“That was pretty impressive work, by the way. Hauss would be proud. He'd also call you foolish for overtaxing yourself like that,” Kalla said. “I, however, am just going to be thankful that all of you are still alive.” She turned her gaze back to the horizon. The specks were closer now, two people and what looked like a pronghorn, all steadily moving towards them.
“Yes. Thank you, Lady Kalla. You had… no reason to fight for me. You could have let Carron take me, especially given my previous animosity… Removed a potential problem before it could become one. I am in your debt,” Kasai said, his gruff voice soft.
“Just keep Vander safe and don't hurt Aleister, and we'll call it even. After all, you are the reason Vander lived long enough for me to have a chance to help him. For that I am in your debt, Master Kasai,” Kalla replied. The Harrier gave her a rueful grin and a nod.
“I should also tell you… the cat who caused all of this, the Ghost of the Plains, he was spiked as the wyvern were. How could someone manage to spike a living legend? Crookfang has eluded the greatest hunters from Evalyce, the Ramerides and Inkanata, not to mention the surrounding skycities.
“We've not had any unusual longteeth activity. Indeed, Arkaddia seems to have been spared the random attacks that other areas suffered. In Rang'moori, Kymru and Crannogmarch, the erratic animals were torched after they were killed. No inspection was done, but I suspect these creatures probably had been spiked also,” Kasai said.
Kalla frowned. She had no answer for Kasai. Fortunately she was spared from having to puzzle it out by the arrival of Shukke and Koumugi. The traveling specks had been the shaman and their spirit guides, a pronghorn for Shukke and a sabretooth for Koumugi.
“Did you call us here, Master Shukke?” Kalla asked. The elder shaman shook his head.
“No, Lady Kalla. We thought maybe it was you who had called us,” he replied. “I am glad to see that all of you appear well. Lord Nobunaga was worried for your health.”
“Well now. I wonder who called us then,” Vander said.
As if in answer a low rumbling growl filled the air. The tall grass nearby shivered and shook. Something huge uncoiled itself and padded forward to coalesce into Crookfang, albeit a much younger and less grizzled Crookfang. Still more than twice the size of the average longtooth, he now had a lustrous mane of dark fur and pale stripes that were more noticeable. The living Crookfang had borne a mane of silvering grey and the stripes across his body were almost too faint to be seen. His was an unusual pelt to be sure, laced with scars of past fights, all won. The Spirit Crookfang didn't carry quite so many scars, though some stayed.
I called you here, Master Koumugi, the big cat growled out. He turned to Aleister. I expect you to wear that jinshin proudly, boy. The scars as well.
“I will do so with honor, great one. But… why did you call us here? All of us, I mean,” Aleister asked. The cat lifted a paw and uncurled one claw, pointing up.
There are those who wish to speak to you. All of you. Crookfang grinned as only a cat can and stepped back from them, his chest swelling. He loosed a terrible roar to the sky that set the clouds to whirling. Faster and faster they spun as he roared again and again. A vortex opened above them, the winding howling, and the blood drained from the magisters faces.
Vander looked nervous, but not too worried. The shaman took it all in calmly, as did Kalla. The funnel drew closer, and suddenly the travelers found themselves sucked up through the raging winds, spun around and spat out up above the clouds. They landed on the cottony fluff and struggled to get their bearings. That they had traveled to the upper realms was obvious. A gentle light suffused everything and beyond their cloud pallet, wispy lilac grasses spread out, a plainsland of an altogether different kind.
“Gods be good, but I think I'm going to be sick. And I fly for a living…” Aleister groaned. Beside him, Vander and Kasai mumbled a shared agreement. Kalla and shaman had fared better, being more used to such 'interesting' trips.
A gentle laughter turned them around, some more quickly than others. Immediately Shukke and Koumugi dropped to their knees in respect. The magi and magisters followed suit, as amazed and puzzled as the shaman, for there before them drowsed the gods of the Arkaddians, the Hounds themselves, Ushas and Shang'de.
All is One. Shang'de's voice rumbled out as he stood, towering over them.
