The woman standing outside the tavern’s huge double-doors was tall and blond with piercing brown eyes.
‘Good evening Talon, Sarlice, Thita, Rekala and Kestric. My name is Skylien. I’m chief among the scribes for the king and queen. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you so much that I tasked some of my subordinates with scribing for tonight’s gathering.’
‘Nice to meet you,’ Sarlice replied. ‘It must be satisfying to have people like that, you can trust to do a good job.’
‘They are very dedicated,’ Skylien agreed. ‘Most of them I trained myself.’
‘You must really enjoy writing,’ I commented.
‘Aye,’ she said. ‘There is something satisfying about making the ink flow neatly from the quill onto the scroll. Scribe work can be dull at times, though, so I write my own material.’
‘I can’t remember the last time I wrote anything down,’ I muttered. Then I recalled the letter I had written to Princess Denliyan. It was heart-wrenching still not knowing if I had gotten her with child in the drug-induced stupor she’d subjected me to. Even though it would be a child of violation, it would still be my child.
‘I would have thought ambassadors like you would have to keep some written records,’ Skylien said, arching one eyebrow. I glanced at Sarlice, who rolled her eyes. Skylien led us away from the tavern down a cobbled street lit with large yellow lanterns.
Thita flew silently above Sarlice’s head, landing on her shoulder every now and then for a pat.
I tuned out as the women discussed what we’d been through over the past few months, choosing instead to focus on our surroundings. The journey only required the briefest walk as we travelled most of the way by ferry on the artificial canals. Despite their slick appearance, the buildings in Centan were not damp. The shield around the city protected it from the shrouds and from the clouds the waterfalls generated. As we passed close enough, I could see many buildings made of polished marble in various hues. Some had plain yellow stone foundations that matched the colour of the ground. There were columns down the main thoroughfares, carvings and mosaics on the walls of official buildings and fountains or troughs on every corner.
The humans shared the city with skyearls and animals of wondrous variety. As such, many of the buildings were enormous, with archways as high as a forest canopy. When I looked up, I saw creatures playing on the beams far above—everything from tiny skyearls the size of Thita to cats, hawks and lizards. I could sense the tightly-coiled control of the predatory Rada-kin as they resisted their instincts to hunt. Some were more used to it than others, depending on how long they’d been bonded.
‘Greetings,’ I called through the waves to nobody in particular.
A chorus of voices came back to me and half a dozen birds fluttered around my head crying through the waves, ‘Welcome, welcome, Talon of Jaria. Astor! Astor!’
Rekala and Kestric trailed behind us, a little bewildered by all the new sights, sounds and scents. I stopped to stroke Rekala’s head and she rubbed her cheek against my hip with a low whine of apprehension.
‘What do you think of the city?’ I asked her.
‘It is confusing,’ she complained. ‘There are too many scents all in one place. I cannot discern where everything is.’
Rekala’s nose provided one of the most important senses that she used to understand the world around her, including the direction and distance of other creatures. When she’d been alone in the jungle, she’d used this to hunt prey and avoid other icetigers. Now, however, it was overwhelming for her. When I concentrated on her mind, I got the impression of a map spread out around us, with hundreds of smells all piled on top of each other, as if there were humans, skyearls and animals all standing in the same place in every direction around us.
She seemed relieved when we crossed the road into the parklands that surrounded the Dome of Gathering. Large blue lanterns hung from the boughs of countless trees in the courtyard. A banner-lined stone pathway led to a set of stairs and the immensely high glass dome.
Skylien led us through groups of people who were chatting and sipping mugs of lime-green liquid. Tyba came down the stairs looking pleased to see us but somewhat distracted. Skylien shook our hands farewell, nodded to the prince and departed.
‘Well met, friends,’ he said. ‘Do come in.’
We passed through the wrought-iron entryway and into a hall of starry black. Crystal candleholds jutted from the ebony walls, catching shards of light and throwing them in all directions, but the immensity of the hall made it far too big to light properly at this time of night. Instead, the candles winked above us as skyearls flew in by the dozen, using the waves so they never crashed into each other. I kept one hand on Rekala’s shoulder to reassure her.
