Amane of Teravinea - The Crown (The Teravinea Series Book 3)

by D. Maria Trimble

  “Ansel,” I called desperately, but received only a faint answer.

  My father and I reached a gate that led outside the castle. The light of day hurt my eyes. I looked up to see Sovann and Ansel above. The sun at their back. How did they suddenly show up outside the castle?

  Even as they flew, I knew something was wrong. Sovann did not pump his wings. They hung limp. He and Ansel fell from the sky, but at an unrealistically slow speed. None-the-less, I knew the impact would crush Sovann’s ribs. It would be a fatal crash. I could do nothing to stop it.

  “Eshshah!” I cried. But for some reason, her reaction came just as slow. She couldn’t fly, but trudged toward me on foot, at a pace I could have matched at a walk.

  At my wits’ end, I tuned to my father for help. My eyes went wide, my breath stopped. A man with dark hair rushed up behind him. With a long black sword, he sliced my father’s throat. Blood spattered over me. I screamed.

  I bolted upright in my cot, sweat drenched my clothes.

  “Amáne, shhh. You’re dreaming.”

  My eyes flew open. “Ansel!” I threw my arms around his neck and held him fiercely. “They killed my father. His blood was everywhere. Sovann ...” I clamped my mouth shut before I revealed the part about Sovann. Ansel’s mother’s words came back to me. Is it to be Sovann that is his great loss? I kept it to myself.

  “You were having a nightmare. It’s all right.” He smoothed my hair.

  “Eshshah,” I said in thought transference, “why didn’t you tell me Ansel and Sovann were in camp?”

  “Lord Ansel gave orders not to disturb you.”

  Making an effort to even my breathing, I pulled Ansel closer.

  When my body stopped trembling, I loosened my grip around his neck, and pulled his face to mine. We locked in a long kiss.

  I pulled back and searched his face. My voice still shaky, I said, “Where have you been?”

  “Get your boots on. Let’s not disturb these people any more than we already have.”

  I looked around with an apologetic smile at the sleep-filled eyes from the other cots. It was still a couple hours before daylight. The Healer looked at both us of us, breathed a sigh of relief and turned over.

  We walked hand-in-hand to the deserted command pavilion, found a bench and sat close. I looked up to him in a silent request to fill me in.

  “I’ve been visiting the troops. I can’t very well fly close to the hills during the daytime. We’re fortunate the moon is waning. I planned to only visit those near the Gorria Pass, but then decided I should pay a visit to the other encampments further west. They will not be involved in this battle.”

  “I guess I should have thought about that,” I said.

  “Our army seems to have grown considerably. We’ve gathered support as we’ve marched toward the City of Teravinea. Many are farmer’s sons and daughters, but their loyalty is astounding. The love my father generated shows. I just hope I can fill his position without disappointment.”

  “Ansel, I’m sure you already have.” I pushed his hair back and kissed his cheek.

  I spent the morning assisting the troops move gear and equipage to wagons and pack horses. They’ll leave before noon and march until daylight ends, then set up camp. Another day’s march would bring them within a league of the bend in the road. My stomach turned as I looked at my fellow dragon riders. Who will meet their ancestors in this coming battle?

  Ansel and I stood by our dragons and watched as the dragon riders and several swordsmen and pikemen headed out. The royal standard flowed proudly at the front of the column. We would meet them when they make camp at nightfall.

  Shortly after, we took to the air. We flew high, where we couldn’t be seen. Only the dragon riders would know us for what we were. We followed their progress from our height, and found nothing amiss.

  Evening fell and we met up with the riders. No tents had been set up. Camp fires were kept at a minimum and hidden. At the onset of dawn they would move again. The mood was somber. Most riders chose to recline alone and spread their bedrolls at a distance from each other. A few spoke quietly. The Healer, Braonán and Ansel pored over a map.

