Groping her way to Katareen’s side, she pulled her close and rested a cheek against her hair. Silent as an owl’s wing, darkness enveloped them.
5
Jaradee’s Legacy
Part 1 - Birth
J aradee strained to hear anything that would tell her whether the Pheet Adole had discovered the camp. Nothing stirred but Katareen’s soft inhale and exhale. Jaradee struggled to keep sleep-heavy lids open. Even a light doze would dull her senses, something she could not afford.
Time crept by. The soft scrape and slap of a ladder descending caught her on the verge of succumbing to her need for rest. Disentangling herself from her sister’s sleeping form, Jaradee wormed her way around the piled ladder. Her back braced against the rough hollow, she made herself peer down at the camp. The faint glow of embers in the uncovered pit illuminated a man’s figure. Two more walked into the fire’s glow. Ebony skin gleamed as Kuparak turned to greet Zarrin and Mylos. A short discussion and Zarrin hurried to the narrow entrance and slipped out. Mylos followed soon after.
The sluggish passage of time nudged Jaradee to act. Mylos’ reappearance stopped her. Quick discourse with Kuparak brought a nod from the Vasrosi leader. Torches sprang to light. A low whistle signaled all clear. Ladders dropped from openings around the cupress trunk and cascaded down the walls. Mylos and Kuparak secured the ends to stakes in the ground and members of Vasrosi began the downward climb.
Jaradee crawled back to Katareen. A gentle shake woke her. Refusing to allow vertigo to gain control, she pushed the ladder over the edge and descended. Near the bottom, strong hands gripped her waist and guided her down the last few rungs. Blood rushed to her cheeks. Kuparak smiled at her obvious confusion before he turned to assist Katareen.
Zarrin entered the camp, a skittish whistler hawk perched on his arm. “It wouldn’t tell me anything. Just that it has a message.”
A gleam of satiny color from its prosthetic wing accompanied the bird’s transfer to Kuparak’s arm. Its nervousness vanished.
A tingled telepathic message startled Jaradee. “It wants to communicate.”
Kuparak’s thoughtful gaze traveled from the whistler to her. “Mind talk is one of your gifts?”
She nodded and drew Katareen to her side. “Kat uses it a little bit, but her—”
Katareen shot her a quelling look and pulled her away from the men. “Is it safe to share our gifts? Uncle Kamer told us to tell no one. I trust Mylos and Kuparak. They wear their truth like a badge of honor. Not Zarrin.” She looked back at the group by the fire. “He is not what he seems.”
Jaradee frowned. “Stay here. I’ll bring Kuparak.” She walked back to the men. “Kuparak, Katareen has a private question for you.”
Mylos controlled his reaction, accepted the small hawk his leader passed to him, and scratched the bird’s neck. Zarrin pursed his lips and kicked a small twig into the pit. Kuparak followed her. When they reached Katareen, he placed himself between her and the men by the fire.
Jaradee felt a subtle protective curtain enclose them. She clasped her sister’s hand.
The Vasrosi leader gave Kat his full attention. “You have a question, Katareen?”
“Uncle Kamer told us we should not let others know if we carry the talents of an Eleo Predan shameena. One of my gifts is assessing the honesty in others. She turned her head and moved her hair aside. A small red star nestled against her hairline.
Kuparak's brow arched. "The Star of Truth?"
She smoothed her hair into place and nodded. I share this, Kuparak, because I feel your truth.” Her intent gaze did not waver. “I do not feel this in Zarrin.”
Kuparak’s jaw tightened. Katareen gripped Jaradee’s hand tighter.
The protective ward faded. Kuparak spoke in a normal tone. “I understand. Jaradee will take you to Floree. She may have something to help.”
Jaradee felt him follow their progress as they made their way to where Floree knelt next to Umbba. When Jaradee looked his direction again, Kuparak stood chatting with Mylos, and Zarrin waited by the entrance. Mylos listened, nodded, and prepared to add more wood to the fire. Kuparak slipped out the opening behind his lieutenant.
The muffled sounds of tents being raised and camp being restored to its functional norm drifted around the hollowed interior of the cupress. Katareen fidgeted. “What’s taking them so long?”
Floree patted the blanket. “I need your help, Kat. Jaradee, Mylos will show you where the food’s stored. I imagine everyone’s hungry.”
