Blood and Fire (Book 3)

by Marcus Alexander

  The pleasant sound of Treesong carried through the air and with it the scent of fresh sap and blooming lilies. As the two followed the gently curving path it flowed around several of Deepforest’s gigantic tree trunks to reveal a panoramic view of Sylvaris.

  Sadly, the city was not what it had once been. But the people of Sylvaris would not be allowing the city to remain in such a sorry state for long. As soon as Bane’s forces had been defeated and the last of the Stowyrms torn from the skies, the inhabitants had set to work rebuilding the city from its ashes. Stoman soldiers and Stonesingers judged guilty of their crimes were working in supervised chain gangs clearing the land of detritus and waste. Tremen, Humans and free Stomen were planting new saplings and measuring foundations so that the fabled towers of Sylvaris could rise up once more. Clustered in scattered groups were the true architects of the city’s revival, the Treesingers. Their song teased saplings into spurts of rapid growth, sending the young trees climbing into the air, their bark thickening and their branches dividing into fresh limbs heavy with green leaves. Those who weren’t intent on replenishing Deepforest’s trees were busy using their powers to grow fresh towers. Floor by floor, new buildings began to take shape, growing right before Charlie’s delighted eyes.

  ‘I … I can’t believe it,’ she said. ‘The speed of it still amazes me.’

  ‘It’ll take long months before Sylvaris reclaims its former splendour,’ said E’Jaaz. ‘But you’re right, it’s a sight to behold, is it not? A sight like none other! And Lady Dridif is keen to take advantage of this rebuilding – she aims to make the city more than it was before. There will be new bridges, wider boulevards, better organized marketplaces, more schools and, of course, a new K’Changa amphitheatre.’

  Charlie grinned and was about to reply when a massive bundle of fur knocked her from her feet and proceeded to lick her face like it was going out of fashion.

  ‘Sic Boy! Good to see you … but hey, enough with the licking! Let me up, you big oaf!’ She struggled to her feet and gave the large dog a disapproving look, then, unable to resist, gave him a hug. ‘It’s good to see you, boy. I’m glad you made it through everything in one piece.’

  ‘Groof!’

  ‘Hey, blossom!’ called a familiar voice.

  ‘Kelko!’ Charlie grinned. Her day kept getting better. ‘What are you doing here? I thought you were supposed to be helping the Jade Circle?’

  ‘I was but I figured that after all me hard work as a general I deserved some time off for good behaviour,’ he said with a shrug, then went on to add, ‘The Jade Circle has been so busy with governing the lands that they haven’t got around ta removing me honorary title. I figure I’ve got another couple of days of abusing me position before they demote me so I’m going ta enjoy it while I can.’

  ‘You’re a bad man,’ said E’Jaaz with an approving smile.

  ‘I do me best,’ said Kelko, smirking.

  ‘Kelko?’ began Charlie.

  ‘Wot is it, blossom?’

  ‘I … Well, is there any news about my parents? I mean …’

  ‘Ah … Charlie, freeing yer parents is going ta take the Winged Ones a while. It’s not an easy process, and ta ensure yer parents their safety the Winged Ones are going ta have ta take their time. However, if yer’ve got a minute or two, Jensen and I have a little something for ya that might take yer mind off the waiting …’

  ‘What is it?’

  ‘Pfft. I’m not going ta tell ya now, am I? That’d spoil the surprise. Now if ya would, how about following old General Kelko dis way?’

  ‘Hold up,’ said E’Jaaz. ‘I think this would be the perfect moment for me to say my goodbyes.’

  ‘Goodbyes?’ asked Charlie, a little shocked.

  ‘Don’t worry,’ chuckled E’Jaaz. ‘It’s not a you’ll never see me again goodbye. It’s more of a I’ll be gone for a couple of months but promise to come back later kind of goodbye.’

  ‘Where are you going?’ asked Charlie.

  ‘Brazil.’

  ‘Brazil? You mean Brazil on Earth?’

  ‘Yes. It’s where Marsila’s house and Gateway is. With things settling down over here someone is going to have to take on the duty of watching her patch and I figure it should be me.’

  ‘Wot are ya going ta do over there?’ asked Kelko.

