Night Tide

"After Mri'lien slew the evil reggaj with her sword, she healed Tymar of his wounds. On his wide back, the great takar carried the lady and her lord out of the white lands. His huge wings darkened the clouds as he crossed the blue vault of the sky, and returned them to their mountain home. Over the many seasons of their long lives, Mri'lien and Tymar only grew richer in love and happiness. To this day, the tigers of the Northern River praise the clan rulership of the Lady, and the wise counsel of her Lord-Consort."

The mystic looked up from the leather-bound book from which he had recited the popular tale from ancient times. He turned his attention to the tigress cub who sat next to him on a large chair set near the hearth. Mei happily cuddled her ragged doll in an expression of her delight. The legend of Mri'lien and Tymar was one that she never tired of hearing.

"Another?" Tir'shan asked. The frail youngster shook her head from side to side. Her sleepy yawn gave way to coughing. The mystic pulled a handkerchief from the pocket in his blue robe, and placed it against her mouth. A clump of yellow mucus moistened the white linen square. With the clean edge of the cloth, he wiped her face dry.

Mrísena, how much longer must she suffer? he silently asked the Goddess. Her lungs work too hard against this filth that clogs them. Even the bronchial cleansing that I gave her but a short time ago has done little to relieve her distress this night. Trying to keep the worry from his deep voice, he said, "Better?"

"Yes, 'Shan," Mei answered. The amber eyes that calmly regarded him belonged in a face many seasons older.

"Then, it's time for bed," he replied lamely, uncomfortable under the scrutiny of one seemingly wiser than her peers. He rose from the chair. Taking a pewter bowl off the mantle, he dropped the fouled cloth into the vessel. He crossed the room, and reached the wooden chest that abutted one wall of the stone cottage. Lifting the heavy lid, he pulled a blanket from the box.

"Will you stay with me?" Mei asked.

"Of course," Tir'shan replied, once again sitting next to his charge. "Your shift is thin. Let me cover you. There is a bit of a chill this spring night." Giggling, the youngster complied with his request. Tir'shan reached over to the squat table adjacent to the chair, and retrieved several small pillows, which he arranged on his lap. "Sleep well, little one," Tir'shan murmured, gently kissing the patch of orange fur marking the cub's brow.

"Don't forget Lord Titir," she said, pulling the doll from under the blanket, and offering him to the mystic.

"A restful night, my lord," he said to the sad-faced cloth figure, who wore the simple clothing of a commoner, not a noble.

Mei lay across the mystic's legs, the stack of pillows helping her to breath by keeping her torso elevated. The mystic rested his arm across the cub, and began to hum a lullaby that he knew pleased her. In a few minutes, the cub's breathing slowed to a rhythm consistent with sleep.

The flames that gave the room light flickered languidly. The mystic slouched. Standing watch in one of the few houses that stood between the city and the temple was one of his easier duties, but one that could be boring. His fatigue from a full day of work had only made his chore more difficult to perform. Stay awake! Tir'shan chided himself, fighting against the relaxing spell cast by the inviting hearth. If a medical situation occurs that the mystic in town cannot resolve, you must be ready to assist. He shifted his gaze to the window that faced the west. The torches that marked the isolated temple of Mrísena glowed faintly in the distance.

It's a cool night. No one from town or temple will send a messenger, he decided as he contemplated closing his eyes for several minutes. The wind rattled the panes. Tir'shan straightened. Better not, he thought. The Goddess would not appreciate her priest shirking his duty. A stronger gust shook the windows. Rain? he wondered. That will make the road a path of mud.

His heart suddenly grew heavy. Must be hell for Ta'hir, he thought as he remembered the tiger who lived in self-imposed exile on the plateau to the west of the temple. On that rock, there is little protection for him from the elements.

Sadness gave way to annoyance. Fool tiger! I thought that the information that I had given him from the asira'savi would coax him down. The mystic rubbed his tired eyes as his anger faded. Who can blame Ta'hir if he doesn't believe the water serpents? I also find it difficult to believe that an additional ship survived the exodus from Thundera. Have our people truly populated another world? When will the asira'savi know for certain?

The patter of rain softened the harsher music of the wind. Struggling to keep his eyes opened, Tir'shan watched the ribbons of water that streaked the window. Although not much time has passed since my last trek up the plateau, perhaps I should visit Ta'hir again, he thought with concern.

The lights from the temple disappeared behind a veil of fog that slowly rolled toward the cottage. No one will come, the mystic decided. His strong body became stone. Darkness blotted out the warming light. The night sounds faded one by one until only a gentle tapping remained. His exhausted brain finally identified the insistent noise. Someone is at the door!

His rock heavy body refused to move. His lashes held his eyes firmly shut. The words of greeting stayed locked in his throat. What is happening to me! he thought with horror.

