Prophecy's Quest

by A. S. Hamilton

  Sariah grinned at Jador's expression. The elder man looked speechless. His nephew, though not astonished, was equally awestruck. Three more may-en-ghi emerged from the trees. Two were an extraordinary gold colour and one was similar in colour to first, being mostly black with a few lighter scales dotting its coat. Together with their horns, their feathery manes made an imposing head-dress that extended down the length of their spines to their tail and along the tail to end in a feathery plume. As she watched, the scales of the dark one began to lighten becoming a tan colour. The change was like dye spreading through water, flowing down from his head, over his back and down his tail.

  The first may-en-ghi bounded out of the water and shook herself, thoroughly spraying the other may-en-ghi with water. The formerly-dark one did not flinch, but he did make a low, throaty sound. The two gold ones were not as forgiving. With emerald eyes glittering in amusement, they rose and separated in order to circle around her. They pounced simultaneously, but their target was away before their hind feet left the ground. A chase ensued, one gold tagging the black and then the black tagging one of the gold. They were playing! Sariah realised with incredulity.

  Brynn sat next to the remaining may-en-ghi, well, he was more reclining on the animal, really. His hair was still dripping, spread out over the now sandy-coloured scales. And then Sariah noticed an odd thing, the scales where Brynn's hair lay adopted a pattern of silver and black streaks.

  'Phenomenal,' she breathed.

  They seemed to be having a conversation using mind-speak, as Brynn's expression changed every now and then. Sariah wished for a moment that she could share the camaraderie Brynn had with these enigmatic, majestic beings. Of course, Riqu spoke about them, when he thought it was safe, but she had never met one. Just as suddenly as they had started playing, the may-en-ghi stopped, moving first to Brynn, who had risen, and then following him over to where they sat.

  'Sariah, Jador, Daniel, this is Baschia, my friend whom I have told you a little about.'

  The may-en-ghi inclined her head and Sariah imitated the move with respect. 'Brynn tells me you have an intriguing tale describing how you two met.'

  'Is that so? I hope I can live up to his praise,' the may-en-ghi replied, her contentment wafting through to Sariah like a calming perfume.

  The may-en-ghi communicated via a form of mind-speak, although it was much more detached than the connection elvan used.

  'And this,' Brynn said indicating with his hand to the may-en-ghi he had leaned on, 'is her rahn, Elisana.'

  Elisana also inclined his regal head, and Sariah decided it was a gesture they adopted to greet their non-may-en-ghi companions.

  'Closest to Elisana is Caneel and next to her is her rahn, Basilt.'

  Sure enough, both golden may-en-ghi dipped their heads in greeting. The only way Sariah could tell the formerly dark may-en-ghi from his gold companions was his eyes. The two golden may-en-ghi had striking, emerald eyes, while both dark ones had gold eyes. She noted the one Brynn introduced as Baschia remained dark in colour.

  'These are my friends,' Brynn intoned sweeping a hand towards Sariah, Jador and Daniel. 'Sariah of the House of Ko-renti. Kaydyr, the hawk, and Treya are her companions,' he added gesturing to each one as he spoke. Kaydyr still remained in the trees giving Sariah a broad view of the group, and the horses were dozing in the shade. The chargers had, indeed, been more weary than normal and spent much of their time sleeping. Jador's pony was alert, but seemed unperturbed, and Sariah guessed Brynn had assured the pony she was safe.

  'Jador,' Brynn was saying as he completed the introductions, 'is a skilled tracker, but is also uncle to Daniel, whom you have heard of, but not met. And the pony is Jador's companion, Jess.'

  'As friends of Brynn, we welcome you.'

  Brynn took a seat next to Daniel, giving him a broad smile. Sariah noted the may-en-ghi fanned out by his side looking like animated statuary. She had not been sure which may-en-ghi had spoken, but from the expression on Jador's face he could hear the may-en-ghi too.

  'Sorry,' Jador cut in, 'I cannot tell who is talking, is it possible for you to mention who is speaking? At least for the first few times you speak.'

  Baschia dipped her head. 'It can be so. I am Baschia,' she sent.

