Free REALM'S END (BOOK OF FEY 1) by Jules Hancock Page A

the Rowan’s caregivers. Briok flew over and held out the bottle for his father’s inspection. He dare not explain now, he would have to wait till the caregivers left. He steeled himself for his father’s frustration.
         “Well I doubt it will last all day, but I believe there is enough to begin. The one saving grace is this will give us a chance to see how little of the sacred water is really needed to open the pathways for communication. I have long thought we should experiment with the amount needed, not just on myself, but perhaps on someone who hasn’t drank of the well before. Such knowledge could become important in the future.” Lindel swallowed the small amount of water in the flask. He could feel the waters’ effervescence traveling his neuro-pathways. “Yes I can feel the change, even with such a small amount.”
         “I agree,” the Rowan’s voice said in Lindel’s mind.
         “Ah good morning Great One; I am glad to be here in your presence once again.” Lindel spoke only within his mind as he bowed gracefully before the great tree.
         “And I am glad as well, for you are a strong ally, my friend, and your curiosity matches my own, all of which may become very important in the coming days. I see even though Briok had little of the sacred water, it’s enough. I, too, have wondered for a long time how little it would take to allow someone to speak with me. It is a good idea to know this I think, and I give permission to move ahead with such experiments as you would like, however I do ask they begin as soon as possible.”
         Lindel was taken aback; it was turning out to be a very odd day. First there was his son’s mistake and now the Rowan more or less was ordering him about. Though she had every right, it was rare when she exercised that power, or at least it felt that way to him. What was the world coming too, he wondered? Lindel shook his head though he only spoke with his mind, “Yes of course. I should think we could use Briok as he has never drank from the well and it would be doubly convenient since he is the water bearer. Perhaps we could start tomorrow.”
         “Yes, tomorrow will have to do, though today would have been even better. Now, please send my caregivers away, we have much to discuss,” again the Rowan’s words came clearly into Lindel’s mind.
         Lindel raised his eyebrows in surprise. The Rowan, who was of the knowledge keeper’s line, was as regal as any monarch and had every right to be, was clearly impatient. Her impatient attitude was sharper then he’d ever experienced in his friend. Lindel clapped his hands drawing the caregivers’ attention. “Please, caregivers. The Rowan has asked that you leave off grooming, for now. She is apparently excited to begin today’s work.”
         The caregivers flicked their yellow wings in unison, unhappy as they were to leave off ministering to their beloved. Still they gathered and packed up their tools, each leaving the chamber, as they were ready. Finally, the last caregiver flew out and the door whooshed closed behind him.
    Lindel turned and looked hard at Briok. “Now, tell me how could you not bring more of the water? I know you were up and gone early enough.”
        Briok cleared his throat, “Yes, it’s true Father, I was restless this morning and since I could not sleep, I rose and went out to fly along the sea’s edge. I wanted to watch the sky brighten. When it was time, I flew to the well and retrieved the water, just like always. As I was flying back, I passed near the journeying cave, and felt a strong pull to go within, so I did. There was a young woman sleeping in the sand. When she awoke, it was clear she was in great pain, so I shared the healing waters with her.”
        Lindel’s anger flared and he bellowed at the boy. “What? Why would you waste the spring water on a travel headache? Have you lost your senses?
         The Rowan’s voice broke