Amáne of Teravinea - The Prophecy (The Teravinea Series Book 2)

by D. Maria Trimble

  Dorjan’s contact informed us the best time for me to slip away would be during one of the later classroom periods. Because the instructors had little interest in their students, nor in the subject matter, they usually ended up falling asleep instead of lecturing, leaving the candidates with no supervision.

  Before the sun came up, I’d already donned my white tights and tunic. Bern helped me with my breastplate, which the Healer insisted I wear. I didn’t protest because I knew I needed it for my disguise. It helped me look more like a male, covering what slight curves I might have. I pulled two more tunics over my breastplate which gave the illusion I had a little more weight to me. I topped it with a wide leather belt — white, of course. We were not allowed weapons. As much as I wanted to have my dagger with me, I thought it best not to take any chances. Dorjan’s man was given my sword and glaive and had hidden them where I could retrieve them on my way out of the hatching grounds ... just in case I had need of them.

  My chest tightened, my heart beat faster. I could feel Eshshah’s comforting humming as I tried to gain control of my breathing.

  Bern steadied me by pressing down on my shoulders. He looked into my eyes. Making sure he had my full attention, he said, “Vann, I know exactly how you are feeling. I remember vividly all the missions my dragon and I completed. It’s normal to feel anxious, tense, fearful. But this next short period of your life will be far from normal. You must use your head to rule your decisions and your actions. I’ve heard about your temper — Vann, there will be no room for it in what you are about to do. Your life, as well as the success of our ultimate mission, depends upon your control.”

  “I know, Bern. I can control my temper, now.” I may have sounded a little more confident than I felt.

  He tipped his head, a bit doubtful.

  We walked together to where the red-faced man waited, and said goodbye. He punched my arm. Pride shown on his face.

  Bern was to meet Eshshah on a deserted beach on the other side of the castle. From there the two will fly north, low over the water on the coastal side of the castle, where it is no longer guarded. At the mouth of the river, they will fly inland. After following the river a short distance, Eshshah will turn left toward the castle cliffs which would bring them to the entrance of the Castle Outpost — the same outpost we visited for our last quest. I will meet them there at the completion of my task.

  We’ll stay in contact with a chain of communication the Healer devised. Eshshah will convey my progress in open thought transference to Bern. Bern will be stationed at the communication disc and pass on her information to the Healer. The plan was of quite some comfort to me.

  Eben and Avano were to be stationed nearby in the city and be available in case Dorjan’s man tried to get in touch with them — and to assist in the unlikely event our plans would go awry.

  The nine dragon rider candidates lined up in front of the red-faced man as he looked us over with disdain. That is, until his eyes rested on a large boy who looked to be older than any of us. He was obviously from a notable family. The guide gave a barely noticeable tip of his head. It was clear he approved of this one. I glanced over at the boy and was repulsed by the arrogant look on his face. Even that look couldn’t hide the fact that he obviously didn’t want to be here. I made a mental note to keep my eye on him as one who could not be trusted.

  We entered the castle and the man led us in several turns through the hallways, and down a couple of levels to the hatching grounds. I paid attention to the path we took. Although I knew the way, following a parchment map was never the same as actually walking the real thing.

  I felt Eshshah’s heart sink with mine when he opened the large doors to the hatching grounds. I fought the tears in my eyes as I took in the neglect of the arena, the grounds and the eggs.

  We gathered in the large oval indoor amphitheater. I felt the warmth radiate from the sand beneath my feet. The arena must have once been magnificent. Rows of benches rose in tiers to our left. The entire stadium could probably seat about a thousand people. The bleachers were expertly crafted out of a beautiful dark wood, but were now in a sorry state of disrepair. The railings of fine brass, were tarnished. But the most painful sight was the disrespect shown to the dragon eggs — a layer of dust covered them, the sand strewn with rodent excrement and dead rats. Cobwebs looked like they held the eggs to the sand. My heart broke.

  “Boys don’t cry.” I heard Avano’s warning in my head. I glanced around to make sure no one had caught my unintended emotion.

