Warrior of Golmeira

by Marianne Ratcliffe

‘She must be mad!’ exclaimed Nanna.

  ‘You wouldn’t be the first to suggest it,’ Hylaz remarked. Migala watched in awe as Kylen sprinted towards them, hurdling an outstretched claw before diving through the door, feet first, and used her trailing arm to slam it shut behind her just before two squealing creatures crashed against the other side. Hylaz quickly secured the bolt. From behind the door came high-pitched yelps. Claws scrabbled furiously against the closed door.

  ‘They’ll tear themselves to pieces,’ Nanna exclaimed in horror.

  ‘That’s the general idea,’ Kylen replied.

  ‘You’re bleeding.’ Migala pointed to a shallow gash across Kylen’s thigh.

  ‘It’s nothing, let’s go.’ Kylen’s careless unconcern for her wound impressed Migala almost as much as her heroics in the shed.

  ‘Getting careless, my lady.’

  ‘Your concern is noted, Hylaz.’

  In the distance the castle gates opened and a troop of guards poured through.

  ‘I don’t envy them trying to sort out that mess,’ said Polina, as they retreated into the darkness.

  ‘Serves them right,’ Kylen remarked. ‘I’ve no sympathy for those who choose to serve Rastran.’

  Migala clutched Nanna’s hand, her eyes drawn to the axe in Kylen’s hand.

  ‘We didn’t all choose it,’ Nanna protested bitterly. Migala looked at Kylen, half in fear, half in hope.

  ‘You’ll keep us safe, won’t you?’

  Kylen thrust the axe into her belt. ‘I’ll do my best, but I don’t make promises I may not be able to keep. Nowhere is safe, not any more. If you are to join us, it’s best you know that from the start.’

  Chapter Two

  Zastra’s head throbbed as though someone was pounding nails into her skull. It felt like a dozen mindweavers were trying to prise out her secrets, although that was not what was happening. The roaring fire in the hearth at the end of the great hall gave out a strong heat, but that was nothing set against the angry exchanges between the members of her council. These meetings always gave her a headache, but today’s was proving particularly challenging. Borez, who was standing in for Kylen as chief representative for the Sendorans, jabbed his finger in her face.

  ‘It’s time we acted. Every moment we sit warming our bottoms, more Sendorans die.’

  Borez needed careful handling. If he didn’t like her response, he was as likely to run her through with a sword as to debate the issue. As if reading her mind, Ithgol stepped forward and placed his hand on Borez’s chest, forcing him back into his allotted chair. The Sendoran tried to brush him off, but Zastra knew from experience that the Kyrginite’s arm was as solid as varnished blackwood.

  ‘Stand down, Ithgol,’ she said. The Kyrginite’s action would only antagonise Borez further. She hoped Kylen would return soon. Her mission had been a risky one, and even though Polina and Hylaz were with her, there were plenty of things that could have gone wrong. Zastra had been envious as she had seen them off. Her own duties as leader of the rebels forced her to remain cooped up on Uden’s Teeth. Besides, it was too dangerous for her to set foot in Golmeira. Her face was too well known. The last time she had ventured into her uncle’s domain she had been fortunate to get out alive.

  ‘I’ve had enough of Sendoran posturing.’ A sharp-nosed woman joined the argument. Nerika, captain of the Obala, was no friend of Zastra’s, but on this point they were agreed. ‘Lord Mendoraz and his whole army couldn’t defend your country, yet you think we should try and take it back with a handful of men and women? Most of the people here on Uden’s Teeth aren’t even soldiers. You may place a low value on life, but I do not. Neither does Lord Justyn, I’m sure.’

  She looked across at a middle-aged man with sandy hair. He took a moment to respond, running his hands along the top of his thighs.

  ‘Our priority is housing. Krysfera is already overcrowded and more refugees are arriving all the time. Yet if the Far Islanders keep chopping down trees at such a rate we won’t have any timber left for building.’

  ‘Our fishing boats provide nearly half our food,’ protested Yelina, a stately woman with braided grey hair. She was the last survivor of the triumvirate of equals, elected leaders of the conquered Far Isles. ‘Apart from the Sendorans, we are the largest group here, but no one listens to our requests. If Lady Zastra might hear our proposal for a vote on the matter of fishing permits? Last Moonscross, the Obala stole a shoal of yellow perch from under the noses of our luggers.’

