Facets of Fantasy: The Worlds Across Time Trilogy, #1

Facets of Fantasy

The Worlds Across Time Trilogy #1

by

Sarah Scheele

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Copyright © 2011, 2009 by Sarah Scheele. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including digital, webpage use, photocopying, or any information storage or retrieval system without the express written consent of the author, except where permitted by law or by the author.

All characters and incidents in this work are fictional, and any resemblance to actual personages or situations is purely coincidental.

For information regarding the use of this book, or for other information about this or upcoming publications, visit the author’s blog at www.sarahscheele.com

Cover design by Isabelle Hoffman.

Halogen Crossing

Part One

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Niferna, the Capital of the Lobnacan Union, was hosting an international summit for the first time in a hundred years. The people of the Lobnacan provinces had been friendly with their neighbors until the creation of a dictatorship unified them into a superpower. The new ruler, Flavian Halogen I, had become internationally unpopular after forcing two nearby countries to join the Union, and a war broke out when his neighbors supported a rebellion in the islands of Medosa. After Medosa declared its independence, all contact between the Union and the rest of Berillica ceased.

The country was closed during the reigns of Flavian I and his two successors, but the new king, Flavian Halogen IV, had abruptly changed policy. He openly sought reconciliation with the surrounding countries and had almost gone so far as to acknowledge Medosa’s independence. The opinion of the world council, headed by Dion Bonclaire of Paloma, had not thawed, because the bloody Medosan war had left a deep distrust for the Halogen regime. But some of the smaller countries, poor and economically dependent on Lobnaca, accepted the overture and came to Niferna.

The Lobnacans were eager to show what a prosperous and friendly land they lived in. Sleek modern zippos whirled travelers from stations bright with lights, and screens showed the King’s smiling face to newcomers. Streets throbbed with life and displays of gadgets, and in the downtown area, the elegant royal palace welcomed the visiting world leaders and their followers.

Most significant of all was the presence of a Medosan delegation. The Governor had accepted the invitation, over loud protests from nationalists at home, and now he and his family were actually on Lobnacan soil. They were also thoroughly lost and had been drifting around the zippo station for an hour and a half.

"I know we’ve been on this platform before, the Governor said in perplexity. That’s the place where we started, isn’t it, Karl?"

Of course it is! Nathan, we’ve circled this place five times and it never changes. If we try another path, it won’t work either. We might as well just live here.

Maybe we should ask someone to help us, Nathan suggested. He eyed the bystanders dubiously.

There’s no use in that! They’ll just answer in Santrid. All the signs are in Santrid, too. This map is junk, Karl replied, neatly tossing it into a nearby disposal. We’ll have to cross that track again and see if we get somewhere this time.

Nathan shrugged. I suppose so. Come on, we’ve got to get there if we can. The summit starts today and we don’t want to be late.

They’re certainly ones to talk about being late. They didn’t acknowledge our independence until last month! Karl observed, accurately enough. Come on, Cass. Don’t get lost.

He beckoned to a girl who had been standing silently nearby. She was small for her age, with tangled blonde hair that looked uncared for and blue eyes with an odd, rather unnerving seriousness. The girl followed the Governor and his brother, still without speaking, through a maze of confusing one-way streets and large screens showing the King’s face. She seemed more interested in these than in her companions and watched the closest screen until it was out of sight. They were heading for the tall buildings of downtown, which were visible but never seemed to get any nearer. At last, they paused on a street corner.

Are you still there, Cass? Nathan asked.

Yes, she said.

It doesn’t make any sense! I don’t see how we can keep going around and around, he groaned.

It makes plenty of sense. We’re lost, said Karl. Come back here, Cass.

This man speaks Salkyl, she replied.

Nathan looked up to see her speaking to a tall and rangy man in a broad-brimmed hat. He immediately ran over to make sure she had not gotten herself or them into any danger and was soon relieved of such concerns. The man was also a visiting leader, from the small southern land of Raocas, on the fringe of Lobnaca’s empire.

Seth Parchem, from the proud land of the cactus, he announced. Raocas isn’t too big, and it doesn’t have any natural resources that I know of except mosquitoes. But I’m still a proud citizen—the proudest! Oh no, you’re not lost. What I’ve heard is that you can’t just walk into the Imperial area. You’ve got to step on a landing and it opens kind of like a gate.

They were bewildered, but the talkative Mr. Parchem was more than happy to explain. He had brought his family with him and had stepped out of the palace briefly to retrieve their luggage. He was now returning and had no objection to his fellow guests' joining him. Nathan, delighted, agreed at once, and they followed Mr. Parchem of Raocas to a metalwork grille in the side of the wall, which bore the imperial insignia.

We passed that before, said Cassie.

Yes, we did! Nathan suddenly exclaimed.

Yep, this is the landing. You have to put in your identification or it won’t open, Mr. Parchem explained, demonstrating.