  “Your first job as candidates,” the guide said, “is to clean this place up. We still have a number of esteemed guests who desire to be present at the Hatching Ceremony.” And then under his breath, “Why, I’ll never guess, nothing ever happens in here.”

  He pointed to cloths, brooms and rakes on one side of the room. “I’ll be back in a few hours and I better see these grounds shining!”

  We all went about in our own way of cleaning. I discretely studied my fellow rider hopefuls and could pick out two or three other boys who looked like they really believed — who truly had hopes of becoming dragon riders. The rest were there, I guessed, because their parents forced them into it for various reasons. Possibly the parents still had hope that a dragon may hatch, desiring the prestige that a dragon rider brought to their family.

  I was happy to show my respect to the unhatched dragons. This also gave reason for me to spend some time with each egg. There were about sixteen eggs waiting for their Chosen One. What a crime to have deprived them for so many years. Eshshah followed with me in open thought transference. At about the third egg I started to wipe down, she stopped me.

  I felt a flicker of excitement from Eshshah. “Amáne, put both hands on the one you are in front of now.” Eshshah was not going to call me Vann. I remained Amáne to her.

  I did as she asked and after a few seconds, she said, “That’s the one.”

  My heart skipped a beat. I wanted to jump, rejoice and cry out, but I kept my emotions in check, not allowing any facial expression. I sang a silent song of thanksgiving. The fact that it was one of the smaller eggs added to my joy. I noted my bearings and mentally marked which egg Eshshah had chosen, then kept moving through the hatching grounds cleaning and observing.

  “Amáne, we have a problem.” Eshshah said with concern. “Dorjan’s contact was ordered on an unexpected errand for the king and he will not be available to assist you, should you need him. He managed to stash your sword and spear before he left.”

  “It can’t be helped, I guess.” My disappointment was difficult to hold in. I took in a deep controlled breath. The thought of someone on my side in here had given me some peace of mind, even if I didn’t know who he was. At least the Healer had thought to keep us connected through Eshshah, Bern and the communication disc. But the loss of an inside contact was nearly devastating.

  The hours passed while I waited for the opportune moment to arrive — when I could grab the egg and be out of there. The nine of us moved around the grounds cleaning or lounging depending on how serious each boy took this opportunity.

  Later in the afternoon the arrogant boy, I learned his name was Kemp, proved my suspicions to be true. He reclined near one of the eggs, unable to hide his boredom. When another boy approached that egg, Kemp became defensive. He actually jumped to his feet and pushed the other down. The offended boy retaliated and pushed back. Typical of a male confrontation, a fight ensued. The other boys gathered around them and shouted for their favorite, urging them both on. I was appalled at their behavior, but had to join in and mimic their actions so I wouldn’t stand out.

  Suddenly, Kemp drew a dagger. He looked very adept at handling a blade, as was expected of someone of his station. All of the candidates went silent at the unexpected turn of events. Kemp’s stance showed an aggressive edge as he faced the boy. Shocked at the murderous look in his eye, I refused to stand by and watch him finish off the unarmed candidate. Kemp made his move and lunged. Reacting instantly
, I swept my foot around. He fell forward, landing heavily on his stomach. As he crashed to the ground, the blade jolted free from his hand. It flew several paces away. The other boy dove for it and stood up defensively just as the door flew open. The innocent boy was caught with the dagger in his hand. Kemp didn’t miss the opportunity. He complained to the guide that the boy had smuggled in a blade and tried to attack him. I stepped forward and protested, with a few of the braver boys backing me up. The guide would not hear it. He immediately escorted the other boy out roughly, and turned a deaf ear to our protests. I felt badly for that boy — I sensed that he was one who did believe he could become a rider.