  Yelina wanted to vote on everything. Zastra half suspected she didn’t go to bed until she had a mandate for when she should wake up.

  ‘Ahem. If I might – you will permit me – my dear Lady Zastra.’ A stout man with curly hair and a thin moustache that didn’t quite reach down to his upper lip rose to his feet whilst contriving to bow at the same time. Zastra was amazed he didn’t tip over. ‘I have had my people survey the other islands in our little domain – nothing of the grandeur of Golmeira, of course, how could they be? Even Sendor – alas, those are lost glories – such a sad state we outcasts find ourselves in – I’m informed that two of the neighbouring islands have springs – that is to say, fresh water – additionally some forestation – various new species to be catalogued – why only the other day we found a new type of earthworm and some sort of tuberous plant which might – and, in short…’

  ‘As if you ever say anything “in short”, Pitwyn,’ Nerika snapped. Pitwyn waited until Nerika was quiet and proceeded as if there had been no interruption. His deference extended only as far as Zastra and, on occasion, Lord Justyn.

  ‘In short, if Lady Zastra would give her blessing – I would modestly suggest – that is to populate – or rather to make habitable – the next island along the chain that make up Uden’s Teeth. If – not to boast – that would be most improper, but you have seen my humble efforts here on Krysfera. What we have accomplished – we might begin with a jetty and a few cabins? Clear some land for—. Oh, but we must have a name – might I humbly suggest…’

  Zastra braced herself. Pitwyn was bound to suggest something embarrassing and inappropriate.

  ‘…Zastra’s island,’ Pitwyn finished triumphantly. She’d been right. She could think of nothing more embarrassing and inappropriate than naming the island after herself. Borez rose again.

  ‘There’s no need to debate this. We Sendorans have also scoped out the islands. I’ve ordered twenty of our builders to begin construction of a jetty on New Sendor immediately.’

  ‘New Sendor!’ Pitwyn cried, aghast. ‘My Lady Zastra – I protest in the most vehement—’

  Borez cut him off. ‘We’re the largest group, we should have our own island. You named this one after some Golmeiran, didn’t you? It’s only fair we should name the next one.’

  Pitwyn spluttered furiously. ‘Marl Krysfera was not just some Golmeiran – she was one of the few marls who stood up to Thorlberd when he killed Lady Zastra’s father and took over – you weren’t even here at the time – you Sendorans forget that Lady Zastra gave you sanctuary when—’

  ‘We don’t need a history lesson,’ Borez remarked. ‘Just more land.’

  ‘You’re claiming a whole island?’ Nerika’s eyes flashed dangerously.

  ‘Every day, fights break out between Sendorans and Golmeirans and it gets worse with every additional refugee that lands here. Even Yelina’s lot can get quarrelsome. It’s best if we separate out. We can run our own affairs and you can do the same.’

  Zastra wondered if Kylen knew of this proposal. She didn’t think so. Kylen was always vocal in fighting for the rights of her people, but she understood the value of working together.

  ‘We didn’t agree to this!’ Yelina protested. ‘Something so important should be decided by vote. Why should the Sendorans steal the best of the islands? It’s bad enough that crazy woman gets an island all to herself. We were not consulted about that, either.’

  ‘Enough,’ said Zastra, rubbing her temples. ‘Everyone agrees
more homes are needed. We were all refugees once and I will not turn my back on those who need help. Pitwyn has made Krysfera a success so it makes sense he use his experience to oversee the construction of the new settlement. Borez, I’m sure he will put the builders you have so kindly offered to good use. Uden’s Teeth belongs to all of us. It serves nobody but Thorlberd if we isolate and divide ourselves. Anyone with appropriate skills will be welcome to join the new settlement.’

  She paused, trying to think of a suitable name. New Sendor was too provocative and Borez knew it. She couldn’t allow such a blatant attempt to claim land for a single group. Neither could she afford to offend the Sendorans, especially with Kylen absent.

  ‘We will name it Mendoraz, in honour of Kylen and Zadorax’s father,’ she finished. ‘I trust that will be acceptable to you.’

