Aibek couldn’t help himself. His shoulders shook, and he coughed once, trying to suppress the mirth bubbling up within his chest. He couldn’t contain it long, and it burst from him in a loud, snuffling laugh. Gworsad rumbled along, and within a breath all the mayors and dragons were laughing together.
Once the laughter had subsided, Aibek wiped his eyes and nodded to the dragons. “Well? Gworsad, can you answer his questions?”
The dragon stretched his moss-covered neck across the clearing, setting his head on the ground in front of Bartel. The top of his nose reached to Aibek’s waist, and the horns stretched high above his head. The great beast sniffed and rumbled once. “I am Gworsad. I protect Bokinna with my friends. Aibek helped her. and we help him. We help you if you help him. We not eat you if you his friend.”
Marah’s eyes widened. “What about those who aren’t his friends?”
Gworsad twisted to stare at her with one orange eye. “We might eat men who fight him. Are you friend? Or foe?”
“Friend!” Marah shouted. “I’m his friend. I… I was thinking of… of someone else.”
“We not eat anyone until battle, unless they too close to Bokinna,” Tukanli said. She shifted so her back leg touched Gworsad and wrapped her tail close around him. “That is right, yes?”
Aibek stroked a hand along her smooth neck, below the thorny collar. “Yes, that’s perfect.”
“Can… can I…” Iriz stared at Aibek’s hand on Tukanli’s neck and tried again. “Is it all right if I touch one? Like you’re doing?”
“Is that all right?” Aibek looked to Gworsad, where the great beast still rested his head on the ground.
“I think is great idea.” Gworsad rumbled. “They need get used to us if we carry them.”
Iriz, Marah, and Bartel leapt to their feet. Vayna and Dorrel eased themselves to their feet, but Avatta, Olarel, and Parora leaned back against their respective trees. Aibek didn’t push them but watched to make sure they weren’t going to run away.
They spent the rest of the morning mingling, talking, and getting to know the dragons. Even the more reserved mayors stood and joined in the conversations once they saw how friendly the dragons were.
When the sun reached its peak in the sky, Gworsad called an end to the meeting, saying it was his turn to patrol around the Bokinna. The dragons flew off in a flurry of wind and rumbles, and the mayors gathered their belongings and headed back to the city.
* * *
Eddrick stood between Agommi and Kiri before the ancients in the otherwise-empty chamber. The same paper-thin spirits hovered on the raised dais at the front of the court room, all staring at Eddrick and his family.
“We have decided that your spying can provide us with useful information. You may resume your spying activities, but with a few restrictions.”
Eddrick’s heart leapt, then dropped as the ancient one spoke.
“You will take Glesni with you wherever you go from now on. We will build an army of our own here to oppose this Helak’s spirit force when the time for fighting arrives. But be warned, this is dangerous work. If you are destroyed during this kind of battle, you cease to exist. There is no redemption from that death.”
“Thank you, your eminence.” Eddrick bowed low and kept his head down. “May we tell our son what we learn in these activities?”
“You may reveal the enemy’s location and movements, but nothing more. You may not disclose our proposed role in the coming battle.” The spirit’s voice carried like a whisper on the wind.
Eddrick frowned, still bent in his bow. “Please, excuse my ignorance, your eminence. I’m afraid you’ve lost me. What is our role in the coming battle?”
“We plan to thwart the enemy by removing his spirits from the humans’ battle. Without their interference, the living can fight a fair battle and the best army may win.”
Kiri shifted beside him, and he grabbed her hand to still her. Her voice echoed in the empty space, sweet and clear. “May I warn my son that we will not be there to offer him advice or support during the fight?”
“You may tell him that, but nothing more.”
“Thank you.” Kiri slumped, and Eddrick squeezed her hand.
“You may leave us. Glesni will meet you in the grand atrium at dawn and will stay with you until this conflict ends one way or the other.”
Eddrick leaned against the wooden door to their suite, struggling to figure out his emotions.
“I can’t believe they’re letting us keep spying.” Kiri threw herself face-down on the bed. “And, they’re letting us give Aibek information. That’s something, at least.”
“I’m not sure how I feel about Glesni going everywhere we go indefinitely. He’s the ancients’ eyes and ears. Whatever he sees, they see. We’ll have to be careful what we say around him.”
Kiri nodded without lifting her head out of the pile of pillows. “It’s probably for the best. I don’t know if I could keep from telling him everything without a chaperon.”
“We don’t need a nanny to keep watch over us every moment. How will we have any time for us if he’s there for everything we say and do?” Eddrick sat on the bed beside his wife and rubbed a hand up her back.
Kiri rolled over and smiled up at him. “We’ll be all right, I’m sure, but just to be certain…” She ran a hand up his leg and he leaned over to kiss her.
“Ahem.” Agommi’s voice startled Eddrick and he dropped Kiri and leapt to the floor beside the bed.
“It’s nice to know how easily you forget my presence.” Agommi grinned and drifted to the window.
“Why don’t I ever see you and Mother together?” Eddrick cocked his head, studying his father.
“Ours was an arranged marriage.” Agommi turned to meet Eddrick’s curious gaze. “We got along well enough, but when she died, she went back to her family line. She spends most of her time with her sisters, I believe.”
