Chapter 10

 Accad was a busy metropolis.  Commerce flowed in and out of its Ports making it one of the most important cities in Nerkush.  A wide variety of traffic coming from the east and over the Sea of Aurin intercepted in this oceanside city.  Common goods, as well as strange enchantments, bulged from the shelves of its marketplaces.  People of a hundred different origins met in its busy streets where pedestrians as well as gleaming trans-rigs jostled one another.  High buildings, where the commercial elite managed the economics of Nerkushian life, clogged the areas near the wharves.  Other clumps of glittering pillars were scattered around the city, some housing the rich, while others, the various offices of authority.  The Hall of the Fathers, the ruling body of western Nerkush, jutted into the air near one of these clumps.

Ley Os' trans-rig moved along a boulevard in front of the archaic building.  As it did, its two Passengers seemed to grow suddenly resentful.  The deep bitterness they both held churned to the surface.  Their faces looked sour as they stared at the rulers' headquarters.   The high arched pillars and stone façade looked cold, hard and unyielding.   The Fathers were the same, thought Bracken.  They seemed to be rigid, hardened and unprogressive men.  Men that ruled Nerkush with a firm, unloving hand.  Men with their own interests in mind.

Ley spat into the street as his rig pulled past the building. "The selfish ruling the ignorant," he muttered.  "It won't be that way forever.  They can't hide everything."

Bracken turned back from watching the building and gazed ahead up the street. "They're sure trying to.  Like the whole thing with the Gems.  If you hadn't met Cib Mingus, it would probably still be a mystery.

"Yeah, old Cib's been a real help. He's given this generation more than he'll ever know.   Os patted the bag on the seat beside him.

Bracken looked down at the pack containing the Mingus Gems. Staring at the container, he felt a sudden surge of desire.  He wanted to open the bag and gaze at the glowing stones.   He wanted to look into their mysterious secrets.  He wanted to plunge into the depths of their enchantment.

"What are you going to do with all those stones?" he asked hesitantly. "You can't possibly use them all yourself."

Os smiled back at his new acquaintance. "I don't intend to Bracken.  Most of these are gifts for people I know in the Community.  I'm planning to deliver them today."

Bracken felt a little put off by the Mingus peddler. It looked as if he would have to wait until the stones had been delivered before Os would share one with him.  Why the wait, he wondered.  Perhaps Os was merely testing him to see if he really wanted to touch the Gem's power.  Bracken looked up from the bag and across at Os.   "I'm really looking forward to experiencing the Gem."  He tried hard to suppress his eagerness as he spoke.  "This is the kind of thing I've been looking forward to for years.  I've always believed there was something more to existence than the limited things we perceive in this realm."

"Well, you won't be disappointed my friend," said Os. "The Mingus dimension is a world beyond anything you can imagine."  Ley looked back at Bracken.   He could tell that the youth was eager to touch the stones. His eyes seemed to laugh as they penetrated Bracken's facade.  "Be patient, my friend.  You'll have your turn soon enough."  Bracken nodded and felt a lump in his throat as Os headed his rig on up the boulevard.

A quarter of an hour later they entered one of the most unusual and intriguing sections of Accad. It was known as the Community.  A different breed of newly arrived inhabitants lived in this oldest section of the city.  They seemed to have collected there as if drawn by some hidden force.  They came from all over Nerkush, each with a different background, yet it was apparent they had several things in common.  The new appearance of their small borough clearly reflected this.  Houses and shops, sensitively but oddly decorated, expressed the desire for change from the usual humdrum.   Greenery sprang from the most unusual places, wooden boxes filled with flowers and shrubs hung from windowsills.  Other similar arrangements were placed on sidewalks and alleyways.  The ancient houses in the area had been painted in deep, earthy colors. The streets seemed to have a sense of naturalness about them.  It was a gentle contrast to the rather sterile atmosphere of Accad.  The most striking example of uniqueness, though, was the colorful and handcrafted clothing of the area's inhabitants who casually walked its streets and frequented its various shops.

Ley parked his trans-rig near the Brazen Eagle herb shop, one of his favorite stops. Its proprietor was a rather jovial man with a scraggly beard, who dispensed an assortment of spiced liquids and tantalizing food.

Os carefully removed half the Gem containers from his pack and placed them in an identical bag he'd taken from beneath his seat.  Slinging the new pack over his shoulder, he motioned for Bracken to follow him.  Glancing down the street in both directions, he locked his rig and started down the street toward the Brazen Eagle.  Reaching its entrance, he pushed open its large wooden door with a majestic brass eagle embossed on the surface.  An atmosphere of pleasant chatter and mellow musical strains blended in the smoke-filled air above the tables, which were surrounded by relaxing customers Bracken followed Ley sheepishly as he sauntered to the service window and leaned against its counter.   Behind the counter a heavy-set man stood bending over a large earthen crock, Pouring hot herb liquid into it.

A bearded man looked up and pleasantly responded "Well, Ley, I haven't seen you in weeks! Thought maybe you decided to stay up on that mountain of yours for a while."

Os smiled back and winked at the man. "I've got some good news for you, Bryten!"

