The Coming Dawn Trilogy

by Austen Knowles

  In the room was a sink and stained glass tub. “You there, tiny woman,” Cobaaron called. She stopped after a peep at him. “Will you fill the tub with water?”

  Her little shoulders slumped and she ran down the stairs. The doll kicked the wooden tub, and it filled with water.

  “Do you think Ambrosia’s dolls possessed magic because Tyrus made them?”

  “I’m not sure. They probably had protective charms. At least I’d be thinking about protecting you if I made something like that.” Cobaaron watched the tub fill. He put his hand in it, making it warmer. “I’m not as hot after Veair’s other doll charmed me,” Cobaaron said, but his hand still burst into a brilliant flame, brighter than necessary, and he cursed before smothering the flames. “I’m not used to any of this.”

  “Your light is maturing. You’re going through adolescence and you’re a grouch like I was,” Ky teased. She recalled the numerous times she bit his head off over stupid things as her light developed, but so far, he wasn’t as hormonal.

  “I can’t be any worse than I was while poisoned, so you’ll forgive me.” He embraced her, commanding, “Come here.” He hugged her. “I love you.”

  Hearing his confession, Ky swelled with joy. She loved hearing him say those three words, and calling her by her name afterward was sheer bliss. “I love you, too, Cobaaron.”

  There was an odd scratching coming from the hallway. She left Cobaaron, who was hiding from Veair, and investigated. When she opened her door, Ky was shocked to find that Taja found her. “Oh, you are a smart little thing.” When she closed the door, she brought Taja into the bathroom.

  “Good. I mentioned to Veair that if they found her in any of the holes not to cook her because she’s yours. She may snore and be clingy, but she’ll loyally follow you everywhere.” Cobaaron petted her. “Want to see her swim?”

  Cobaaron plopped Taja into the warm water. She rolled onto her back, floating and grooming her soft white fur. “See? She’ll swim for hours, or until it’s too cold and unpleasant. But as I said, they manage.”

  “That is so cute.”

  “It’s amusing.” He quickly lost interest. “I saw my new image. It’s strange seeing my golden skin and the markings. Otherwise, I look the same.”

  “It’s the closest color to flesh I could think of. You wouldn’t have liked to be bright red.”

  “I wouldn’t have liked to be pink, either. That would’ve been emasculating. I’ve never seen a gold Star. I like the shade. It’s different.”

  There was a rap on the door, and Veair called, telling her dinner was ready. He then walked on, and she could hear him announcing the same thing outside Cobaaron’s room.

  Ky silently snickered when Cobaaron held his finger to his lips. He was acting like a rebellious teen. When Veair left, Cobaaron said, “Trust me; Veair is very strict about refraining from intercourse. He would be offended.” He was about to hold her hand, but then drew back before adding, “Let’s go. I’m starving. We’ll bathe together later.”

  They sat around the big metal table with hammered divots that formed the dinner bowl. They rocked on the stools in front of their steaming hot supper. Around a mound of frog legs were yellow boiled tubers, sugarbeads, and bread dipped in broth.

  Smoke wreathed Veair’s head, as he puffed on his hops and razzleberry like an appetizer. The vapors drifted to the domed ceiling and escaped from the open oculus. The rain beat loudly, chilling the room. Ky shone brighter to weather the storm.

  They dipped their hands into the bowl and ate, while Veair held a long stone pipe in his gritted teeth. His pipe took the shape of a long cigarette holder. He kept touching the small bowl of the pipe, igniting the weed, which smoldered more than natural as it burned slowly. “It’s cured in razzle oil,” Veair explained. “I’m not magical. People wonder how I can puff on the same weed for hours.” He puffed his chest out with pride and said, “It’s my oil recipe that’s taken years to perfect, and believe me, it’s perfect!”

  “So, tell me the rumors my brother told you. I’m sure I’ve heard them all before anyway,” Cobaaron said when the meal was over, and they lingered at the table. Cobaaron drank his wine while Veair smoked.

