Chapter 8.

Knowing the unpleasantness of this room in intimate detail only added to Viky’s vehement loathing. Each association furthered her dislike, cementing the desire to never return. But a summons from the Godmothers could not be ignored. Tardiness not tolerated and even a lack of enthusiasm could lead to reprimands and extensions of the visit.

And they knew, somehow, they always knew, everything.

The room was cold. All underground dwellings were cool, it was one of the reasons Traditionalist women wore nine layers of clothing, but this room had the penetrating, raw feel of air ladened with moisture and miserable memories. She shivered, huddled with her sisters in submissive, supressed, near silence. Severe old women glowered down from rows of portraits in gilt frames. Each competing with its neighbours as to who could cast the most censorious gaze.

Swaths of yellow and green Biophyte, enmeshed and overgrown, competed for ceiling space and cast the room below with dull mustard shadows. The stone bench wasn’t just cold to touch but the longer a person was required to remain seated the bitter chill crept up your spine, seeping silently into your soul.

Shaar fiddled with a tatting spindle, fingers working mechanically without thought. Viky noted, with some trepidation, a sling surreptitiously augmenting an elaborate headpiece. Her twin wore a similar design. Sheeli’s sling was less obvious, but both sisters were proficient with its use. And they were brash, impulsive people.

Not at all reassuring that they had chosen to arm themselves.

Gabreel was practice controlled breathing in-between consoling her little girl who was finding it difficult to fit on her mother’s lap along with her newborn brother. The Godmothers were displaying a lack of common decency by keeping nine women and eleven young children waiting. Gabreel, who was always on time and scheduled everything, wore her disappointment openly.

Punctuality was also important to Tus’hii. She had marshalled them all effectively to arrive on time and with nothing currently needing organizing was attempting to sooth Hannareey.

Jess was close to panic, and perhaps exhaustion. Hanna had been misbehaving all night. Runing off early this morning and needed chasing down. It had taken Jess, Moves-Like-a-River and Viky ages to find and then to corner the child. Viky had lunged and grabbed perhaps a little too enthusiastically and wasn’t sure if Jess was ever going to talk to her again.

Isobeel held her little Arrabeel in the warmth of an embrace. It was difficult to tell who was comforting who, but Viky was sure no clothes would be crumpled in the process and the beautiful woman would emerge from whatever befell them like the Princess from a classical romance.

When the summons to visit the godmothers had first arrived Ly with practical for-thought had passed Maddie a thick traditional quilted blanket. Now spread at her feet, within its folds her daughter’s and the twins’ girls settled in a sociable group, muttering in muted undertones as the older three imitated each other’s finger play.

“I wonder what Power they will display when they eventually turn up this time,” Maddie whispered.

“Something to fill us with respectful awe no doubt,” Viky shivered. She hadn’t been in this room in the eleven months since she first arrived at the capital. Once had been enough.

“They are watching from behind that screen,” Shaar’s fingers flew, not missing a stitch.

Viky gave a barely perceptible nod. It irked her, they were watching to see how her sisterhood was responding, and they played into their hands by over-reacting. They were supposed to be uncomfortable, and she was, they all were. Further filing her displeasure. Viky emotions progressed from apprehension to provocation.

Little Hanna, never one to sit quietly for long at the best of times grew tired of Tushii’s ministrations and gave voice to complaints with a lusty bellow. Startled, placid Arrabeel joined in with the low insistent droning whing parentals everywhere knew to fear. The plaintive cries woke Maddie’s baby causing an avalanche of demanding voices to join the chorus as mother’s futility consoled.

Apparently even the most heartless Godmothers couldn’t ignore the distress of so many young children. Three elderly women stepped from behinds a screen covered door.

“Hush, babies sleep, adults silence.”

Words and cries cut off with quick gasps and cool efficiency. Unnatural silent descended. An unfamiliar oppressive mental sensation blanketed her mind. Her parents had warned her about this. At her age and with her current experience there wasn’t much Viky could do to defend herself, other than respond with physical violence. The mind-altering effects of a yellow communication fractal were supposed to be subtle, at least she didn’t have difficulty picking up she was under the influence. Not having experienced the sensation before she wasn't sure if it was full Coercion, Nudging or something different. It was beyond annoying.

Viky experimented with attempting to murmur under her breath. Exhaling her efforts produced a small cloud of fog. Sinking into soft folds the children on the quilt shut eyes in silent slumber. Arabeel hickuped, eye lashes brushing flushed cheeks. Viky filed away the fact powered Commands didn’t apply to involuntary reflexes, not that that information was currently useful, she couldn’t vomit at will. A skill it may become necessary to acquire if she was going to spend the rest of her life at the capital.

