Blood Bride (Aarabassa World)

by Vickers, Catherine L

  Raphael stood back as the mage altered his form from a bent old man to a flighty little turquoise dragon, putting down his long neck so the boy could climb up and position himself for flight. Opening up his strong wings, Saurlton flapped them and his reptile body instantly raised itself from the ground and gained height with the air currents.

  Soon they were following the path of the flock of dragons before them. Raphael looked down at the passing mountains, some covered in well-established alpines and purple heathers, others looking bleak and less inviting. They passed over bright huge dry boulders of red rock then in contrast sharp grey slate threatening to land slide if any creature dared to step upon it. To the right he noticed three peaks of black volcanic boulders where deep black crevices appeared randomly. Who knows what manner of creatures dwelled within. Rumour had it that serpents belonging to the Darklands had become trapped following the end of the Serpent Wars. The boy shuddered as he recalled the memory of Saurlton’s test when he flew within these fissures. He new he had been pushed to the limit, and only a few more moments may have seen him falling into the abyss. Saurlton must have sensed his power weakening but had said nothing.

  This old man was a true friend, nay almost like a father. Certainly, his own father had never cared for him as Saurlton did. He trusted the old mage and wherever they were heading, he knew there would be good reasoning in it.

  They had caught up with the larger dragons that were now beginning their descent. None of them communicated with him but he sensed that Saurlton was Mindtalking with them. As they plummeted nearer the ground, he focused on some tiny dots that moved across the flat rocky landscape.

  Saurlton, are we meeting someone on the ground? he Mindtalked

  Patience boy, you’ll find out soon enough.

  Raphael could only imagine what Saurlton was planning. Was this another test of his skills? Was this something to do with that monshaad Emperor? He knew better than to ask Saurlton, for no answers would be forthcoming. He needed to test his skills of patience and wait a few moments longer to unravel the mystery.

  As they neared the group of shapes, he could see the powerful bodies of large horses but there was something strange about their contour. Tall slender dark skinned human men rode confidently upon their backs. What was that he had noticed? A light skinned human at the lead. Hah! Now he could make out the strange shape to the powerful horses, they were true centaurs, half human-half horse. They were truly magnificent beasts and not at all perturbed by the presence of a large flock of dragons landing to greet them.

  As Saurlton landed, the party of centaurs and humans had halted, to await the dragons. Raphael dismounted and Saurlton Changed his form to that of the old mage. Raphael followed Saurlton as they made their way carefully between the huge bodies of the dragons.

  The humans did not chatter, nor did the ccntaurs show any signs of nervousness. These creatures must be allies. Sometimes he wished that the old man would explain more to him, but all he would say was not to get caught up in the politics of armies. Surely, this must be a gathering of armies readying for an impending battle. So, why had Saurlton brought him here?

  Trying to make some sense out of the reasoning behind Saurlton’s thinking, he noticed the light skinned human running towards him. Squinting his eyes at the bright sunlight, he wondered if he was under attack or maybe it was another test. He remained alert and ready, closing his eyes to concentrate and ready his defenses. He had better not make his attack too strong, surely this was only practice after all. Bracing himself, he waited for the other to close in. He must not open his eyes and be distracted. Sinking into his deep inner calm senses, he patiently waited until his attacker was almost upon him, and then he would let out a wave of gentle force. Opening his eyes, he witnessed his attacker flying through the air as his magic did the work intended. Saurlton was laughing out loudly.

  ‘No, boy,’ he barely managed to say in his amusement. ‘This is not a test. Look to see who you have just thrust aside.’

  Laughter rang in his ears confusing him. He wavered to balance, watching his attacker shaking his head in an attempt to get back up and regain his balance.

  Realising his mistake, Raphael ran over to the intended victim and attempted to assist the poor blighter from the floor.

  ‘My apologies Sir,’ Raphael whimpered in his equally shocked state. ‘I thought my Master had set me a test.’ He reached down to the dazed human who in turn looked up at him dizzily.

