On the second chapter of Edirne, Rohanna arrives at Edirne, where a strange rumor is circulating about a long-lost heir.

The vehicle landed smoothly on Arad Aix, Edirne’s capital and the passengers got out of the transport module. Rohanna and Calah retrieved their bags and exited the vehicle together. The first step Rohanna took on Edirne made her flinch. There’s no going back now.

“Well, it has definitely been busier since I was here last.” Calah said. “What are all these people here for? Edirne isn’t exactly the most stable place in the galaxy right now.”

The transport technician, who was bent over checking the vehicle’s engine, heard him and said, “Some people are attracted to chaos, sir. The more chaotic a place is, the more they want to be there. Like flies, they are.” He wiped his greased hands on a rug. “Some, who are the curious types, are just here to have a look-see. While others,” he shrugged, “are the ones who thrive where there is disorder and chaos.”

“Yes,” Rohanna nodded. “It is sad to see that, rather than helping, people sometimes take advantage of the situation.”

“And that is how it will be, miss.” The technician continued. “That is, until the new Upanasha is found.” Both Calah and Rohanna instantly turned to look at him. “Yes, the news is true. The heir to the Keeper’s seat is still missing and because of that Edirne’s future is very dim. The Keeper is the only one cure for the festering problems of Edirne and to kick out all those nosy types who have nothing better to do than feast on a planet’s misfortune. I swear, if it was up to me I?d?,” he stopped abruptly, realizing what he was about to say, and coughed self-consciously. “Um, pardon, miss.”

“Aren’t you expecting a bit too much?” asked Calah. “After all, the Upanasha is still just a person.”

The technician dismissed this with a wave of his greased hand. “Oh, don’t worry about that, sir. The Upanasha will bring Edirne back on its feet. You can be sure of that. And if the rumors are true, it?ll be sooner rather than later.”

Calah’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean by that?”

“Well, I’m not really sure, sir, but?but there has been some, ah? talk and, ah?” the technician stammered, “there are some rumors that the new Upanasha will be coming to Edirne very soon.” His voice dropped to a whisper at the last few words.

Calah stiffened. Rohanna was shocked. ‘really?” she asked.

The technician beamed at suddenly being the knowledgeable one. “Oh, the flyers have been talking about it for weeks now, miss. They say that the new Keeper will be traveling incognito. We’re all jumping out of our skins in anticipation.”

“Oh.” Rohanna glanced at Calah and saw him staring at something only he could see, thinking. “Calah?”

He immediately lost the glazed look in his eyes. “Um? Oh.” Turning to the technician, he asked, “Traveling incognito? You mean the Upanasha is going to ride public transport and will be disguised as an ordinary citizen?” He laughed. “That’s preposterous!”

The technician frowned. “It is no joke, sir. Talks of air flyers are almost always right because they are, more so, based on the truth.” He looked straight at them. “You might never know. The Upanasha might be in this landing station right now.”

Again, Rohanna saw Calah stiffen but she remained silent. She wasn’t going to intrude on whatever thoughts were running through his head, though she desperately wanted to.

“Thank you, sir.” Rohanna heard Calah speak. “We must get going now. Again, thank you for your time.” He picked up his bags and walked towards the sliders as Rohanna followed him.

They had just walked a few meters before Calah stopped. He was looking away again, a glazed look in his eyes. Why does he act so strange whenever the Upanasha is mentioned? Rohanna thought. Can it be? Maybe he’s the? No. Impossible! But?

“Is someone going to fetch you?” Calah’s voice invaded her thoughts.

She shook her head. “I don’t think so. You?”

“Only a few people know I’m coming. I prefer to keep it that way until the right time comes.”

“Right time?”

Calah looked at her sheepishly. “I’m sorry about being mysterious but I would like to keep my presence here unknown. For the time being, at least. But I give you my word that it is not anything bad or illegal. I do hope you do not tell anyone.”

She knew that he was telling the truth, though how she could not tell; she had no idea why she trusted him, but trusted him she did. “I have no problem with that, as long as you also keep our meeting between the two of us. Oh, and I give you my word that it’s not anything bad or illegal.” She grinned.

Calah grinned. “Agreed.”

They approached the sliders together and as they reached the structures both unconsciously slowed their steps, “Which slider are you boarding?” Rohanna asked.

“Ishika. How about you?”

He’s going to the capital city? Why? “Gayand. I’m going to see my mother.”

Calah smiled but his eyes held a hint of sadness as he spoke. “That means that this is where we must part ways.” He held out a hand to her which she accepted. “It was a real pleasure meeting you Rohanna. I do hope we meet each other again.” He kissed the back of her hand.

“I am sure of that.” Rohanna felt a twinge in her heart. Goodbyes. . . always goodbyes…

Picking up his bags, Calah threw her one last look. “Goodbye then.”

“Goodbye.” She watched Calah step inside the slider and his figure disappear inside the tunnel-like structure. Heaving a sigh, she picked up her suitcase and headed for the Gayand slider.

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