Part 28 (2/2)

”The fifth is stated-reap what you sow. It is the pollens we toss into the rings that somehow unlock the thoughts deepest within us, that give rise to our most exciting thoughts. Each type has its own-”

”Wait. Pollen did you say?” Astron interrupted.

”Yes,” Nimbia said. ”We do not know for sure exactly how they play a role in the process, but none of the fey attempts to create or embellish without a large supply on hand.” She motioned to one of the sentrymen standing in the entryway. He retrieved a small chest that he brought forward and placed at Nimbia's feet.

Nimbia opened the arched lid. She gingerly reached in to withdraw a p.r.i.c.kly sphere like the one Astron had seen Vastowen toss into the ring. It was far larger than the others, however, as big as a small melon. Nimbia held it delicately with extended thumbs and forefingers.

Astron looked at the globe carefully and understood Nimbia's cautious touch. The entire surface of the orb was covered with cl.u.s.ters of tiny barbs. Smaller hairtike shafts radiated in all directions from each of the p.r.i.c.kly pylons and, in a blurry haze, these were anchorage for tinier projections still. Beyond the craft of the finest weaver in his own realm, the structure of sharp piercing

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points iterated into infinitesimals, far smaller than the eye could see.

”We toss pollens through the ring of djinns to seed our thoughts in the void,” Nimbia said. ”Our success seems greater the more ma.s.sive they are. To create something of value before Prydwin comes, I would need to use the largest of all, but in all of my underbill I have only this one.”

”Are they hard to find?” Phoebe asked. ”Could a human wizard help in their retrieval?'1

”The flowers that produce them abound in a glen not too far away. The problem is not in harvesting them but harvesting them now. At present, the glen is alive with the hum of its guardians, and no one dares enter until they have gone on their way. After so many did not return, wisely did Finvarwin issue the prohibition-”

”We seek a pollen as part of our quest,” Astron said. ”This one that you desire, what is its name?”

”This would be called harebell in the realm of men.” Nimbia nodded at the sphere in front of her. ”That is why your question on our arrival struck such a chord. Of course, of all that I could wish, it would be the best. But of all that there are, it is the one I cannot obtain.”

”Harebell pollen-and you can create,” Kestrel said excitedly. ”Create for Finvarwin so that you can get answers as a boon-answers that Astron seeks.” His face broke into a broad grin. ”Wipe the tears, Nimbia,” he said. ”I have a deal for you.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Harebell Pollen.

ASTRON adjusted the straps that ran across his chest. He had gotten quite used to the tunic and leggings of men, but now the rucksack was a totally new sensation. He looked out between the columns of the raised hilltop and saw Kestrel urging him to hurry. Beside the human stood six of Nimbia's sentrymen, each carrying a long copper-tipped spear in addition to the dagger at his side. Their faces were rigid with tension; none showed Kestrel's enthusiasm to be under way.

Astron took a step forward and then hesitated. The opening in the wall to the left led to the throne room. He poked his head through the doorway and saw that Nimbia was alone, still sitting on her throne where they had left her when the planning was complete.

Despite the short length of his training, Kestrel had been most glib. Whatever dangers lurked in the harebell glen, he had said, they well might not affect human or demon at all. With a modest escort to protect against a chance encounter with Prydwin's forces, he and Astron would fetch the pollen and share with Nimbia what they obtained.

Then, with boosted confidence from the pollen's potency, Nimbia could create something that Finvarwin certainly would approve. They would not wait for the next judging or to see if they could fend off Prydwin's attack, but go directly to the high king for a special presentation. Phoebe could even help in the control of the ring of djinns. At the very least, Finvarwin's previous judgment would be reversed and Nimbia's underhill regain its independent status.

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With Finvarwin's answer to the riddle and the harebell pollen as payment for Palodad, the old demon would get Elezar restored to power and he in turn would explain to Alodar the innocence of Phoebe and Kestrel. With a little luck everyone would achieve exactly what was desired.

When Kestrel had finished, Astron saw Nimbia's spirits begin to lift. Now, a few hours later, as he prepared to leave, the sadness had totally vanished from her eyes; she stared off into s.p.a.ce, presumably thinking of her new creation.

Astron sc.r.a.ped his pack along the doorjamb and Nim-bia turned at the distraction. She smiled and beckoned him to enter.

”Any more questions, inquisitive one?” she asked as Astron drew closer,

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