Prophecy's Quest

by A. S. Hamilton

  Brynn tilted his head and frowned. 'You know the title of this prophecy?'

  The mage shook his head. 'Just heard of it through my father, Akiryn. He said the head of the House of Toorian ruled that it was restricted because it was too easily misinterpreted. Thus, Colnba and Nisari were never told about it.'

  'But they found out,' Brynn concluded. 'Surely, House of Toorian realised mages of Colnba's and Nisari's calibre would come across this prophecy at some point.'

  'You are right, of course,' Akileena confirmed, 'and they felt House of Toorian's silence was a betrayal. My father strongly advised them to seek the interpretation from the source of the vision, but… the distrust was already there…' Akileena trailed off before adding, 'It gets more complicated, do you know about what happened at the battle of Ronan-Tanus?'

  Frowning in thought, Brynn replied, 'The battle is known to me, but I cannot think of a specific event that makes it stand apart from others.'

  Akileena made a soft sound of discontent. 'I am not surprised. I disagree with the omission from our history, but it was done when I was too young to object. It was at Ronan-Tanus that Keldon captured Nisari. A significant factor in why we lost the war.'

  'What happened?'

  'It took a long time to get her back, too long really. Colnba was right in questioning the delay. My father believed Nisari saw the vision during her captivity when she was reviewing future paths seeking a way to escape. When they finally got her back, it took healers over a sennat to stabilise her as she'd been brutally treated. Just after Nisari regained consciousness there was a colossal row among the elder mages. Hours later, Colnba and Nisari disappeared. Whatever happened during that meeting caused them to change sides, because the next time Colnba was seen…

  'It was at Sal-Cirus…

  'By Keldon's side,' Akileena spoke with dramatic brevity, his pauses weighing the revelations with significance.

  'My father went after them, just after the meeting. He said it was essential he persuade them to reconsider and meet with the seer who saw their prophecy.' Akileena paused, and then said in a tone heavy with regret, 'I have not seen my father since.'

  A short silence followed Akileena's explanation and Brynn returned to scanning the valley for any signs of Riqu's group. Suddenly, he asked, 'Do you feel your father is still alive?'

  It had been the last thing Akileena expected. He thought over the answer for a moment. 'I cannot be sure. Of course, we have tried to find him. He last reported in near Denas, but we could find no sign of him there. Before he went missing he was — well, he was always there. I mean we could feel his presence no matter where he was. Our mother's, too.'

  'And then?' Brynn prompted.

  'One morning we woke up and we could not feel him. I remember Andarin rose first, and he woke me for confirmation — our seda was just gone. There was just this piece of us that was suddenly missing.'

  'I understand now, why you were so upset when you could not sense your brother after my fight with Dematica. Again, I deeply regret that I was not more careful.'

  Akileena accepted the apology with a short nod and another thoughtful silence followed before he ventured, 'Do you think he might be alive? My seda, I mean.'

  Brynn heard the hope in Akileena's voice and realised he needed to be careful in answering. He did not want to provide false reason for the mage to believe his father was all right. 'To be honest all I have is a theory. One too intangible yet to justify a suspicion…'

  'But… there is something there, some scent your intuition tells you to follow, and it involves my seda.'

  'More precisely, it involves a prophecy,' Brynn clarified.

  'Does it involve the interpretation of Colnba and Nisari's prophecy?'

  'Mmm, I cannot be sure, not at this stage.' Brynn glanced back to the group gathered around them. 'The problem with prophecies,' he added absently, 'is that they are too open to interpretation. Speaking of which, do you know who saw this prophecy your father told you about?' Brynn asked. 'It was a Toorian, you said, but which one?'

  Akileena shrugged. 'He never said, just that the head of the house put restrictions on it.'

  Brynn cursed softly under his breath, he still had nothing but supposition and fragments.

  'It does not bode well, does it? Riqu still not being here,' Akileena said, noticing Brynn's restlessness.

  'There is a good possibility Colnba is going to get that fight if Riqu takes much longer,' Brynn confirmed. 'Get Sariah to help you to distribute any weapons left on the horses we took from Nathan amongst those who can use them.'

