Chapter 9: 20:00 (28 Hours Remaining)

Vivi strolled around the castle. It was his rest break, but he wasn't tired. His mind was whirling too much for his body to think of sleep, or even sitting down. He wondered if Cal was hurt, or scared. Personally he felt the way Cal had acted just previously, the 'sting,' and his disappearance were linked.

How could I be so stupid? he berated himself. He stopped to sit down right where he was, in the middle of a hall, and put his head in his hands. I should've known that something was wrong, insisted that we get his checked right away, or stayed together. Calan, I'm so sorry!

A frightening - no, terrifying! - thought abruptly crossed his mind, and he froze in place, shaking at it. What if I have to fight Calan? What if we have to -

"Father?" Valian's voice thankfully interrupted that line of thought. Vivi looked over to see all his remaining sons approaching. He got up, seeing their concerned expressions.

"I'm fine, my sons." His voice broke on the last word, and quickly they surrounded him, Val giving a comforting hug. Vivi fought back tears.

"We're heading to the temple," Nic said. "We thought if we keep thinking good things, maybe Cal will feel it. It might help."

"Come with us," Sola pleaded. vivi nodded, and they left the palace.

The Black Mages headed through the city, eliciting no more response than the usual citizens, though some looked at Vivi with a bit of awe. After all, every one knew of his heroic against the many threats once pitted against them. A few of the guards who wandered the streets took a moment to nod at them in greeting. It was clear that most of the people were accustomed to seeing Black Mages. At one time, that would have filled Vivi with pleasure, but not today.

They reached the temple, and went inside to see a certain youngster sitting in a pew, dangling his legs casually.

"Savander?" Vivi spoke up, and the Dunedi looked over and smiled.

"Hi."

"What are you going here? How did you find the temple?" Vivi asked as they moved to join him.

"I can always find holy places. And I'm here talking with the One."

"The One's here?" Ollan asked, looking around as if he expected to see someone. Savander giggled.

"The One can be anywhere he wants to be, and world, any plane. He's the One, who made the first something so all the other somethings could exist."

"What's he say?" Nic asked. Savander paused, as if listening, then replied,

"He says he's sad for us, for Calan, and that we can help him. If we do the right things in the right way, we'll win."

"He did?" Vivi felt a surge of hope. Savander nodded.

"We've got the power to save him. The One can't help us himself. It's not allowed, or a lot of bad stuff would happen as a result. But he says we can win, if we try." Savander paused again, then giggled.

"What?"

"He says you've got the right idea now, Vivi. Hope. Don't give up." Vivi managed to smile.

"Tell him I'll try."

"He knows. He can hear your heart, and your heart can hear him too, if you try."

"I wanna try," Val instantly said.

"Okay! Just sit real still, and listen with your heart, not your ears. You probably won't hear words." With typical child-like enthusiasm all of Vivi's sons closed their eyes to listen. Savander looked at their father. "You can too. It'll make you feel better." Abruptly Val's shoulder's relaxed.

"Hey! I felt something!"

"Me too!" agreed Nic a moment later. Sola, Turo, Ollan, all relaxed after feeling the same effect, one by one. At last, Vivi tried. He seriously doubted anything would happen. His concern for Cal cluttered his heart.

Suddenly, Vivi felt hands on his shoulders, warm and comforting. Calmness flooded his entire being, easing and sharing his burdens. He opened his eyes, and the sensation vanished. No one was behind him when he glanced.

Vivi looked at Savander, and the child just giggled.