Marika E-Book

Mari Collier

• Herausgeber: Next Chapter
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

Tonath is a planet in danger of being torn apart. Only one can inherit the knowledge to one day save the Tonathian people, and her name is Marika.

It’s been seventeen years since her father passed. Coming of age, she inherits a cattle hold, a trust account, and many gifts. One special gift is a chest, which comes with instructions that will guide her to the Bergman Mountains.

With a spaceship and the knowledge of three ancient civilizations, will she have time to access it all.. or will the Star Shifts hide the information, and drive her into the arms of her childhood love?

Leseprobe

Marika

The Chronicles of Tonath, Book 3

Mari Collier

Copyright (C) 2018 Mari Collier

Layout design and Copyright (C) 2019 by Next Chapter

Published 2019 by Next Chapter

Cover art by Cover Mint

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the author's permission.

Chapter 1: Marika's Vision

Marika was squirming on the Way Meeting's pew. The Way Readings were for big people and at five-years-old, she found them boring. Mama insisted she sit quietly with hands folded. Her green eyes looked up at the three huge golden stars above the heads of the Teacher, Brother Philip, and Brother Anton. She then shifted to look out the window. It was frosted to keep the parishioner's eyes forward and minds on the Readers. With a sigh she sat back and bolted upright as the hate-filled words spilled into her mind.

'Heretic! You so-called Teacher, tonight you will die!'

The message roared into her mind like red hot coals being stirred with a poker. She whimpered, grabbed her mother's arm for protection, and snuggled closer to her mother's body.

Venta remained intent on the final blessing and patted Marika's arm, murmuring, “Shush, shush,” and then folding her hands as she and the rest of the congregation stood and bowed towards the Teacher.

Then the congregation waited for the Teacher, Brother Philp, and Brother Anton to march down the aisle and out the doors, before following them. Marika escaped her mother's hand and scampered ahead to warn the Teacher. Venta's green eyes widened in horror as her daughter pushed through the others and grabbed the Teacher's hand.

Marika's green eyes were wide and filled with tears. “Teacher, someone wants to kill you tonight. I heard him.” The words were a wail of fear for him.

The Teacher looked down at the child and saw the distress that had propelled her to dare such a breach in manners. He knelt beside her, his brown eyes warm and a slow smile beginning on his full face. “It's all right, Marika, my Star Pathway will protect me.”

Marika looked doubtful. He heard Venta Strauss behind him saying, “I'm so sorry, Teacher. I will take her home immediately and make certain this never happens again.”

The Teacher stood, but as he did, he picked up Marika and hugged her before turning to Venta. She was a small, but sturdy woman of the frontier with the same green eyes as Marika.

“My, dear Mistress Strauss, to punish Marika for caring so much would be wrong. I absolutely forbid it.” He set Marika down. “She may have fallen asleep and had a bad dream.” He shook Venta's hand and turned to the others in the line.

Venta swallowed a couple of time, but grasped Marika's hand and marched down the steps and turned towards The Haven. They would have to walk through the gates that led out of the Silver and Green Institute as she had never been able to rebuild elsewhere. It was all she could do to provide room and food for the forty elderly woman that had somehow managed to come one, by one to her Haven.

Venta's lips were still in a straight line and she was almost dragging Marika in her hurry to put distance between the Way Meeting congregation and her child. How many had heard that outrageous outburst? She still meant to have a “talk” with Marika. She must learn not to intrude on Teacher's time like that, nor was she to talk with someone so important without permission.

* * *

Night spread its cloak over the earth and Teacher looked up at the tower the Brothers had erected. The tower was built besides the Administration building and was as high as a four story building in Anoth. The top level had a four foot wall to help prevent any papers from becoming windblown. The plan called for windows and the rest to be built in, but so far, they had not installed any. Instead, they had surprised the Teacher with a fine telescope. They had taken two days to anchor the scope. Now instead of enclosing this one, they argued that it would be best to build an even higher tower and install a scope with a mirror like they had in Anoth and Port Haven.

