Battleaxe

by Sara Douglass

  “But who taught Gorgrael to use that…” FreeFall began again, his pale brow knitted in confusion.

  StarDrifter cut FreeFall off before he had the chance to finish the question that he feared most of all. “Perhaps Gorgrael now wants me to teach him how to use the Star Dance—the Dance of Life and of Harmony. If Gorgrael can control both harmony and discord then nothing will stop him. Not even his brother. And once he has conquered this world then he could move out into the universe. The Destroyer would step through the Star Gate.”

  StarDrifter’s words were so shocking, so appalling, that all were silent. StarDrifter watched the reactions about him—the worst he had not voiced. Gorgrael could not have simply learned to use the music of discord by himself. Someone had taught him. But who? Who? StarDrifter wanted to think about that longer and more deeply. And he also wanted to examine his other son, Axis. What talents did he display?

  RavenCrest stirred and glanced at FarSight before looking back at StarDrifter. “Brother, you are about to receive a Strike Force guard strong as my own or that of FreeFall’s. Your safety is now even more paramount than that of your son’s.”

  “And what of Axis?” FreeFall asked. EvenSong sat forward a little.

  “We must help him,” StarDrifter said quietly. “The route south through the Avarinheim is denied Gorgrael for as long as the Earth Tree sings. She has laid such a powerful ward over the entire northern Avarinheim that even Gorgrael cannot break through. If he wants to push south then he will have to do so through Gorken Pass. And to do that he will have to destroy Gorkenfort.”

  “How can you suggest that we help the Groundwalkers?” FarSight was aghast. It was the Acharites, under the leadership of the Seneschal, who had pushed both the Icarii and the Avar behind the Fortress Ranges.

  “We have no choice, FarSight,” StarDrifter said quietly. “Remember the Prophecy. We must all reunite to defeat Gorgrael. And must I point out that Axis is also one of your Groundwalkers?”

  “At least he has enough Icarii blood to sing as an Icarii Enchanter,” FarSight retorted, not appeased by StarDrifter’s arguments.

  RavenCrest watched the exchange. He had his own reservations about helping the Acharites at Gorkenfort.

  “StarDrifter,” he said gently. “I know you want us to go to the aid of your son. But aiding the Acharites is not a decision to be taken lightly. It is not a decision to be taken in haste.” He looked around the group, but particularly to FreeFall and FarSight. “We must convene an Assembly in the central chamber of Talon Spike to discuss this matter.”

  Although in most daily business the Talon’s word was law, major decisions needed the approval of the Assembly of the Icarii, a body composed of all Icarii over the age of twenty-five. It was an unwieldy and raucous body, but RavenCrest was justifiably concerned that if he ordered the Strike Force to assist Gorkenfort without consulting the Assembly then the Icarii would rebel.

  “By the Stars, RavenCrest! If the Skraelings have attacked Gorkenfort as they did here, then how can they hold them? The Earth Tree does not sing for them!” StarDrifter cried, grabbing his brother’s arm. “Why can’t the Strike Force fly to their aid now?”

  “It is not a decision to take lightly!” RavenCrest hissed again at his brother.

  “Then let us simply rescue my son! RavenCrest, listen to me!”

  “Father, perhaps StarDrifter speaks some sense,” FreeFall began. If Axis was the one to face the Destroyer then he would be in desperate need of StarDrifter’s training, natural talent or not.

  RavenCrest whipped around to his son, his violet eyes blazing. “I am not going to make a decision that overlooks a thousand years of hatred between our races, FreeFall! Axis or not, I am loath to go to the aid of those who would as willingly murder us as listen to us!”

  FreeFall stood up and stepped back, glancing at EvenSong. “As you wish, father. As you wish.” He strode away into the clearing, EvenSong hastening after him.

  As the group broke up, Barsarbe approached Azhure. “I have not yet thanked you personally, Azhure,” she said, her face expressionless, “for your actions last night.”

  Azhure stood up, straightening her tunic. “I know you don’t approve…” she began, but Barsarbe interrupted.

