The Heartstone

by Lisa Finnegan

  “The gate can only be opened during an equinox. We have one month to prepare. If we fail you have to wait six months.” He said.

  “I can’t wait that long.” Ariana said.

  “Very well,” he looked gravely at her. “It will be difficult.”

  “What about the ritual?” She asked.

  “It says only that the Seeker must go alone to Heulwen and undergo the trial.” He peered at the scroll’s faded letters, “If the heart is pure, the gate will open.”

  “So now what?” She said.

  “I think I have the solution. In order to open the Gate, you must be initiated as a sage.”

  “Initiated? How?”

  “You must learn the talents of the Rays and undergo purification to give you tools to open Heulwen. It will be difficult.” He said.

  “So what else is new?” She sighed. The next weeks were grueling. She woke at dawn every day. She pored over dusty tomes with Finn the Ban Sage until she could recite the major laws letter perfect. Then she took weaving with Argent the Silver Sage. Only instead of thread they wove light. Conn the Fire Sage worked on riding and battle skills. Jarod’s lessons were a walk in the park compared to Conn’s. He was relentless. Keir the Dubh Sage taught control over the emotions.

  “Right after initiation emotion can overpower you. You must learn to control your thoughts and emotions before you gain the suns’ power. “He said.

  Cava the Donn Sage was the only woman. She taught Ariana how to heal with the Stone. Pwyll the Fann Sage quizzed her on herb lore. Every night Vaeryn showed her how to read the stars. She reveled in all the new knowledge but the pressure built.

  She was afraid to sleep. Nightmares of failure haunted her. She grew haggard. By the end of the second week she grew obsessed with time running out before she was ready. There was so much to learn. Every time she closed her eyes she felt the minutes ticking away as the solstice neared. She’d only have one chance. She picked at her food. Lorena frowned slightly at her.

  “Ariana, you must eat and rest.” Caroc said.

  “I know that.” Ariana said. “But there’s too much to do.”

  “You can’t do anything if you collapse.” He said.

  “You don’t understand.” Ariana said.

  “I do too...” began Caroc.

  “Believe me, I’m alright.” Ariana said.

  “No you’re not. You look awful,” Caroc said.

  Ariana opened her mouth to blast him.

  “Stop Caroc.” Geneth said putting her hand on his arm. He looked at her then back at Ariana. There was the smallest crease of worry between his eyes. “I’m sorry.” He said.

  “Listen, I’m fine. I’m just not hungry.” Ariana said.

  “Do one thing for me.” Geneth said.

  “What?” Ariana looked at her dubiously.

  “Drink this.” Geneth gave her a steaming mug. It smelled awful.

  “No, I don’t need it.” Ariana said.

  “Do it for me.” Geneth said.

  “Please.” Caroc held up a small mirror. Her hair straggled from its braid and her tunic hung on her body. She nodded. She gulped the sleeping draught down. The bitter taste made her gag. But it worked. That night was her first uninterrupted sleep in weeks. She woke with a sense of well being. The doomed feeling had receded for the moment. That morning the Sages assembled to meet her.

  “It is time.” Vaeryn said.

  Ariana nodded. Her stomach knotted. She stood waiting in the center of the plaza as the rising sun crested the mountains. She closed her eyes against the glare. The sages surrounding her began humming, and then the sun speared her with heat. Images flashed though her mind.

  She was the sunlight baking the red sand bringing life to the world. The Heartstone took the power, filling her with light. She flew above the mountains on a ray of sunlight looking down on the Horse Clans. Colored flames of thoughts and emotions boiled up from the plateau.

  Something drew her north. She spied a hidden valley blazing golden in her mind. The Gate Heulwen, blasting with white-hot fire forcing her away. Desire filled her. She had to get to that gate. The heat was honeysweet seductive. She turned back to the gate but her mother barred her way.

  “Not yet dearest. You have to wait.” Julia said. She looked insubstantial. Ariana had to strain to hear her.

  “Mom, where have you been?” Ariana said.

  “The wardens of the second gate are strong. Their flames push me away. I can’t stay. Even this weakens me. Hurry, I can’t rest until the Stone is returned.” Julia said.