The wind had picked up and the Teacher donned his hat and took his folio with the implements for measuring and marking the charts. He also carried his walking stick. He entered the door and climbed the spiral staircase that wound around the walls of the tower. He had told them a ladder would do, but the wood shop workers had insisted stairs would be easier and safer when carrying his equipment. Fortunately, he was in his late thirties and still sturdy from the years of hiking across the continent of Anoth while he was a Seeker looking for his Star Path Way and the ancient Institute.

Once at the top, the Teacher considered. Yes, Marika was but five-years-old, but only he and Brother Philip knew of her strange heritage. What if that also endowed her with the ability to see ahead? Jack Donald, her father, had not mentioned that, but he had insinuated that there was more to tell. There had not been time. The attack on the Haven by the Green Marauders had taken that possibility away and Jack had died trying to save Venta and his child.

The teacher placed the folio on the bench that was pushed against the wall towards the West. He took out the two sheets of paper he would use first, and the sharpened pencil. He placed the protractor on one sheet and the caliper on the other. He strode to the telescope and swung it across the heavens and returned to the bench and bent over as though writing something. That meant he was hidden from view. He placed his hat on his walking stick and from the bag at his side, he pulled out a forty inch length of wool yarn and tied the hat to the stick. These he propped against the wall and sat cross-legged on the floor. It wasn't as though he had never studied the stars without the telescope as there had not been one until six months ago.

Within seconds the Teacher was intent upon the sky and noting the position of each dot of light. One page was almost filled when he leaned back to stretch and the shot whizzed over his head and blasted the hat from the walking stick. Splinters of wood from the walking stick flew at him and over the wall. One managed to lodge itself in his cheek. The Teacher felt the sting and reached up. He realized he must be bleeding as a red drop fell on the clean paper, and his fingers felt sticky. Below he could hear them yelling, “Teacher, are you all right?”

He certainly hoped they didn't expect him to answer or lean over the wall. He made his way over to the stairway. He could hear someone running up them, and then realized it was Brother Anton as the call came from the stairs, “Teacher, I'm coming. Are you all right?”

“Do not come any further,” the Teacher yelled. “I should be able to descend, but it is too dangerous for anyone to stand up here.”

Brother Anton, of course, ignored the command and continued upward. The Teacher managed to swing his legs over the stairwell, and reached out to grasp the railing. He had insisted it be added. It meant the costs had risen, but he knew too well the fact that too many people could become dizzy for no reason. Right now he could feel his head spinning. Then he felt Brother Anton touching his leg.

“Teacher, you are hit. Let me help you.”

“If I move downward, is there enough room for us both to stand?” Teacher was finding it difficult to talk with the splinter of wood and blood in his cheek and mouth.

“Yes,” Brother Anton' answered. His strong arms were steadying the Teacher and pulling him onto the stairway. “Careful, Teacher, we'll take this one step at a time.”

The Teacher would have liked to bark at him to stop the condescending speech, but he was too woozy and his mouth had too much blood in it. Somehow Brother Anton continued to guide him downward and then out the door into the evening breeze. The Teacher spit out the blood.

“Someone run and get a stretcher. The Teacher has been wounded,” Brother Anton yelled at those milling around.

The Teacher straightened. “They should not be outside the compound,” the Teacher managed to say. “That will just mess up the tracks for anyone from the Beltran Enforcers to follow.”

“Teacher, don't worry about that. Beltran won't care. We are now going to the infirmary,” Brother Anton informed him.

Two brothers arrived with the stretcher and they made Teacher sit on it “I can walk,” he protested.

“It's faster this way,” replied Brother Anton as he broke into a run with the two younger ones with the Teacher on the stretcher following him.

The infirmary was still inside the Administration Building on the right side and Brother Anton led the way into the main medical room, and pointed to the bed for them to place the Teacher.

“Shall we get Brother Everston?” The Brother at the door asked.

“No, don't wake the good doctor. Our Teacher isn't shot. This is a wood splinter,” Brother Anton looked up. “Put some pillows under his head,” he ordered. Then he turned and grabbed the alcohol, swabs, and bandages.

“Someone hold the Teacher,” was his next command. That left the two young brothers staring at Brother Anton as though he were mad. How could they do such a thing? Then both realized they would be helping the Teacher and moved forward to make sure the Teacher was pinned to the bed. Brother Anton yanked out the splinter, and applied a cloth. “Hold that,” he commanded the Brother closest to him. “I'll need to use a stitch or two to close that.”

