The Dawning of Power

by Brian Rathbone

  "I know. I'm sorry," Catrin said, ashamed of her own weakness.

  "You've been through a lot. I suppose it's to be expected, but you're going to have to push yourself. Rest for now. I'm going to climb up and make sure we're going the right way."

  Catrin lost track of how many times they had stopped and how many times Chase had changed their direction after one of his climbs. The jungle looked the same no matter how far they went, and she started to fear they would never get out.

  "We're getting closer. I promise you," Chase said as he climbed back down, but Catrin lacked the energy to respond. Prios moved without complaint. When Catrin rested, he rested, and when she walked, he walked with her. Like a second shadow, he always seemed to be right behind her, and she took comfort from his presence. He was living evidence that she had done something worthwhile, and that knowledge helped to keep her moving. Somewhere, up in the clouds, Catrin imagined Kyrien soaring on the wind, and the image made her smile. That made two good things, and she moved ahead with newfound energy.

  It was Chase who called the next break, and Catrin dropped to the ground, suddenly weary once again. The sun was beginning to sink, and their journey took on a new sense of urgency. Though Chase said they were nearing the boat, Catrin wondered if he was saying that just to keep her moving. At the moment, she no longer cared which it was; all she wanted was to be free of the jungle. The longer she stayed under the canopy of green, the more she felt she would never leave.

  As they cut through a thicket of bramble, though, the landscape changed. Ahead, huge granite boulders, only their tops free of lichen and moss, rose from the jungle floor and blocked the way ahead. Chase climbed up first; struggling to get a solid grip on the slippery surface. He clawed through the soft moss and dug his fingers into hidden cracks. When he reached the top, he secured a rope to a nearby tree and tossed the other end down to Catrin. Even with the rope, the climb was treacherous, and Catrin cried out when she lost her footing. With only the rope holding her, she crashed into side of the rock, slamming her wounded leg into a sharp corner. When she finally reached the top, her leg was soaked in blood; her scabs had been ripped open.

  Prios made the climb without difficulty while Chase bandaged Catrin's leg. She was tempted to heal herself again but feared the consequences. Already the barrier between her conscious and subconscious minds was breaking down, and she did not want to risk damaging it further. Despite her vows, she feared other, unforeseen ramifications. Still, every painful step tempted her.

  Beyond the stones lay a narrow valley that sloped gracefully downward.

  "Now we just need to keep moving lower. Eventually we should find water, and from there we just follow the shore until we find the boat."

  Bolstered by Chase's confidence, Catrin moved as fast as she could, and they started to make what seemed like real progress. The land continued to slope downward, and when the wind shifted, the sound of running water drifted to them. Ahead, the small valley they followed opened into a much larger valley. Beyond one last hill, they found a sheer drop. A few tenacious trees grew from the side of the mountain, but they were widely spaced.

  "I'm going to look for the best way down," Chase said. "Wait here."

  Catrin and Prios found a shady spot and leaned against the spongy moss.

  "I think I see where we left the boat," Chase said when he returned. "There looks to be a way down, but it won't be easy."

  "Let's not waste any time," Catrin said as she stood. "I just want this to be over."

  Chase led them along a meandering path, where they followed a ledge that was, at times, only a hand's width across. Using his knife to create handholds in the soft limestone, Chase did what he could to make the climb easier. There came times, though, when they had no choice but to jump between large rocks and boulders. Chase led the way, and some of the rocks moved when he landed. Catrin could only hope they would stay in place long enough for her and Prios to cross. Each landing brought new levels of pain. Blood seeped through Catrin's bandages, and at times dizziness nearly overcame her. Her vision became cloudy and blurred. Chase allowed her to rest, but the breaks were kept short. Even when they did stop, Catrin found it impossible to relax in such precarious positions.

  When they finally reached the shore, her will was nearly spent. Soaked with sweat, her hair hung down into her eyes, causing them to sting and burn. Her legs trembled with every step, and her breathing was labored.

  Be strong.

  Having Prios behind her, enduring the same trials yet never complaining, helped Catrin to remain focused. She could not fail him now, not when they had come so far.