  Akileena gave a nod of acquiescence, and repressed the desire to ask more questions, especially about what Brynn knew of his father. It would have to wait. At the same time, he felt a small spark of hope light. He realised Brynn was trying not to give the impression that his father might be alive, but something about the young elvan's words did exactly that.

  'Brynn!' Sariah called as Riqu's group finally appeared at the edge of the valley.

  Rather than being a single, steep slope, the drop into the valley was made up of overlapping tiers, some more rocky than others. Riqu's group were using a wide channel that was mostly clear of trees and rocks to speed their descent. Brynn boosted the depleted reserves of their horses — they were exhausted. Brynn patted Sershja's neck, they deserved a long, restful break after this.

  'By the merciless whim of Fate!'

  Concerned by the tone in Akileena's voice, Brynn looked to see the mage's face had drained of colour. He followed Akileena's gaze and found himself swallowing a curse of dismay. All along the valley's lip Abbarane's forces were appearing, surrounding the entire valley. Colnba must have been masking just how close and how many soldiers there were.

  'Get them into a defensive position,' Brynn instructed Sariah curtly.

  'Should we not just run?' Sentary queried.

  'Nay, seeca, we have been deceived and there is no longer a chance to run,' Sariah told him, regretful he was, yet again, caught in harm's way. 'Stay with the children, protect them,' she said as she started to move off to help Akileena.

  'Your bow, Sariah,' Sentary called after her.

  As she turned back, Sentary could see his sister looked about to argue.

  'I need your bow,' he demanded firmly.

  The look in her brother's eyes quelled her objections and Sariah handed the weapon and her quiver to him. That done, Sarah took over from Akileena. 'You should stay by Brynn, he'll need you,' she told the mage.

  Akileena nodded. 'I have Hagen and Rose organising the riders so that the children are in the centre, each with an adult rider — if the horses panic, they'll need a steady hand,' he told her.

  As soon as Akileena returned to Brynn's side, the young elvan said, 'I need you to put a shield up to stop Abbarane's soldiers from getting into the valley.' He raised a hand to forestall Akileena's objection, 'I know, Colnba will have it down in minutes, but it will give Riqu time to get to us and for us to make what preparations we can. Use a rolling set of shields.'

  With a brisk nod, Akileena shifted planes. The shields Brynn requested were often used by mages. First, the mage initially set up three barriers, and then, when the first was pulled down, they formed a forth, then a fifth and so on. Most mages could only take down one shield every few minutes, which meant being two shields ahead was enough. Colnba and Nisari were taking down these shields together, though, so Akileena decided he needed to double the amount in order to stay ahead. There was no practical way to set up that many that quickly unless he extended his personal shields. They were already established and stronger than a general shield. It was a risky move, though. A risk, Akileena decided, he was prepared to take. He was surprised as he felt Brynn's appreciation. It was encouraging to realise how much the younger mage felt like a may-en-ghi when he sent.

  Sariah rode up to Brynn. 'I have twelve bowmen and five swordsmen,' she reported. 'A few of the refugees used to be fighters, a few rangers, so they know a little of each we
apon.'

  'Thank you. When Riqu gets here, I'll put him on shields. I need Akileena, he knows Colnba's and Nisari's techniques. I want you to protect Riqu — the safety of the children relies on him.'

  The horse staggered beneath Ana, struggling to keep on its feet. She clutched Kiril to her, whispering assurances in his ear even as she watched the horse in front stumble, too. Kiril was being incredibly brave, for he did not scream or cry. She could not claim the same courage, tears streaking her dust-covered face. If not for the child before her she would have screamed her fear just to let it out of the cage of her ribs. In truth, she was surprised at the determination she found because of Kiril's presence. The thought of returning to those days of back-breaking work and scrounging for scraps plunged her soul into a vast, icy fissure of despair. It would be so tempting to just let herself fall off this horse and have an end to it. No more running, no more struggling, no tortured nightmares. But, she could not let Kiril down, for his sake, she schooled her fears and clung on.

  The horse in front stumbled again, very badly this time. Without thinking, Ana pulled her horse alongside and just as the other horse collapsed, she swept the frail male rider from the saddle.

