The Three Swords (The Ways of Mages)

by Catherine Beery

  “Kadrean is the Healer. I am the Tactician, or so we think. And Razyan is the Wizard.” Said Liam.

  “Oh spirits! We will never hear the end of that one!” Breeya groaned.

  Everyone laughed. “I said the same thing!” Kadrean chuckled.

  “So who are the General and the North’s Sword?” Breeya asked calming herself. Terana felt a brief chill at the ‘North’s Sword’, but it soon fled.

  “No idea.” Liam shrugged.

  “hmm, pity.” Breeya said before giving in to a big yawn.

  “You should get some sleep.” Zeeve told her. “And the wizards will let you, if they have any decency.” He said this, giving Kadrean a look. Terana surmised that if Razyan had been in the room the look would have been directed at him. “You go to sleep, pretty Lady, and I shall guard you from inconsiderate wizards.”

  Kadrean snorted “And who would protect her from you? And besides, little scamp, where did all this wizard hating come from?”

  “Wizard hating? Wizard hating? Why would you say that? I don’t see any wizard hating here.” Zeeve said looking around. Russy barked at him. Zeeve glared at the wolf then sighed putting his hands on his hips. “Shut up, Fluffy Mutt. Admit it. You were worried too.” Russy made a sound between a growl and a groan. “Teh! I know you wanted to bite him. You said so yourself.”

  “What are you two arguing about?” Terana asked. Russy gave Zeeve the equivalent of the raised eyebrow. Terana rolled her eyes. Males

  “It should be obvious. Razyan sent you to touch that stone you had been so terrified of. He said nothing would hurt you, but spirits know that isn’t the truth. You have been out of it all night. Wouldn’t respond to anything. And it was all the Wizard’s fault.”

  “Zeeve, it wasn’t Razyan’s fault. It was mine. If I hadn’t been terrified of the Stone in the first place then I wouldn’t have had to try it the second time.”

  “If it hadn’t been for pigeon boy, you wouldn’t have thought that.”

  “Pigeon?” Breeya asked softly.

  “She asked about it. I was trying to explain in terms she would understand.” Kadrean replied, defending himself.

  Zeeve was about to respond when Terana stood up. “Enough. It doesn’t matter. I’m fine. Breeya is fine. You two can stop fighting like little kids.” Out of the corner of her eye, Terana saw Liam grin.

  Kadrean nodded with a wry grin. “Sorry mom.” He murmured. She raised an eyebrow at him.

  “Anyway,” Zeeve continued as if the whole argument had not happened. “I’ll make sure you sleep without being disturbed.” He said to Breeya.

  Breeya smiled gently and shook her head. “No thank you. I’m wide awake anyway.”

  Kadrean chuckled softly behind his hand. Zeeve glared at him. Kadrean smiled a little too innocently. Terana and Breeya traded a look. Both were amused that grown men, despite their size, could be such boys. Kadrean caught the look and blushed slightly.

  Before more crazy conversations started Razyan walked in. His expression and pale face were enough to dampen the mood. Everyone traded glances, confused as to what was wrong with him. Russy stood up, ignoring the wizard completely. His amber gaze was locked on the doorway. It was not long before a stunning woman walked in. There was no other way to describe her. She had long black hair streaked with gold. She was past her prime but Time had yet to ravish her. She was tall and had the air of power; of knowing how to lead others. She was dressed in well-made traveling clothes. Russy ducked his head when she glanced at him. Her gaze fell on Terana. For a moment, Terana saw the woman’s eyes. They were a stunning blue threaded with pulsing silver. Golden sparks were tucked about the silver threads. For a moment only did their eyes meet because the woman did something that shocked Terana. The woman bowed to Terana. She bowed.

  Two other women followed the strange woman in. They were dressed as she was. One was of a similar age to the first woman, but with golden locks. Her eyes were also silver veined blue. The other was younger with chestnut hair. This third woman glanced at Terana with wide silver veined blue eyes before dropping into a bow. The golden haired woman followed.

  Terana stared at them. She casted an anxious glance to Razyan. His emerald eyes met hers. Why are they bowing? Terana mouthed. Instead of answering, he bowed too! Russy was just staring at the three strange women. Everyone else met Terana’s panicked expression with confused looks.

