WoNa waited. Her small snake, posed like a miniature cobra on her shoulder, flicked its quick, little tongue. “Ahhhh.” The exhaled response brought her eyes to Ira. “Won’t you join us, Ira? We have much to discuss in a very short time.”
Looking arrows at everyone in the tent, Ira dropped his pack with a plop on the ground and sprawled beside it.
She smiled. “Thank you.”
“Where are Corvus and Yaro?” Torgin asked.
“Keeping watch. I have sent my people into hiding. Only Narrtep remains to help me once you are gone. Corvus, Yaro, and I discussed many options. I would like you to hear two and decide which feels the best to you.”
“They aren’t the only ones who know stuff. What if we have ideas of our own?” Ira groused.
Brie moved next to him and put an arm around his back. “I suggest we hear WoNa’s plans first. Then if we think of something better, I’m sure WoNa will listen.”
Ira shook off her arm and scooted out of reach. “Leave me alone, Brie. Go sit with your best friend, Esán.” He folded his arms across his chest and glared at the ground.
An uncomfortable silence settled over the group. Ira bit his lip. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I just want to hit something.”
WoNa fingered a small crystal that hung on a leather cord around her neck. “You and I will talk, Ira, but first I must explain how we are going to fool your enemies.”
Ira nodded, looking miserable. “Sorry, Brielle,” he muttered.
Esán wondered at Ira’s behavior. Ari, as Ira, was even more irascible than usual. Perhaps he misses his companionship with Brie.
“Esán?” WoNa’s voice caught him unawares.
He pushed his thoughts to the back of his mind. “Sorry, WoNa. What do you need?”
“You, too, pay attention,” growled Ira. “Sorry…”
A flash of understanding lit the Oracle’s unusual eyes. “Perhaps it would be best if we talked first, young Ira. Please, Esán, take the others outside and close the tent flap.”
Feeling abandoned and apprehensive, Ira fought the urge to bolt after his friends. What does WoNa have to say to me, anyway?
The serpent’s hissing recalled his attention. “I like your snake,” he said gruffly.
“I like him too, Ira. He is my eyes. Please come closer.”
Rebellion welled into a knot in his throat. Biting his tongue, he shuffled forward on his knees and sat in front of her. Her fingers roaming his face made him stiffen. An impulse to slap her hand away vanished in a gasp of surprise. The hand he had raised grew smaller and more feminine. His body changed.
“What the… Ooooooh.” The syllable expressed it all. Ari looked up at the Oracle. “I forgot.” Tears streamed down her cheeks. “I am Ari. I am Brielle’s twin. I miss her so much.” She ran a hand through short-cropped hair and smiled a crooked smile. “We cut it so I wouldn’t need to worry about it.” The smile faded into a frown.
“Do you remember why you must remain in your Ira form?”
Ari thought back. “I do, WoNa. Can you tell me why I’m so angry?”
“You left Myrrh in a hurry. Almiralyn didn’t have time to teach you about the effects of shape shifting, especially staying for an extended time in your shifted form.”
“Lorsedi’s soldiers were in the Terces Wood. She barely had time to finish her work with us. Is it being Ira for too long that makes me so darn mad?”
WoNa nodded. “It is. Once you become accustomed to being Ira, it will happen less. You know you must return to that form?”
Ari stared at her hands. “I do. Will I forget who I really am again?”
“You will forget again, but I will provide a trigger to help you resume your natural form when your anger becomes too great. You know that Brielle and I are blood-bonded?”
“She told me.”
“You and I will now share that bonding. Please take out Efillaeh. I need you to cut the tip of my finger and the tip of yours. Can you do that?”
Pulling the knife from its scabbard, Ari held it up. Amethysts in the handle flared. “I can.” Not giving herself time to think about it, she made a small cut on the tip of her index finger and one on WoNa’s.
“Hold the knife in your other hand and place your finger on mine. Repeat after me,
“Bonded forever, family as one.
Sharing our blood, this gift is begun.
Tie us together, emotions and heart;
Bind us forever so we may not part.”