Fifteen minutes later, Brother Anton had sent the Teacher to his room and was washing up when a sleepy Brother Philip appeared in the doorway. “How is the Teacher? Those two young dolts guarding his door, didn't want me disturbing him.”

Brother Anton grinned at Brother Philip. “They are obeying my orders. He should be fine. It is a freak accident that the splinter even embedded itself in his cheek. It may leave a bit of a scar. Any word from those outside?”

“Of course, not. Whoever tried to murder our Teacher has disappeared. I don't believe it would be safe for him to gaze at the Stars again. Someone else will have to do that for him. He will just have to read the charts as did the Teachers of old.”

Chapter 2: Marika At Seventeen

“Marika, you are being unreasonable. You must talk with Mr. Vanderman. He wants to buy your hold now.”

“I cannot sell it now, Mama. I won't be eighteen until next year.”

“You could sell it, give him a quit claim deed dated for next year, and turn the money over to me to enlarge The Haven. He or his son could run the Hold for one year just like Andy Trenton does now.” Venta had both hands on her hips and was glaring at her daughter.

“And what do Andy, Susan, Dickon, Phoebe, and Devlon do then, Mama? Where do they go?”

“Why back to Newton or wherever they want to go. They have made a good living off of us all these years.”

Disbelief flooded Marika's eyes. “Mama, you know full well this year's income is still to be divided between me, The Haven, and the Silver and Green Institute. We can't cheat the Pathways like you want to do.”

“How dare you!” Venta was screaming at her daughter. Marika had grown and towered over Venta by at least eight inches. It was as though if she screamed loud enough it would intimidate Marika into obeying her. “I am not trying to cheat them. I am trying to get the best price for you. That is why Mr. Vanderman and his son David will be here this afternoon.”

“No, Mama, I am not meeting with them or selling to them. You don't care about me. You just want the money for The Haven and for me to work here all my life. I don't even know if I will want to sell the hold next year. I love that place. What if I want to live there instead of here?” With that Marika ran out the door and into the fresh spring air. She could hear Venta still yelling for her to come back. She stretched her long legs and ran out of the open gate.

“Come back here! We need to settle this now!” Venta's voice faded away as Marika walked over to the fence and patted the nose of her horse, Ginger. The Teacher had allowed them more pasture land for two milk cows and a horse for a buggy and one for riding. In theory, the riding horse was for Venta, but she rarely rode anymore. She was the head of The Haven and it was preferable to ride in the buggy if it were necessary to go into Beltran for any reason.

Marika ran to the barn and grabbed the riding bridle for her horse. Then she went to the gate and opened it. Ginger, her riding horse, had ambled over in the hopes of a treat. Instead Marika slipped the bridle over the head, and fastened it before leading her out of the corral.

The Teacher had also permitted a barn to be built to hold the livestock in winter and for storing the hay after the harvest. The money from Marika's hold had paid for building the barn and for the fencing. Marika had realized since she was ten that it was the hold money that allowed her mother to add any buildings and buy the two milk cows, plus the horse for pulling the buggy and one for her to hide. That was why her mother would go into a frenzy at the thought of losing that income or the money from selling the land and cattle. Marika hoisted herself up on Ginger. Like most women now, she did not bother with a side saddle. She could control Ginger better this way and she kicked her heels into the horse and they flew out across the prairie.

Marika rode until her hair had whipped into knots and her face was flushed. She stopped by the small stream of water still running down from the mountains and let Ginger snort and pull up some of the liquid. She slipped down and tied Ginger to one of the willow trees that had managed to reach a decent height and width as most of the willows along the banks remained small. She bent by the stream and splashed water onto her face.

She had spent the morning working in the garden and it was too late now to ride to the hold. That place seemed to hold the spell of peace and tranquility for the spirit. She knew it was more than just the workings of the hold or the home Susan Trenton had made; it was the entire aura of the place. The corrals, the two barns, a bunkhouse when extra hands were needed, and a small school located on the edge of the house yards. When she went there, she would stay in the small house for visitors rather than overnight with the Trenton's. She disliked intruding in their family life. The main house was their home until such time as she choose to live there or sell it.

