by Susi Wright
“We have spent our lives on the run. If we continue running away now, it is into the unknown. We have only samblars and swords – there are thousands more giants out there! The protection of this army might not be so bad. Even with their leader down, the Gaians have impressive powers. The soldiers are well-trained and they have numbers.
“Come! They have not yet noticed we are gone! Think of it – we brought no supplies with us. It is at least two days to a grain store. I, for one, am painfully hungry and soon they will have an evening meal waiting for us. We shall be received as heroes for our part in the victory!” He saw Kaal had pulled his samblar to a halt. Shuul grinned. “Besides, I think going back will prove most interesting. Did you not see? One of those riders was a woman – an exceedingly beautiful one!”
The youngest man, who had recently asked Shuul about the fairer sex was riding close behind his chief, grinning widely. “Oh, yes indeed, Master, I saw her!”
Shuul flashed the youth a grin in return. A small smile remained as he looked ahead to guide his mount through the trees. Earlier, watching from the ridgetop, he had noticed Ji rush towards the fire-beast, so transfixed on its riders that he ignored all danger. Shuul had seen him, cheering louder than anyone. Half to himself, he added, “And something tells me, she is the Gaian princess. I cannot miss meeting her!” He kicked his mount to a gallop down the wooded hillside, pulling ahead of the others.
Kaal rolled his eyes again, but gave in with a sigh. There were certain things about which their chief was never wrong. He spun his mount on its haunches and spurred it hard, to follow Shuul.
Chapter 26 : EYE OF THE DRAGON
Somehow Ji had known.
When he first saw the dragon emerging from the cloud, his stomach flipped with excitement. Then he had caught sight of her, surprised to notice Ardientor astride behind and actually looking happy for once.
Cheering with the rest of them, Ji's eyes drank in the sight of Espira like a parched man. His heart swelled as he watched her guide the creature in to land, filled with pride that he was one of very few who knew how she accomplished it. Warmed from head to toe with pleasure, he ignored a couple of strange looks from comrades as he raced forward, intending to assist her to dismount, rewarded for his trouble by a warning blast of hot breath from the dragon. Driven back, his act of chivalry thwarted, he was further wounded to see that Espira, with her head turned making comment to her brother, had not noticed him at all!
The siblings dismounted by air-cloak, and were greeted by Stolis, Xandor and a growing queue of officers who wanted to welcome the pair to the quest. Espira continued to smile and acknowledge everyone except him. Surely, she can sense I am here . . .
Almost in answer to that thought, Ji got a brief but venomous look from Ardientor. It stung, but this was not the first time. In the past year, Ji's increasingly sullen cousin had apparently developed an extreme dislike for him. Ji had not discounted the possibility that Ardi might have sensed his feelings for Espira. It seemed to go beyond the boy's general dislike of everyone, which had lately challenged the whole family. Ardientor was always storming off somewhere, about something. To think, the cousins used to have so much fun together!
Too bad! Ji's attention flew back to the woman of his dreams. At this point, he would have been grateful for any kind of look from her. So it really did hurt when Espira laid the dragon down with a gentle touch on its muzzle and did not even afford him a single glance in passing. Instead, she made straight for the travois bearing her father, shadowed by Ardientor.
Her eyes full of concern, Espira leaned over Luminor's still form keeping up with the forward movement of the sled. In this moment, whoever was around her, whatever they were doing, meant nothing. She saw only her beloved Papa. One of her parents, from whom she had inherited so many gifts, not least compassion, now lay here, possibly dying. It was nothing unexpected. She had long-known her father would have need of her. But now she was faced with it, and the reality hit that everyone expected her to do something, she baulked. She exchanged a desperate look with her brother. I have no idea what I can do!
Rivalry forgotten, Ardientor placed an encouraging hand on her arm.
I believe that you, sister, can do anything you imagine!