  “He told me that Ky made you do unnatural things. She moves like light, and fights like a warrior. He’s seen her take on three warriors, making them fall asleep with a touch. But most impressively, she’s brought you back to life twice,” Veair replied. “I assured him witches from other worlds are not all evil.”

  “There isn’t magic in any of that. You’re a Star. You know the power of a union and your blood,” Cobaaron said. “Her life depends on my existence. No one knows all the capabilities of Stars, because Stars are rushed into bonding before their limits can be tested.”

  “Well, one of my dolls would have told me if a witch entered my home. They’re good spies.” Veair snarled a bit, as he continued, “Which is why I’ll lock you in your room tonight, Cobaaron.” Veair gloated triumphantly, and then puffed his pipe in reward for his small victory.

  “Go ahead with that,” Cobaaron snapped. Ky glanced at Cobaaron. His maturing light was making him moody; it wasn’t like him to be temperamental or spiteful.

  Veair glanced at him, and then smirked wider. “You’re coming of age, I see.”

  “Yes,” Cobaaron apologized. Then he rocked forward, and helped himself to bread, apparently wanting to keep his mouth preoccupied.

  “Your brother spoke of you having your men take bond partners. I must say, if your men are going to breed like wild animals, they might as well choose just one, but I still do not like the idea. It does seem your partner has had a great influence on you. You look different, act different, and you’re not the same gruff man I knew. If she is a witch, she’s disguised it well. I am not sure I believe a mere woman could change you so drastically.”

  Cobaaron changed the subject. “I’ll be king in the City of Lights. We’re recruiting Stars to travel there. Will you travel with us?” His heart wasn’t fully in the request; he didn’t push to be persuasive.

  “I’m an old man. I don’t have a lot of days left to live. A new Star will be born in my place. My people need me. I alone keep this entire region warm. We don’t live deep in mountains like most people. So, no, I can’t go. You must recruit the next Star who dwells here.” Veair shook his head. The smoke ring detached and rose in a wispy circle.

  “Have you dreamt of your death? Is it that near?”

  “I have. I’m sitting under a caterpillar tree, and my light winks out as I sleep.”

  “That is a good way for a Star to die, or a warrior for that matter,” Cobaaron happily congratulated him as if he would like to pass on in that fashion. “I wish you well then.”

  “In the mean time, I smoke my pipe probably more than I should,” Veair said shamelessly. In fact, he was bragging.

  “Well, as long as we don’t smell it. I wouldn’t appreciate it if you made my partner and our child uncomfortable. I’ll be very upset if she has hallucinations or bad dreams,” Cobaaron snapped in an irritated outburst, and a moment later, he ate more bread.

  “I opened the window. This room is very large and well ventilated. If she doesn’t smell the incense of skunky seeds, then my little wooden doll’s magic is working beautifully. I know my habits aren’t always appreciated.”

  “I don’t smell anything.” Ky touched Cobaaron’s arm soothingly. Both Cobaaron and Veair looked at Ky’s hand. The small gesture irritated Veair to the point that he voiced annoyance at her presence.

  “She belongs with the other women. You shouldn’t have brought her here.” Veair glared at Cobaaron, and he moved his arm away from Ky. “I’m starting to think your brother is right. Witch or not, she has clouded your judgment. You used to be upright. A stern man, but at least you knew women were troublesome. I remember you saying clearly that women were worthless because they couldn’t accomplish the one thing they were born to do: bear children! Now you have a useless woman, who no doubt has b
een with more men than I can count. You used to see breeding for breeding sake as repulsive. Now she’s with child.”

  “This is a topic that I can’t discuss rationally right now.” Cobaaron gripped the table with white knuckles as if he needed to physically restrain himself from doing something rash. “I’ll reprimand her later. Let’s move on.”

  Veair’s delight swelled again when Cobaaron mentioned punishment. He went back to puffing his weed for another small success. “Maybe you should also mention it’s rude to not drink a host’s wine while you’re punishing her.”

  “She’ll drink it,” Cobaaron said through gritted teeth, but he didn’t look to Ky to reinforce it. Instead, he ate more bread.