  Borez looked as if he might protest if only he could think of a good reason. However, he could hardly object to a name that honoured the previous Lord of Sendor. He returned instead to his original topic.

  ‘It would be better if you weren’t wasting time trying to fortify this place. Krysfera is just not defensible. The bay is too wide. That is why we must attack Thorlberd now, before he finds us.’

  ‘He won’t find us, unless someone tells him about the channel through the Spur,’ Nerika said, her eyes flashing.

  ‘You’re suggesting we would betray you?’ Borez returned, as a tall Southlander rose unhurriedly from his chair. His thin beard was neatly styled to show his high cheekbones and strong chin to the best advantage. Morvain represented the mindweavers. He had been a prisoner at Golmer Castle, part of the mass release effected by Kylen and Polina as they rescued Zastra from her uncle’s clutches. Like many of the released prisoners, Yelina included, he had chosen to join the rebels. Zastra knew she should be glad. Mindweavers were worth a hundred soldiers in battle, but she still found it difficult to trust Morvain, or any mindweaver apart from Dobery. Unfortunately, her old teacher was ill and had sent Morvain as his delegate. The Southlander smoothed his jacket and pulled back his lips to display a set of perfect white teeth.

  ‘I would speak on behalf of my fellow mindweaver, Orika. Our esteemed representative from the Far Isles was kind enough to reference her singular abode. We ask that her privacy be respected. Only two days ago, despite repeated warnings, a Far Islander took his boat very close to the shoreline, causing Orika extreme distress.’

  Morvain clearly enjoyed the sound of his deep baritone almost as much as his appearance. Yelina flapped her hand in the air as if wafting away an unpleasant smell.

  ‘Hadral was only trying to harvest mussels. He wasn’t even near the beach. His boat was so badly damaged he and his crew were lucky to escape at all. Lady Zastra, you really must do something about that menace. If the girl cannot control herself, she must be sent away.’

  ‘You would give up the most powerful weapon in our armoury?’ asked Morvain, starting back in an exaggerated pantomime of disbelief.

  ‘A weapon is not much use if you don’t know when and where it will go off,’ Borez remarked. ‘You mindfoggers need to start controlling your own.’

  The meeting was going off in all directions. Zastra tried to bring it back on track.

  ‘Orika is not an object to be used,’ she said firmly. ‘She is a fragile young woman who has suffered greatly. The island we have allocated for her is particularly suited to her needs. It is hardly a paradise. She is to be left alone.’ I wish I could make the same stipulation for myself. Zastra made a mental note to visit Orika as soon as she could. The poor girl was so fearful that she allowed only Zastra, Polina or Dobery near her. With Polina away and Dobery ill there was only Zastra to see to Orika’s needs. Something else to add to my list of responsibilities.

  ‘What about the trainees?’ Nerika asked. ‘When will they be ready to help?’

  Morvain flashed a condescending smile.

  ‘The youngsters are eager to learn, but we must remember it takes years to train a mindweaver. Many have only just come into their powers.’

  ‘We do not have years!’ Borez jumped out of his chair. ‘Thorlberd will erase Sendor and its people from existence while you Golmeirans do nothing.’

  ‘We’re hardly doing nothing,’ Zastra insisted. ‘The quarry is up and running and our iron mine is finally yielding ore, so we can make our own weapons instead of having to steal them. And we are attacking Thorlberd’s key assets. Right now, Kylen is leading a raid on the migaradon breeding grounds. But we must be patient with the young mindweavers. I will not send them into battle without proper training.’

  ‘The patience of Sendor is running out.’

  Zastra smiled bitterly.

  ‘Sendorans have many virtues, but I am yet to find patience among them.’

  ‘And I am yet to understand why we follow someone who’s afraid of the dark,’ Borez retorted, glaring at her.

  Zastra clamped her teeth together. It was a low blow. Borez had once witnessed her weakness; an intense, physical reaction to dark tunnels and caves that left her barely able to stand. Trying to defend herself would only make things worse, so she went on the attack.

  ‘It doesn’t help that since Kylen has been absent, there has been an increase in incidents involving Sendorans. Violence and other altercations. Are you incapable of controlling your people?’

  ‘Oh, I can control them,’ Borez assured her. ‘Don’t you worry about that.’

  Zastra rose from her chair. She needed to end this before Borez came out in open rebellion.

