She dried off using the still damp blanket. Her nose wrinkled at the slight smell of smoke but it was better than before. With a shrug she wrapped it around herself and gathered her clothes. She ate the last of her foraged food. The sun set, the plains turned dark and the lingering sunset painted the bluffs orange under the indigo sky. It was beautiful but she shivered. No fire tonight, she decided.
She curled up under the blanket and settled down to sleep. It took her a few minutes to get comfortable but she slept deeply with no dreams and woke refreshed. After breakfast and another quick wash in the stream Ariana packed up her camp. It was time. She looked up at the great cliffs looming overhead. She had to find a trail to get up into the mountains. Late that morning she found one. She looked up and sighed. Shifting her makeshift pack into a more comfortable position she started up the trail.
Chapter Eleven
Ariana spit the grit from her mouth, glancing down over her shoulder; the height made her dizzy. She turned her eyes back to the steep sandstone bluff. The horizon narrowed, encompassed by spread fingers searching for crevices above, while toes dug into small crannies that spelled safety. The only sounds were her heart pounding and small gasps when she remembered to breathe.
Her next handhold was above her a little to the left. Slowly she unclenched her fingers from their perch next to her and reached her left hand up. She couldn’t reach. She stretched herself up on tiptoes but it was no use. She had to step up. She carefully braced herself with her hands and felt around with her left foot for a crevice.
Finding one she wedged her foot into it, only then bringing her other foot up to meet it. Breathing heavily she inched her fingers up to the handhold above her and gripping the unyielding rock in her sweaty fingers gained another few inches up. Her arms trembled from the effort and she could feel her toes cramp, sending sharp pain up her calves. She peeled her face from the cold rock. Three feet above slightly to the right was a ledge. If she could reach it, she could rest for a minute.
The strain was wearing on her. If she didn’t rest soon she’d fall. She found a handhold on the right and methodically pulled herself upwards. Torturously she made her way to the ledge. Fingers gripped the ledge and she pushed herself up with the last of the power in her legs.
Gasping she collapsed against the rock wall and curled up on the ledge. She closed her eyes and tried to relax. Cramps ran up her legs and arms, waves of pain spiking in from her fingers and toes. Taking deep breaths she waited for her heartbeat to slow down. After a few minutes she opened her eyes and sat up.
The grassy plains she had crossed were green and peaceful under the afternoon sun. She was at one end of a ledge extending about twenty feet. It was narrow but wide enough to eat and rest on. Taking food from the pack she settled back against the rock face. No one could get her up here. She closed her eyes and let peace overwhelm her. The only sounds were the wind and the faint screech of an eagle.
Pain, exploded through her in a white-hot rictus of agony. Where was it coming from? Her mind burned from the onslaught. Her hands reached for the Heartstone. The pain receded long enough for her to focus. It didn’t feel like an attack. She closed her eyes and tried to analyze the feeling. Agony swept over her. She gritted her teeth. She probed deeper: despair, fear and a bitter sense of guilt and shame. Through the maelstrom she recognized a splintered sense of honor and a warning. It was Jarod.
Then there was only silence. He had called to her, and he was in trouble. Desperate she tried to touch his mind again, but there was no answer. She had to find him. The sun had lowered in the sky while she searched and the long shadows of early afternoon were stretching over the cliff.
He was alive. Laughter burst from her and the salt of tears ran into her open mouth. She took a few deep breaths and tried to calm down. At least, he was alive. She wanted to leap off the mountain and rush to his side. But she couldn’t. The sooner she put the Heartstone in the Web the sooner she could find Jarod. She took a deep breath and tried to stop shaking. Knowing Jarod still lived gave her hope. If they survived, they’d be together.
She repacked and carefully rose. The height made her dizzy for a moment; she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Cautiously she stepped along the ridge, scanning for access to the top. She had gone only a few steps when she saw the fissure. It was barely a cavity in the unbroken gold tooth of the cliff. The crevice started about fifteen feet above her. Stone crumbled from its mouth onto the ledge ending raggedly just beyond the rocks.