Godmothers Nichool Introduced herself with a conceited half-smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. The woman revelled in the trepidation on her sisters faces. The skill was impressive, in a depressing, domineering way, but Viky’s rebellious mind asked why the demonstration had been necessary? If the Godmothers hadn’t been tardy the children would not have become fractious.

“I am your Godmother Odeet,” A softly spoken woman with flabby cheeks quivering with each word addressed them. “We have called you here to discuss a recent situation. It has been reported to us that some of you young ladies have ventured into the Evergreen unchaperoned.”

With grey hair streaked every colour of the arura she smiled in a grandmotherly way. Viky was not fooled; the old shrewd eyes didn’t smile.

Odeet continued “It is inexcusable that any woman should experience or expose herself to harm. It is our belief all of you are complicit and involved with this endeavour, but we wish to hear your defence.”

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Why was a defence necessary? Viky wrestled with self-reproach. She should have known the Godmothers wouldn’t support any worthwhile endeavour.

“You,” the tall angular Godmother stuck a bony finger at Maddie. “What is your name? Tell us of your involvement. Weigh your words with care.”

“I am Maddiisa Your Grace, and I didn’t know venturing into the Evergreen unchaperoned was a matter for concern. Three of us went, so we were careful and took measures to keep safe. It was my idea; the others were not to blame.”

“Your idea? Yours alone?”

How well did the Godmothers know Maddie? Tushii and Jess were smart enough to realise Maddie didn’t have many original thoughts. Isobeel would be able to work it out as well, if she bothered to put her mind to it.

Shaar lifted her chin in defiance. The action attracted the attention of Godmother Odeet.

“You have something to say child?” She asked.

“My sister and I have the proper authorization to run a small enterprise. We were commended for our initiative when we initially put forth the proposal. Although we didn't go into the Evergreen, nobody told us it was off limits. Harvesting raw materials ourselves makes economic sense. I thought we would have your approval as it is sensible to selling products made by others in our sisterhood, expanding our business. As long as the workmanship is of a high standard.”

“Foolish child, sensible people do not need to be told not to place their hands in a fire. If your elders have been so negligent in your education that you need instruction for basic life skills, I pity your daughters as you have nothing to contribute to their lives.” Godmother Odeet sneered.

Harsh. And fundamentally flawed logic. With the proper protection every man and woman attending the hearth back at home removed cooking implements from the fire. You just had to know what you were doing.

“You, what part have you to play in this disgraceful mess.” the condemning finger moved to Tushii and was met with an unruffled serenity.

“My name is Tushii your grace.” Clear and concise Tushii spoke with conviction, looking in turn, at each stern Godmother’s face. “I am from an honourable family who have recently found themselves under some financial distress. The allure of honestly obtaining extra sequin, employing skills I enjoy using, did perhaps influence my decision to go along with the plan. I personally would not have ventured into the Evergreen. I do not I have the skills or mental and emotional disposition for such an endeavour And I'm currently with child. But when I found out some of my sisters had been to the Evergreen was not surprised. I do not believe they put themselves in extreme danger doing so.”

Viky wanted to interject. If they were all going to have to speak it was better to be seen as an eager participant and maintain some form of control. She could form the thought, will her mouth to speak, but no sounds resulted.

“You, name and involvement.” Odeet swivelled her podgy digit at Jess.

“Lady Jessaaray. I went into the Evergreen with Maddie and Viky to gather Grip Vine Ropes so they could be made into belts. At no time did I feel I was in mortal danger, and I didn't know we were doing anything so terribly wrong. I am so sorry to have displeased you.”

Viky hadn’t been sure if Jess was going to play with defiance or naïveté. Her answer wasn't a bad mix. And it had been very carefully worded.

“Which one of you is Viky?” Odeet’s question was evidently rhetorical she shifted her gaze and then pointed the finger at Viky’s chest.

“Speak.”

A shudder ran up Viky’s spine, settled as a bundle of detachment at the back of her head. Storm blast, how did they always know? She had been controlling her features. Internally groaning, collected her thoughts, Viky struggled to shake a chilly mental lethargy creeping into her consciousness. The deep knowledge and sagacity of the Godmothers was legendary, but it must have limits, otherwise why were they bothering to ask question?

“Your Grace, I used to enjoy weaving Grip vine belts back at the Rifts, have been enthusing about them. They are awfully practical, and Tushii’s carving is so beautiful. We didn’t go far. The guards even gave us a friendly wave. We didn’t mean to make trouble for anyone.”