As Ari repeated the words, heat flowed through her body. Efillaeh emitted a soft hum and pulsed in her hand. For a long moment complete darkness robbed her of sight. A surge of panic filled her belly. The snake whistled, then hissed a series of sounds. She gasped as the blackness dissolved. Her eyes darted to WoNa’s face. Tears glistened on the Oracle’s cheeks.
“Thank you, Ari. You gave me the gift of sight if only for a moment.” She touched a tear and tasted its saltiness. “I will never forget your face, my dear.”
Ari looked at the tip of her finger. The cut had healed. Gladness filled her as she replaced Efillaeh. “I think it was the knife, WoNa.”
She smiled wistfully. “Perhaps. Listen carefully. When the anger becomes too great, my blood will pulse in the tip of your finger. You will know to seek solitude. Your shift will be quick, only long enough to disperse the anger, and then you will return to Ira with no memory of Ari. Don’t ever forget, Daughter of KcernFensia, that you are much more special than you know—unique in all the universe.” She snapped her fingers.
Ira shook his head. A moment of confusion faded. A sense of peace unlike anything he remembered knowing infused his mind. “What just happened?”
WoNa kissed his forehead and whispered, “You found yourself.” She straightened, her face alert and watchful. “Call your friends. We have little time.”
Ira scrambled to his feet and strode to the tent entrance. Flipping the flap aside, he peered at the sunlit oasis. Brie, Esán, Torgin, and Desirol were gathered around Yaro. The Pentharian caught his eye and herded his friends to the tent. He stepped aside to allow Yaro to enter.
The Pentharian ducked past him and hastened to WoNa’s side. “Time is of the essence, WoNadahem Mardree.”
The Oracle raised her chin. Lids half hid the saffron and blue of her eyes. “I had hoped to give you a choice of plans, but it seems that there is no time. The choice must be Nesune Ruins. It is on the far side of Fera Finnero. You will teleport there.”
Torgin’s voice cracked as he said, “I can’t tele…”
Desirol frowned. “Where’s Nichi? I’m not leaving without her.”
“She is with her family, Desirol,” WoNa explained. “Her journey at this time is not on your path.”
“But I want her with me. I demand that she come.” The boy’s tone held more fear than anger.
WoNa’s response held a note of sympathy. “Nichi has her own destiny. Who can say if she will or will not cross paths with you in the future?”
Corvus pulled the tent flap aside. “Nissasa and Dahe have almost closed the circle. They are moving fast.”
The tent filled with a flurry of activity. Torgin tied his kcalo over his drango tunic, settled his flute across his chest, and shrugged his pack onto his back. Ira helped Brie position her backpack and bedroll, then grabbed his and hoisted them into place. Desirol hesitated. Esán tossed him his gear.
“Move it, Des. We don’t have much time.”
WoNa raised a hand for silence. “Please listen. When you arrive at the ruins, you will see nothing but sand. Stay still. Listen and watch. The desert will guide you. Torgin, take out your compass. Ask it to show you Nesune Ruins. Esán, hold onto the compass with him. Everyone else form a circle. Place one arm around your neighbor and one hand touching either Esán or Torgin.” She sniffed the air. “Yaro?”
“Here, WoNadahem Mardree.” He joined the circle next to Torgin.
“Keep them safe, Pentharian of ReTaw au Qa.”
“I will do my best.”
When Corvus made no move to join the circle, Esán felt a touch of panic. “Are you coming?”
“I remain with WoNa and Narrtep. I promise to join you as soon as I can.”
Desirol stepped away from the circle. “If he is staying, so I am.”
Ira grabbed his arm and drew him back. “Steady, Des. This is not the time to make a bad choice. WoNa knows what’s best.”
The RewFaaran tensed. Ira’s grip tightened. He glanced at the Oracle. Her eyes seemed to see beyond the tent.
“Go. Now,” she commanded. “I will call upon the wind and the sands of Fera Finnero to scatter the enemy.”
Torgin’s eyes held Esán’s gaze. “Nesune Ruins,” he pronounced with care.
The needle blurred in its circular spin and stopped pointing north. A picture formed—red sand stretching forever. Ira squeezed his eyes shut.