Considering that, Eddrick silently thanked the ancients and the trees for his good fortune. He’d met Kiri at a picnic and fallen for her instantly. He’d learned much later that her father had been the mayor of their village, and a marriage to her would be advantageous for both of them. He’d courted her for a summer and winter, and they’d married the following spring.
The long, cold months when he couldn’t see her had been the longest of his life. They’d spent nearly every day together since their marriage, and he’d never questioned spending the afterlife with her. It was a good thing she hadn’t wanted to return to her family as his mother had. He wouldn’t have been able to bear the pain and disappointment of such a loss.
Kiri hovered above the bed, her clothes and hair as perfect as when she’d thrown herself onto the plush gold quilt.
“Let’s go explore the city while we can.” Eddrick headed for the door and the others followed him into the bright morning sun.
5
High Hopes
“That was amazing!” Marah bounced down the trail ahead of Aibek. “When can we try flying? How many of them are there?”
Aibek grinned at her unrestrained enthusiasm. “There are thirty that have agreed to take riders. Ten people have volunteered so far, including me and Faruz. We’ll talk to the others tomorrow morning. Maybe some of them will want to fly. If not, we’ll ask the army for volunteers.”
“Who wouldn’t want to?” Bartel stepped up beside Aibek and pressed a hand on his shoulder. “This changes everything! I am sorry I didn’t believe you yesterday. You’ve never given us any reason to doubt your honesty.”
“Oh, me, too,” Iriz said. “I’m so sorry. That was an awful scene yesterday.”
Aibek’s smile faded at the memory of the angry accusations of heresy. His gut squeezed and he wondered if the other mayors would believe that they’d visited with the dragons during the outing.
I should’ve gotten some kind of trinket or something as proof. Aibek thought. Like the one Faruz wore to the swamp. Would they have believed me then?
Vayna clapp
ed Aibek on the shoulder, pressing himself between Aibek and Bartel. “I never doubted you for a second. Why would anyone make up a story like that? Besides, the forest is getting better. Just look around. Everything smells fresher and the slime is receding.”
As they neared the forest’s edge, Aibek slowed, putting some distance between himself and the others. “Thank you,” he whispered.
“I hope it is enough,” the wind answered back.
“Me, too,” Aibek said.
“You too, what?”
The nearby voice startled Aibek and he leaped backward on the path.
Marah laughed and grabbed his arm. “Who are you talking to?”
“No one.” Aibek flushed and tried again. “I guess it isn’t really a secret. I was thanking the Bokinna for her help today.”
“She really talks to you, doesn’t she?” Curiosity shone in Marah’s amber eyes and Aibek glanced away. Her scrutiny made him want to squirm like a schoolboy.
“Yes, she does,” He answered after a long pause.
“I haven’t heard of her talking to anyone but the Gadonus in generations, and my Gadonu says she’s only talked to him twice.” She cocked her head and regarded him.
“Oh. I didn’t know that.” He couldn’t think of anything else to say, and an awkward silence fell between them.
“I’m sorry about my brothers,” she blurted out. “I didn’t know they’d be watching my room, honest. I feel simply awful about what they did to you.” Tears welled in her eyes and Aibek grabbed her hand.
He wanted to set her mind at ease, so he said, “I’m all right. There’s really nothing to get upset about.”
“But there is,” she whispered. A tear rolled down her cheek. “They could have killed you. I worried myself sick when you didn’t come out of your room.”
“I––” Aibek began.
“I hope you know you have my support,” she interrupted. “I’m trying to get my brothers to go home early so we can spend some time together.”
Aibek shook his head to hide his furious blush but couldn’t think of anything to say.
“Oh, the others are waiting for us,” Marah said. “We should hurry up.”
They picked up their pace and caught up to the waiting mayors, and they continued on to the river as a group.
When the ferry was in sight, Aibek stopped and faced the mayors. “I know I probably don’t have to say this, but I’m going to, anyway. We can’t talk about today’s trip out in the open in Kainga. Helak has spies all over the city. We’ll talk about it in the meeting, and in our rooms, but we need to be careful to keep the secret for now.”
He started to turn back to the river, reconsidered, and added, “And thank you.” He met each gaze in turn. “Thank you all for giving me the chance to prove myself.”
When Aibek returned to his room after a quick lunch, he discovered a sealed note on the floor. He picked it up and shut the door behind him before he broke the seal and read its contents.
Aibek,
I hope I get this to you in time. You must be careful what you say about your work to save the forest. The Bokinna doesn’t make a habit of talking to people in the forest, and she hasn’t allowed a visitor that I know of in at least 6 generations. The mayors are likely to take it poorly if you announce your dealings with her in open discussion. Good luck in convincing them to work with you. I fear it won’t be an easy task.
Valasa
Aibek folded the note and shoved it into his pack. That information would have been helpful if he’d received it a day sooner. Still, he had high hopes for the remaining council meetings. The morning with the dragons had gone well, and he hoped the mayors would discuss it at length during the evening.