In his prison of blackness, his ears became his only allies. The sliding of the wooden bolt, although an impossible occurrence, heralded an entry, but of whom, he was unsure. The door creaked on its hinges as the unseen intruder pushed it open. A new spiral of panic tightened the solid muscles of Tir'shan's chest. I must protect Mei, but how!

Someone padded toward him. The light footfalls could have easily belonged to a harmless cub or a lethal jan'nirri, an invisible warrior. The intruder halted before him. Mrísena help us! Tir'shan prayed.

Power electrified the mystic, and restored his sight. Tir'shan found himself across the room from where he had sat. To his surprise, he gazed upon himself. Although the white giant snored loudly, the noise did not disturb the dosing cub draped across his legs. Tir'shan reached out to his other self. He suddenly realized that he could see through his hands. Rainbow light streamed from his insubstantial form. A wispy silver cord, that changed its length to accommodate his movements, wrapped loosely around his ankles. It snaked toward his comatose body, keeping spirit and matter connected. This feels so real, yet can this be but a dream? he wondered, astonishment still numbing his thoughts.

Softly spoken words rose up from the stone floor, and filled his mind. *Life is but one of many dreams, mystic.*

Tir'shan glanced down. A white tigress kitten, whose form was as unclothed, transparent and colorfully rimmed as his own, stood beside him. Her storm-blue eyes regarded him calmly.

A thousand questions flooded his brain. Each one fought for expression. One finally broke free. *Who!* Tir'shan demanded with mind-speech, the only form of communication open to him.

*Search your heart, Tir'shan. You know the answer,* she answered somberly. The little apparition floated toward the sleeping pair. She gestured toward the cub.

The simple movement gave him the answer he sought. The weight of her revelation made his spirit body darken red with anguish. *Name of the Goddess, I never expected the One Who Brings the Silence to wear such a form as yours!* he cried.

*I am not that one. I am a guide. I know the grief that you already carry, and the grief that you will earn, but you must set aside your selfishness. With your help, Mei's passing will be easier.*

The spectrum of light around his form changed to a muddy grey in shame. *What must I do?*

*Call her. She will come to you.*

The mystic nodded in understanding. He regarded the sleeping cub. He thought of her laughter; her teasing; and her intelligence. His form became a sorrowful green. It would take many seasons for the pain of her passing to depart from his memories. The violet light of his priesthood blended with the green, and eased some of his hurt. It is best that she goes to the silence, he rationalized, but it is so unfair. A bastard like Trel lives, yet this sweet one dies. Mrísena, where is the justice in this!

Mei's breathing had slowed to a point where he could no longer discern it. *It is time, Tir'shan.* The white tigress floated toward the open door, and stood under the frame.

He called to the cub with all the love that he could muster. His body blazed silver-gold. *Mei, come forth!*

A white light spilt from the sleeping youngster like a waterfall. The puddle of luminescence reformed into a figure. The ghost cub regarded her surrounding in awe, not fear.

*Little Mei.*

The tender thought touched the cub. Her body shimmered with rainbow light in happiness. *I feel so good, 'Shan!* she exclaimed. She was unaware that she had addressed him telepathically, an impossibility for one of her race who was so young.

Mei drifted toward him. The edge of her aura blended with his. His sadness shaded her color fields with dark patches of green. The cub pulled back in apprehension. *What's wrong, 'Shan?* Her amber eyes suddenly narrowed in realization of the strange condition in which she found herself. *Oh, 'Shan, what has happened to me!*

The cub's fright shot through the mystic like arrows. He knelt beside his charge. The youngster reached for him. She gasped in surprise when her hand moved through his. Sparks of gold danced between them.

*Only by our auras can we touch, little one,* Tir'shan said, trying to comfort the youngster. He visualized blue light streaming from his hands. His thought took form. The brilliant tendrils wrapped Mei in coils of love. The cub's quaking ceased.

*Am I dead?* she asked solemnly.

*Only your body has died, dear one. Your light lives on, so you should not fear the journey which lies ahead.*

*You're a spirit too. Are you coming with me?* The hope in her question made her form pulse a happy yellow.

*No,* the mystic answered with a hint of regret. He indicated the silver cord. *My spirit is still bound to my body. I must remain behind. There are others who need my help. You are about to undertake the great voyage with one who will care for you.* The mystic turned toward the door, and indicated the figure that the cub had not yet noticed. The white tigress bowed in greeting.

*What's your name? You look older than me. You sure have a big nose.*

The stranger smiled, ignoring the insult to her strong features. *I have too many to tell, but you may call me Am'mril, for that is the last one that I left behind in the River.* The mirth faded from her expression. Her aura flickered with indigo. *We must be going, Mei,* she said. *At the River, you will understand all.* She pointed to the inky blackness beyond the door.

*Tir'shan,* Mei whispered with a finality that burned her color fields red.

*Go, dear one,* the mystic replied. He fought against his sorrow by flooding his aura with a peaceful blue that he hoped would allow the cub to begin her journey in peace.

