by Susi Wright
The boy's chest puffed a little at the acknowledgement. He was almost a man with an important role to play! Why has Father, who sees so much, not seen this? Or perhaps he has . . .
“No more edicts! It is still, however, mine to instruct you!” stated Luminor firmly. His expression, unguarded now, showed signs of anxiety.
“You must, I repeat, must, listen to your sister! Do everything she tells you – without question! Her intuition can protect you now. Do you understand?”
That was certainly not what Ardientor wanted to be told. It served a painfully familiar blow to his ego. His shoulders slumped imperceptibly; by habit, he shuttered his emotion.
Luminor's eyes had regained their powerful intensity, boring into Ardientor's nascent shield, demanding a respectful response from his son.
Ardientor knew that look. Rebellion was always inappropriate. Indignation surged, though he was prudent enough not to voice it. But I can protect myself! I have even defeated Espira in combat! He thought of his transgression, hid his guilt. Anyway, Ra looks after us both, does he not?
This time, he managed to gain control of his temper. Underneath his resentments, he loved and respected his father; it disturbed him more than he would like to admit, to see the iconic warrior so physically weak and vulnerable. This seemed to be the worst bout of illness yet. The possibility that his father might actually die, brought him starkly to reason. He suspected his childish lapse would have been noticed, even in Luminor's weakened state. He met his father's eyes, suitably chagrined.
“Yes, I understand, Father!” More than you think . . . you will see soon enough! He was unable to resist the mental comment; it contained an element of truth. He ignored the sharp look from Espira, confident she was the only one in Existence who had actually heard his thoughts. After all, they were harmless . . . in the scheme of things.
Luminor studied his son speculatively.
“Why do I have the feeling that you will inevitably defy my instructions?” His gaze warmed with affection, before he slumped weakly, closing his eyes.
At that moment, Espira felt a wave of deep sadness from him. It was worrying. He is too tired now to hide it. The sense of melancholy seemed strangely familiar. She took hold of her father's hand, felt the threatening sting of tears. What does the future hold, Papa? I love you so!
Luminor seemed to rally then. By sheer will, he raised himself on his elbows, his alert eyes on Ardi. “In this, I fear that Fate's voice is louder than mine! I cannot oppose her decree any more than the next man. So, here you are, my son, and it warms my heart to see you again. In truth, moments before you arrived, I had doubts! Ardientor, you are gifted, but as yet, inclined to rashness. This can lead to deadly mistakes! Do not be complacent – even free will leads us to our destiny. We have many choices, but in the end we all comply to the greater plan!”
Luminor grasped his son's wrist. “I do not know how much time I have left . . . this cursed poison might get the better of me yet. It is an insidious and unpredictable adversary. Please look to your sister and the Elite for guidance, if . . . I am unable to give it. Listen to me, Ardi, be careful!” Looking from one sibling to the other, he added, “Both of you . . . be careful!”
His urgent eyes turned to his warriors. “Brother Xandor, please fetch Commander Stolis and Captain Jimbu. I must have counsel. They need to hear what I have to say!”
Xandor nodded and exited the tent, returning a moment later with the two men as requested. Stolis stepped forward, greeting Luminor with a warm armshake. “It is good to see you up and about, my lord!” exclaimed the veteran. Jimbu had the same sincerity in his deep black eyes. Both moved back respectfully to listen.
“True knowledge is a strange phenomenon. There are things unknown to all of us, however percipient. But certainly, a new age has begun. It will need to be carefully nurtured to fruition, like gentle breath on kindling. Changes and painful sacrifice will be inevitable for it to blaze to full glory. In this age, the Primal Fire will take precedence: the Fire of Love will reign supreme.”
There had been allusion to this before.
“In Gaian tradition, title was inherited by the first-born male and proven by valour. In the future, there will be no such heir to title. Its banner will be solely earned by deeds of true courage and love. Destiny will choose the bearer of the honour. On my Passing, the title, Lord of Fire, will no longer exist. The Guardians will entrust the Fire of Destruction to the dragon for safekeeping, for the protection of the Alliance, its elected assembly and the people. Eventually the Destroyer will become obsolete!”
A few moments of silence followed, as the company processed these prophecies. Sumar quietly searched out a parchment and ink, assuming responsibility for writing it down so there would be no mistakes later, should the worst happen.
Luminor's serious expression softened when he turned towards Espira and smiled, squeezing her hand affectionately. “Essie, I believe you now have the 'pet' you always wanted . . . do you not?” He surprised everyone by making light after such a weighty exposition of the future; he also managed a chuckle. “You know, he is going to take a great deal of care!”
Was that an attempt at a joke? Everyone knew dragons could easily take care of themselves.
Without warning, he sat bolt upright, swinging his legs to one side, about to stand. “Speaking of which . . . if you could assist me up, I would like to see him – it has been a long time!”
Espira and Ardientor rushed forward to help him. Xandor's anxious look at Sumar was answered by another shrug, before they all moved at once, bumping into each other in the cramped space. Luminor gained his feet with very little assistance. Slightly behind, as he hurried outside, his children had barely a hand on each elbow. The loyal men were left to follow in their wake.
