by Diane Rapp
The horses reeked of fear, no doubt smelling her scent, and balked with flaring nostrils and nervous hooves pawing soft sandstone. The dim-witted men ignored the warning and whipped the horses to force obedience. The party moved under the ledge where she waited, a dark shadow in the eerie light of the bloody moon. The horses arched their necks and strained against the bits, bruising their mouths, but the men spurred them to continue down the hazardous trail.
Felesia heard the thoughts; the cruel men feared the leader of the party more than the spirits in the canyon. After all, Jerrod controlled the devil bird perched on his saddle horn. Even hooded, the bird swiveled its head in their direction as the horsemen secretly made the sign against evil.
Marra heard Arrow’s familiar keen. As she stretched her lithe body along the shadow of the ledge, she felt Felesia’s fear pulse through her chest. Marra knew about fear, having smelled it on the prey she hunted, but the cat hated feeling fear in her own body. Her tongue flicked over long whiskers and the tip of her tail beat against the sandstone.
Jerrod stopped his horse and stroked the feathers of the hawk. He said, “Arrow, do you feel her presence? She’s very close.” The hawk unfurled her wings and flapped, but she couldn’t escape the leather jesses and the snug hood that kept her blind. “I shall tame your mistress like I tamed you. My father won’t enjoy this prize, she’s mine.”
Arrow lashed out blindly with her talons, but he laughed at her feeble effort. Her sorrowful keen echoed through the canyon and Felesia cringed. Marra’s hunter-instinct pushed away Felesia’s fear and concentrated on the horseman. She kept silent, fighting the urge to yowl, intently watching the enemy.
Jerrod slipped the hood off Arrow and said, “Fly to her my pretty! Show me where she is, and I’ll join you both very soon.” Marra bristled, eager to sink her sharp fangs into his soft throat. “Be off! I won’t listen to you shriek any longer.”
He threw her into the air and Arrow flew, hampered only by the leather jesses dangling from her leg. She cried and flew into the night-sky, circling high above the gorge in a familiar hunting pattern. The sweeping wide circles of her flight narrowed until she honed in on her target.
Marra heard the rush of Arrow’s wings and uttered a “Buff” sound, which the hawk recognized as a welcome. Arrow landed on the ledge, folded her wings, and focused her keen eyes on the man below. The tip of Marra’s tail twitched and she crouched, bunching her muscles, ready to spring at the man with the black eyes.
Jerrod stared into the black night. “The girl’s close. I feel her mind but something is wrong.” His horse sidled closer to the shadows, huffing at the scent of predator. A giant cat snarled from an overhang and Jerrod spurred his horse.
Too late, prey!
Marra flew at the man with razor-sharp claws extended. Yowling and hissing, the full impact of her muscular body hit his chest and toppled his body from the horse. The enemy’s mental energy blasted her mind, but the strength of two linked minds absorbed the assault without harm. Marra’s claws slashed through thick leather body armor, and sank her teeth into the soft meat of his throat.
Felesia heard Jerrod’s scream, heard him beg a distant ally for help. The cat-girl tasted hot coppery blood and relished the feral pleasure of her kill. The death-struggle ended as Marra shook the limp body of the enemy.
Arrow took vengeance on the corpse, digging talons into the hated eyes that once held her captive. Dangerous hooves of terrified horses pounded the turf in panic while Marra slipped into the darkness. The other men were unimportant.
She trotted to the river’s edge and waded chest-deep until blood from her kill washed along the shore. She felt triumphant. The evil man was dead, so Felesia was safe. Something evil brushed her mind with cold fingers and she saw a blue haze hover over the place where the dead man lay.
Marra ran as a new fear took root in her mind.
14 ~ ANGELA ESCAPES THE TEMPLE
Angela screamed, “Jarrack insults the high priestess. Tell the son of a mongrel I will not become a bride in his harem!”
The envoy shuddered as the wedding garments sent from Jarrack burst into flames. He dropped the fiery bundle and backed away from the demon priestess.