  ‘Honestly? I’m going to relax. I want a chance to get my strength back before I’m sent off on my next Keeper’s mission. Besides, it’ll be great to see where Marsila lived. I’ve also persuaded some Stonesingers to craft a statue of her; I’m not sure where to put it, here or in Brazil. But there’s no rush and I like the idea of having a chance to think things through. Charlie?’

  ‘Huh? What?’ said Charlie, clearly lost in the thought of maybe one day visiting Marsila’s old home herself.

  ‘Hug, please.’

  ‘Oops.’ Charlie went over and pulled him into a warm embrace. ‘Will I be able to reach you?’

  ‘Of course. You’re a Keeper. Travel is always going to be quick and easy for you so if you feel like you need some sun and a Brazilian breakfast, drop by any time. The Bellanian entrance to Marsila’s Gateway is near the southern fishing village of Pherose. Lady Dridif will give you directions if you can’t get there through Earth.’

  He gave Charlie another hug, flashed both her and Kelko a brilliant smile, then pulled open a Portal and disappeared.

  Sic Boy nudged Charlie in the side and with a groof indicated with his head that she should follow Kelko. The three of them weaved through the outskirts of Sylvaris, allowing them a further chance to admire the new growth and rising buildings before heading back into the forest proper. There they found Jensen, Nibbler and several other Tremen in a grassy clearing. A wide circle had been burned into the grass and off to one side a barbecue smouldered.

  ‘Me little Hippotomi!’ called Jensen with an easy smile. ‘Are ya ready?’

  ‘Ready for what?’

  Jensen pulled a brightly coloured zephyr from a bag and tossed it teasingly from hand to hand. ‘Why, for a game of K’Changa, of course. From wot I’ve heard it’s been a while since yer last game so it only makes sense that we take the opportunity ta beat ya while ya’re not at yer best.’

  ‘What?’ snorted Charlie. ‘What kind of sportsmanship is that?’

  ‘Cheeky sportsmanship!’ replied Jensen with an even larger smile. ‘Drums, please!’

  A fiery rhythm filled the clearing as the Tremen began to pound upon their drums.

  ‘Right!’ said Kelko, jumping into the circle. ‘Winner gets first dibs on lunch and the loser has ta treat everyone else ta drinks and dinner!’

  ‘Ha!’ retorted Charlie. She slid into the ring and began to slink from stance to flowing stance. ‘You’re on!’

  The Delightful Brothers and their mounts perched on top of one of the southernmost peaks that rose from the Western Mountains. To the north of them lay the city of the Western Mountains. Winged Ones flew in the skies, patrolling the land and ensuring that the new Stoman council would heed their demands for peace. To the south lay the Slumbering Hills and beyond that lay the glitter of the Chiming Grounds. Past the Chiming Grounds lay lands that neither brother had visited.

  ‘What now, brother?’ asked Stix.

  Stones hefted his necklace with delight. A new tooth, far larger than any of the others, glinted in the afternoon sunlight. ‘I think we have outstayed our welcome. Perhaps it is time to move on?’

  ‘What about Charlie Keeper?’

  ‘I think the pain we have caused her will haunt her for life. There is no need to do more.’

  ‘But she’s a legend now. She’s the girl that took down Bane. Think what it would do for our reputation if we –’

  Stones lifted a hand to cut his brother short. ‘Forget Charlie Keeper. That little rabbit is old news. Let us look to the future. We are the Delightful Brothers! Let us forget Charlie Keeper’s legend and build our own!’

  ‘Build our own legend?’ Stix paused to r
ub one of his sword hilts. ‘I like that idea.’ Shielding his eyes from the sun, he looked north to the distant silhouettes of flying Winged Ones. ‘Those beasties might put a crimp on our style, though. I’m not a fan of waiting until their next Chrysalis Period for us to make our move.’

  ‘So let’s go somewhere else,’ said Stones. ‘Somewhere that the Winged Ones can’t reach us.’

  ‘A different realm?’

  ‘I was thinking about the hidden south. Now that Fo Fum has gone, there’s a power vacuum down there waiting to be filled. The Delightful Brothers would fill that void perfectly. Let us head past the Chiming Grounds, let us travel past the Great Deserts and part the Great Veil to reach the lands beyond. With Fo Fum out of the way we could defeat the Blind Monks and rule the Dark Temple of the Whispering Wind! We would be as kings! Our names would be shouted across the lands!’

