The Coming Dawn Trilogy

by Austen Knowles

  “Huntra? Are you okay, boy?” she whispered when she finally had enough nerve to open her eyes and look around. Huntra was no longer cautious, but he limped and whimpered as he walked. She reached down to pet him, feeling distressed that he was in pain. She was exceedingly thankful Huntra protected her, even risked his life for her. There was no doubt anymore that Huntra thought of only helping her, and not harming her. She trusted the woman who gave Ky her snow tiger, and she was confident in Huntra’s protection. But her heart broke for him.

  Ky wished she had something to give him in return for saving her, now twice, once from the trees and then from a creature in the forest. The men were a long way off, maybe running away from her. That was if they survived the flaming trees. She hoped Cobaaron was okay, but doubted it. The fire didn’t snuff out. He wasn’t invincible no matter how unconquerable; he was still only a man.

  The idea came to her, too late, that she should wish him to change until he couldn’t be burned, but he wouldn’t have survived several minutes in such hot flames. It was too late to save him; he was most likely dead. Ky cried with regret, feeling the loss of someone she cared about. She didn’t realize how much until she felt her heart wrenching and bitter pain. Her light flickered.

  Her arm dangled over the bar as she rested her head on the cold silver, sobbing as she reached for Huntra’s companionship. She petted him because it soothed her, and he liked it, too. “He’s dead Huntra.” She sobbed harder, admitting it aloud. “You’re my only friend now.” She wiped her tears. “Maybe you’re the only friend I’ve had in this world. He wanted to get rid of me. He would have let me wander out of the mountain and get lost. That isn’t a friend, and I thought we were.” She petted Huntra, playing with small tuffs of his fur. It distracted her, helping her not dwell. “It doesn’t matter, though; I’m still heartbroken he’s dead. Maybe you can’t experience an adventure with someone and not be brought closer together because of it. Maybe that is why it hurts so much that he’s gone. I’m sure that is why he is so close with his comrades.”

  She said nothing else, because her flickering light was growing dim. To soothe them, she continued to pet him. They traveled for hours. Ky made an effort to reward Huntra with constant affection, because he was treading the grueling hike along rugged terrain. Hours passed, and she could no longer ignore that she was getting tired and yawning constantly. Yet she petted him; showing him affection was the least she could do.

  Ky sat up when she noticed something, “Huntra, you’re not limping anymore.” She smiled, relieved. “Good boy!”

  Pleased with his progress, she nestled into her seat feeling exhausted. She’d been up so long that it was surely time for sleep. “Now if only this saddle was more comfortable, I could actually sleep.” Ky mumbled as she propped an elbow on a bar so she could rest her chin on her palm, and wondered if she could hold her head up as she slept. Ky lifted her elbow when the seat began to change, shifting into a silver box that completely enclosed her. There was a small rectangular window big enough to peer out of, but no door. There was no floor, only thick, soft tiger’s fur. Huntra’s back was a plush padded mat.

  She smoothed the fur as she stretched out, getting cozy. There was enough room for Ky to lie flat, but she curled into the fetal position, and closed her eyes. Huntra’s gentle rocking as he strolled, put Ky to sleep.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Ky heard the sound of distant talking. At least at first it sounded as if it was coming from far away, but as she gradually awakened, she was increasingly aware of how close the people were. She opened her eyes and bolted upright, looking around. She was no longer in Huntra’s small sleeping compartment, but in a white stone room elaborately decorated with glass figures in every shape and size, some of which were floating midair and most were globes. The bed she sat in was made of long white feathers woven together like a hammock and dangled from the cracking ceiling. Turquoise flowers were sprouting in every crack along the wall, floor, and ceiling.

  She had to be in the City of Sterlings, because Airia mentioned the turquoise flowers. Huntra did it. He brought her safely to the city.

  Huntra, the size of a housecat, was lying on a small patch of grass and tiny turquoise flowers. His paws covered his eyes, and his belly was exposed to the sky. He even snored softly.

