by R A Oakes
The giant warrior didn’t fear death for himself, but losing one of his daughters was something else again entirely. Lord Pensgraft knew if he had to choose between King Tarlen’s life and the fate of the kingdom, or the life of his daughter and the well-being of his family, then Chen, Dylancia and Aerylln would come first.
Chapter 22
As Lord Pensgraft was readying his warriors to attack the mountain-trail fortifications, Aerylln and Chen, back at the castle’s tiger compound, were facing a different set of challenges.
After Aerylln had brought King Ulray, Lord Grenitar and 100 very powerful tigers from the past, Ulray had gently, but firmly, commanded both the young woman and Marcheto to find a way to bring King Tarlen back into the physical world permanently. Aerylln and Marcheto had talked privately in the center of the courtyard and had then walked over to Chaktar where the young woman asked, “Is Prophet still here with us?”
In response, Aerylln felt a breeze from angel wings, and Chaktar said, “Prophet’s now directly in front of you.”
“Prophet, I serve the Creative Light. Do you serve her as well?”
Through Chaktar, who could both see and hear his mentor, Prophet said, “My master has never told me her name. After I died, she gave me the choice of either retiring to a life of peace and tranquility or coming back as Chaktar’s guardian angel. But she never said who or what she was.”
“Do you think she’s god?”
“I’m not sure.”
“For a while, I’ve been aware of a vast spiritual ocean, and it seems like I’m floating upon it, and that it flows through me,” Aerylln said. “I can’t see or touch it, but it’s more real to me than anything else. I take my bearings from it, and I believe the Creative Light has brought me here. I’d love to abandon myself to it fully and to know precisely what it wants of me.”
“It seems like you’re already completely immersed in that ocean,” Prophet said.
“What do you mean?”
“For you, the spiritual ocean is reality, but your body puts boundaries on your perceptual ability keeping you from seeing the spiritual ocean clearly. However, I understand your desire to abandon yourself to it. After all, think of what’s already there.”
“Like what?”
“Well, victory, for one, Aerylln. I believe the battle between good and evil is over in the spiritual world. Evil has been imprisoned and can’t penetrate the barrier encircling it. When you sense the tranquility of the invisible ocean, what you’re feeling is relief.”
“Relief?”
“Yes, relief that evil is contained.”
“But in the physical world, evil isn’t contained.”
“No, it’s not. The physical world is a separate arena, a setting for the last great battles between good and evil.”
“Even if I did escape into an ocean of tranquility, I couldn’t find true peace if those I’d left behind were still in torment. I’d want to come back somehow and fight once more.”
“Now you understand my dilemma, for that was my choice as well.”
“But I’m mentally drained and physically exhausted,” Aerylln sighed. “So, regardless of how helpful I’d like to be, I’m ready to collapse. I’m feeling sick from fatigue.”
“You’re worn out, Aerylln. I can see that, and I feel sorry for you, but there’s no time for you to rest and recoup your strength. You must push on.”
“I’m trying to be brave, but it’s simply too much for me. I can’t take any more.”
“You must endure, Aerylln.”
“I can’t.”
“Very soon, your father’s coming up that trail with his warriors. When he reaches the top, are you going to let him take on Swarenth all by himself? He will, you know.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re here. He’ll come for you.”
“But what can I do?”
“Draw strength from love, Aerylln. Don’t fight out of hate, for that only breeds more hatred. Fight for what you love. Fight to keep your father alive.”
“Fight for Dylancia,” Chen said, offering her support. “Fight to give your little sister a better way of life.”
Thinking about how much she loved her half-sister, Aerylln said, “I won’t let Dylancia grow up in a kingdom controlled by gargoyles.”
“Excellent,” Prophet said.
“And I won’t let my father or stepmother die,” Aerylln said taking Chen’s hand.
Chen was somewhat taken aback. Her personality could be so abrasive that it never occurred to her that someone would fight out of love for her, except for Lord Pensgraft that is.
“I suppose, in the end, all you have is your family,” Aerylln said.
