Seeds of Earth by Michael Cobley Read Free Book Online Page A

revealing a face far removed from Uvovo appearance, a cluster of bony ridges and two dark pits that might be eyes. Then the voice came back, stronger and sharper. 'A ship is coming to these worlds, a ship from the Humans' home stars. It bears a great evil, the eyes of a new breed of Dreamless who hunger for power and dominion as their abominable like did in the past.'
    The Dreamless. The word sat in Chel's mind like a piece of ice, melting dread into his thoughts while his heart thudded in his chest.
    'Great Elder,' he said. 'Will the War of the Long Night return?'
    'No. This peril is more similar to the cause that led to the original Great Purpose, which is far more than that which you have been taught. Just as the Segrana you know is not the Segrana that once was. Nor do these Dreamless possess the shattering might of their longvanished kin, yet it will be more than enough to turn the night sky into a vista of desolation. They secretly rule a vast empire and are as relentless as they are cruel and cunning.'
    The peace of the tree-guarded pool and the ricli lifesong that enlivened Chel's senses seemed in stark contrast to all that the Pathmaster was saying. Yet his thoughts circled back to why he was here, why he was being told these things . . .
    'This is your zinsilu, Scholar,' said the Pathmaster, as if Chel's inner thoughts were clear as written words. 'A zinsilu such as has not been seen for a thousand generations. Scholar Cheluvahar - are you ready to serve the Great Purpose with all that is body and all that is mind? Are you ready to place your trust in a convoking of the Listeners and to obey their edicts?'
    Chel felt swept up by the gravity of the Pathmaster"s demand, but he breathed in deep, steadying himself.
    'I am, Great Elder.'
    'Good - I am pleased not to be disappointed. When we are done here, you will return to your work at Waonwir, which the Humans call Giant's Shoulder - do not concern yourself with events subsequent to the arrival of the Human ship. In two or three days you will be asked to leave for the daughter-forest to the north, where a secret husking chamber is being prepared . . .'
    Suddenly he stopped, hooded head swinging towards Faldri. 'Ah, so you are shocked, Listener, outraged at our plan.'
    Faldri stared up at the misty form. 'Only anxious for all our fates, Great Elder. This Scholar shows talent and promise, yet he is young and lacking in the experience required of a Listener . . .'
    'This is not about husking forth more Listeners, Faldri,' the Pathmaster said. 'We are planning the creation of a new clade, the Artificer Uvovo. Once the Warriors and the Benevolents had artisans aplenty among their ranks, before the War of the Long Night took them all. The arrival of the Humans has led to a regeneration of such skills amongst the younger scholars, skills that will prove crucial in the times ahead. Those who might be considered Artificer Uvovo already exist, scattered around the Human towns and working in the daughter-forests and . . . other places. When Cheluvahar husks forth, it will be as a Listener of the Artificer Uvovo, nor will he be alone, since other scholars are undergoing similar examinations today'
    'I was not aware of this plan, Great Elder,' the Listener said, bowing his head. 'But I am confused as to the uses of such a new clade.'
    A good question, Chel thought. Are we expected to use Human weapons in battle}
    'There are a number of constructions on Umara, built in the time of our earliest forebears, built to merge with the powers of the ancient, greater Segrana and protect these worlds. It will be the task of the Artificer Uvovo to study them and bring them back to life in preparation for whatever we may face.'
    'Are the Humans to be made aware of this approaching enemy, Great Elder?' said Faldri. 'Are we tc cooperate with them?'
    'There have been exchanges with their leadership,' the Pathmaster said. 'They already know about the Dreamless and are making their own arrangements.