He tightened his arms around me and kissed me passionately. I drew strength from his confidence and from his love. Whatever happened to me would be more bearable knowing he stood by me. And yet less bearable knowing he suffered with me.
“You can go in now,” he said.
I nodded, my lips pressed together. I breathed in deeply and let it out slowly, trying to wrest control of my heart and my anxiety. I entered the library slowly. My eyes met those of the riders gathered. It was a mistake. I should have kept my head down. Avano didn’t hide his disappointment or the worried look on his face. The other riders showed similar expressions. My heart sank. I struggled to recover as I took my seat.
When Ansel came in, we all rose and saluted him. He gave a crisp return salute. Taking his chair, he wasted no time getting started.
“Thank you, riders. The Council has been called to a special meeting to hear and discuss the charge of insubordination against Rider Amáne.”
I felt his eyes on me. I didn’t look up.
“Amáne, are you prepared to give your declaration?”
I rose to my feet. “Yes, Lord Ansel.”
“Very well, then. You may proceed.”
“Riders.” My voice came out unsteady. “I stand before you charged with the crime of insubordination. Let me first start with a sincere apology for my thoughtless action. I do admit, because of my pride, I went on my own to gather information. I thought I could succeed in an action that was, in my opinion, for the good of Teravinea. That I did this without the approval of the Council was wrong. I now see the magnitude of my decision.”
I raised my eyes from the piece of parchment from which I read, meeting Eben’s troubled expression. Returning to my notes, I said, “I assure you riders that my purpose was in no way intended to undermine your trust, nor go against the rules of the Council.
“I planned only to find the island of Orchila and verify the existence of the Valley of Dragons. An hour or two was all I needed. I intended to take the information back to the Healer and petition Lord Ansel and the Council to consider a quest to plead assistance from the Ancient Ones. This would give us the advantage over Galtero. That was my sole intention. I now see my behavior put my dragon’s life in danger, as well as my own. My actions jeopardized the safety of the kingdom. If something had happened to her, or me, it would have set back all your efforts thus far to gain the crown.
“I take full responsibility for my decision. In no way would Eshshah be to blame.”
I felt Eshshah’s protest, but continued.
“Please hear our story so you can understand my true objective — and my ignorance.”
I proceeded to give them an account of our experience in Orchila, keeping all unnecessary emotion from my story. There were gasps and exclamations from the various riders at certain points during my narrative. I told them of our conversation with Senolis, of his reprimand about my pride, and his decline to assist us. I swallowed hard when I reached the end, thankful I hadn’t allowed a tear in the entire telling.
Like last night, there was complete silence when I finished. And, like last night, after the riders had given some thought, all manner of questions were shot at me. Most of their inquiries centered on the Valley of Dragons.
The Healer spoke up, “It seems there is a great interest in the Ancient Ones. In order to avoid taking up any more time in this proceeding, Rider Amáne will write a full account of all that she saw in that valley.”
Finally, the questions ended. They had all the information they needed. Avano’s eyes met mine. My throat closed. A corner of his mouth raised as he gave a slightly perceptible nod. I read it as a silent stay strong, good luck. I took my seat before my knees gave way.
Ansel took over. “We’ll move forward, now to discussion. Rider Amáne, you are dismissed. We’ll call you back in three hours time.”
“Yes Lord Ansel.”
Thoroughly exhausted, I trudged out of the library to await deliberations. I headed for the courtyard to join Eshshah where she lay in the sun.
I slid to a sitting position and leaned my back against her foreleg in the shade of her body. Tears streamed down my face as Eshshah and I waited in misery for the riders to discuss my fate. The wait became excruciating. I mused on the properties of time. Why, when enjoying a flight with Eshshah, did the time pass so quickly? An hour seemed like five minutes. Conversely, why, when I suffered from pain or anxiety did time appear to stand still? Five minutes seemed a lifetime.
I rotated between pacing and sitting. Maybe I should have kept myself busy with some chores that needed to be done, but couldn’t bring myself to stray far from Eshshah’s side. We needed each other’s touch.
When I thought I would go mad from the pressure, Ansel came out to summon me back to the library. He held out his hand to help me up. I searched his face but could read nothing. He’d had years of practice in keeping his expressions indecipherable. His eyes wouldn’t meet mine.
My heart pounded out of my chest.
Hand in hand we walked back to the library.
“Ow, Ansel, you’re squeezing my hand.”
“Sorry.”
My panic increased.
Ansel seated himself. I lowered into my seat and looked at the faces around me. Like Ansel, the others managed to keep all emotion from their countenance.
“Ansel asked that I facilitate this portion,” the Healer said in a low voice.
My breath stopped.
The Healer cleared her throat. “Amáne of Catriona of Teravinea, after careful deliberation by the twenty-six dragon riders of the Rider’s Council, we have found you guilty of the crime of insubordination.”
All the blood drained from my face. My fingers clamped on to the edge of the table until my knuckles went white. The room spun.
“As a sworn rider, you are required to confer with the Council or Lord Ansel for approval for any matter that involves the wellbeing of the kingdom. Regardless of your intentions, you went without approval to seek information you, and you alone, felt necessary to attain the throne.”