  The next day, before the sun shone its rays, we broke camp. The unit marched out. Ansel and I remained at the deserted campsite. He leaned against Sovann and brooded. I took out my stone and ran it along the edge of my sword. When I tired of that, I pulled out my dagger and did the same. Then my glaive. More than likely none of my blades will be used, but I had to have something to do. The few times I looked up, I caught Ansel staring at me.

  Putting aside my weapons I moved to where Ansel sat and slid down next to him. His hand slipped into mine. We stayed in silence for a while before he suddenly leaped to his feet.

  “This waiting, doing nothing, is driving me mad. Let’s go up and keep an eye out.”

  We saddled up. At Ansel’s word, our dragons leaped off the ground. They spiraled high, up where the air was frigid. Most of our day we spent gliding and circling. Our dragons never tired of soaring. We kept track of the troop of dragon riders as they made their way toward the Gorria Pass.

  At last the darkness allowed us to land at the final encampment. It was the largest camp yet, as several had joined in this one location. Tents spread far over the grassy clearing. The order was silence. For this many soldiers in one place, the quiet seemed a bit unsettling. Camp fires were also not allowed. Cold rations for everyone that night.

  Ansel and I left our dragons at the edge of the encampment as we made our way to the far end, where the riders would be set up.

  We arrived at the small sector designated for the dragon riders. The atmosphere was tense, but there was much more activity than the night before. The riders whispered and even laughed quietly together as they oiled and sharpened their already well-conditioned blades, or waxed their bow strings and told battle tales. These seasoned men had seen their share of war in the many years they’d lived.

  Avano came up beside me as I stood surveying the activities. “How are you doing, Amáne? Are you scared?”

  “I’ve been in a couple of battles, but they were spontaneous. This is the first where I knew I would be in battle the next day. I’m not sure which is more frightful.”

  Avano nodded thoughtfully. “I haven’t been in as many large engagements as most of the riders, but I still remember the night before my first one. It was before I linked with Cira. I was a foot soldier. Instead of taking example from the seasoned veterans, we younger men decided to follow the old adage ‘Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die.’ We all hated life at the early morning call to arms. Standing in formation on the battlefield that morning, I remember hearing my heart pound and my breath roaring in my head, and not much else.”

  “Are you scared, Avano?”

  He took a moment before he answered. “I would say, rather, I have a strong desire to live. I know eventually my ancestors will call to me — maybe even in tomorrow’s battle — and I won’t be able to deny them. That’s reality. But, if I have my say, I would prefer to stay among the living.”

  The Healer and Ansel approached.

  “Amáne, it’s time,” the Healer said. “Are you clear on where you and Eshshah are to wait the night?”

  “Yes, Healer. To the north and east of the hills. Eshshah knows the location. We will wait for Sovann to give Eshshah the order to take flight in the morning.”

  At the distance Eshshah and I would be from Sovann, I would be too far away to be able to hear him. But, Eshshah could. He and Ansel would wait south and east of the hills, closer to the advance unit of dragon riders as they marched toward the pass. Collectively, the riders would convey to Sovann in thought transference when they were on the move. We had practiced it. If the riders put all their efforts into transmitting the message, Sovann would be able to hear them.

  Once we got word, Eshshah and I were to wait a small space of time before we join in the battle. We were to rush the enemy from behind as they engaged our troo
ps. Our dragons would attack the rearguard.

  The Healer turned to Ansel and Avano. “If you’ll excuse us, I have some things I need to say to Amáne.”

  She put an arm around me and led me to the edge of camp. Turning to me she held my hands in hers. After a pause, she said, “A night before a battle sometimes brings out declarations that should be voiced. I know you already know this, but I need to tell you that I am so proud of you. As harsh as you may have found me at times, it was always because I loved you and wanted you to succeed. You have by far exceeded my expectations. I know I’m not your mother, nor do I ever hope to take her place. If I’d been fortunate enough to have had a daughter, I would hope she was just like you.”

  “Thank you, Healer,” I managed to choke out.

  “This isn’t just pre-battle talk, Amáne. I truly mean what I say, and I apologize for not saying it sooner and more often.”

