Sisera's Gift 2: Sacred Blood

by Robyn Wideman

  Isabella grabbed the older woman and pulled her into a giant hug. “It’s wonderful,” she said and tucked the closed device into the leather bag.

  Kai stood up next and went out into the hallway to retrieve his gift.

  “Sorry I didn’t wrap it.” He shrugged as he handed Isabella a pair of matching short swords. “In case your fire runs out.”

  Isabella took a blade in each hand and walk to an open area. She began moving and swinging the swords with practiced ease as she performed a routine taught to her by Kai. The swords were perfectly weighted and balanced. She felt like if she was dancing. When she had finished one cycle of the routine, she looked at their expectant faces and grinned. The whole group clapped and cheered. She gave a little bow and handed the swords back to Kai.

  “I had a sheath made for them as well, so you can wear them on your back which will aid for quick mobility,” he said, then held up the swords to block her embrace. “Later. Let me put these away so I don’t cut your arm off. They are like razors.”

  Isabella nodded and turned back to the group to find Raven and Amelia standing next to each other, both holding large parcels.

  “They kind of go together.” Amelia shrugged and both women smiled.

  Isabella took a seat on a couch and opened the parcels. From Raven’s she pulled a chainmail shirt and a pair of new knee-high leather boots. The boots were made of a thick leather, that matched the bag from Rosalie, and lined with rabbit fur. They also had dagger sheaths on the outside, disguised to blend into the intricate design. The chainmail was practical, although somewhat less exciting.

  Next, she opened the parcel from her mother. Inside was a pair of soft leather leggings and a matching hooded tunic. The supple leather outfit had been dyed a dark purple and had gold thread stitching. Isabella felt tears well up in her eyes and she looked at her mother. Amelia had tears in her eyes as well.

  “Go put it on before we both start sobbing,” Amelia said to her daughter. “The chainmail is meant to go inside the tunic. There are clips on the shoulders and waist to keep things in place.”

  Isabella nodded and took the gifts behind her dressing screen. She took her time while putting on the new outfit. When she was done, she looked at herself in the mirror.

  The outfit was tight but not constricting. She found she could move easily but the constricted space of the dressing area could not give her a good estimation. The chainmail fit perfectly underneath. The boots fit well, but she knew already that they would take some time to break in and conform to her feet. She reached down and found the daggers easily pulled from their hiding place.

  She pulled her hair back into a ponytail and pulled the hood up. She turned back to the mirror for examination.

  “Wow,” she thought to herself. She looked like a new person. She lifted her hand, palm up and created a small fireball. “I look formidable.”

  She heard a knock at the door and heard two new voices enter the room. Her heart jumped. She came out from behind the screen to find Makal, along with his father. Jaers was greeting Raven with a kiss on her hand. Makal stood, quietly waiting. When he saw Isabella emerge from behind the screen, his jaw dropped.

  “Oh wow,” he said. Everyone else turned to look and had a similar reaction.

  “Oh, Isabella, you look magnificent,” Amelia blurted out, her hands clenched tightly in front of her chest.

  “What are you going to do with that now?” Jaime laughed, pointing to the fireball that was still formed in her palm.

  Isabella had been so distracted by the arrival of Makal that she had completely forgotten about the flaming orb in her hand. She looked around for an easy and safe way of disposing of the fireball. With a chuckle, she sent the orb flying toward Sisera’s cave. A moment later everyone in the valley could hear Sisera howl.

  “I’ll get you back,” the dragon said using their mindlink.

  “I know you will.” Isabella laughed. “Come see my new outfit.”

  “Later,” mumbled the dragon. “Don’t wake me up again. I was having a wonderful dream about not being linked with a spoiled, snotty, little brat.”

  “Suit yourself. Makal is here anyway,” she said.

  Isabella turned back to find her mother talking with Makal. Her heart jumped and she rushed over to them.

  “Hello Makal,” Isabella said as she approached. Makal looked over and smiled.

