by Toni Cox
Still buttoning up her blouse, she took the few steps into the common room and joined her mother by the fireplace.
“Jaik has told me what you are doing.”
There was no accusation in her mother’s voice, only concern. Maia looked down into her cup and watched the steam swirl over the hot liquid within. It was mint tea. Her favourite.
“I don’t know any other way.” Maia sighed and took a sip of her tea.
“Killing is not something you can get used to, Maia, no matter how much you practice it.” Malyn took her hand. “You know death and have accepted it as a natural element within our lives. Even killing animals for food is a natural thing; it is for survival. What you must accept, is that defending the things you love most is also natural. Every living being will defend its family. Have you never watched a mountain cat kill a wolf to defend its cub? Or seen a pair of sparrows drive away the hawk to protect their nest? It is their natural right to protect themselves, just as our warriors protect us if we are attacked. It is necessary for our survival.”
Malyn lifted her hand and tucked a stray strand of hair behind Maia’s ear. “So you see, it is not a matter of desensitising yourself to the killing, but accepting the necessity of it. Don’t make yourself numb, but realise that what you are doing has a place in the natural order of things. You are more than any mother could ever wish for. I am so proud of you and I know you can do this too. You have more strength within you than you know.”
“Mother, I …”
They both looked up as Jaik burst through the door.
“Maia, Mother, come quickly. Father is holding a meeting. The bird from Greystone just arrived.”
Maia gave Malyn a worried look at the urgency in Jaik’s voice.
“Go.” Malyn said, taking the cup from Maia. “I will follow.”
Maia jumped up and ran for the door. Jaik was already running down the steps. She hurried to catch up with him. Her heart raced and she knew it was not from running. Whatever message the bird brought was sure to change their lives in some way. She hoped it was for the better, but had a bad feeling.
They met more people hurrying to the Elder Hall. They ran into Silas by the Tall Steps, joined three Elders as they crossed Willow Walk and were met by four members of the Guard at the Whispering Pines. Together, they finally arrived at the Elder Hall and found it full already. Quickly, they ran down the steps.
Jagaer paced on the speaker’s platform, listening to Jadae read from a tiny scroll. Both were frowning.
“It does not look good,” Jaik whispered before he stepped onto the platform to hear the news from his father.
Maia stood on the bottom tier and watched the scowl on her brother’s face deepen. The burden of premonition lay heavy on her shoulders and she had a terrible urge to turn around and run away. She forced herself to stay, and watched the men on the platform discuss the writing on the tiny scroll until, finally, Jagaer lifted his hand and motioned everyone into silence. Someone coughed, but then everyone was still.
The silence seemed to have an oppressive presence and Maia noticed many a man shooting furtive glances around the assembly. Everyone expected bad news.
“Somas is on his way home. They should be back by this evening.”
The congregation released a collective breath.
“His news is not good.” Jagaer looked down at little paper and took a deep breath. “It reads ‘Prepare yourselves, war is coming, two Moons and two Quarters’.”
A murmur spread through the crowd, getting louder and louder, until Jagaer banged his staff on the floor and silence ruled once more.
“There is no point speculating about the details now. Somas will be here soon enough. We will meet again this evening. You can let your families know, but don’t spread panic.” Jagaer turned and motioned to Jaik. “I would like to meet with the Commanders of the Warrior Houses. Get everyone together and meet me in the Hall of the Guardians in an hour.”
Jaik bowed to his father and then walked up the stairs, the few Guard present following behind. Others also left, even some Elders. Uncertain, Maia stayed for a while, but when her father didn’t even acknowledge her presence, she ascended the steps and walked out.
Once outside, she ran along the high paths, jumping down ladders and leaping across bridges without realising where she was going. Although they had been talking about fighting the Vampyres for a while now, to have it confirmed came as a shock. Why was this happening? Tears stung her eyes and she did not see where she was going. Only when she heard the deep rumbling of Midnight’s warning growl, did she look up.
Sliding to stop, she stood gasping for breath. She stood right on the edge of one of the sheer drops that encircled the city. Only a small path led to this point. It was used as a look out, mostly by the Sentinels. From here, the city was hidden by the canopy, but the plains to the east were stretched out to the horizon, the Oakin River glittering in the morning sun.
Midnight hovered in the air slightly below her, fanning the trees below with the wind from his mighty wings. He rumbled again and Maia realised, because she had been so preoccupied with her own thoughts, she had not heard Midnight’s thoughts. She dropped the invisible barriers and Midnight’s concern immediately assaulted her. She staggered back a few steps, wind-milling her arms to keep her balance.
“Oh,” she gasped.
Midnight replied with a growl and hovered a bit closer. Images of her jumping flashed through her head and without thinking, she took three steps back, crouched and then sprinted forward. At the edge she jumped off at the same time Midnight swooped in and caught her as she started falling.
A nervous laugh escaped her as she grabbed the ridge above his neck and pulled herself into position. She only just avoided impaling herself on one of his spikes. She hooked her lower legs into the two crevasses on either side of Midnight’s neck, securing her position, and then Midnight suddenly dropped. She felt as if her stomach had moved up into her neck and had to hold on with all her might not to lose her leg hold. Then, just as it seemed they would crash into the canopy, Midnight spread his wings and she was pressed down onto his neck as gravity caught hold of her and they glided away over the green expanse.
