Secret of the Shielded: Tunuftol, #2

1: GETTING READY...

K rissa, you’re not even paying attention, the tiny blonde girl said, her patience obviously strained.

Krissa turned to her friend and squished her face up as she apologized, "I'm sorry Pin. It's just that I don't see what the point is in learning Algebra when I have so much other stuff to learn, that I know I need." She pushed a persistent, wild clump of brown hair back out of her face.

I understand, but Mr. Marshall said that you still need to keep up with your regular studies. He said that... Oh, forget it. I don't want to do this either. Not today anyway, Pin said and slapped the book closed. The two girls grinned at each other.

While braiding her long hair, Pin sighed and said, I wish it wasn't raining today. Even this little drizzly rain is too much. What do you think everyone else is doing?

Before Krissa could answer her friend, a small boy entered with an enormous stack of books in his hands. Lonnie, Nester, and Alcina are studying, Your Highness, he told Pin. His Majesty and Sealey are training in the gym. Also, it won't be raining for more than another twenty minutes. Then the sun will be out and you can go for that ride you have been wanting.

Pin giggled. Krissa, get your brother to stop all that formality and call me Pin again. And it's not fair that he is getting to be such a good Seer. Oh, Micah, have you gotten any news from Philetus yet? Has he located the Lover of the Woods that he's supposed to find for us? We don‘t have much time left. The full moon is in two nights.

You should ask Krissa that, Pin. He would talk to her as soon as possible. And Krissa's much stronger with contacting tunuftolates than she used to be. Micah grinned at the princess.

Pin looked over at Krissa, but Krissa shook her head before Pin could ask anything. Both girls watched Micah put his huge book away.

Hey, where's Daisy Mae? Krissa asked her brother. She's always with you.

A scratching sound came at the door. Micah had left it only partially opened. A beagle pup pushed it open farther and her tail wagged enthusiastically the entire time.

Not far, Micah said with an impish grin.

The beagle stopped wagging her tail and turned to face out the door. She let out an awful baying and then her tail went crazy again.

Lunch! all three young people said and headed off after the dog.

The past several weeks had flown by for Krissa; learning about things she hadn't known existed the month before. Who would have thought that two orphans would turn out to be important people in some world through a dimensional type gate? She had always known that her brother was unique – he had such a high IQ that Krissa didn't even think that the chart went that high – but she never would have thought of him being a powerful Seer and Prophet.

After their placement with a new foster grandma, Mrs. Boske – Grandma Athey to everyone that knew her – everything changed. Then, Krissa found out about Tunuftol.

Krissa never paid much attention to names before that. They were just names. However, the power she’d acquired with her names amplified in Tunuftol, where the names, or some force she didn’t understand, picked people.

Tomás fled Tunuftol when the Fenix returned to the Fortress of Light with Krissa. His son, Marc, stepped in as the new face of oppression, but Micah’s prophesy told of another one controlled the evil forces of the land. That person remained unknown to Krissa and her companions as they made their way to the dining hall. Which, maintained a level of unease among those who knew of the prophecy.

Krissa, Pin, and Micah followed Daisy Mae into the dining hall, joining Lonnie, Nester, and Alcina. Lonnie rose and held out a seat for Pin. Huge for a fifteen-year-old, at 6'3" and built like a wall, the young man towered over the three that approached. Lord Nester and Lady Alcina, as the children of Lord Naren and thus royalty themselves as well as cousins to Pin, remained seated and smiled a warm greeting.

How was math, Lonnie asked with a chuckle.

Ugh, don’t even mention it. I don't know if I will ever understand it, Krissa sighed.

It's a good thing you are progressing well on more... immediately needed skills then, lady Alverna, Lord Nester said. The elves almost always used this name of Krissa's.

"You are progressing very quickly, indeed," Khevin's voice sounded in Krissa's head.

"You still make me jump when you do that though," Krissa replied in the same manner.

Man, am I hungry, A young man called out as he strolled in. His brown eyes danced. He grabbed one of the chairs and turned it around before dropping into it. Another young man came in just after him, and settled into another chair.

When are you not hungry, Sealey, the second young man asked with a grin.

Umm... Right after I eat, Your Majesty, Sealey answered with a bow of his head.

Several servants entered the room with trays of food. Sealey reached for a piece of meat that had been set near him, but Alcina slapped his hand away.

At least have the manners to use your fork and plate, she said with exaggerated indignation. Then she smiled and filled Sealey's plate for him. You would think that one so accomplished would know how to eat a proper meal.