  “I was just introducing myself to your friend,” Amelia said. “Seems you two have been getting along quite well.” A wide smile crossed her face which sent a wave of relief over Isabella.

  “Yeah. We hang out together sometimes,” Isabella said with a nervous smile.

  “I brought you a going away gift,” Makal said quietly, seeming almost shy.

  Isabella turned to face the boy. She looked deep into his eyes and smiled.

  “I didn’t think that you would want to see me off,” Isabella said, coyly, “after the other day.”

  “I couldn’t let you leave without saying goodbye. My father says that sometimes men say stupid things to hide their true feelings,” Makal said, catching Amelia nodding out of the corner of his eye.

  “I’m glad you came,” Isabella said sincerely.

  “Me too,” Makal smiled. “Here.”

  Isabella took the small box from Makal’s outstretched hand. The box was a cube about the size of her fist. It was intricately painted with designs that she recognized as those made by the desert tribes of southeast Partha.

  “It’s beautiful,” she said.

  Makal laughed. “It’s not the box. It’s what’s in the box,” then he said, “Though you can have the box too if you would like.”

  Isabella turned the cube over in her hands but could not find a latch release. She could not find a way to open it. She looked inquisitively at Makal. He chuckled and took her hands. He guided her fingers to a small indent along one edge. He used her finger to apply pressure to the indent and the lid popped open. Out fell a leather bracelet with a smooth, carved stone embedded into it.

  Makal took the bracelet and lightly took a hold of Isabella’s left hand. He looked her in the eyes and she nodded knowingly. He laid the bracelet on her wrist and connected the two clasps that held it in place. She turned her wrist over to examine the gift.

  “It’s so beautiful,” she said in awe.

  “I made it myself,” Makal said, “with a little help from one of my father’s friends.”

  Isabella ran her finger over the carved stone. It was in the shape of a triangle, with three straight ridges connecting to a point in the middle.

  “It’s called a dragon’s eye,” Makal said. “It is said to have magical properties but I don’t really know anything about that. I just saw it in a book father gave me and it made me think of you.”

  Isabella blushed. “I love it,” she said and threw her arms around the boy’s neck. She hugged him tightly.

  “Okay, love birds,” Jaime said. “We’re not done yet. You can canoodle later.”

  Everyone laughed except Makal who blushed deeply and smiled quietly.

  “Here,” Jaime said, handing Isabella a small nautical compass. “You will definitely need one of these. Do you still remember how to use it?”

  Isabella thought back to the week that Jaime spent teaching her how to use the device. She nodded. “Thank you,” she said, giving him a warm embrace.

  “It will go well with my gift,” Camdyn said, holding out a leather envelope. Isabella took the package and pulled out a folder leather map. “So that you know where you are going and where you’ve been.”

  Isabella unfolded the map and studied it carefully. The map contained Partha continent and its surrounding islands. She found where the tower would be and traced her fingers along the shoreline to the north. She could not find the islands where she fought the griffin.

  As if reading her mind, Camdyn said, “It’s an older map, not complete, but it will help.”

  “Thank you,” she said, wrapping her arms arou
nd the old soldier, as she had done with all the rest. “Thank you all so much. I would like a few minutes to talk with Makal, if that is all right?”

  Amelia nodded. Isabella took Makal to a bench on the far side of the veranda. They sat next to each other, close enough that their legs were touching. Isabella took Makal’s hand and rested it on her lap.

  “Are you scared?” he asked.

  “Terrified.”

  “Do you have to go?” his words sullen but hopeful.

  “Yes,” said Isabella, looking down at their intertwined hands. “I will come back, though.”

  “I will be waiting.”

  Isabella smiled and turned to look at the boy. He was staring straight ahead, off into the distance. She could see a tear forming in the corner of his eye.

  “I will have you with me, always,” she said, holding up her wrist with the bracelet.

  “Please be careful,” Makal said, choking back a sob.

  Isabella looped her arm through his and laid her head on his shoulder.