Mylos led her between two tents. Lifting moss and leaf covered lids, he exposed water-tight hampers containing carefully packed food: prepared rations, root vegetables, fruits, and a variety of dried meats.
“I’m so impressed by Vasrosi ingenuity.” Jaradee shook her head. “This camp contains everything we need, and it can disappear in moments.”
Mylos nodded. “When a bunch of people fighting to stay alive get together, miracles happen.”
Jaradee’s thoughts skipped from breakfast to Kuparak’s willingness to believe Kat. I wonder…
Mylos cleared his throat. “You mind helping me?” He held out a bag of fruit, a jug of harvest honey, and a small pouch of dried cinnamon chips.
“Sorry. I was dream-turning.” She took the bag of fruit.
He grinned. “I bet I can guess the star of your dream.” Keeping his back to the space, he said, “But I’d rather know what Katareen told Kuparak. Why she didn’t want to share her gifts with us.”
“You should ask Kuparak when he returns.” Jaradee drew in a breath and expelled it with a soft sigh. “You already know our gifts, and we yours.”
Understanding dawned. The nostrils in a nose broken in a brawl with Rompeerial soldiers flared. A scar-bisected eyebrow raised. His lips parted in a sneer, showing a chipped tooth. “I see.” A calloused hand stroked the whistler’s feathered side. “Kuparak wants you to find out what the bird knows.”
Jaradee gave a soft whistle. The hawk flew to her shoulder and nuzzled the satiny glass against her cheek. “The soldiers are closer than we think and waiting for a signal so they can catch us by surprise.” She sucked in a breath. “Zarrin is a spy.”
“Food can wait.” Mylos returned the food to the hampers and shut the lids. “I’ll see whether Kupe needs any backup.” He ran a finger over the bird’s back, turned on his heels, and with the stealth of a feline predator, crept out of the opening.
Jaradee touched the side of her wrist to the hawk’s crystal breast. It stepped on to her forearm, and she lowered it to eye level. Opening her mind to the small raptor brought a flood of images. When they ceased, it bobbed its head, expressed its intent to find Kuparak, and soared out the opening.
Jaradee hurried to Floree. “Trouble may be headed our way. Soldiers are hidden on the far side of the ravine. The plan is to catch us unawares.”
The healer finished tying a bandage and climbed to her feet. “Katareen shared her concerns. I gather the whistler hawk confirmed it?”
“Yes.”
Floree motioned Camilyn, Tealin, and Daar to join them. After a quick but vague explanation, she said, “Tealin, I’m leaving you in charge. Daar, you are Tealin’s backup. Kat and Camilyn will help you. Be prepared to strike camp. Hide if we give the signal. In fact, strike the tents and cover them.”
Daar groaned. “We just put them up, Floree.”
Tealin elbowed him in the side. “Stop being a crybaby and get a move on.” He nudged him toward a tent. “Don’t worry, Floree.”
Katareen hugged Jaradee and hurried to help.
Floree tucked a loop of stout rope in her waistband and motioned Jaradee to stay close. As silent as shadows, they stepped into the faint dawn light, ducked behind a bush, and listened. Murmuring voices led them between trees to a clear area, where the Vasrosi leader and Zarrin stood engrossed in conversation.
Kuparak’s easy stance and relaxed countenance contrasted sharply with the tense anger holding Zarrin rigid. The shorter man swore unde
r his breath and turned to walk from the small clearing.
Mylos blocked his path. “I don’t believe Kuparak has finished, Zar.”
Zarrin slipped a hand in his pocket and lurched to one side. Mylos diverted him back the way he had come, grabbed his wrist, and yank it free of the pocket. A small black box flew across the clearing. Swinging his bullish head one way and then the other, Zarrin raised his fists and lumbered forward.
Kuparak’s muscles rippled into action. A panther’s grace carried him through the air. The impact flung Zarrin to the ground. Kuparak landed soundlessly and stood unperturbed, staring at him.
“I would never have expected you of all people to turn traitor. What have they offered you for the lives of your friends and your people, Zar?”
The man scowled and started to rise. “You’re fightin’ a battle you can never win, Kup. Go home. Prepare your families to serve the RomPeer or die. I intend to survive.”