  ‘Leon!’ Shouted Raphael in an explosion of joy. ‘My brother. It’s me Raphael.’

  ‘Thanks Raphael. You’re still beating me with your tactics, I see,’ Leon laughed reaching out almost blindly for Raphael’s offered arm.

  ‘I meant no harm. I thought I was being tested. I… I…’ Raphael stammered in his confusion.

  Leon held him rigid, hands grasping his shoulders tightly so he could look upon the boy and check this was indeed his loving little brother, and if it was, he would never let him go again.

  ‘Raphael,’ the brothers hugged closely. Salty tears mingled with sweat upon Leon’s cheek. Closing his eyes tightly he could not believe he held his little brother safely in his arms. ‘I thought you lost Raphael. I feared the worse.’

  Raphael was the one to break the bondage. Gently he eased his arms to hold on to Leon’s elbows.

  ‘Whoa there brother, it takes more than an evil monshaad Emperor to block my tactics.’

  Laughter rang in the calm air. Those witnessing smiled fondly at memories of their own loved ones. The old man was truly pleased, content that he had made the right choice when the dragon’s had informed him of Leon’s arrival. It was time for Raphael to come out of hiding, especially where his kin were concerned. They would not be together for long but Leon deserved to know of his little brother’s fate.

  ‘I want you to meet my mentor Leon,’

  Raphael led Leon over to where the old man was leaning on his staff, watching the happy scene unravel.

  ‘This is Saurlton Barronz. He saved me when my life hung on a very fine thread. He fattened me up and cared for me.’

  Looks like he stretched you also, I can no longer call you “little” brother,’

  Leon turned to face the old man and took hold of his hand.

  ‘I can never repay you Saurlton for the kindness you have shown to my family, by saving my brother. Though you have spoiled him I can see.’

  ‘I have become very fond of the boy I admit and I may have put too much meat in his broth, but there you go. Now he looks down at me when we speak. This I can live with.’

  Raphael looked at Saurlton with the eyes of a proud son. He did not disclose to Leon that Saurlton was more of a father to him than the King had ever been. These were his private thoughts and Saurlton on his part would not wish for Raphael to speak disrespectfully of his father.

  All made their way back to the dragon’s lair. The centaurs trudged through the mountains taking the easy route with the help and assistance of the obliging abapes. Raphael travelled on the turquoise dragon to return quicker than those on foot, and help organise a celebration feast.

  23 Lost Souls

  For two moonwakes and moonsleeps the brothers celebrated their reunion. Leon, relieved that Raphael still lived, and Raphael proud to show off his great achievements to his big brother.

  On the third moonsleep the Queen of the dragons, Raphael and Saurlton met with Leon, his leading centaurs and some Cherok tribe representatives. A plan was necessary for the dragons to return and find the Changeling, to seek what had transpired. The turquoise dragon took upon himself this responsibility. And, anyway, it was time he met with his brother. He felt that the Emperor was in need of his big brother to give him some guidance. Saurlton knew that the time was right, he must pass through his own Wall and meet with his fate.

  It had been many crossings of the moons since Saurlton had entered into the Darklands. In his dragon form he travelled through the caves to arrive in secrecy at the hidden exit. Cautiousl
y, he emerged. Unsure if his arrival would be anticipated by the Emperor.

  Indeed, it was not the monshaads that awaited him. A warm current of heat rushed at him. Flapping his wings in defense at what he could not see, he noticed a lone figure hovering in a haze of grey mist. It was of human shape and remained still, enticing him to approach it. Was this a new trick of the monshaads, to lure him into some kind of trap? The warm air pushed up at his back. It was not an unpleasant feeling, just strange to find such warmth in this cold part of the world.

  He changed his appearance to that of a human, with thick clothing against this wretched cold, sensing that this was a welcoming party, not an evil presence. Standing at the opening of the cave mouth, he could venture no further in his weakened human form. The snows were too deep and the winds too sharp for the softness of his skin. Surrounding him were the wavering figures of lost souls, gradually taking shape from pockets of grey hazy mist. The mysterious dark hovering figure advanced towards him. Saurlton did not fear the ghostly souls, he had lived too long to allow his imagination to mislead his judgement. Yet the gentle peace of the past had perhaps subdued his wits, and he shuddered just a little as the figure drew nearer.