  'Thank you. I am honoured to meet you. Please take no offence, but you are the most remarkable creatures I have met in my time.'

  'Fear no offence, Jador, your admiration is flattering. I am Caneel.'

  'Ask any questions you have openly and without fear, but please remember not to speak of us outside of our company. I am Elisana.'

  Jador gave a deep nod. 'I will honour and protect you...'

  'You have a question, Jador? I am Baschia.'

  The tracker blushed. 'Many, but foremost about your fascinating ability to blend with the environment, how does it happen?'

  'It is not talent, rather a natural ability. I cannot detail exactly how it works, just that over time we can learn to control it to a degree. I am Baschia.'

  Jador focused on Baschia, since the dark may-en-ghi seemed happy to answer his questions. 'So, is that why you remain a darker colour while... Elisana?'

  Elisana nodded.

  'Elisana has adopted a colour very like the sand he lies upon?'

  Baschia inclined her head slowly. 'Yes. I am the elected leader of this group and mission. As such, I have made myself more identifiable to you by resisting the impulse to change. Speaking of which, we should, if it is permissible, turn briefly to the needs of planning the rest of our journey.'

  Jador blushed again, although he was not certain why. 'By all means, please do.'

  The may-en-ghi's eyes seemed to sharpen a moment and then Jador felt an odd, comforting feeling move through him. Then Baschia focused on Brynn. 'I recommend sleep before the sun reaches its peak as we will be travelling through the night, it is cooler then and more practical.'

  'Also, there will be less chance of dehydration. I am Caneel.'

  'We will do so, then,' Brynn said. 'I have only just risen recently; however I think after some activity over the next hour or so I will have no problems resting again.' Brynn looked to Sariah, Jador and Daniel and all three nodded their agreement.

  'Did you bring some form of shade? It should only take us two nights to cross the hottest part of the desert, but the heat of the day in between will be severe. It should then take us two to three more days to reach Caradon. You will need some kind of protection while you sleep through the worst of it. I am Caneel.'

  'I did,' Brynn said gesturing towards a pile of gear. It had been stored in the underground storage area he built when he created the desert oasis. 'I have also pulled out extra water skins and dried food stock, considering I have three more companions than I expected.'

  Caneel nodded. 'That is very wise. It is fortunate you have stocked such things out here. I am Caneel.'

  Brynn sighed. 'Belon deserves the credit, she was the one to put together the list of supplies she thought I should stock.'

  'The healer is very well organised and exhibits exceptional planning abilities,' Caneel said.

  'That is a truth I have learned well,' he agreed with a comic groan, 'and ever will I hear about it.'

  Collectively, the may-en-ghi made a soft sound like a throaty purr.

  'They are laughing,' Brynn explained to Sariah, Jador and Daniel who all looked a little surprised by the sound. Brynn found Kaydyr and caught the hawk's gaze with a raise of his chin. 'Would you like a practice session before we try to sleep? It might tire us out,' he suggested.

  Sariah grinned. 'You just want another chance to attempt to best me.'

  'Well, if you put it like that, mayhap I would be better off taking my chances with a less dangerous opponent,' Brynn retorted.

  'Are you afraid?' Sariah challenged, arching her red-gold brows and making Brynn laugh.

  'It seems now, I have my honour to defend,' he replied, rising and offering Sariah a hand up.

  The four may-en-ghi shifte
d places in order to watch the two elvan prepare.

  'You are interested in their practice?' Jador asked, the question directed at them all.

  'I am Elisana. Yes, we are. Dis-hari's technique of fighting is quite curious. May-en-ghi rarely use their natural weapons to 'war'. For hunting and defence, yes, but we see no reason to shed blood over territory. Each ghani gets a large territory. If there are any disputes, it goes to a council for mediation. Thus, this kind of fighting is fascinating for us.'

  'We are certainly different,' Jador agreed. 'May I ask, what is a ghani and what are dis-hari?'

  'A ghani is a group of may-en-ghi, you might liken it to a clan. As for what are dis-hari — you are. All who walk on two feet are dis-hari,' Baschia explained.