  "There it is!" Chase shouted, triumphant. Catrin made it to the boat before she collapsed to the ground. Prios helped Chase gather wood for the signal fire. Unable to find much dry kindling, Chase shaved bits of bark into a pile. Prios struck the flint, and each spark was like a ray of hope. When one finally caught and the air filled with smoke, Catrin began to believe they might actually make it.

  As the fire established itself, flames leaped high into the sky, but Chase said it still was not enough. He and Prios gathered as many pine branches as they could find, creating a pile near the fire. When they had what they considered to be enough, they threw it all on top the fire at once. For a moment, it looked as if they had extinguished the fire, but then great billows of smoke began to pour around the pine needles. In a blinding flash, the fire erupted with its full strength. Popping and hissing, it sent flames and burning embers high into the twilight skies.

  "And now," Chase said, "we wait."

  * * *

  "Damage report!" Kenward shouted with the slightest hint of panic in his voice, his knuckles white from clutching the wheel.

  "The hull's not been breached, but they beat joints loose in places. We've got a thousand small leaks," Bryn replied.

  "You're making too much speed for the shape we're in," Nora said. "The Eel will come apart if we keep this up."

  With the wind at his back, Kenward could not resist the speed. He needed to get away from the boiling Gholgi to give his crew time to make repairs. Though none of the beasts had shown themselves, Kenward was now convinced it was the Gholgi they faced. These creatures were clever and strong and, if nothing else, determined.

  "Maintain current speed. Make repairs as best as you can. Keep in mind that we'll most likely get attacked again."

  "Yes, sir," Bryn said before spinning on his heel and running belowdecks.

  "It's your ship," Nora said. "I'm going to supervise the repairs. Send someone for me if you need any advice to ignore."

  Drawing a deep breath, Kenward hoped he was right. All of their lives were at stake, and he had never felt more vulnerable. In all of his close encounters, he had always been confident he would somehow survive, but now he had a sick feeling in his stomach.

  "Smoke, sir! The signal fire's been lit!"

  "Boil me," Kenward said, knowing he needed to make repairs before going back into shallow waters; that was where the Gholgi wanted him. "What am I supposed to do now?"

  "I just saw a bright flash, sir, as if something exploded," the lookout yelled, and an instant later, what sounded like a thunderclap reached them.

  "Set a course for the signal fire!" Kenward yelled, his mind made up. As his gut continued to churn, he wondered if he was taking his final risk.

  * * *

  The attack came swiftly and nearly silently. No smell announced the presence of the Gholgi since the attack came from the water. Charging to shore, nearly a dozen Gholgi attacked. Chase jumped to his feet and ran to meet them, howling. The first Gholgi raised its mighty clawed hand to strike Chase down, and Catrin reacted quicker than she ever had before. In the span of a breath, she drew on the power around her and unleashed it in a single action. A bolt of electric light slammed into the Gholgi, scattering them and leaving some stunned, but others were quick to mount another attack.

  After Catrin's instinctive release of power, she noticed it had very lit
tle backlash. Feeling only slightly drained, she used the new technique to fire off bolts of energy at every approaching Gholgi. Each strike stunned its target, but it was not enough to stop the attack, and more Gholgi were emerging from the water. One terrified glance at the water revealed hundreds of dark shapes moving toward the shallows.

  Concentrating on the two Gholgi that were bearing down on Chase, Catrin pulled Belegra's chunk of dragon ore from her pocket. Drawing on it, her staff, and the air, she prepared to deliver a more powerful blow, but before she released her attack, Prios's voice thundered in her mind: You are not strong enough alone. Use me.

  Like a flash flood, he gave himself to her completely and utterly, and she was overwhelmed by the very essence of him. It took only an instant, but it seemed much longer to Catrin. Praying her momentary hesitation had not cost Chase his life, she attacked. Ropes of fire and lightning raced across the shore and struck thunderous impacts. The shoreline was suddenly littered with smoking Gholgi forms; others had been tossed back into the water.

  Limping, Chase retreated. All was still for a moment, and over Chase's shoulder, Catrin saw the Slippery Eel as she rounded the bend. In the next instant, though, her hopes were dashed. Undaunted, the Gholgi resumed their attack, and now they came in even larger numbers.

