The Quickening

by Antonia Tiranth

  "Phi? Wake up,” I said, rubbing my thumb across her cheekbone.

  Her eyes fluttered open after a moment. “Aer? Is it time?"

  "Yeah,” I said, looking at her with concern. “You were dreaming again, talking in your sleep."

  She stretched her arms above her head before speaking. “Really? I don't remember."

  "I don't believe you,” I said, calling her on this lie. “These dreams are bothering you."

  She sat up, pulling up a knee to rest her arm on it. “I don't think now is the time to talk about it,” she said, softly. “Can we talk about it after we rescue your brother?"

  I frowned at her but nodded and then pointed a finger at her, tapping her nose. “Fine, but as soon as we're safe, you are telling me about these dreams of yours."

  "Sure, promise, cross my heart,” she replied, making an ‘x’ over her heart.

  I looked at her, tugging on a bit of hair that fell in her face. “That's going to get in your way."

  She sighed loudly, blowing the hair out of her face. “Yeah, I know. I don't know why I let Karen talk me into getting it cut this short. I hate it."

  "You never used to let her talk you into things.” Like blind dates. The thought crossed my mind, but I didn't voice it.

  "Oh, hush,” she said, giving me a shove. “Now get out so I can get dressed."

  "You're already dressed."

  She stood, putting her hands on her hips. “You obviously don't watch enough TV. Black, dummy, I need to wear something black."

  I rolled my eyes at her. “And you obviously watch too much TV."

  "Get out, you oaf."

  "All right, all right,” I grumbled, throwing my hands in the air in mock annoyance. How I was in such good mood with my brother captured, the woman I loved risking herself to free him and the wrath of the Council hanging over my head, I didn't really know. But, the fact remained I was happy. Happy for the first time in five years.

  I left the room, closing the door behind me but only partway. I listened for the sound of rustling cloth and then opened it again, treated to the sight of her in her bra. “Are you sure you don't want me to help you pick out something?"

  She let out a cry and picked up a shoe, throwing it in my direction.

  Thankfully, I had quick reflexes and was able to close the door so the footwear thumped harmlessly, but loudly, against it. “Temper, temper,” I scolded playfully.

  "Get out!"

  I decided not to push her anymore and pulled the door completely shut. I went into the kitchen. Opening the fridge, I found some lunchmeat in one of the drawers. I made two sandwiches, one for Phi and one for me. I didn't think it would be a good idea for either of us to eat much. Once she left my sight, my nerves probably wouldn't appreciate a full stomach, and I was sure she wouldn't want to be weighed down by one either.

  I heard her approaching as I made the sandwiches. “Ass."

  "Aww, come on, I was only playing,” I said, offering her one of the sandwiches.

  "Don't make me slug you.” Her cheeks were much redder than the anger in her voice called for.

  What was her problem? I'd walked in on her once in high school when she'd been changing clothes. She had only blushed a little and then laughed. But now...

  I decided it would be better not to ask what the problem was. Maybe I didn't want to know the answer.

  She took the sandwich, and we ate in silence. “Ready?"

  "As I'll ever be.” Her voice was strong, not a quiver of anxiety.

  While I drove she studied the map some more by the light of a flashlight. Too soon we were three blocks from the hideout. I turned to her. “We're here."

  She switched off the flashlight and took a deep breath. “So, once I'm out, do I meet you back here or are you meeting me halfway?"

  "I'll meet you halfway."

  "Right,” she replied with a nod. “Wish me luck."

  "Good luck."

  She got out of the car, closed the door quietly and started in the direction of the house. Quickly, I opened the driver's side door, calling her name.

  She paused, turning to look at me and made a questioning motion.

  I bridged the distance between us in a few quick strides and took her in my arms. “Be careful,” I whispered, bending my head so my lips were close to her ear. The desire to kiss her was riding me hard, but somehow I found the strength to step back and let her move away from me. Disappearing after this would be next to impossible, but it was best for Phi.