  “I’m pregnant. Where I come from you shouldn’t drink wine while with child. It’s not...” Ky took a deep breath, completely annoyed and disenchanted with Veair as he glared at her, but instead of droning on about the wine entering her placenta, and harming her small fetus, Ky chose instead to pick up the goblet and pretend to take a long sip. When she put the glass down, she licked her lips, and said, “This is very good wine, Veair. The best I have tasted. Is this your concoction as well?”

  “Yes, and it’s very strong, too,” Veair gloated and then smoked from his pipe. “I make it myself with bee’s honey. I cultivate and raise my own razzleberry, too. It’s surprisingly easy as a Star. I’ve perfected the amount of light my little babies need. The trick is first making long daylight hours, and then cut the light down so the plants’ bud plump. I could show you my nursery if you are interested.”

  Taja scampered to the table, and pawed Ky’s leg. Ky wasn’t sure if it was considered rude to let a rodent sit on her lap so close to the table, so she shooed her away. Cobaaron broke his bread and gave some to Taja. Happy that she had food, Taja scurried from the room.

  “Any other news my brother said that you think is prudent for me to know? So far, you haven’t told me anything new.”

  “He did mention going to the holy lands. He will recruit the Spiran brothers. He left about two weeks ago. I imagine by now, he’s heading to the city. I’ll tell you, too, that the woman who came with him is a model of excellence. She chose to stay in the other city with all the women.”

  “What?” Cobaaron asked, leaning forward once again. “They split up? That is three miles away. Was their bond complete?”

  “It’s hard to say, but I don’t think so. They were rather annoyed at each other actually, because he locked her in the caves while he searched for you. I got the impression he was hoping to leave her here or the next city permanently. Nevertheless, she was happy to uphold our traditions and stayed with the women in the other city. A true model of excellence and purity that woman was.”

  “She’s hardly pure,” Cobaaron growled. “Once again, this is a subject I refuse to discuss. Ky is more wholesome than any woman I’ve met, or I wouldn’t have chosen her. Women who sleep with multitudes of men are repugnant. I’m a Star now, Veair. You know Stars are more protective of their partners than the rest. Don’t trust me not to react to ill-chosen comments about the woman I love. One more nasty comment about her wouldn’t sit well with me. I suggest you tell me what is helpful and then let us retire.”

  “I’m afraid that is all I know. They left on a seladon from our stables. You’re welcome to borrow one as well. They return when released. It would be no inconvenience.”

  “Thank you. I’ll make sure I feed it well.” Cobaaron stood. “We’ll take our leave for the night. Ky?” Cobaaron got her attention. “I’ll see you to your room.”

  “I’ll stay here smoking for at least another hour.” Veair rocked happily on his stool, pleased as if all was right in the world.

  Cobaaron escorted Ky to her room. He kissed her in the hall. “I’m sorry. Veair is an old man, steeped in tradition. Sometimes men give themselves laws they’re incapable of upholding. He’s a lonely old man who has replaced a lover for an addiction to weed. Don’t be angry; pity him. He will die alone under a tree and few people will miss him.” Cobaaron took a long slow breath, and then embraced her. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “You’re not sleeping here?”

  “No. I dislike people thinking ill of you. I’ll sleep with you tomorrow night. It’s only for one night. Ask the doll to fix your silver box so you can attach it to your belt again. I’ll wake you early in the morning. Seladons have soft fatty humps on their backs. We’ll travel far tomorrow to take advantage of the comfort. I’ll find something to shield us from the rain.”

  “I don’t care what Veair thinks. I’ll never see him again. I’ll come into your room.”

  “That would be worse. I’ll see you in the morning when your necklace is bright,” Cobaaron said touching her stone, and then let his hand drop, gently grazing her breast in quiet rebellion. He grinned, knowing what he was doing. “Good night, Ky. I love you.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  The back of a seladon was so comfortable that they rode for three days. The animal resembled a giraffe with ash gray fur; it had humps like a camel, and traveled swiftly. Like a horse, Cobaaron tugged the seladon reins as he followed the map to the hidden city of Contesta.