Angela kicked the smoldering ashes with disgust. “Take care. If you anger the fire gods you might suffer the same penalty. Tell those desert ruffians to leave this mountain unless they wish to burn in our fire pit.” The envoy ran from the chamber while Angela paced the room like a caged cat.
“They’re closing in,” Angela told Claudia. “Time is slipping through my fingers like loose sand. Desert riders roam the city and Beltram hates me. What can I do? I wish Krystal was here to show them real fireworks. My pitiful tricks won’t fool anyone for long.”
Tears spilled from Claudia’s soft brown eyes as she wrapped her arms around Angela’s tense shoulders. “Mandrake should arrive soon. He’ll help get you out of here.”
*****
Four strangers led tired horses into the stables below the fire mountain and paid for a night’s board. No one paid attention to the straggly boys who accompanied the scruffy mountain trapper. The dirty dog at their feet might provoke concern if anyone noticed her blazing golden eyes, since no disguise hid the intensity of a wolf’s gaze. She avoided looking at humans, so no one noticed the dusty creature.
Trenton’s heavy mountain boots clicked against cobblestones as he led the group through the narrow streets of Fire City. Tempting odors assailed their nostrils, and foreign sounds tugged at their curiosity. However, Trenton’s pace did not allow time for examining all the intriguing sights of the mountain stronghold.
He turned a corner and stepped back, slamming his charges into the wall with a heavy arm. A band of desert riders stumbled past, and the reek of stout ale infused the crisp air. Trenton listened intently to the slurred conversation of Jarrack’s men.
“Stay here,” he whispered in a serious tone. They stood in the shadows watching him amble down the lane behind the rowdy group of mercenaries, who disappeared into a tavern. A few minutes later Trenton sauntered back and herded his charges down a narrow alley. He rapped the door and a peephole opened.
“Trenton! Is it really you?”
“No better way to answer the question than to open the door, Claudia.”
She flung the door wide and rustled the motley band out of the cold mountain air into her warm cottage. She hugged Trenton and turned to look at his companions. “Who do you have here?” she asked.
“They’re Krystal’s daughters, Tessa and Lauryn, and their companion Andrew.”
“Sit yourselves down, and I’ll fetch you a bite to eat.” Claudia nodded at the chairs, but Trenton shook his head and started toward the door.
“I’m off to listen to Jarrack’s men chatter while they get drunk.”
“Do you need an extra sword?” Mandrake’s lanky body rose from the large chair nearest the fire.
Trenton grinned. “It’s not a game for a gentleman like you. It takes the manners of a rogue to go unnoticed in a pub.”
“I’ve drunk my share with rowdy company. I’ll not betray you, and if the need arises…” He slid a hilt from its scabbard to reveal a glint of steel. “You never object to the company of my blade.”
Trenton winked. “No and I’ll not turn its company down this time. Andrew, stay with the girls. We’ll be back in a flash.” Trenton slipped out of the door, followed by Mandrake.
Claudia laughed. “Which of you is Andrew?”
“He’s the tall one. I’m Tessa,” she jerked off her cap, releasing her long auburn braid.
The other girl uncovered blond curls. “I’m Lauryn.”
“Your parents and I were shipmates on the Zebulon, so you’re welcome at my hearth.” She stared at the dark animal sitting at Tessa’s feet.
Tessa stroked Amber’s dusty head. “Amber won’t harm you. She’s a bit surly about wearing dirt as a disguise.”
“Is she related to Kriegen? Her eyes are like his, but she
’s got nothing of his size.”
“I know little about Amber, except she’s brave and intelligent,” Tessa replied.
“She doesn’t speak to your mind?” Claudia asked casually.
Puzzled, Tessa glanced at the wolf. “I hear stray thoughts…”
We speak when it is necessary. Tessa stood dumbfounded, having clearly heard Amber’s mental comment.
“Yes, she’s very much like Kriegen. He and Konig stopped here when they needed to meet with Krystal in secret.” Claudia chattered as she delivered plates of steaming meat to everyone including the wolf. “Dig in.”
Tessa ate slowly, keeping her attention riveted on Amber.