Sealey's eyes lit up, and his standard mischievous grin spread across his face. I do know how to eat a proper meal. I also know how to get you to make my plate first. He jumped back out of his chair just in time to miss the smack that Alcina swung at him. Somehow, he also managed to take his full plate with him. Laughing, he moved down the table to sit beside Krissa, turning this chair backwards.

You are living life dangerously, Sealey, Pin told the young man.

"I am in training, after all, Sealey answered. I always try to train under the most strenuous circumstances possible," he chuckled and settled in to attack his lunch.

Speaking of training, Lonnie started. Any word yet from our Collector friend?

No, Krissa sighed. I can't find him either. I hope he hasn't got into trouble.

I think that if Philetus got into anything serious, we would know about it before too much time went by, Pin said. After all, Reza is still around, isn't she? And Daisy Mae would know if her Collector was hurt.

It'll be soon, Khevin added. He pushed a wavy lock of blonde hair back and combed through his thick mane of hair with his fingers.

"Nester, have you narrowed down the direction we should be going once this Lover of the Woods is finally found and brought to us?" Lonnie asked the young elf.

Nester nodded his head. Lord Naren has helped me. He and our Lady Mother have been collecting information for the resistance for some time now. Well, before the Elfin Court joined forces with our royal cousins. The boy repeatedly glanced over at Krissa.. She figured that their initial meeting still stung his pride. However, he learned the lesson and didn’t attempt to probe her mind again.

Although an attractive young man, strongly resembling his father, he lacked the confidence and presence that both his parents and even his older sisters possessed. Krissa guessed that his age factored into it when she discovered Nester was only twelve, and Alcina only fifteen. Neither looked their ages to Krissa. The height of the elves always threw her off. At 6’1", he only came to his father’s chest. Alcina, unusually short for an elf, stood only a few inches taller than Krissa.

The group continued their preparations for the upcoming journey, in which they had an uncomfortably small amount of details to work with. Krissa struggled to fight it, but drifted off into a daydream.

Movement at the large, open, bay window in the dining hall pulled at Krissa’s attention. The rain stopped like Micah said it would, and the sun shone in force. A beautiful pair of birds fluttered and danced with each other at the windowsill, and Krissa enjoyed their frolicking. Both birds had brilliant iridescent blue covering their heads, neck, and back; their tails and wings were rich chocolate colored. The chest of the larger bird transitioned into an amazing emerald green and then faded into a light silvery-blue underbelly... so bright that it glimmered like polished metal. The chest of the smaller bird transitioned from the iridescent blue into a soft lavender then the same light silvery-blue underbelly. They were amazingly delicate looking and reminded Krissa of jeweled ornaments.

"You are Chosen One?" came a chirp. The larger bird tilted his head and looked at Krissa almost upside down.

"Yes," Krissa answered.

Khevin looked over at her questioningly. Pin busily continued talking while everyone listened to her and ate their lunches.

"Chosen One needs Secret," the smaller, female bird chirped.

"Yes, I do. Do you know about the Secret?"

"Ruuna."

"Ruuna? What's Ruuna?"

"Secret is Ruuna."

Krissa drew in her breathe quickly, but quietly.

"Everything all right? You're getting good at shielding, but I can tell something's up," Khevin thought spoke to her.

"Those birds. They know about the Secret. They said the Secret is Ruuna. I get the feeling Ruuna is female."

Khevin cautiously turned and tilted his head downwards. He positioned himself so that he could see under his arm at the two nervously twitching birds. The birds tilted their heads this way and that, looking from Krissa to Khevin and back.

"Amazing... They look like Philo birds. They're very rare. You said they're talking to you?" Khevin said.

"Yes, you can't hear them?"

Krissa could hear Khevin's gentle laughter in her mind. She looked over at him and although his face was neutral, his eyes told a different story. The brilliant, light blue color swirled around slowly with amusement in them as he watched the birds.

"I'm not the Wild Thing, Harley. You are. I can hear you... when you let me."

Krissa started to turn back to the birds, but stopped and squinted thoughtfully as she looked at Khevin. Still learning how to work with the powers she had acquired – being able to communicate with animals as well as people with her mind – proved hard to grasp at times. Khevin helped her with it. Alcina, telepathic like all elves, rarely touched minds with Krissa and Nester avoided it since their first meeting, before she knew anything about her power and ended up hitting him with a violent mental reaction.

"What do they have to say about the Secret?" Khevin returned her thoughts to the birds’ comments.

Krissa turned back to the two beautiful birds, still sitting on the sill. "How did you know that I need the Secret? What can you tell me?"

The birds looked at each other. The female hopped a couple times, and the male flapped his rich chocolate brown wings, showing his brilliant blue, greens, and the silvery-blue underbelly. "Secret must been found. Collector has Lover of the Woods. No worry," The male sang to Krissa.