“One is All,” Kalla replied. She knew this spiel. She was beginning to think it was some greeting among gods in general and since they now saw her as Amaraaq she was treated as such. Kalla wasn't sure how she felt about that.
As above. This time, Ushas spoke, her voice more musical than her mate's.
“So below.”
Thus are all connected, all three spoke as one.
We wish to thank you, Lady Amaraaq. For doing what we could not and healing our land, saving our people, Ushas sang. The huge Hound moved closer to Kalla and the others scrambled back.
“I don't understand, Lady Ushas. How is it that you could not break the storms?”
Our powers are blocked. It is like that for all of us. We can bring you to us, those who are sensitive to such things, but do little to affect the middle realm. You, Lady Amaraaq, are an exception because you are waking Divinity.
But you can help us, if you will. We will give you a Song, for the thunderdrums. If you will play it, you can break the chains that bind our powers, at least. Others may approach you, as you pass through their lands, seeking your aid in freeing themselves.
“I will do what I can to help. But… I have already spoken to both Lord Araun and Lord Kituk. Neither asked such a thing of me,” Kalla said, puzzled.
You are Kituk's power in this world, Lady Amaraaq. He trusts you will do right by your people and land and I have no doubt you will. As for Lord Araun, are you so sure? Ushas asked.
Kalla frowned, thinking back over their visit to Xibalba. No, Araun hadn't asked her to do anything other than pay the price to obtain the Quill. Her eyes widened as pieces fell into place. She pulled the whistle out, holding it before her.
“But he didn't ask me to use it. He just said to use it wisely.”
Ah, little Wolf, he wouldn't ask. Especially not after what you had gone through. You might have decided to just throw it away. And his particular gift is not so shackled as many.
Once, the Lord of Living Nightmare was known as the Lord of Illusion. His gift can shape emotion, but it is humanity itself that collectively decides which emotions are of most value. Over the years, the darker emotions gained precedence in people's lives. As that happened, people began to revile Lord Araun as a being of great evil. Understandably, he has become a bit bitter at this twist of fate. Once he was as revered as we are, as Kituk is. It is our hope that you will choose to help all who seek your aid, Ushas said.
Kalla ran her fingers over the carved whistle, wondering at the implications of the Hound's words. She was gaining a greater understanding of the gods and their abilities. Not omnipotent, not all-knowing, but beings of far greater ability than even the magi and shamans of the middle realm could comprehend. Most watched over their lands in the middle realm as loving parents might and it seemed as if they were all connected as well. Like a very unusual family. But what could possibly block their power? She put the question to the Hounds.
Our powers were sealed when the Nagali began stirring. Whatever it was that woke him deprived us of the greater part of our powers in the middle realm. You can break the locks on them because you are one of us, yet still tied to that realm. You just need the proper keys, like the Song and the whistle, Shang'de rumbled.
Kalla bowed her head.
“If it will help, I will use the Song,” she said.
It would be most appreciated, Lady Amaraaq. We will give the knowledge to you and to the shaman as well, that they may pass it on and keep it alive. It is, however, exceedingly difficult to play. It will require a partner well skilled at the thunderdrums.
“More difficult than 'Dance of the Dragon'?” Kalla
asked.
Oh, most assuredly, Lady Amaraaq, Ushas replied. The Healer frowned and turned to those gathered behind her.
“Given the choice, I would pick Hauss, but seeing as he's not here… Who are the best drummers at the Palace?” she asked. The two shaman exchanged a glance, then pointed to the hawk.
“Any of the Harriers, Lady Kalla. They are all excellent drummers. A certain hawk thinks it builds good discipline,” Shukke said.
Kasai put aside his uneasiness long enough to scowl at the shaman. Kalla and Aleister started laughing and he turned the scowl on them, making Kalla laugh all the harder.
“Oh my, you'll definitely enjoy meeting Hauss then. He thinks the same thing, hence my humble skill. I guess you'll have to be my partner then,” she said through her laughter. The Harrier gave her an incredulous look.
“Are you telling me you can carry out 'Dragon'?” Kasai asked, his tone disbelieving.