“Now that you’ve chosen your path, the first step is getting King Tarlen and his men back into this world permanently,” Prophet said.
Not feeling any less exhausted, Aerylln remained silent for a few moments trying to collect herself, but when she spoke, she did so with authority.
“Prophet, you’ll be the centerpiece of my strategy to save King Tarlen,” Aerylln said firmly, glad that a possible solution had come to her, and it was one that put Prophet at the greatest risk. Maybe I deserved that lecture, Aerylln thought, but Prophet’s going to shoulder his full measure of responsibility as well.
When Chen heard the hard edge to her stepdaughter’s voice, she smiled and thought, Love’s a good motive, but anger’s even better. Not hatred, mind you, for that’s all consuming. But love laced with anger can be exhilarating and effective.
As for Lord Grenitar, he was unconcerned about the danger Prophet might be facing and was simply pleased that a tiger, albeit a dead one, was being afforded a special place of honor in the proceedings. However, over something else, Lord Grenitar was experiencing his own feelings of anxiety.
The giant tiger had basked in King Ulray’s friendship for years, but Lord Grenitar could tell that his master was impressed with Aerylln, and an irrational fear crept into Lord Grenitar’s heart. He began worrying that this young woman was easing her way into King Ulray’s good graces, and that he, himself, would lose favor with the king. It was an unfounded fear, Grenitar knew, but he couldn’t help himself since big cats were extremely territorial. Still, he tried to clear the disturbing thoughts from his mind and attempted to focus on his great- great-grandson.
“Chaktar, you must be proud of Prophet,” Lord Grenitar said. “How exactly did you end up with your own guardian angel?”
“Well, when Prophet was alive, he was my mentor and even gave his life to help me escape the castle’s gladiator arena. However, death, it seems, didn’t completely sever the connection between us.”
“Thank you, Prophet, for taking care of my great-great- grandson. I’m in your debt,” Lord Grenitar said. “In fact, each and every tiger in this compound is indebted to you.”
“Why all of them?”
“Prophet, I just heard your voice,” Lord Grenitar said, greatly surprised. “I thought only Chaktar could see and hear you.”
“But why are all these tigers in my debt?” Prophet asked, skipping over the fact that Lord Grenitar had heard his voice. While in captivity, Prophet had endured years of harsh treatment, and the tiger angel had never received such a compliment before. It was like rain falling inside his parched soul.
“Within the Kardimont family, no one ever stands alone. We all protect each other. Thus, since I’m in your debt, all the other tigers are, too. We stick together.”
“I never really had a family. All my relatives died in the gladiator arena fighting gargoyles when I was still young.”
“Well, you have one now.”
“Really?” Prophet asked, and he began glowing inside. In fact, the tiger warrior angel was so overjoyed at the prospect of not having to shoulder life’s burdens on his own that the glow got stronger. Gradually, a faint outline of the warrior angel appeared in front of them all, a tiger made of subdued light but clearly visible with nighttime approaching.
“N
ow, not only can I hear you, Prophet, but I can see you,” Lord Grenitar informed the winged tiger.
“Is that good? If I’m not invisible, maybe I won’t be so useful.”
“Just be yourself. That’s good enough for us.”
“Being me has never been enough.”
“It is now.” And then, turning to Aerylln, his rival for King Ulray’s friendship, or so he thought, Lord Grenitar asked, “How can I help King Tarlen? What do you want me to do?”
“Go to the center of the courtyard and take your tigers and Prophet with you.”
Now, in addition to his unfounded fears about Aerylln, he began experiencing another uncomfortable feeling. This time, however, it was something very rational. Lord Grenitar was becoming anxious over Marcheto’s experimental incantation. He’d been through it once before with Eldwyn, but that was in his youth when he thought he had nothing to lose. In an effort to hide his fear, both from himself and others, Lord Grenitar resorted to some dark humor.
“So, big cats are doing this all on our own? I mean is saving kings sort of a tiger thing, or what?” Lord Grenitar asked Aerylln in an accusatory tone.
