by A R Maloney
When I had gained the information, I removed a small, empty glass vial from my pouch and opened the stopper. Avi wasted no time, lifting a razor-sharp talon and opening his own jugular. Tears streamed from my eyes as I watched the lifeblood of the great phoenix running down his neck and into the vial. “Thank you for your sacrifice, Avi. May it not be in vain. If ever I can repay you….” The bird disintegrated into a pile of ash before I had finished speaking. I capped the vial with shaky hands and placed it safely into my pouch.
Nabaru, who had been silently watching, spoke gently, “Do not mourn his death, it was a gift from Avi, meant for you alone. Rejoice in the life that comes.” From the pile of ashes came a soft glow. The ashes began to give off heat, slowly at first but building rapidly over a few short minutes. Then came a loud *pop* and in its place was a very young phoenix. Avi had returned.
I held out the palm of my hand and the small flaming chickling climbed upon it. “Thank you Avi, thank you, my friend.” I placed him into a small bowl of limbs Nabaru had provided, and the Kauri gently moved the young phoenix up high, into the canopy of his tallest limbs, so he could grow in safety; hidden from the eyes of those who should not know of these secrets.
Nabaru carefully cautioned me. “Do not share knowledge of this with just anyone. You must save it for the proper time. You will know in your head when it will be needed.” I nodded my agreement. “Rest now, you still have much to learn.”
I didn't realize how tired I was until it was suggested. I stretched out on the small platform of limbs and used my cloak as a pillow. I was sleeping as soon as my eyes closed. While I slept the memories continued, the story told to me as seen by my mother, my father, others… grandparents, friends, enemies…none were left out. The depth of knowledge overwhelmed me. Even in my dream state I felt fatigued from the overload. But I continued in my sleep, the images continuing to flow, until there was nothing left to see. Then I slept in dreamless darkness, safe in the arms of the old Kauri.
I awoke to new sounds. A hard, angry, male voice and the sound of heavily armored boots pacing the ground beneath me…an Ustenian was at the base of the tree. He was cursing and gesturing wildly in his guttural language. I sat up immediately, looking around to gauge my enemy. A low rumble and sharp command followed by the snapping of a long wooden limb caused the warrior to quiet. I could see him cross his arms in irritation with the Kauri. I thought to myself. Who would be so bold as to argue with such an ancient? “Has my presence caused you a problem?” I asked Nabaru.
The sound of my voice caused the warrior to look up angrily into the branches, his eyes smoldering like hot red coals as he searched for my face through the cover of the leaves. He was after me, yelling and pointing a long-clawed finger up towards the Kauri’s lofty canopy, where I remained hidden from sight. “No, my friend, we requested he come.” Panic shot through me as I realized I was trapped. Had I been set up? Perhaps I could escape and return to my home…I certainly couldn’t fight the Kauri…. I wouldn’t consider it…why would they betray me? Did they too, war with their own kind? Surely Espencheid wouldn’t have delivered me to my death. My mind was reeling. I almost didn’t hear Nabaru speaking to me. “Calm yourself child. This is no trap. Remove your weapons and lay them at your feet. The warrior will do the same. There will be no fighting here today while we meet.” Tentatively, I removed my sheathed dagger from my belt, laying it at my feet. I watched as the Kauri’s branches grew over the dagger, swallowing it up in its branches. The man on the ground began ranting angrily, pacing back and forth, finally removing his shield and then his sword; eventually placing them together at the roots of the Kauri. Again, I watched as the Kauri expanded itself, roots emerging from the ground, fully covering the Ustenian’s weapons. Finally, the warrior stood quietly glaring, arms akimbo as Nabaru lowered another branch to the ground. I watched the large dusky sentinel climb onto the branch and sit as the Kauri lifted him into the air.