  “We do not like violence, yet your actions saved us. Azhure, I cannot pre-empt a decision of the Meet, but I am sure that at Beltide the Clans will reconsider favourably your request to join us.”

  Staring at her, Azhure wondered if the Icarii had pressured Barsarbe into making this offer. Azhure swallowed. She did not know what to say.

  “Azhure.” StarDrifter’s voice interrupted her thoughts. He was leaning on GoldFeather’s arm, smiling warmly at her. “Azhure, come home with GoldFeather and myself. I owe you my life, but I make this offer out of friendship.”

  GoldFeather added her plea to her husband’s. “Oh, Azhure, please! I would love you to come. Talon Spike is a wondrous place.”

  Azhure couldn’t resist StarDrifter’s smile or the genuineness of both his and GoldFeather’s invitation.

  “Thank you,” she said. “I would like to see Talon Spike.”

  53

  DEPARTURES

  Less than forty-eight hours after the tragedy of Yuletide Eve the Icarii assembled for the long flight home. Debate between the Avar and Icarii had continued about what to do, but RavenCrest remained adamant that he wouldn’t commit to aiding Gorkenfort until the full Assembly of the Icarii met to discuss it in the Chamber of Talon Spike. RavenCrest had no qualms about pulling the Icarii Strike Force out of the Avarinheim. Earth Tree still sang strong and true and her Song would continue to protect the Avarinheim from the incursions of Gorgrael. No SkraeBold or Skraeling could come within range of the Song and live.

  The flight across the Icescarp Alps to Talon Spike would be arduous. The seething winds between the sharp peaks of the Alps created dangerous gusts and shears that could drag an unwary Icarii to their death on the black cliffs below. They would have to fly high and fast through the thin air of the upper atmosphere, and because of the lack of suitable landing places they would have to make the entire distance in one continuous flight lasting almost twenty-four hours. Two farflight scouts had already left to alert the Icarii in Talon Spike of the tragedy of Earth Tree Grove.

  RavenCrest watched the Icarii mass, anxious to return home, but wondering whether they should perhaps have waited another day or two. He had tried to weigh the value of the flightworthy Icarii resting muscles already sore and strained against the advantage of the winds which currently favoured them on the way home. No, he decided, it was best they leave now. With most of the Strike Force in the groves, Talon Spike itself was badly under-protected, and RavenCrest needed to be back in the Spike to hear the reports of the scouts over Gorken Pass. Besides, none wanted to linger amid the scent of death. The Icarii and the Avar had cremated their dead the previous evening. It was a dreadful ceremony, watching so many comrades, friends and family members given up to the flames. Now the pyres were mere grey stains of shifting ash.

  About the Earth Tree Grove lay some eighteen Icarii, StarDrifter among them, too badly injured to make the long journey home through the air. None of them would be fit to fly for days, perhaps weeks, and RavenCrest had to talk to StarDrifter about how they would get home. He watched StarDrifter, leaning against one of the stone uprights of the sacred circle, GoldFeather by his side. StarDrifter had insisted on leading the funeral rites the previous day, yet even after a day’s rest RavenCrest could see how much the effort had cost his brother. EvenSong was leaning forward to kiss her mother and father goodbye, FreeFall at her shoulder. The two had already said their farewells to RavenCrest. He watched them, considering. They had been close for many years now and RavenCrest wondered idly if they would formalise their union after both had served their time in the Strike Force. It was not unusual for Icarii cousins to marry, and it would be good for both of them. He stretched his wings slowly, as the two turned and lifted off, waving as they
flew overhead. Yes, it would be a good marriage. Perhaps EvenSong might be able to control his son’s sometimes good-hearted impetuousness.

  He walked over to StarDrifter and gently touched his shoulder, trying to avoid his injured wings. “Brother, how long will it be before you can fly home?”

  StarDrifter glanced at GoldFeather before replying. “Too long. Many will not be able to make the journey for weeks, but I am reluctant to stay that long. All of us will be needed back at Talon Spike and, as you know, I want the chance to address the Assembly.”