  The lingering souls whispered in his ears as they brushed past him, prickling exposed skin. This served to pacify him. Now in a calmer state he spoke to the looming figure.

  ‘If you are a monshaad then show yourself, you bag of old wind,’ he demanded of his tormentor. ‘You clearly have something to say to me so do not waste my time or you may find yourself confronting an angry dragon.’

  ‘It is not the dragon I fear,’ the figure retorted. ‘It is that I cannot believe my eyes. They said it was the Ancient Mage but I did not believe them. You must be very, very old.’

  ‘Old, you say!’ Saurlton felt a twinge of annoyance at the insult. ‘Who are you to accuse me of old age when you dare not even show your face. You sir are a coward and I would rather be accused of old age than cowardice.’

  Grumbling under his breath at such an insulting description, the old mage turned his back on the spectre.

  ‘Yes, it is you Saurlton,’ the figure laughed lightly. ‘Only you could dare to turn your back in a sulk upon an unknown danger that confronts you.’

  The old man turned with a large grin to his features, recognising the tone.

  ‘King Alfred, I do believe it is you who dares to cause me to tremble.’

  The shape took form and King Alfred stood before the Ancient Mage.

  ‘I see you are in a bit of a pickle stuck out here with all these lost souls floating around.’

  ‘Oh, I don’t know, they’re all pretty harmless, as you know. Come Saurlton, I wish you tell me of my sons,’ the King said excitedly, wanting news of his family.

  ‘Why have you not made your presence known to the Changeling? Heather is upon the Darklands.’

  ‘I have gathered the lost souls and keep them hidden from the hungry monshaads. I have no knowledge of what goes on in these lands, only that these poor souls fear the monshaads more than is considered healthy.’

  ‘It seems to me that you are once again your own person. I had heard that you yourself had become possessed of that retched evil towards the end of your life.’

  ‘Indeed I was Saurlton but now I have found my strength. I feel my wife’s presence is not far. We need to fathom out how to pass on to the Realm of the Dead then the Emperor can no longer feed upon the essence of these souls.’

  The old man looked at the faded shadows of human souls in torment, stuck between life and death. The human King stood in front of him as clearly as when if he were alive.

  ‘I am one of the lucky ones Saurlton. I still remember my family and my life. Some of these have been here so long that their memories have faded and they have no reasoning behind their presence any more. They are confused as to why they are here and who they are. They grow angry at those that they can see who still have life within them. They are also goaded with the fear that if they are consumed by a monshaad, then they will live forever within that monshaads identity, unable to escape.’

  The cave walls rippled with the ever moving presence of the drifting souls. With mention of the monshaads, the hovering shapes moaned and wailed in fear. Some even flew at the walls in terror, these were the old ones whose happy human memories had faded and they now only faced never ending nothingness.

  Saurlton suddenly felt the chilled air on his skin. His breath blew as a steamy white cloud. Flinging his arms around his frail body, he beat his circulation to warm up his shivering frail frame.

  ‘This won’t do at all,’ he mumbled. ‘I might be old but I refuse to suffer the weakness of age in this pottering body.

  ‘You need to change back to dragon form, old man, before you freeze to death and join us in our wanderings.’

  ‘I need you to take me to the Emperor, Alfred. Can you do that?’

  ‘Yes, I suppose I could take you there. My friends will remain here. I keep them protected from that evil tormentor.’

  First though, I wish you to tell me of my sons. I gave them so little towards the end. The confusion of grief had overcome my senses.’

  ‘You should be proud of such sons, Alfred. They are now men, all of them.’

  ‘Nay, even the young one?’ Alfred questioned such speedy progression.

  ‘Amos has gone to the oceans and then on to the deserts. He may not even know of your death yet.’

