The Healer continued, “I asked Gallen to meet me in Dorsal. That was where Torin predicted we would find the next dragon and rider — a female rider.” She looked at me with pride, then went on, “We fell in love all over again, and after much procrastination, here we are in front of our close friends to pledge our troth.”
A tragic story that at last ended in happiness. I wiped away my tears and started clapping, which was taken up by the other guests. We toasted the couple countless times. The rest of the night was a blur of music, and dancing.
The communication device buzzed in the Healer’s library. I was at the laver outside the kitchen washing off the dirt and grime from my morning practice. It continued to drone impatiently. When it seemed like no one would be answering the device, I sprinted to catch it. I put my hand on the knob and Ansel’s face shimmered into view.
My heart accelerated. He smiled and said, “I was just ready to give up.”
“I’m sorry, I guess the Healer and Gallen aren’t around.”
“It was your face I wanted to see, anyway.”
I blushed then remembered my manners. I saluted him and said, “Eshshah and I send our greetings to Sovann.”
Ansel returned the greeting.
“To what do I owe this pleasure? I heard you already contacted the Healer this morning while I was out,” I said.
“I need yours and Eshshah’s assistance and wanted to ask you personally.”
“Our assistance? Do you have a quest for us?” I brightened.
He laughed. “Not in your grand sense of the word. But I have secured an audience with King Tynan that I want you to attend with me.”
“An audience? You want me to take part in a meeting with the King of Serislan?”
“Yes, exactly. I’m about to reveal my identity to King Tynan and petition his backing. We could use his strength when we face Galtero. I’ve requested to meet with him.”
“And how would Eshshah and I be of any help with that? I know I need the experience, but right now I know nothing of diplomatic affairs, especially an audience with a king.” My chest tightened at the thought of facing King Tynan.
“You’ll be fine. I know your powers of persuasion.” He gave me a knowing look. “Besides the use of your talents, a show of another dragon from Teravinea would be to our advantage.”
“You wouldn’t rather have the Healer or Braonán? Eshshah and I would be happy to transport them. Truthfully, of what use would I be to you? What if I hampered your chances of any aid from him?”
Ansel’s eyes danced, “So, you’re declining a direct order, dragon rider? Do you want to be charged with insubordination?”
“Hmm. I see you’re throwing your rank around.” I feigned disdain. “No, I would never want to be charged with insubordination. Very well then, as you wish, Your Grace. When do you want me?”
His eyebrows raised. With a devious smile he said, “Always!”
I rolled my eyes. “Let me rephrase my last question. When is the council with King Tynan?”
Still smiling, he answered, “In less than two days time. I’m sorry for the short notice, but can you and Eshshah fly here tonight? I miss you. We can spend some time together and go over what we’ll discuss with the king. You’ll have to excuse me for a few hours tomorrow afternoon, as I have some business to attend. I’ll be free by the evening meal. The next morning we’ll fly to Serislan Castle.”
I brightened at the thought of flying to the castle, “I assume you’ve already discussed this with the Healer and I’m the last to know?”
“Well, you’re probably not the last to know ...”
I shook my head, “Eshshah and I would be honored to accompany you and Sovann to an audience with King Tynan.”
I released the knob on the communication device. My panic at the thought of a meeting with the king began to subside as I realized the advantage just presented. The opportunity arose a little fast, but already a plan began to formulate.
“Amáne? What are you thinking?”
“Eshshah, this is our chance to do more research on Leyna and the Valley of Dragons. I’ve read everything that the Dorsal Outpost had to offer. I believe there are some manuscripts at the Arevale Outpost that Leyna used. And she may have left some written information. It’s our excuse to go there and find what we need to get to the Valley.” My excitement began to build as I left the library and headed out to the courtyard where Eshshah lay in the sun.
“I get the feeling you don’t plan to propose your intentions to Lord Ansel, the Healer and the Council.”
“You know as well as I that Ansel would oppose such a plan. It wouldn’t even get to Council. He’d quash it before I could finish my plea. I’d need more information before I involve him.”
