Shadows of the Realm (The Circle of Talia)

by Lister, Dionne

  Flux dropped low. The animal was coming in his direction. If it really was what he thought, it would be larger and far stronger than him. It was possible it was the man-eater Corrille was afraid of. He was loathe to notify Avruellen immediately, as the animal might pass without taking any notice of the sleeping humans. If Flux woke them, they would definitely make enough noise to attract the beast’s attention.

  Flux lay still, heart beating quickly. He waited, the scent intensifying. The creature did not change course. Flux rose into a crouch and backed quietly toward the campsite, carefully waking Avruellen. He invaded her sleep with his mind voice, tender and calming. Avruellen, wake up quietly. Something is approaching.

  She opened her eyes, remaining still.

  I think it could be the mysterious beast you heard about at Pollona. I haven’t sighted it, but it smells like a Zamahlan Panther.

  Avruellen sat up carefully. It would certainly explain the ravaged cow carcasses the Pollonians were worried about. The Zamahlan Panther was half again as large as a normal panther and could easily have killed and devoured two large animals.

  Avruellen was wondering how to handle the situation when Flux started growling, a low grumble in his throat. He was looking past Avruellen. She stood up and strained her eyes through the gloom. A large black beast, head twice as big as hers, white fangs protruding below its top lip, entered the camp. It stopped just beyond the light from the dying fire. Standing almost chest high, it was huge. Yellow-green eyes reflected the light, regarding Avruellen and Flux in equal measures. Flux growled louder.

  Corrille woke to see Avruellen standing, and Flux with hackles raised. She looked in the direction they stared, and saw a vague outline of the huge creature. As soon as she saw its large, yellow eyes she started screaming.

  Bronwyn, yanked from slumber, sat up in a sleepy confusion. It took a few seconds for her to understand the situation. She grabbed her sword and scrambled to her feet while Corrille continued to scream—her shrill voice grating. Avruellen yelled at her to shut up, but the hysterical girl just screamed louder. No one moved.

  Through the din, Bronwyn’s eyes met the great cat’s. She heard his voice in her mind. So, you are the cub I must train. Can you get that girl to shut up before I kill her? Avruellen and Flux also heard the Panther and stood, mouths gaping. Bronwyn calmly turned to her friend. “Be quiet. Be quiet!” It didn’t make any difference. In fear of what the beast would do, she slapped her friend across the cheek. The crack rang out, returning silence to the night. Corrille gingerly touched her red cheek, sobbing in shock.

  Bronwyn turned back to the beast. Is that better?

  Yes, thank you. Now, as I was saying.

  Hang on. What do you mean you’re going to train me? Train me for what?

  I’ve been sent to bond with you. Bronwyn blinked and slowly shook her head. From what Avruellen had always said, the realmist chose whom they would bond, not the other way around. Not only that, but this animal was communicating with her in a way that should not have been possible given Bronwyn’s lack of experience. This animal was not normal.

  Who sent you?

  Drakon. He thought you might need some help, especially after last night. If you agree to abandon your pride forever, you may join mine. If not, you will all die. So, young cub. What’s it to be?

  Bronwyn stared at her Aunt. She was being presented with an awful choice. Never see her loved ones again, the woman who had sacrificed so much for her, and go with this mysterious creature. Or stay and be the cause of everyone’s deaths. It wasn’t much of a choice. She would definitely sacrifice everything she had for the safety of her family and friends. She hoped the panther was being truthful and this wasn’t just a ruse to separate them. She looked at her aunt for reassurance, but all she saw was a mirror of her own confusion. Bronwyn knew she had a lot to learn about the Realms, and that without her aunt’s guidance she would struggle, as she was doing now. The biggest decision of her life and it had to be made within minutes. She drew a deep breath.

  Avruellen looked at her niece and back at the beast. Her shock had subsided and she considered the practicalities of the situation. If this beast took Bronwyn they would be unable to complete the task set for them by Agmunsten. They would fail before they had barely begun. Surely Drakon would not exact his promise in this manner if he knew? Avruellen spoke to the beast, mind to mind, so not even Flux could hear. You may not take my niece now.