A loud cheer went up when Luminor emerged from the tent, apparently in good health. Some had refused to take rest until there was news of their lord's condition. Others had returned to take up vigil after a short nap. The audience had swelled .
After the recurrent bouts of illness, many feared this time he might be dying. Despite any amount of belief in his powers, he was not immortal. At that point, hope in the success of this campaign had begun to waver, even for some of the Gaians, who felt Luminor's sustaining presence wane when he lost conciousness.
Morvian and human, regardless of traditional beliefs, had long ago come to believe in Gaian magic. Faith in their lord and the Fires was the cornerstone of the Alliance. It followed that deep affection for Luminor's gifted children had woven itself into the fabric of the new society; as the siblings had grown up they were living symbols of hope for the developing multi-racial community. Of course, there were increasing numbers of other talented hybrid children, but none came close to Espira and Ardientor. It was true. They were the most exceptional beings in the Known World. And they had not yet been tested.
Naturally, most had been surprised when Espira and Ardientor burst forth from the clouds, riding upon a dragon, but no one had missed the significance. In their arrival, something had changed. Even the humans felt it. A new energy. That irresistible buoyancy of spirit exploded into cheering again now. Luminor's recovery was due in no small measure, to the siblings and the dragon.
As Espira and Ardientor came into view, another round of cheers went up, resounding loudly across the plain.
Then, there was a hush. Heads turned and the company began to part from the outer ranks, at first slowly then in a hurry. The dragon was awake, on its feet and making its way towards Luminor.
With long neck held low and fiery eyes trained on his sacred charges, every step carried the creature forward twenty paces. Each taloned foot was placed with care and grace, considerate of the movement of the men, allowing them time to get out of the way. The blue luminescence of the strange moons in a clearing Morvian night sky reflected on every scale with the undulation of the dragon's body, glittering magically in a myriad of colours.
Clear of the huge beast's passage, the
men were mesmerised. Here was the magnificent creature of legends, before them in flesh-and-blood! Its beauty was ethereal. The lore surrounding it was ancient and mysterious.
Only Gaians had ever seen a dragon before. Those who had been at the Battle of the Fires had encountered this very creature when it was small. It had been impressive even then. Its mature form and presence, which one would expect to inspire abject terror, was a paradox. Every man, whether human, Morvian, Gaian, or Cymbian, felt humbled, protected. They watched this reunion in silent reverence.
Abruptly, the dragon snaked its neck and snorted into the air. There was a little bit of fire. A few men reacted by diving to the ground to the laughter of others.
Luminor called out assurance. “Do not worry, men, he is simply pleased to see me!”
The dragon's muzzle drew level with Luminor and the creature stilled, unblinking, attentive. The air became thickly poignant. Communication between them was immediate.
As I am pleased to see you! Ra, my soul-sign . . . it has been too long! Thank you for coming to our aid. Luminor glanced over the massive form and back, smiling. You have certainly grown!
Ra canted his head one way then the other and blinked.
Luminor nodded gravely at whatever passed between them. Raising his voice he addressed the company. The stillness of the night carried his words.
“Listen well, brothers, to my directions. We are not finished here. There is still a little time before we must go back. It is possible to save more of our Morvian brothers. What we saw today was but a taste of what is to come. My strength is waning again, even now. I cannot see the next battle through . . .” He swayed, leaning against the dragon's scaly muzzle. The effort of projecting his voice was evident. He stroked Ra's hide and indicated to his children, who were children no longer.
“Listen well! You must look to Espira and Ardientor now, young as they are, for deliverance. Take orders from your captains as before. The dragon is the guardian of the Alliance . . . with his aid you will succeed here and return to Baram. I believe he will stay with you all for some time to come . . .” He leaned heavily against Ra's snout, closing his eyes.
How glorious it would be to fly with you, now you are grown! Perhaps . . . soon?
The creature made a low rumble and sighed gently, his hot breath turning to steam in the cool night air. With effort, Luminor pushed himself away to speak to his captains. “Now, please see the men get some rest. Move out again at dawn! I, too, must sleep a while . . .”
He heard the order given, the rustle of movement as the weary men moved off to find their bedrolls, before he collapsed. Caught by ready hands, he was helped back to the tent.
Inside, lying on his cot, Luminor was close to losing consciousness. His whispers were unintelligible. None of his close companions could make out the words, but Espira could at last read his thoughts. She did not like their meaning; above all, she was afraid of the uncertainty ahead.
There is no time now to waste on trying to heal me . . . you must turn your energy to the quest, for you will need all of it for the next battle! I am no use to you or anyone like this. Let me sleep. Let me rest . . . Perhaps, after this quest is over, there will be time for you and Ra to find the cure . . . it lies in Fire . . .
They could all see they were losing him again. The wretched effects of the poison were cloaked; no-one could predict the length or severity of the numbness. Or even, if it would finish him. Frustrated, all four watched on as he slipped away, three of them completely powerless in the face of this mystical foe.
Espira bit her lip, desperate, placing her hands on his torso as she had earlier, intending to disobey his instructions. Love and Healing flooded through her at once.