She took a deep breath. “However ... the Rider’s Council has agreed unanimously that you will not receive the maximum penalty of death.”
Somehow, I managed to breathe.
“Furthermore, the Council has agreed unanimously that you will not get a second chance; unanimous that for your punishment you will be grounded indefinitely from any flight with Eshshah, unless you have permission or orders from either Lord Ansel, myself or a ruling from the Council.”
Grounded? — Unanimous? Eshshah and I silently screamed. This was a severe punishment for a dragon and rider. They may as well have thrown me into prison straightaway. I flashed a look at Ansel. I knew he felt my glare but didn’t look at me. Without thinking, I opened my mouth to protest. Upon seeing the stern look on the Healer’s face, I quickly shut it and lowered my eyes.
The Healer continued, “Amáne, do you understand each of these dictates?”
“Yes, Healer.”
“Do you have anything to add?”
“No, Healer, except that I am truly sorry. Not just because of my punishment, but because I’ve failed in my duty to my fellow riders and to Teravinea. And, I’ve disrespected my dragon.”
“Amáne, please don’t,” Eshshah said.
The Healer nodded in acceptance. “Does anyone at this table have anything they wish to say before this dreadful meeting is adjourned?”
All voiced their nays.
“Very well then, Amáne, you are dismissed. Go dress for fighting practice. Work on your own until someone can come out to work with you.”
“Yes, Healer.”
A few weeks had passed since my hearing. Ansel had remained at the Healer’s and planned to stay a while longer. My life would have been nearly impossible if he had left after I’d been pronounced guilty. It was as if he sensed his leaving would have pushed me into depression. I was full of remorse for what I had done. But denying me any flight with Eshshah proved a
lmost more than I could take. My punishment affected Eshshah, which she didn’t deserve. Ansel’s support became my life line. Sovann was a comfort to Eshshah. Even with our busy schedule, Ansel made it a point to spend some personal time with me every day, if only briefly.
Sitting around the Healer’s kitchen table early one morning Ansel, the Healer, Gallen and I discussed the young men and few women who came each day to our weapons training.
“Bern said to expect one of his trainees to arrive within the next few days,” said the Healer.
“Why is Bern sending a man down here?” I asked.
“He thought it was best. The recruit is young and has become restless in their mountain hideout. He’s a quick learner but is prone to cause trouble with the others and with some of the girls. Bern proposed sending the young man to train under one of the other riders. The trainee requested to come to Dorsal.”
“That’s odd. Who would request to come to Dorsal?” Something tugged at my memory. “Did Bern mention the man’s name?”
“Yes, he said it was Darqin. That’s an unusual name, isn’t it?” the Healer said.
“Darqin?” My voice betrayed my uneasiness. He was that obnoxious young man who showed so much disrespect to Eshshah, and had a habit of calling me Sir Amáne.
Ansel cocked an eyebrow. “You know him?”
“I’ve met him.”
“And ...?”
“I’m going to keep my opinions to myself so I won’t influence your first impression of him. I’m sure a change of scenery will do him good.” ... I hoped.
I took a sip of my tea to have an excuse to look somewhere other than Ansel’s eyes. I got the feeling he’d already formed an opinion of Darqin.
The following morning the Healer sent me on an errand into town. I returned in time to start training my first class. I’d been put in charge of recruits who, for various reasons, hadn’t had much in the way of weapons instruction. Since I was new at training, I taught those less skilled in the defensive arts.
I gave my full attention to my young group. I took seriously the task of preparing my students well. They would advance to either the Healer, Gallen or Dorjan once they proved their skills from my instruction. I wasn’t about to let one go without the knowledge and mastery necessary for their next level.
At a break in our workout, I stood at the laver outside the kitchen splashing the cooling water on my face.
From behind me, I heard, “At last, Sir Amáne, we meet on your turf.”
I spun around, eyes wide. “Darqin.”
“You could at least be a little more happy to see me. You were all I could think of my entire trip.”
Before I could stop myself, I grimaced.
“No need to hide your emotions any longer. I know deep down you’re glad I’m here. Maybe we can spend a little more time together than we did in Anbon.”
“Look, Darqin — ”
“I would introduce you two,” Ansel said as he approached, “but I see you already know each other.”
Ugh, he’d heard our exchange.
Ansel and I had agreed to keep our relationship on a professional level in front of our students. This moment would be no different.
“Yes, Lord Ansel,” I said, “we met when Anbon was attacked and Eshshah and I flew there to help Bern.”
“And don’t forget the next time we met.” Darqin turned to Ansel. “I know she couldn’t wait to bring Sir Bern back to Anbon so she could check in on me.” His eyes swung back to me, “I enjoyed your company that last time,” he added.
I glanced sharply at Darqin. Ansel threw me a questioning look. Shaking my head, I excused myself, spun around and stormed into the house. Poor Ansel, but there was nothing I could say to him in front of Darqin. I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. My jaw unclenched.
During much of the afternoon training session I could feel Darqin watching me. He trained under Dorjan. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed he had some skill with a sword, but I also noted the anger that boiled in him during a sparring bout.