  People outside her room were talking loudly. The conversation seemed to be about some sort of sport. Ky struggled out of the wobbly bed. She hit her head on a glass orb floating in midair; the orb shattered on the floor. The two men stopped talking. Huntra startled awake, opened one eye, but didn’t bother to get up from his cozy bed.

  Ky walked over to Huntra, knelt down, and twirled her fingers around his ear. “You did it boy. I’m here at the City of Sterlings.” Ky scratched his belly; he purred, and then rolled into a ball. When he exposed his back to her, it was clear he wanted to sleep. “Alright. Go to sleep. You deserve it. I’ll get you food for when you wake up.”

  Ky opened the door and saw two warriors guarding her room as they stood outside the threshold. “Go tell them she’s awake,” one warrior said to the other.

  Ky questioned the remaining warrior: “What city is this?”

  “City of Sterlings,” he said.

  “Did, um...did any warriors arrive yet?”

  “The warriors are not expected until tonight.”

  “Oh,” she sighed dismally. The men didn’t make it past the trees. “I take it you’re stationed here? Will you always be guarding my door?”

  “Stationed? Only recruits are stationed in cities while they train to be a stud, but they’re part of the labor force. Warriors are stationed only to the leader of his army. No doubt you know the chief.” He smiled, but immediately took back his amused expression.

  “I do. I was with him in the forest when trees started to catch fire.”

  “Oh, popping pines. That would explain their torched clothes, and Cobaaron arriving naked.”

  “He arrived?” She bit her lip to keep from smiling foolishly. She couldn’t believe the news. She was so happy she could have kissed the warrior for saying it. “You told me no warriors arrived.”

  “I said the army isn’t expected until tonight. We got a message that Octavos brings the rest of men here tonight.”

  “Was Cobaaron burnt badly?”

  “He’s fine, my Lady. He arrived a few hours after you. He came to see you. I heard talking. You weren’t aware he came to check on you?”

  Ky had been sleeping, and never heard anyone enter, let alone speak to her. She was relieved to hear he was okay, and thanked the warrior for the information with a pleased smile. She was more than pleased, though.

  “I need someone to feed my cat. I don’t know what they eat,” Ky said. “Who would I ask to make sure he is fed?”

  “I will make sure your cat gets food once Availon gets back. I can’t leave you unprotected. Cobaaron’s orders.”

  “Did Availon go get Cobaaron?”

  “No, Availon is reporting to the members of the council.”

  Minutes later, it wasn’t a council member who knocked on Ky’s door, but a woman who introduced herself as Oella. She was a thin woman, with a long neck and orange eyes. Her white hair was cut in a very short bob with diagonal bangs. She explained to Ky that she was her handmaiden. She cleaned the broken glass by sweeping her hands in midair. Magically, the glass gathered into a pile, and then the woman motioned as if tossing the glass into the air. The shards rose several feet, transformed to snow, and lightly fell as they melted away.

  Another woman came into the room. She had a necklace that wrapped her head like a crown with a single strand of blue sapphires drape down her forehead. A beautiful blue stone pierced her cheekbone like a tear. She brought in an enormous bowl of minced meat, and another full of water. Huntra didn’t move when she placed them in front of him, but chose instead to turn away, wanting to be left alone.

  “This is Colette. She’ll care for your snow tiger,” Oella said and then dismissed
her. “I’m here to get you ready for the day. The council is already meeting so we must hurry.”

  Oella took a glass ball that hovered nearby, pressed a finger into it before water gushed out. She held the trickling spring over Ky, and then cracked the glass open like an egg. Ky was drenched in warm, sweet-smelling water. It dried instantly, and as it evaporated, her hair curled into big locks once again. Any silvery sweat slid off her to the small puddle on the floor. The pool vanished as well.

  Oella took another glass ball and placed it on the tip of her finger before spinning it. She saw Ky’s curious expression when the ball transformed into thousands of blue beads. She explained what she was doing while confessing, “I’m a witch. Don’t worry; I’m not a powerful one. I’m not evil, either. I can make certain objects do things, that is all. I’m best with glass.” Oella made a whipping motion with her hands, and the blue beads began to weave into a dress around Ky’s body. They multiplied as they covered her. “I’ll make you clothes that will withstand your hot light. Once you mature, you will need clothes that will cope. You’ll be warmer then. It wouldn’t take me long now that I have your measurements.” The beads appeared to have liquid inside of them, which constantly swirled. The churning blue liquid disturbed a shimmery silver sheen that never seemed to mix, only move as the two colors stirred.

