Mind Over Psyche by Karina L. Fabian Page B

Speaking of purpose, you and Tasmae figure out why we ’re here?”
    Deryl sighed as he joined him by the low wall. The maze Ocapo spoke of stretched to the horizon—forests, some glimmering, some a deep and lush green, flowery meadows, and a tangle of deep valleys. To the right, a mountain range, including Joshua’s volcano, created a jagged line against the sky. How long had it been since he’d seen a view that didn’t end in manicured trees “hiding” A stone wall and the threat of restraints should he try to scale it? Would anyone stop him if he took off across the com pound now?
    â€œI don’t know. I’m not even sure we talked about it.”
    â€œWhat does t hat mean?”
    He could run through the gate and out to the meadow. How far would he get? He couldn’t remember what it felt like to run in something other than a circle. “I don’t know. Leinad thinks the answers might be in the Rem embrance.”
    Ru n and run.
    â€œWha t’s that?”
    Deryl pulled himself from his fantasy. He shifted to face Joshua, wondering how far he could push his friend’s credulity. “It’s a plant, that, um, psychically stores memories.”
    As expected, Joshua crossed his arms and leaned back. Cochise gave a disgruntled chirrup and left his shoulders to perch on the wall. “You’re kidding? So, what? She has to go ask this plant about its memories?”
    â€œActually, it stores the memories of another Kanaan. She’ll psychically link with the plant and re-experience those memories.” The answer came smoothly, though he hadn’t realized he’d known it. It must have been in the tangle Tasmae had given him when they’d touched. What had she taken from him, then? He suppressed a shiver.
    Joshua gave a short, disbelieving laugh. “And the memories of some dead guy are going to hel p us how?”
    â€œI do n’t know.”
    â€œOkay,” Joshua rubbed his temples before speaking again. “She’s obviously not going to relive someone’s whole life. How long will t his take?”
    â€œI don’t know!” However, more of the images were coming together, and his anxiety grew as they did.
    â€œWell, what do you know?” Joshu a snapped.
    â€œShe’s scared!” Deryl snapped back. “Remembrances can be dangerous—and this one is the worst of all. And it’s all my fault!”
    â€œWhat?”
    Deryl buried his head in his hands, grabbing his hair and pulling as the last thread of knowledge revealed itself to him. “Gardianju was the first Miscria. The first to contact me. And I drove he r insane.”
    Joshua gripped his shoulders. “Are you sure?” He hissed.
    â€œI don’t know,” Deryl moaned. “This is Tasmae’s knowledge—what she shared with me—and I don’t think she’s thought about it this way.”
    â€œWhich is my point about experiencing someone’s memories, anyway! Listen: if you’re not sure, then calm down before you freak someone out. Don’t make assumptions, especially ones that will get us into more trouble. Let’s just figure out what will satisfy them as to our ‘purpose,’ so we can get out of here. Okay? Deryl, lo ok at me.”
    At Joshua’s strong voice, Deryl let out a shaky sigh and met his friend’s gaze. Joshua held it, his own breathing slow and relaxed, and emanating a confidence Deryl knew he didn’t feel. Still, Deryl bega n to calm.
    Joshua released him. “Better. So, you’ve been teaching Taz strategy, right? What if she’s just totally missing something important? Something that could help them win the war? If you figure that out and set them straight, that could fulfill your purpos e, right?”
    Deryl shrugged. It made sense. “But what a bout you?”
    Joshua rolled his eyes. “Who else is going to keep you on track? Shall we try?”