She smiled gratefully as other men wandered up to join the audience, finished with their chores. By her side were Stolis, Jimbu and other Elite mentors. Men she respected. Men she had grown up admiring. She also noticed a number of Morvian newcomers, civilians, perhaps rescued this very day. They had surely witnessed for the first time, the evidence of Lord Luminor's power and his protection. They watched her now with searching black eyes, as faithful as the rest. So many faces, turned towards her . . .
By the Eternal Flame! What do they expect of me?
It was true that she now felt stronger than ever before. That was Ra's presence and a certain amount could be attributed to Ardientor's support. Still, she sharply missed the encouragement and assistance of her grandmother and the other elders, as they had given for Ra's summoning at their Circle in the cave. That influence had faded with the distance of the journey. She looked down on the face of her father, her dearest and best mentor, pleading silently for him to wake and advise her once more. What have you told them, Papa? What do you know?
The continuing moments of silence spoke loudly: the answer was hers to find. She raised uncertain eyes to the waiting crowd. There were no words yet.
Be patient. I know that I am soon to come of age. Right now, I don't know exactly how!
It was then she looked directly at Ji, a few rows back. On arrival, slightly irritated at herself, she had quickly hidden the excitement which flared, knowing he was here. Sense and concern for the condition of her father had taken their rightful place.
At last, she allowed a moment for Ji, projecting a thought to him. Be patient. . .of course, I know you are here!
His familiar face was beaming with adoration, having already forgotten being passed over just minutes ago. He saw Espira's serious expression dissolve; there at last was the joyful smile he had hoped for, had dreamed of every night for weeks. It was the sun shining, a healing light, at the end of a dismal day full of murder and mayhem.
The brief acknowledgement faded when Espira's attention was demanded by the onward movement of her group, but Ji was sure that smile would sustain him, at least until he could find a chance to speak to her alone. If anyone had noticed the exchange at all, it was nothing more than the pleasure of cousins seeing each other again.
Conversely, Ji noticed, Ardientor had already lost his smile and now regarded him with sullen suspicion, but no-one else saw that.
A fine drizzle had started, somewhat of a reprieve, instead of the violent storm which had threatened. Perhaps that storm was orchestrated to bear the dragon and its riders across the mountains, since it now seemed to have skirted by, dissipating harmlessly towards the east. Still, it was expedient to move Luminor under cover. Espira and Ardientor hurried with Xandor and Sumar as they carried him inside a small tent, all four squeezing in beside the makeshift pallet of furs.
Some decisions had to be made.
Suddenly, there were victorious whoops and shouts in a foreign tongue, and the Cymbians galloped into camp to cheers for their bravery. They dismounted, handing their samblars to the offered help.
Greeted by Stolis and Jimbu, the unlikely heroes received personal congratulations, basking a little in unfamiliar glory; the promise of a timely meal, served to distract some of them from the disappointment of seeing the woman disappear under cover before they could be introduced. Shuul took his chance during the arm-shakes to ask about the flying beast. “What manner of creature is that, Commander?”
“That is a good question. Shuul! Of us all, only some of our Gaian warriors have seen a dragon before today. And that, I believe, was a very small one . . . years ago!” replied Stolis, with a rare chuckle. The staid commander seemed to have caught the buoyant mood, which pervaded the camp at the arrival of t
he dragon and its esteemed riders. There was hope now, that Luminor could be revived. He glanced at the huge beast then back to Shuul, his rugged face crinkled with mirth. “Apart from any other legendary powers it might possess . . . I am sure that you, Shuul, as a soldier – of sorts – will appreciate the value of a large dragon . . . in any war!”
Shuul decided to ignore Stolis' slight against mercenaries. He also overlooked that the Morvian captain, Jimbu, whose expression had always shown neutrality, now hinted a smirk. Shuul was also in a good mood today. He nodded, easily agreeing. He could imagine some of what a so-called dragon might be capable.