“And you know as well as I that you cannot leave on some wild quest just because you think we can find the Valley of Dragons, Amáne.”
I remained silent as the ideas churned in my head. This could work.
“Amáne?”
“Okay, Eshshah, how about this? Bern believes Leyna found a way to get to the Ancient Ones. The Healer finds truth in it. I’m thoroughly convinced she found the Valley. Our purpose would just be a short flight to Orchila. That’s the village where Leyna went to find out how to get to the Valley of Dragons. It would be a small discovery journey. We won’t take long. We’ll find someone who can give us the location, or even a map, and return with some proven information. We can then propose a more concrete and well-researched plan to the Healer, who can convince Ansel. He and Sovann can go back with us. Ansel can petition the Ancient ones for their backing. Just like we’re doing with King Tynan.”
“I don’t know. Even the short flight to Orchila doesn’t sound like a trip the Healer would deem necessary. Can’t you just ask her for her input?”
“I think you’re making more of this than you need to. We’ll be in Serislan at King Tynan’s castle. At that point we’ll be only a few hours from Orchila. We won’t be missed. And just think of the advantage for our cause. Dragons, Eshshah. That would turn the events in our favor. Galtero wouldn’t stand a chance against a fighting wing of dragons.”
Eshshah eyed me sideways.
“Eshshah, it’s one short day of asking questions. I’m simply seeking information to support our proposal. That’s it. Nothing more.”
“Amáne, you know I’d follow you to the Other Side if you asked. I just want you to think this through, to make sure you don’t do anything unbecoming of your position.”
I grabbed her fangs and placed a big kiss on her nose. “Eshshah, I love you.”
She hummed her pleasure.
Darkness finally arrived as the Healer, Bern, Gallen and I finished our evening meal. It was decided that since Eshshah and I were heading north, we would go by way of Anbon to the mountain camp and drop Bern off. He would continue his work in training recruits for our army.
While we ate, the three of them briefed me on the protocol and etiquette of a royal audience. The thought of an encounter with the monarch of Serislan and the aristocracy at the castle left me fighting for breath. I’m not cut out for this kind of thing. What was Ansel thinking?
At least this time I’ll have suitable gowns to wear. Fiona was my champion in that field. She’d created several gowns for me, and made me vow I would never wear one of my old Dorsal skirts anywhere near a manor or castle.
Gallen saddled Eshshah with the double saddle. He was rubbing her between her eyes as I made my way to the courtyard. She hummed with contentment. I smiled.
After hugs and farewells and a good deal of salutes, Gallen gave me a leg up. I locked wrists with Bern and he swung up behind me. We buckled in as Eshshah pushed off. Spiraling upward, I watched Gallen and the Healer grow smaller below us.
The flight was thoroughly enjoyable, even though we flew at the frigid height Eshshah loved. I’d wrapped a silk scarf around my face and had on plenty of layers as well as my riding cloak to guarantee my warmth. For once, I was actually comf
ortable in the freezing temperature.
In the distance, I spotted the destroyed town of Anbon. It sat like a scar upon the hill, charred buildings its only inhabitants. A sadness crept upon me. This could have been Dorsal. I couldn’t imagine how Bern felt.
We arrived at the small valley where Anbon’s encampment lay. It was dark and quiet, unlike the first time we landed there — the night Anbon fell.
Bern and I unloaded the items the Healer had sent. I grabbed the last small bag of herbs and headed to the hospital cave.
“Well if it isn’t Sir Amáne,” came a familiar voice. “Did you miss me so much you had to come back to see me?”
“Hello Darqin.” I managed to keep an even voice.
He turned to Eshshah with a weak salute and said, “Hey dragon.”
I clenched my fists. “Her name is Eshshah,” I said slowly. “I’ve asked you before to show more respect. And, I’ve also asked you not to call me Sir.”
He looked at Eshshah and said with little sincerity, “Greetings Eshshah. May your fire never burn out.” He gave her a crisp salute, that in my opinion bordered on mocking.