  Don’t speak foolishly old woman, Drakon has ordered it. I will take her now. Do you forget your promise?

  Of course not. We have an important journey to complete. When it is done, Bronwyn will be free to fulfill the promise.

  The panther stood for a moment, head cocked. He seemed to be listening to something. His head straightened. The time is now. Drakon offers no apologies or explanations. He will be obeyed. Avruellen tried to argue but found she could not form words mentally or physically. Enraged, she realised she had been muted either by the panther or Drakon. How dare he interfere! Avruellen’s distress was obvious to those around her.

  Bronwyn, unappreciative of the true extent of the predicament, walked over to her aunt and hugged her tight. “I’m so sorry. If what that animal says is true, I have to go. It might be the only chance we have. I love you. Thank you for being my mum and dad. I’ll miss you so much.” She felt that what she said couldn’t begin to tell Avruellen how much she meant to her. Tears coursed down her cheeks and dampened her aunt’s shoulder. By agreeing to cut ties with Avruellen, she was giving up the possibility of ever learning who her parents were.

  Bronwyn turned back to the menacing black beast and spoke calmly through her tears. When does this bonding take place?

  Soon.

  Well, just to let you know: I may have agreed to bond with you and give up my family, but I will not agree to be your puppet. I have to live, or die, by what I feel is right, or wrong, and nothing can change that. If you don’t like it I’ll choose to stay here and die. The panther’s lips curled at the edges in a feline grin.

  Say your goodbyes and come with me.

  Flux growled in protest. Bronwyn kissed everyone goodbye through salty tears. Corrille was still quietly sobbing and had no idea what was happening, as she couldn’t hear the cat’s side of the conversation. The only thing she could understand was that her friend was saying goodbye.

  Within minutes Bronwyn had fastened all her belongings to Prince. She waved a last, despondent goodbye. Avruellen, Flux, and Corrille watched as she turned her back on them and left. No one spoke. Avruellen couldn’t believe what was happening. Her mind was free again and she cursed Drakon as she crumpled to the ground. First Augustine, and now Bronwyn. The pain of the past two days was too much. Avruellen started keening and couldn’t stop.

  Bronwyn gritted her teeth as she forced her legs to keep moving against the pull of emotion. She left the clearing and stumbled into the unknown, her Aunt’s grief shadowing her reluctant footsteps into the dark.

  18

  As evening settled in, Arcon sat slumped on his bed at the Goat’s Head Inn. Blayke had disappeared five days ago. As soon as Phantom had informed him that Blayke had been taken, he had run to the lane where Fang waited. Fang had already squeezed under the gate and inspected the yard, but hadn’t found a hole in the building big enough to sneak through. Fang suggested Arcon beat the door down. Arcon wasn’t sure about revealing themselves; it was probably what Morth wanted. They kept an impatient eye on the terrace all night, but there had been no movement in or out. By morning Arcon had been frantic with worry and had decided they might as well risk it. If anything happened to Blayke they were probably all doomed anyway. The prophecy stated he was to play an integral part in defeating the Gormons.

  Arcon held his arms in front of his chest, parallel with the ground, palms facing the gate. Drawing a rush of air through the Second Realm he blew the gate, then the back door, off their hinges, timber splintering to smash against the terrace wall—right now he had no patien
ce for subtlety. They raced inside. The house was empty, the chill indicating Blayke and his captors had probably left last night. After sifting through everything, they had to accept Blayke was gone.

  Fang found a trap door in the floor in the kitchen. He followed a small dirt tunnel along its length. At the end was a second door, which opened up two blocks away.

  Arcon had first tried to speak to Blayke mind to mind. Fang had already tried, but they couldn’t contact him. Chances were, he was still unconscious from the blow to the head—or he was drugged. Arcon scried the Second Realm for Blayke’s symbol. He found it, so knew that Blayke was still alive and in town, but he had no idea where.

  As the sun set, Arcon again searched the Second Realm for Blayke’s symbol. He located the signature bright light moving away from the town in a westerly direction. It had only travelled a short distance. Arcon had memorised the two symbols with his nephew’s, and would never forget them. “OK, Fang, we’re going. Get your stuff.”

  My stuff. What stuff?