“And now, forgive us, Shuul, we must attend to other very urgent matters . . .” With a respectful nod to the Cymbian, Stolis and the captain took their leave and hurried towards Luminor's tent, collecting a small delegation of Elite individuals on the way.
Questions about the dragon answered for now, Shuul's curious eyes were drawn back to the tent. At first, he was tempted to follow the captains to wait directly outside, but on second thought, held back to mingle with other soldiers who drifted in that direction. Not certain what his new-found status permitted, Shuul did not want to make his interest too obvious. He supposed the Gaian warriors would still be vigilant about who got close to their presently vulnerable leader or the important woman. Nevertheless, he was most impatient to see the warrior-princess, Espira, up close.
Around the canvas shelter, a growing vigil of soldiers and warriors joined Stolis and his group. Ji had easily attached himself to the commander's company of captains and special medics. As Luminor's nephew and moments ago promoted to captain of a mounted division, he received no objection from his superior. The special guard stood close, in case the Elite healers were needed.
Ji was concerned about his uncle, of course, but he had faith that Luminor would pull through, just like he always did. He joined the press of attendants, careless about hiding his real motive, especially now his uncle was incapacitated. Espira was here and all he wanted was to be by her side. He would wait all night for a chance to speak to her.
The loyal company waited stoically in the rain for any sign of improvement in Luminor's condition; Xandor or Sumar might emerge with news, insights or instructions. Or, if Fate decided it, Espira might emerge . . . with everything!
A few stragglers were out on the field, their curious gazes trained, from a very cautious distance, on the dragon. The beautiful creature was now taking a well-deserved rest on a mound of soft ash, as if it had been prepared solely for its comfort. The whole scene seemed so natural, but they all knew nothing could be less so. This would be the story of centuries, the best Telling of their lives!
Ra, for the most part, ignored them unless they got too close. By all accounts, it appeared he was dozing, quite contented and relaxed. Men moved off to sleep in ones and twos, until the field was deserted. A small huddle of the stalwart encircled the tent while the dragon slept on.
However, as the darkness of night gathered over the ghostly field of ash, one watchful red eye slowly opened to focus on the man-shelter housing his sacred charges, Luminor, Espira . . . and Ardientor.
And his vigil was the most important of all.
Chapter 27 : PROPHECY
There was quite a crowd in the small tent.
Four Gaians focussed on Luminor's still form, each challenged in their own way.
Xandor still struggled with mind-skills more than some. It often irked him to have to rely on others with far greater mental endowments, such as his gifted wife. Serafina, my love, we could do with your healing talents now!
Sumar was a naturally advanced psychic, but the gift of humility always made him wonder if his own positive outlook in any way tinged his quick insights. It was possible to see good in almost anything.
Ardientor had decided to take meditation more seriously than ever before. He'd been amazed by recent insights, his previous misconceptions and petty jealousies had given way to a new sense of purpose.
Espira regarded each person with extreme affection as she assessed their thoughts.
She spoke to Xandor first. “Brother Xandor, I also wish Serafina was here by our sides now. Perhaps she could help, as she did before. But, I fear the distance is too great!” Her smile was wistful.
Xandor was taken aback by her newest talent. He threw Sumar a look.
Sumar shrugged. It was new to him too, a moment ago, when he felt her touching his mind to read it. He met Espira's gaze, knowing the next words were for him.
“And, Brother Sumar, do not worry. Have faith in your sense-sight. It has served you well so far, has it not?” Sometimes the best advice comes in a question. True? He received the words and the thought with a smile, grateful to be reminded of his talent. His Perception was impeccable, yes, but not infallible. Experience had certainly shown him that.
“I saw him stir, my lady – ,” put in Xandor, hopefully, “just before you arrived. I think he knew!”
Espira felt a stab of trepidation. Now they are addressing me as 'Lady'! It feels strange . . . too soon! That simple word inferred so much responsibility. By the old traditions, such inheritance of title would only happen on the death of her father and he wasn't dead. But times were changing fast. The Alliance continued to open up strange new ways.
