“Would now be a bad time to mention you also have fox ears?” Kalla asked innocently. The ears were black, same as his fox form. The claw earring was gone, but in its place were two small silver hoops. Aleister dropped the fox brush and ran his hands over his head, groaning at what he found.
You are fully kitsune now, Prince Kaze. The ears and tail are part of the package.
Kalla rose to her feet, pulling Vander up with her. Behind them, Kasai stood as well. The hawk shook himself, stretching, and shifted form. He fluttered to Vander's shoulder and promptly bit him on the nearest ear. The War Mage yelped in pain and winced as the harrier's claws sank deeper in his shoulder.
“If you ever do something so foolish again without telling me, you will get worse than that. Do you think me without any honor, that I could not have understood the debt you sought to pay?”
“I thought you would have tried to stop me, yes,” Vander replied. The hawk gave an indignant squawk, his feathers fluffed in irritation.
“I'm sorry. I truly am. Don't worry, I have no other hidden debts to repay.”
I think it is time and past for you to return to your companions. They have woken and found themselves deserted. Gasta rumbled.
Good journey til the end, Lady Amaraaq. Take good care of my son. Inari said. And don't worry, Kaze, you look just fine.
A panicky Manny greeted them when they arrived back at the camp.
“Where did all of you go? We woke up and no one else was here.”
“We had business in the Forest, Manny. Business with Inari and Gasta.”
“You found Gasta? The Keeper is alive?” Lukas interjected.
“Yes, Sir Lukas. One order of business was to free Gasta. Objective complete. The Forest should be back in order in no time at all,” Kalla replied.
“That is a relief,” Lukas said.
“Indeed it is. I am sorry that we had you worried. Vander didn't wish to wake you when he left. No doubt he thought he would be back before you did so,” Kalla said.
She shared a look with the War Mage, swift assurance that his secret was safe.
Isle of Whispers, Year of the Mythril Serpent 2014 CE
The Nagali hissed in anger. He had lost the Arkaddian ruler and now the wolf goddess had set the Argosian emperor free as well. No matter. He was growing stronger with each passing day and the companions had yet to even visit the Elephant Lord, much less find the spear of the dark dragon goddess. His servants had kept them busy at least, scurrying around to prevent war from erupting.
Al'dhumarna thrashed in his prison and more shards of mythril fell away, revealing shimmering blue-green scales. He hissed again, this time in satisfaction. The more he freed himself, the more power he regained. Fully restored he would be near as strong as his 'sire', if the Lord of Living Nightmare could truly be called that.
Araun's gift had given him form, but it was humanity itself that had breathed life into the great Nagali, and humanity that had granted him his power. Even now he turned the Lord of Xibalba's gift back upon itself, even when Araun would have held it in check. The stronger their fear, the more it fed his dark murmurs in their hearts and minds.
From the mists of the island croaking chitters came to his ears and the island's inhabitants came forth. Always before, they had avoided his prison, but now they came to his siren call of blood and battle and now, finally, the Nagali had the strength to open the gates to send them forth into the inhabited lands of De Sikkari to wreak havoc upon an unsuspecting populace.
Fennec Nall
Port Benwick, Dashmar, Evalyce, Year of the Mythril Serpent, 2014 CE
It was the subtle change in the thrum of the engines that woke Kalla. The thrum deepened and slowed as Aleister brought the ship to ground. Nearby, Lukas' airship, the Heracles, settled in its own space. The Heracles was a Jupiter-class fighter, built for a crew of three, with twice the armor and firepower of the smaller Kruetzet-class ship.
On the way to Port Benwick they had visited Dashmar, to see how Ventaal had fared. The Kujata had brought the promised supplies from Argoth, and Kalla had taken a cue from the Khan Arkaddia's book for the distribution of resources.
Ventaal's crews had already begun clearing small areas near potential mining sites. Leave it to the Argosians to clear an area with little disturbance to the surrounding forest. The trees they had culled to make room for the barracks were sent to nearby packs. Soldiers went with them and helped the Dashmari to restore or rebuild living halls and other buildings in need.