Ariana studied the situation. Gingerly she climbed onto the pile of rubble and started up to the cave. She started out slowly but soon abandoned that strategy. The pebbles and dirt were unsteady and slippery under her feet. She kept a steady momentum going, never keeping her weight in one place long enough to slide with the rocks scattering under her boots. She hoped get to the cave before the whole mountain crashed down on her. Finally, in a shower of crumbling rocks and pebbles she reached the mouth of the cave.
It was taller than it had looked from below, twice her height but barely wider than she was. Pebbles littered the entrance and larger stones almost obscured the opening. Spongy green moss covered the rocks. A trickle of water on the floor gave a clue about the cave’s origin. Ariana climbed over the boulders and slipped into the cave. Once inside the light dimmed to nothing except a tiny sliver from the outside. The trickle of water magnified. Small stones pebbled the cave floor and the walls were slick with water.
Ariana went forward, away from the entrance, her hands outstretched along the rough walls. It was pitch black. Small red spots danced in front of Ariana. She felt the walls closing in on her. Her ears roared and her eyes searched for light. Her heart raced. She heard rasping breaths. Grabbing the Heartstone and closed her eyes she conjured light. Welcome light warmed her eyelids as the Heartstone glowed.
She opened her eyes. She was in a narrow corridor. The roof of the cave reached upwards maybe ten feet. It seemed to get lower as the cave went on and Ariana hoped she wouldn’t end up in a dead end. The floor was almost smooth and the cave seemed to go on forever. Her heart was still thudding loudly in her ears and she felt the entire mountain pressing down on her. The rock squeezed the air out of her lungs. She couldn’t breathe. She forced herself to take deep breaths of the stale air and to focus as Cerynus had taught her. When the pressing sensation had passed and she no longer felt faint she started walking.
She concentrated on her footing and finding landmarks but the walls all merged. There were no distinguishing marks. The ceiling grew lower forcing her to bend her head. The quiet heart of the mountain was all around her. The trickling stream was far behind and there was silence. Stillness so profound that she felt her footsteps pattering through the cave were almost an abomination. No living creature had walked here until her feet scuffed the stone floor.
It was unnerving. After a while, Ariana found herself humming, just to bring a little company into the journey. She had just finished one song and was starting another when she heard a sound. Drip, drip, splash; it sounded like water. Ariana walked toward the sound, silent but accompanied by the gentle noise of water.
The passage curved opening into a large chamber and the shore of a subterranean lake. The ceiling of the chamber arched majestically over the dark waters of the lake. Bone white stalactites studded its expanse and water dripped slowly down onto the surface creating ripples. The lake filled the entire chamber. It looked black and cold.
Walls extended down to the water, broken only by four tunnels leading away from the chamber. The tunnels were different colors from different mineral deposits red-orange to the right of her, chalk-white straight across and bright blue to the left. She turned to see what color her tunnel was. It was green lichen and moss spreading out from the dark inner corridor.
The water was clear, and she could see the bottom but only for a few feet before it grew black. A shallow rim extended around the chamber dropping off into deep water. If she hugged the walls she’d be all right. Bu
t first she had to decide which way to go. To her left, the cave was barely a dent in the wall, faintly outlined by vivid blue minerals.
She stepped into the water. It was freezing; she could feel her toes shriveling. Quickly she minced her way to the right toward the nearest tunnel. The rocks were slippery with algae. Her feet were numb when she reached the first tunnel. She stepped out of the water gratefully and looked at the passage. Veins of orange red minerals radiating out from the entrance outlined it, but rubble filled the passageway.
She gritted her teeth and stepped back into the pool. Shivers were rose from her clenched calves. She splashed her way along the slippery rock. The rim ended. She almost stepped off but stopped. The rim had broken off for about three feet, and then resumed. She could probably jump over the gap. She backed up and with a running start she took off. She almost overshot it. The slippery limestone swept her feet out from under her as she landed and she scrabbled to stay upright. She grabbed the rocky ledge to avoid falling into the deeper water.