They flew south for a while, staying over the forest, and Maia shared the news with Midnight. Discussing Somas, and his news, gave them an idea and they turned back to follow the Trade Route instead. The Guard would be on horseback, travelling along the road, instead of through the forest. Maia guessed they would be pushing their horses hard and would be almost half way by now
Maia urged Midnight on and it wasn’t long until he saw them in the distance. It was another few moments before Maia could see them too and not long after that they were flying above them, guiding them home. Maia asked Midnight to scan behind them, but he assured her there was no sign of pursuit.
“Here you go,” Maia whispered as she handed Somas the special tea she had prepared for him.
He looked like he had lost half his body weight in the last three days; his skin was pale and his hands shook. Nevertheless, he insisted of giving his account immediately and had been taken to the Elder Hall the moment they arrived. For an hour, they listened to everything Somas had to tell them and for another hour they debated on a plan of action. By the time they were done, Somas looked like he would collapse.
Maia left to make him his tea and had sent for Galina, his wife, so she could take him home. He would be fine, she knew, he simply needed rest.
Jagaer was still pacing, tracing the path along the lower tier of the hall. Jaik sat on the second tier, surrounded by his Guard, deep in discussion. The Elders, Silas and various others sat dispersed throughout the Elder Hall, going over the new information.
Galina finally came, gave Maia a thankful glance and took Somas home. Maia put the empty cup down and went to join Jaik and the Guard.
“I don’t think we really have any other choice,” Jaik said, his features grave.
Several of the men nodded.
“We should send birds at once. It will take the other clans some time to muster their forces.”
“I agree, Archer. I will bring it up as soon as everyone is here.” Jaik looked up and around the assembled people. “When are the rest getting here?”
“They should be here soon. They are already arriving as we speak.” Aari pointed to the door, just as Malyn, followed by several more people, walked through it. Her face was grim.
“Ah,” Jaik sighed, “now it begins.”
They all rose and took their positions around Jagaer’s seat. This was an official meeting and code would have to be obeyed. The Elders took their official seats along the lower tier, while Malyn, Maia and all high ranking members took their seats along the second tier. Jagaer was still pacing
More people filed in. Maia noticed Aaron take a seat on the third tier. As a member of the clan, he had a right to be here. More people arrived. It was getting crowded. Maia shifted uncomfortably on the bench, her nerves stretched tight.
When everyone had finally settled, Jagaer banged his staff on the floor and a hushed silence fell over the crowd.
“I am sure you have all heard the rumours by now.”
A murmur of acknowledgment went through the crowd.
“Somas has returned and has confirmed that all previous attacks have, indeed, been Vampyre. They have been scouting for a large-scale attack that is to take place at the beginning of Still Moon, just over two Moons hence. They are planning attacks here, at Greystone, in the east at The Wall, to the west at The Temple, the mid sector at The Pyramid and the far south at The Maze. Somas believes their planet is short on resources and they hope to supplement their shortfall from our population.”
Shouts of disbelief rose from the crowd.
“They want our blood,” Malyn whispered next to Maia, who took her hand and held it.
Whispered conversations forced Jagaer to bang his staff again. “Please, everyone, let me continue. “I believe the first thing we need to do, is to notify the other clans. And I mean not just here in Grildor, but all over the globe. We have a very short time to accomplish it, but it needs to be done. We will send birds to all our cities and they in turn can send birds to the outlying towns. We will initiate the Siren. I have already asked the Keepers to uncover the crystals. We hope that within a fortnight the global network of crystals will be linked and we will be able to communicate with the other Keepers.”
Another gasp went through the crowd. The Siren had not been initiated in centuries.
To Maia, the stories about the Siren were more myth than reality. The Siren was a network of crystals that linked all the gates all over the globe. In each case, the town closest to the gate was in charge of these crystals and the people protecting the crystals were called the Keepers. In times of need, Keepers would be able to communicate via the link the crystals established.
It was dangerous working with the crystals. Their energy was powerful. Looking at them for more than a fraction of a moment could blind. The crystals were known to alter the rhythm of the heart, cause shortness of breath, weaken the internal organs and cause people to bleed from the ears. Under normal circumstances, they were covered beneath a special woven cloth that let no light shine through, and locked away within a structure especially built for them.
“Birds will be sent to the other clan leaders tonight. I want them to assemble here as soon as possible for a war council. In the meantime, I want everyone who is willing and able to fight to sign up with the Legion. See Commander Willowbay to enlist. Leoro and his Smiths will continue with the production of shields and weapons and everyone who does not possess their own must make their requirements known, so that additional can be produced. We will hold training workshops every day as of tomorrow. Everyone will be required to attend. Silas will draw up a list of everyone who is unable to fight. Those we will send to Tarron Heights for safety.”