“Yes. As I said, Hauss also thinks it makes for good discipline. All of the Healers have to learn during their training. I find it relaxing, to be honest,” she replied.
Kalla held out her hand, gesturing for him to come up beside her. Kasai shook his head and shared a look with Aleister, who merely grinned at him. The hawk edged up next to Kalla, where she stood before Ushas. He was skittish as a wild pronghorn. So close to the Hounds, the hawk kept his gaze to the ground.
You too. Come stand before me, Shang'de said to the two shaman. They stepped up before the great Hound, heads bowed. The two Hounds crouched down, bringing their faces level with the people before them and blew out a long breath in unison.
Kalla sighed as warm, lavender scented air washed over her and suddenly, there in her mind, she could hear the Song, every nuance of it, a complex weaving of sound that was both joyous and solemn. It was an affirmation of new life, and hope for the future; a thunderous blending of drums and bells. To play the Song of the Hounds would require every bit of skill she and Kasai could muster. She looked over at Kasai as the hawk let out a shaky sigh and ran his hand through his hair.
“Think you are up to it?” she asked with a sly grin.
“Think you are?” he shot back, sounding a little disgruntled. Ushas chuckled softly and he flinched back, shying away from the Hound. Kalla placed a comforting hand on his arm. Tension sang through the hawk's muscular frame. He was completely out of his element here, in this domain of the magi and shaman, and his nervousness fed his anger. He was doing well, but she could tell he was getting more and more stressed by the moment.
We will not keep you much longer, Lady Amaraaq. We do, however, wish to give you a gift, one I think your War Mage will appreciate.
Come, Vander kyl'Solidor. Stand with your magister, Ushas sang out. When the War Mage had joined the Harrier and Kalla, she breathed over them again. The Healer closed her eyes as she was once more wrapped in the scent of lavender.
Dizziness washed over her, accompanied by a rippling feeling beneath her skin. Kalla opened her eyes and found herself staring at silver-frosted paws. She turned her head and found herself face to face with Vander the wolf. An angry squawk brought their attention around to Kasai. The hawk was now a harrier in truth, a handsome black and grey bird who was not at all happy with his predicament. He squawked again, giving them an accusing look, as if it were somehow the magi's fault that he was now a bird.
Simply desire to return to your human form and you will do so. You will all have this ability now, just as the Prince does, to shift your form at will, Ushas said.
Kalla concentrated and felt the dizziness and strange rippling beneath her skin as she regained her human form. To either side of her Vander and Kasai resumed their forms as well. The Harrier's eyes were wide and he had a distinctly ruffled appearance.
We will send you back now. One last thing, Lady Amaraaq. To enter Ganysha's realm you must pass through the mouth of the great serpent, into the hills of harmony. No other way will you find entry. Good luck and good journey, Lady of Wolves, Shang'de rumbled as Aleister came up beside Kalla. Beneath them, the ground suddenly gave way, opening up into another cloud rimmed vortex.
“Oh, not again…” the Fox sighed as they fell through.
* * *
Kasai jerked awake with a panicked yelp that woke the others. He flailed in the dark, jerking away when one of them managed to grab his arm. He needed to get out, wanted to get away. It took a lot to frighten the Harrier, but the bizarre experience he'd just been through had more than done it. A ball of magelight erupted in the darkness and he squinted against its sudden brightness, flattening against the wall.
The hawk struggled to remember where he was, why he was there. The last thing he recalled was talking to Kalla as she checked on the War Mage, and then her as a giant wolf, protecting him from the Deathbringer. He gathered that he must have died when the War Mage did, but she'd managed to bring them both back, as she'd promised. He rubbed his chest, wondering why he felt so sore and was surprised to find his tunic in tatters.
“What the hells was that all about?” he growled out, edging away when Kalla moved closer to him.
“That would be journeying. It can be quite a unique experience,” Kalla said.
“Quite. And will we be doing this… 'journeying' often?” he growled again.
“I wasn't expecting to do it this time,” Vander replied. “Journeying is not one of my strong skills. It is fairly uncommon for a magister to do so without outside help. In this case, Crookfang, I guess.” He looked to Kalla for a confirmation and she nodded.
