Home at Last

by Alex Sapegin

  Shining brighter than a new jang, joyful that his friend safely escaped from Hel’s gates, Andy flew into the temporary camp, laid out by the elves and dragons outside the city. It had been a long time since he’d talked to his parents. Besides, the promise that he gave to his so-called sister, the Great Mother Asha, was looming over him. The real Empress could release the cats from the ancient magical oath that forbade the miur to settle at will. The oath limited the warriors’ range to certain areas. No matter how developed the science and martial arts of the foothill people, they were confined to the mountains and would eventually lose the long confrontation with the empire. Hazgar would dance with pleasure on the bones of the Great Mother. Asha got involved in the conflict in the hope of gaining well-deserved freedom and a chance to survive the race. Andy promised to help. It was time to make good on his words.

  A semi-orderly bustle reigned in the camp. Dragons, miur, humans, and elves rushed in different directions like the Brownian motion of molecules. The Empress was not there; Jagirra and half of her retinue flew to Orten for another round of talks with the elderly Prince and Governor. Andy was going to visit the residence of the former rector Etran, but, hearing the familiar voices of Ruigar and Gray, decided to stay for a minute.

  The grandfather and grandson did not recognize the heir to the throne in the man who sat on the hass saddle in the shadow of a large tent. Speaking in Edda, the relatives didn’t put up a curtain of silence. They shouldn’t have neglected to provide for secrecy and security. The news was interesting and disturbing at the same time. First came the positives—Gray openly told his grandson to pay attention to a certain red-scaled individual well-known to Andy. Ruigar’s mild objections that he had the right to choose a life companion himself were cut short by the old dragon with a soft hiss.

  Andy understood what was going on clear as day. He smiled sadly and looked at the clouds floating high in the sky. However sad it was to admit, the dragons were engaged in their favorite hobby, acquired from humans—politics. Finding himself next to Jagirra, who now had, thanks to the efforts of her son, thousands of subjects, Gray was taking the necessary measures to consolidate his position.

  The ancient dragon understood Lanirra’s motivations perfectly well, who sought marriage with Kerrovitarr. The dragoness’ actions were seemingly unobtrusive, but she hit the weakest point of any Lord of the Sky: a love of children has always been the dragons’ Achilles’ heel. Rary and Rury, whom Kerr officially took under his wing, unwittingly became an instrument in the clutches of their clever mother. Naturally, Karegar and Jagirra could not stand aside and took an active part in the fate and upbringing of the little ones, who, by the way, became favorites not only of the small pack of dragons, but also of the humans and orcs joining them.

  In the confrontation with Frida, a charming vampire, Lanirra bet on her children and inclined the groom’s mother on her side. Kerr returning with a wife came as a blow for the red dragon, but the toothy beauty’s position with the Empress was not shaken. Jagirra officially named the dragons her pupils, which, by human analogy was like becoming their godmother. What reasons and motivations the Empress was guided by was unknown. Perhaps, she resented her son, who chose a mate without the permission and advice of his mother. In the dragon’s table of ranks, Lani, as the mother of the dragonlings, automatically moved to the next in line after the official heir. It was a VERY advantageous position for a smart and ambitious dragon, and Ruigar, of course, fit the bill. When he protested, Gray sighed meaningfully and hinted transparently to his grandson that, by taking care of Lanirra, he would do a great service to the overlord...

  Andy almost clapped his hands. Well, Gray, what a schemer you are! Intriguing. The old, wise “pepper,” in just a couple of sentences, has described to his offspring a perspective bright future and a happy life in the shadow of the monarch’s throne. You even offered a setup that satisfied all sides. Perhaps, Lanirra would be opposed, but I’m sure my adviser, if he agrees with his grandfather, will quickly beat all the red dragon’s admirers and force the tailed “fortress” to capitulate without an assault.

  The ancient dragon fell silent for a few minutes. Ruigar didn’t say a word either, afraid to interrupt his senior, and Andy kept quiet, too. He was beginning to realize that his dreams of a quiet family life could be disappearing like a mirage in the desert. Just now, right before his eyes, Gray had taken the first steps to create his own clan. Why would an advisor to the Empress need that? What pitfalls was he trying to take into account in advance? The heir to the throne scratched his chin and looked at his relatives. The old dragon, wise and experienced, understood that the heads of clans who came with Jagirra’s son would not be standing for long on the sidelines of big politics, especially in the light of the Empress’ latest decisions and the clan council about the protectorate...

