people of possible death every few days. If I can find true answers, we could be free of the need of service by the Chambers." He glanced to the door as Dee came to mind. "And they could be free to..."

Tyro looked away. "I know how you feel about Dee. I've known for a long time. But freeing her won't change what she is. She's strong and loyal. But she's not Tsosey. There will never be anything other that of servant and master between you."

Chad flushed and looked at his uncle's profile. The gray at his temples was barely noticeable against the light blond hair. It was true. Over the years of guidance, Tyro had come to know him on almost every level. But Chad wasn't ready to admit his fondness for his server. It would only bring about unwanted repercussions. "Dee is my server. Nothing more."

Tyro nodded and stood. He stepped to Chad and set a hand on his shoulder. "Keep your stay, Chad. The World of the Sun is just that. The Sun's world. Aumelan is your home, and Ben needs your support in leading the people. You trotting over the boarders will only bring about trouble."

Chad looked his uncle, guide, and friend in the eyes. The kinship he felt for him was like none other of his family. He blinked, lowering his gaze and slowly nodded.

Tyro furrowed his brow, turned and left the room.