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  Chapter 9

  Josephine Erlina Moreau

  The breath of Aer's words, whispered in my ear, sent a shiver up my spine. I hoped he'd kiss me, but he pulled away. I managed not to scream in frustration when he stepped back.

  After Shirak and the other two Rikashi were rescued, I would tell Aer how I really felt. Even if he rejected me, at least I'd know. I'd kept my feelings bottled up for too long. I needed to take the chance, while I still had one. I needed to finally know for sure.

  "I promise, I'll be careful. Keep your ears on, ‘kay?"

  He nodded and I turned away, starting down the street. I tried to keep to the shadows as much as I could. As I approached, I could hear the voices again, whispering in my mind, begging me to come for them, saying that they were ready for something. I tried to ignore them and focus on my mission.

  The street was quiet, everyone home and inside, watching TV or something. The house next door was dark and again came that pull to investigate.

  "Focus, Jo,” I murmured to myself and then pressed the button on the radio. “Aer? Can you hear me?"

  I let go of the button and waited, panic rising when he didn't respond immediately. Had something happened to him? Had Mr. Creepy found him? Then Aerandir's voice sounded from the tiny speaker, and I let out a sigh of relief.

  "I'm going in."

  I approached the window, moving slowly, listening for even the slightest sound. My target was also dark, and I began to wonder if these guys really were as dumb as they seemed. My fingers touched the cool glass of the window and lifted. It opened easily, without any squeak or rattle. Once again I questioned the intelligence of these guys, this time for leaving their window unlocked. Of course, I also questioned my own intelligence for actually breaking in to save a dragon.

  I opened the window enough for me to squeeze through and then pulled myself up on the windowsill and climbed into the house. I crouched, waiting for my eyes to adjust to the darkness inside, then studied my surroundings. There was very little in the way of furniture, which was good, that meant there was less for me to trip on. The house was quiet. A dim light from the hall leaked around the closed door of the room I was in. According to Aer's map, I needed to go to the left once I left this room.

  I moved carefully across the room and cracked the door open to peek into the hall. Halfway down the hall was the door to the basement. I moved with agonizing slowness, setting each foot down slowly, hoping none of these floorboards were squeaky. My luck held and there were no squeaky boards up to the door. I put my ear to it, listening for voices or any other sounds that would indicate there were people downstairs, but there was nothing. I opened the door and winced at the deafening creak from the hinges.

  I froze, waiting for the sound of pounding feet. When they didn't come, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. I opened the door the rest of the way and looked into the basement. The stairs were rickety old wooden ones, and I knew there would be nowhere to hide once I was on them. I took another deep breath and headed down. There was another door at the bottom of the stairs to the left and no sentry I could see hiding in any nook or cranny. Time to see what was behind door number two.

  I paused to listen for signs of life beyond the door and still there was nothing. Now I really was worried, the kind of worry that gnaws at your belly, but I'd come this far, I couldn't turn back now. If I was walking into a trap, it was too late to avoid it. The door opened easily, no squealing
of hinges. Behind the door was the rest of the basement, filled with cages of all sizes; small, like rabbit cages, big like dog kennels. They had bowls and water bottles, but the ones I could see were all empty.

  As far as I could tell, I was the only person down here. I wondered what kind of morons kidnapped dragons then left them unguarded. Still, I moved as slowly and quietly as I could, ready to duck behind a row of cages if I had to. Across the room, I could see a table, one of those shiny, metal tables you see in autopsy rooms on television. My curiosity got the better of me, and I made my way over to investigate.

  I wished I hadn't. There was caked blood on the surface and some wicked looking tools on a tray nearby, their ridged and sharp edges also stained with what had to be blood. I put my hand over my mouth, fighting the rising nausea. Were they experimenting on the Rikashi? I certainly hoped that any beings subjected to those instruments had already been dead.