  “Let me by. I’ll open it now.” Ariana said. Seeing her mother this way made her burn to open the gate. Julia smiled wearily, almost moved aside. Then paused fearful,”The time is not right. There’s something for you to do first.” Julia said.

  “Do you know how to open the gate?” Ariana said.

  “Look to the east dearest.” She faded away.

  “Mom wait, how do I open it?” Ariana said. Julia was gone.

  Ariana turned east. All she saw was red sand and blue sky. Then she sensed wrongness in the air. She sped east on the sunlight. Tongues of black and red flame prickled along the horizon, Rhysin’s forces. She had to warn the clans. She turned back and spied a flickering flame below her. There was a figure sprawled face down on the sands.

  She couldn’t see features or faces but she saw the flame guttering, mingled green leaves and blue shaded pools. Hope and terror speared her. She had to get back, to warn the clans and save that flickering life.

  Ariana opened her eyes. It was late afternoon. Her mind charted the sun’s course automatically. She tucked that new ability away in her mind. Was she too late? She looked around wildly. The sages were double images to her the physical self and the fires that leapt up behind them. As she watched the flames surged.

  “Control,” Vaeryn said sharply. Dazed she looked at him. Taking a deep breath she calmed her mind. The flames surrounding the Sages faded.

  “Rhysin, he’s coming. I saw him.” She said,

  “What?” Vaeryn said. He touched her arm, his gold fire mingled with her own. Instantly he knew what she’d seen.

  “To the east. Go tell Lyon. We must meet.” Vaeryn said.

  “There’s someone out there. I’ve got to go.”

  “No wait.” Vaeryn said. But she was gone.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Ariana rushed outside looking for Caroc and Geneth. She’d need help. She saw them in the distance and waved them over as she ran to the paddock. She saddled Lua, the strawberry roan Lorena had given her to use. Five minutes later they were mounted and trotting down the winding path to the desert. Ariana chafed at the slow pace. The minute they reached the red sands she urged her mare to gallop. Caroc cursed and took off after the fleeing pair. Geneth cantered after them on her new filly Silvershadow.

  Ariana hoped they weren’t too late. In the distance she saw a body in the sand. She galloped up, pulled the plunging mare to a stop, leaping down and falling to her knees. Frantic she dug through the coarse sand drifted over the unconscious man. Gently she brushed the sand off his back. Dimly she heard pounding hoof beats as her friends reached them. All she saw was the man before her. He lay inert on the hot sands, almost unrecognizable as human. Ariana felt a pain in her heart. She had to make sure. With trembling hands she turned the traveler over. His chestnut hair was matted. His face bloody and swollen but it was Jarod.

  She cradled him against her breast. His face was bristly against her cheek. He was real. He was alive. Light blazed from the Heartstone, blasting the sand and making the horses shy. She searched him for injuries. When she touched his ribs he groaned. His legs and arms seemed unbroken. He was pale, bruised under his eyes and his lips were cracked. There was blood caked down his face from a scalp wound.

  Sobs shuddered through her; a voice babbled in her ears. She rocked, fingers gripping his shoulders keeping him there. The only thing in the world was his face. She kissed his slack lips tasting salt. A gen
tle hand touched her shoulder a soft voice intruded.

  “Ariana?” Geneth said.

  “Leave him alone!” The Heartstone blazed; a wall of white flames encircled them. Ariana grew dizzy for a moment then steadied. Geneth and Caroc leapt back. Ariana ignored them. The fire never wavered. “Don’t touch him. I won’t let you hurt him.”

  “Ariana, stop.” Caroc said.

  “Let us help you.” Geneth said.

  Geneth and Caroc walked steadily closer to the flames. Geneth held out her hand daring Ariana to harm her. Caroc gestured protectively. He let his hand drop. Geneth’s blue eyes were unafraid. The circle of fire winked out. Geneth knelt. Gently they raised Jarod to a sitting position. Caroc bent to help pick Jarod up. Ariana loosened her grip.

  Carefully they put Jarod on Caroc’s horse, Nightshadow. Jarod groaned. Caroc mounted behind Jarod holding him steady. They went as fast as they dared. Ariana seethed at each moment Jarod spent untended. Finally they reached the foot of the mountain. Word was sent ahead and when they reached the plateau Cava and the other Donn Ray healers waited. Vaeryn looked stern.

