The fiery whip snapped across Kayleigh’s arm and stung. She screamed and rolled to the ground as Danella brought her weapon back for a second strike. Kayleigh partially blocked that next strike with the length of rope that kept her a prisoner of the rock. The rope smoldered and she was able to break free. She wasn’t certain how this would help her, but it felt like a small victory.
“Oh, so very clever you are thief! You’ll make a fine dinner for the scavengers, but first you will dance for me!”
Kayleigh scanned around for anything that could be used as a weapon, while trying to avoid Danella’s strikes. Her knife was missing. She spotted it stuffed into the sash of one of the nomads, but the flaming whip coiled around her leg and ripped her to the ground.
“Yes! Yes! Burn and bleed, girl! Scream louder! I want to hear it!”
Thrashing in agony, Kayleigh rolled free of the whip. She thrust her bound hands out to that knife and tried to will it to her. It was an act of desperation. There was no conceivable way this would work.
But it did.
The knife erupted in flames and the man screamed. It fell to the ground, drizzling like a liquid and pooled in the sand next to the injured man. That flame race across the desert floor and slithered into her hand reforming into a solid blade and parted the rope around her wrist. She pushed up from the ground and stood with the throwing dagger in front of her in a guard position and wondered how many fireballs she could hurl before the magic stored in the knife was expended.
Danella craned her neck and studied Kayleigh, “My, oh my, what an impressive little trickster you are. A knife in the hands of a toddler – should I be frightened? No, I think not.”
“I will kill you,” Kayleigh stated, trying to sound as dangerous as possible. She circled on her injured legs to maintain her distance from the whip and searched for a plan.
The fire maiden stepped into her next whiplash. Kayleigh slipped the knife into a throwing motion and released it, willing to take the blow if she could injure Danella.
Her target twisted and dodged, making the whip go wide. The flaming dagger clattered off a rock and landed on the sand. One of the nomads reached for it, but for the second time Kayleigh changed it into a puddle of fiery liquid and it returned to her hand.
“I grow weary of this little game, girl,” Danella said slipping behind Majherri, never taking those soulless eyes off of Kayleigh. The whip’s flames vanished, only to be replaced by fireballs from Danella’s out stretched hands.
Kayleigh rolled out of the way, but was burnt by the heat of the blast. The nomads howled in laughter and the sand troll pounded its chest. With practiced ease, Danella slid into Majherri’s saddle and strapped a shield to her other arm. The whip lit again and Kayleigh readied for her next throw.
“I think it’s time we end this, girl. I have a long ride ahead and I need to be on my way.”
Kayleigh’s dagger flew true, but Danella intercepted it. The woman shook the flaming liquid off the shield, careful to avoid any splattering on Majherri. “Your parlor trick is losing some luster. Do you have anything else? Let me show you something I can do!”
The whip bit into Kayleigh’s left arm for the second time. The flame disappeared, but something happened and the edge of the whip came alive and leapt around her neck. It tightened and began strangling her. Instinctively, Kayleigh struck at the whip with her knife, but it didn’t slice easily.
“I could drag you behind Majherri for a few miles and see how long you last. I could simply strangle you. You’ll be dead long before you could cut through. But I like this one best of all. Watch and learn, trainee!”
Fire started at Danella’s hand and started crawling down the length of the whip.
Kayleigh was sure she was going to die, but she refused to end it all like this. The magical whip wasn’t splitting, so she reared back and threw her dagger one last time, pleading, begging, and willing it through that shield.
The flaming knife spattered against the shield and Kayleigh could see the maniacal eyes of Danella mocking her final attempt, but those eyes opened wide as the flames danced over and around the shield, reforming into a knife and burying itself in the mesh of Danella’s chain armor.
The fire died just short of Kayleigh’s face and the whip grew slack as Majherri reared. The force jerked Kayleigh to the ground, and she frantically removed the whip from her neck.
“How?” Danella croaked tugging at the dagger and tossing it to the ground. Kayleigh didn’t know either. That’s a water maiden skill! How did I do that?
There was no time for contemplation. She could tell Danella’s injury was severe. One more throw could finish her. Once again, she willed the knife back to her hand.
Majherri must have known it as well, because he danced away from her next throw and bolted into the night. Her heart broke watching the unicorn’s retreating form. He was lost to her!
Summoning the knife back to her hand, she faced the six nomads and the troll. They were going to swarm her all at once. She reached for the energy in the knife and found it was still unchanged. The magic inside was still at the same level as when she started this battle.
There was no time for questions – no time to search for a rational explanation. She called on the magic and it responded. The flames began licking up her legs and surrounding her in a vortex of power. She became engulfed in the fire and one with it – a living statue of magical flame.
“Let’s finish this!” Kayleigh screamed and charged into battle.
Chapter 27 – The Heart of Darkness
Galloping into the night, the world made no sense to Majherri. He didn’t know what to think. Danella was alive – at least for the moment. And Kayleigh? He was torn from her … by Danella. He was angry, hurt, but compelled to obey his first rider. Majherri could only stand there helplessly while Danella toyed with Kayleigh. But Kayleigh somehow won.