  Oella touched Ky’s back and the beads fell away, exposing her skin. She then briefly brushed Ky’s arms, and once again beads dropped to the floor. “That is nice,” Oella said, satisfied with the design. Oella blew, and the beads on the floor scattered. They shrunk in size as they rolled away until they disappeared. “Is it acceptable, my Lady?”

  “It is.”

  “Keep this dress. I made it very strong. I dare say the dress will last much longer than even my own life. I never do anything halfway.” Oella lifted her nose, swelling with pride. She then reached for another glass ball, but paused to ask, “Are you hungry?”

  Ky shook her head, declining the need for food. The truth was she was starving. However, she wanted to inspect the food first before professing hunger. She wasn’t sure she wanted to try eating bat or troll or whatever else Oella tried feeding her.

  Oella didn’t protest, instead she happily pressed her to leave. “Good, that will save time. They’re expecting you. I’ll take you to the council chamber.”

  The chamber was a large room with white stone bleachers abutting the lengthy outer walls of the long narrow assembly room. Men dressed in robes filled the long bleachers. There was only one woman, a baby blue Star. There were several Stars, all of them different hues. They were congregated along the bottom row, near a tall, white king’s throne that impressively sat on a platform with several steps.

  Ky was surprised to see Cobaaron sitting in the throne wearing an enormous crown with several large, blue gems. A white fur robe draped across his shoulder, which had deep purple embossing and long blue tassels that hung around his neck. He looked like a king, and Ky thought that it was very possible that the city celebrated him as the reigning ruler. He sat in his chair and watched as Ky took a seat next to all the other Stars. Everyone stared at her.

  Ky gaped at Cobaaron, thankful to see him alive. When they locked eyes, a faint smile grew on her face. But when he didn’t return it, she looked away.

  The ambiance was much different than what she experienced at Gem City. Everyone patiently waited for Cobaaron to say the first word. Unlike Airia and her council, here he was respected and revered.

  “I don’t think it’s necessary to have so many feasts and ceremonies. It will only delay our stay that much longer, and I can’t afford to stay any longer than two days. But most likely we will be gone by morning so we can sweep the forest. I could send Octavos out once again, but they will need a night’s rest. I won’t send Octavos without first asking him. After the disturbance we made reaching your walls, a sweep must be done,” he glanced at Ky and then promptly added, “It is up to Octavos.”

  “Can you postpone sending any men out until after the Arrival Feast?” one of the council members asked behind Ky.

  “No. I cannot,” Cobaaron said.

  “Then we will hold the feast tonight,” another member of the council proposed.

  “She must have a Crowning Ceremony, and a Lighting Ceremony,” one of the male Stars stressed. “It’s tradition. The people would be very upset if we didn’t uphold those traditions.”

  “And her Shooting Star Festival to celebrate her birth, that must be done as well,” the female baby blue Star insisted.

  “Yes, the Lighting Ceremony is too important not to make priority. A newborn Star becoming a new citizen in the City of Sterlings and not have a Lighting Ceremony is unheard of. There will be an outcry from the people,” a councilman stressed, and everyone concurred with a momentary natter of approval.

  “I understand your traditions and I’m not about to break them,” Cobaaron said. “I’m simply saying I will not stay for the events. I leave as soon as possible, as I always have.”

  “But…how can she have a Union Ceremony without your presence?” someone in the back row asked. “Surely once you’ve swept the woods you could come back, my King.”

  “I already told you we’re no longer bound to one another,” Cobaaron said, losing his patience, and then quickly added, “It was accidental that our blood touched. Neither of us wants to be united by force. During our travels, with miles between us, the bond was broken. Once I’m gone she will soon forget me completely.”