A minatory heave brought him to standing. His fist flew. Kuparak blocked the punch, brought his fist up under Zarrin’s chin, and sent him stumbling into Mylos’ waiting arms. Floree stepped into the clearing and tossed Kuparak the rope. Jaradee waited in the shadows, her senses alert and searching. The whistler landed on her shoulder. Tiny sparks flashed in its glass-protected brain, forming a connection between them. Its telie-eye focused on the men in the clearing.
Zarrin struggled to keep Kuparak from tying his hands behind his back. “You can’t hope to keep me prisoner, Kuparak. I’ll get away. Then I’ll…”
Kuparak touched a finger to his lips and whispered a quiet word.
Zarrin’s mouth clamped shut around a garble of muffled sound. Two older men materialized and stationed themselves on either side of him. A contorted sneer soaked in wariness replaced his bravado.
Kuparak stepped away. “Take him to the Conclave Arcana.”
Terror and chagrin whipped Zarrin’s scowl into pleading. His escorts each took an arm. The three men vanished.
Mylos wiped sweat from his brow. “Won’t that call the soldiers to us?”
Jaradee joined Floree. “The hawk offered his mind as a conduit for a protective shield. Kuparak signaled, and I set it only long enough for them to teleport Zarrin.”
Mylos studied her. “You’re good, Jara.” He switched his attention to Kuparak. “Who were his escorts? And what will happen to him?”
Kuparak massaged his earlobe. “How long have you lived among the Pheet Adole, Mylos?”
“Father brought me to El SyrTundi when my mother died. His sister lived in Tahellive, where her Pheet Adolan companion ran a business in Throsswel. I was maybe fourteen sun cycles.”
“And how did you meet Jaradee’s uncle?”
“Kamer and I were friends in Thornland and kept in touch. When Father died, I contacted him to ask whether he’d like to be my partner in the fishing business. Why?”
“I have a proposition for you. Jaradee and Floree will stand as my witnesses.”
Mylos raised his brows and waited.
“I need a deputy whom I can trust.” The Vasrosi leader extended his left palm. “Would you be interested?”
After a pensive silence, Mylos rested one hand on top and touched the center of his forehead with the other. “I would be honored, Kuparak.”
The radiance of Kuparak’s smile seemed to warm the entire clearing. Jaradee caught herself smiling and noted Floree doing the same.
“The two men, Mylos, were Arcana Journeymen. Their job is to protect those working for the Conclave Arcana. Zarrin is now facing the leaders of his district council.”
Mylos frowned. “And the soldiers who are awaiting his signal? What of them?”
“We let them wait.” Kuparak’s expression grew implacable. He held up the small, black box. “Without this to disrupt them, our tukoolos will be able to keep us informed.” He motioned Mylos to lead the way. “I believe morning meal is long past due.”
Jaradee fell in behind Mylos, her thoughts in turmoil. What of Katareen? Do we still take her to safety?
6
Jaradee’s Legacy
Part 1 - Birth
A t Kuparak’s insistence, morning meal was accompanied by general conversation, everyone helped clean up, and then the group gathered around the fire pit.
Kuparak took Katareen aside and engaged her in a quiet discussion.
Daar elbowed Jaradee in the ribs. “What’s that about?”
She gave him a hard stare and massaged her side. “I believe we are about to find out.”
Katareen dropped to the ground beside her. Kuparak sat on a log. His astute gaze traveled from one member of his team to the next. “Before we take Kat, Tealin, and Camilyn home, if indeed that is their destiny, I have a job that must be done. Kat and Jaradee, I will need you to accompany Mylos and me. Floree, you will be in charge here. Camilyn will help you with the injured. Any questions?”
Daar spoke up. “What about the soldiers on the other side of the ravine?”
A hint of levity softened Kuparak’s sober expression. “We’ll need a distraction to cover our departure. I feel sure you and Tealin will find a means to do this and to lead them away from Cupress-Pine Forest.”
The boys’ eager nods made their leader’s smile flash, then cool. “Do not get caught. Everything you know will be harvested, and like the tukoolo, you will be left for dead. We will not be able to help you. Do I make myself clear?”
Tealin, the older of the two, gave a quick nod. “We understand, Kup. Daar and I will not get caught.”