  Panic filled her. What had she done!

  She had one arm hooked under his armpits and the other clinging to the saddle in an effort to keep her and the child in place. Now, her horse was veering sideways as the weight of the man dragged at them. What was even more concerning was the awful wheezing sound her horse started to make, causing her to wonder just how long it would be before this horse also collapsed.

  Abruptly, a muscle in her back gave, sending a sharp burning pain through her chest.

  Ana almost dropped the man as he swung awkwardly in her hold.

  Tightening her jaw, she was determined not to let him fall.

  Tears streamed down her face and she realised she was sobbing.

  Kiril was crying, too, now.

  Despite her efforts, the man was slipping from her grip.

  'Grab my saddle!' Ana yelled at him. 'For Fate's sake, grab something!' she cried desperately.

  Pounding hooves came up on her other side and a rough hand pulled her upright. 'I cannot get to him,' the elvan female yelled, 'Just hold on, we will be with the other group in a moment.'

  She recognised the voice's curt tone, which was normal for Janeth. Why though, she wondered, did it matter how close they were to the other group? They hardly had time to stop and observe social courtesies. The soldiers pursuing them were closer than ever.

  A jerk brought her attention back to the man. Another elvan, Ria, was trying to help, but she could not get enough leverage. As they struggled, her horse stumbled, swinging the man about. Ria used the momentum to push the man up on the saddle behind Ana and Kiril.

  She had a chance to look up, then. There was a group of riders gathered in the bowl of the valley. A glance behind showed that the pursuing soldiers were no longer so close behind. The group in front were moving about, reorganising themselves. Janeth must have meant that when they reached the others, they would find another horse for the man at her back. There must be mages, she thought, that was why the soldiers had fallen back. It gave her hope.

  Minutes later they reached the waiting group. As someone helped the man off her horse, she had a chance to look around.

  'Mi Dei-sjhon, mi rayne sa,' Kiril exclaimed softly, his small body straining so he could see over the horses and riders milling about.

  Ana frowned as she translated the elvan — the saviour, the chosen one. He must mean a mage. Then she saw them, for there were two. It was just a glimpse, but instinct told her their profession. What was common among mages, human and elvan, was their recognisability. It was not the way they dressed, but more a matter of demeanour that signified higher knowledge and power.

  Ria patted her shoulder. 'Are you all right?' she asked.

  'Yes. Thank you for your help. My horse, though, it does not sound well.'

  Ria grasped the horse's muzzle, lifting it so she could look into the animal's eyes. After a moment, Ria said, 'She is just tired. She says she is willing to keep you.'

  Ana gave her horse a surprised look, she had never thought about asking the horse for permission to stay on her back! But of course, the elvan could speak with them.

  'Tell her, thank you. Tell her, she is the bravest horse I know.'

  Ria patted the horse's neck, which was still heaving in great panting breaths. 'She knows. You need to move towards the centre of the group, all riders with children are being directed there.' Ria cupped Kiril's cheek, 'It will be all right, inalla.'

  'Mi dei-sjhon…'

  Ria smiled as she brushed back his silver-threaded gold hair. 'Yes, he is the Saviour, and he will keep us safe.'

  Ana watched Ria move off to help Janeth gather the group into a tight circle. She looked at the elvan mage Kiril was so enamoured with. He had silver-streaked black hair and dark blue eyes, just like the elvan legend. It was a prophecy that foretold the success of the rebels against the Abbarane government at the lead of an elvan mage they called the Saviour.

  The realisation made her chest tighten, the presence of such a mage meant they were not going to try and outrun the soldiers pursuing them but would make a stand here...

  By Fate's mercy, let them get out of this alive!

  Riqu arrived in a cloud of dust and a scattering of dirt. 'That black-hearted mage would not let up, not the whole time. We had rain, pit traps, the horses—'

  'Calm, Riqu. I need you centred,' Brynn said.

  The rebel leader inhaled deeply and nodded. 'Do you have a plan?'

  'Only hopes, seeca, only hopes,' Brynn replied grimly. 'We are moving the children and adults unable to defend themselves into the centre.'

