Hierarchy (Book Four of the Torrent Skies Saga)

Chapter Three: Solidarity And Separation

Fykes' dreams were puzzling. He was used to vibrant colors, and a peaceful feeling. But last night they had been odd. Someone was calling to him. Reaching out from a vast, bright place that he could not quite perceive. All the strangeness of the dreams faded into less than memory as he opened his eyes. Stretching an arm across the bed, he noticed the lack of warmth. The lack of Katerin.

He sat up in confusion. She almost never woke before he did. Judging by the lack of any warmth under the furs and blankets, she had been awake awhile. He frowned, found his clothes and his boots, and made his way downstairs.

Leaving the bedroom, he did not notice that Katerin's robe was still on its peg by the door.

Pilard had coffee set out for him on the table, and another cup beside it, but the main hall was quiet. Almost eerie in its emptiness. Taking his cup, he poked his head out the door, to watch Zino, Bandin, and Rykir, as they worked to move carts of hay toward the barn.

"Is Katerin out here? There's coffee for her."

"No, my lord," Zino said, with a smile. "Haven't seen her this morning."

Fykes smiled and went back inside. Pilard was busy in the kitchen chopping roots and tossing them into a large pot along with the leg bones of what he guessed to be a cow or something larger. Dinner, most likely.

Curious, he made his way to Katerin's office, and found it empty. Suddenly the silence weighed on him. He took a breath and made his way back to the main hall. It's nothing, he told himself.

Brazen groggily wandered down the stairs, wearing only his pants and a cloak that was halfway tied around his shoulders. He had a few scratches on his arms.

Fykes smiled. "You look like you had a night."

"Cat got stuck, and the silks fell from the ceiling. Took a while to put them back." Brazen said groggily, picking up the spare cup of coffee, and burying his face into the mug.

"Have you seen Katerin?" Fykes' toe tapped the floor as he asked.

Brazen blinked, as if thinking was difficult. "No. She okay?"

Fykes shrugged. "I'm sure she's fine. She must've gone to the library."

"We have to get the hay in today, right?"

"Mmm," Fykes said, stretching. He and Brazen talked over the best way to move the hay with breakfast, finished their coffee, and set out.

By noon they had the feed for the animals managed, and Fykes brushed off his shirt before making his way back into the manor. Still, he had seen no sign of Katerin.

His fingers drumming on his arm, he left, making his way toward the Abstract Imblemgnomium. He told himself it was fine, and that nothing was out of the ordinary. He was guessing she had woken up, gotten either curious or nervous, and fallen asleep against a pile of books. He smiled to himself as he thought of it. She had a tendency to do that quite often.

Browsing the short aisles at the Abstract Imblemgnomium, he never saw Katerin. He checked the small storeroom to the side where the newly arrived scrolls sat, but it was empty. Her bag and cloak were not hung on the pegs, either.

Peeking up the steps, Fykes saw the small curtain in place, but he did not hear voices. Approaching, he called, "Typhon? Are you busy?"

"Typhon isn't here," replied a scratchy voice. There was a strange sound, and suddenly the curtain pulled aside to reveal Wiggus, who was scooting across the floor on a round piece of metal, under a board.

"Is Katerin?" Fykes asked, feeling hopeful.

The wild-looking gnome paused, looked around the mess of a workshop, and finally shook his head. "I don't see her." He gestured for Fykes to come in.