  Unlike the previous session Jador had seen, Sariah and Brynn did not enter into the freestyle form of practice. Instead, Sariah gave Brynn her swords and, using two sturdy sticks, gave him a lesson in how she used two swords. Brynn was a good student, never interrupting, but not afraid to ask questions or for her to repeat a demonstration. Eventually, Sariah sped up the practice until Brynn called a halt. Brynn bowed towards the may-en-ghi before handing Sariah her swords so he could throw himself into the bathing pool. Sariah followed him with more dignity; walking in and then kneeling. They emerged, dripping wet, and collapsed in the shade beside the may-en-ghi.

  'Sleep would be good now,' Caneel told them. Brynn and Sariah were already dozing, along with Daniel who had drifted off earlier.

  'That's something I've noticed about warriors,' Jador commented to the may-en-ghi. 'They have the uncanny ability to be instantly asleep or instantly alert whenever they need.'

  Day 8 – Mid-day

  Denas

  Anarya found herself on the planes and relief enveloped her as her awareness of the cramping in her stomach faded and her thirst became a dreadful memory. Despite the endless white surrounding her, she was somehow comforted here. Kai had set up a ghanri for her and shown her how to get back to herself, so she wouldn't get lost. It was still much like a dream, and not every time she went to sleep did she find her way here. Occasionally Kai would join her and tell her stories, usually elvan legends, but he knew tales of the dwarven, ellermore, and human cultures, as well as ancient and strange races.

  They had not been fed since they'd been captured, an oversight she had mentioned to Kai. Anarya thought it was because they were in such a hurry to get them to Denas and had hoped that when they arrived they would finally get food, but the guards had simply marched them to the cell and no one had come to check on them since. It made her wonder if they'd been forgotten, but this morning they'd received a loaf of bread, a slab of cheese, and a jug of stale water. So perhaps they were not forgotten, merely neglected. Actually, they'd been generous; normally no cheese was given. She shared the cell with her fellow escapees, another woman and a boy. She had given the boy an extra portion of food from her share because watching him starve was more than she could bear. Anarya was surprised they were put in the same cell, as slaves who were captured together were normally split up.

  Unexpectedly, the whiteness receded. First, it turned brown and then plants started to grow rapidly. It appeared to be raining. She knew it could not really rain here, yet she heard it fall and felt wet drops upon skin that was not there, for she was ethereal here. She could even taste it when the drops ran down her 'face' and over her lips.

  A creek formed just in front of her. Rocks rose from the ground creating a small waterfall and a pool. The rain stopped. Birds flittered from tree to tree. Flowers bloomed, first sprouting and then unfolding their delicate petals, revealing their wondrous colours. Purple, blues, reds, golds and oranges dotted the luscious greens and browns. The sun shone warmly. A cool breeze left over from the rain chilled and delighted her.

  Kai's aura appeared. He could, at any time, create his own image, but being a rebel, she knew he should not, so she never asked. He told her that with training she could learn how to form her image on these planes and many other things, such as creating a sanctuary like this. She wondered what it would be like to be a mage, to experience that balance, that understanding.

  'You should not go to all this effort for me,' she objected.

  'I am simply taking advantage of your presence to practice,' Kai said with a laugh. 'I have been learning and advancing my mind-will talent. I take images of real places and your memories to create a life-like sensation. Without someone to practice my mind-will through, I will never know if it is effective. Did the rain feel real? Did you believe the water wet your skin?'

  'Yes. Even while my 'skin' had no substance. Very impressive,' Anarya replied.

  He gestured to the calm pool. 'Drink. It will not satisfy your need, but it will taste and feel real.'

  She did, and he was right. 'It's fantastic!' she exclaimed. Anarya sensed the satisfaction he got from providing her with this distraction and psychological relief.

  'Did the guards bring you food?' he asked with a note of curiosity.

  'Yes, yes they did. I thought it was odd at the time... They actually gave us cheese, no less. Now it does not seem so peculiar, as my guess is that you are somehow responsible.'

  'Cheese? Really? Not even I expected that!'

  Anarya laughed at the genuine surprise in his voice. 'You do too much, it's too risky.'