*Lord Titir!* Mei shouted. She quickly floated back to her reclining body. She passed her hand though the blanket that covered her material self. When she pulled it back, it remained empty. *He can't come, can he, 'Shan,* she said with unhappy acceptance.

*He is of this world, not the next,* Tir'shan replied, unable to keep his pain from his thoughts.

Noting his hurt, the cub drifted back toward him. *Don't be sad, 'Shan.* Her aura suddenly blazed gold. *You can find Lord Titir another friend. Oh, please help him!*

The tears that the mystic wanted to shed could not fall from his spirit eyes. *I promise you that I will find him a new home, little one.* Tir'shan glanced at the kitten who waited patiently by the door. *Time to go, Mei. Don't be afraid. The Goddess and Am'mril will keep you safe. Come. Let's go together to the portal. A new and happier life waits for you beyond the dark.*

They floated in silence to the door. *Follow me without fear, little sister. You will not become lost,* Am'mril said. The older youngster passed into the darkness. Her brilliance illuminated a stone path.

*Goodbye, 'Shan,* Mei said, and crossing the threshold, floated after the older tigress. Their light grew dimmer as they continued their journey in the void. Before they disappeared, the distant figure of Mei turned, and faced the mystic. * I love you 'Shan. Remember me.*

His anguish threatened to ripe apart the delicate veil of his soul. *Mei!* Tir'shan shouted. He tried to cross the portal, but the silver cord tightened and restrained him. He watched in helplessness as the blackness extinguished the light of both the red tigress and the white. *Little one,* he cried softly, turning away, and drifting back toward his sleeping form. His sight deserted him. The cottage plunged into darkness. Only an insistent knocking remained.

"Name of the Goddess, open this door, Tir'shan!"

"Can you hear us, mystic?"

Tir'shan awoke. He instantly recognized the female voices, one angry, the other concerned, that emanated from beyond the closed door, but ignored them. He stroked the black stripes patterning the orange mane of the dead cub that lay across his long legs. "No dream," he wailed. He gathered Mei and her doll in his arms, and held them to his chest. "It was no dream," he sobbed, his body shaking with grief.

"Tir'shan, you must come at once!" Te'sara exclaimed.

"Ta'hir has returned!" Kalyn'ri added.

Amazement crept into the mystic's burdened heart, allowing him momentarily to disregard his loss. Cradling the lifeless cub, Tir'shan stood. He moved to the door, and undid the bolt. Stepping away from the portal, he said, "Enter." Two cloaked and robed tigresses, one white and one red, appeared.

Te'sara grumbled, "Why in all the seven hells did you keep us--" Noticing Tir'shan's expression, she became silent.

The red tigress, who had recently relinquished her title and life of privilege to become a healer, marked the change in her abrasive companion. "What is wrong, a'drin'a?"

Te'sara ignored Kalyn'ri's question. She said abruptly to the mystic, "Mei is gone. It is Ta'hir who now needs your help. I do not wish him to return to exile. Speak to him, and convince him to remain, for I fear he still has doubts regarding his descent."

Considering Te'sara's stern words, Tir'shan accepted the finality of what had occurred to Mei. He shifted his focus to the tiger whom he had coaxed down from his plateau. "I will speak to Ta'hir. If he has come this far, I believe he will stay."

Kalyn'ri, finally understanding what had transpired, lowered her eyes in embarrassment. "Is there anyway that I can help, Tir'shan. I should have realized that the cub had crossed into the silence. Forgive me for my obtuseness."

Tir'shan parted the blankets that covered Mei, and drew forth her doll. "Until I can find this sad-faced fellow a new home, as Mei charged me, please keep him in your care, Kalyn'ri," he asked, giving the old toy to the tigress. "You would do me a great service if you could help me in this matter."

The middle-aged Thunderan smiled in gratitude. "I am still so new to the healing path. Thank you for trusting me, Tir'shan."

"Long have you been a healer, Kalyn'ri, so there is no need to judge yourself harshly. We are only formalizing your training," he replied. Out of habit, he bowed slightly to the lady, and added, "Please excuse me. Besides counseling Ta'hir, I must hasten back to the temple, so that others may guard Mei's body, and begin the preparations for her funeral."

"Didn't you bring a cloak," Te'sara growled as he headed with his precious bundle for the door.

"Elder, when have you ever known me to be sensible," he called back, exiting the cottage, and entering the night.

The weather had cleared; the winds had eased; but the road had become slippery and treacherous. Tir'shan barely watched his footing. He continued to reflect on the evening's strange events with little regard for the pockets of mud that fouled his sandals.

Life may be a dream, but it is also like the sea, he thought. Mrísena has called Mei to a distant shore, but she has returned Ta'hir from his lost wanderings. The Goddess gave me a task to help me endure my loss, and for that, I am grateful.

The mystic halted and regarded the stars. They are truly our kin, for our light, like theirs, endures in eternity. Peace cloaked him, and lightened his footsteps. May my passing be as meaningful as Mei's, he prayed as he headed west toward the temple and home.