Kalla watched as Kasai slid from Thiassi's back, making his way to the ship as paddock workers swarmed out to them. They would take on supplies here and refuel the ships. The trek across the ocean was a long one, for such small aircraft. The Heracles was nearly evenly matched with the Stymphalian, despite its greater size. The Jupiter- class, like the Kruetzet, was built for the pure speed of close quarter combat rather than the endurance of long distance travel. If not within the bays of one of the massive flagships, the smaller strike-fighters were transported in passage-ships that could hold a full sri-talon of ships the size of the Stymphalian or Heracles.
Kalla knew the next leg of their journey would be the longest, twelve long hours across the ocean. Vander would be traveling with Lukas for this trip. He could monitor the ship to allow the magister time to rest, though any fancy flying would need be done by Lukas himself. Kalla would spell Aleister when needed. Her greater concern actually lay with the wyvern, though they had assured her that the trip would not be a problem. The wyvern could glide much of the way, relying on the air currents.
Kymru, Evalyce, Year of the Mythril Serpent, 2014 CE
Grosso snarled wordlessly, staring down at the body at his feet. After fleeing Argoth with the injured Praetor, Grosso had managed to make it Kymru. He had a home there, hidden in the forests and well-shielded from prying eyes. He had healed James as best he could, but the man's life-force was still slowly fading. Grosso had bound him as magister and been fortifying him with what strength he could spare.
The mage tensed as an eerie barking cry erupted outside the small hut. The cry came again, closer this time, sending shivers down his spine. He wondered where
Arturo was. What had he summoned the guardian for, if not to protect the house? A sinister feeling grew, soaking into the very ground itself. Grosso's heart hammered. Sweat beaded his forehead, and he pressed back against his workbench.
He let out a small moan as a dry scratching rattled the door, like skeletal fingers against the weathered wood. The flames in the hearth blazed high, before guttering completely, extinguished by a dark magick.
The scratching came again, then the handle began to shake. A soft click and the door swung open, drawing in a sense of dread. An inhuman figure stood silhouetted in the moonlight that shone through the now open door. The barking cry reverberated through the small confines, and James stirred restlessly on his pallet.
I have sent you help. See to it that you use it well. Al'dhumarna's cold voice slithered through Grosso's mind as the figure stepped forward into the hut. The creature was tall, towering nearly seven feet, bearing a staff just as tall. A musty scent accompanied the creature, like warm dragon leather and birds. As it came through, two more followed, bearing a third between them. Grosso backed away as they lowered the body beside Sir James.
The creature crouched before the pair on the floor and leaned forward. In profile, it had a long snout. Slender fingers with two inch talons reached out to the Praetor's body.
Grosso felt James' alarm as a bright flash engulfed them. He felt James howl in his mind, and pain seared through every nerve in his body. The mage curled in the floor, giving voice to screams his magister couldn't. The pain built, like fire in the veins, and Grosso surrendered to blessed darkness.
The mage woke, sore and stiff, throat raw and parched. The shadowed creature crouched in the corner, its companions clustered around it. He reached out to brush James' mind and found his magister healed. The man's mind was differe
nt, colder, somewhat alien.
Your Magister is healed. He is still useful. Go now to Su Ramerides. This time I intend you to put a stop to the Wolf's plans once and for all. Igasi and his trith will accompany you. Al'dhumarna's cold voice hissed.
The mage's pale eyes widened as fire erupted in the hearth and he found himself face to face with Igasi's reptilian gaze.
Marzan Desert, Ishkar, Inkanata, Year of the Mythril Serpent, 2014 CE
Kalla watched Aleister a moment, as he stared out into the desert beyond the shields. This was the Marzan, the wild, untamed desert. The ships were grounded near some old ruins half covered in sand, brought to earth by a fearsome sandstorm that still raged beyond the shields.
“Well done!”
Kalla turned her attention from her brooding magister to find Manny with a somewhat surprised look on his face. From Lukas' slightly dazed expression, Kalla guessed that the pair had managed to mind-speak one another. She put her guess to the War Mage, who was looking positively elated.