  “By the Flame, how dare you run off like that? Then you practically blasted all our eardrums.” Vaeryn looked at her keenly.

  “Obviously you can’t hear me right now.” He sighed. His tone was rough but his hands were gentle as he helped lift Jarod from the sweating horse. Ariana hovered watching every move. Geneth and Caroc flanked Ariana. She kept a tight hold on Jarod’s hand. They walked to Tareg’s hall. At the threshold Ariana turned to Geneth and Caroc.

  “I didn’t mean to scare you.” She said.

  “You were frightened.” Geneth said.

  “All is forgiven, go to your man.” Caroc said.

  “You blasted through the spirit fires. You could burn out like that.” Vaeryn said. “If that happens during the opening it’s a disaster. You have the talent but that’s not enough. You must have control too.”

  “I’m sorry.” Ariana said.

  “Stop lecturing. No harm came of it. I would do the same if Tareg lay bloody.” Lorena said bluntly.

  “Thanks, but Vaeryn’s right. I’ve got to control the power all the time. I’m sorry.” Ariana said.

  “We have much to discuss. I’ll see you this eve.” He said.

  “What?” Geneth said.

  “Nonsense,” Lorena said.

  Vaeryn looked at the women barring his path. “I’m not heartless, no matter what you ladies think. See to your young man. But once he’s out of danger I expect even more diligence.”

  Ariana nodded gratefully. “I promise. Thank you.”

  “Go on.” Vaeryn said.

  She rushed down the hall after the healers. Lorena ordered the chamber next door to Ariana’s aired and linens brought. She watched minutely until the room met her precise standards. As soon as the room was ready the healers took over. Ruthlessly they cut away the blood soaked rags covering Jarod and took him to the bathing pools. Ariana bit her lip at how the bones poked through his skin. They dipped him into the frigid plunge pool. Ariana was seized with fear. Why didn’t he wake up?

  After a few seconds they took him and put him in warmer water. They washed his wounds and the pungent smell of the numbing ointment filled the room. The sight of the half-healed wounds covering him made her weep. He looked like a wild animal had savaged him. The healers stitched his scalp wound and bound his broken ribs. As they bound him, he whimpered and tried to curl into a ball.

  Ariana ached. She felt dizzy and sat down suddenly on the cool marble bench. The room swam in front of her eyes. Cava came over and put her hand against Ariana’s forehead. Cool calm energy filled her, her head cleared. The healers were carrying Jarod to the bedchamber. Ariana rose to follow. Cava stopped her. Ariana looked at the older woman. Her motherly face was calm.

  “He’s badly hurt but with care he should recover.” Cava said. “Calm down. Your feelings are shouting all along the flame. Moderate.” Ariana took a deep breath and tried to calm down. She felt Cava helping settle her mind. Now that she was initiated emotion battered her. Calmer she nodded.

  “Better. I know you’re worried but you must control yourself. We won’t let him die. I can’t concentrate on healing when your emotions are so high. It distracts me.”

  “I’m sorry.” If her emotions were hurting Jarod she’d clamp down like a pit bull. “Why won’t he wake up?” Ariana whispered.

  “We dosed him for the pain and gave him a sleeping draught. Sleep is what he needs.”

  “What can I do?” Ariana said.

  “When he wakes give him this for the pain.” She gave Ariana a small bottle. “I’ll check tomorrow morn.”

  “Thanks.” Ariana said.

  Cava left and the room was still. Ariana looked at Jarod. He was bruised and battered. But he was alive. She closed her eyes filled with joy and fear. She tried to calm the thoughts fluttering through her mind like lightning bugs. Geneth and Lorena came in. Geneth hugged her. “How is he?” She asked.

  “Cava said he’d be OK.” Ariana said.

  “Do you need anything my dear?” asked Lorena.

  “No, thanks.” She said.

  “Then we’ll stop pestering you. I’ll look in on you in a little while. Come along Geneth.” Lorena said. They left with many reassurances and caresses. Ariana hardly heard them. She sat next to the bed, watching him sleep.

  He looked older. His mouth was drawn with pain and grief even asleep. She held his hand. It was slack in hers. She studied it, long fingers limp and swollen, nails cracked from clawing through the sands. She remembered them strong on his sword hilt, sure on the reins, gentle on her hair. She kissed his hand. Tears fell on his palm.