The tension was palpable as Nabaru’s new guest was lifted to my level. Long branches gently covered our laps, holding us in place. Nabaru bound my magic as the warrior was brought closer. He spoke in the old language, “The Kauri have long been the record-keepers of all our world. Since the gods created the land and the sky and the creatures, we were the first, and we have memory of all. We have long kept out of the warring and bickering between the peoples of this world, but there are things you must know and understand.” Once again, the Kauri released a soothing fragrance from the buds on the smaller branches. “Warrior, you will see what has been brought to us by the one you call enemy.” I waited in silence observing the man before me as he was shown my memories. A mix of emotions washed over his face. Was he here before the great catastrophe? Did he know truth from fiction? What would be thought of my parentage here? Would I be seen as a bastard to both races?
The fire had left the warrior’s eyes; they were now a calm crimson. He ran a long-clawed hand through his shaggy platinum-blue hair as he assessed me. He looked to the Nabaru and spoke curtly in his language. “How is this to change anything, old one?” Nabaru growled back quietly, causing the leaves surrounding us to shake. The warrior sighed and repeated the question impatiently in the old language.
I nodded thanks to Nabaru and silently promised myself to learn the language of the Ustenians. Nabaru spoke again, this time with a calm voice. “In order to save this world, you must learn to work together.” I looked at the warrior, and he at me, we both bristled at the suggestion. The Kauri continued, “As I have you both here now, I am content to wait patiently until you have both agreed to give your word. I will get my way on this; Kauri can wait for a very…long…time.” The warrior’s eyes flashed bright red in anger once again, it was apparent he was not accustomed to being ordered around by anyone.
I decided to take the first step…introductions. “My name is Skye. You’ve probably seen more about me than I would have thought to share with anyone.” I said looking pointedly at Nabaru, unsure how I felt about my entire life being put on display for the enemy. I panicked as I thought of Mera. Did this man know of her now? Does he now know of the secrets she holds? I prayed I had not compromised her in any way. “And you are?” I looked at the armor-clad stranger expectantly.
Chapter 16—Lancer
A LONG SIGH PASSED from his lips. “They call me Lancer, but you may call me Lance.” Anger still radiated off the warrior as he watched me steadily. His crimson eyes bore into me, studying me from head to toe. The muscles in his face were tight as he clenched and unclenched his jaw, waiting for the Kauri.
Nabaru held us both in his strong wooden grasp, just over arm’s length apart from each other. His branches were heavy upon our laps, keeping us pinned in place, unable to move should either of us decide to strike. The old Kauri had bound my magic before bringing us together. My thoughts again returned to Mera. Would she be safe? Nabaru gave a short grunt, his trunk creaking as he opened his mouth to speak. “Little sentinel, Worry not. Your friend is safe from harm. No danger will befall her.” He said, “Focus instead on how you may work together.”
Lancer shifted uncomfortably at the mention of another. He glanced between the branches and the ground, growling in displeasure as his eyes searched the surrounding forest. “I was told there would be just one!” He was furious, would there be any cooperation between the two of us? His long silvery-blue mane bristled as the Kauri spoke. I began to examine the dark sentinel further. He exuded the strength and confidence of a seasoned warrior. His dusky grey skin bore the marks of scars from many battles. Inwardly I shuddered at the thought of fighting this one, but I refused to show any fear. I pulled myself upright and puffed out my chest. “I came to your lands alone.” Then I turned to the Kauri. “What exactly are you suggesting we do, Nabaru?”
I thrust my chin up and turned to the warrior, squaring my shoulders as best I could. Proportionally, he appeared similar to Cooper. He was tall and sturdy. His muscles bulged under his armor from his shoulders to his talons reachi
ng out through the toes of his armored boots. My gaze settled on his feet. Everything about this man made him appear more warlike. I looked up at him again to find he was observing me just as close. His eyes traveled over me slowly, from my dual colored eyes, to my tanned skin and brown braided hair, to the long boots covering my legs and feet. Finally, his gaze met mine again as his crimson orbs settled back on my green and rust eyes.
The warrior spoke, “Nabaru, why would you choose me? I’m sure you are aware that I harbor no love for these sun-cursed pigeons.” He flipped his armored hand at me as he talked. I bristled at the taunt and my hands tingled as I thought about melting the man’s armor. Unfortunately, with my magic bound, a tingle is all I could produce. He noticed my reaction to his taunt and tossed his head back, laughing deep. His eyes met mine and the fire returned as if he would burn me with his gaze, given the opportunity. Could he?