  RavenCrest frowned, wondering at the look that passed between StarDrifter and GoldFeather. He knew that when GoldFeather left Talon Spike to wander with the Avar she followed the pathways of the Nordra from its birth place at the foot of Talon Spike through the Alps into the Avarinheim. The steep icy paths were passable only if extreme care was taken, and would kill many of the Icarii lying wounded here, and StarDrifter was certainly in no condition to travel them. Besides, travel along those paths took many, many days, and it would simply be safer and more sensible to wait until they could fly.

  But sometimes StarDrifter was not entirely sensible. One only had to look at GoldFeather to know that.

  StarDrifter knew his brother very well, and knew exactly what he was thinking. “I am not thinking of walking the icy paths, RavenCrest. There is a far simpler, quicker and more amenable route home to Talon Spike.”

  RavenCrest’s frown deepened.

  “We will seek the assistance of the Charonites,” StarDrifter said quietly, his eyes steady on those of his brother.

  RavenCrest took a step back, speechless. No-one had heard from the Charonites for many thousands of years. He only knew of them because both his mother and his brother were Enchanters and had spoken of them to him. Few, if any, other Icarii would have known of what StarDrifter spoke.

  “It is time that they knew that the Prophecy has awakened, brother. They have their own interests in what happens. And they can aid us and transport us to Talon Spike.”

  “Are you sure they still exist, StarDrifter? Stars knows, we can ill afford to lose you wandering about some cavern in the Alps. And what if they refuse?”

  StarDrifter was prepared for his brother’s objections. He had already talked it through with Raum earlier in the day. “Leave us a Wing of your Strike Force, RavenCrest. If we should fail, then they can see us safely back to the groves and fly on to Talon Spike to let you know our revised plans. But I think, with Raum’s help, I can find them.”

  Raum had stepped out from behind the stone support to lend his own weight to StarDrifter’s arguments. “Among the Avar Banes there is a belief that the Charonites still come out to drift along the Nordra on hot summer nights, Talon. Occasionally, once every hundred years or so, we think that they come out to gaze at the reflections of the stars in the night water. Perhaps they have not completely lost their taste for the OverWorld. There must be an entrance close by.”

  RavenCrest did not think this a very powerful argument in favour of trekking off to look for these semi-mythical Charonites, but he could see that his brother was determined on his course of action. “You will go with StarDrifter?” he asked Raum. Raum nodded, and RavenCrest looked puzzled. “But you are needed here, Raum. With Mirbolt dead, you are now the senior Bane. Shouldn’t you stay with your people?”

  “My people will reform into their Clans and drift back into the Avarinheim. Barsarbe can fill my place while I am gone. Besides, I may need to speak to your Assembly. I am one of the few here who have met Axis and spoken with him. You may need my advice.”

  RavenCrest was clearly unhappy with the situation, but finally he nodded, reluctantly. “I will send a Wing of the Strike Force with you, brother. I cannot afford to lose you. There is not another Enchanter among us strong enough to take your place.”

  “You will not hold the Assembly until I arrive?” StarDrifter asked anxiously.

  RavenCrest paused, his face grim. “I will wait a week. A week only. And if you are not there to address them, then I do not know how they will vote.” He paused as FarSight strode across the clearing towards him. “I must go now. When will you leave?”

  “Tomorrow morning.”

  They assembled in the hour before dawn. StarDrifter and GoldFeather, Raum, the other wounded Icarii, supported by members of the Strike Force Wing assigned to them—and Azhure. Azhure had slept better last night than she had in months, and was now clearly excited at the prospect of travelling to Talon Spike. StarDrifter eyed her with some amusement, pleased he’d thought to ask her to accompany them home. Along with Raum and GoldFeather she was one of the few who had seen and spoken to Axis. She was a link to his son.

  Barsarbe rose to farewell them, relieved to see Azhure leave despite her words of the previous day. She repressed a shudder. It wasn’t only Azhure’s ready use of violence that made Barsarbe dislike the woman. There was something else about her. Something that made Barsarbe vaguely jealous and resentful of her.