  “Oh sorry. I forgot. I’m so used to speaking to Blayke. Well, hop in my pocket then.” The old realmist gathered his and Blayke’s packs.

  Arcon called out to Phantom, who alighted on the windowsill. Arcon changed his mind about walking; time for ambling was over. He had purchased two brown stallions. With Arcon’s help, it took the stable-hand a few minutes to saddle the mounts. He had been prepared to leave town since finding out Blayke had been kidnapped. He knew it was inevitable that Morth would soon depart with his precious cargo.

  The trio left the town, Arcon mounted and leading the other horse. He had memorised the direction from his scrying and knew where to go. He revisited the Second Realm each hour to confirm they were heading in the right direction. Morth appeared to be keeping ahead at a constant pace, indicating they too, had horses. Arcon prodded his horse into a canter, even though visibility was limited in the darkness. He needed to catch up to them on his terms. Morth may just be trying to escape, or may be trying to lead them into a larger trap.

  Arcon called Phantom. The owl landed on his heavily padded shoulder. “I don’t want to ride into a trap. I need you to fly ahead and have a look. I’m worried Blayke may still be unconscious. If he is, it will make our getaway harder.”

  Why don’t you just kill Morth and the woman he’s with?

  “I have a feeling it’s not going to be as straightforward as that. If they overcame Blayke so easily, they are probably dangerous.”

  Yes, but Blayke is young and inexperienced.

  “Nevertheless, I don’t want to underestimate their strength.”

  I’ll let you know as soon as I see them. Phantom shoved Arcon’s shoulder down as he pushed off. He flew into the distance and was soon a small speck.

  “You’ve been awfully quiet little rat.”

  I’m just worried. I think he’s OK. I’m sure I would know if he were seriously hurt. They’re keeping him blocked from me somehow. How would they even know what communication Blayke’s capable of? They seem to know too much.

  “I don’t like it either. Whoever has employed them knows what we’re all about. I just don’t know whether it’s Gormon related.”

  In a way I hope it is. How many enemies can we fight at once? Arcon was loath to answer that question, so they rode in silence, eagerly awaiting Phantom’s news.

  When Arcon checked the symbols in the next hour he was happy to see they were gaining ground on the fugitives. He was hopeful they would catch them before morning. Intermittently, Phantom would relay news about the countryside they were about to cross. His information had ensured a safe trip, so far. With Phantom’s help they could cover ground more quickly than their prey. Arcon took the small comfort he could—while the others were running from them, they had no time to be doing anything unsavoury to his nephew.

  It was as if the horses had slipped through another time, another place. Arcon could barely distinguish shapes as they rode past trees, hills, and rocks. Haunting bird cries punctuated the blackness of the cold, still night. The wind rushing past his numb face was created by his urgent flight to save Blayke. Arcon could feel his horse’s lathered warmth through his trouser legs and knew he couldn’t push him this hard indefinitely. They had to catch up to Morth soon. The situation became more precarious the longer they held Blayke.

  Toward dawn Arcon had no choice but to stop and change horses. His mount trembled in near exhaustion, but the horse he had purchased for Blayke was fresher. He mounted Blayke’s horse and they continued at a walk. He scanned the symbols. They were very close; maybe they would have caught them within the hour if they could have maintained their previous speed. Daylight would put Morth on a more equal footing. Arcon was frustrated to say the least. He was looking forward to paying Morth back for the stress he was subjecting him to. Morth would be lucky if he kept his life. Arcon would have planned to kill him at first sight if it weren’t for the information he might provide.

  The morning sun shone weak warmth on the angry realmist. Phantom flew toward his companion and could feel waves of negativity as he soared closer. He changed course and flew a semicircle to come at Arcon from behind, furiously flapping his wings for balance as he alighted on the realmist’s shoulder. You look happy this morning. Let that anger build any more and it’s possible you might explode.

  “Not funny. I’m not in the mood. Why are you back here? I thought I told you to keep an eye out.”

  Phantom knew how upset Arcon was, but was offended nonetheless. Well, gee, thanks Phantom for flying all bloody night. That’s OK Arcon, glad I could help. The owl stared at the realmist with large, unblinking eyes.