36
ConDra’s Fire
DerTah
N omed and Wolloh relaxed in the High DiMensioner’s sitting room, sipping ice-cold punch from chilled, crystal glasses and awaiting the arrival of Stebben and Lorsedi. TheLise had been tucked in bed to recover from Nissasa’s assault and a guard posted out of sight.
A soft knock and Stebben pushed the door ajar. Wolloh waved him in. Stepping aside, he allowed the Largeen Joram to precede him. After pouring punch for them both, he reclined in a chair near the door.
The Largeen Joram sat opposite Wolloh in the chair TheLise had occupied during their conversation the previous evening. While savoring an occasional sip of the refreshing drink, he listened to a digest version of all that had occurred. When Wolloh completed his description of what Nissasa had done to the Dreelas, Lorsedi rose from his chair like a whale surging upward from the sea. Fury reddened his fair complexion. Loathing filled his deep-set eyes. The raptorial danger sharpening his features reminded Nomed of a vulture preparing to devour its prey.
Carefully controlled anger carried him to the window. When he finally turned narrowed eyes on Wolloh, his rage had altered to that of the calculating huntsman. “Only small men take out their anger on those less powerful than themselves. Nissasa is small and stiff-necked. His cruel nature clouds his judgment. If we lay our plans well, he will trip on them. And …he will be ours.”
Wolloh’s tortured profile nodded. “Do you have a plan in mind?”
Lorsedi returned to his chair and repositioned it to face both Nomed and Wolloh. “Here are the issues as I see them. One… The men I brought to DerTah are split between Shu Chenaro, the portal in Fera Finnero, and Myrrh and Thera. Consolidating is a must, or I will be unable to counter Nissasa and his group of traitors. Two… Nissasa most certainly has spies watching our every move. His mother tops that list. I brought her here to keep an eye on her. She must be neutralized, and we need to discover Nissa’s other moles. Three… We need to reorder our priorities. Having Almiralyn as an enemy is compounding our problems. I suggest we send her a message that we would like to join forces against our common foe.”
Nomed’s eyebrow arced as the Largeen Joram’s piercing gaze fastened on him. “Our first priority…” Lorsedi’s features chiseled into a tenacious mask. “We must find your nephew, Seyes, and my granddaughters. If Nissasa finds them first, he gains bargaining chips that could cripple us.”
“And what of Elcaro’s eye and the Compass of Ostradio? I’m sure the Guardian is not going to hand them over.” The arched brow descended.
“It seems they are also important to Nissasa. Almiralyn will need all the help she can get to keep them safe. Perhaps she and I can come to some agreement at a later date. For now, I must let my personal desires take a back seat.”
Nomed scrutinized the man across from him. Reasons for not trusting him surfaced and fell away, replaced by what he knew of the man from the past few sun turnings and what he had learned from Wolloh. A good judge of character himself, he still respected Wolloh’s ability to discern fact from fiction. Lorsedi’s astute evaluation and willingness to revamp his plans to deal with the fast developing situation impressed him. Offering his hand, he said, “I believe I may have misjudged you. I hope you will accept my apologies.”
Lorsedi clasped it warmly. “We have much to learn from each other—and much to do.”
Wolloh observed them with the satisfied expression of someone who had won a strategic prize. “It is good that we work together. I suggest we take immediate action where we already know problems exist. Lorsedi, I don’t need to tell you what you must do. Nomed, please check on TheLise. See if she can remember anything else that will help us. Also, bring her up to date on the change in our strategies. Stebben, contact your sources and have them find out who Nissasa’s cohorts are here at the ranch. Also, put Roween Rattori under surveillance. Pick good women. Nothing must alert her that we are focusing our attention on her or her son.”
Lorsedi nodded. “Speak with Tissent, Stebben. Explain the situation and ask for her help. Tell her it is my wish and why.”
Wolloh’s lopsided smile flashed. Stebben prepared to depart. At the door he turned and gave his master a shrewd look. “And?”
“Get word to Corvus that we need to parley.”
The Major Domo bowed and left.
Nomed waited until door had closed. “And who, may I ask, is Corvus?”
The High DiMensioner picked up his glass and drank deeply before setting it back on the table. “Who is he, indeed?”
