A Question of Power (The Fire Chronicles Book 2)

by Susi Wright

  Luminor took his own leave with a curt nod to Xandor, before taking flight towards the monastery, disappearing quickly over the battlements out of sight.

  Xandor stood with his mouth agape for a second, then a slow smile spread, before saying quietly to no one in particular, “Well, I guess I will leave at dawn with Sumar, then, my lord. And thank you kindly!”

  CHAPTER 53

  New Horizons

  A mild, sunny dawn saw Sumar, Xandor and Saria’s family mounted on their samblars, ready to head north.

  Luminor and Dak gave the party their blessings. Dak was proud and happy to serve the cause as second-in-command of the quest in Xandor’s absence, and Luminor fare-welled them, more than a little wistful that he could not yet return to his own family. It had taken a great deal of willpower so far, to refrain from reaching out to them in any way, suspecting that even the least contact with Espira at this point could stir up a hornet’s nest! If he could just get things well underway here, he might just be able to take a trip back to the Capital himself. That would be a good day!

  He had returned from the monastery late the previous night, a little disappointed that Churian was not recovering more quickly, despite his best efforts. While the wound itself was closing nicely and the patient had stirred a couple of times, the old warrior still seemed to hover elusively in limbo, between life and death. Luminor wanted to get Churian on his way to the Capital well before the monsoon. Early summer in these southern climes was generally hot and dry, ideal for travel. In a few weeks there would be torrential rain. Much of the building work would also need to be completed before that. It was essential for more supplies to be sent from Baram before roads became impassable from flooding. They would need food to last a few months, until crops could be harvested, and more Prian to treat all the burns victims they already had – more, if survivors were found in other parts of the country. Two super-fast carrier pigeons had been sent with the request. The much-needed supplies should arrive within a fortnight.

  Luminor noted that Prince Rolin would have excellent allies in the two military commanders, Stolis and Rendel, who had struck an immediate friendship and were already working together to set up various projects. The young prince would benefit greatly from the wisdom and experience of his father’s loyal right-hand man, Captain Rendel, as he grew into his new responsibilities. Luminor remembered well how the mantle of chief had not sat comfortably on his own shoulders in the beginning. He had to find his own way to handle the Supreme Power, but it had done him good. Much could only be learned by experience. A challenge like this, early on in Rolin’s reign, would hone the natural leadership ability he had seen in the boy more quickly and surely than a decade of easy times.

  Interrupted by the sudden approach of Melu, Luminor turned, pleased as always to receive one of his friend’s wordless reports. The Morvian was doing well picking up a new language, but hardly needed it with his unique abilities to communicate. Luminor allowed the contact, learning that the woman who had fainted in fear at the strange sight of a Morvian had recovered from her shock. Even though her mind would never be truly right – she had twice today, claimed to see other demons hiding in the palace – she now considered Melu her best friend. Once he had been able to approach her, with some soothing Gaian help, his own empathy had reached through the fog of painful grief and secured a place in her heart. She had proved to be a surprisingly receptive listener, instantly so attached to Melu that he now worried what might happen to her when it was time for him to leave! And, without question to lord or peers, he was going to leave with Churian, as soon as possible.

  “Of course, I would not deny you that, my friend! I hope it will not be too long!” promised Luminor, to himself as much as to Melu.

  There were going to be busy days ahead, perhaps a few more trips to Churian’s bedside. Then, just maybe, Luminor hoped, he might be closer to returning home to see his own beloved family and meeting his newborn son!

  The samblars were fresh after a few days rest, covering the flat ground of the wastelands at a slightly alarming pace for the Gaians who were unaccustomed to riding such powerful mounts. Sumar, with his limited experience, expected some trouble with the feisty creatures. Xandor, having ridden samblars in the Capital, took to leading Jon and Rosal. The elderly couple had neither the expertise nor the strength to control their mounts, having travelled everywhere on foot, especially in recent years. They quickly tired from hanging on to the reins to stop the samblars breaking to a gallop. As luck would have it, Saria had been given a quieter animal and she was handling the ride well.