  Remembering something Cava had taught her she lay next to him closing her eyes. Immediately she saw a sea of green fire. His injuries appeared as sickly orange sparks. Using the white fire of the Heartstone she eased his pain and tried to extinguish the sparks. The rest was up to him. She couldn’t eradicate the blobs of viscous black intermingled like tar with the pure flames. She isolated the contamination as much as she could. Then it was time to go. She opened her eyes and took her hands away. He seemed to be sleeping more peacefully.

  She kept vigil at his bedside, snatching food and sleep. She watched each breath jealously. Lorena and Geneth came to relieve her but she couldn’t leave. Lorena had her things brought to the sickroom. Through the night she watched. At every groan she was there to sponge his face and give him water. He was delirious, “Rhysin… must warn.” He said. She reassured him he’d warned them but he didn’t hear. On the morning of the second day the fever broke.

  Jarod opened his eyes. “Rhysin, he’s coming.”

  “I know, dearest. They’re preparing for him. It’s OK.” Ariana bent down over him. He looked at her, recognized her.

  “Ariana?” His eyes shone.

  She couldn’t speak.

  “Am I dreaming?” He said.

  “No you’re not. I’m here.” She took his hand gently.

  “You’re real.” He clutched her hand wincing at his broken fingers. “I thought I’d never see you again.”

  “Be careful, don’t hurt yourself.” She said.

  “I’m fine.” He said.

  “You will be. I’m not going to lose you again.” She said.

  “You’re really here?” He said.

  She nodded tears welling. She kissed his hands. Putting her head carefully on the bed near his she kissed his cheek. He was alive. They were together. He touched her face reverently testing her reality. Tears trailed down his cheeks. Gently she wiped them away, her own eyes streaming.

  ”I love you.” She whispered.

  “I love you, too.” He said.

  He kissed her hand. She shivered at the touch of his lips. Then they were frantically kissing, reassuring each other in a frenzy of butterfly touches. The kisses grew more intense. They clung together. A cough came from the doorway. Ariana glanced at the door. Lorena and Geneth stood, flanked
by a servant with a bowl of soup. Rosy-cheeked Ariana beamed at them. Jarod sat up and pulled away still holding her hand.

  “I am Lorena, this is my granddaughter Geneth. You are welcome in the Hall of the Silver Ray. I am glad to see you are feeling better.” Lorena came forward with a gracious gesture.

  Laboriously Jarod sat up despite Ariana’s half uttered protest. “Thank you Milady; I am Jarod of Dun Caer.” He tried to bow despite his bound ribs. “Thank you for your care.”

  “You are most welcome, sir.” Lorena said.

  Jarod turned grave. “I have dire news. The safety of the Horse Clans is at stake. Rhysin is on his way.”

  “Young man, thanks to you we are warned and the clans are preparing. When you are well you can give us more details.” Lorena said.

  “I am well enough now.” Jarod said.

  “Are you certain?” Lorena looked at Ariana.

  “Jarod, you’re too weak. Talk to them tomorrow.”

  Lorena nodded her assent.

  “No, I must warn them.” Jarod said.

  “I’ll bar the door.” Ariana said. “They know he’s coming. What you need to do is get better.”

  Jarod tried to get up.

  “Alright give us till this afternoon. First you need to eat.” Ariana said, “Then you can get up and dressed.”

  “Alright.” Jarod rolled his eyes, smiling.

  “I want you better.” Ariana said.

  “I’ll send a servant to help you. You look to be about the same size as my eldest son. It would honor my house if you would accept our clothing, while your own is mended.”

  “My thanks to you, you can burn the rags.” He hesitated, “Ariana, did you see my…?

  “Your brooch? Yes, it’s right here.” She got up careful not to jostle him and brought it to him. His face eased when she put it in his hand.

  “Thank you.” He said.

  “Come Geneth. Help me find something suitable.” With a searching look at Jarod and a reassuring smile to Ariana, Lorena left.

  “Jarod you can’t possibly be ready to meet them this afternoon. You were delirious for two days.” Ariana said bringing him soup and watching him eat. There was silence while he ate. When he was finished Ariana took the tray away.