  Many inhabitants of Orten were surprised by the newcomers’ behavior, acting as if they were in charge. The nobles and common people built different hypotheses and assumptions about this. Some, the most insightful, whispered about the dragons being the new masters of the north of Alatar. They saw the might of the Lords of the Sky and made the appropriate conclusions. The situation was somewhat different, but in whole, it didn’t differ much from the above-mentioned conclusions.

  Jagirra, who took the crown, for a long time weighing all the pros and cons, came to the conclusion they should establish a protectorate, becoming the third force in all the military conflicts, taking the place of a judge... The war started by the Ariates promised many benefits; it would be foolish not to take advantage of them. Tantre, on the brink of collapse, was grasping at any straw. The Ariates’ military machine was gradually fizzling out.

  In the very first days, the dragons were able to obtain reliable information about the causes and background of the northern people’s exodus. Thousands of fanatics and old guys shaking their beards didn’t fool anyone. The interventionists’ leaders’ official declaration of their aspiration to return the dragons and magic to Ilanta was a good cover. People are ready to do much for the sake of a higher cause, and someone always skillfully directs them along a previously calculated path. For those who were really controlling the northern people, the religious fanatics were like a thorn in their side. No one doubted that the people would certainly be sacrificed in the next big battle, which must be stopped at all costs, as preventing the battle of the Titans must be stopped, too. The dragons needed to set a precedent. The separation of the battling armies in different directions would be the brightest possible demonstration of the third party’s power. The lives of several tens of thousands of people until that point could be sacrificed... It was worth it to make their point. The bloody massacre about to break out near the walls of Kion was a boon to the dragons.

  Andy remembered the moments when he was doing his best to survive, all by himself. Later, he was in charge of a small team of desperate orcs; now his actions led to the dragons, once upon a time driven to the furthest backwater corners of the planet, were now deciding the fate of nations—with some laziness.

  So, dear mommy had decided not to waste any time. The Light Forest, the Ariates, Tantre, and other states would be shown their place. Mom probably decided to stake out not only the Marble Mountains and the Northern Rocky Ridge; the Faithful Mountains bordering the Steppe, the kingdom of the white orcs, fell into the dragons’ sphere of interest as well. Most certainly, the Lords of the Sky would spread their influence over the Patskoi Empire, too.

  The very first project, begun by Andy himself, was nearing completion. Duke Lere was about to open the gates of Raston. The capital of Rimm could withstand more than one assault, but the fortress walls were powerless against a hundred dragons... Lere was an amazingly perspicacious man. He instantly assessed the situation and calculated the postwar political situation. Targ take him; he knew would have to become dependent upon the dragons eventually. The main thing was that it would take place on his own terms. And why not get nice bonuses from cooperatio
n with the dragons? Any idiot could understand that they were clearing living space for themselves and marking territory for future generations. There were no imbeciles in the Empress’ company. The strategy had been gleaned from all sides.

  The Empress’ attention to the Faithful Mountains was troublesome. Even if the cunning brains now rising to power hadn’t yet thought of starting an intrigue involving Tyigu, they would. Sooner or later.

  Andy got up from the saddle[S32] and was about to book it to the city when a semi-transparent barrier caught his eye. He turned to see a screening curtain right behind him. He’d entered the “circle” of their curtain.

  That begs the question: why didn’t the security spells work? That’s right, Andy, have a spoonful of other people’s secrets. Since they’re not yours, they’re no big deal... To avoid disturbing Ruigar and Gray, he opened the curtain with precise skill and slipped out. However, he almost got caught. Gray was a real master of his craft. Not every magician could put up a perimeter so unnoticeably. In fact, very few.

  Moving away from the secretive dragons, Andy changed hypostasis. Ten minutes later, a black shadow flew across the city pavements, houses, and parks. Deciding not to violate the course of undoubtedly important negotiations, he took on a human face and collapsed on a wide bench successfully installed next to a large fountain. The sun, a refreshing breeze, the pleasant murmur of water—it would be so easy to lie there and do nothing for a good century. Gorgeous!