The grille immediately popped out to produce a raised platform, with a brass sign above it bearing the words Halogen Crossing Restricted Access Entryway: Please Present Identification. Behind it, the Medosans could see a whole new set of buildings and a completely different skyline.

That there is downtown, Mr. Parchem explained, taking a small card out of his pocket. It's hidden by the buildings in front of it, and nobody can come or go into it without special permission. You can't even see most of it from outside.

So that's why we kept going around and around! Nathan exclaimed. All the streets go in a circle so you can't go through, don't you see, Karl?

I saw, said Karl. About eighty-five times.

They must not like visitors, Cassandra remarked.

Mr. Parchem placed the card into a small tray under the Halogen Crossing sign. After a minute the card was returned and a small flashing light announced his name was confirmed. Fact is, I don't think they do! Seems they don't want anybody to stumble around in there unexpectedly. No, you can't use my card. You have cards of your own?

After a brief consultation, in which Nathan thought he had given them to Karl and Karl insisted he had not, the cards were found in Cassandra's bag. Nathan let Mr. Parchem send them in since he seemed to know all about the process and secretly rejoiced that their new friend had arrived when he had. As the platform brought them through this new, inner city at a smooth and rapid rate, Mr. Parchem explained that Niferna's extreme amounts of traffic caused aerial platforms like this one to be used in many parts of town. Nathan listened with amazement, while Cassandra leaned over the rail and looked at the lights and buildings flitting by below them.

So, what happens now? Karl asked. How long do we have to stay on this thing?

My guess is, not too long. They can see us now, I imagine. They like to keep an eye on people, said Mr. Parchem.

I hope so. There’s no way to get off unless we jump into nowhere! Karl exclaimed. Quit leaning, Cass, you’ll fall in.

Who are your friends? Kin to you? Mr. Parchem asked.

Oh, this is my brother Karl Kallai, and this is my cousin Cassie Mel-Kallai, said Nathan. He smiled a bit nervously. I haven’t been governor long.

That a fact? said Mr. Parchem. I can just about believe it.

Why, does he look unqualified? Karl said, with a bit of a laugh.

My father was governor, but he passed away last month.

Mr. Parchem offered his condolences. Must be a big shock for you then, all this here?

Nathan coughed. Somewhat! If Father had died a few months ago, we’d have canceled the summit here, but it was so recent, we weren’t able to call off in time. I tried to get some of the council to come with me, but most of them are staunch nationalists. They think talks with Lobnaca are a sin.

Ah? Well, I can understand that. A lot of people died in that war, Mr. Parchem agreed. He glanced at Cassie as if he would like her to be explained. Karl caught his gaze.

Dad adopted Cass when her parents died last year, and she still doesn’t know a lot of people besides us. If we hadn’t taken her along, she’d have walked into something and no one would have noticed.

Mr. Parchem looked at Cassie, who was examining the imperial insignia, but felt it best not to ask questions. When one went to a meeting with complete foreigners, one was likely to see and hear any number of odd things.

Actually, I’m kind of in the same boat. I’ve brought my kids with me.

Really? asked Nathan eagerly.

Yep. I married just this last year. She’s got a son and I’ve got a daughter, and since they can’t meet without burning something down, I thought I might as well bring them.

Nathan smiled vaguely. Errmmm . . . quite.

Here’s our ride, said Mr. Parchem.

Cassie looked up as a sleek craft lowered itself to hover alongside the landing. The doors slid open, and an automated voice welcomed them to the Imperial Quarter. Within they found plush seats, a multiplicity of gadgets, and some free food. (Bananas, unfortunately for Karl.) While Mr. Parchem chatted with Nathan, Cassie looked through the window at the landing behind.

What are you doing, Cass? Karl asked.

The gate disappeared, she said. She turned to him, her blue eyes unblinking. Suppose we wanted to get out? How could we?

We’ll go home when it’s time. We couldn’t leave before that even if we wanted to, Karl replied.

Don’t call me Cass, she added after a minute. She was rubbing a necklace that she wore beneath her dress. Only Mom called me Cass. It was her special name for me.

Fine. I don’t have to call you anything, Karl replied rather rudely. He felt a little ashamed of himself, but he was in a rotten mood at the moment, and now only hoped the ride would end.

The shuttle passed through victory arches and flat tunnels lit by rows of rubies burning in eerie glows. Everywhere was the Lobnacan insignia of an arrow piercing a circle.

Look at that, said Karl. That’s just like the symbol on the Francon ruins.

Nathan, who had overheard him, quickly explained to their companion that his brother was a serious scholar of ancient history and mythology. He’s quite committed for a guy his age—hours in the library or at ruins, etcetera! More than I could ever do, I promise you that! I couldn’t keep my mind on it.

Well, that’s neat. Do you like all that old stuff? What’s your favorite thing?

Karl was unreasonably irritated by this question. He loved to talk about his passion—in fact, it was the only thing he liked to talk about—but he resented being asked in what he felt was a patronizing way.

The legends of the sea-kings, mostly, he said, shrugging. And how the First Civilization fell apart, things like that. I think some of them are true.