  But for now it was simply enough that Azhure was leaving the Avar. The Avar did not need her, and who knows, thought Barsarbe, perhaps the Icarii could find a use for her. After Barsarbe said goodbye to the group she gave Azhure bags of herbs as well as instructions on how to use them for the Icarii wounds she would attend on their journey through the UnderWorld. Barsarbe prayed she would never have to see the human woman again.

  StarDrifter gathered the group together, and set off. Though he’d spoken confidently to RavenCrest yesterday, he was still doubtful about the success of his plan. What if they couldn’t find the entrance to the UnderWorld? And even if they did, what if the Charonites refused to help them? Even before they had lost complete contact with the Charonites, relations between the two races had been cool. By the Stars, I hope I have not committed us to a foolish course of action, StarDrifter thought as he led the group slowly northwards along the Nordra.

  All wore warm clothing, but only Raum and Azhure carried packs. The members of the Wing spaced themselves along the line, their bows at the ready, their eyes continually scanning the sky. As they moved onto the paths that ran directly by the water’s edge Raum and StarDrifter exchanged worried glances. The Nordra was at its lowest point for many years. The previous spring thaw had been a weak affair in the northern lands, and little new ice water trickled into the Nordra from the Talon Spike glacier. Now that winter tightened about the snowfields north of the Avarinheim and throughout the Icescarp Alps, water froze into ice rather than flowing into the streams that fed the Nordra. The Avar depended on the Nordra for much of their food, and fish stocks would run low if the water level dropped any further.

  StarDrifter’s thoughts quickly slipped from the water level to his pain. He ached from a dozen of his wounds, the deeper ones sending spears of fire through his chest as he breathed in the colder air by the river. GoldFeather spent the greater part of her time walking by his side, lending him her support, wincing whenever he cried out when she tightened her grip about his waist to prevent him slipping over.

  They hiked until midday, a sad, sorry line that had to make frequent stops so the injured could rest. Both Azhure and Raum spent much of their time wandering up and down the line, giving encouragement, occasionally helping support one of the wounded. When StarDrifter finally called a halt at midday Azhure breathed in relief. At least now they would have time to brew some analgesic tea for the injured.

  After Azhure and Raum had passed about the tea, Azhure took a cup of herbed tea and sat down to one side of the group. SpikeFeather TrueSong, the Wing-Leader, came and sat next to her after checking both forest and sky for danger.

  Azhure smiled shyly at him. He was a handsome birdman, not as beautiful as some, but he had striking, brilliant dark-red plumage and kind, dark eyes.

  “I saw what you did in the Grove,” he remarked. “You harbour great courage and resourcefulness within you.”

  “I could have moved sooner.”

  “As could we all,” SpikeFeather said dryly. �
�But you moved first. Azhure, have you ever had any military training?”

  Her fingers tightened about her cup. “No.”

  “Then perhaps you would consider training with my Wing when we return to Talon Spike.”

  Azhure felt sick to her stomach. “Oh no, I couldn’t possibly—”

  “Azhure,” SpikeFeather’s eyes were grave. “I know the Avar regard you with some concern. They are sometimes a strange people. But you have my admiration and the admiration of many of the Icarii. Think about it. The Avar may dislike your talents, but the Icarii will value them.” His eyes crinkled in amusement. “I have some skill with the bow, Azhure, and I would enjoy teaching you the proper use of an arrow.”

  As Azhure hesitated the birdman stood up. “Think about it,” he repeated, then moved off.

  As he walked off Azhure noticed GoldFeather, who winked, and Azhure coloured and looked away, wondering about SpikeFeather’s words.

  For some time the group sat silently, listening to the birds and the sounds of the Nordra. StarDrifter finished his, checking the position of the sun. Not too much further ahead the paths became dangerous, and he did not want to risk the wounded any more than he had to.

  Handing his empty cup back to GoldFeather, StarDrifter summoned SpikeFeather to his side.

  “Wing-Leader,” StarDrifter said, shifting uncomfortably and hoping the tea would have some effect soon. “From this point the undergrowth begins to crowd the banks of the Nordra. If we continue to scout on foot we could easily miss the entrance to the UnderWorld. It would be best if you take some of your Wing scout ahead by air.”