A few years ago, owning the hold and living there wasn't even a possibility, but the Teacher had managed to convince enough people that the Contract of Dissolution law should be changed. Two years ago, the head of Mecham and his legislature decreed that women could inherit land, money, or buildings. They had changed the law concerning the Contract of Dissolution. Now the estate had to be evenly divided. Venta and Audrey Denning had thrown a party for those at the Haven. Marika did not understand why since Audrey had avoided the Contract of Dissolution and her mother had never wed. At first Venta had worried no more elderly women would arrive at The Haven. She was wrong. One or two had arrived every year.

Marika sat down to watch the ripples in the stream. Her mother refused to talk about her father. All questions were ignored or Venta would look at her and shake her head. “Men want your youth and your ability to have babies. They care nothing for you.”

“If that is true, why did my father leave me the hold?”

“He had no one else to will it to, that's why.” Venta would reply and turn away.

Last time, however, Marika shouted at her. “He could have left it to you or to the Silver and Green Institute, but he didn't. He left it to me. Maybe I should go ask the Teacher why.”

Venta had spun around. “Don't you dare bother that busy man with such a request. He has no interest in us other than making sure The Haven succeeds.”

Marika looked out across the prairie and then upward and saw a hawk circle and dive. She wondered what was silly enough to be in broad daylight and saw the hawk whoomph down and rise again, this time a small prairie quail held by its talons. Poor baby, she thought. You never had a chance. The older, determined stalker was intent on winning. She shivered. Was that the way her mother was? Just like that hawk, was she determined to gain the prize? The sale and money for Marika's hold was what she wanted and had wanted for the last two years.

Marika's concentration switched. She heard cattle lowing and hooves. She hurried back to her horse, slipped the reins loose, and mounted. She was in time to see two yearlings stick their still horned heads through the high grass and amble straight for the stream.

Dickon Trenton appeared behind them and he waved his hat at her, replaced it on his head, and loosened his rope. He swung the noose out as the one yearling raised its head. The noose settled around the neck and he tied the rope off around his saddle horn and trotted over to her.

“Hullo, pretty Mistress Strauss. Are you heading toward the hold?” Hope was in his voice.

Marika smiled at him. Dickon was one year younger than she, but his shoulders were broader than most men's, his face a handsome carved work of art, and his dark eyes always smiled at her.

“Hullo, Dickon. No it's too late and Mama wouldn't know where I was. I was thinking that maybe after the Way Reading this week, I'd ride over. I don't want to just pop in on your parents.”

Dickon shrugged. “All right. Do you want me to bring an extra horse for you to ride on Meeting Day? We have one that could use some gentling.” His grin was wicked.

“Thanks, but I'll ride Ginger. Mama may not be happy, but then she hasn't been happy with any of my decisions lately.”

Dickon rode closer. “Is she still pestering you to sell the hold when you turn eighteen?”

“Oh, she wants me to sell it now.”

“That's not legal.”

“She says it would be a promise to sell when I'm eighteen. Kermit Vanderman would make a down payment now and the bulk of it when I turn eighteen. Even worse, you and your family would have to leave now.”

Dickon shook his head. “Can she force you to do that?”

“Not if I refuse to sign, and I won't.” Anger shook her again and she turned Ginger back towards the Haven. “I'll see you on Meeting Day.”

Chapter 3: The Teacher Intervenes

Marika rode into the Haven's barnyard and saw Audrey Denning going towards the barn with the milk pails. They waved at each other and Audrey called out to her.

“There you are. Your mother is pacing the floor. Mr. Vanderman and his son, David, have been here for over one-half an hour. You are expected in the house right now.”

In response, Marika turned Ginger towards the Silver and Green Institute and kicked her heels into Ginger's sides. She was out of the yard at a gallop and Audrey was left staring after her with an open mouth.

Marika pounded into the Institute's courtyard and raced for the Administration Building. Teacher would be up at this time of day and she prayed that he would listen to her. The various younger Brothers that were visible in the pathways stared or frowned at her as she dashed up, tied Ginger to a rail, and ran into the Administration Building.

She ran down the hall and pounded at the dark door with the golden star set in the middle, and heard the Teacher say, “Yes, who is it?”