  “I will be,” she whispered.

  They sat in silence, just being together, for just a few moments, but to Isabella, it felt like time stopped.

  “Isabella.” Her mother called out from the other side of the room. “Isabella, come here.”

  Isabella released Makal from her grip and looked him in the eye. They did not have to speak. It was like her connection to Sisera, she just knew what he was thinking. She gave a slight smile. Makal returned her gesture with a nod. They both began to laugh. They got up and joined the rest of the group.

  Camdyn had laid the leather map out on a table. Everyone were gathered around and offering their own opinion on where Isabella and Sisera should start looking.

  “Isabella,” Amelia called to her. “Camdyn thinks that you should start in the west but I believe Droll is the right choice, seeing that it is the Dragon Isle. What do you think?”

  Isabella approached the table and studied the map.

  “North,” she said finally.

  “Why north?” asked Kai.

  “There is nothing in the north,” Amelia stated. “Except for Evresh, and I would prefer if you did not go there at all, if possible.”

  “Tyrath is in the north,” Isabella said. “He lives on the north-eastern tip of Seron.”

  “Who is Tyrath?” exclaimed Amelia, clearly relieved that her daughter wasn’t planning on venturing to the infernal Isle of Evresh.

  “Tyrath is a dragon. Sisera met him not that long ago, when I was fighting the griffin. She had gone fishing and happened to find the same spot as the older dragon. He may have a good idea where we can start.”

  “She’s going to be fine,” laughed Jaime. “She already knows better than all of you.”

  Kai and Amelia simultaneously shot Jaime a harsh glare.

  “It’s true, though,” he said, holding up his hands in mock defense.

  “Well, it is settled then,” Camdyn said as he folded the map and placed it back in the leather envelope. He handed it to Isabella and gave her a nod, showing his respect for her.

  “Let’s get her saddle and her pack,” Kai said to Jaime. The two left to do just that.

  Everyone jumped up and began fussing with the preparations. Isabella walked over to her mother. Amelia smiled sweetly at Isabella and placed her hands gently on the girl’s gold and purple scaled face. She looked her daughter deep in the eyes.

  “I’m very proud of you,” she said. “I lost you once and you survived. I feel like I am losing you again. Deep down I know that you will be just fine but as a mother, I cannot help but worry.”

  “I know, mother,” Isabella said. “I love that you worry. It shows me that you care.”

  Amelia a wrapped her arms around the girl and hugged her as tightly as she could.

  “I will be back soon, mother.” Isabella tried to reassure her mother.

  “I know you will, sweetie.” Amelia pulled out a small kerchief to wipe the tears from her eyes.

  Raven crossed the room holding Kai’s gift along with the back scabbard.

  “Do you know how to put on of these on?” Raven asked.

  Amelia and Isabella broke from their embrace and the young girl turned to Raven, wiping the tears from eyes with her sleeve. The tears created dark streaks on the garment as the material would not absorb the liquid.

  “Yes,” she said and took the holster from Raven. She slung one strap over her shoulder and buckled it loosely. She grabbed the other strap and pulled it down across her chest, buckling it tightly. She then adjusted the buckle on the other side for a snug fit.

  Raven nodded, checking to make sure it fit as well as it could. When she was done fiddling, she took as step back and stood next to Amelia to appraise the girl.

  “You look badass,” said Raven, a grin forming on her face.

  A thought occurred to Isabella. “How am I going to wear a cloak with this on my back?”

  The grin faded from Raven’s face. She looked at Amelia, who was sharing the same crisis of reason. Isabella began to laugh.

  “Not a big problem,” she said. “A cloak would slow me down in battle anyway. I will just wear a big one, that will fit over top, for when I’m cold.”

  Raven and Amelia both began to chuckle as they gathered the rest of Isabella’s gear to help her finish preparing.

  Jaime and Kai soon returned with the modified saddle and a large leather pack. The pack would attach to the back of the saddle with straps.

