Fulcrum of Light (Catalyst Book 2) C.J. Aaron (unputdownable books .TXT) 📖

has an impact on all phrenics,” Paasek explained, blotting a rag against his nose. The white rag came back with a small stain of crimson.

“Most here have experienced it before you and the phenomenon is well chronicled,” Paasek continued. “The effects are generally mild and include minor disorientation. The length and severity in your case has been a concern to all, my friend. We've been poring through every writing we could dig up, meditating on every piece of information locked inside our blood, yet none have been able to shed any light.”

“I'm sorry to have worried you all,” Ryl expressed. “How long have I been in there?”

The phrenics around the table exchanged uneasy glances as if none wanted to divulge the information. Paasek continued speaking for the group.

“Ryl, it's been nearly two moons since you entered the chamber,” he admitted.

The information sent Ryl's head reeling. How could it have been that long? He was only in the chamber for what seemed like a matter of minutes. In his heart and in his blood he knew the answer to be true. The words of Caprien had admitted as much. Time had no meaning in the nexus.

“What of all the preparations?” Ryl asked, changing the subject. “Are they still on schedule?”

“Aye, that they are,” Paasek acknowledged with a subtle shake of his head and a weak chuckle. “The roses grow larger daily. Saldaria is confident that they’ll produce the necessary leaves in time.”

Ryl exhaled a heavy sigh of relief.

“I'm afraid our Vigil counterparts will no doubt curse your return though,” Paasek intoned. “Since your awakening began, our powers have been unpredictable. In many cases, they’re been unresponsive. Our diminished skills have led to a dramatic swelling of the Vigil’s collective ego.”

There was a half-hearted chuckle from a few of the phrenics around the room.

“I must admit, their improvement has continued steadily,” Paasek acknowledged. “Your mercenary friend is a fine teacher. Andr has pushed them with a ruthless vigor since you entered the chamber. He no doubt relishes his pupils’ successes over the phrenics. He was none too pleased with us that he wasn't notified of your awakening.”

Ryl’s stomach answered with a low growl that was heard by all. Paasek sprang from his chair at the head of the table at the sound, ushering Ryl to sit.

“Eria, please grab some food from the kitchen for our newest phrenic,” Paasek ordered politely. The young phrenic hurried off without a word.

As Ryl eased into the chair, he realized just how exhausted he was. His body may have remained idle in the chamber, yet he had been anything but inactive during his out-of-body experience. The mental exhaustion was overpowering. His mind was still coming to terms with the deluge of information that had now become freely accessible.

Ryl ate ravenously as the small portion of food was placed in front of him. He was well aware of the dangers of consuming too much after such a long period without, yet his appetite could not be restrained. How his body had survived the duration of the awakening without sustenance would forever be a mystery.

As he ate, the conversion carried on around him. He could feel the eyes of the other phrenics studying the new markings on his arm. The markings to a phrenic were as recognizable as a face. Once it was committed to memory, it would be forever identifiable.

The phrenics gathered in the hall looked weary. Their eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep, and most still dabbed at the remnants of bloody noses. Ryl noted that a few had stains of blood that ran down from under their ears. Blood notwithstanding, Ryl was sure he looked as haggard as the rest of the phrenics.

He eased back in his chair, resting his head for a moment against the top of its high, wooden back.

Paasek cleared his throat, drawing the attention of all in the room.

“The evening grows late,” Paasek announced, moving to stand just to the side of Ryl's chair. “The last few moons have been a test on all. We, phrenic of Vim are stronger now for it. Though all phrenics would undoubtedly see you for who you are, let the markings on your arm be a permanent reminder.”

Ryl felt his cheeks flush with red at the undue attention.

“From this moment forward, and evermore, you are phrenic in both deed and blood,” he announced. The cheer that rose from the lips of those assembled belied the exhaustion in their eyes.

“Thank you, my friends,” Ryl said graciously.

He surveyed the room. How much had they all suffered during his awakening? He felt the pang of guilt as he met the eyes of his phrenic brethren surrounding him. His eyes lingered momentarily on the far side of the table from where he sat. There the other members of his scout detail, Kaep, Deyalou, Vox and Ramm smiled proudly.

“You're welcome,” Deyalou said with a playful smile. “Only next time would you please not take so long.”

There was scattered laughter from the phrenics assembled in the hall. Paasek merely shook his head at the remark. Ryl could feel the nervous tension evaporate from the room in the wake of the comment, yet he rose slowly from his chair.

“I'm sorry for keeping you waiting,” he replied as he carefully removed his cloak, resting it on the high back of his chair. “Though I cannot be certain, I only assume this had something to do with the delay.”

Ryl hesitantly rolled the sleeve of his left arm up, revealing the fresh markings underneath. There was a collective gasp from the room—several phrenics sprung to their feet, their eyes wide.

“Impossible,” Vox stammered as he rose to his feet. “The powers have never been manifested in both arms. There’s no record of this happening before.” He quickly rounded the table, approaching Ryl from the left.

“And yet, here they are,” Ryl professed. “Though I must admit, I know not the reasoning, or what they signify.”

A brilliant sun covered his elbow, extending outward a hands width down his