  “Why are you bowing to me?” She finally asked. “Please get up. Get up. Who are you? What is going on?” Terana asked the woman with the black and golden hair.

  “I am Milisda Salidon. These are my companions; Anaelle Telleon” the golden haired woman bowed. “And this is Tsoya Palmsa.” The brunet nodded. Milisda met Terana’s eyes again. “It is an honor to finally meet you, Your Highness.” She bowed her head in greeting. The other two followed her example.

  “Your Highness?’” Terana echoed.

  “Yes. You are the daughter of our late prince and his wife. Long have we waited for you. Long have we waited for the ancient words of Lorjan Tarol to come true.” The woman bowed again, “You are the Dragon Heir.”

  “Explains how she has marana from a town with little magic.” Razyan observed softly. Milisda looked at him. “Forgive me lady.” He said with a bow. “You have answered a question that has been niggling at me all night. Though another now asks to be solved. How did the Dragon prince end up in Plarn?”

  Milisda’s face closed slightly in thought before she met his gaze again. Eventually she nodded to herself. “You are an interesting man, Razyan. One that our leader feels is trust worthy. I will tell you. We can only guess, that during the night of the attack, Prince Seith created a portal. Somehow, it did not just jump space, it also jumped time. Once there, he created the shield that has hidden that valley till now. The Prophet Lorjan told us long ago that such a shield would appear. Some had started to doubt. But hope was restored when it showed up. We had no idea who the Heir would be, but we knew that he or she had to be there. The shield was a nurture shield, meaning that it faded as the fledgling matured till it was no longer needed.”

  “Fascinating…” Razyan was watching the woman with keen interest.

  “Where did you go? I heard that the dragons all died.” Breeya spoke up.

  “Elsewhere.” Milisda said. She turned back to Terana. “Where we should be going, my Lady.”

  “Hold on, please." Terana said raising her hands. Too much was changing too fast. She had just wanted to explore and find a new life elsewhere. Now they were telling her she was of a magically powerful race? A princess of said magically powerful race?! It was insane. But also, horrifyingly, it wasn’t. She had marana. She was adopted. Maybe it did add up. “Stupid question, maybe, but how do you know it is me? I mean, I’m not in Plarn anymore.”

  Anaelle smiled. “The release of your power. We felt where it came from, lady. And we know it is you because it dances in your eyes.”

  “Sorry?” Terana blinked.

  “Silver veins in your eyes.” Tsoya pointed out. Terana looked to the others.

  “My word. There is silver there.” Kadrean murmured. “I thought it was just a trick of the light.”

  “No trick, Healer. The marana is awake.” Milisda met Terana’s gaze once more. “My lady, you must come home with us. There is much to teach you.”

  “Why can’t you teach me here?”

  “Here is not safe enough.” She replied.

  “Excuse me?” Razyan demanded.

  “No disrespect intended, Wizard, but we have heard rumors that a Cursed has already been here. We may be able to do many things with our magic, but three and a fledgling cannot stave off an attack.”

  “You expect a war?”

  “Not immediately,” Milisda replied. “But soon. Our priority is to bring the Heir back home so she is safe.”

  “Where is ‘home’?” Terana asked.

  “You will see.” Was the very helpful response. Terana narrowed her eyes at Milisda. She then turned
her attention to Anaelle.

  “What sorts of things will I be taught?”

  “Many things. Marjans, healing, your history, and other things.” Anaelle did not disappoint. Terana glanced at Razyan to see his eyes almost glowing with interest. She also saw Breeya step forward.

  “Excuse me,” Breeya said with a slight bow of her blond head. “Dragons are known to be incredible healers. Could you help my brother and the others? They are Cursed, but living in an underground city that keeps them human. They only turn outside. The Cursed you heard about used to be my friend there.” The last was said softly with a slight tremble.

  Anaelle glanced at Milisda, whose face softened. “Child,” Anaelle spoke to Breeya “Where is your brother?”

  “North of here. I can show you…” Breeya trailed off hopefully. Anaelle smiled and nodded. The two women left the room.

  Milisda turned back to Terana. “Now, my Lady, we must leave.”