  He has not been heard of since he left the huphin kingdom. Though I do not fear for him, I think he will show his presence when the time is right.’

  ‘Surely he should be under protection as the new King to the throne?’

  ‘He would not have done it any other way, even if he was aware that he is now King. He is a natural warrior that one and I know his presence in the desert is of the utmost importance. The Fire Giant lays dormant there.’

  Leon now leads the mighty centaurs ready for battle in the mid-mountains. He will fight side by side with the dragons. And finally, Raphael.’

  ‘I know the Emperor does not hold him at this side of the world,’ Alfred offered. ‘He cannot be dead or I should know of his wandering soul. Is it that witch, does she possess my son?’

  ‘No, none of them.’ Saurlton looked upon Alfred’s shocked features. ‘He is my apprentice and he is destined to become a fine and powerful mage.’

  ‘Thank you Saurlton,’ Alfred smiled and brushed over Saurltons hand. ‘Thank you for allowing me to see his strengths. I gave him so little love yet I did love him you know. He held the power to remind me of his mother and I could not bear to look upon his familiar face. Never did he show his anger at my ignorance. I will not leave this world with any regrets but that one, my lack of fatherly love for a child who deserved more.’

  No more was said between the two. Saurlton had no wish to take away the guilt that Alfred felt, he knew that Raphael hurt badly over the missed love his father never provided. It was not his place to resolve this quandary.

  24 Brothers Unite

  The Emperor looked up at the grey skies, observing the dark shape of a small dragon circling above him. He knew this was not a serpent of the Darklands and he knew there was only one other that could pass through the Wall, the Ancient Mage.

  No longer attempting to enlist the vamplin Lord Fiendrac, Morte Bielz hovered over the female vamplin Lady Vatara. Gathered with her were the rebel commanders who led a vamplin army under her command. They had congregated in a clearing of flattened frosty ground on the edges of the winter camp. The Emperor had been discussing a private matter with Lady Vatara. He was interrupted by the vamplin Commander Sherat, who Mindtalked to his Emperor that a strange shape approached in the dark skies.

  The dragon looked down at the dazzling snow on the ground below. The thick layer of white snow illuminated to create a false light. Both moons, in their turn, reflected from the snow to create a feint glow. In this part of the Darklands there was never true darkness. The dragon could see a camp o
f ichales. Straight roads had been fashioned through the ice packed constructions. He ignored the vamplin children who had gathered at the centre, under the protection of the surrounding army. Noticing the farming of the great white bears, he had no remorse of this practice. He understood the ways of vamplins, they would not kill these fine beasts. At the end of the season the bears would be released, in a weakened state perhaps for lack of the rich blood that the vamplins will have taken from them. They would, however, go into hibernation for many moonsleeps and then begin their own breeding season. Perhaps this was how nature had assisted them to overcome their experience with the vamplins.

  There was much movement in the dragon’s sight of vision, this was a large camp busy with the chores of the living. He did not need his keen eyesight to see the gathering at the southern edges of the camp. His senses had already informed him that the Emperor was present among them.

  Welcome my brother, a voice Mindtalked to him. Long have we been parted, Saurlton. Do you come to show your loyalty in my leadership?

  Certainly I would wish to discuss this matter, Saurlton replied as he descended to land next to the gathered party.

  Once on the frosty ground he changed to his human shape, adorning thick clothing so as not to suffer the chill too much. These cold lands were a mighty nuisance to an old man’s body.

  The Emperor had already ordered the vamplins to disperse. Approaching his brother he felt a stirred emotion of a long forgotten bitter fondness. He altered his essence to create a human shadow. Saurlton looked upon the silhouette of a cloaked human, head covered in a large hood.

  I would like to show you my face brother, so you could see me smile to greet you, but alas I no longer hold the desire to be human. You will just have to believe me that I am truly pleased to look upon your presence again. Morte Bielz greeted the old man.

  ‘It would be better if you were a good kind leader of these people and not a leach upon their souls.’ Saurlton could find no kind words to greet this creature.