  After an hour of struggling with the creatures, they decided to take the next part of the journey through hilly woodland; negotiating the difficult terrain took the edge off the samblar’s high spirits and they finally settled to a steadier pace. The well-trained, intelligent animals quickly realised that this, like many other roads they had travelled, would be a long one and began to pace themselves, giving their riders a much easier time of it.

  The initial stress of the journey gradually wore off, leaving the travellers to relax and take in their surroundings at a gambol – a new pace, unique to this breed of samblar, somewhere between a slow trot and a brisk walk. It was comfortable for the rider, while still ground-covering, and sustainable for long periods even over rough terrain.

  In consideration for Jon and Rosal’s health, Sumar tried to make the hours in the saddle each day as few as possible. The couple put on brave faces but the stoop of their shoulders gave away their fatigue. Rosal was faring worst. Her limbs became so stiff, she had to be lifted off her mount at the end of the day. When they stopped early that evening, there had been no complaint from Xandor as he tended the samblars and helped set up camp. However, the attentive Sumar noticed him glancing towards the northern skies and he knew he should let his friend go.

  On the second night, huddled around a small campfire after a small meal, the old couple nodded off where they sat. Saria laid them down, covering them with a blanket. She heard Sumar’s quiet words to Xandor. “Brother, I encourage you, as difficult as it is, to rest a few hours – then go! It will be dangerous alone and you know full-well that you must be alert!”

  “You are right, as usual, my friend!” Xandor agreed reluctantly. “You always know best! Sumar. . . the All-Knowing!” He grinned. “So, you probably know that I will try to sleep, but will be gone well before either you, or the sun, rise!”

  Sumar shook his head, smiling. Then he bade his friend a fond farewell and Saria wished him a safe and speedy flight, before finding what rest they could for the night. Sumar knew they would not see Xandor again until they found each other in the Capital.

  CHAPTER 54

  Homecoming

  As Xandor flew over places he recognised, the peaks and valleys of the border-country with the familiar dark-green mantle of conifers and rugged pink granite outcrops, his heart soared with the usual elation of flight, but more so with his new sense of freedom. Freedom to choose his woman. Now, he could allow himself to admit he loved Serafina. The woman with eyes of fire had inhabited his dreams as surely as the sun shone. She had been part of his soul since the first time they had met, and try as he might to do his duty and push her to the back of his mind, she would not leave his heart. She was a fire in his blood that he could no longer contain. It threatened to consume him and he would welcome that consuming, if Fate allowed it! He wanted her to be his wife. His only doubt was that she might not feel the same, that he had misunderstood what he had seen in her eyes, before the sudden coolness of their farewell.

  The misty highlands gave way to the gentle slopes and temperate forests of western Baram and Xandor’s sense of coming home increased by the furlong. This was to be expected, but beyond that, he hoped it portended the coming home of his heart to the woman of his dreams! Soon, the outskirts of the Capital came into view, dotted land-holdings, a patchwork of green and gold. Then more and more buildings filled the landscape, until he approached the open iron g
ates of the city, its constant stream of traders and travellers stopping briefly at the gatehouse to state their business. In his eagerness to search out Serafina, he had almost forgotten the new Alliance Law of Arrivals, which required Gaians to land and report to the gatekeeper, the same as any other visitor to the city. It was commonly known by now that Gaians could easily gain entry by air, unseen if they wished – had done so on many an occasion in times gone by – but Luminor had instigated new laws. Welcomed by the Council, these laws were intended to equalise civil rights, to increase transparency and trust. By mutual agreement, there was to be no more sneaking about. To do so was not seemly and besides that, no longer necessary.

  One of the gatekeepers immediately recognised Xandor, who had become quite a celebrity in the Capital in recent times, but was obviously alarmed that he had returned alone.

  “Welcome, Xandor! ‘Tis good to see you – but please assure me – you’re not the only one still alive! We only just received a message by pigeon, requesting supplies!’” The man was frowning anxiously.

  “No, good man! Fate allowed many to survive. We lost some warriors, of course, but Lord Luminor was victorious and spared the entire Baramese army from such loss! At present, many of your comrades have exchanged their spears and bows for farm or building tools and bravely bend their backs in labour. Others search for survivors in the outer regions of Lealand.”