“Make sure you don’t.” Kuparak gave a low whistle. A tukoolo flew into camp and perched on the log next to him. Rubbing its feathered back, he said, “This is a galee—smoky because of its black and gray feathers. As you can see, it is the size of a large hawk and has been used in experiments by the Pheet Adole.” The galee stepped onto his arm. Kuparak angled it to show the satiny sheen of the head, wing, and tail on its right side. “For our new members, his reconstructed side has a mirror-like glaze. In shadow, it absorbs the darkness. In the light, it reflects the world around it. When the tukoolo is with someone it trusts, the blown crystal is clear and you can see the heart beat and the synapses in its brain spark. I call this one Toa, which means warrior in the language of my ancestors. Toa reports directly to me. Each Vasrosi has a tukoolo. The name of your tukoolo is a sacred pact between you. Do not share it with anyone you do not trust.” He whispered to Toa.
The bird soared out of the entrance to camp. Moments later, a smaller bird flew in and came to rest on Kuparak’s arm. He held it aloft. “This is an El Stroman harrier. Tealin has his tukoolo, Daar. I have asked this one to consider you as its compeer or partner. Bird and man must bond. Please come here.”
Daar walked forward, shining eyes fixed on the beautiful hawk. For a long moment, bird and boy studied each other. Then Daar raised his arm and whistled a soft note. The bird fluttered to a gentle landing. Firelight glowed on the spun crystal chest and tail. The eye piece swiveled, and, like a telescope, lengthened and retracted. Daar did not move. Jaradee wondered if he even breathed.
The hawk unfurled its wings and stretched to its full height. Its majesty brought a gasp of admiration from Daar. Wafted air from its wings folding rustled his hair. His laugh of delight filled the camp.
Kuparak rested one hand on the boy’s shoulder and the other on the bird’s cinnamon and gold back. “It has accepted you as its compeer. If you feel the connection, I will create the psychic bond.”
Daar inhaled a deep breath and nodded.
“Rethet Ceerus.” Kuparak lifted his hands and stepped back.
Jaradee watched her brother’s chest swell, saw the wonder in his face, and smiled. “It is beautiful, Daar. What will you call it?”
“It is a male. I will call him Rangi after the air spirit of El QuilTran.” He faced Kuparak. “Thank you for your trust, and for this unbelievable gift.”
“We are not done, Daar. Shape shifting is not a shameen gift you have refined.
As a Vasrosi, you will need to access this ability to save yourself and others. You must learn to tether your thoughts to Rangi’s and to take the shape of a harrier hawk. Tealin will work with you. When you feel ready, come back to me.”
Tealin led the way to the other side of camp. Daar, Rangi perched on his shoulder, walked carefully after him.
Kuparak turned his attention to Katareen. “You also require a tukoolo.” The flutter of wings announced the arrival of a small, brown and white raptor. It landed on his arm and cocked its head.
“This is a female berigora falcon. She is smart and quick and has already expressed the desire to be your compeer.”
Wonder and excitement enhanced Katareen’s natural beauty. “Aren’t you sending me home?”
“Even if our final decision is to send you to El QuilTran, you will require the aid of a tukoolo.” His brows arched. “Unless, of course, you don’t want one.”
“Please, Kuparak, I do want her.” Gulping a breath, she offered her forearm. The berigora stepped on. Katareen tensed and gave a soft laugh. “You are heavier than I imagined.” Eyes shining, she examined the falcon. One side glistened with the sheen of blown quartz. Half the creamy breast reflected the light of the fire. She stroked her wing and sighed. “I love her.”
Kuparak laid a hand on her head and one on the bird’s back. “Rethet Ceerus.” He stepped away. “What have you named her?”
Tears streamed down Katareen’s face. “I asked her what she would like to be called. She loves the moon and the stars. I will call her Tupuni.”
“Tupuni rejoices in your choice. She is ready to fly. You know how to shift shape, but you must do so only when you are tethered to Tupuni. If you forget and use your own talent, the Pheet Adole will find you with SorTechory. Am I clear?”
“I understand.” She gasped. “I feel her. We are one. I—”
Jaradee’s hands flew to her mouth as her sister flashed into the form of a berigora and flew a circle beside Tupuni. Kat landed in human form, the falcon perched on her shoulder. “Thank you, Kuparak. Does this mean I am a Vasrosi, too?”
The UnFolding Collection Three Page 71