  I nodded. “My mother was wise to leave me in your hands.” I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her tight. She stroked my hair and kissed my forehead.

  I went through camp and hugged or saluted, or both, all of the riders. Many gave encouraging words, no doubt remembering their first battle. My nerves were on edge. I couldn’t wait to be airborne. At least then it would just be Eshshah and me. I could have my prequest jitters with only my dragon as witness.

  At last, I faced Ansel. We were to leave together, but soon after take off, we’d fly in opposite directions.

  He pulled me close to his side as we headed toward our dragons. I made an effort to match his long stride.

  “Let me check your equipment for you,” Ansel said.

  “I’ve already checked it.”

  He went over it anyway. Inspecting every inch of my fighting saddle; my boot straps; the boot pegs; the girth strap and buckles and Eshshah’s breast shield, until he was satisfied all was in good order. I had seen him go over his own equipment earlier. After his mishap, he’d learned not to play so lightly with the condition of his gear.

  Afterward, he helped me saddle Eshshah. I lent a hand in saddling Sovann.

  Our satchels and weapons hung in their places on our saddles. We made one final examination before we faced each other.

  “I want you to make sure you put on every piece of your dragonscale armor.”

  “I will, Ansel.”

  “Even your rarebraces. Remember the arrow in your arm at the Dorsal Outpost.”

  “Yes, I remember. I’ll put it all on.”

  “Make sure your shield is at hand. You can expect archers.”

  I nodded.

  “Keep your eyes open for harpoon cannons and destroy them first thing.”

  “Ansel, I know. I’ll be careful, and I ask you to do the same.”

  He tightened his arms around me. The intensity of his kiss scared me almost as much as the battle looming ahead.

  As soon as Eshshah and I spiraled up and headed north, anxiety washed over me. My breath came in gasps; my body shook; my heart threatened to leave my chest. With Eshshah’s help I regained control. Inhaling deeply until my lungs filled, I paused before letting my breath out slowly.

  We flew a long way north before banking east to fly around the Gorria Hills. It would have been nearly impossible to spot us, but we took no chances.

  Eshshah found the field where we were to await the call to battle. Even at the late hour we’d landed, the night dragged on much longer than I thought possible. I lay beside Eshshah trying to will myself to sleep. My nerves jerked my body awake just when sleep approached.

  “Eshshah, how am I suppose to get any rest tonight? I can’t do it. What is it going to be like tomorrow? I can’t bear the thought that many of ours will meet with their ancestors before the day ends. I know that’s foolish thinking. We’re heading into battle. Of course we’ll have losses. I could be one of them. What kind of dragon rider am I when I lie here cowering? I’m supposed to be brave. Then why am I shaking and dreading sunrise?”

  “Amáne, I don’t believe there is one soldier alive that doesn’t have concern for a coming battle. Even the seasoned ones, no matter how brave, would have to question what the morrow brings. I, myself, am anxious. I won’t deny that. But, let’s at least get some rest. We’ll need our full strength or we will be worthless. Our victory is what we must concentrate on.”

  Eshshah began to hum her relaxing tune, and at last sleep overcame me.

  It seemed like I had just closed my eyes when my dragon roused me before dawn. For a fleeting instant I wondered why I’d woken up in a field with Eshshah at my back. The answer registered immediately. After several deep breaths, I rose from my blanket and shook off my dread. I methodically began to don my dragonscale armor.

  I pulled on my dragonscale boots that would protect my shins, then strapped on the cuisses for my thighs and the poleyn for my knees. I wished I’d had someone to help with the pauldrons that buckled on my shoulders over my breastplate. The rest of my arm pieces were difficult by myself, but I managed to secure them. I eased my hands into my dragonscale gauntlets. Every piece had been made with Eshshah’s scales. Dorjan had attached them on a backing of leather, then covered them with another layer of leather. The result was a suit of armor that allowed complete mobility. It was light, yet nearly indestructible. I’d had several opportunities to prove its effectiveness. The last item I pulled on was my dragonscale helmet, my hair tucked inside. I lowered the eye shields and turned toward Eshshah.