  Razyan stepped forward. “Would you mind if I and some companions came as well? There is so much history that we have lost. It would be an honor to come and learn.”

  “It is a long distance, Wizard, near Ronair.”

  “That’s fine.” Razyan said with a smile. “I need to go to the capital sometime soon, anyway.”

  Milisda raised an eyebrow. “We will be flying.”

  “Those I have in mind and myself can fly.”

  Milisda rolled her eyes. “Fine. You and a few companions can come.”Razyan grinned.

  “What about us?” Zeeve demanded. "And by us, I mean me."

  “Zeeve, you were part of the companions I was hoping to bring. Kadrean and Liam as well.” Russy barked. “You too.” Razyan said with a nod of his head. He glanced at Milisda. “Since the wolf is Terana’s closest friend, I’m sure a way could be found for him to come also?”

  Terana saw Tsoya smirk before hiding her mouth behind her hand. Milisda snorted. “Of course. A wolf can always be carried. Now all who are coming, you must pack. I want to leave soon.”

  For some reason, something about Milisda’s attitude made Terana want to dig in her heels. Too much of her life seemed to be outside of her control and things just kept happening. Crazy dreams, people telling her she had magic, other people saying she was some Heir out of Prophecy. Why couldn’t she have a short break to just relax? To rest after all the craziness and explore this incredible place? Who knew when she would see it again?

  “Could we please just stay here for a few days?” Terana asked. “I’m sure some things have to be settled. And some of us have been on the road for a long time.” She met Milisda’s gaze. The woman’s face had hardened again.

  “No.” Was the reply. “I have told you that it is too dangerous for you. You are Starfire. The war is told to renew itself again with your arrival. You are the only one said who could stop it. But you are untrained and untried. You need to be brought to a place of safety.” Milisda paused to glance at her younger companion. “Besides, you would never have come here if Tsoya had not missed you when you left your valley.” Tsoya flinched at the reprimand in Milisda’s voice. “Now pack.”

  Anger heated Terana’s blood. The woman had no bend to her. She seemed to think that she could just walk in, claim herself a being of powerful magic (better than thou) and have everyone bow to her wishes. Well, that reminded Terana of a few folks back in Plarn…

  “Milisda Salidon, you just told the girl that she is royalty and here you are ordering her around.” A feminine voice said from the doorway. Jewel raised an eyebrow at the other woman. Terana grinned. Jewel had a very good point.

  Tsoya made a coughing sound at the look on Milisda’s face. Unfortunately Milisda and everyone else in the room knew that the younger woman was laughing. The crinkles around her eyes gave her away. Giving Tsoya a stern look Milisda turned to Jewel. “And who are you?”

  “My name is Jewel. But perhaps you would know me as Chana or Carchanézeil.” Milisda stared at the green eyed woman in shock. Tsoya gasped.

  “It has been a long time since any had heard from you Carcha.” Milisda replied.

  Jewel nodded. “I tend to keep to myself. But times are indeed changing.” She smiled at Terana. “I should have known that you were of dragon blood.”

  Terana blinked. “Why?”

  The smile turned into a grin. Jewel fingered her red hair as she continued. “Your copper hair. Back where I am from only people of dragon decent have red hair. They also typically have some of the strongest magic.”

  Terana glanced at her hair then flicked her gaze between both Milisda and Tsoya. Both of the women were dragons; both they and Razyan had said that they were. Neither had red hair. In the room, only Terana and Jewel did. “Where are you from?” Terana asked.

  Jewel’s eyes darkened as she seemed to gaze into some distant past. It was the big man, Thomas, who answered “Pershara.” Seeing that no one had a clue as to what that meant he added “someplace very far from here.”

  Milisda straightened after her shock and looked Jewel in the eye. “It is an honor to meet you, Carcha. But I must insist that her Highness leaves Razyan’s Keep as soon as possible. It is much too dangerous for her to stay here.”

  “I understand, but perhaps you could have phrased it differently?”