  “Don’t look at me like that. Sorry. I know I’m being disagreeable.”

  That’s not the word I would’ve used. Anyway, I’m back because they’ve dumped Blayke.

  “What! Why didn’t you send it to me? Is he alright?”

  He’s fine. Drugged and dead to the world … I mean, he’s asleep. It seems as if Morth knows something about the Realms. It looked like he was scrying for your whereabouts. He may know your symbol.

  Arcon swore. This was going to complicate things. As soon as he knew you were going to catch them he ditched Blayke and ran, like the coward he is.

  Arcon nudged the horse into a canter. “How far away.”

  About ten minutes at this pace. I’ll fly ahead and make sure he’s alright. The owl pushed off. Fang heard the conversation, his head and front paws hanging over the top of Arcon’s pocket. Blayke and Fang had been automatically included in the mindspeak between Arcon and Phantom as soon as they had bonded. The rat stared eagerly into the distance, whiskers twitching as he tried to pick up Blayke’s scent.

  Fang could soon smell the unmistakable odour of the young realmist. He nervously ran his paws over his twitching whiskers. We’re almost there, I can smell him. Arcon gently stroked Fang’s back in acknowledgement. Within minutes Arcon saw Blayke’s unmoving body lying face up on the rocky road, obviously discarded in a hurry, Phantom perched on his chest, moving up and down ever so slightly with each of the young man’s breaths.

  Arcon threw himself off the horse and rushed to his nephew, falling to his knees beside the limp body. Fang jumped out of Arcon’s pocket and ran along Blayke‘s arm to sit on his shoulder, his usual wariness of Phantom forgotten.

  Arcon stared intently at the young man’s face. It was OK except for the indented purple circles under his eyes. Arcon leaned over his mouth and sniffed his breath. It had a metallic odour. Quickly fetching his pack, he dug through everything until he found what he was looking for: two different herbs, his water flask, and a mug. He placed water in the mug, cradling it in both hands. Using energy from the Second Realm, he had it boiling in seconds. Holding an equal measure of each herb in the palm of his hand, he closed his hand; when he opened it, the dried leaves had disintegrated into powder. He dropped them into the mug and let it sit for a few minutes.

  Gently cradling Blayke’s head in his lap, he administer
ed the brew. It was a slow process to get the liquid down the unconscious man’s throat without choking or burning him. Both creaturas looked on in concern. It was a matter of time to see if the concoction counteracted the poison Morth had given him. Arcon was delighted when Blayke’s eyes fluttered open, albeit weakly.

  The young realmist was relieved to see his friends looking at him instead of Morth and his evil mother. His mouth was full of the taste of what Arcon had given him. It was not pleasant, but not as bad as what Morth had shoved in his mouth when he was last awake. “Sorry, I messed up.”

  Arcon couldn’t help but laugh. “You really are the master of understatement. Don’t worry about that right now. We’ll talk later. How do you feel?”

  “Like I’ve been trampled by a herd of angry bulls. Everything aches so much that I can’t distinguish one part of my body from the next. I could tell they had given me Vetchus, and I knew it wasn’t fatal. I was more worried what they would do when I was unconscious.”

  “It’s nice to know you were listening when I gave you the lessons on poisons. It’s also good that it hasn’t affected your memory.”

  “I’m so sorry, Arcon. I still can’t believe I was so stupid.”

  “Not stupid, necessarily. I’ll put this one down to youthful naivety, but I’ll call the next one stupidity.”

  “There won’t be a next one.”

  “Unfortunately there’s always a next one. For now I’ll make up your bed and we’ll stay here for the day. I’d love to get my hands on that manure-eating parasite right now, but we all need a rest.”

  Arcon prepared the camp and they slept for a few hours, with the exception of Fang, who, as well as being excited at finding Blayke, had slept a while in Arcon’s pocket on the way. He woke them mid-afternoon. The clear sky had clouded over. Arcon prepared food, which Blayke felt well enough to eat. Blayke managed to mount his horse by himself by the time Arcon had cleared the camp. He was slightly dizzy, but that was all. Arcon’s plan was to ride a few hours in the dark, make camp, and continue again in the morning. He would wait until then to ask Blayke the many questions he had.