  ‘I like it, brother!’ agreed Stix. His yellow eyes glinted with imagined glories. ‘A fitting future indeed.’

  Grinning contentedly, the two waited until the skies were clear of Winged Ones. Then, guiding their Stowyrms over the mountain crest, they disappeared from sight.

  The reputation of the Delightful Brothers would live on.

  70

  Nibbler

  After playing K’Changa for most of the afternoon and having enjoyed a succulent barbecued feast, the companions strolled back through the forest towards Sylvaris.

  ‘How did I lose?’ asked Charlie. ‘How?’

  Jensen and Kelko cracked up laughing.

  ‘Ah, lass, ya might be the legendary slayer of giants but ya still got a thing or two ta learn about K’Changa,’ said Jensen with a twinkle in his eye.

  Charlie mock-pouted. ‘I knew it was a mistake to agree not to use my Will. Of course, you know I won’t be able to buy you guys any dinner, right?’

  ‘Huh?’ said Kelko. ‘Why not?’

  ‘I’ve got no money.’ She turned the pockets of her trousers inside out to prove her point.

  ‘Maybe Jensen can lend you some?’ suggested Nibbler.

  Before Jensen could offer a suitably cheeky reply, they were interrupted by the flutter of wings. It was Hotstepper and Thief Cutter.

  ‘Apologies for interrupting you,’ said Hotstepper. ‘But Torn Moon and the Elders request that Charlie of the Keepers and our little brother meet with them.’

  ‘What? Now?’ asked Nibbler.

  ‘Now, little brother,’ said Thief Cutter.

  Charlie and Nibbler said their goodbyes to their friends. Climbing on Nibbler’s back, the two of them joined Hotstepper and Thief Cutter in the skies. As they circled the recuperating city they could see that a large crowd of Winged Ones had gathered near the Jade Tower. The four of them landed and made their way over to Torn Moon and Rocksteady’s side.

  ‘Child,’ said Torn Moon, addressing Nibbler. ‘My thanks for attending.’

  ‘Um, no problem,’ said Nibbler. ‘What’s this all about?’

  ‘We have asked you here today to help rebalance the scales. We need you to help swell the numbers of Keepers in this land. Will you aid us in this endeavour?’

  Nibbler looked to Charlie, then back to his elders. ‘Sure.’

  ‘And so it shall be done.’ Torn Moon raised her voice to address all of the Winged Ones gathered around her. ‘Our little brother has agreed to help us in Bellania’s time of need. Pay him tribute for his sacrifice.’

  All the Winged Ones reared back on to their hind legs and let loose a wave of flame that crackled into the skies.

  ‘Sacrifice?’ said Nibbler, more curious than alarmed.

  Torn Moon padded over and rested one of her great paws upon Nibbler’s head. In a quieter voice she said, ‘Child, remember that whatever happens here today, we will always love you.’

  Charlie, growing slightly anxious, tried to make her way to her friend’s side but found she couldn’t slip past the Winged Ones who crowded around Nibbler.

  ‘Charlie?’ he called in a hesitant voice.

  ‘Nibbler!’ shouted Charlie, feeling a surge of panic.

  ‘Ssh,’ said Hotstepper. ‘Worry not. We will not harm our little brother.’

  ‘What’s going on?’ asked Charlie.

  ‘Remember when Rumbling Hunger said that one day soon you might get to see what you call “magic”?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Well, today is that day. Stand back and watch.’

  The Winged Ones pressed forward, hiding Nibbler from sight with the bulk of their bodies. With the background sound of treesinging washing over them, the Winged Ones opened their mouths wide and spat forth great tides of light.

  Charlie blinked at the phenomenon. She had seen the dragons use flame and lightning before but never pure light. She blinked again when she realized the light was the same colour as her Will. Purest gold.

  The moment stretched, then one by one the Winged Ones closed their mouths. Standing back, they shuffled out of the way so Charlie could enter the circle.

  ‘Huh?’ said Charlie. She was more confused than she had ever been in her life. A very naked teenage boy crouched where Nibbler should have been. ‘What’s going on? Where’s … where’s Nibbler?’