“I gather you don’t intend to share.” Lorsedi clinked the ice in his glass.
“Only when I am positive of my answer.” Wolloh moved uncomfortably in the chair. “I think I must rest this body. Meet me here this evening. Perhaps after dinner.”
The Largeen Joram set down his glass and pushed his chair back. “Until later, then.”
Nomed finished his punch and looked at his mentor. “Do you really believe him?”
“He is a master strategist. Compromise is part of the game. If anyone in this solar system knows how to cut his losses, it’s Lorsedi. You’re not the only one being asked to give up something, Seyes.”
Nomed stood and looked down at his mentor. “Get some rest. I’ll check on TheLise. By the way, I like Stebben. He’s a good man.”
“I trust him. Not something I can say about many people. Keep your wits about you, Seyes. This is a deadly game.”
Nomed gave him a cryptic smile and stepped into the hall. His hand lingered on the doorknob. He couldn’t remember the last time he had seen Wolloh looking so worn. Thank goodness he has Stebben .
The empty hallway told him that life at Shu Chenaro continued to be quiet, at least for the moment. He made his way to TheLise’s rooms. Unsure whether she might be sleeping, he hesitated outside her door. It opened and an older woman carrying a tray smiled up at him.
“The Dreelas would be happy to see you, sir.” She passed him and hurried away down the hall.
Stepping into the cool dimness of the sitting room, he waited for his eyes to adjust before crossing to the open door of TheLise’s bedroom. She sat propped up on pillows, draped in the folds of a rose-colored robe. Already the swelling over her eye had reduced. He doubted the bruising would disappear so quickly.
“Come closer, Nomed, and tell me what has occurred.”
He pulled a chair next to the bed and perched on the edge.
“You look uncomfortable, Seyes—ready to take flight. Am I so ugly that you can’t stand to look at me?” Her smile lit the one eye he could see, and her tone informed him she was on the mend.
“You could never be ugly, my dear. How are you feeling?”
The smile vanished. “Angry.”
Her tone made him ask, “Angry and what else?”
Slender fingers pressed a crease into her robe. “Angry and frustrated at myself for allowing that man to hurt me. I thought I could control him. I misjudged him and me.” She hugged herself. “It won’t happen again.” The dangerous edge to her voice left no doubt about her determination.
Nomed settled more comfortably in his chair and began a recitation of what had occurred after she had gone to bed. “And when Corvus—”
“Corvus? You mean the dark-haired man who takes care of the raptors?”
“Yes. You know him?” He leaned closer.
She looked thoughtful. “I hear he is remarkable with wild birds. My man who works in the stables says he has never seen anything like it.”
“I think I might like to have a chat with your man.” Nomed kissed her cheek. “Rest. I’ll stop by later and let you know what I discover.”
She put a hand on his. “Thank you, Seyes, for not scolding or telling me how silly I was to think I could deal with Nissasa.”
“You, my dear, are much harder on yourself than I could ever be.” He crossed to the door. A sudden thought turned him back to her. “Do you know Tissent?”
“The quiet woman from RewFaar?” Her brow furrowed. “No.”
“She’s the twins’ great-aunt. I think you might find her soothing.” He smiled. “And interesting.” Without waiting for a response, he departed.
Corvus had left Eissua Oasis as soon as Narrtep took WoNa to her cave under the outcropping. Now he crouched behind a tall taccus tree on the outskirts of Shu Chenaro. Behind him in the desert, a sand storm raged. He could only hope WoNa’s diversion had given the children time to teleport out of harm’s way. Watching them disappear had left him with a sense of futility. Would he ever manage to keep them under his watchful eye? At least they wear the hide of the drango. That will help to protect them.
Unwilling to step into the open just yet, he contemplated what had followed their departure from Eissua Oasis.
Narrtep ducked into the tent and stopped midway to the Danswoman.
WoNa shook her head. The red of her hair flamed brighter; the crystal on her forehead blazed deep cobalt. On her shoulder the small snake swept its head back and forth, its tongue a whip cutting the air, and its insistent hiss demanding attention.
The UnFolding Collection Two Page 29
