He leaned over and brushed my lips with his. I pressed my forehead to his chest as we stood, in silence.
While waiting for night to fall, I tried not to be depressed, but it took all of my effort. Eshshah moped around, miserable at the thought of having to part with Sovann for the first time. Our only consolation was that we were only four hours away. Ansel told me it was Eshshah’s and my turn to come to Trivingar. I agreed and promised we would visit soon.
Night time arrived too quickly. Why is it that when it is anticipated with great expectations, it approaches slowly; yet when it is rejected and unbidden, it arrives prematurely?
We all gathered in the courtyard to see Ansel and Sovann off. Eshshah and Sovann touched noses and exchanged sad farewells.
Ansel held me close, his lips lingered on mine. We stood in silence staring into each other’s eyes. Previously, I would have been uncomfortable with this affectionate display in front of the Healer and Gallen, but not any longer. Especially when the Healer had reminded me that we’re family. Besides, the two of them behaved like love-sick adolescents now that their announcement was out.
Releasing me after one last kiss, Ansel wiped the tear that escaped the corner of my eye. He kissed my forehead and both cheeks, then turned and mounted his dragon. He gave the word as we all saluted. Sovann launched himself into the air with a powerful leap and a mighty downstroke of his wings. We stood watching until they became a tiny golden speck in the sky, blending in with the countless desert stars.
The Healer, Gallen and I turned and walked slowly back into the house. I felt its vast emptiness now. Sadness wrapped around me. I already missed them. I couldn’t give in to depression — Eshshah needed my support. The separation between her and Sovann strongly affected her.
A short time later the communication device buzzed in the library and the Healer went to see who was contacting her. I startled when her urgent voice called out for Gallen and me to join her.
Inhaling sharply, I gaped in shock at the face that stared out at us from the glass disc. It was Bern, battle-worn and weary.
With a raspy voice, he said, “Anbon was the first on Galtero’s list. He’s making good on his oath to hunt out and destroy every dragon rider. Since I’d signed Amáne up as Vann, a citizen of Anbon, we were the first to get hit.” He ran his fingers through his hair, pushing it out of his face.
His hand was wrapped in a bandage — the blood seeping through.
“We’ve been able to hold the town gates so far. But against Galtero’s army, I don’t believe we can hold it much longer. If it doesn’t look like we can stave them off soon, I’m going to call a retreat. We’ll pull back and take cover in the mountains. Galtero’s army doesn’t stand a chance against us there.”
Bern’s eyes reflected his anguish as he gave us this news. We knew war was coming — we had been preparing for it. But the reality of it whipped through my mind like a Valaira. I couldn’t help feeling that it was my fault that Anbon had been the first to suffer.
However I looked at it, there was only one truth ... Galtero’s assault had begun ...
Wow, book two is now behind me. What a ride that was. Once again, my family and friends supporting me, encouraging me, is what kept me on track.
My husband, Lloyd, my daughters April and Alanna, their daughters, Rio, Mila and now Kira (possibly future dragon riders) were inspirations. Son-in-law, Jason, offered contagious enthusiasm. My sister, Doreen won’t let me rest until the throne is won.
Once again, my “Battle Consultant,” Scott Saunders, added his suggestions to make Amáne’s fight scenes believable. The dancers of Linda Armstrong’s School of Highland Dance were my target market support team. Forrest Vess, again, gave his input for the cover art ... and saved me from a major typo! Tattoo artist, Pete Walker, added his expertise for the awesome linking mark for Charna Yash-churka. Michael Clark offered a helpful critique and some great suggestions that I couldn’t resist. I stayed focused and to the point thanks to the generous input from my Tuesday night writer’s meet-up group, including, but not limited to Al, Candace, Craig, Devon, Donna, Pam and Van.
To all whose uplifting words in person or through my facebook page and email inspired me to fly higher, thank you again and again!
... we fight on to win the crown ...
Some of these names I’ve taken liberties with their spellings and full meanings.
But most are not far from the original.
- Water - derived from Native American
- Protector - German; Drekinn - Dragon - Icelandic
- Brave and gallant - German - Formerly known as Koen (Brave - French) - Rider of the late Heulwen
- Sorrow/tear drop - Irish/Gaelic. Formerly known as Yaron (to sing or shout - Hebrew) - Rider of the late Volkan
- Violent Stream - Welsh. Formerly known as Vahe (strong - Armenian) - Rider of the late Bade
- Pure - Old Greek
- Dark man - Hungarian. Formerly known as Ruiter (rider - Afrikaan) - Rider of the late Unule
- Heroic - Scottish
- Rock - Hebrew. Formerly known as Haldis (Stone Spirit - Greek) - Rider of the late Salama
- (Pronounced ESHAW) Fire - Hebrew
- To talk well - Greek
- Leader - German. Ansel’s father.
- Guardian. Formerly known as Kei (sand - African) - Rider of the late Okeanos
- Violet - Czechoslovakian
- White/Fair - Gaelic
- derived from Galen - Healer/Calm - Greek. Formerly known as Kaelem (honest) - Rider of the late Gyan
- Ruler of the Army - German
- Believer - Slavic
- Proud - English
- Formerly known as Nara - Happy - Greek. Rider of the late Torin
- Blessed with wealth and beauty - American
- Fighter - English
- Mighty One - Celtic/Gaelic
- Beauty’s Victory - Greek
- Dark Lady - Celtic/Gaelic
- Favor, Glory - Slavic
- Strong Ruler - Nordic form of Richard. Ansel’s Grandfather
- River - Spanish
- Dark - Gaelic
- Star - Welsh
- Believe - Latin
D. María Trimble lives in Carlsbad, California with her husband. Her days are spent as a graphic artist at a local company. She has been a student of dragonology from a very young age.
Amáne of Teravinea - The Prophecy (The Teravinea Series Book 2) Page 24