  "Stay behind me!" Catrin shouted and no one argued. With Prios still open to her, Catrin allowed both of them to draw from her staff and the oddly disjointed energy of Belegra's dragon ore. As soon as she opened the energy to him, Prios pulled deeply, and she could sense his shock and wonder.

  It's so beautiful.

  Almost drawn in by his fascination, Catrin had to pull herself back to the fight. Gholgi were advancing toward her, and to her horror, the Slippery Eel also seemed to be under attack. With a cry of anguish, she attacked. Again the Gholgi fell before her fury, and again it was not enough. It seemed an endless supply of Gholgi waited for their own chance to attack. When she looked out to the Slippery Eel, her last glimmer of hope began to fade.

  * * *

  Kenward watched as his ship was overwhelmed. Gholgi clung to the Slippery Eel, pulling her lower in the water. Some tried to board the ship, but most seemed content to simply pull the ship under with their sheer weight. One of those bold enough to make the deck had his mother cornered, and he rushed to her aid. The beast turned as he came, screaming, and Kenward thrust his spear into its reptilian eye. Issuing a shrill scream, the Gholgi dropped back over the railing.

  "Go for their eyes!" Kenward shouted, but he knew it would not be enough; there were simply too many.

  * * *

  Swaying on her feet, Catrin prepared to deliver another blast of power. Prios was nearly drained, and she could ask no more of him. Using her energy alone, she cast out a desperate attack. In the momentary pause it created, she watched as the Slippery Eel was slowly and inexorably pulled under water. Gholgi clung to the ship like a writhing mass of ants. The attack on land began again, just as the Slippery Eel's prow dipped below the water.

  Above the roar of the attack, a keening wail could be heard that made every Gholgi take pause. Looking up, Catrin saw a circling cloud of dragons. Calling out in unison, the mighty serpents folded their wings and dived. Many struck the water, full speed, and others pulled up to skim over the shore. In the next instant, the air was filled with activity and the screams of the Gholgi.

  Catrin watched in awe as Kyrien swept down in front of her and cast the Gholgi aside. Using his head and tail, he sent them flying through the air. His brethren continued to strike the water, looking like giant seabirds.

  "Now's our chance," Chase shouted above the din. Prios and Catrin raced to his aid as he began sliding the small boat to the water.

  Kyrien stayed near Catrin and snapped up any Gholgi that came too close. Once they were in the water, though, the situation became even more dire. Dragons continued to crash into the river, only to launch back into the skies a moment later. Tossed by growing waves, Catrin and the others barely held on. When she looked around, Kyrien was nowhere to be found.

  Though progress was slow, the Slippery Eel grew ever closer. The ship was now riding higher in the water, as most of the Gholgi were now fighting for their lives. Catrin, Chase, and Prios rowed as hard as they could and approached the Slippery Eel. Apparently not wanting to waste time retrieving the boat, the crew dropped a boarding net over the side. Catrin leaped to the net first; the others followed. But her leg no longer wanted to hold her weight, and she had difficulty climbing. When Chase reached the deck, he leaned over the gunwale and extended his hand to her. "Grab on, Cat. I'll pull you up!"

  Exhausted, she reached out to him, but before their hands met, a reptilian claw reached from the water and grabbed her legs. Desperate, Chase extended himself further, kept on the ship only by Prios, who grabbed him by the ankles. His hand connected with Catrin's, and she clung to it. With all her strength, she tried to hold on, but slowly she began to slip.

  "No!" Chase screamed. "Don't you dare let go!"

  There was nothing more she could do; she had no strength left, and she felt her fingertips sliding over his, as the Gholgi's grip grew ever tighter. Just as she thought she would succumb, the Gholgi released her and screamed, its lower half engulfed in Kyrien's jaws. After tossing the Gholgi away, Kyrien nudged Catrin from behind, and she let Chase pull her onto the deck. The last thing she saw before she passed out was Kyrien, wheeling in the sky, circling over the ship.