  “Sisera,” Isabella said through the mindlink. “It’s time.”

  A loud roar and a burst of flame came from the cave, followed by a groggy dragon.

  “Okay. I’m up,” Sisera said, then groaned. She looked at Kai and Jaime, and what they were holding. “Fine. Strap me up like a pack mule.”

  The dragon settled down to allow the two men to fasten the saddle and gear. When they were satisfied, Sisera stood up and tested the load.

  ‘Well, I guess this is it,” Isabella said.

  Everyone formed a line so that they could say their goodbyes. Isabella could not hold back the tears from streaming down her face. She gave each of her friends, including Jaers, who she barely knew, and her mother a hug. They all wished her a safe journey. The last in line was Makal.

  “Get back to me safely,” he whispered in her ear as they embraced.

  The tears began to flow even more. She looked at him in the eyes and leaned forward. Their lips met briefly.

  “I will,” she said, then pulled away from him. She felt that if she did not go now, that she would not be able to leave him.

  Isabella walked quickly to Sisera, who was patiently waiting. With practiced ease, she leaped into the air and landed on the saddle. She quickly settled herself in. She smiled and gave a quick wave goodbye.

  Sisera stepped forward and jumped off the side of the balcony, spreading her wings. With a few pumps, they began to climb.

  Isabella looked back, one last tear falling from her eyes.

  “I hope this won’t be that last time I see home,” she thought.

  “It won’t be,” said Sisera. “We are going to be just fine.”

  The Dragon Princess and her mighty steed, flew off, over the mountains, toward the rising sun.

  25

  “We have been traveling hard with very little rest,” Santaal said as his horse picked its way through the stony mountain pass. “The men need a break.”

  Tarak turned and glared at his older brother. He knew the man was right but they were so close that he did not want to stop.

  “We will stop when we get there. According to the scouts, the town is just on the other side of that hill,” Tarak said, trying to keep his voice as calm as possible.

  “Hill?” Santaal laughed. “That is a mountain, brother. We need to stop if only for just a few minutes. I have had a leg cramp for the last half hour.”

  Tarak considered what Santaal had said and finally nodded in agreement.

  A look of relief came acro
ss Santaal’s face and he raised his arm and turned to face the ten men who rode in line behind them.

  “Taking a rest, boys.”

  The convoy came to a halt, and the men dismounted, many just dropping their reins where they were. The horse trainers at Castle Pornoux were some of the best in the world. Another service of war provided by the Sacred Blood Brotherhood.

  “I will ride ahead,” Tarak said. “I won’t hide my trail. You are capable of tracking me?”

  Santaal nodded, taking in stride the condescending tone Tarak had in his voice. “Yes, we will follow shortly.”

  Tarak turned his horse east and continued without a glance back. He followed the stony road until he came to a signpost at a crossroads. The sign was almost completely sun faded but Tarak could still make out ‘Og Addal’ scribbled on the one pointing down the left road. He kicked his horse into a canter and took the left road.

  The rough road twisted through a narrow valley which set off every instinct Tarak had. It would be the perfect spot for an ambush. Tarak considered casting a spell of invisibility but he did not in the end.

  “I could use a fight if one was to come my way,” he thought to himself.

  His eyes scanned the sides of the road in the distance, looking for signs of an ambush but there were none.

  After traveling on the rough, stony road for a couple hours Tarak finally came over the crest of a hill to be greeted with the sight of a wide valley down below.

  The town of Og Addal stood at the base of a mountain. A large river snaked its way down providing the valley with fresh glacial water as well as rich, fertile soil. From his high vantage point, Tarak could see the farmlands spreading outwards from the large town. The town had grown around a large, prosperous iron mine.

  Tarak kicked his horse, and they rode off in the direction of the town. As he got closer he signaled the horse to leave the road and head toward the large forest the bordered one side of the town.

  Tarak dismounted and left his horse to drink from a small stream that was an off-shoot from the river. He now cast an invisibility spell and headed through the forest toward the town.