  She had slept in her saddle and breastplate. I checked all the straps and buckles and tightened the girth I had loosened the night before. Moving to her head, I grabbed her fangs and leaned my forehead on her nose. We held that position for a bit as we both hummed to each other. I sang my favorite ballad, The Battle of Sregor’s Field.

  “Sovann says it’s time to mount up, Amáne. He says Ansel sends his love.”

  “Please tell him I send mine.”

  I pulled myself into the saddle and bent to buckle the straps at the boot pegs. I tested their strength and adjusted the tension a couple times before they were secure to my satisfaction. Grabbing my bow from where it hung on the saddle I strung it and placed it back in its spot. My small riding shield hung to my left. I unhooked it and slipped my hand into the leather straps.

  Closing my eyes, I took in another deep breath.

  I could hear the shouts and battle cries of Galtero’s army in the distance as they charged down the hillside. Victory in their voices. The twang of countless bows reached my ears. The battle had begun.

  Eshshah got the word from Sovann and launched into the air. I mentally prepared myself for the fight. My adrenaline flowed.

  We burst over the hill and took the attacking force from behind as they headed down toward our troops. There were more enemy than I’d imagined. Eshshah spewed out flames at the rearguard of the charging army. Those that turned saw as their last vision, my terrifying dragon as she shrieked her war cry and shot an inferno into their midsts.

  When we pulled up to begin our next pass, I could see our advance unit, which included the dragon riders. They had turned from Galtero’s army to execute the feint retreat, running back the way they had come. Arrows rained down on them. A couple stumbled. I couldn’t tell who. Others grabbed for them and dragged them along until they found their feet. Eshshah and I turned back to our task.

  A sudden clash of metal told me the counter attack had begun. The din of battle became our background accompaniment as Eshshah dipped and dodged above the enemy, flames shooting out at each pass.

  Black smoke rose from the other slope where Sovann and Ansel fought. The flashes of flame spewed from Sovann’s jaws as they dove into the fray.

  The smell of burnt flesh assaulted me. My eyes burned, my throat closed.

  Galtero’s troops made an effort to stay in tight formation. It proved to our advantage. Our dragons succeeded in taking out quite a number of men in one pass. Even still, their sheer numbers were staggering. Eshshah continued her blazing attack, but I began
to wonder if we would see victory.

  Our forces fell upon Galtero’s men. In our enemy’s surprise and confusion, their front line faltered. Our soldiers pushed through, creating more disorder before Galtero’s troops could pull themselves together and push back.

  I gasped as I caught a movement at the bottom of the hill. What I had thought were bushes at last glance, turned out to be a concealed harpoon cannon. The soldiers manning it had thrown off the screen and jammed a harpoon down the muzzle — another held a flame to the fuse.

  “Eshshah, warn Sovann!” I yelled as Eshshah dove for the piece of artillery. “Tell him cannons are hidden under bushes at their flanks.”

  My dragon needed time before she could flame again. We didn’t have that time. As we dropped from the sky, Eshshah darted back and forth in an erratic pattern. The soldiers manning the cannon were forced to shift their aim.

  Even at the distance and speed with which we closed in, we made for an easy target. At point-blank range, I fervently hoped we would reach the weapon before it went off. The sparks from the fuse neared the barrel.

  Eshshah gave me warning of her plan. I braced myself, but wasn’t prepared for the force of her maneuver. With a powerful backthrust of her wings, she shot her hind legs forward. My body flew back, my head followed. She smashed her hind legs into the cannon. My head whipped forward. Stars exploded behind my eyelids. My sight went momentarily black. I bit back my scream.

  It took me a moment to recover. The pain burned in my neck. I managed to pull my attention to below me as Eshshah shot up into the sky. Her attack had shoved the cannon onto its side. The fuse went off and the harpoon sliced a trench in the ground, cutting through our enemy. Eshshah recovered her flaming abilities and dove down to finish off the weapon, along with its operators.