She hoped to have reached the right level of innocence while acknowledging an acceptable amount of the blame.

Odeet’s features momentarily softened, before returning to the furrowed composition.

Questions were shot at Moves-like-a-river and Gabreel, but they had genuinely not been involved and had nothing to add. Isobeel was not questioned. Viky wondered if she was exempt because of her family’s status or because they considered her too inane to weigh in on the discussion. Either reason was wrong, but it was a moot point because Isobeel hadn't been involved. Or maybe they just realised venturing into the Evergreen would ruin exquisitely lovely slippers and perfectly manicured fingernails.

The godmother who had not introduced herself chuckled quietly. The interview concluded with her intoning a warning delivered in an expressionless voice and an indifferent attitude. When they were dismissed Viky was left with the impression she was missing a subtext. Or three.

Tushii put her forefinger to her lips, looking at them fugitively as they gathered sleeping children. Gabreel stood with relief, not quite supressing a groan, as the Sisterhood departed.

“Well, that’s an experience I don't want repeat regularly.” Isobeel sighed with dramatic flair.

“They, didn't even question you.” Tushii said.

“You all felt their power, didn't you? I know I'm extra sensitive to things like that, but you had to have felt something, didn't you?” Isobeel raised a perfectly arched eyebrow.

A few of the women mumbled and acknowledgement.

“It’s true, my grandmother had the same power, or something similar,” Maddie said. “I could feel it, cold and a slight pressure in the back of my mind. If it’s any consolation the Godmothers using the skill will be chilled and have a massive headache after controlling so many people.”

“That must be why they only ever keep us for a short time,” Tushii frowned.

Viky faltered, shot Maddie a warning look. If her grandmother had the talent Maddie may have inherited and that sort of information was best closely guarded. A puzzled frown crossed her friends’ features. Cold, she shivered, not the delightful tingle of supressed excitement but a numb dread that grew in her heart and caught the breath while still in her throat.

“What will happen to your family Tushii?” Moves-like-a-river asked.

“I’m not sure, maybe I should ask the godmothers for help,” she replied bitterly.

“How much longer will their resources hold out?” Shaii asked.

“This rotation, maybe part of the next if they can get a good price for the family home. But the Warrens of Amaraanth have a substantial number of unsold and empty First Family Houses.” Tushii hid her disappointment under firm resolve.

“How did they let a first daughter, with a dependant family, into the women of the contribution anyway,” Jess asked.

“There are never enough second daughters to make up the quota, I wasn’t the only one, and this wasn’t the first time it’s happened.” Tushii’s reply was terse.

“It’s the same in everywhere,” Maddie added sympathetically. “Although some of that problem is resolved by Major House first born sons bonding women from the Trades or Crafts and the grandmother adopting her sons first born daughter as the heir.”

“Wouldn’t that be illegal?”

Tushii shrugged. “For every law a man makes, within a heartbeat there will be nine ways found, if not break it, at least to circumnavigate it.”

“If we can help out in any way let us know.” Gabreel said.

“I just need to be left alone to think.”

Viky understood. Would have liked to have been alone. To absorb the information and ruminate over its deeper ramifications. The chill etched in her bones wilted as a throbbing behind her temples grew.

“I wonder why it’s not that bad in The Rifts?” she muttered.

“What was that?” Gabreel asked.

“In The Rift, there are more boys than girls born, but most families have at least one daughter, many had a couple. I wondered why.”

“I was told the ratio was five to one, thought it was a universal truth. If we’d have known Rift families had daughter’s I would have just moved there instead of coming to Chruciaal.” Tushii sighed.

“No, the ratio varies according to city and rank. I don’t want to sound disrespectful to your people Viky, but Diggers, Xianees, isolated settlements of primitives and people of the trades always have more daughters than the nobility of any major city.” Gabreel said.

“My grandmother says it’s because men are always doing stupid things like fighting in wars or running of into the jungle, things that get themselves killed. With so many boys not going to live long enough to become men the world needs more male babies. And of course, the ones you don’t need for first or second sons become D’char, who are required for all the dangerous and boring jobs.”

Viky was struck with the injustice of life. So many situations were unfair. But controlling another’s mind, her personal sanctuary, was not even considered a crime. And now the Evergreen was off limits. Her personal freedom curtailed further. How had her parentals coped with living at the capital for ten rotations before escaping back to the Rifts?

Thinking about them was a mistake. Activating downward spiral of loss and longing. The mother had talked about conversations with the godmothers. You had to have a plan, and then hide A plan behind another. Viky wasn't even sure what that meant, and now it was too late to ask because there was nobody there to answer.