Surprised by his hostile attitude, the young woman just looked at Lord Grenitar.
“Don’t tease her,” King Ulray said. “She’s not used to your graveyard humor.”
“You didn’t complain about it when I rescued you, sire.”
“I was too busy trying to exploit you at the time,” King Ulray countered with some dark humor of his own, all too familiar with his friend’s moods.
“So, this is just another example of humans using animals for their own selfish ends, is it?”
“Sire, you have to admit that seems like a fair question,” Zorya said lending her equestrian support to another four-legged creature.
“Aerylln, don’t take this overgrown feline seriously,” King Ulray said. “When facing the prospect of death, he tries to handle it with humor, but his jokes have never been very good.”
“You don’t like my jokes? What a time to tell me.”
“Listen, you overstuffed, glorified mascot, I’ll be doing more than just telling you bad jokes if you don’t save my son.”
“Threatening your tiger-brother? That’s gratitude for you.”
“From this point in time, your heroics were over 50 years ago.”
“Yes, but what’s time between friends?”
“The longer you delay, the hungrier I’m getting for tiger steaks.”
“Why aren’t you a vegetarian, my brother? After everything four-legged creatures have done for you, eating meat is so disrespectful.”
“Be careful I don’t disrespect you personally.”
“Aerylln, we’d better get started. Grumpy kings can be dangerous.”
“Save my son, Grenitar,” King Ulray said, this time being very serious.
“Yes, my king.”
“Focus.”
Lord Grenitar took a deep breath and slowly let it out. Some of the need for escapist humor began to leave him, with a steely courage taking its place, and he growled, “Aerylln, what else besides going into the center of the courtyard would you like us big cats to do?”
Aerylln knew this giant tiger was far more experienced in war than she, but the young woman decided not to let him get to her. Squaring her shoulders, she declared, “I’m White Angel, Lord Grenitar. Maybe you think you don’t need me, but there might come a time when you’ll wish you were on good terms with me. I’d suggest you behave yourself.”
“Whew, this young pup’s got claws,” Lord Grenitar said smiling. “I meant no disrespect, White Angel.”
“Good, because I don’t like eating my vegetables either.”
Lord Grenitar smiled again liking her spunk. “Okay, you’re in charge. I’ll take my lead from you.”
“Wise choice.”
Aerylln, Baelfire, Zorya, Lord Grenitar, Chaktar, Prophet and 100 tigers from the past walked towards the center of the tiger compound. Marcheto, King Tarlen and his men stayed behind waiting until Aerylln was ready for them.
Upon reaching the center of the courtyard, Lord Grenitar looked back at the others and saw Chen, Aerylln’s protective stepmother, glaring at him with her sword half out of its scabbard. From the look in her eyes, it was clear she wasn’t joking.
“Aerylln, I’m sorry if I spoke out of turn,” Lord Grenitar said, hastily offering a sincere apology. “But, if it’s not too much to ask, may I please make a suggestion?”
“Go ahead,” the young woman said testily, showing a willingness to be open to new ideas but firmly determined to brook no more nonsense.
“We’ve caged the man-eating tigers, but that leaves 40 tigers from the present still available to assist us.”
“I don’t know. We tried using them before, but they weren’t much help.”
“Did they hurt the incantation in any way?”
“No, not intentionally, it’s just that they didn’t have the energy we needed.”
“Then let them help us.”
“They’re not very strong. The incantation might drain them and kill them.”
“Some things are worse than dying.”
“Like what?”
“Like being considered useless.”
“I will not waste lives needlessly,” Aerylln replied.
“Condemning them to living wasted lives is worse.”
“I disagree, but maybe we can accept volunteers.”
Walking over to the 40 tigers who were dejectedly hanging their heads, Lord Grenitar said, “This is a dangerous incantation. I was a part of it once before and almost didn’t survive. Anyone who can’t rise to the occasion need feel no shame. I’m only asking for volunteers.”