  Janeth and Ria arrived with the last of the group. At Riqu's sent instruction, they set into action, rounding up the refugees and coordinating with Hagen and Rose to organise them.

  'How did Andarin heal up?' Brynn asked the rebel leader.

  An imposing, black dwarven charger shouldered through the milling horses. Andarin very much resembled his brother with the exception of being huskier, if under-weight. His hair and eyes also had Ko-renti-like shades, indicating a Ko-renti parent and creating an intriguing combination of colours. Copper, not red, and gold undertones shimmered beneath the black, and his blue eyes had copper and red flecks.

  Akileena's daughter, Lea-ryn, sat in front of him. Tawny, copper, and lilac coloured hair framed a face as radiant as a summer day, her sparkling lilac-blue eyes only for her father. Akileena's focus shifted from the planes for a brief moment to give his daughter an adoring look. 'Ena-ra!' he exclaimed, using an elvan term of endearment — My heart! 'How I have missed you! Later we will be together.'

  'When you make the bad soldiers go away?'

  'Yes, inalla, after I do that.' Akileena turned his attention to his brother. 'Andarin...'

  'I am sorry I did not contact you, Riqu forbade it, for Lea-ryn's safety.'

  'I understand. I am just relieved to be able to feel your spirit again.'

  'Akileena, your task,' Brynn prompted gently.

  'My apologies for distracting my brother,' Andarin said. 'In answer to your real question, we will make those Abbarane mages regret taking us on, no matter my physical health — that is a certainty,' he assured Brynn with a dark growl.

  'Good. Riqu, I need you to take over from Akileena and maintain shields. I need a main dome overhead, a second over that, and then one in front of us. Try to keep the soldiers at the top of the valley for as long as possible. And then, put random shields up whenever you can throughout the battlefield — anything that will break their charges.'

  The rebel leader nodded at Brynn's instruction, and then his face lit up as he saw Sariah's welcoming smile. Raising a gentle hand to her face, Riqu murmured with wonder, 'You can truly see, ena e-yen sa?' The elvan term meant my cherished one.

  'I can, seda. I need you next to Sentary, it is our tur
n to protect you.'

  Brynn turned to Andarin. 'I am going to need storms — rain, fog, snow. Start preparing. Reform the land to our advantage — spike pits where the slope hits the valley floor and also around our little hill as well as the usual defences.'

  'Our little hill?' Andarin glanced at the flat land beneath his horse.

  Brynn paused to give the mage a brief smile. 'If you can organise one.'

  'Indeed. Whatever you require, I shall bring it forth.'

  Akileena transferred his shields to Riqu and moved Herjan to the other side of Brynn. 'What tasks do I turn my talent to?'

  'I regret, I need your darker skills, Akileena.'

  'My daughter's life is at stake, they will not take it easily and I am not as naïve as I was when I was captured. There is nothing I will not taint my soul with to save hers. What of you? I sense your strategy is to create a weak point through distraction and then sneak us out of here.'

  'Your senses are accurate, Akileena, for that is exactly my plan,' Brynn confirmed. 'I intend to attack their commanding officers and weaken their stance. Their mages can protect them from talent, but nothing will obstruct Eirra-ghi. Hopefully our combined efforts will culminate in an opportunity to slip down the eastern gully.'

  Brynn turned to address a female elvan on Riqu's right, 'Janeth, is it?'

  'Yes, torahn,' the rebel made a little half bow from her saddle.

  Brynn dismissed her use of the title, he had not missed the brief, startled stares and little gasps elvan and many humans made upon seeing him, and his silver-streaked hair. Even Andarin had taken especial note of his features.

  'The children are going to see fire, feel the ground shake, hear the wind scream. Tell them it is all illusion made by mages and there is no harm to fear. They are to stay with the adults at all times.'

  'As you will, torahn.'

  'You will never convince her not to call you that,' Riqu sent, sensing Brynn's thoughts.

  'That may be true,' Brynn allowed, 'but do you have to sound so amused? How are the shields?'

  'There have been a few tentative prods, but they remain up. I think they believe we are trapped and they are taking the time to order themselves.'