  The heat rose in my face as my anger threatened to take over. I wanted to punish that ruffian for what he had done. My eyes must have flashed daggers as I faced him, because for just one second, a hint of fear shown in his eyes. It was abruptly replaced by hatred. If he still had his blade, I had no doubt it would have been pointed in my direction. I summoned all of my strength to quench my desire for justice for the boy that was evicted. Eshshah was ready to step in to calm me, but I succeeded without her help. Breathing in deeply, I turned my back to him and walked away. I actually hoped he would attack me while my back was turned, but I kept walking until I cooled off.

  “Good job, Amáne,” Eshshah said.

  A short time later we gathered in a room off the arena for a class on what to expect during linking. The instructor didn’t have all his facts straight, but I was not about to point that out.

  Afterwards, we found ourselves back on the hatching grounds to continue our cleaning duties. I polished the brass railings as I allowed my mind to wander. Eshshah had informed me, just moments ago in the classroom, that Bern had contacted Lord Ansel. Bern was to ask for his forgiveness on my behalf. I had made it clear that I did not want any dialog with Lord Ansel through open thought transference — I couldn’t bear anything other than, was I forgiven, yes or no. Lord Ansel had thankfully forgiven me, but wanted further conversation. I wouldn’t have expected anything other than that from him. Eshshah and Bern had honored my desire and told him I was unable to have contact with him at this time. Truthfully, I was afraid of what he might say. I had to keep my hope alive that I could revive at least a portion of what we had shared. It would take all my energy to accomplish this quest, and I wanted to keep the unknown ... unknown at this time. In my mind that was the best solution. With his forgiveness, I knew I could continue my quest with a clear conscience.

  While I was occupied with my thoughts, one of the candidates came up and began to polish the railings beside me.

  “Hi, I am Gavril.” He was a good looking young man and I could see in his eyes that he was another who believed he could become a dragon rider — I could see hope. “That was impressive, what you did. I’m glad you were able to bring Kemp to the ground. He doesn’t deserve to be a rider and I hope there’s no unhatched dragon who would think that he does.”

  “It was just luck that I was close enough to help that poor boy. My name is Vann.”

  “What do you think will happen to him?” he asked.

  “They’ll probably just send him home in shame, although you and I both know, he doesn’t deserve the shame. Did you know him?”

  “No, only that he was Spero, from Nunn.”

  His eyebrows knit and he hesitated. Finally, I think he realized that I was of like mind. “Do you think a dragon will ever hatch again? I mean, there hasn’t been a dragon living in Teravinea since Torin met his end. Do you know of Torin? He was linked to Nara.”

  “Yes, I’m familiar with both of them,” I said casually. “And to answer your question, Torin will not be the last dragon to live. You must continue to hope. I believe there will again be dragons in the skies of Teravinea in our lifetime. I’m not sure if this ceremony will see any hatchings, but I trust that soon the spell, or whatever it is that keeps them from linking, will be broken and we will again see our dragons fly freely.”

  I was so fervent in my answer, a satisfied smile lit his face. He nodded, as if to say he knew his dragon dreams were not just a fantasy.

  Throughout our conversation, I could feel Kemp’s eyes upon us. I glanced quickly and caught his glare. I’d embarrassed him and I was sure he wasn’t going to let it go.

  The day drug on without another incident. We alternated between cleaning the hatching grounds and instruction on dragon lore. It was already late evening, and time to go back into the classroom.

  All of us had been up since before dawn, and besides being tired from the polishing and cleaning, we suffered from lack of sleep and food. This was also a day of fasting. Most of us found it nearly impossible to keep our eyes open.

  I had hidden two vials of the Healer’s dark liquid concoction in the folds of my layered tunics. The same potion I had used for Lord Ansel to give him strength during his rescue. The moment had arrived for me to drink one. My time for action quickly approached. I lagged behind as we headed for class. Making sure no one was looking, I downed one vial. Scrunching my face at the horrible taste, I could barely keep from choking. Immediately I felt it’s warmth flow down my throat and a wave of alertness surged through me. I made sure to retain the same bored and tired expression as everyone else.

  The instructor had feigned an effort to teach the next portion of our training, and after a quarter of an hour he fell asleep, just as Dorjan’s man had predicted. I looked at the other boys, and most of them dozed as well. A couple of them quietly talked among themselves. Kemp slumped back against the wall with his head lolled against his chest. My chance had arrived.