Onward through the darkness, he was guided by Danella’s weak words. They needed to catch up to the wagon transporting the air maiden prisoner. She passed out when cauterizing her wound. The intense wave of pain shot through the link and spurred him on.
Behind him, he saw a light break through the night. He skidded to a stop and look back seeing the glow.
Kayleigh? It must be her! I should go back and make sure she is … no I can’t. That path is gone and I can’t return. Danella needs me.
His decision made, he galloped onward, still trying to accept Danella Lynch’s return. But how was it that I bonded with Kayleigh? How could she produce magic? I am no longer the unicorn that survived the death of my first rider and received a second one. I somehow had a second rider.
He tried to reconcile Danella’s actions. It didn’t seem right for her to try and kill Kayleigh. The girl had done nothing to hurt her. She’d saved him from wallowing in self-pity. When he sensed her approach, Danella told him to wait for her. He thought it was to say goodbye. He was a fool.
What has happened to you, fair Danella? Why has your heart darkened?
She spoke of a master and that was troubling. Danella was a free and independent spirit. It didn’t sound right and his rider was only half-conscious. No answers were forthcoming and his life was once again tied to his first rider, but he wondered where her life was now tied to.
Who are these people who she owes allegiance to now? They are starting a war with the High-King. What do they hope to gain?
He galloped on, following the tracks in the sand. It took a full hour to reach the wagons, the riders, and the other captive unicorn. Men held pungent herbs to her face to wake her. Vile tasting draughts were forced down Danella’s throat. Majherri sensed rage and hatred directed at Kayleigh Reese. Danella ordered two horsemen to turn around and make certain she was dead. He didn’t like that order and told her as much.
“It’s for the best, Majherri. I’m your rider and she isn’t.” Her honey-sweet voice dispelled most of his worries. If he wasn’t so suddenly calm, he’d be concerned over how easily Danella could
alter his mood. After using a vial of healing tears on her wound, she brought him alongside the wagon containing the bound lieutenant. Her angry unicorn, Osalon, was attached by chain to the rear of the wagon.
“Lieutenant Townsend,” his rider said, “Master Scout Danella Lynch at your service.”
“I suppose ordering you to release me won’t work, Lynch. May I ask what has happened to you, sister warrior?”
“I have been liberated.”
“What does that mean?”
Danella wagged one of her fingers at the air maiden and said, “It is difficult to explain, so I won’t even try. You’ll see when your time comes.”
“I’d rather not,” Townsend answered.
“Look at you there, observing, calculating how you are going to make your escape. You appear to be cut from the same cloth as my sister, Meghan. I do look forward to that reunion.”
“What of Reese? You swore that she would be released. I see your betrayal runs so deep that lying has become second nature. If that is the benefit of you liberation, I would prefer death.”
“It was no lie. The little thief was released from this life, or she soon will be.”
“Your actions dishonor not only yourself, but they shame all of us as well.”
Majherri could feel Danella’s indignation. “Is that so? Well, I’ll have to ask you to bear my share of this shame you speak of. I, for one, can’t be bothered. You seem to be a likeable enough person, for an officer. Perhaps once you have pledged yourself to the Master’s great cause, we will become comrades again.”
“I’d rather die first.”
“Pity, but then again you don’t have a choice.”
“I may be bound in these ropes, Lynch, but we both know who the real prisoner is, don’t we? Do tell me of this Master – does he have a name?”
“Yes, but we are forbidden to speak his name with those who are not faithful to the cause.”
“And what is the cause you speak of?”
“Nothing less than the salvation of the Blessed Continent, sister warrior.”
“You’ll need more than just a handful of misguided tribesman, Lynch.”
“The Master will provide. He always has.”
“Traitor! You’ve doomed my rider!” Osalon exclaimed from the chain linking him to the wagon. The two females continued their conversation, but Majherri turned his attention to the shackled unicorn.
“I did as I was commanded, by my rider.”
“The other girl is your rider.”
“No. That was a false bond. This is my rider. She is taking yours to meet her master.”
“Sandra will be no thrall! She is not weak, like the female riding you!”
“I would not be so certain, prideful male.”
“You disgust me, Majherri. You and your rider have betrayed us all!”
Majherri felt a pang of guilt, but it was immediately replaced with anger. “You and the rest of the Greater Herd turned their backs on me! Did you vote to sanction any female that dared mate with me this past season?”
“Your sister made a compelling case. It was the right thing to do.”
“I’ll wager she did. So, you admit that you turned your back on me, but now try to shame me when I am obeying my rider. Whatever has changed her, it is impossible for me to refuse her. I am compelled, but when you betrayed me, you acted with free will. Which of us should truly feel shame, Osalon?”
“Your rider appears to be lacking in free will also, Majherri. Should you not be trying to free her? Do you wish to see that happen to my rider as well?”
Majherri stiffened. “I do not know what my rider needs. I’ve only just been reunited with her. If I can free her, I will. Though I wish you and your rider no harm, I’ll not feel pity for what happens to you.”
“Your words leave a bitter taste in my mouth, Majherri. Our conversation is done.”
“As you wish, Osalon.”