  The man smiled his relief. Many of his close friends had volunteered for the campaign. So, there was a real victory – no longer just a whisper. Good news!

  “Then what brings you home?” he asked. He could not imagine what would cause a loyal warrior to leave his quest unfinished.

  “I have two weeks leave – for personal matters,” supplied Xandor in a private tone. Politely leaving it at that, the man waved him through the gate.

  Xandor took to the air, heading straight for the tall edifice of City Hall, clearly visible over the bustling patchwork of streets and shops. Immediately surrounding the Hall were two concentric circles of commerce buildings and opulent villas. There, in the offices of the council, he would find Altor and Lady Aleana at work and be able to discover Serafina’s whereabouts. Frustratingly, his senses would not tell him that! He put the failing down to nerves, rather than lack of perception.

  Xandor congratulated himself for waiting patiently in the ante-room – it took a full half-hour for Altor and Aleana to finish their council meeting – but he exploded from his chair when they came through the doors, rushing towards them in what would have been a startling way, had they not been expecting it.

  “Hie, Brother Xandor! We are pleased to see you also!” quipped Altor.

  Xandor gained his decorum, stopping respectfully an arm’s length away.

  “From sense-sight and carrier pigeon, we suspect you return to us as somewhat a hero – we look forward to hearing about your part in the victory! But later – there is something more urgent, it seems!” Altor’s eyes twinkled, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly as he exchanged a glance with Aleana.

  “Yes, my lord – and Lady Aleana. You must know, Lord Luminor was wounded, but is well now. I have a fortnight’s leave before I must return to my post. I have been given time to settle. . . a matter of the heart.” Xandor finished his sentence slightly breathless, even though he had not moved about much in the last half-hour. That in itself, even without Perception, gave away his restless mood. He was tense, excited, but unabashed when he went straight to the point. “Where can I find Serafina?”

  “Ah. . .yes. She has become one of our most gifted students!” Aleana’s eyes were kind though her tone became stern. “She is under our protection now, we are responsible for her – as her mentors, and in the absence of family!” Aleana narrowed her eyes suspiciously, closing the gap between herself and Xandor. “We cannot allow anything to disrupt her proper training, you understand? She generally keeps the company of her sisters. . .while she adjusts!”

  Xandor was not so dense as to miss her meaning. He almost felt guilty under the matriarch’s assessing gaze, even though he had never really done anything wrong concerning Serafina. Natural desire was what it was, everyone had it! He found himself thinking defensively – he had never acted on it – he even considered himself quite honourable, under extenuating circumstances!

  “You know she was born to be an exceptional healer? She has already performed incredible feats, but she is not set on her true path, just yet. You may see her – with a chaperon. At all times!” Aleana crossed her arms. The finality about it made Xandor feel disappointed. Then, he rallied bravely, as he always did when faced with a challenge. His pride intact, he squared his shoulders and finished what he wanted to say.

  “Doubtless, you guess that I intend to marry her, if she will have me! That is honourable and true! And if the Ancestors and Fate are just and fair – they, nor anyone in Existence, can rightly stop it. . . if it is meant to be! True love would never change the course of her true path!”

  For a few seconds, Xandor’s mercurial eyes glinted with righteous anger, before he remembered to whom he was speaking and tempered his gaze. A respectful appeal.

  Aleana smiled, impressed by Xandor’s impassioned argument, which showed surprising insight, and his show of self control. She was thoughtful for a few moments, studying him.

  “I only wish to protect her. Do you not think she has suffered the lust of men too much already?” Aleana challenged him again.

  “It is not mere lust – it is true love, I swear!” objected Xandor.

  “I know you are sincere and honourable! You may ask her. And, regardless of anything else, young man – you will still have a chaperon!”

  Xandor sat on an overstuffed sofa, tapping his fingers on a side table, alongside the chaperon, a matronly Gaian woman named Bula. The sitting room in the villa would have been quite cosy under normal circumstances. However, this evening, as Xandor waited to see Serafina with Bula’s hawkish eyes even now trained on him, he felt more uncomfortable than if he had been fighting for his life on the battlefield! It seemed unfair that these percipient elders had such power over others in their presence.