There were a several recruits who lived at some distance from the Healer’s. She’d made arrangements to house them at an inn just a couple blocks away. I breathed a sigh of relief when Darqin left the grounds for the evening.
After our meal that night, Ansel and I wandered out to the courtyard and sat close together on a bench by the herb garden. The aromatic scent of rosemary floated in the night air.
I leaned back and enjoyed his company, even if he seemed a bit pensive. He took a strand of my hair and repeatedly wound and unwound it around his finger.
“It seems you know that Darqin, a little better than I imagined.”
I turned to face him.
“Ansel, do I detect a note of jealousy?” I smiled.
He didn’t smile back. “Should I be?”
“You’re serious? His take on the two times we met is a delusion. I can assure you of that. All I did was try to be civil to him. I don’t know how he twisted that into believing I offered him my attentions. Ansel, do you think I would even entertain any thoughts about that confused boy?”
“It seems he certainly entertains thoughts about you.” He frowned.
I shuddered.
“Let me set you straight on the thoughts I do entertain.” I pushed my fingers through his hair and brought his face to mine. I pressed my mouth full upon his. He wrapped his arms around me and leaned into my kiss. His warmth set my heart on fire.
“Mmm, I believe I understand now,” he breathed. “But just so I won’t forget, would you mind repeating that thought?”
I did, passionately.
A few mornings later, Ansel and I sat at the table together. The Healer and Gallen had not yet come down.
“Amáne, about Darqin ...”
“What about him? I thought I explained that the other night.”
A corner of his mouth turned up. “I love the way you explained it.”
He shifted to a serious tone, “But what I’m trying to say is, you need to keep your eye on him. Any attention he gets from you seems to give him the wrong idea. I’ve been watching him the last couple of days. I don’t trust him. If he ever makes you uncomfortable, you tell me. I’ll have a talk with him.”
“Ansel, don’t be silly. Thanks, but I can take care of myself. I’m sure, if anything, it’s just a curiosity he has about me. He’ll get over it. Then he’ll settle in and be like the other recruits — just part of the team.”
“You think I don’t see some of the looks you get from the team?”
I sighed. “I’m just a trainer, Ansel. Like the Healer. Like you. No one is looking at me. Quit your worrying.”
“Your naiveté is endearing to me, Amáne, but it could get you into trouble. You don’t understand the way males think. Just be careful around him is all I ask.”
“I said I can take care of myself. Stop lecturing me.”
I knew he was sincere and only had my well-being in mind, but I couldn’t keep my teeth from clenching. My emotions were on edge. The ban from flight progressively increased my dark mood. I gulped down the last of my tea and slammed the cup on the table. Without excusing myself, I sprang to my feet and stormed out of the kitchen.
“Amáne,” Ansel called after me.
I ran as fast as I could across the courtyard, and through the field toward the far end of the barn. I grabbed a glaive from the weapons rack and worked fiercely on the pell. The exertion did me good. By the time my students showed up, my anger had dissipated. I shifted into a better mood to coach.
For our training workout, my group wore full armor. Besides getting accustomed to the weight, it also built their strength. Passed down through the years, the practice armor had seen a lot of wear. At the end of the session, one of the students broke a buckle on his breastplate. I dismissed everyone a little early, grabbed his breastplate and made for the barn.
My back to the door, I searched the small hardware drawers for the right size buckle.
�
��Alone at last.”
I spun around at the sound of Darqin’s voice.
“What do you need, Darqin?”
“I think I need you.” He moved toward me.
I stepped back.
Ansel appeared in the doorway. “Is everything all right in here?” He looked at Darqin and then at me.
“Yes, Lord Ansel. I have it under control.”
Ansel gave a reluctant shrug and walked away.
I turned my attention back to Darqin. “I’m not interested, Darqin. Now leave. Go take your break with the others.”
He stepped closer. “No. I’d rather take my break with you.”
He reached out to touch my face. I blocked his arm out of the way.
“Darqin, I’m warning you. Leave now.”
“Or what Sir Amáne? You might slap my hand?”
I glared at him.
“All I want is a little of your attention,” he said. Now that can’t be too much to ask.”
He stepped toward me and grabbed my wrist.
I moved in, bent my elbow down in an arc toward his arm as I brought my hand toward my shoulder. It broke his hold easily. Stepping close, I swept my foot around and took his leg out from under him. He landed on his back with a thud.
I pointed out the door and said between my teeth, “Leave now, before I report what you just tried.” Why did I feel such pity for him that I was going to let him go on this serious count?
His face twisted with rage. He jumped to his feet and drew his sword. I didn’t have a weapon with me — something I vowed I’d never do.
“I’m with you, Amáne.” I felt Eshshah’s strength flow through me.
Darqin lunged. I leapt out of his reach. My eyes swept the barn. I needed something to stave him off. The weapons were on the far side. He advanced and sliced at my head. I ducked.
“You won’t insult me and get away with it, dragon rider. You’re too stupid to figure out you’ll never find another man that’ll take you. And you think you’re too good to accept me. You don’t deserve to live.”
Amane of Teravinea - The Crown (The Teravinea Series Book 3) Page 13