Two days later, the caravan reached the Syetha oasis. During his prior days in the desert wastes, he and Danella had stopped here many times. Instead of the small collection of tents he recalled seeing here, there were hundreds, spilling out onto the sands. From the large numbers of women and children present, Majherri knew this was the rearguard and part of their supply lines.
Carts laden with clay jugs, filled with water moved eastward under the protection of mounted warriors. It was still roughly two days to Jaruciax, which Majherri realized was under siege. Danella was thinking about the siege as well and he felt her eagerness for battle.
Leaning down to his ear, she said, “Finally, I can prove myself worthy to the Master and it is all thanks to you. I called and you came back to me!”
Dominating one side of the oasis was a massive tent – one part bazaar and another part headquarters. That was their destination. It was the hub of all activity and Majherri prepared to face the person his returned rider called “Master.”
Still feeling the sting of Kayleigh’s dagger, Danella dismounted and led him inside the huge, fabric structure. A throne carved from a single piece of volcanic glass filled the center of the space. At the base of the throne was a small stone table with an empty circle-shaped inset. There were pillows there, positioned for a human to kneel in front of the table. The heady smell of incense permeated the room and made it difficult for Majherri to breath.
An acolyte, with a shaven head and arcane markings covering his face looked up from a scrying glass. “I alerted the Master that you would arrive yesterday. He is on his way back from the frontlines and will be amongst us shortly.”
“Can you view the site of the ambush? I wish to know if my enemy is dead.” Danella said.
“The release of magic in that area interferes with my perceptive skills, lady warrior. I will check again soon, but my priority is monitoring Jaruciax and ensuring that reinforcements are not coming to the city.”
Majherri could tell that Danella was not satisfied with his answer, but she gave the impression that the sand sorcerer was closer to the Master than she was. “Thank you, noble sorcerer.”
He nodded and bent back over his scrying glass, resuming his guttural chant.
Observing the proceedings, Majherri was impressed by the organization of this army. Whoever the Master was, he inspired those who toiled for him. Many had the blackened orbs for eyes, like his rider, but an equal amount did not. The sand sorcerer called out troop movements and two officers moved figurines around on the map.
“The west wall appears only lightly defended. I estimate only two companies of archers at this time. They continue to evacuate across the river, but there are only two barges in service. Given the size of the barges, it will take weeks to complete the evacuation. I will check the settlements to the south. He spun the ball set in the metal stand and watched as the images changed. Yes, two days south along the river, I see three barges. One contains soldiers and the other two supplies. They are making their way north to the city. Deploy troops to kill the reinforcements and try to capture the supplies intact.”
In reply to the wizard’s words, one of the officers scribbled on a slip of paper and attached it to a messenger bird’s leg and took the animal outside.
The man sprinted back in and exclaimed, “The Master comes!”
Most went to one knee as the officers held the two large flaps wide open. Majherri’s view was blocked by the support poles for the tent. Something large enough to shake the ground landed and roared. In his heart, Majherri felt a twinge of fear. This Master rides a flying beast! There are so few left in all the world. I’ll know in moments.
The creature lowered its body and crawled through the opening. It was massive, easily three times Majherri’s size. The body and face were that of a lion, the mane was black and devoid of color. The eyes glowed with a vile red light as the rustlings of its black leathery wings folded to the side. The tail resembled that of the enchanted rock scorpions, except there was a glaze apparent on the tail barb indicating a lethal poison. The creature’s walk
was one of confidence. It declared itself to be the supreme force in this tent and dared anyone, animal or human to challenge it.
He has a manticore! There hasn’t been a sighting of one since before I was born!
A massive saddle, suitable for riding an elephant, was on the monster’s back. There was a man in that saddle. Like the nomads, he was wrapped in cloth, except his was light brown mixed with a dark leather chest piece. Only his left eye was visible and it reflected that same red light.
“Greetings my faithful. It is good to be among you.” The wizard had a deep baritone voice. “The fight at Jaruciax goes well and we will soon control the city. It is as much your achievement as mine. Once we wrest the control of the river from that petty spell spinner, who masquerades as a king, we can use it to spread our holy message into the southern kingdoms and see our movement thrive.”
Majherri recoiled from the adulation he sensed from Danella. There were tears in her eyes. His hopes of helping his rider break free of this control sank. The man ascended his throne and was immediately brought platters of fruit by scantily clad women and listened to reports from his sorcerer and officers. He lounged, crossing one leg over the other knee and propping his chin up with a hand. He gave off the impression of a coiled snake, ready to strike at a moment’s notice. The manticore curled up next to the throne as five platters laden with meat were set in front of it. Raising its head, it whimpered to the man, waiting for his permission. With a nod, the request was granted and the beast lurch forward and savagely attacked the meal.
Majherri listened. He wanted to know every detail. A scout’s currency was information and he committed everything said to memory. He wasn’t certain how he could use the information, but he needed to know as much as he could discover. Once again, he was shocked at the size and scope of this shadow army emerging like a frightening mirage from the desert heat.
After several others gave their reports, the Master turned to his rider and said, “Danella, my pretty, what have you there? Is that your unicorn?”
Rider (Spirals of Destiny) Page 23