“Magus, calm yourself.” The Kauri spoke simply now. “Warrior, are you not a loud voice among your people? When I hear the call to arms ring out, is it not your voice that commands and directs the masses? If this is not so, tell me now and I will rethink my decision.”
Lance sat straighter, puffing his chest out with the praise. “Yes. Mine is the cry that rallies the people.” A look of smug confidence came over the warrior’s face as he looked at me, again taunting, “It is my forces which drive back these demons.”
Nabaru ignored his fluff and spoke again to the warrior. “Then tell me warrior, who would be better to know and share the truths of the wars?” This appeared to get the warrior’s attention and Nabaru continued, “There are others like this one who have found themselves ‘caught’ so to speak, in the lines between the truth and the color of their wings. They will be hunted by both sides until they are released back to the skies.” The hard lines of the warrior’s face softened as he looked to me once again. His eyes cooled and his lips tightened in a grim line of understanding.
Nabaru’s face gave a creak as he smiled. “I see you understand now, Lancer. You will soon learn that not all of your enemies are really your enemies. Once again, our world is changing, you will find that things are not always as they seem. I have a small trial for you both, a challenge. You are to make a delivery for me.”
We both looked at the Kauri with curiosity. Lance spoke, “What is it you wish me to do, old one?”
“You know of a woman, a sentinel, living on the fringes of your society. Her name is Mera.”
Lance nodded. “Yes, I know of the woman. She is thought to be a witch by some, but she has much skill in alchemy.”
The Kauri nodded. “Yes, you know the one. There will come a time of great need for her services and we wish her to be prepared. I would ask you to gather several bundles of valerian and ginger roots as well as cat’s claw and deliver them to Mera. From the memories you have seen, you will know that Skye is adept with many plants and can handle them appropriately. Your job, warrior, will be to keep her from harm until the delivery is made. You are to introduce her to Mera and explain that this delivery is the direct request of me. Can you do this?”
I cocked my head to the side, looking at Nabaru. Clever tree.
Lancer nodded and replied, “You have my word. By my wings, no harm will come to this one while under my guard.”
The Kauri grunted in satisfaction and directed his attention to me. “Magus. I have seen that this has already been requested of you. Now I will ask, will you be able to agree to work with this warrior, and to follow his instructions? And I would ask also, are you able to work towards maintaining a sense of peace while on this mission?
I looked to the warrior, then back to the Kauri, “Yes, Nabaru. I trust that you would not ask this unless there was a good reason.” Then I looked back to the warrior. “Lancer, no harm from me will befall you or your people, so long as we are working together. I will trust you to keep to your end of the bargain.”
This seemed to satisfy the Kauri, as he relaxed his hold on us. He removed the branches which had been pinning us onto our seats and unbound my magic. Moments later our weapons lay before the both of us. A test? Immediately I stood and stretched, raising my arms high over my head and arching my back. Lancer then stood, towering over me by nearly a foot. Neither of us made any move towards our weapons.
After we had both taken a moment to stretch, I opened my pouch and pulled out a small bag containing dried fish and fruit. I sat down again and offered the bag to Lancer. He took the bag sniffing at it curiously. I looked at him and said, “Sorry, I’ve not eaten for quite some time. It’s dried fish and berries, a food I use when traveling. It’s quite tasty and filling, though if you are like any of our warriors, I know you probably prefer the meat of land animals.
Lance reached into the bag and drew out a small piece, sampling it. “This is lighter in taste that I would have guessed, but you are correct. My taste leans towards red meat.” I then took a long drink from my water skin and handed it to him so he would know it was clean and safe to drink.
Nabaru watched quietly for a while before speaking. The Kauri yawned and stretched the great limbs holding us for a few moments. “There is much travel on these roads during the day. Rest now, children, you will be free to go tonight.” His thick limbs stretched and intertwined, creating a large platform for us, and he lay his branches down to create soft cushions. Nabaru gave another yawn and closed his eyes to sleep.