This tunnel looked more promising chalk deposits and glistening minerals radiated out from the entrance. This tunnel was a lighter color than the previous one and the walls were dry except for periodic dampness trickling down the walls. The floor was not as smooth however. Ariana had to concentrate on keeping her footing. Walking eased the cold that had seeped in from the water. She stopped shivering. Soon she grew warm; she was going uphill and the way was rougher. She’d need to rest soon. The thought of sleeping in the mountain, awakening to absolute blackness scared her. She yearned for fresh air and the sun and moon.
She trudged on. Tired and careless she tripped and fell. She stayed there for a minute; it was nice lying down. No, later she could rest. Wearily she pulled herself upright. She had tripped on a rough step hewn in the floor. She started climbing the stairway. Her eyes were half closed, feet clumsy on the treads. She was so tired. The walls grew lighter and smoother.
When she reached the top of the stairs, the walls were a luminous pearl color. Ahead of her was an archway. The walls were shimmering in the Heartstone’s light. Intricate swirls of silver and blue bordered the archway. She touched them. They were smooth and polished but looked natural not man made. Curious she stepped through the archway.
An immense cavern stretched out before her. A great vaulted ceiling filled with the lacy stonework of stalactites arched overhead. Stairways and doorways studded the walls leading to and from the great central gallery. The floor was a gleaming expanse of smoky marble, dominated by a large circular temple. Two steps led up to the main platform surrounded by marble pillars encircling a large pool. Torches studded the wall. It was deserted.
Cautiously Ariana came down the steps and started toward the altar. She felt heat against her chest and brightness dimmed the torches sending dark shadows streaming across the ceiling. The Heartstone was blazing and lit the cavern like moonlight. The closer she got to the circle the hotter the light burned until it was almost blinding. She was still about ten feet away from the central circle when she heard voices. Ariana froze. Wrestling with the Heartstone’s energy, she quenched the light. The effort left her sweaty and trembling.
A toneless chanting came through the main entrance to the cavern. The flicker of torches was barely visible on the walls of the corridor. Ariana ducked into one of the archways dotting the chamber. These were the first people Ariana had seen in weeks. She drank in every detail.
A procession walked with stately grace into the main chamber. In the front walked a masked woman dressed in a long flowing tunic of white and silver. On her head rested a diadem of silver studded with pearls. In one hand she bore a silver staff crowned by a crescent and in the other a huge pearl.
Behind her were two lines of maidens all dressed in simple white tunics. Their unbound hair flowed down their backs like moonlight. The darkness of the cave leached their pale faces and blanched their pale hair of all color.
The procession reached the altar; the priestess stepped up to the center of the platform followed by two attendants. The remaining acolytes fanned out into a circle linked by silver cords. The song was higher more urgent the purity of the sound shivering through the cavern. The priestess raised the orb overhead and opened it letting some powder fall into the pool. The water turned opaque. Handing the orb to a waiting assistant she took up the wand and plunged the tip into the water.
Silver light crackled and a circular mirror of mist rose from the pool. Ariana saw images flashing across the surface. She thought she saw herself and then caught a glimpse of Jarod. Then it was gone. The mist dispersed. The chanting stopped. The procession left.
Ariana waited until she was alone. Once she was sure, she crept down toward the altar. The need to know about Jarod filled her. She was sure the Heartstone could activate the pool. She had just reached the first step when she saw the flickering torchlight. The main archway framed one of the priestesses. Ariana looked at the pool; the orb was still there. The girl had come back for it. Ariana was trapped.
The girl’s eyes went enormous in her pale face and she screamed, a high pure sound shivering up through the bowels of the mountain.
“I’m not going to hurt you. Please stop.”
But the damage was done. There was a great rustling as priestesses came from every entrance. Silently but with great speed Ariana was surrounded and herded away from the sacred pool. Low murmuring arose as they waited. In a few seconds, the leader of the procession returned. Calmly she glided up to Ariana, standing between her and the pool. The beaten silver feathers of her mask obscured her eyes.