Further down the hall, we emerged into a blue-lit chamber with rings of green-glass chairs underneath a distant glass dome. An oval-shaped stage jutted into the middle of the room. On its front end was a Great Sapphire Tree; the biggest I had ever seen. Its trunk was several paces wide and its branches richly jewelled with the same stone-like leaves that adorned my belt. Blue light emanated from each leaf and reflected in the pupils of the thousands of eyes right across the chamber.
Ciera was lying on his stomach at the back of the stage, speaking urgently with a group of eight other skyearls and their Sleffion. I felt like I should have been there with him but Tyba patted my shoulder and lead us up a spiral staircase to a small balcony.
A broad-shouldered man sat rigidly at one of the tables, watching the figures on the stage. He had an ordinary face that was, somehow, not what I expected of a king. I could see the resemblance between Tyba and him, but the prince’s face was more symmetric, his features sharper. Crystom wore a neatly-trimmed beard and moustache that was brown with flecks of silver. His arms were tanned and spotted from many days spent in the sun.
Opposite was a regal looking woman in purple velvet and white silk robes. She had her greying black hair done up in a bun with a golden circlet atop. She had a kindly, but firm, look about her and the beauty of her youth was apparent in her large green eyes, streamlined cheeks and petite nose.
‘This is my father and mother,’ Tyba told us unnecessarily, ‘King Crystom and Queen Emyla.’
The king slapped his left palm against his right shoulder and nodded his head. ‘Pleased to meet you Astor Talon. And you S.T.R. Sarlice. Your skills are welcome here and I hope you decide to join our army for the defence of Tanza.’
Despite the formal way he addressed us, there was a twinkle of mirth in his eyes. I guessed that Tyba got his exuberant nature more from his father than his mother. I expected that the king and prince were people who followed rules when it was necessary, but knew when to strike a compromise and show a sense of humour.
‘If what we’ve heard is true,’ Crystom continued, ‘you could eventually have a position here training our new recruits in archery and swordcraft.’
‘Thank you,’ Sarlice replied in astonishment, forgetting to return the ritual greeting.
‘He thinks we are here to settle down?’ I thought to Rekala and Tiaro, affronted.
‘It’s a big realm,’ Rekala replied. ‘They’re bound to be self-important about it and forget that there are Kriites living quite happily in other nations.’
‘It’s an honour to meet you, King Crystom,’ I said, bowing with my left palm against my right shoulder.
‘Perhaps he presumes that you will naturally start seeing yourself as a Tanzan now,’ Tiaro suggested.
‘Now that Jaria is no more?’ I lamented.
‘Well, there is that, but I meant now that you are bonded with the emperor skyearl.’
‘True…’
‘Queen Emyla,’ I began, setting aside the uncertainty Tiaro’s words roused in me. ‘Tales of your beauty have been vastly understated.’
‘Spare us the platitudes!’ Rekala accused me mirthfully.
The queen, however, beamed and held out her jewel-encrusted fist for me to kiss. Sarlic
e looked surprised at my debonair words.
‘My husband referred to you as “Astor Talon”,’ the queen said, ‘but I wonder if you would rather be called by your Jarian title of Ambassador.’
‘You discern my feelings well, your majesty, but I am forced to conclude that Astor is the most appropriate title for me now. An empty realm hardly needs ambassadors.’
‘I’m sorry to hear what happened to Jaria,’ she replied with genuine sorrow in her voice. ‘It’s much the same in various parts of the world. You will have heard about the defeat of Watercrag?’
‘Aye.’
I started to form words to describe how I thought Jaria could be restored, but the crowds hushed and Ciera stood up very slowly and looked up at our balcony. He winked at me and began to speak.
‘Be welcome at the Gathering of Minds for the 700th year of the Age of Astors. The Gathering recognises Duchess Zar and Anzaii Chalinal from Highford, Duke Vernor from Lokshole, Duke Pelram and Commander Tinok from Condii, Duke Alger from Lantaid, Duchess Silik, Commander Teska, Anzaii Lilyrm and Duke Osk from The Sunbark Cities, Commander Hushoer from New Rosenvale and Specialist Tsek from Ruhor Lair. These minds are on the waves, their thoughts amplified by the channelling powers of the many sapphire trees in this realm and the artefacts made from their leaves and bark. We welcome you into our presence, with the warming light of the Ancient Sapphire Tree of Tanza.’