“Yes, Dashkele. They have indeed.” He gave the pair a wicked grin. “That means I can start having a bit of fun.”
Manny gave her an uncertain look and she shrugged. She had no idea what the Dashmari was up to. She and Aleister had never gotten further in their training than mind-speaking one another before they had departed the Kanlon.
Kalla watched with interest as the pair joined Lukas and Kasai. The War Mage shielded them, then he and his magister fanned out, circling the pair between them. At an unspoken command both attacked Manny at the same time, one with magick, the other with drawn swords.
Vander, who had been alternating magickal attacks with physical ones, sent a fireball racing towards Manny. The young mage gestured and Kalla blinked in astonishment as it ricocheted off the spontaneously created shield and rebounded on the War Mage. A gesture on the Dashmari's part and the fire was absorbed into another protective shield.
“Very good. Your reaction time is getting quicker,” he said with a bit of pride in his voice. He called a halt to the exercises and they came to join her and the Fox.
“Good work,” Kalla said as they flopped down in the shade of the strike-fighters' wings. Lukas gave her a nod, but Manny fair beamed at her praise.
The magisters settled to clean their weapons. Sykes had given the two Arkaddians rifles like those of the Guard, as both had proven very adept at using them, though Kalla knew Kasai preferred his twin swords. As they tended blades and rifles, Kalla settled down to read. Vander had shifted and now dozed peacefully beside her. Time passed and Kalla grew drowsy herself. She drifted off to sleep to the sound of the magisters talking as they worked.
Sharp fox yips woke Kalla some time later. Darkness had fallen and moonlight glittered on the desert sands. More yips woke Vander and wolf stood and faced the darkness with his ears pricked forward. Aleister stood at the shield's perimeter, looking out into the night. The wolf started to trot forward, but before he had gone two paces, a flurry of foxes tumbled into the campsite, passing the wards as if they didn't exist. The foxes were the same tan color as the sands themselves, with sharper features and huge over-sized ears. Each fox had two or more tails.
Kalla recalled Arvynn's words to Aleister and guessed these must be Fennec Nall's. Sure enough, as the desert kitsune clustered around Aleister, a fox the size of Inari glided out of the darkness. Like the smaller foxes, Fennac Nall was dun-colored, with over-size ears, though he sported nine fluffy brushes. He stopped before Aleister.
Welcome, Prince Kaze. It has been a long time since any of our forest brethren have visited here. The fox dipped his head in Kalla's direction. Greetings to you as well, Lady Amaraaq.
Kalla came to stand next to Aleister, Vander following along beside her. The others had woke and slowly came to cluster behind them.
“Greetings, my Lord.” Kalla said, inclining her head politely. Aleister echoed her greetings with a full bow. Nall chuffed softly in amusement.
I am glad that you took the time to visit us, Prince Kaze. You look to be managing well. I'm afraid I cannot offer you anything nearly as valuable as your sire and the Lady Arvynn have given you, but I would offer advice to the both of you.
Be careful and tread softly. Al'dhumarna's prison is failing faster than before. His influence grows stronger by the day. It is said that the Crescent Reavers have returned to the land.
“Crescent Reavers?” Aleister asked with a frown.
Aye, Prince Kaze. They call themselves the rahksa, but history and legend give them the name Crescent Reavers. And reavers they be. They are merciless. Servants of the Nagali they were before and are again. Their blood hunger knows no limits.
“It is said they are beings created by Araun's gift. Is that true?” asked Kalla.
No, Nall said. No, they are flesh and blood creatures, among the oldest species in all of De Sikkari. The oldest and the most dangerous, distant dragon-kin. Long have they been confined to the Isle of Whispers, but Al'dhumarna is strong enough now to open the gates between here and there. He has sent them forth once more from their isolated island home. He will send them hunting after you and yours, Lady Kalla. Have no doubt of that.
“Oh good. I can hardly wait,” Kasai said in a dry voice. Nall chuffed again.
I have no doubt that you will be up to the task, the Desert King said.
“Thank you, milord. You have given us knowledge we didn't have before. That will help me keep what I value most safe,” Aleister said.