  Thankfully, he didn’t have to endure the discomfort long, though it was the longest ten minutes he had ever experienced! A fellow house-sister, who had gone to fetch Serafina from her meditation, reappeared at the door with her friend in tow, standing aside to let her enter the room and quickly leaving the three to their meeting.

  Xandor’s gaze lit upon the form of the woman whom he considered to be the most beautiful in all of Existence; his eyes hungrily sought the amber globes that had branded themselves into his memory, awaiting the jolt of heat they inspired. A heartbeat more, as he stared longingly into those eyes, he realised that something had changed. Serafina’s returning gaze was still arresting, beautiful, powerful, but the heat was different in a way Xandor could not quite grasp. Somehow more pure. It was not unpleasant, but it was not what he had expected. Not what he had selfishly hoped! Slightly disappointing.

  She looked away when she spoke, sounding a little off-hand, almost regal. “Well?. . Have you come to tell me something important? Aside from what I can already see – that you’re alive and returned!” Her eyes held everything in their depths, but at this moment gave nothing away.

  Xandor suddenly felt like a foolish boy. Unworthy. He hesitated, unable to read her emotion. In addition to being deficient in his own perceptive powers, he knew she was very good at hiding her true feelings. He realised, he did not stand a chance against this new power either. His resolve teetered precariously.

  “Er. . .” He shuffled uncomfortably, his face reddening. This wasn’t going at all as he had imagined! He stared helplessly at her face. The seconds of this new torture ticked relentlessly on, until he felt close to expiring.

  Abruptly, the sham crumbled and Serafina’s face lit up, her amber eyes shooting sparks, which surprised him further by falling short of burning a path straight to his soul. Was this self control? On her pa
rt . . or his?

  He felt strangely encouraged by this change, unruffled by the presence of the chaperon. His ardour resurfaced, giving him the courage to say his piece, regardless if it fell on a cooler pair of ears. He took a steadying breath for control, then lost it again, startling Bula by falling to his knees.

  “Serafina, I love you – more than life itself! Is there a chance that you would be my wife?’” Xandor’s position and the expression on his face were the epitome of sincerity.

  Serafina’s face, on the other hand, took on a canny, mysterious look. A slow smile.

  “I knew you would come back to me, my love!” she said.

  CHAPTER 55

  Loss and Gain

  The frisson of urgency in Luminor’s belly, which had brought him flying once again to Churian’s bedside, increased to nauseating dread. The warrior stirred briefly when he and Melu first arrived, but quickly drifted off again. Luminor gained a threatening glimpse of his friend’s ebbing life force. He crouched, with both hands on Churian’s head. Two more gentle attempts to apply vivifying heat to his friend’s motionless form produced no notable change. Luminor struggled with sudden confusion and desperation as he grappled with the question of how much more power he could safely channel into this elusive injury. Melu saw they were losing this battle, becoming too disturbed by his emotional attachment to Churian to think clearly, and had spoiled his own chance of reliably perceiving an outcome. No help there this time!

  Luminor’s personal stake in this healing provided no assistance either, contrary to the time when he had revived Fralii after her collapse. This was different. This time, intuition and his wishes warred with logic, creating an impasse. An impasse was a bad place to be! Desperation to save his friend threatened to cloud his judgment; his attachment to one of the first mentors in his training and a lifelong friendship was his challenger this time. With the awful feeling that time was running out, his warrior spirit pushed him to action. Pushing aside the suspicion it might be reckless, he increased the flow of energy into his hands to chase the chimera of Churian’s healing. All he could feel was an elusive danger, dancing on the edge of hope. Love and Power were not good bedfellows here. His love for Churian fueled the Fire of Desperation. There was a fine line between the Fires. He had always known it. Now he teetered on that precipice as he channeled more heat. He felt Churian’s life-force slipping through his fingers. . . a strange flickering sense that it might be the old warrior’s choice.