I had become accustomed to getting my best sleep when it was safest. But here I was stuck, mere feet from this hair-backed crow sentinel who would not have given a second thought to ending my life just this morning. I stretched out on my side with my elbow bent, holding my head in my hand as I watched the warrior carefully.
Lancer lay back, folding his arms behind his head nonchalantly, as if this were any normal mid-day nap. He glanced at me from the corner of his eye, catching me watching him. “You don’t seem at all afraid of me.” He stated plainly. “Why is that?” He turned onto his side, facing me.
I ran my hand through my braids, feeling the thick tendrils of corded hair pass between my fingers, “What more do I have to fear at this point?” Lance looked at me curiously. “Really,” I continued, “Whether I am here or in Lucenia I risk death—it awaits me wherever I go. And I don’t know who will be the one to deliver me to the skies. It could be one from my own company for all I know. The thought of that is painful, but I know it is not permanent. You have seen my memories; you know what awaits me as well as I.” I sat up on my elbows, my gaze focusing squarely upon him, meeting his red eyes. “Tell me then, why I should fear anything in this land. Torture, pain, death, it all seems much less intimidating when I don’t need to try to separate allies from enemies.”
Lancer nodded, understanding what I was saying. “I could end it all so easily for you now. Do you not feel the least bit intimidated?”
The space between us began to seem smaller. But whether it was my mind playing games with me or something else. I wasn’t certain. “No. It would do me no good to let my emotions or fears get the best of me. Besides, you are toying with me.” I smirked confidently. I would not tremble in front of this warrior, nor show any sign of fear. “You gave your word to Elder Nabaru. I fear nothing here.” I bundled my company cloak and placed it under my head. “We should try to get some sleep while we can.” I stretched lazily. “Are you going to try to convince me you will sleep comfortably in that heavy plate…or does sleeping with the enemy unnerve you?”
The warrior snorted and tossed his head up, laughing deeply, and I caught myself shocked that such a melodic sound could come from him. “Skye, little magus, I doubt you could do much harm to me regardless. A warrior is trained to sleep when the opportunity arises. Comfort is not an issue.”
This was my turn to laugh. “Find someone to believe that and I’ll sell them some prime farmland near the gates of Dusk Fortress! It’s the most peaceful place for any sentinel to retire, I’ll assure you!”
“Sarcastic much?” The words dripped from the
warrior’s lips.
I laughed again, “Only when necessary.”
“Point taken,” Lancer yawned and stretched long. “You just want to see me out of my armor.” He quipped. “All the women just want to get me out of my armor.”
I considered throwing something at him, but realized I would have to choose between my pouch and my company cloak, so instead I turned my back to him saying, “Go to sleep, warrior, or do I need to cast a sleep spell on you?” I heard him grunt and laugh. I responded, “Hey, I promised Nabaru I wouldn’t harm anyone, and from the looks of it you could use the beauty sleep, O arrogant one! I’m certain this is a spell he would allow.”
“Arrogant!? ME?” Lancer laughed again. “Well, probably so.” I heard the heavy pieces of plate chiming as he loosened the straps and buckles holding the armor together, removing them and placing each piece aside. Moments later I heard him stretch again as he relaxed and started breathing deeper.
I closed my eyes and relaxed my breathing, giving myself over to sleep. The wind rustled through the branches, making the leaves whistle and sing. The night was cool but comfortable in the small thicket. By now I had become familiar with the heavy buzzing sounds of the night flies.
A soft voice whispered in my ear. “Skye….” Soft fingers lifted my thick tendrils of hair from my face and neck, running lightly down my shoulder and arm. My hand caught his and pulled it tight around my waist. His chest was rising and falling evenly against my back. I inhaled deeply and closed my eyes, relishing the musky smell of his skin. “I’ve missed you, my love.” His voice was like honey in my ears as he kissed my neck, awakening my body, making me want him more.