She could hear footsteps behind her and she opened the door and stepped inside. “Please, Teacher, I need your help. Please, I haven't my father here to protect my hold.”

The Teacher looked up from his charts and reached for his black skull cap. “What in the name of your Pathway has brought this about?” He could see how agitated she was and saw the looming figure of Brother Anton behind her.

Marika advanced into the room. “It's Mama. She is selling the hold against my wishes. Oh, Teacher, I don't want to sell it and she says I must. She even has the two of the Vanderman men there to buy it.”

“That is ridiculous.” Teacher held up his hand to stay Brother Anton who had lumbered into the room. “You are not yet eighteen. The hold is still held in trust.”

“Mama says that this is a promise to sell. Mr. Vanderman will give a down payment, and then the balance of funds when I am eighteen. Andy, Susan, Dickon, Phoebe, and Devlon would have to leave there and David Vanderman would take over.” The words tumbled out.

The Teacher took a deep breath. “Brother Anton, would you send someone to request that Mistress Stauss come see me, and to give the note that I am about to write to the elder Mr. Vanderman?”

“Of course, Teacher. I'll be right back for the note.” Brother Anton turned and walked back down the hall.

The Teacher opened his folio, took out a clean sheet, and used his fountain pen to write a quick note. He was stuffing it into an envelope when Brother Anton returned.

“Would you like me to escort Mistress Strauss home? Brother Anton was sure the Teacher would wish to be rid of this female interloper.

“Of course, not. I want her here when I explain to her mother why she cannot proceed with this scheme and why it must be Marika's choice next year.” He handed over the note. “Oh, and order some chicolet tea for all of us, please.” The Teacher turned to Marika.

“You need to sit down and compose yourself before your mother arrives. She is going to be a tad upset with both of us.”

Marika took a deep breath. “Thank you, Teacher. I don't know if I want to sell the hold or live there. I just know that I do not want to live at the Haven. If I tell Mama that, she will rant and carry on for days. It is her dream that I take over someday. It is not my dream.”

Teacher smiled at her. His brown eyes were as kind as they were so many years ago. His dark hair was retreating, and he had gained about twenty pounds over the years. “Where do you want to live, Marika and what do you want to accomplish?”

“I don't know,” she admitted. “Sometimes I want to live on the hold and ride horses all day. Sometimes I think about going away to Anoth or Braunburg and studying mathematics and engineering at one of the new universities that accept women now.”

“Why did you decide on those subjects?”

“I'm not completely sure why I chose them, but I love math. You can see the designs in them, but I'm not sure where I could apply that.” She closed her eyes. “You see, Teacher, that is why Mama says I should listen to what she says as I have no plan for my future like she did.”

The Teacher frowned. “She didn't have any plan at your age. By the time she was twenty and two, she had a dream that two ladies who were wealthier than her supported. That is why Audrey Denning and Betsy Mauser are at The Haven.”

A knock came at the door. “Yes,” said the Teacher.

A young Brother appeared with a cart filled with an urn of chicolet, several cups and saucers, plus cream and sugar. “Uh, Brother Anton didn't say how many guests you would have. I can return what you do not want.”

“This is fine, Brother Bailey.”

They heard more commotion from the hallway and Venta rapped at the doorjamb. They could see both Kermit and David Vanderman behind her. All three were scowling.

“Ah, the guests have arrived.” The Teacher smiled. “Thank you, Brother Bailey.” He looked at the three in the doorway.

“Won't you come in? Mr. Vanderman, you and your son may bring the chairs from the back if you like and pour some tea. This, however, should not take long to explain.”

“We were promised a contract of sale,” growled the older, white haired Vanderman. “How can she or you deny of that without paying a penalty?”

“You would have to discuss any penalty with Mistress Strauss, but that should have been mentioned before any negotiations and put into writing. The facts are quite simple. The Donald hold cannot be sold until Marika Strauss comes into possession at the age eighteen. Mistress Venta Strauss is the trustee until that occurs, but no one has the right to sell it now; not Mistress Venta Strauss, not Marika Strauss, and certainly not me. I am giving you the benefit of doubt, Mr. Vanderman, in that you were not aware of the provisions of Jack Donald's will.”