His eyes flew open as he smacked her hands away, shocking them all. Pinning her tearful gaze with his sternest look, his projected thoughts were as clear as any words and easier on his waning energy.
That is fear – It is getting the better of you! Do not be afraid for me, or yourself. You know the warrior's code . . . 'Conquer your fear, and you will cheat death for you will find glory in it!' Always know what is done is best! He slumped.
He was gone . . . for how long? Who knew?
The unanswered question hung heavy, as a single tear slipped from the corner of Espira's eye, a small betrayal of emotion which she hastened to wipe away.
Shuttered once more, she turned to leave, to find solace and wisdom in Ra's company. Ardientor rushed forward to go with her, but she met his eyes with a steely gaze which gave him pause. Do not follow me right now! I must be alone with Him!
Then she exited the tent, leaving Ardi puzzled . . . and hurt.
Chapter 28 : PRINCESS
It was impossible for Shuul to tear his eyes away.
The Gaian princess had enraptured him, from the moment she arrived, riding the marvellous winged creature. Even exchanging words with others, he was only half-listening, his tawny gaze held captive.
At first sight, her features were a contrast to any woman he had ever laid eyes on. With bright golden hair, fair skin and eyes which seemed to glow with many colours, she was undoubtedly beautiful. Cymbian women and other far northern races were all dark, with a sultry beauty which up until now, he had lauded as impossible to surpass. He had been wrong.
As he watched her move around, interacting with the captains and other people, he noticed something in addition her physical beauty and grace, which drew him in, an inexplicable power of attraction. His mother-tongue had no word for it. Perhaps no existing language did. It went far beyond the familiar pangs of desire; even the deep affection he had for his favourite woman paled in comparison.
He had been unable to get close to Espira in the clamour of the crowd. Caution had kept him back, but it had not dampened his desire. He already knew Ji was well-smitten and disregarded it.
Now, after what he had seen today, he believed what the young human had told him about magic, especially hers. Could she read his mind? That could be awkward. Guiltily, he glanced around, wondering if she affected anyone else like this. He felt embraced, by something which squeezed his gut to the point of pain – pure, pleasant pain.
With luck, perhaps his thoughts would meld into a sea of others, because unfortunately, some of them were a great deal less than pure.
Admittedly, he had been without a woman for too long, but it was more than that. When she disappeared into the tent, he felt oddly bereaved. He suffered an hour of near agony until the tent-flap lifted and she once more came into view behind her father. Watching her every move had taken precedence over anything else. Before he had set eyes on her, Shuul would have found the Gaian lord's activities and state of health most interesting. Then, putaa!, She went back into the tent again, for what seemed like hours . . .
He waited, solely intent on making her acquaintance.
Ji kept his own vigil, convinced he would wait till the end of time for her to reciprocate his love.
Everyone else kept attendance, held there by deep respect and love for their lord. Bound by undying loyalty to his leadership, they awaited new orders. After the formation of the Alliance, association with Gaians and their magic had accustomed most people to expect strange things. With the arrival of different races to the new society, adjustments had to be made.
Lord Luminor's children had special status. It was an undeniable fact. Everyone was in awe of their arrival upon the dragon, and the word in the ranks was that Espira controlled the creature. Much was whispered about Luminor's latest instructions; for the first time in history, they would be led into battle by a woman-child. It would be the strangest thing so far, if they were expected to accept that. There were some who thought they would need considerable time to get used to the idea. One or two doubted it would work at all.
When the order to dismiss came through the usual chain of command, delivered by their trusted captains, things relaxed into relative normality. The crowd dispersed quickly, apprehension giving way to exhaustion for now. Eager to snatch
some sleep, no-one had the time to notice those who lingered.
Two solitary watchers remained, forgetful of fatigue and all else, except the imposing presence of the dragon. They were obscured from each other by the massive body which separated them.
Of course, Ra had noticed them, one from the corner of each eye, though he did not need to see them, to know they were there . . . and why! He sighed. These tiresome, sniffing males were just the beginning. His young mistress was very gifted, percipient and strong, almost full-grown. But until she was fully mature, there were many things from which she would need protection!
Ra was bound by ancient code to allow his charges natural interaction, for the sake of experience and the gathering of wisdom. He must remain an observer to the point of mortal danger, unless invited to act.
Espira was about to seek his company. Two driven men were about to seek hers. They were potential adversaries, but Ra would not allow a petty fight to break out here.
Not tonight . . . there was no time for it. Espira needed to prepare for her first battle. She needed him.
Espira appeared at the opening of the tent. She paused, sensing she would not be alone with Ra. Ji was still there. Part of her wanted to run to him, to fling her arms around him in affection. That part, Espira the girl, still had strong but confused feelings about her cousin, best friend and whatever else they might be to each other. She realised there was so much that needed to be settled between them, heart-to-heart.
It was in her eyes when she smiled at Ji. Yes! We will speak . . . though I am sorry, it might be brief. He made a move towards her, but she put a hand up to still him. He looked disappointed at that, as her attention strayed to Ra.
Meeting this beautiful creature had apparently healed the rift between the siblings. The unique Link between herself and the dragon had strengthened on the journey here. Espira felt like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon. The Link reminded her of duty.