  Andy didn’t notice how he’d dozed off. His fathers’s unhappy voice served as an alarm clock. He resented the heir’s unworthy behavior, which called to mind some kind of human tramp. The heir opened his right eye and looked at the black bulk.

  What kind of bug’s bitten you? Targ, where did you come from? Five minutes ago, there were no dragons in sight or within smelling range at the main entrance of the mansion. He would bet a hundred pounds that his mother’s guard from the miur had ratted him out. It would be better if he were in dragon hypostasis... Interrupting Karegar’s angry rumbling, the doors of the Governor’s residence opened, releasing a stream of humans and elves. The mixed floral fragrance clearly told him there were some dragons among them in a second hypostasis.

  Andy looked around at the motley collection and understood why his adoptive father was roaring. He was in homespun trousers and a plain shirt with some simple embroidery on the lapel, which would certainly have lost the fashion competition with the garb worn by the Empress’ entourage. He had enchanted the clothes himself! It was his first try. He had to be magically intuitive, since Ania had only shown him the rune formula, forgetting about the energy content and the activation key, and he was too embarrassed to ask for more help. So, by trial and error he eventually came up with something—but it wasn’t fit for the heir to the throne. For those who knew anything about magic, a were-dragon’s enchanted clothing (for when he or she changes hypostasis) is considered a fine art because it involves very fine rune patterns. Only masters of the craft could do an excellent job. It was like two seamstresses[S33] do one job at once—one, to provide a foundation of clothing, and the second, a goldsmith, whose hands created jewelry and filigree objects.

  If Andy could earlier be safely attributed to the first type of masters, which is not surprising given his power and connection with the astral, he now took a serious step in the second direction, telling others about the versatile development of his gift. [S34]His shirt and pants contained his personal magical signature. Even though for now he could only work with simple cloth of a simple texture, he had begun to gain experience, and real skill was just around the corner.

  Pulling up his belt and tugging at the hem of his shirt, Andy bowed to the Empress, not forgetting to designate a half-bow to Miduel. The faces of some of the dragons standing behind Jaga and Miduel again twisted into contemptuous grimaces. Some didn’t even bow to the Prince, but this already bordered on a direct insult to the heir. Jagirra was the only one among the whole mass of people there to catch the spark of anger in the blue eyes of her son. She felt through the family tattoo the violence of magic bubbling in him. The yellow vertical pupils of his eyes turned into thin slits, hiding a death wish towards some dragons from her entourage.

  Jagirra waved her hand and went to her son. The others, obeying their Lady’s gesture, remained standing on the ground. “Something important must have happened to make you turn away from your business and fly to me,” she spoke softly. She touched Andy’s forehead with her lips, immediately taking him by the elbow and walking him out behind the fountain. Sound and visual curtains fenced off the couple from the outside world.

  “Can a word once given be a sufficient argument for a meeting with the Empress?” asked Andy.

  “With the Empress, not with your mother?” Jaga’s voice revealed a trace of disappointment.

  “Yes, Mother.”

  The simple word, spoken with love, and the warm intonation made the royal elf smile till her teeth showed, bringing back for a moment the Jagirra whom Andy had long ago recognized as his mother. “I should get used to the fact that anything you do somehow affects the destinies of states and peoples,” she continued. Andy grimaced. “Don’t frown; remember your manners.” The grimace of disgust on her son’s face made her laugh cheerfully. “What a child you still are,” said Jagirra without stopping laughing. “Or would be if it weren’t for your eyes, the eyes of an elder,” she added in a whisper, peering at his face.

  Andy turned away. A sad smile touched his lips.

  For a few minutes, they just sat on a bench, enjoying each other’s company and looking at the play of the sunlight in the splashes of the fountain. He was warm and comfortable in the company of Jaga, except that it was warmer near Ania. It had been a long time since he returned to Ilanta, but they had never yet gotten a chance to stay alone and talk, just talk... Their meetings, which included three, a maximum of four sentences exchanged in a hurry, didn’t promote the growth of their relationship. Her fawning subjects, the difficult decision she made to accept the imperial crown, the constant concern for creating a dragons’ state and clearing a place under the sun for the people who swore fealty to her, divided mother and son.