She looked pensively at Luminor's still form. “Perhaps, the four of us together, can bring him back!”
Of course, they all hoped the same thing.
Espira turned her affectionate gaze to Ardientor. “Ardi, my dear brother, I am so proud of you. Thanks to your help, we are here . . . and you must help again now, I think. More than that, I have a strong feeling you are meant for even greater things during this quest!” She finished with a private smile for him alone. It is time for you and I to come of age!
At the moment, that was all she understood.
The ensuing silence became ominous, pressing for more answers to Luminor's condition. Espira had to first push the cloudy weight of new responsibility aside to clear her mind properly. It was fortunate that the thoughts of others no longer distracted her; the choice was hers, to read them or not.
Confidence waned as she placed her hands on Luminor's torso; a sudden surge of emotion threatened to spill into tears as the seriousness of his condition assailed her senses. The paralysing evil, kept at bay for years, had finally gained a foothold in his weakened state. It had begun to grow in his body like a parasite. The advance was slow, but it terrified her! This is worse than I have ever seen! My first real experience with Healing . . . why does it have to be this?
A desperate lump rose in her throat, as she tried to recall theories and practice from countless lessons with Serafina and Luminor himself. She had participated in Healing before; she knew how to use the Link.
Allow concern and love to connect with the Source.
However, all the practice she had taken so seriously for her entire youth seemed to recede into distant memory – just games in comparison. Suddenly, she felt as old as time but without the attendant wisdom.
At least I am not alone! Above everything, she could feel Ra's presence, armouring her mind and body. This was a bounty from the Guardians which promised success . . . But how?
New warmth came from Sumar's kind influence, encouraging, constant.
Ardientor's typical raw energy bounced alongside hers in uncontrolled waves; it was helpful, but a challenge to use effectively.
Even Xandor contributed with his fierce loyalty, though she suspected he would never credit himself for it.
Espira could not have had better odds to meet and overcome this test.
The volatile power of the Healing and Primal Fires flowed through her body, almost overwhelming in intensity; this challenge had begun to feel familiar to her. She could control it better than ever, with such assistance.
Allowing a trickle of heat into Luminor's body, she sent it after the malevolent poison, hoping she would be strong enough to dispel it. Such channelling drained even the most pra
ctised Elite, but bolstered by her present company, she continued for an hour. Boundless love for her father fuelled her efforts. The Link was solid.
Finally, there was a hopeful sign. Luminor's eyes flickered open. When he turned his head, his cloudy gaze focussed on Espira and brightened a little. There was a ghost of a smile. He struggled up to lean on his elbows. Xandor hurried forward to place a folded blanket behind his head.
“Dear Essie . . .” Luminor's voice was hoarse. “I know now, why you must be here. I suppose. . .against my will, I asked for it.” He grimaced against nausea. “I concede all wisdom to the Guardians! It has been decided. You are to complete this quest, despite my wish to protect you. You are a Deliverer, a herald! It is a weighty responsibility for one so young, but I know you well. It continues to amaze me how your talents multiply!” He shook his head and sighed with undisguised relief. “I am just grateful that the Guardians saw fit to return my dragon. He is more than capable of protecting you in my stead. Brother Xandor and the other officers will advise you in war-craft. Even so, for you as it was for me, I fear much will rely on intuition.”
Luminor smiled at the thought of Ra. “He must be full-grown now, his presence is even stronger than ever. I would like to see him . . . while I can. But I have things to say, first . . .”
His eyes slipped to Ardientor, who hovered uncertainly behind his sister, trying unsuccessfully to perceive his father's mood. Even weak, as now, the Lord of Fire was impossible to read. The boy's apprehension lifted when Luminor's brow furrowed, not with anger but concern, and he smiled wanly. “Ardi, my son. Not too young, after all! Forgive me for the edict. I only wanted to protect you, but I see it is not in my hands . . . Fate decrees that you are ready!”