“Yes, it takes one from the spirit realms to bring the average person there. Crookfang here. Kituk for Aleister,” she said.
“Oh, lucky me,” Aleister muttered. He pointed to his brother. “I agree with him. I'd rather not do it again. Unpleasant things happen.”
“Heh, well now, Prince, I think you might end up going on more by default. You'll get used to it. And besides, your first trip didn't end badly,” Kalla replied, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Aleister ducked his head with a sheepish grin. Kasai gave them a puzzled look, his fear and his temper finally calming down.
“Prince?” he asked. “And why did they call you Amaraaq?”
“It's a long story…” Aleister muttered. “Too long for now. We should try to get some sleep.”
As if to emphasize his point, the Fox gave a huge yawn. He made a face and shifted into his fox form, curling back up next to Kalla. To her other side, Vander's face brightened as he remembered the Hound's gift. With a look of concentration, he too shifted. A red-furred tail swept the blankets in delight and he curled up in a ball on his pallet with a contented sigh. That left Kalla and Kasai to stare at one another. The Healer twitched a smile.
“In the morning. We will have much to discuss come tomorrow. It's a bit much to take in right now and far too long to explain. Let's just say, there's more to my magister and I than what you see here.”
“I intend to hold you to that.”
Kasai winced as he gingerly eased himself back onto his pallet. He rubbed his chest again, feeling as if he'd been trampled by a whole herd of pronghorn. Seeing his discomfort, Kalla gestured for him to lay down. When he did, she gently rested her hand against his chest. He tensed, then relaxed as soothing healing energy melted the soreness from his bruised muscles.
“I'm afraid I had to shock you to restart your heart. It can leave one feeling as if they've been run over by an angry vykyr.” She tugged the tatters of his tunic. “I can repair this also, in the morning.”
“Shocked me?” he asked.
“Yes. Your heart stopped. I needed to get it working again, to give it the energy it needed.” she replied. Kasai was silent for a moment, digesting this information.
“It really happened, didn't it? We both died and you brought us back,” he said slowly.
Kalla nodded. To either side of her, mage and magister were closely attending the conversation, though both looked to be slumbering peacefully. The Harrier closed h
is eyes, running a hand over his face. “Thank you,” he said softly.
“You are welcome, Master Kasai. Just remember what I said and give me no cause to regret it,” she said. He gave her his own nod before rolling over to face the wall, drawing the blankets up around his chin. Kalla watched him a moment more. He looked lost and alone, a stranger suddenly thrust into their close-knit group and uncertain of how welcome he truly was. Understandable given all he'd been through, but the hawk was tough. She was sure he'd adjust quickly.
Kalla sighed inwardly and turned to find a pair of amber eyes regarding her. She snugged back into her own nest and pulled the fox to her. He gave a growly sigh and wriggled closer as she pulled a blanket up over them.
“Why'd you shift?” she asked.
“How else to get you to hold me instead?”
Mischievousness laced the Fox's words, but beneath that lay a sleepy embarrassment, a hint of fear and more than a bit of pleasure. She chuckled softly, as he relaxed against her, stretching his paws out in front of him.
* * *
Morning dawned and voices in the hallway drew Kalla from her slumber. She groaned and started to stir, but found herself effectively pinned in on all sides. She still clutched the dozing fox to her chest, his warm presence a comfort. Vander the wolf was pressed against her back, pinning the blanket down.
The surprise was Kasai. At some point during the night, the Harrier had rolled over to his other side and now had his head buried against hers. Warm breath tickled one fuzzy wolf ear. She shifted slightly and, in an instant, the hawk was awake. He jerked away from her with a murmured apology that woke the wolf and the fox. The pair stretched their paws out, yawning, then shifted back to their human forms. Vander gave a regretful sigh and turned a sapphire gaze to Kalla.
“Well… what now?” he asked. Kalla met his gaze briefly, then focused on Kasai. The Harrier had edged away from them, sitting a little apart and she once more had the impression of a very lonely and unhappy hawk. She gestured for him to come closer.
Lady of Wolves (Evalyce Worldshaper Book 2) Page 9