  ‘I have heard all your concerns and will reflect on them. When the time is right, we will act for everyone, not just for a few. Until then, we will protect what we have built here. I value the lives of all who come here seeking shelter, be they Kyrginite, Sendoran, Golmeiran or Far Islander. I will not put anyone at risk without a solid plan and a good chance of success.’

  ‘What about the fishing permits?’ Yelina demanded. Zastra pressed her palm against her burning forehead.

  ‘The contribution made by your fleet is much valued, Yelina. Let us not create unnecessary barriers to their work. If we must have rules, then the first boat to reach a fishing ground shall have first claim. But since we are surrounded by ocean as far as the eye can see, there should be more than enough space for everyone.’

  She was about to dismiss the council and find somewhere dark and cool to lay down when the door at the end of the hall burst open. A man dressed in green leggings and a bright orange tunic hurried in, his thinning hair awry.

  ‘Gildarn?’ Zastra exclaimed. ‘What’s the matter?’

  ‘It’s Findar and Kastara,’ he said. ‘Your brother and sister are missing.’

  Chapter Three

  Kastara watched the jib in dismay as it flapped like a woodcock stuck in a chimney. The yacht began to lose speed. It had seemed so easy when Zastra had taken them out and showed them the basics of sailing, but today a fractious wind sent them out into the Serene Sea, in exactly the opposite direction to where she wanted to go. A wave slapped against the side of the hull and sent a curtain of salty water over her shoulders. Whoever had called this the Serene Sea was an idiot. Oddball Ocean would have been a much better name.

  ‘Bear off!’ Findar cried. Her twin brother leaned across her and pulled the tiller towards him. The boat picked up speed and the flapping died down, but now they were heading even further away from Uden’s Teeth.

  ‘We need to turn around,’ Kastara said impatiently, yanking the tiller from his hand. The mainsail boom swept across the little boat so quickly she barely had time to duck out of the way. The boat tipped violently and only Findar flinging himself against the opposite side of the hull stopped them capsizing. At this rate, they were going to need rescuing, which would mean yet another telling off. It wasn’t fair. They wouldn’t be in this mess if Zastra had made good on her promise to give them extra sailing lessons, but their big sister was always too busy. Kastara set them closer to the wind so at least they were heading p
arallel to Uden’s Teeth, but the horrible flapping began once more. She decided to try a tack. The boom swung round, this time in a more controlled manner.

  ‘Yes!’ she cried in exultation.

  ‘You forgot to reset the jib,’ Findar remarked. The jib billowed in the wrong direction and the yacht came to a complete stop, and began to crab sideways. A pair of skuas cackled as they swooped over the masthead, almost as if they were laughing.

  ‘Drat this blasted thing!’ Kastara flung the mainsail line away in disgust. ‘Mata must have set it up wrong.’

  ‘Let me try.’ Findar swapped seats with her. ‘I told you we should have asked Myka to join us. Southlanders get put in boats before they can walk.’

  ‘I didn’t want him to know where we were going.’

  Findar gestured at the vast expanse of empty water in front of them. ‘Right now, only the stars know where we’re actually going.’

  ‘This wasn’t the plan.’

  ‘What was the plan, exactly?’

  Another wave slapped against their beam. Kastara gave a little scream and grabbed hold of the stern to steady herself. Findar let out the mainsail to catch some wind.

  ‘You’re going the wrong way,’ Kastara said sulkily as they gained speed. Findar released the jib and pushed on the tiller.

  ‘Duck!’ he cried as the boom swung round. He reset the jib and mainsail on the opposite tack and at last they were heading toward Uden’s Teeth.

  ‘Oh, well done, Fin!’ Kastara clapped her hands. She tried to take back the tiller but he pushed her away.

  ‘Oh no you don’t. We’ve established that you haven’t a clue what you’re doing. So, where are we going?’

  Kastara pointed towards the flat rock that lay at the northernmost tip of the semi-circular chain of islands. ‘Madwoman’s Rest, of course.’

  ‘Of course,’ Findar echoed her sarcastically. ‘Zastra made us promise not to go near it, so of course that’s where you want to go.’

  ‘She’s hiding something. How can such a little island be dangerous? It doesn’t even have any trees.’