The elder Vanderman bowed to the Teacher and turned to Marika. “Will you be ready to sell when you are eighteen?”

Marika took a deep breath and stood, her green eyes as hard as her face. “I don't know and will not know until I have read everything my father has left for me.”

Venta gasped. “I have provided for you all this time. Why are you so stubborn?”

“I am not stubborn,” Marika looked at Venta. “The hold has helped to provide for me, for your Haven, and for this Institute.”

“Good day, Teacher. Mistress Strauss, there will be no need to contact us if there are any change in plans. We are no longer interested.” The two Vandermans left the room.

“Now see what you have done,” wailed Venta.

“No, Mama, you cannot force me to sell; not now and not later.” Marika turned to the Teacher.

“Teacher, I thank you for being here for my father. I don't think he wanted me to sell right away. I think he wanted me to experience what life and living is about.” She bowed to the Teacher and walked out of the door.

Venta sank down into the chair and hid her face in her hands. Then she looked up at the Teacher. He handed her a cup filled with chicolet. “Here you need this.”

Venta sighed and took the cup. Then she looked at the Teacher. “I only wanted what was best for her. Why did you side with her? She isn't meant to run that hold.”

“Mistress Strauss, neither of us knows what Marika is meant to do. She is one of the best students at the local school, if not the best.” He held up his hand to stop Venta's protests. “What if she decides she wants to continue her education before making a decision? There is enough money in her account for at least two years at a university in Braunburg or Anoth. By then she would be a young woman and would know her Pathway. It isn't for you or for me to decide her Pathway.”

He held up his cup. “I propose a toast. To the future for you and for Marika.”

Venta nodded and touched her cup to his before drinking, and still her mind tried to devise someway to convince Marika to sell the hold.

Chapter 4: The Archaeologist

The man arrived in one of those new mechanical vehicles that spewed noise and smoke over the landscape. Behind the mechanical carriage were two wagons filled with equipment and four young men. The wagons were driven by two handymen from Beltran. Brother Anton greeted them at the gate trying not to show his surprise at the sight of what was called an autocarriage.

“Welcome, Mr. Manfred, we've been expecting you. I'm Brother Anton.” He heard the clatter of hooves behind him and stepped out of the lane. He and all of the men were opened mouthed as Marika went streaking by them on her horse Ginger, her red curls flowing free in the wind.

At least, she has gone, thought Brother Anton. Now when the other one leaves I can present this fellow to the Teacher. He smiled up at the new arrival. “If you will follow me, I'll show you to your quarters, explain where our kitchen and dining areas are located, and then introduce you to the Teacher. I am Brother Anton.”

“Thank you, Brother Anton, but I would like to set up some of this equipment out by the old Institute or at least have my crew start doing so.”

Brother Anton looked out towards the prairie, and the stone tower sticking out of the ground and then up at Manfred. “It might be best to put your personal items away first while someone waters the horses, and you do need to let the Teacher welcome you.”

Victor Manfred smiled. He detested the necessary polite customs of being a guest of an Institute. All he wanted to do was get at the dig with his crew and his equipment. It had been a five year fight with the Silver Academy for permission and for funding. Now there was enough for one season. If he could find another building or two, he knew there would be funding for more seasons. He smiled at Brother Anton. There was no need to make an enemy here. “Very well, show us where we water and bed our animals and where we will be sleeping.”

It took more than thirty minutes for all the necessary baggage to be transferred. He had the students take the horses for water and directed them to then take the equipment to where the stone column erupted out of the ground and dirt and debris were piled. After that, he followed Brother Anton towards the Administration building. They were met at the doorway by the Teacher in his plain black robe and skull cap. Manfred was surprised to find that the Teacher was a stocky man whose hair was receding, but not turning gray. For some reason, he had expected someone not interested in the worldly necessity of eating well.

“Welcome, Mr. Manfred. One of our younger brothers told me you had arrived. You cannot believe how delighted I am that the Silver Institute in Anoth is finally willing to farther the research on the wonderful building left from before the Burning.”

