A Forest of Stars - Kevin J. Anderson [63]
“But your message contained a true heart and understanding of how those ancient tales spoke to the soul of the human race. You seemed to have a spiritual connection to the true drama of history. I thought that perhaps you would understand our Saga. ”
From a hill, they stared at the Prism Palace, a breathtaking structure that, by comparison, made King Peter’s Whisper Palace look like a mere outbuilding. Spheres and domes, spires and connecting walkways, rose high into the sky, encircled by the radiating spokes of seven inward-flowing rivers.
Vao’sh seemed to enjoy his companion’s amazement. “Since I am the Mage-Imperator’s prime rememberer, I live within the PrismPalace. You will share the facility with me.” Anton found himself speechless, which amused Vao’sh. “Come now, a storyteller who is awestruck to the point of silence is of no use to anyone, Anton Colicos.”
“Sorry.”
“You and I will learn much from each other, day after day.”
Anton smiled. “See, there’s another question. On my journey here, I heard Ildirans talking about days, weeks. How can you even measure time like that, on a world with seven suns in the sky? What does a ‘day’ mean to you when it’s always daylight?”
“It is simply a convention, converted into your Trade Standard language. We have diurnal cycles, active and resting, just like humans, with approximately the same length. I could give you the Ildiran words and precise chronological equivalents if you like…but it would be easier if you just thought of your own familiar terms. There is so much to learn, why become mired in trivialities?”
“Oh, I could tell you stories about some of my colleagues obsessed with trivialities like that. Can’t see the forest for the trees, we say.”
Vao’sh imitated Anton’s pleased smile. “An interesting metaphor. I look forward to exchanging stories and techniques, since a rememberer must always increase his repertoire.”
Anton continued to grin as they walked toward the PrismPalace. “I need to increase mine by about a billion lines’ worth, I’d say.”
With a pleased bow, Vao’sh said, “Let us start a bit smaller than that.”
32
REYNALD
The primary fungus-reef complex perched high on the massive trunk of a worldtree, filled with thousands of occupants. Reynald’s bronzed face was made sunny by a bright smile as he faced the colorful ruling chairs of Mother Alexa and Father Idriss. He didn’t know whether to greet their decision with joy or trepidation, but it was not unexpected. They had been dropping hints for weeks.
“Understand, my son,” said Alexa with a sweet smile, “you are well prepared for this responsibility. What better time could there be?”
“You might even be more well-rounded and cosmopolitan than your mother and I are.” Idriss scratched his square-cut beard. “We are so very proud of you. We’re convinced you will be a worthy successor, so it’s time you got started. Plenty to do.”
“Oh, he’ll surpass us.” Alexa rested a hand on her husband’s wrist. “The people will accept the change in no time.”
Reynald bowed. “You both leave me with a grand legacy, but…why did you reach this decision so suddenly?”
“We just felt it was time,” Idriss said, sounding regal.
Alexa smiled, obviously excited. “Besides, next month Sarein is coming from Earth on a diplomatic mission, and we have no way of knowing when she’ll be able to visit home again. What better time could there be to hold your coronation?”
Reynald had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. “That’s your reason for stepping down?” It seemed so like his parents’ way of making decisions.
“Yes, and it’s too bad Beneto couldn’t be here as well,” Idriss said.
He already knew what the next several weeks would be like. There would be a month to prepare and rehearse. People would come from settlements all around Theroc. His parents would enjoy the experience more than anyone else.
“Well, if that is the case,” Reynald said with a sigh, “then we’d better not let my sister down.”
Father Uthair and Mother Lia had ruled Theroc for three decades before passing leadership to their daughter, Alexa, and