Eshshah nodded back only out of politeness. A small rumble in her chest vibrated in my ears. I don’t think Darqin heard.
“Eshshah, I’m sorry,” I said.
“It’s not your worry, Amáne. I feel sorry for someone so confused that he seems to feel satisfied only if he’s insulting someone.”
I headed toward the medical supplies to deliver my package, hoping Darqin would go the other way, but he kept pace at my side.
“So, Sir ... I mean Amáne, are you going to stay a while? I could use some female company. I can overlook the fact that you dress like a boy.” His eyes swept over me.
I suppressed my urge to smack him across the face. Eshshah rumbled again and this time he heard her.
“Whoa, call off your dragon. I was just saying you might be interested in spending a little time with me.”
“Thank you anyway, Darqin. I’m not interested. Besides, I’m not staying.”
A flash of anger showed in his eyes.
“What’s the rush to get back to your little tip of the kingdom, Dorsal, right?”
“Yes, I’m from Dorsal.”
“So, does Dorsal have their contingent of recruits training for the army?”
“Yes.”
“And I assume you’re part of it?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t have to be so short with me. Like you’re better than me. I’m just trying to have a friendly conversation with you.”
“I’m sorry, Darqin. I don’t mean to be rude. I just have somewhere else I need to be. If you’ll excuse me, maybe I’ll be back here sometime in the future and I’ll have the time to talk.”
“Or, maybe I’ll just come to Dorsal. We can talk there. That is if you’re not too busy, or too important.”
With that, he spun around and stalked off. The thought of him in Dorsal irritated me. I was sure he was just talking nonsense. I shook it off and brought my thoughts around to being with Ansel in less than three hours.
Bern and I said our farewells. I wrapped myself back up in my scarf and riding cloak and hoisted myself into the saddle. We saluted and Eshshah took to the air.
As we approached the Arevale Outpost my heart beat fast. My excitement was double-purposed. Not only would I have the opportunity to research Leyna’s findings, but more than that, I would be seeing Ansel. I hadn’t seen him since the ceremony several weeks ago. What would our separation be like without the advantage of the communication disc? I needed to thank Gallen for that invention.
From a distance, I could see the open door of the entry cavern, its light shields glowing. Eshshah’s heart beat as wildly as mine. A small campfire burned in the open field near the outpost, lit more than likely by Braonán. I spotted someone else with him, probably Avano. They would accompany Ansel and me to Trivingar Manor.
We landed smoothly in the outpost entry hall. Eshshah and Sovann touched noses even before I had my saddle belt unbuckled.
Ansel rushed up and swept me into his arms before my feet touched the stone floor. “What is all this wrapping? Is it to keep me from your lips?”
I laughed as he tried to find the end of the silk scarf. Just as much in a hurry as he, I pulled off my helmet and released myself from my wrappings. I stood on my toes as he kissed my forehead and cheeks more quickly than usual, so he could at last occupy my lips.
Before my knees gave way, we drew back and gazed into each other’s eyes. Our lips joined once more.
I threw a thought at Eshshah, “Block me out before this cavern heats up more than it already has.”
She rumbled her deep laugh. “Then you can do likewise. I’m not so sure your passionate greeting is my fault.”
Ansel and I parted and we both laughed. Evidently he had a similar discussion with Sovann. Heat rose up and filled my cheeks. I leaned my forehead into Ansel’s chest as he held me. Both of us waiting for our hearts to slow their beat.
“If we stay here much longer,” Ansel said, “Avano will be throwing insults and taunts at us from the field. Believe me, he can be crude when he wants to.”
We reluctantly released each other and I turned my attentions toward Eshshah. After removing her saddle, we flew bareback to the field. We were greeted and saluted by Braonán and Avano. I jumped off Eshshah as Braonán gave me another sharp salute and then a quick hug. Avano picked me up and swung me in circles. By the time he let me go, my head spun.
“I was trying to figure out how we were going to get to the entry cavern before it was too late,” teased Avano. “What would the Healer say if we failed in our duties as chaperones?”
I punched his shoulder, hard, then put my arm in his as I let him lead me to our horses.