Just so. I hope you will not encounter the Crescent Reavers, but I will not hold out on that hope. You have disrupted too many of the Nagali's plans. The big fox dipped another bow to Kalla. I thank you, Lady Amaraaq, for healing the lands.
“It was my pleasure. I hope to finish that task before long and to free the patrons of the land, if they so wish it of me.”
We belong to the Elephant Lord. You go to visit him and the Lady Laeksheen already. As for the rest, you will have to visit their lands, but I am sure they would appreciate it. There are only two whose jurisdiction encompasses all lands and you have already freed them.
Kalla gave Nall a puzzled look, before raising her hand to the whistle about her neck. “They are the same…”
Aye. Nall had a grin in his voice. They are the same. Perhaps you can help more people see that. You have made a loyal friend in the Lord of Illusions, for seeing past what you thought he was. Farewell now, Lady Amaraaq, Prince Kaze.
Nall departed into the darkness, the smaller foxes running about him, leaving Kalla to mull over his words. She hoped she could help others to see the truth of Araun. That train of thought reminded her of her promise to Vander. She looked down at the wolf standing beside her.
“How would you like to go visit Kartoff now, my friend?”
The wolf gave a weak wag of his tail that she took to be assent. She disappeared into the Stymphalian and returned with her staff. The bells jingled softly as she used the tip to trace a huge spiral into the soft sand. With a touch of magick she froze the rippling shape in place, then stepped out onto it. Vander and Aleister followed her.
Kasai was a bit more tentative. Grumbling, the hawk shifted and fluttered to sit on the wolf's head. Vander rolled his eyes up to look at the bird and was promptly bit on the ear. The wolf yelped as Kalla and Aleister laughed.
The Healer looked to Manny and Lukas, standing uncertainly on the outskirts of the spiral. She gestured for them to join the others.
“There is no reason why you should not come, with all of the rest of us gone. All of you, if you wish,” she said, taking in the wyvern. “The two of you shouldn't be left out of everything.”
At her invitation Amaterasu and Thiassi came and coiled along the outer edge of the spiral, completely encompassing the group.
“Are you sure we can come, Lady Kalla?” Manny asked a little nervously. She smiled at him.
“I am certain,” she said. Closing her eyes, Kalla whispered her request to the Master of Xibalba. Before she had even fini
shed speaking there came the soundless concussion of power and the world blurred and shifted, the two planes overlaying one another. In the otherworld the ruins around them were whole once more and Kalla saw that they were once a temple to Azurai.
How uncanny, she thought, that Aleister should have been led to come here of all places. They moved off of the spiral and the world solidified.
The temple before them was assembled in giant carved stone blocks cunningly set together. Twin statues of ghilan clothed in flesh sat their haunches to either side of the open doorway, looking imperiously down their muzzles at the group. Xibalba itself was swathed in twilight, as if the sun were setting yet there was no sun here. Kalla lit several magelight globes and started for the doorway.
Behind you, Lady Amaraaq. Araun's wintry voice whispered in their minds. The group turned to find Xibalba's master lounging in the sands, surrounded several ghilan and hounds. Araun's forelimbs were tucked up under him, the skeletal wings folded at his sides.
The wyvern had uncoiled and now each dipped their heads to the ground in an elegant bow. Manny and the others bowed as well. Kalla touched her fist to her heart, bowing slightly in an acknowledgment. She wondered what the others saw him as. Manny and Lukas didn't seem frightened, merely a bit nervous. She guessed that they saw him as 'Auric' rather than the spectral being she saw.
Welcome to Xibalba. Araun said. It has been long since any of the dragon-kin walked this realm willingly.
We are honored, Great One. Amaterasu said. Araun chuckled dryly.
Please, make yourselves comfortable. What brings you?
“Thank you, Lord Araun,” Kalla said. “I had hoped to let Vander speak with Kartoff, if that is acceptable.” As she spoke a frost wolf ghosted from the dimness beyond Araun. He had cream colored fur, with socks and ears the same color as Vander's fur; a wolf that matched the hounds in color.
Empress of Wolves (Evalyce Worldshaper Book 3) Page 9