Victor swallowed. He had corresponded with this man and needed his cooperation. He prayed that was what they would have and not obstructions. “My pleasure, Teacher. We are ready to start. I realize not much will be accomplished this afternoon. I do need to check on what type of security we will need out by the dig. We will have some of our equipment out there. Would it be best for me to have one or two of my crew sleep out there as guards?”

“Guards? I really doubt if that is necessary, but if you feel better about having someone watch at night, we can have one or two of our novices out there. They can make star charts from there as part of their assignments. That would mean your crew members would not become exhausted.”

“Yes, that would be acceptable. The winch is rather a large expenditure and I would not be able to replace it. I also need to know about the water source. I know you said it was ample here and we could use a barrel to take out there for the preliminary washing. Brother Anton has shown me the room where we can finish cleaning and storing any of the shards and relics we find. Now if you will excuse me, I will return to my crew and finish setting up at the base of the old Institute. I am anxious to talk more this evening, either during or after dinner.” His hopes of escaping the Teacher were dashed.

“Excellent, Brother Anton and I will meet you out there. I suggest you take a barrel of water now. You'll need drinking water once you are out there.” The Teacher smiled and set off at a brisk pace.

Victor shrugged and walked to where his crew and one of the wagons waited for him. “Did anyone fill one of the barrels with water?” The blank look on their faces told him they had not.

“Nicholas, fill up those barrels now and drive out to the stone column sticking out of the ground. I'll go ahead and join the others now.” He followed the Teacher and Brother Anton out of the compound.

The hole in the ground with the protruding tower was less than a quarter of a mile from the Silver and Green Institute. It had been quite an ordeal getting funding and permission from the Silver Academy and Silver Institute in Anoth to proceed with this study. The Teacher knew any discoveries might diminish the importance of the Silver and Green Institute and, yet, the scholar in him wanted to know what was out here. How large had it been?

Victor smiled at the Teacher and Brother Anton as he caught up with them. He had indicated earlier to his crew where to put the tent and where they should install the tables and chairs for going over the material they found and wanted to keep. The others were busy transferring the winch and setting it to rights so it could be used tomorrow. At least, thought Victor, the beautiful young woman they had seen leaving would not be here. Why was that kind of distraction allowed near this Institute?

“Excellent, Mr. Manfred, you have a tent here to protect everyone. We've given you the room next to where we have our relics stored. Perhaps some evening or rainy day you would like to have a look at them.”

Victor felt a slight irritation. He could not tell the man that he had disturbed the items from whatever level they found them and piecing together the entire timeline made more difficult. “How far down have you dug?”

“Oh, we are well over the halfway mark, I should assume. The fire seems to have been more intense in the lower levels we have reached. Everything is blackened, fused together, or turned into ash. We would have liked to have continued digging downward every day, but so many around here needed counseling and, of course, we had our Star Pathway studies to pursue.” The Teacher seemed to look off into the distance on the last statement, but then shook his head and continued to speak. “Brother Philip wanted me to tell you that he believes this was but one of the structures in the entire complex. He cannot be certain, but he has read enough from the old Star Chart book and another that we found to believe that there must have been a medical facility, kitchens, and study rooms.”

“Where did you find books?” Victor tried to keep the alarm out of his voice.

The Teacher smiled. “I found the original book and charts that we use in a cave just as the old legends said. I thought all knew that. The other book was found on one of the upper levels. Like the first, the pages are metallic. That is why it had not burned.”

Victor could have shook the man, but this was the Teacher. He took a breath before asking, “Do you have any idea where the other buildings were located?”

“No, but Brother Philip believes they would have been to the West or South of here.”

“Why is that?”

“It seems that this was either the Administration Building for the Teacher or a structure for students studying the Stars. It would have looked out over the rest of the buildings and the site.” The Teacher's voice was quite confident.

“Is that how you have laid out your buildings?” Victor wanted to know.

“No, Mr. Manfred, we seem to have placed the Administration Building in the middle of everything. Our Way Meeting House is off to the West about half a mile. I do expect to see you and your crew at our dinner table this evening as honored guests. I would also like to see a progress report at least every two weeks.” He nodded at them all, and he and Brother Anton turned and walked back to the Institute grounds.

Victor took a deep breath and muttered to himself. “You may or may not receive a copy of anything that I send back to the Silver Academy. They are the ones paying for this.” He turned to his crew.