The proprietor abruptly lowered his voice and then glanced around the room. Assured that no one was watching, he gave Bracken the once over and then spoke.  "This kid okay?"

"Sure," said Ley, stroking his beard and sniffing the pleasant odor drifting in the air.  "Met him up on Shidow.  Kid's hungry for a touch of the stone."  Bryten's doubts seemed to vanish at the mention of the Gem.  He grinned back at Ley.

"Well, how about our little deal?"  The fat man said, his eyes greedily staring at the pack hanging from Ley's shoulder.  "Did you bring the stones?"

"Sure did. You want them now?"  Bryten tilted his head toward the opposite end of the building.

"No, no, not here in front of everybody. Use the side door.  Leave them on the table near the Zhemix vats."  Without a word, Os followed the man's instructions, returning a brief moment later.

"I'll be expecting your payment in the usual way," said the Gem peddler, as he took two sticks of dried fruit from a bowl on the counter.

"No problem," said the bearded proprietor.  "It’ll be there on time."

"Good."  Ley jabbed the fruit into his mouth, breaking off a piece to chew.  He handed the other piece to Bracken and motioned for them to leave.  "Let's go Bracken.  I'll show you the sights."

Bracken's excitement grew as he pondered the way Ley smoothly moved among the people of Accad.  He knew he had little to say and much to learn.

Leaving the Brazen Eagle, they stopped by Ley's rig to pick up the remaining Gems and then strolled through the leisurely atmosphere of the Community.  People lounged in doorways, soaking up the sunlight.  Some played on instruments while, here and there, couples embraced openly.   Many of them wore flowers around their necks and in their hair.  Strings of beads and tinkling bells hung from tan necks and bare ankles.  Smiling faces bobbed up and down along the crowded sidewalks.  Ley and Bracken returned their greetings with grins of their own.  Rounding a corner, they stopped in front of a castle-like stone building.  "This is it," said Ley proudly as he fumbled in his pocket for the key.  Across the street was a long rectangular park.  People danced and relaxed on the grass beneath tall, leafy trees, as they listened to a group of musicians play.

"Sounds good!"   Bracken admired the skill and ease with which the band played. "Who are they?"

"Chepa Ayan's group," answered Ley, finding his key and inserting it in the huge oaken door. "I haven't met them yet.  A touch of the Gem would improve their sound."  They stood listening for a few more minutes, then Bracken followed Ley into the house and upstairs to a large sitting room.  The room was decorated in simple but versatile decor, typical of the man without a companion.   Throw pillows and lounges were scattered around the room, giving it a clean but disorganized appearance.

Bracken sank down onto the pillow, exhaling a relaxing breath. He felt a little anxious about his first experience with the Mingus.  He was eager to use it, but had some questions first.  "Before I use the stone, could you tell me a little more about how they work?"

"It's quite simple." Ley poured them both drinks from a silver decanter on the table in front of them.  "There are basically two kinds of stones.  The more powerful variety is deep green.  Cib Mingus said that's what started the whole problem with the sci's.  The stones are so powerful they lift you completely out of this dimension.  They lost a couple of their crew that way.  That's when the Fathers decided to hush the whole thing up.

Bracken took a sip from his drink and set it back on the table. Doubt filled his mind.   "That sounds kind of frightening to me.  I mean if I'm not sure I'11 come back, I don't think this thing's for me.

"Os swallowed the liquid in his own glass and smiled a knowing smile back at the youth. "Calm down, don't get too excited Bracken.  It's all a matter of technique.  Just simple under standing of what's happening."  Os sounded sure of himself and Bracken felt more at ease.  He listened intently as Os continued talking.   "It's a matter of simply yielding to the effect and not fighting against it.   Besides, you'll start out with the weaker variety.  It'll be no problem."

"Go on, tell me more." Bracken wanted every detail.

Os put his glass to his mouth and took another drink. Refreshed, he let out a satisfied belch before answering. "Well, the weaker variety are light blue.  They seem to work mostly on the mind.  Last about eight hours.  Like I said, it won't be any problem for you."  Os set his glass on the table and reached for his pack.   "Well, are you ready?"

Bracken felt nervous and a little unsure suddenly.  Not wanting to miss what might be his only chance at the stone, he pushed away his fears.  "As ready as I'll ever be."

"Great! Let's begin." Ley removed two small silver cases from his pouch.   "Cib designed these containers and they work quite well, not the slightest amount of leakage," assured Ley.

"You. That way I can make sure you'll be all right your first time out.  After that, you should be familiar enough with it not to need my help."

"Open the box by this button." Ley pointed to a small stud on the side of the silver case.  "Then simply remove the stone and pass it across your forehead."   Ley sat back and smiled.

Hesitantly, Bracken followed the instructions.  The stone gave off a soft glow as he removed it from its container.  Gripping the stone gently, he lifted it to his forehead and slowly moved it back and forth above his eyebrows.