Tyba whispered in my ear, ‘Each representative from the cities of Tanza has an Anzaii by their side, guiding them through the waves for the Gathering of Minds. The Ancient Sapphire Tree functions mainly as a beacon. Look at it through your wave senses. I have heard it is beyond beautiful to most Anzaii.’
I focused my real eyes on the tree and gradually brought my awareness of the waves down to a single channel. It was like sweeping a firebrand through a vast black plane—suddenly a bright blue spark leapt out at me. Then, twinkling like brilliant blue fireflies, the leaves of the Ancient Sapphire Tree came alive. The entire tree pulsed with life and many faces seemed to be reflected in the shining surfaces of leaf and stem.
Ciera had continued introducing participants in the Gathering who had travelled here from places called Lander’s Bay and Kovain. When he raised his voice, it echoed throughout the dome and some people held their ears.
‘Does Ciera always run these gatherings?’ I asked the queen.
‘Nay,’ she whispered. ‘We take turns between Crystom, myself, Tyba, Clayr and our Sleffion-kin.’
‘Before we move onto graver matters I have a few routine announcements to make,’ Ciera began. ‘First of all, King Crystom has asked me to remind you that the Defenders are calling for new recruits across all of their warrior and service classes. Secondly, a few months ago, the people of Lantaid were happy to receive Talon of Jaria and Sarlice of Lyth.’ He gestured at our balcony. ‘Furthermore, it is my pleasure to reveal that I have finally found my Sleffion, Talon.’
An enormous rush of talking engulfed the Dome. Suddenly all eyes were upon me. On a suggestion from Ciera, I stood nervously to my feet and bowed. Smiles of wonder appeared on a thousand faces and some began to clap. Soon the entire Dome was filled with a sound like rain in a narrow canyon. When the noise had died down, Ciera nodded to one of the other humans on the stage and swept his piercing gaze across the crowd.
‘And now for my most unpleasant announcement,’ he said. ‘The Zeikas have breached the barriers of Tanza once again. We have reason to believe there are large forces already within our realm.’
I gasped in shock, wondering how he had kept this from me. Even if he only confirmed the breach since arriving in Centan, his ability to shield his mind from mine was impressive.
All joy evaporated from the room. Silence fell and people fixed their eyes on the Emperor Skyearl in solemn concentration.
‘During Talon’s Bonding Ceremony, we sighted a Zeika scout. Sightings have also been made by citizens of Highford and Condii. Defender scouts have been sent to the border to help the patrols search for the Zeika warcamps, but we expect the Zeikas to use many wards and spirit circles to conceal themselves.’
I could hear a hesitant murmuring.
‘We have fought off four Zeika incursions in the past twenty-five years,’ Ciera went on. ‘Though their desire for our lands must be strong, there is nothing to suggest they might succeed in their mission this time.’
‘Why are they attacking us now?’ a young man standing towards the back of the hall called out.
‘Why do they ever attack us?’ King Crystom rejoindered, shouting to be heard. ‘The Relts want Tanza for their own and they want us dead.’
Ciera nodded at him from the stage then turned toward the Ancient Sapphire Tree, making it obvious he addressed the representatives from all the cities of Tanza who were still hovering on the waves.
‘Data and wartime log books have been sent on The Wing for the high commanders of every city. You are all required to prepare your armies for attack. As usual, when the Zeikas attack, you are also expected to have an effective relocation strategy in place. It’s not likely we’ll need it, but I have to remind you nonetheless.’
The audience rumbled and hissed with displeasure.
Sarlice and I exchanged glances. Perhaps it wasn’t the right time to come to Tanza for help. No matter where I turned, things seemed to be going from bad to worse. Tiaro conveyed her own sorrow through the waves. I rubbed the earring absentmindedly and it glowed brightly. My other hand went instinctively to the sapphire-leaf belt from Jaria. My perception of the people listening on the waves became sharper. I marvelled at that and spent some time dwelling on each person I encountered. They were not aware of me, it seemed.