Lord Grenitar remained silent for a few moments allowing the 40 smaller tigers to search their souls, and then he said, “I won’t paint a pretty picture. This could kill you, and the odds are against your coming back alive. But I need to know. Who will volunteer to help save the life of their king?”
Right before his eyes, the smaller tigers seemed to grow in both size and stature and after only a moment’s hesitation, they ran to Lord Grenitar. “Thank you, my lord,” many said with tears in their eyes.
“Thank her,” the giant tiger said nodding towards Aerylln. “She’s in charge. She’s our leader.”
The smaller tigers eagerly went over to Aerylln, and some licked her hands. Others went up on their hind feet and licked her face. Still others rubbed back and forth against the sides of her legs.
Aerylln looked over at Lord Grenitar and smiled. He returned her smile and said, “I get nervous at dicey times like this, at least before I get my head on straight. I’ve behaved badly, and I’m sorry. But I’m here for you, as are we all. I’m your humble servant, Aerylln.”
“White Angel,” the young woman said demanding his full respect, although not yet in angelic form.
“Yes, excuse me, White Angel.”
“So, your male need to be in control is under control?”
“Absolutely.”
“Okay, I want the tigers divided up and arranged into 20 small circles. After that, I want the circles, like links in a chain, to form a larger circle around Prophet. Inside of each small circle, I want one of King Tarlen’s men. Lastly, in the center of the larger circle, will be Prophet, Chaktar and yourself who will surround the king.”
“I can help organize that,” Lord Grenitar offered.
“Excellent.” Turning to Chaktar, Aerylln said, “Tell Marcheto, King Tarlen, Captain Polaris and their warriors to join us.”
“Right away.”
Within a few minutes, everything was arranged. Then, after putting aside her fears about what might go wrong, Aerylln boldly threw herself into this make-or-break situation. Leaping onto Zorya, she unsheathed Baelfire, held the magic sword high over her head and shouted, “Creative Light, please save the king!”
Immediately, a brilliant light burst from Aerylln causing almost everyone in the courtyard to cov
er their eyes, but Chen, Gwendylln, Corson and Andrina caught a glimpse of the blinding flash momentarily illuminating the adjoining tower in the darkness.
“This courtyard will soon be crawling with gargoyles,” Gwendylln said. “Half the winged apes in the castle must have seen that.”
“Good, I’d prefer a straight-up fight,” Chen said. “I hate all this sneaking around.”
“No kidding? I’d never have guessed,” Andrina said, teasing her protégée. Turning to Corson, the older warrior woman asked, “Does that surprise you, too?”
Corson said nothing, well aware that baiting Chen was a dangerous game. Other than Chen’s “mother,” no one who knew her would even consider being so foolish. But Andrina was as addicted to risk as the black leather panther and just as fearless.
However, this brief aside was quickly forgotten as Chen’s warrior women and Tenacity’s village women all looked on in amazement as Aerylln transformed into a 15-foot-tall White Angel possessing stunningly beautiful wings which, when fully spread, were well over 30-feet from tip to tip. With white- blond hair flowing down her back and wearing a white leather jacket, white cloth blouse, white leather pants and white riding boots, White Angel looked radiantly feminine while exuding enormous power.
Zorya, who’d been growing right along with her master, was now a giant white warhorse, and Baelfire had almost tripled in size. Together, the horse, the sword and the young woman had transformed into the Trinity of Light in all its glory.
Quickly stepping closer to White Angel, Marcheto took a deep breath, held his wizard’s staff over his head and shouted, “Angelector kapernaum dutrian hermangic!”
The 19-year-old White Angel immediately began shape shifting up and down her own time line appearing to be 35, 22, 48 and 26. Then, spreading his arms wide, Marcheto shouted, “Skizmat warpora timeth multikar!”
One by one, ten more versions of White Angel materialized ranging in age from 20 to 29. The Council of Aeryllns had returned.
“What do you want us to do?” White Angel 29 asked their 19-year-old leader.