At first nothing appeared to be happening. Then gradually Bracken began to smile.  Soon he was overwhelmed with joy and fell back laughing, uncontrollably.  As the effect increased he lost complete consciousness of Ley and his surroundings.  He seemed to be tumbling down a furry, warm tunnel of peace.  Ley watched benevolently as Bracken slipped into a blissful trance.  Assured that his friend was all right, Ley removed a deep green stone from its case and placed it directly on his chest.  A look of contentment came over his face and then a moment later he vanished.

Near morning Bracken began to recover from the Gem's pleasant effects. Gradually regaining an awareness of his surroundings, he noticed Ley seated near him, peacefully staring at a lighted candle in the center of the room.  Lifting his head from the cushion on which it had been resting, he spoke softly.  "That was greater than I had anticipated.   Such beauty! Such color!  Such dimension!  It's beyond words!"

"I know," agreed Ley. "And it's limitless . . . cosmic prairies that stretch forever...uncharted seas of bliss.  It's the very thing this community has been longing for.  A new frontier to venture into."

Bracken sat up and smiled, his face full of wonder. "No wonder the Fathers kept it a secret."

Ley looked across at Bracken, his eyes reflecting the soft light of the candle. "They wanted it for themselves."

Bracken stared back at Ley momentarily and then returned his gaze to the candle. "It's all beginning to make sense."

Ley turned back to the candle as well. "Those narrow fools knew all along what would happen if the people got a hold of the secret.  But it's too big even for them.   It's beyond anyone's control.  Something else has a hand in what's happening.   That’s the reason we've all gathered here in the Community.  There's a new hope for Nerkush ..."

"And we hold the key!" interrupted Bracken excitedly.

"Exactly! You're catching on fast, Bracken."  Ley's voice had taken on a tone of harmonious rapture.  "It won't be long and all of Nerkush will begin to see the light."

"It's all fitting together," responded Bracken enthusiastically. It's all becoming clear.  I'm so happy, I can't stand it."  Bracken fell back again and began to weep for joy.  Ley smiled knowingly, a small tear rolling slowly down his cheek.

It was near dawn as the two of them slipped from Ley's house into the morning twilight. They walked serenely down the quiet thoroughfare as the last morning stars blinked in the rapidly vanishing darkness. A s if lost in a dream, they seemed to wander aimlessly.

So completely was their wonderment that they failed to notice several figures moving through the shadows behind them. Bracken strangely enough sensed a presence, but not soon enough to understand its meaning.  Without warning, he heard the hiss of a heat pellet as it burned into the wall beside him.  Shaking aside their blissful thoughts, they bolted down the street in fear.  Several darkly clad figures slipped from the twilight and ran after them.  Bracken's heart pounded.  Suddenly alert, Ley jumped into a sheltered entranceway.  Reaching into his pouch, he pulled out his igniter tube, its burnished surface flashing in the light of a street lamp.  A surly voice came from a secluded alleyway across the street.  "All right, Os, we want the map!  We know you've got it!"  The words had an icy, fearsome tone to them.  "Just give it up and we'll leave you alone."

Os' mind was racing. "If these toughs think they're going to get it that easily, I’ll have to inform them differently," he said under his breath.  "How do I know you will keep your word?" he responded coyly.

"Just toss it into the street, and we'll be gone. If you don't, we'll move in and bum you bad, Os!" stated his adversary bluntly.

"Okay, man, here it is." Bracken gave Ley a puzzled look.  Slowly, he drew a different piece of parchment, stored beside the map, from the leather bag at his side, and tossed it into the middle of the street.  "They must think I'm unarmed," reasoned Ley, as he waited for his opposition to act.  Ley reached into his pouch again and drew out three smooth oval energy eggs.

"Here Bracken, you may need these." Bracken took them, and slipped them into his own pouch.  He knew what they could do, but he was afraid to use them.

Gradually, a figure moved from the shadows and ran for the folded piece of paper in the street. At the same moment, Ley thrust a small combustion pellet into his ignition tube and raised it to his lips.  Aiming carefully, his cheeks billowed.  The pellet lit as it rushed from the cylinder.  It struck the squatting figure.  He moaned once and then collapsed.  Suddenly, two pellets struck near his head, fizzling into the wall.   Ley ducked back into the shadows, watching as two other figures moved toward him weaving in and out of doorways down the street.  Bracken ran the other way, blinded by the flashes of light from the heat pellets.  Frustrated, Os scrambled madly across the pavement and slipped behind a parked trans-rig.  Crouching, he moved to the other end and came up with his tube to his lips, just as a black shape moved from its seclusion.   He fired.  The missile struck his pursuer in the arm spinning him about.   Groaning, he slumped into the doorway.

"I don’t know why you want that map so bad. You’ll never get it this way!" warned Ley, shouting at the other figure.

Quietly, the other shape backed off down the street.  Convinced that his assailants had been sufficiently discouraged, Ley escaped toward his trans-rig.  No one followed him.

Several blocks up the street, Bracken slowed to a steady trot.  He was exhausted.  His mind swirled with questions.  Looking back, he was sure his pursuer was gone.  Then, without warning, a cloaked figure pulled him into the dimly lit passageway.  No sooner had Bracken vanished from the street, than a volley of heat pellets struck the wall beside the entrance down which he had disappeared.