Both birds flew away with staggering aerial acrobatics. Krissa glanced around to see if anyone else noticed the birds, but they all continued on as if nothing happened.

Clearing his throat, Khevin caught their friends' attention. His attention turned to Krissa, who still looked out the open window.

Philetus found the Lover of the Woods, Krissa said, pulling her eyes away from the window.

I think we need to gather our things. It appears to be time for action, Khevin said to everyone.

Well, it's about time, Sealey said with a grin. I've been ready for three days already.

Nester and Alcina chuckled. Sealey looked at them with his brow creased questioningly. Nester explained, We have been packed for the last week. Our Lord Father insisted. He enjoys being prepared in advance.

It looks like you have some competition there, Sealey, Lonnie said. Nester seems to have bested you this time, my friend. Lonnie nudged Sealey.

Krissa lost her humor for a moment and glanced over at Alcina. She could still clearly hear what Alcina had told her almost a month earlier.

YOU HAVE MANY CHOICES ahead of you, Chosen One. One of them will be between your friends. I have my own opinion on which you will pick, but I'm not the one that will make the decision. It is a difficult choice to be sure, Alverna. They are both worthy, and would gladly volunteer for the role. It is the greatest of competitions between them, but one will finally win.

I have to choose between my friends? Compete for what? Krissa had said with frustration.

Alcina chuckled. You are a bit wild in temper also, aren't you, Alverna? They compete for you.

KRISSA TRIED TO SOLVE the riddle. Many different scenarios swarmed through her mind as to who competed for her, why, and how she could possibly choose between her friends. Sometimes she thought that Alcina had meant that two of the guys liked her, but that seemed ridiculous to her. Maybe the friends would compete for her, so that she wouldn't have to compete in something herself, or maybe they were competing each other because they liked her. She almost wished she knew whom she would have to choose between, but didn't know which scared her most – the competition or the choice.

Nothing to worry about, Sealey replied, pulling Krissa back to the room. His eyes flashed with excitement. They had instructions. I didn't.

Alcina shook her head. "That is not of importance, Sealey. He is the Wanderer. He always has at least one bag ready. Nester has been ready to go since before we came here to study and train with you." Nester had a big grin on his face.

Alright, Wanderer, Khevin interrupted. You said you had our direction narrowed down. I want to see your maps. Lonnie, can you and Micah check on the horses?

Lord Naren provided twelve elfin horses for our journey, Alcina told Khevin.

He nodded. Sealey, make sure the supplies and equipment are ready. Alcina, you and Pin double-check the first-aid supplies. You both have a healing hand and have a better idea of what‘s needed. Krissa, see if you can contact Reza and Philetus directly. I want to know when they will be here, as soon as possible.

The group of young people broke up and went about their assignments. Khevin stopped Krissa before she left with a gentle request in her mind. Once everyone else left, Khevin walked over to the window where the birds had been and gazed at the sill for a moment.

Krissa noticed that, ever since the time at Grandma Athey's old farm on Earth when his powerful gaze trapped her, he seldom looked her in the eye. He normally found something nearby to look at. Part of her didn't mind. It had scared her when it happened. The power that pulled her in had overwhelming strength. Khevin told her he wouldn't let it happen again, saying that he had unintentionally allowed her to see something – she still didn‘t know what. He kept the promise, but with obvious difficulty.

Did the Philo birds tell you anything other than the Secret's name being Ruuna? he asked finally.

Not really, she answered. Just that Philetus was on his way with the Lover of the Woods... and that the Secret needed to be found.

He nodded and sighed thoughtfully. As you grow in control and strength, you will be able to pick up on impressions and emotions, as well as actual messages – at least with some people.

"Is that what you do? There are times I feel like you are... there. Even when you aren't. I‘m not aware of sending anything most of the time, but you seem to know when I am bothered, or upset, or whatever," she said.

"Well, you aren't usually difficult for me to pick up on, he told her quietly. Although, as I said earlier, you have come a long way in shielding. I couldn't even hear your side of the conversation with the Philo. Just a flow of energy when you spoke. Khevin put a hand on the open window frame and watched as people went about their work below. There's still a long way for you to go, but your shield is a very important part. Especially with the strength you have. As you develop it further, you’ll see that it can be a difficult thing to deal with if you come across someone less trained or if someone strong enough intentionally drops their shield."

Krissa watched as Khevin fiddled with the window frame itself. He closed his eyes with a deep breath and looked almost vulnerable to her. Thank you, she murmured. I've been practicing reaching out also, and I can feel the difference. I don't ever want to hit anyone like I did Nester. Unintentionally anyway.