Over the next half an hour, Ciera and the others in the dome and on the waves discussed a range of issues. Feeling somewhat out of my depth, I listened only to bits and pieces. There were skyearls whelping in Ruhor Lairs who needed protecting in the event of war; there was a water shortage in Lander’s Bay; an overabundance of crops in The Sunbark Cities were putting farmers from New Rosenvale out of business; the most powerful Anzaii in Highford had recently died of old age.
My hand tightened on the belt. If what Ciera had said was true, perhaps my belt could be used to enhance my Anzaii abilities. It was, after all, fashioned not only from a sapphire tree or a Great Sapphire Tree, but an Ancient Sapphire Tree. When Namal had given it to me, he had said the Jarians suspected there was a ‘spiritual purpose’ to the use of sapphire tree leaves. The belt had been fashioned from the leaves of one of the nine remaining Ancient Sapphire Trees. And here before me was a second.
Across the dome I could hear the beginnings of a song. As more and more people heard, they joined in and I recognised it from Jaria. It was a song for times of battle, both physical and spiritual. It had often been sung before a Kriite demonstration, like the one that had ended my father’s life. Anger boiled up inside me and my fists clenched. Tiaro cried out through the waves, imploring me to direct my frustrations into anything other than hate, so I joined in with the song.
I sung with fervour, barely hearing my voice above the crowd. Some of the human-skyearl pairs had moved to the front of the stage and were singing enthusiastically. Ciera watched me with interest, but he didn’t sing. As the chorus began again I thought of the Jarians at work for the Zeikas. I could imagine the cruel whips punishing the bound Rada-kin, bullying them into submission and forcing their human kin to obey their masters’ every wish.
Visions of death and destruction made sadness well up in me. Worse still was the certain knowledge that many people were suffering long-term torture and deprivation at the hands of the Zeikas. Not just Jarians either, but any who refused to accept their god.
I thought of the countless Kriites in Telby and nearby who would soon suffer under the swelling Zeika Empire. Hadn’t King Flale spoken of them as an acceptable sacrifice for the greatness of Telby?
And there was the princess of Telby scheming and joining forces with Reltland, hee
dless of the suffering she would bring upon a portion of her people.
A few yards away, the intensity of my feelings resonated with Rekala. She was crouched low with her ears back.
I felt my heart beating harder and heat rush to my face as I realised that the Tanzans wouldn’t dedicate forces to search for the missing Jarians and help the Kriites of Telby until Tanza was free of the Zeika threat. Well I would help them. Together we would drive them back. Rekala lurched forward and roared. I found myself on my feet with my fists in the air.
‘We will not be defeated!’ I shouted. The singing slowly died away as people looked up at the balcony. It was as if my words had somehow reached through the waves into their minds to capture so much attention. Surprised at my own tenacity, a thrill of nerves buoyed me on. ‘No matter what it takes,’ I yelled, ‘we shall not bow to the Zeikas! No matter what, we shall not yield to our enemies, only to Krii!’
They cheered loudly; delegates and citizens from all over Tanza, people listening here in the dome, people connected through the Ancient Sapphire Tree. Skyearls stamped their feet and flapped their wings. Ciera lifted his massive head and roared. The sound was what I imagined an exploding volcano would sound like, deafening and utterly terrifying.
The soles of my feet vibrated in my boots and my teeth chattered. I found myself shouting along with him. People jumped and shouted and raised their fists. It was as if some kind of energy travelled through the entire room with that thundering roar. Slowly the king got to his feet. He stood beside me, placing one hand on my shoulder. I allowed myself to relax and waited for the crowd to quieten.
Crystom looked out over his people and said, ‘Astor Talon is right. The Zeikas buy their lands with blood and cunning. But Tanza is not for sale! Go now and prepare yourselves for war!’
It was the first time someone had called me by my new rank publicly.
‘Astor Talon,’ I thought to myself. ‘If only my father could see me now.’
Tanza Page 9