Use your ring to increase your powers. Amber’s mental voice spoke clearly in Tessa’s mind. It will help you learn mind-speech. Tessa stared at the wolf with wide eyes. We watched you grow up but kept hidden. Now it’s time to teach you to join power with Lauryn. Together you can defeat Jarrack. Trust us.
Tessa turned to Lauryn. “Can you hear Amber inside your head?”
Lauryn nodded. I practiced speaking mentally with Chella during our trip. You’ll feel comfortable with it soon. We can share everything now.
*****
Trenton and Mandrake slipped into the pub unnoticed, and he admired how Mandrake altered his appearance. His erect stance became a slouch, and his usually brisk walk turned into a slow amble.
“You’ve spent time with barflies before,” Trenton whispered. “Sorry to doubt your skill.”
They settled at a table next to the soldiers to eavesdrop on the boisterous conversation of the cutthroats. Mandrake raised his hand to signal the barkeeper. “Bring us each a tankard of ale, if ye please.” His voice sounded raspy with a sharp mountain accent.
“The fire-witch scared him spitless,” a mercenary growled. “He came out of there with his knees shaking and smoldering rags in place of that elegant bridal dress. I don’t relish kidnapping her from that stronghold, not me.”
“Might not be necessary, I say. Our inside man says she’ll come along meek as you please, just like Krystal did. We’ll ride like the devil to Jarrack’s castle before she wakes and turns us all into cinders.” The men laughed.
“Quiet! This here’s no safe place to talk. It crawls with them fire worshippers.”
“They wouldn’t hear us if you didn’t broadcast the details in a loud tongue,” the first man said. He lifted an empty tankard to order a refill. When the serving girl approached he said, “Hey, lass, how about sitting with us for a spell?” He stroked her shoulder suggestively.
“Company’s not on the menu.” She flicked off the offending hand and filled their cups.
“Come on, girl. We’ll make it worth your while if you know what I mean.” He jingled a bag full of coins.
She sneered. “If I earned my living treating the likes of you to a bit of my stuff, I’d not bother hefting tankards of ale all night! I’m not for sale at any price, mate.”
“We could take what we want for free. Jarrack might enjoy another piece of meat in his harem. Of course, I must check it for tenderness.” He grabbed the front of her dress and ripped it open. “Give us a look.”
The angry barmaid swung a pitcher at his head, kicking and screaming as his friend lifted her off her feet. Trenton shoved his table into the fray and ducked as crockery flew. The barkeeper hefted a club and ran swinging it at the ruffians, while Trenton nudged Mandrake out the door.
Safely back in Claudia’s cottage, Trenton asked, “Jarrack captured Krystal? That wasn’t part of the plan.”
“Krystal got it into her head that she’d be better off inside the castle during the attack. Jarrack threw her into a cell, but the doctor got her out. The whole castle is locked down while they search high and low.”
Trenton nodded. “We heard that someone in the fire mountain plans to drug Angela and give her over to Jarrack’s men.”
“Beltram!” Claudia spat the name. “I guess it’s time to put on a final show for the masses.”
“Make it a good one.”
Claudia bristled. “Have I ever disappointed an audience, Trenton?”
He grinned. “Make your plans, and I’ll make mine. We came here so the girls might get time with their mother before we start to fight.”
Mandrake said, “There’s little time for idle chatter if I don’t miss my guess.”
*****
Claudia’s cheerful laughter rang hollow in Angela’s ear as she draped a robe of shimmering gold over her slim shoulders. Slipping Krystal’s amulet over her head she noticed the necklace felt cool against her white skin. The stone didn’t swirl with color the way it did when Krystal tapped into its power. Angela sighed, unable to dispel a sense of foreboding. For weeks her dreams were filled with omens of evil.
Claudia said, “There’s the bell. It’s time for our final performance.”
“Thanks for helping.” Angela clenched her fists and concentrated to summon strength. She would not expose fear!
As Angela entered the chamber, Beltram stood near the altar with an expression of triumph. He looked poised to strike. Soon the charade would be over and she’d be free of that odious man.
Claudia said, “Don’t drink the potion when he offers it to you. Throw it into the fire and watch for my signal.”