  'I did not do it through talent, I requested a favour from a friend. You have a right to fresh, decent food, Anarya, as does every other slave. It would be remiss of those of us who have the opportunity to aid you to ignore it. If we did, we would be as vile as Malithorn and his followers.'

  The fierce edge in his voice made her shy a little, reminding her of the growling monsters in her nightmares. But she realised what she heard in his voice was frustration, an intense frustration heightened by his compassionate nature. His words echoed the thoughts that often occupied her mind as the dull ache in her stomach tormented her and she watched her fellow captives waste away. Mayhap she should turn her mind to getting free again and joining the rebels. Although escape would not be easy, not from a locked cell. She could only hope they sold her again, and for an opportunity to get away once that occurred.

  'I am sorry. I mean not to frighten you,' Kai said apologetically.

  Anarya was amazed by how easily he perceived her emotions. His talent, she guessed.

  Two blue birds appeared, then, and she smiled.

  Chapter 4

  Day 9 – Early Morning

  At-hara Desert

  It was early morning and the heat had not yet become unbearable. Brynn and Sariah were setting up shades to sleep under. Made of a special reflective material, they would reduce the heat significantly. The horses drank thirstily from the water bags Brynn and Sariah had hung about their necks. They had ridden throughout the night under the guidance of the may-en-ghi and were grateful for a rest.

  'Is that a bird, or am I seeing things?' Daniel asked, pointing off into the distance.

  Jador shielded his eyes from the glare of the sun. 'It's not your eyes, I see a bird, too.'

  'It's not doing too well,' Daniel observed, as he watched the wavering black dot approaching them. 'What's it doing out here?' the younger man wondered.

  'Riqu...' Sariah whispered in dismay as Kaydyr spotted the bird too.

  Jador lifted Jess' saddle off. 'What was that?'

  'It is a raven. It will be a message from my father,' she explained.

  'Is something wrong?' Brynn asked, having finished with the shades.

  'More than likely,' she said. 'Kaydyr...'

  As she uttered his name, the hawk took off. The raven started to lose altitude rapidly as if it did not have the strength to continue. The larger hawk swooped in, gliding underneath the bird and catching it on his back. They dropped some distance before Kaydyr recovered. Sariah held her breath, fearing they would crash. Instead of trying to fly while supporting the raven, the hawk used the air currents to glide back to them. He landed unevenly, tumbling over and s
quawking in mild alarm. When Sariah reached him, he flew to her shoulder. Sariah knelt to gently pick up the raven, brushing sand from her feathers before handing her to Brynn. The raven made a small sound, as if relieved.

  'She is just exhausted,' Brynn reported, after examining the raven. He handed the bird back to her and jogged over to the horses. 'I will get some water for her,' he called over his shoulder.

  Day 9 – Mid-day

  North Kenar Woods

  'You best not bother him with it. The knowledge will not further his goal,' Akileena said.

  Matthias Rochester stepped back from the tent opening, giving the elvan mage a sceptical look. Akileena of the House of Debanikay was intimidatingly awe-inspiring. The prestige associated with his house carried a reputation for unbending discipline and an innate gift for magic. Or talent, as they called it.

  When he was just five, a House of Debanikay apprentice had taken him on, recognising Matthias' natural talent. The sheer relief when she constructed mental barriers for him had been indescribable. All the noise — all the thoughts and emotions that were not his and the confusing lights that turned out to be spirits — all gone. After she had put in the barriers, he had slept peacefully for the first time he could remember.

  That apprentice, Hiliar, may not have been qualified to be a full mage, but she was skilled enough to take on a human apprentice. Hiliar always spoke of House of Debanikay with utter reverence and she had instilled in him the same esteem. So when he first met Akileena, he found himself conflicted; Akileena was a Debanikay — not just a Debanikay, but one of the Debanikay heirs. Even Nisari and Colnba spoke of him with respect. But, Akileena was also a rebel — his cooperation bought through the containment of his child. The details about the child were kept as secret as possible to make a rescue attempt too difficult. If the Abbarane government lost hold of that child Akileena would become very dangerous. Matthias was not meant to know about it, but being a mage you found out some things even if you were not seeking them. This information, the information Akileena advised not to bother passing on, however, he had been seeking that.