  Milisda shook her head. “It is my duty to protect her. And now that we finally know where she is we must get her from here as soon as possible. Especially after the wave of magic that she released last night. The Sheyestivan’s have surely felt it. They will come soon.” Kadrean, Liam, and Zeeve traded uneasy looks. They had wondered something similar not that long ago. Russy jumped up on the bed next to Terana muttering something about the room becoming far too cramped. The glowing magical bird roosted on her perch without a care in the world. Razyan was listening to the conversation with concern.

  “Then we will make haste.” The Wizard spoke up. He hesitated for a moment before continuing. “Perhaps you should take Terana on ahead. The rest of us will catch up when we can.”

  Milisda smiled. She nodded her thanks to Razyan. “We look forward to your arrival in Ronair. We will have someone looking out for you.”

  “Thank you.” Razyan replied.

  Terana and Russy straightened on the bed. The two friends glanced at each other before turning back to the older people deciding their lives. “Wait.” Terana broke in as Russy barked. Once she was sure she had everyone’s attention Terana continued. “I’m going alone with them?” She asked Razyan. He nodded and Russy made a sound of protest. “What about Russy? Can he come with me at least?” She asked the last of Milisda. Milisda hesitated for a moment before nodding.

  “We will come with you as well.” Jewel announced. Jewel stopped Milisda’s protest with a raised hand. “We can help protect her. I have quite a bit of magic at my disposal. My uncle is a Grimedian Knight, well versed in mundane combat as well as spiritual and magical. Jay Dee is also pretty handy in a fight. So are Captain Willaim and Jingles.”

  “That is all well and good, but we have an issue with transportation. The plan had been to fly. Razyan and his chosen companions could also fly or had access to a ride. Unless your knight can also fly, I do not see how we will be able to travel at a good speed.” Milisda protested.

  “I have a way that is faster than flying.” Jewel replied calmly.

  “Oh?” Milisda asked folding her arms.

  “Transport symbol.”

  “But those are faulty nowadays.” Razyan objected.

  Jewel smiled grimly. “Not mine.” She turned back to Milisda. “Shall we leave in an hour? That will give Terana and my companions time to pack and be on the road to my symbol.”

  “Only if you can vouch for the safety of the symbol.”

  “My companions and I arrived through it yesterday afternoon.”

  Milisda nodded at Jewel’s pronouncement. “Very well. An hour.”

  “Since you are now traveling by symbol, can we come too?” Razyan inquired with a hopeful expression.


  Jewel laughed. “Yes! Yes, you can come.” Razyan grinned and began shooing people to their rooms so they could pack. It was obvious that he was excited about seeing where the dragons lived. Terana wasn’t sure what she felt. She was still leaving the fascinating Razyan’s Keep before she could explore it. She gazed about the halls Russy led her through with longing. What would she give to be given a tour of the beautiful building! At the same time she had felt the urgency in the room. The worry about the Enemy, or the Sheyestivans as Milisda had called them, had been heavy in the room. Curiosity also plagued her. What was a transport symbol and what made them faulty? Why did Jewel’s work anyway?

  It didn’t take Terana long to pack since she hadn’t really unpacked yet. Even if she had, she didn’t have a lot with her. Buttoning up her doe skin bag she stood up and looked about the room. Russy was sprawled on her bed watching her. Terana sighed. “What did I do, Russy, to be caught up in all this? How is it that I am the Dragon Heir? Who would have thought?” Terana swallowed. In a softer tone she continued “how is it that I am the target of the Sheyestivans?”

  “Do you actually want me to answer any of those or do you just want to keep asking?” Russy asked dropping his head to his forepaws.

  “Can you answer any of them?” She asked.

  “No.” He replied before yawning so big his tongue curled.

  “Then why did you say you could?”

  “I did not. I just wasn’t sure if you expected me to or not. Can you answer any of them?”

  “No.” Terana answered looking out the window.

  “Then go with them. The dragons may actually have the answers. Or you will find them on your own.” Russy’s voice continued even though she wasn’t meeting his gaze.

  “Hey,” She said turning toward him again. “I’m getting better at understanding you.” Her wolf brother nodded before closing his eyes. Smiling slightly, Terana sat down next to him and stroked his ears “Was that more wolf wisdom?” She asked.

  “Of course.” he replied. Terana grinned and kept petting him until Kadrean knocked on her door to see if she was ready.