Maia was exhausted by the time the meeting was over. Malyn went home with Jagaer, Jaik had a meeting of the Guard to attend to and Silas wanted to be with Becci; That left her walking alone along the Garland and then up the Wisdom Steps. She did not want to go home. Her parents were sure to speak about the upcoming war. She did not want to go to Silas’ cave either; it would be depressing and lonely. She thought about Midnight and was about to make contact with him when someone touched her on the arm. She had been so deep in thought, the contact startled her.
Without thinking she whirled around, drew her knife and crouched into a defensive position. Something akin to a hiss escaped her lips.
“Whoa, it’s only me,” shouted Aaron, his hands held up defensively.
Maia quickly sheathed her knife. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled, “I didn’t hear you follow me.”
“It’s all right. It was my own fault. I should have known.” Aaron took a step forward and laid his hands on her shoulders.
Wearily she looked up at him.
“Are you all right? You looked upset by the developments tonight.”
Maia hesitated for a moment. She tried to avoid being alone with him, as he still sometimes made her feel uncomfortable with his innuendos and ill-disguised suggestions, but tonight she could really use someone to talk to and she saw only genuine concern in his eyes.
“No,” she said, her eyes already swimming with tears, “I don’t think I am all right.”
Aaron folded her into his arms and held her. She relaxed into him as the tears rolled down her face. His scent - the subtle combination of tarragon and sun-warmed rock - soothed to her raw nerves. He gently rocked her from side to side, all the while humming almost inaudibly. For the first time did she feel completely safe with him and she let him hold her until all her tears had dried up.
Aaron pulled the blanket a higher up over Maia’s shoulder and then rose to go through to the kitchen. He would make tea for when she woke up. As he busied himself with making a fire, he found it increasingly difficult to wipe the smile off his face. It had been a long time since he had been this happy.
In his mind, he replayed the events of last night. Willandor, his neighbour, alerted him to the meeting in the Elder Hall. The man briefly filled him in on why it was being held and, curious as to what was happening in his new home, Aaron decided to go to the meeting. Willandor said, as a member of the clan, he had a right to attend.
What he heard there had not shocked him. By now, he could almost believe anything, but it had worried him. He had accepted and settled into his new life and now it was threatened by yet another alien race. What really worried him, though, was the effect the news had on Maia.
Everyone appeared upset by the news, but there was an infinite sadness in Maia’s eyes that threatened to break his heart. When he noticed she walked away from the meeting alone, he worried even more. She shouldn’t be alone with this. There had been a heart-stopping moment when she turned on him with her knife, but what had come after was the reason for his permanent smile.
He had taken her home, to his house. By now he knew that being alone with Maia was considered inappropriate, but he did not care. He made her tea and they sat on the veranda, talking, until it got too chilly outside. They sat on his bear fur rug in front of the fire, where they talked late into the night. She told him what it meant to be a Life Elemental and how hard it was for her to deal with the fact that her people were threatened. She also told him how hard it was for her to deal with death and how violently she reacted to it. She bared her soul to him and he had never felt this close to her before.
Then he told her how her weakness, for that was what she called it, made her more human, or in her case, elven. He also explained that death was a natural part of life and nothing to fear. He just wanted to make her feel better, but she thought long and deep about what he said and seemed to have found profound meaning in it.
After that, they talked about other, less serious, matters and he believed she had enjoyed herself as much as he had. The kids came home, sat with them for a while, but then, sensing he want
ed to be alone with Maia, they retired to their rooms.
It was long past midnight when she had eventually fallen asleep, curled up on his bear rug. He covered her with a blanket and lain down next to her, savouring her nearness, smelling her scent, but never touching her.
The kettle made a soft whistling sound and he took it off the fire. He dug through the box where Jasmin kept the tea and was happy to find some mint. He knew Maia liked it. He poured the steaming liquid over the leaves and then carried the cup through to the common room.
She was sitting up, putting a log onto the coals from last night and, when she made a quick motion with her hand over the log, it burst into flame immediately. He smiled to himself. She always did little things like this that amazed him. She was completely unaware of it. Just the other day, he watched her as she made her way across the Gathering Grounds. Someone had left a small pot of flowers on the stage and they had wilted. As Maia walked past them, she made a small motion with her hand and almost instantly the flowers came back to life. She had not stopped, nor faltered in her stride and he was sure she had not even noticed that she even did it.
“Good morning,” he said, his voice a little choked with emotion.
Aaron set the cup down in front of her and she smiled up at him. God, she is gorgeous, he thought, and smiled back at her.
“Good morning,” she replied, and picked up the cup to blow on the hot tea.
“I didn’t know if you wanted breakfast. We have a few things here if you are hungry.”
“Thank you, Aaron, but I should be going; there will be a lot to do today. I am sure my parents will also be wondering where I am.”
Aaron watched as she took a sip from the cup. She briefly closed her eyes, savouring the taste, and he thought his heart would burst with the feelings he had for her. The thought of anything happening to her, was torture. He did not want her to go. He didn’t want her to leave his house, didn’t want her to go into battle to defend her people. If she stayed with him, she would be safe. He knew nothing of fighting, or war, and he didn’t think he would stand a chance against a Vampyre with his human speed and reflexes.