  To further complicate matters, the son had defiantly begun to distance himself from politics. Many clan chiefs placed great hopes on him, but the leader who had forced humans, dragons, and elves to unite abruptly cut off his ties to the clans and retreated into his mother’s shadow, devoting most of his time to other people and his chosen mate. Jagirra liked Ania. She was not going to interfere in Kerr’s private life, but deep down she hoped that he would choose Lanirra... Although, in any case, the red dragon wouldn’t be left out in the cold.

  Jaga just couldn’t get used to the new Kerr. The young dragon had radically changed. Now, in front of her, there was an adult dragon, who had in a year gone through more than some people experience in a thousand years. This dragon knew his own worth and could stand up for his words and convictions. Each time they met, Jaga recalled the dusty road and snow-white hass carrying her son off to distant Orten. The hass had long-since sunk into oblivion, but life itself turned into a road that took her dragonling from his parents’ nest.

  “Mother…” Andy broke the silence.

  “Don’t beat around the bush. You flew here to ask something of me for someone. What did you promise, and to whom? Isn’t that right?”

  “Asha.”

  “The Great Mother... Once again, I’m convinced I’m right about your influence on the world surrounding us. It’s hard to imagine that the Empress should listen to the words of the miur ruler and her requests. What’s your difficulty?”

  “It’s as much yours as mine,” said Andy. “The Great Mother lives on the hope of freedom for the foothill people.”

  “You sound as if I’m enslaving them.”

  “Yes.” Andy blinked. Jagirra nearly choked. “Release Asha from the oath. You, Your Majesty, know which one I mean. I promised.”

  He shouldn’t have blurted out
the last sentence. The severe Empress who took the place of Jaga turned to the young were-dragon with an icy glare. “You gave your word on my behalf? What right did you have?”

  Andy winced. Twins almighty, Manyfaces—merciful goddesses, what was happening to him? He got the impression he was becoming stupider every day and even by the hour. He didn’t think about the monarch’s perception of such special news. He failed to realize that it should be served with another sauce. He didn’t necessarily have to tell her right away that he had promised. That changed things. It made it seem as if he’d given the Empress’ word, and the Empress’ word was law. Dummy...

  “Your Majesty, Asha’s help has played a leading role…”

  “How dare you throw about the Empress’ word?” Jaga rose, out of anger not wanting to hear any arguments.

  “I didn’t promise to help the Great Mother. I promised to help a miur named Asha.”

  “WHAT? Asha? The ruler of the miur allowed you to call her by name, without mentioning titles and prefixes? Only members of the pride can call each other by their first names, and to enter the pride… were you sleeping with her?” Jagirra hissed in her son’s face, making the wrong conclusion. “You, you…” She gasped with indignation.

  Andy was insulted by the unfair accusation. He was seized with anger because his mother had leveled a groundless accusation without listening to the explanation.

  “Shame to the family?” he finished her sentence coldly, without a single emotion. The voice nipped the flow of accusations in the bud. His blue eyes were full of ice. “If you, Your Majesty, think that I got pleasure from the merger of minds, then you are deeply mistaken and have drawn the wrong conclusion from the wrong premises. Returning to the topic of words and promises—I promised that I would do my best to convince you to remove the ancient vow. I’m proud that the Great Mother allowed me to consider her my sister. After all, we became closer than blood relatives. At that time, the merger of minds was synonymous with trust. My life hung by a thread, no more and no less. The miur, if you haven’t forgotten, are the only ones who’ve been faithful to you for three thousand years.” Andy was wound up and couldn’t or didn’t want to stop. “It was interesting to find out my ancestry from someone else’s lips and mind. You correctly noticed, Your Majesty, that my actions influence the destinies of nations and peoples. While keeping faithful to your majesty, the Great Mother got involved in the war with the Emperor. Hazgar was painfully pinched by the tail. Without an army of miur, their support and their megaliths, I could not have seized the portal. No dragon would have left Nelita if Asha hadn’t stood on my side and supported the conspirators. Isn’t that worth liberating them from the ancient vows? If you don’t do it, you’re signing the death penalty for the miur. Hazgar will calmly cover Mount Lidar and the foothills with his legions and roadblocks and starve the cats. You can have as many megaliths as you like, but that doesn’t increase the area they have for cultivation. Asha had enough tact not to burden me with excessive requests. It’s unpleasant for me to hear unfair accusations from you and to avoid saying something I’ll later regret very much. I will leave you now. I’ve entrusted the fate of the miur of Nelita to your hands.”