  “What about the Telling of the Tales Feast, and the King’s Return Feast? Are we not holding those either?” another man asked.

  “I suggest you choose the ceremony that you feel is most important, and hold that feast tonight,” Cobaaron said.

  “The council would like to address the Union Ceremony one more time, my King,” the female baby blue Star spoke up timidly. “If she’s truly not bonded to you, it’s crucial she marries right away. If you will not have her, another man must be presented to her. Which means a festival must be held in her honor, and then, as tradition, you would be present on that night she meets her suitor, and even give her away to show your blessing. But there are no unbound male Stars, and a mere man may die from such a powerful bond, and dissolve to light. You would stay to make sure he survives, wouldn’t you? At least show your blessing that the accidental bond was nothing and give her away, correct?”

  Cobaaron stood, jumping off the throne. His face was red with anger. “Well, why don’t I give her my blessing now, so you can get on with all your revelries, and let me leave?” he growled as he paced toward the door. He glared at Ky with boiling anger, then as he strode past her, he snarled as he catechized, “Why don’t you just pick someone?”

  The council members exchanged looks of shock once he left. “That isn’t how it’s done, at all.” Then the entire room broke out in hurried whispers.

  Someone stood and abruptly yelled, “Calm down, calm down, everyone. All of the ceremonies will be held, and by tradition. Not to worry, not to worry!”

  “Someone should go after him and persuade him not to leave,” a Star said.

  “Then let it be me. I’ll try my hardest,” a man said.

  “Yes, he seems to like you best,” another man said.

  The man hurried from the room chasing after Cobaaron. The moment he left, everyone sat back in the bleachers. The female Star spoke, addressing Ky directly. “So is it true? Do you no longer feel anything for the king?”

  Ky blinked, shocked by the question. She didn’t think it was any of her business, or anyone else’s in the room, for that matter, especially when Ky herself didn’t know. Cobaaron clearly resented her; he could no longer look at her without anger. A quick search of her feelings made her realize that nothing had changed. She still cared for him. She was exceedingly happy he was alive, though she had no idea how. When he left, Cobaaron would remain her friend, even if the warmth and fondness wasn’t returned.

  The council continued to wait f
or an answer. The only response she could bring herself to say without further humiliation was, “I hardly know.”

  “She must be complacent. That is a good sign,” a Star proclaimed. “They must no longer affect one another. Any feelings she may have had for him would have worn off, and if genuine emotions remain, they will diminish within a few days. But we should test this before we hold a festival in hopes of a new bond. Stars are frail when it comes to feeling. If she feels she is being less than faithful to the king, and feels a great deal more for him than she’s admitting, her betrayal to their union could make her very ill. We shouldn’t risk forcing her to unite until we know for sure how she would cope. ‘I hardly know,’ isn’t exactly a great answer, but she isn’t gushing over him or confessing he’s a great man.”

  Ky looked down to her lap, feeling guilty that she truly believed he was a good man, except he had a nasty temper. Everything else she liked about him. But it didn’t matter. He couldn’t even be in the same room as her without scowling.

  “But she must unite soon. It’s too risky for a Star to go unbound,” another Star insisted. “That is why we have this law. She should be united.”

  “That is easy for you to say, because you came into this world much older. Look how young she is,” the female Star said. Everyone stared at Ky and murmured in agreement. “I’ve never seen a Star so young. We should check the city’s archives before we conclude anything. There could be a warning of young Stars being pressured to bond.”

  “Child, how old are you?” a council member asked.

  “I’m eighteen,” Ky wanted to add she wasn’t a child. However, she didn’t want to marry either, and so she didn’t protest.

  “Eighteen is three years beyond adulthood. This is ridiculous,” a council member argued. “Every Star bonds as soon as possible! Their union is too powerful of magic to go carelessly ignored. Fifteen is of age. She must unite to someone.”

  “Then let that be when she is sure and ready,” another councilman said. “The king may approve of a mate before he leaves, and her new companion will court her until she’s ready. We will help her along to feel comfortable to unite. Three days and most likely she will be bound to the new suitor, unless she is strong willed against it.”