  I hurried away from the table and continued my search for Shirak and the others. As I walked, I somehow knew I was going in the right direction and getting closer. I finally found them on the other side of the room, near the door that was supposed to lead outside. To my surprise there were not just three Rikashi but four. One was dark purple, Shirak I assumed, and larger than the others. Two were a deep scarlet and the last one a brilliant silver. All four were out cold, but I could see the rise and fall of their sides, indicating that they were at least still alive. I opened Shirak's cage first. His eyes opened briefly and he hissed weakly at me.

  "It's okay. I'm Aer's friend,” I assured him.

  He hissed once more and then his eyes slipped shut.

  I paused, considering how I was going to get all four of these guys out of here. The three little ones would have to be squished in the backpack for a short time, at least until I got to the car, and I'd have to carry Shirak. I opened the cages for the smaller Rikashi and slipped the backpack off my shoulders. “I'm sorry lil guys,” I whispered. “Hope you aren't too territorial or whatever."

  I reached in and picked up one of the red ones, they seemed a touch bigger than the silver so I didn't want to put him or her in first. I tucked Red One in and then reached for Red Two. There wasn't much room left in the bag. I lay Little Silver across the Reds and zipped the bag closed a little, so it wouldn't flop them out on the ground. I thought that might be kinda rude.

  I lifted the backpack carefully and put it on my shoulders. They were a little heavy, but I didn't have to go far. I just prayed I wouldn't have to run with them on my back. They would get bounced around a good deal. I reached for Shirak, pulling him from the cage and draping his long neck over my shoulder.

  "Let's get you guys out of here."

  I did one last check of the other cages and once I was satisfied there were no other Rikashi, I headed for the door. Thankfully it was unlocked, and I didn't have to shift my burdens much to open it. Of course, it was a little odd that the door would be unlocked. This was way too easy. But I couldn't think about that now. I had to focus on getting the Rikashi out and back to Aer.

  Once outside in the cool night air, I made no more attempts at stealth. I needed to get away fast. I hurried around to the front of the house, passing between it and the creepy guy's house. Those voices came back, whispering that they were ready, that it was almost time.

  "Who are you? What is it almost time for?"

  "You know us. It is almost time for our hatching."

  The answer wasn't really an answer. I was still confused, but there was no time to ponder it. Another voice called for my attention, this one coming from my pocket.

  "Phi? Talk to me. What's going on? Are you all right?"

  I shifted Shirak to one arm awkwardly, muttering an apology when his head flopped against my neck, so I could push the button on the radio. “I'm fine, Aer. I'm out and headed your way. Your brother's heavy."

  "Shit, why didn't you say something sooner?"

  "'Cause I got an armful of Rikashi, now stop talking and start driving."

  I hurried down the street, heaving a sigh of relief when I saw my car turning the corner. It was a little difficult to open the door, but I managed and lay Shirak on the backseat. I took the backpack off and slipped into the back seat beside him. “Okay, go!"

  Aerandir needed no prodding, and we were soon speeding back toward my house. “That was way too easy,” I complained as I unpacked Red One, Two and Little Silver.

  "What do you mean?"

  "There was no one there. Just these four."

  "Four?” He tried to look over his shoulder, but I pushed his head forward.

  "Yeah, either Shirak miscounted or another was brought in while he was out. Two reds and a silver."

  It didn't take long for us to get home and get the four inside, lying, hopefully comfortably, on my parents’ bed.

  "You think they're all right?” I asked, looking at them. I didn't see any obvious injuries, so at least I knew it wasn't their blood on that table.

  Aer was looking at each Rikashi with intense scrutiny. “Yeah, I think they will be once whatever drug they are under wears off. These three look too little to have had their first shift."

  "What's that?"

  "We're born in this form. We can't shift until about ten years old."

  "Oh.” The silver one stirred. “Look, Little Silver is waking up."

  Aerandir cocked an eyebrow at me. “Don't let them hear you call them by your little pet names. They sound like names you'd give a dog."