After a quarter-of-an-hour ride, we arrived at Trivingar Manor. The light poured out from the entry onto the front courtyard. We dismounted. Ansel ushered me into the entrance hall. A young boy, no more than six years old, rushed up to take my bags.
“Ah, young Kaeson, what are you doing up at this hour?” Ansel asked.
After a quick bow to Ansel and another to me he answered, “Mother said I could wait for your return my Lord. I wanted to meet Mistress Amáne.” He looked up at me with wide, yet sleepy eyes.
“Mistress Amáne, allow me to introduce Kaeson, son of my head chef,” Ansel said with a formal air.
“I’m very pleased to meet you, Kaeson.” I tipped my head.
Without taking his eyes off of me, he said, “I’ve never seen a lady in trousers, but you’re pretty anyway.”
I couldn’t help but smile at such innocence. Ansel cleared his throat, “Yes, well, Kaeson, perhaps you should learn to keep certain observations to yourself, and mind your manners before a lady. Sometimes it’s better not to voice such opinions.”
The boy’s face went red. He bowed deeply toward me. “I’m sorry, my lady. I meant no disrespect. I like your trousers. You look like a dragon rider in the paintings around here. I’m going to be one when I grow up, you know?”
My eyebrows raised, “I’m sure you will, Kaeson. You are exactly what a dragon would look for in a Chosen One.”
He brightened — a big smile came to his face. He took my bags, but struggled a bit. They were nearly as large as he. I gave Ansel a look — a silent plea to offer his help. Ansel just smiled at me. With a small shake of his head, he let Kaeson bear the load.
We made our way down the corridor. My stomach twisted as we approached the guest wing I had occupied on my last stay. To my surprise we passed it.
“We’ve set you up in the private wing. I didn’t want you in the guest wing in case it brought you unpleasant memories.” His green eyes turned to me.
“How do you do that?”
“Do what?”
“Anticipate my every need, my feelings? You’re amazing, Ansel.”
“You’re forgetting how much a part of me you are.” He put his arm around me and pu
lled me closer. I wrapped my arm around his waist and tried to match his long stride.
We came to a door in a beautiful part of the manor I hadn’t seen in my previous visit. A thick carpet ran the length of the hallway.
“Lali is waiting inside to attend to you. I know you’re probably tired, but if you have it in you, once you get settled in, I’d like for you to meet me in the private dining room. We can have a late snack before you retire.” His eyes pleaded. How could I resist?
“I am tired, but I’m sure sleep won’t find me any time soon. Of course I’ll meet you there.”
Satisfied, he kissed my forehead. Kaeson uttered a small groan. I looked over and saw the boy’s face go red. Reluctantly, I separated from Ansel, turned and let myself into my chambers.
I surveyed the room. It was beautiful. A frieze painted with shields and symbols of King Tynan and Serislan’s famed silk trade surrounded the top of the walls at the ceiling. The walls were blue with painted fleur de lis. A small tapestry at the other end of the large chamber caught my eye. I approached and examined it closely. It was a scene of a beautiful red dragon on a beach. Its rider stood before it and held its fangs while she kissed the dragon’s nose. My eyes went wide. I gasped — it was Eshshah and I.
I stood admiring the beautiful work of art. A door opened to my right and Eulalia stepped out.
“Mistress Amáne!” she cried, “I didn’t hear you come in. I was preparing your bath.” She rushed to me and nearly crushed me in her embrace. “Do you like the tapestry? Lord Ansel had it commissioned for you. It was just barely completed for your arrival. He drove the poor artists relentlessly to assure it was done on time. Quite pleased he was with their skills. He wanted a full report from me on your reaction. I am sorry to have to tell him, I missed your first glance, but I can see you’re stunned by it. No need to tear up, but I do understand your emotion. It’s truly a fine work, exemplary of the artists here in Serislan. Come let’s get you to your bath. Will you be joining Lord Ansel afterwards?”
Amane of Teravinea - The Crown (The Teravinea Series Book 3) Page 4