Khevin stifled a laugh at the last bit. He straightened and folded his arms across his chest. Flicking a quick, sideways glance at Krissa, his smile grew in brilliance. He and Pin both had amazing smiles. Krissa knew they got it from their dad.

That would be an effective weapon for sure, Khevin said. If you need help trying to reach Philetus, I'd be able to help... reinforce you. I can't understand his language though. It sounds the same in my mind as it does to my ears, but I can offer you my strength. He looked back out the window, and his smile faded slightly. Any time you need me, just... reach out. I’ll be there.

Thank you. I’ll hold you to that, Krissa replied with a smile. She turned to leave and could tell that Khevin watched her go, but he turned away before she got to the door. As she closed the door behind her, she saw that Khevin had already gone to the, now clear, table and started spreading out papers.

2: GETTING SET...

Krissa went back to the small study. She often went there to concentrate and focus on her training, as well as her schooling. Practicing the breathing techniques Khevin taught her, she could feel the focus and clarity forming in her mind. She sent her thoughts outwards, in search of her small, furry friends. Reza replied quickly, but not strongly.

"My Krissa find me! Reza rejoiced. Hide and Seek had always been Reza's favorite game. Her name-meaning was Playful, and she played her favorite game every chance she got. Reza far, far yet. Not hear my Krissa good."

Krissa struggled to maintain the strength to get her message through and thought about Khevin’s offer of help. Instantly, Krissa felt a surge of gentle energy touch her mind. She tried to reach her little friend again. "Reza, have you heard from Philetus? Krissa asked her little, spotted friend. Krissa received a strong sense of Reza’s surprise over the strengthened and clearer connection. Reza, I must know about Philetus."

"Collector does what he does, the little voice sounded unconcerned. Will come for me. Then Reza will be with her Krissa... soon."

"I am very happy that you will be with me soon," Krissa said. She got the distinct impression that Reza didn't intend any further comments, and had gone off to play again.

It hadn’t taken nearly as long as Krissa expected to reach Reza. A moment later, she realized that she hadn't really asked Khevin for assistance... just thought about it. His prompt response boosted her much more than she thought possible, and she still felt the residual energy of it.

"Young Reza did not tell you when ‘soon' is, Chosen One, Philetus' voice came to her – quiet, but remarkably clear. We will arrive to the Fortress of Light before your next lunch. The Lover of the Woods is very nervous."

"Thank you, Philetus, Krissa answered. We are all relieved to know you are on your way. Is there anything else we should know?"

"Yes, dear Chosen One. Please ask the Israj to have his sword on when he meets Ryn. Fairies aren't always impressed with the average king. She must know that he is not average... And thank him for helping, so that I could speak to you."

Krissa didn't know what to say besides agreeing to pass along the message. So, she withdrew her reaching mind and focused on her breathing again, like a cool-off exercise for her power, while she tried to process what Philetus had told her... and how she had heard him. She felt warmth like a smile in her mind and knew that Khevin hadn’t left her completely.

"It worked, she sent to Khevin. Thank you. Philetus wanted to thank you also... I'll tell you the rest later when you aren’t so busy." She had gotten a sense of preoccupation, a definite pleasure in undertaking the assistance, and a hint of surprise at what she said to him.

There came a knock at the study door then, and Sealey walked in. I'm not disturbing you, am I? He asked casually.

No, not at all, Krissa told him.

Good, I would hate for that to happen, he grinned impishly. He spun an empty chair and sat next to Krissa. I came by to make sure you have everything you need. Is there anything I can get for you?

I think I have everything, Krissa told him. You have been over every possibility that I could ever think of, and then some. I've never really been camping even... that I can remember, but you seem to know what to do.

I tend to make it a point of knowing what to do, Sealey said. I don't like to lose. So, I focus on what I want, what I need to get it, and I go after it in the most effective way possible. He chuckled and hooked his hands behind his neck to stretch. I might sound conceited... and I am a little, I guess. He winked at her. But I try not to take myself too seriously. Winning is great! But I'm not exactly a sore looser either. He smiled easily and rubbed a hand across his hair.

Well, that's good to know, Krissa said. "I'll have to remember that for some time in the future... in case I ever witness you not winning at something. By the way, you do realize how odd you are for a guy your age, right?"

Some things aren't worth the work... others are worth everything, Sealey told her. You have to learn to pick your battles. Even a Victorious and Formidable Champion, such as yours truly, has to learn which fights to walk away from and which to stick out till the very end. I learn from mistakes more than victories, you know. He leaned a little closer and looked her in the eye. As for being odd, eh. I like who I am.

Krissa developed a strong case of butterflies that