  “Eshshah, it’s time.”

  “Okay, Amáne. Be safe. The Healer, Gallen and Bern will stay in contact until you are safely here at the outpost.”

  It was comforting to know they would essentially be here with me throughout our mission. I breathed in a few deep breaths to calm my racing heart. After one last look to confirm that everyone was either asleep or occupied, and that no one would notice my departure, I got up and snuck toward the exit.

  Silently, I eased myself out the door. I’d opened it just enough for me to squeeze through. I walked across the grounds and knelt in front of the egg that Eshshah had chosen. Reaching in my tunic, I removed the silk satchel and took out the cow’s bladder. Reverently, I lifted the egg that was no larger than my head.

  Pulling off my top tunic, I used it to wrap the egg carefully. Dragon eggs, by nature, are very strong. It was not likely that it would break, but I wasn’t going to take any chances. I put the wrapped egg in the silk bag, slung it over my head and put one arm through the strap so it crossed my chest.

  I quietly blew up the cow’s bladder to match the size of the egg, and placed it exactly where the real one had been. I was pleased with how smoothly and quickly the procedure had gone.

  Adrenaline pumped through my body as I made sure everything looked right. I stood up and adjusted the silk satchel so the egg hung behind my left hip. Tightening the strap, I turned to head out of the grounds.

  Just as I reached the exit to begin my journey to the Castle Outpost, the classroom door opened behind me. I looked over my shoulder, and there stood Kemp. My stomach lurched as I fought my panic — I could not allow fear to show. It would have been easy to outrun him, but I had no doubt that he would alert the instructor or the guide.

  “Hey, you, what do you think you’re doing?” he bellowed as he strode toward me.

  I cringed. He’d better not wake everyone up.

  “It was too boring in there,” I answered. “All those lies and fairy tales were putting me to sleep. I’m going for a walk. No one is going to miss me, especially that dull-witted instructor — if he even wakes up. Why? What business is it of yours?”

  He seemed to relax a bit. I probably reflected his own sentiments.

  “What’s in the bag?” He eyed it suspiciously. I was glad I had wrapped the egg, which distorted the shape.

  “Some food I had stashed. Again, what business is it of you
rs?” I had put some of the Healer’s travel cakes in the sack. I was thankful I didn’t need to lie — it was something I did not do well.

  My anger began to radiate. Coupled with my impatience to leave the arena, I was afraid something would show in my eyes to alert him.

  “I’m with you, Amáne, take it easy,” Eshshah hummed.

  I drew in a silent breath and kept my voice even.

  “Just go back to sleep and leave me alone.” I waived a dismissal and turned to leave.

  Kemp’s hand clamped on my shoulder with an iron grip. “I’ll let you go, but I owe you one first, boy. This is for interfering with my fight.”

  He pulled his ham-sized fist back, ready to deliver a brutal blow. I was quicker. I grabbed the hand gripping my shoulder, pivoted to the side, brought my other hand down on the back of his arm as I twisted his wrist. Kemp dropped to his knees. I gave him a quick hard kick. He sprawled sideways, gasping for air. Spinning around, I rushed out the door.

  I sprinted down the corridor. Finding the alcove where Dorjan’s man had hidden my weapons, I ducked in. Besides my glaive and sword, I was elated to see he managed to smuggle in one of Dorjan’s lighting balls — an ingenious explosive device I had used on the guards when I last came here to rescue Lord Ansel. I hastily hooked it to a loop on my belt, then attached the scabbard and sheathed my sword. Grabbing my glaive, I continued on to find the stairs down into the bowels of the castle where I would make my way back to Eshshah.

  My heart sank when I heard a commotion behind me. Kemp had shouted for the guards. I didn’t think he had discovered my theft, but sought revenge — I had shamed him ... again. The candidates were not allowed to leave the area of the Hatching Grounds. My infraction was enough reason to call the guards.