  Chapter 14

  Our weather is controlled by the ocean currents. Should they ever falter, all will lament.

  --Sister Meigan, Cathuran monk

  * * *

  Coming awake with a start, Catrin sat up in her hammock. Her head spinning, she wiped the sweat-soaked hair away from her face. The door opened, and daylight streamed in.

  "It's good to see you awake," Osbourne said as he closed the door. "I brought you some broth."

  "Thank you. How long did I sleep?"

  "Not that long. Since last night. You look horrible."

  "Thanks," Catrin said before sipping the broth.

  "Brother Vaughn wanted me to report back on your condition. You rest."

  The broth was weak, almost tasteless, but it warmed Catrin's belly. After a yawn and stretch, she climbed from the hammock. Her legs were unsteady, and she leaned on the door for a moment before opening it. Cool sea air greeted her, and she breathed in deeply, taking strength from it. The decks were near empty; by the sound of things, most were belowdecks making repairs. Brother Vaughn and Osbourne emerged from the hold and walked toward Catrin as soon as they saw her.

  "Back to bed with you," Brother Vaughn said, holding his ribs and sounding like a scolding father. Osbourne walked with a severe limp.

  "The ship needs repairs, and everyone is needed," Catrin said.

  "You'll be no use to us if you drop from exhaustion, not to mention the loss of blood. Your wounds are healing exceedingly well, but you still need to rest."

  "I will, but first I need to know what dangers we still face."

  "Things have improved a great deal," Brother Vaughn said. "The dragons have driven off the Gholgi, and the crew has been able to make many of the needed repairs. There are men on shore now gathering materials to make additional repairs."

  "The dragons are still here?" Catrin asked.

  "Only your dragon remains," Brother Vaughn said. "He's kept a vigilant watch, and there have been no more attacks."

  "Kyrien? Where is he?" Catrin asked, and Brother Vaughn pointed.

  High above, resting on an outcropping of rock, Kyrien sunned himself. Somehow sensing Catrin's gaze, he extended his serpentine neck and looked back at her. Then he gave a triumphant call. Moments later he leaped from the rocks and soared above the Slippery Eel.

  "You see?" Brother Vaughn said. "We are well protected. Now back in you go."

  Captivated by the sight of Kyrien soaring majestically on the thermals, Catrin was held in thrall, but she allowed Brother Vaughn to escort h
er back to her cabin. Once inside, she realized he was correct about her condition. The short walk left her winded, and she collapsed back into the hammock, her dreams filled with wings and green-flecked, golden eyes.

  * * *

  Master Beron walked in silence, his mind consumed with the dilemma he faced. Master Edling wanted him to convince the others to declare everyone north of the Wall a traitor, but Master Beron disagreed. Only the threat of poison in his food or a knife in the ribs kept him from siding with the others.

  Through the halls of the Masterhouse, he walked, taking corridors he rarely used just to delay his audience with Master Edling. When his legs began to ache and he had still come up with no solutions, he gave up hope. As he walked into Master Edling's apartments, he was a beaten man. "I'm sorry, sir," he said. "I cannot convince the others. They still care for their countrymen, and they fear the wrath of the Herald."

  "I told you I would attend to the Herald myself!"

  "I believe you, but they don't believe me. They cannot understand that you have the power to protect us from her."

  "Come, then," Master Edling said, his robes gliding across the floor as he led Master Beron from his apartments. "I'll show how I will defeat the Herald. Then you can convince the others. If you don't do it, I will. I'm certain it would be better for them if you made them believe. My methods might be slightly less gentle."

  Master Beron cringed. Master Jarvis had always been a good friend to him. He was kind and honest. The same could not be said for Master Edling, but still Beron struggled against his own fears. Should he flee? Should he, too, go north of the Wall? Would they even accept him there? His thoughts were interrupted when Master Edling made an unfamiliar turn. "Isn't this a servant passage?"

  "Keep quiet, or I'll silence you myself."

  Master Beron closed his mouth and allowed Master Edling to lead. After three more turns, which Beron committed to memory, Master Edling stopped. He turned his back to Beron and, in some unseen way, triggered a doorway to open. "Get in there."