  The Winged Ones didn’t speak. They only had eyes for the teenager. The boy stood hesitantly, then staggered as though unused to standing on his own feet. Regaining his balance, he looked down at his body. One of the adult Winged Ones, sensitive to the ways of Humans, tied a cape taken from a Jade councillor around the boy’s waist in an effort to preserve his dignity.

  ‘What?’ repeated Charlie. While a small part of her was quick enough to work out what had happened, the rest of her mind struggled to come to terms with the enormity of the occurrence. ‘I don’t get it. What did you guys do with Nibbler?’

  At the sound of the name, the boy started. He twisted round so he could look at her.

  ‘Charlie?’ he said in a voice that was instantly recognizable.

  ‘Nibbler?’

  She couldn’t believe it – how could a dragon be turned into a Human?

  The teenager seemed a little older than her, maybe fifteen or sixteen years of age. His body was layered with unbelievable muscle, giving him the appearance of an athlete or disciplined gymnast. But if his body was a work of finely chiselled art created by master sculptors, it looked as though apprentices had been allowed to work on his face. It was ridged and formed with hard, unforgiving lines. His jaw was too large, his cheeks too sharp and his nose surely too wide, but Charlie realized it was her friend the moment she saw his eyes. They were the same intense solid orbs of blue that she knew so well. She remembered the day when he had first appeared, flying over Narcissa’s tower to send gusts of flame at the Alavisian Watchmen who threatened her, and his eyes blazed with as much life now as they had then.

  As Charlie looked at her friend, now made mortal, she felt something melt in her heart.

  Nibbler as Human

  Nibbler stared at his hands in wonder, turning them this way then that. More bemused than shocked, he looked at his legs in surprise, even going so far as to give them an experimental pinch. But when he looked over his shoulders to discover an unexpected lack of feathers, his expression faltered, then grew horrified.

  ‘My w-wings …’ he garbled. ‘Where are …? WHERE ARE MY WINGS?’ His large blue eyes began to shed tears which trickled down his cheeks. ‘What have you done? What have you done to me?’

  Charlie’s feet moved without conscious thought and she found herself wrapping her friend into a comforting embrace. ‘I’ve got you, Nibbler,’ she said, doing her best to calm her anguished companion. ‘I’ve got you.’

  Aware that words were insufficient at a time like this, the Winged Ones moved closer to their little brother and the blonde-haired Keeper and covered them with their wings.

  Rocksteady gestured for Charlie to follow him. He led her away from the press of Winged Ones to where his queen waited patiently.

  ‘I can’t leave him,’ protested Ch
arlie. ‘He’s a wreck! He needs his friends around him.’

  ‘He is with friends; we’re his family,’ said Torn Moon. ‘Do not worry yourself about our child. He is strong and when this moment passes he will embrace his new role as a Keeper.’

  ‘He’s a … Keeper?’ said Charlie with a long exhalation of wonder.

  ‘Hmmm, E’Jaaz of the Keepers did mention you could be a little slow on the uptake.’

  ‘Slow on the uptake?’ Charlie was too shocked to squawk but the words still came out a little high-pitched. ‘I … look, it’s not every day you get to have a dragon for a best friend, then see him turned into a Human.’

  ‘It’s Winged One, not dragon,’ remonstrated Torn Moon. ‘And he could better be described as Humanish.’

  ‘Human-ish?’ repeated Charlie. ‘But you said he’s a Keeper? Does that mean he can open Portals and hold the Will and the Way?’

  ‘He will retain some of his Winged One’s abilities while he will gain some of the Keeper’s abilities too.’

  Charlie’s mind, quick as a silverfish, was leaping ahead. ‘Waaaaaaait. Wait a minute. Everyone’s been telling me that Keepers share Winged Ones’ blood. Is this …? Did this …? Is this where my family came from? Am I related to a dragon?’

  ‘Winged One,’ corrected Torn Moon automatically. ‘Listen, little Charlie of the Keepers, I am a queen to my people and I have many tasks to complete before day’s end. So as much as I would enjoy listening to you bumble through the history and etiquette of Keepers and Winged Ones, I must attend to my children. I did, however, pull you aside as a courtesy to inform you that our healers have nearly removed the Tapestry fabric that constrained your parents. If all goes well you will be able to see them tomorrow morning.’