The next morning dawned rainy and cold, the howling wind whipping the icy droplets against the window. The noise woke Aibek early and he dressed and headed to the tavern for breakfast. He’d eaten supper in his room with Wayra so the other mayors could talk without the awkwardness of his presence, but he couldn’t wait any longer. He had to know what they were saying. He took his bowl of porridge and mug of famanc to the meeting room across the street, determined to be the first to arrive.
He lit the lamps in the cavernous room and moved aside so the innkeeper could lay a fire on the hearth. When the rotund man had left the room, Aibek settled into his chair and ate his breakfast, enjoying the crackling fire and the quiet solitude. When he’d finished his food, he tucked the empty bowl and mug under his chair. He’d return them to the kitchen after the meeting.
The time passed quickly, and soon the room filled with people. Excited chatter echoed off the bare walls, growing louder with each moment. When everyone had arrived, Aibek stood and stepped into the middle of the circle.
“I’m sure by now you’ve all heard about our trip to the forest yesterday, right?” Heads nodded, but no one spoke. “Does anyone have any questions?”
To Aibek’s chagrin, Kaskin stood. “I do. You’d have us believe that you––you of all people–– are working with the Bokinna? How do we know you’re not just gathering people to feed to her dragons?”
Aibek fought the urge to roll his eyes. Instead, he took a deep breath and met the angry mayor’s gaze. “Yes, I’m working with the Bokinna. If the dragons had wanted to eat us, don’t you think they would have done so yesterday?” He paused, giving Kaskin time to answer. When the man said nothing, Aibek said, “Nine of us walked into the forest, and only six dragons landed. We would have made a satisfying meal if that had been their plan, right?”
“Why should they settle for nine if you’re going to deliver a whole crowd?”
Dropping his gaze to the empty chair, Aibek sighed. “If they just wanted people to eat, what would stop them from raiding our villages? There are thousands of tasty crunchy people right there in the treetops.”
Shock and incredulity showed in Kaskin’s face. “Why, of course they won’t do that. The Bokinna herself protects us.”
“Exactly. Why would she allow her protectors to harm her people?” Aibek swallowed hard and hoped Kaskin wasn’t putting questions into the other mayors’ minds.
“I — I don’t know, but I don’t think I trust you.” Kaskin flopped into his chair, signaling an end to his interrogation.
Aibek inhaled deeply. “Anyone else?” Silence. “Look, I know this is unusual. I know it hasn’t happened in hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. But the Bokinna knows the forest is in danger. The sickness that’s been killing the trees is there because Helak’s men poisoned the soil. She’s willing to help us save the forest — and our homes.”
Breathless silence hung in the room.
Finally, someone shouted, “So, what do we have to do to ride a dragon?”
Several people chuckled, and Aibek smiled. “We’ll take names today. There are thirty dragons willing to take riders, so if there’s more people than that, we’ll have to find a way to decide who gets to fly.”
The murmur of voices grew as the mayors turned to talk to their neighbors.
“But first,” Aibek shouted over the growing din. “We have one more thing to discuss.” The mayors quieted and turned to look at Aibek. “We need a final count. Will you help defend the Tsari from Helak’s army? If your village will join our forces, please raise your hand.”
Every hand in the room went up except one. Kaskin slumped further down into his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. “I told you we’re waiting this thing out,” he grumbled.
His manner reminded Aibek of the toddlers he’d seen matching wits with their mothers at the market.
“Wonderful,” Aibek said. His heart soared with relief and elation. “We should have enough people to win this war, then.”
“Does anyone have any questions about riding the dragons before we start taking down names?”
Bartel’s hand went up like a child in a classroom.
“Yes, Bartel?” Aibek nodded to the shy young man.
“Has anyone ever tried it before? How do we
know it’s possible?”
“I have. I’ve ridden on the dragons’ backs three times now. It’s… breathtaking at first, but amazing once you get used to it.”
“How do you hold on?”
Aibek couldn’t tell who had spoken, so he answered to the room. “I’ve held onto their collars, but I’m thinking about having the leather-workers design some sort of reigns, like what horse riders use.”
“Let’s do this! Where do I sign up?” Iemes jumped to his feet.
“Form a line over here if you want to ride the dragons. I’ve got some paper and pens ready.” Aibek stepped over to the tables lining the wall to his left and several others followed.
Those who didn’t have an interest in the dragons helped themselves to the punch and cakes the workers had set up on the other side of the room. In half an hour, the line had dissipated, and Aibek had eighteen names on his paper.
He glanced around the room at the restless mayors. “Let’s take an hour for lunch, and when we return we’ll discuss details of how we’ll train for this battle, both with and without the dragons.”
The luncheon passed in a blur of conversation as all the interested dragon riders surrounded Aibek and asked question after question about the animals, their behaviors, and how to ride them. They hung on Aibek’s every word as he regaled them with the story of his first dragon encounter and how the dragons had gotten him home on the day the villagers had assembled to replace him.
When the allotted time was up, Aibek called the meeting back to order. Everyone filed back to their seats, but one chair remained empty. Aibek searched the mayors’ faces, trying to determine who hadn’t returned. The realization hit him all at once.
The Nivaka Chronicles Boxed Set Page 61