“This is how we start today. We are just doing preliminaries, but tomorrow, I want everyone out here immediately after breakfast. Right now, Frank and I are going to descend into the pit to have a look at what has been done and then direct the rest where to start the digging.”

One of the crew slung a rope ladder down the shaft and Victor and Frank headed down. The Teacher's report was correct. Some of the upper stones were intact. They rested on a slumped and widening pyramid shape that had suffered intense heat. At the bottom of the current dig, Victor looked upward. It was a good ten feet, yet this structure must have been much higher before the burning and how far down did it extend? His thesis that there had been a real scientific edifice and reporting system was in the process of being proven true. He would need to find something similar to the modern day telegraph or telephone system to end all speculation forever.

“All right, Frank, let's go back up and make sure the tents are secure. The Teacher warned in his letters that the prairie winds could be severe. Then we'll have to get them settled in their quarters. Which means it will probably be the good Brother's dinner hour.”

Talbert's teeth flashed. “Maybe that means we can get some preliminary work done this evening, if we can keep their young minds on the dig.”

As if to prove his point at dinner that evening, young Putman asked the Brother next to him, “Who was that lovely wild-riding woman on the horse this afternoon? Does she live around here?”

The Teacher looked up and smiled. “That was our Marika. She will be going into the last grade at the second level school in Beltran come fall. We're all quite fond of her as she was like an omen of new life the year we started here and were besieged by Bentz's Vigils and the Green Marauders.”

A look of hope spread over Putman's face. “Does she live around here? This Institute seems different as we never see a woman inside the grounds at the one in Anoth.”

Victor was ready to throttle the young man. He shouldn't be pestering the Teacher with questions about females. Internally, he did not wish to admit that the sight of Marika riding so gracefully with her hair streaming behind her had been one of the most captivating sights he had seen since leaving Anoth. It was a question that he would have preferred to ask privately.

“Why, yes, she lives at The Haven with her mother and the other older ladies. I'm sure you've heard how our Silver and Green Institute has helped to end the suffering of so many elderly women in Mecham. I'm told the concept is gaining ground in Greenland, Partha, and Landings.”

Victor studied the Teacher. The man was sincere. He believed the changes in the law were for the good of all. Most of the older instructors at the Academy, the Silver Institute, and the outlying universities had disagreed if the papers were printing the news correctly. He had felt it gave women too much power, but then again, his own mother had been delighted. To prevent a breakup of the family business, his father had opted to remain married. To Victor, it was a strange world. He had thought there would be a certain curtailment of the modern thinking out here on the prairie, but it seemed these men were as radical as the Albertson legislature in Anoth. Then again, the sight of one young, wild riding woman had made him catch his breath.

“How soon will you know if you return next season?” This question came from Brother Philip.

“The minute we find something significant. If we can locate the foundation for another building or two, our funding would be assured.”

“Really, Mr. Manfred? Just one or two foundations. You don't expect to find a partially intact building?”

“No, Brother Philip, I do not. The heat from the Burning would have been too severe. Foundations, however, remain. We can usually determine the usage from the size and rooms. Sometimes artifacts are there too, buried in the ground or covered with ash.”

Chapter 5: Marika Has Suitors

The congregation had welcomed the new comers into their community. The ones with marriageable daughters were all smiles. All but Venta Strauss. She had no plans for Marika to wed. She had tried to end the friendship between Marika and Dickon, but that had led to another bitter battle with her daughter.

“Mama, I will not listen to this!” Marika was adamant when Venta had pointed out when school ended that spring that some of Dickon's grades were less than sterling. “He can pass the tests with the highest score. He just doesn't bother handing in the homework.”

“Which means he has sloppy work habits. You need to have friends that are ambitious and able to run a business. That is what our Haven is becoming now that we are considering expanding into Braunburg.”

“That means Mistress Mauser will run that one and Audrey will remain your second in command here, but you, Mama, will never consider going elsewhere or letting me run anything.”

“That is enough. You need to be out there helping Audrey dig up the garden area.” Venta snapped out her order and turned back to the plans for another bedroom, sitting room addition if allowed. If not the one in Braunburg would have the necessary space.