Angela walked confidently toward Beltram with a smile on her lips. He wouldn’t defeat her.
Trenton and Mandrake stood ready to activate hidden equipment. Other collaborators waited in the shadows. Beltram’s voice boomed over the din in the hall. “Servants of the fire, I see a vision.” He held his hands high and the crowd hushed. “The gods are angry and call for a sacrifice from the high priestess. She must enter the fire.” He waved his hand over a golden goblet.
Angela took the cup and turned to the crowd. As she held the cup to her lips, her golden robe swirled and fire rose from the pit to frame her body.
“Enough!” A booming voice echoed through the hall.
A woman’s image appeared, hovering overhead and dressed in black robes. She looked taller than life with an expression of rage on her face. The crowd mumbled as they recognized Krystal.
“I said enough!”
Angela tossed the goblet into the fire, where it exploded in a blinding flash. Beltram cowered before the growing specter of Krystal towering over his head. She turned blazing eyes to the crowd and shouted, “Do you remember none of the lessons I taught you? Do not return to the old ways of human sacrifice!”
The crowd murmured.
“By sacrificing a human life, you commit a mortal sin! Fire is not a god! It’s a tool to be used to the glory of God. Beware of cowards who would turn you into barbarians. Only evil men demand the ritual of blood sacrifice, men who strive for power.”
Krystal’s voice softened. “God’s love is a gift. Fire is a symbol of His cleansing Spirit. Let His fire burn inside your hearts while you seek the truth of His word, not the lies of false prophets. The truth will spread like a wildfire through this land.”
Her voice lowered to a whisper but it filled the silence of the hall like a shout. Hundreds fell to their knees. “Cast down false prophets and rejoice in the love of God. Seek teachers trained in His word; listen to them, and heed their wisdom.”
Beltram exploded with rage, “No! You can’t do this to me! I got rid of you!” He grabbed the sacrificial knife and slashed wildly at Krystal’s image. “I must be the high priest!” The image vanished. Shaking with fury, Beltram thrashed as guards dragged him from the hall screaming.
Trenton and Mandrake guided Angela through a narrow escape passage while blue-robed teachers spread through the bewildered crowd. They spoke in soothing tones and gathered worshipers into groups listening to their instructors. Claudia led her people through twisting tunnels that led to her cottage.
Safely inside the cottage, Angela said, “I was so frightened.” She turned wide eyes on Claudia. “How did you do it? Krystal had real power, but I never realized you could…”
Angela asked, “How can we escape from the city without detection? We’re too visible and Jarrack’s men will track us.”
Trenton produced a pack filled with shabby leather garments. He eyed Angela speculatively. “You need to adopt a disguise. First we’ll cut your red hair and tint your fair skin.”
“What?” Angela clutched her long curls. “I don’t understand.”
Tessa slipped an arm around her shoulder. “Hair grows. Boys, dressed in ragged mountain gear, will pass easier than a girl with glowing red hair.”
Trenton nodded at Tessa. “That’s the reason you must all cut your hair.”
Now Tessa looked dismayed. “I pass for a boy all the time with my hair tucked into a cap.”
Trenton frowned. “It worked because no one challenged you. Do you think Jarrack’s men will hesitate to jerk off your cap? We can’t take the chance.”
Lauryn laughed and grabbed the scissors. “I hate long hair. Mine never behaves properly and takes too long to wash and dry. It’s a champion idea to wear it short.”
“Hair grows,” Tessa said and cut off her braid. She twirled it in the air like a rope, and the girls giggled as they all cut off more hair. Trenton fingered a soft curl and tucked it into his pocket. “Maggie will shout when she sees them,” he murmured.
Mandrake sighed. “I’m sure Krystal won’t be happy either. Their hair better grow fast for our sake.”
*****
Beltram sat in an overstuffed chair scowling at the soldiers outside his door. His servant, Garth, skirted past the guards carrying a trencher of steaming food. Beltram grumbled, “Well that’s better, I thought they planned to starve me.” He gobbled the hot food while Garth glanced at the guards.