“I am the Rhyanna. You have no reason to fear if you speak the truth. Daughter, what do you do here in Leudwen the gateway of the moon?”
“I am a traveler.”
“From whence? We are alone here.”
“I come from the East.”
Rhyanna’s eyes looked at her behind the eyeholes like lasers. “Why would you profane our holy pool?”
“I’m sorry.”
The priestess waited implacable as stone.
Ariana knew she had to answer with the truth. “I wanted to look for someone. We were separated.”
“Never meddle with things you don’t understand. Still you are welcome as our guest. It is a geas on us never to refuse our hospitality to those who come here. Your name, child?”
“Ariana, Ma’am.”
“You are weary and hungered. We shall talk later, when you are refreshed.”
A gentle gesture and Ariana was escorted silently to a small bedchamber. She knew she was almost a prisoner but she had sensed fairness and justice in Rhyanna. A silver ewer, a basin and a cloth as well as a tray filled with bread, cheese and fruit waited for her. She turned to thank her hosts but they slipped silently out of the room.
Ariana washed her face and hands. The water revived her. She devoured the small loaf of nutty bread and smoky cheese. Licking her fingers to get the last fruit juices off, she fell into bed.
When she woke there was a thick coverlet snug around her. She stretched safe warm and fed for the first time in days. Yawning she opened her eyes. It was a small room, whitewashed stone with no decorations. The only furniture was a stool occupied by one of the handmaids and the bed. The girl rose and came to her bedside.
“May I serve you, Lady?” The girl bowed low keeping her eyes downcast and hands clasped in front. The simple cotton shift flowed down from her narrow shoulders to the floor in a graceful unbroken line. The white skin of the perfect part in her ash blond hair was the only thing Ariana could see. Her voice was so low Ariana strained to hear her.
“What is your name? Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you.”
A small tremor shook the slender frame. Ariana sat up. She was in a simple nightdress not her own shirt and jerkin.
“Where are my clothes?”
Silence, slowly the girl raised her head and looked at Ariana. She had washed off the ceremonial paint and her translucent skin was clear. Frightened pale eyes fixed beseec
hingly on Ariana. A desire to protect this fragile child swept over Ariana.
“I am Geneth. Your clothes are not suitable. They are being washed and mended. You are to wear these. “
Her soft voice begged Ariana not to argue. Geneth held out a simple white robe similar to one she herself wore. Ariana dressed. There was no reason to antagonize anyone. Silently Geneth led her to the Rhyanna’s quarters.
The priestesses’ chamber was larger than Ariana’s but just as simple. There were two rooms an audience chamber and behind that a small bedchamber. The only concession to the cold stone floor was a dark blue carpet patterned with silver threads.
Rhyanna sat on a high backed chair carved simply from a white ash and inlaid with mother of pearl and ivory. The priestess still held her silver staff. She had discarded her mask. It rested on a post over to the side where it watched the proceedings. Silver threaded through the dark hair braided and twisted in a coronet.
Her face was gentle but her dark blue eyes were keen, spirals decorated her forehead. Her silver gown gleamed in the torchlight. She gestured. Ariana came forward and stood before her.
“Now daughter, you have eaten and rested. I would know why you would profane our sanctuary?”
“My Lady Rhyanna, I meant no harm. But I have great need. I am trying to…”
“Wait…what is that you wear about your neck, daughter?”
Ariana hesitated. She looked down. The Heartstone was no longer shielded. She’d been alone so long she’d forgotten to cast the glamour to hide it. She wasn’t sure about this woman, but now she had no choice.
Ariana looked directly at Rhyanna. “It is the Heartstone.”
There was a moment of almost hesitation then the well-trained reserve returned. Rhyanna looked at Ariana silently, her face a shade paler, the pupils of her eyes widening. Gracefully she left her throne and knelt. Rustling, the entire party followed suit prostrating themselves on the ground heads bowed and hands folded over like fallen flowers.
The Heartstone Page 14