  I punched him in the shoulder. “Shut up."

  The silver lifted her head. Aer gave me a brief lesson on how to tell males from females. The males had ridges along their backs and horns or fan-like appendages on their heads, or bumps where the horns would be if they were too young to have horns. She gazed around the room with golden eyes. When she saw us, she hurried to the other side of the bed and hissed at us.

  "It's all right, little sister,” Aer said softly. “You are safe now."

  "You are certain?"

  "Yeah,” I replied. “I got you out of that place.” Aer was looking at me like I had two heads. “What?"

  "How—how did you understand her?"

  Now I looked at him like he was the one with more than one head. “She spoke loud and clear."

  He looked back at the silver. “Were you transmitting?"

  The silver shook her head, and Aer turned back to me. “She wasn't speaking human language. How did you understand her?"

  "What do you mean she wasn't speaking human language?” I had clearly heard the silver speak and understood. Aer had to be mistaken.

  "She was speaking our language, and you understood her. How?"

  I shook my head, as puzzled as he was. “I just did."

  He continued to study me, and I shifted under his gaze. The silver curled back amongst the others and went back to sleep, laying her head across Shirak's neck. “We should let them sleep,” I said, motioning for Aer to leave the room as I did the same.

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  Chapter 10

  Aerandir Cirdan Gwindor

  I followed Phi out of the room, certain that the Tasartir, a Surion from what she told me, would make sure the two Elessar knew they were safe when they awoke.

  How could Phi have understood draconic? None of the writers of fantasy novels, games or movies had even come close to imagining our language and even if they had, only hardcore fans would learn it and Phi was definitely not what I would call a hardcore fan.

  We reached her room, and I could hold my question no longer. “How did you understand—"

  "I don't know,” she snapped, whirling to face me. “It wasn't like listening to someone speak a foreign language and knowing what they were saying. I didn't know she was speaking anything weird."

  I sat on the edge of the bed, watching her as she paced the room. She seemed to be working through something. Probably trying to figure out the words to say what she was thinking. So, I waited. At last, she stopped, facing me and runni
ng a hand through her hair.

  "I can't say that I'm really shocked. Just like I wasn't totally shocked when you showed me your real form for the first time, and the reason was because I'd already seen it."

  "What do you mean?” Had she seen another Rikashi who had been careless?

  "You wanted to know about my dreams ... my dreams have been about Rikashi."

  That would certainly explain why she hadn't freaked out when I showed her my other forms. She continued on, telling me about the dreams she had been having. I frowned in thought. “They sound like racial memories."

  She sat beside me. “But how could that be? I'm not a Rikashi."

  I shook my head, as confused and baffled as she was. “I have no idea."

  "There's something else too,” she continued and told me about the voices she had heard.

  "When Shirak recovers he can share your thoughts and maybe we can figure out why you are having these dreams and find out what the voices are."

  "They said they were ready to hatch, so could it be some Rikashi?"

  "I honestly don't know, Phi, but we'll figure it out."

  "Yeah, why don't we watch some TV for awhile, I'm completely wired."

  I readily agreed and we went into the living room, settling on the couch and into a companionable silence. After several hours of flipping through stations trying to find something to watch, we settled on an old black and white movie. About a half hour into the movie, Phi slumped against me, her deep, even breathing telling me she had fallen asleep. I moved my arm and she snuggled into me, resting her head on my shoulder.

  A shaking of my shoulder awakening me let me know I'd fallen asleep. I looked up to find blue eyes staring into mine. I was surprised and alarmed at first, but once I realized it was my brother, I calmed. I looked down to see Phi still asleep curled up against my side. “Don't do that!” I whispered angrily, not wanting to wake her.

  Shirak stood before me in his hybrid form, looking stern. “You revealed yourself to a human,” he said, his voice full of condescension.

  Perfect, big brother was going to give his naughty little brother a lecture. “I had no choice,” I replied. “Or would you rather I left you back in that cage?"