  They released the beautiful creature on the fourth night when they were approaching the limestone desert. With adequate sleep and a large breakfast the following morning, they set out through the spacious desert. Small pebbles resembling dried corn kernels skipped on the hard-packed earth.

  “What is that?” Ky asked while Taja scurried beside them, sniffing.

  “Jumping beans,” Cobaaron stated. “And don’t eat them, Taja.” Cobaaron carried her so she wouldn’t nibble them. “There are very ugly worms inside those kernels. Don’t open one out of curiosity. It’s a moth egg from an old flower seed off of a Salta tree.” He pointed to a distant brown mountain that seemed out of place in the white flat land. “The trees are there, but these hollow seeds were brought by small birds who decided they’re too tough to crack or too bitter to swallow.”

  “We have jumping beans, too,” Ky said, surprised. “It’s strange that our worlds are so alike sometimes.”

  “Not really. Your dream reflects this world to prepare you for life here. Your dream taught you what you needed to know, including our language, tastes in food, and even knowledge you would need like the hot air balloon. It was Star training, and made you the woman you are today. And look at you! Your belly is showing, which anyone would say is of great value. Your intelligence commands respect. I couldn’t have married a woman that didn’t have the same beliefs as I do about having only one lover. You’re a rarity, which is why I’m so in love with you.” He swept his eyes over her as if she was his cherished possession.

  Ky simpered; hearing him not only say that he loved her but why. Because she returned his affection with equal worship, she quickly told him she loved him, too. His transformation was blatantly noticeable. He said he loved her at least once a day, as if the union seemed to know the perfect amount of affection she wished he’d display.

  “Part of it is that I’m trying, too,” Cobaaron said, obviously reading her mind. “But I’m glad you like it. Saying it actually feels good.”

  They walked hand-in-hand under the bright peach moon, and cloudless sky. They leisurely crossed the limestone and circled the short mountains until they came to the static lands.

  Ferns, tall shrubs, and willows overran the woods. A civilization once lived among the forest, and remnants of the ancient culture lay in the ruins. Several small pyramids were overgrown with shrubs and thick vines. There was broken pottery and hieroglyphs on tall, upright, rectangular stones. The writing revealed the ancient people that emigrated long ago. Ky read the chiseled stone carvings; fascinated by the glimpse of the daily lives of ordinary citizens of an ancient culture. They wrote about simple things like complaining of cost for a daily food ration, droughts, and land squabbles. Ky giggled at the gossip. Who cheated on whom, people that were swindlers, two families feuding over a well filled with
dirt, and individuals the strict king abolished from the city after insulting him.

  Cobaaron read the map, as he led her. He breathed on the magical parchment to expose the ink. Hours later, they arrived at the valley and Cobaaron told her they simply needed to enter the cave where Lu Lush pointed.

  “What do you mean?” Ky asked, seeing nothing but a dark tropical forest.

  “Right there. She’s pointing to a mound. See?” Cobaaron tilted his head, seemingly seeing something she couldn’t. “You can’t see her? The statue is huge.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I see nothing but a valley.”

  Cobaaron stared in wonder. Then he jumped into action, holding out the map. “Hold this and then you might see it.” When Ky held the map, nothing happened. “Blow on it,” Cobaaron suggested, and she followed his advice. Ky blew, and markings appeared. She observed the map that exposed an enormous stone of Lu Lush in the valley. At a glance, she spied several huge rocks in the distance. The formation lined up to form a very pregnant woman; she was pointing directly to a small hill at the bottom of mountainside adjacent to them.

  “Wow. Now that is cool,” Ky breathed; impressed that colossal rock formation could appear by simply reading a map.

  “Well, let’s go. I’m hungry and we’ve been walking all day. We’ll get the sword, and head to the city.”

  “I can’t wait for this to be over. I really can’t.”

  “We’ll celebrate after we have the sword. It’s not over yet, love.”

  Ky followed Cobaaron down an unseen trail, around the invisible rocks, and up the steep mountain of many hills. He stopped at a rock overgrown with hanging ivy. “This is it.” Cobaaron set Taja on the ground telling her that she couldn’t go to the hidden city, and had to wait until they came back. He then walked right through the rock wall.