True? asked Mr. Parchem, surprised. Now, I’ve heard of those sea-king stories myself, but I’ve never heard anyone say they were true before. Way back when, though, people thought they were true, so maybe you’re right. Sounds like you’d like to be a sea-king yourself . . . or a pirate, maybe?

Karl shrugged. Beats sitting in a palace lobby talking to people I don’t know.

Mr. Parchem seemed much amused by this and said that he could not help but agree.

The royal palace of Vindillam, when they reached it, was imposing outwardly. It was enormous and as wide as it was tall, entirely made of marble and steel, and lined with arches and towers. Inside the fierce-looking grilled gate (which looked as though it ought to be on a prison), the palace was surprisingly welcoming. The lobby they were first shown into was carpeted in red velvet and lined with potted greenery, golden trim, and pretty, moon-shaped lamps. The room buzzed with dignitaries, and in the center stood King Flavian, carrying on the politest of conversations with a richly dressed old woman wearing a tiara. Nathan was temporarily speechless, and even Karl was impressed by the grandeur of the setting.

My goodness, look at this! It makes the Kallai House look like a tent, Nathan whispered, nudging his brother.

It is big, Karl admitted.

Cassandra tugged at Mr. Parchem’s sleeve. He was startled because he had forgotten her, but as soon as he looked down he politely asked her what she wanted. She pointed to the woman in the tiara.

Who is that? she asked.

That? Why that’s the queen of Metallgia! Guess you’ve never seen a real live queen before, have you?

Cassie shook her head.

No surprise—the fact is, I hadn’t either before I walked in this door. I’m a bit surprised she’s here at all. Those Metallgians always seem so friendly with Bonclaire’s people. They’re way over there in the east, you know. Never thought I’d be sharing with royalty! She won’t talk to me, though.

Cassie pointed to a tall, haughty-looking woman with large earrings who had just entered. Who is that?

Mr. Parchem shook his head. That’s the King’s sister, Princess Clarice. Beautiful lady, don’t you think? I bet you’ll look just like her when you’re grown up.

No, said Cassie, as if thinking about it. I won’t.

Mr. Parchem pointed in amusement to Nathan, who was whispering to Karl and talking about the beautiful princess. Looks as if your cousin likes her, though! Who knows, you might see a lot more of her—if he could get her to leave all this for the winds and salt of Medosa, that is. Ah, wait, there’s my daughter at the bar. Got to get her off before she bankrupts me.

With that, Mr. Parchem ran off. Cassandra remained, looking thoughtfully at the elegantly dressed woman with her crimson lips and bright jewelry. That must be King Flavian next to her, she said. "They have the same face. Like him." She backed behind Karl as the King and his sister approached Nathan.

Ah, Governor Kallai, welcome to Lobnaca! We are so honored to see you. It has been too long since a Medosan has been here.

We were starting to think so too, but we couldn’t come without being invited, Karl remarked.

Nathan and the King both laughed, and the King bestowed some compliments on Karl’s witty personality. Nathan was at first embarrassed as the Princess took his coat and prepared a chair for him, but the King intervened.

My sister is eager to make you welcome. As you may remember, it was our custom in the past to entertain our guests with the loveliest of our countrywomen. I believe someone is waiting to help your . . . Ah yes, there you are, Brynea.

Nathan turned to find Karl being awkwardly helped out of his coat by a young woman with black eyes and curly hair, while Karl looked as if he did not understand the whole thing at all. Nathan again apologized.

What greater honor can there be than in aiding the pleasure of your experience here? the Princess replied. I know the relations between our countries have not been the smoothest, and my brother wants you to feel more at home.

She cast a look out of her large, bright eyes that completely floored the Governor. Nathan was embarrassed, captivated, and tongue-tied. He thanked her very incoherently, coughed a good deal, and finally stammered something about the magnificent building. The King and his sister were exceedingly gracious. Princess Clarice thanked him for admiring it, and Nathan, becoming more awkward every minute, tried to make Karl say something nice too. Karl was in no mood to make conversation. He could not get the court lady to go away, and he was not sure where she had put his coat.

Isn’t this an amazing place, Karl? Nathan repeated. Quite a building.

Karl firmly resisted being led to a seat and waved the girl away. She retreated a step but clearly had no plans to leave. The King and his sister, to judge from their eyes, found his actions highly comic. It’s all right, I guess, as long as it’s stable, he said absently.

The King, the Princess, and Nathan all laughed. I promise you the palace is quite safe. We live in it ourselves if you recall, said the King. Are you interested in architecture?

Not really. I just think a building falling on you is a dumb way to die, said Karl.

My brother is very outspoken. I guess you’ve already figured that out, Nathan amended.

King Flavian laughed and looked behind toward Cassie. And this girl is?

Nathan started. "Oh, I’m so sorry, I forgot. This is my cousin Cassandra. My father adopted her before he died, and I thought it would be best to keep