The Quickening

by Antonia Tiranth

  "What?"

  "It is Father."

  I leaned forward, looking through the windshield. Both of our parents stood on the front porch, looking worried but not as if they were being forced to do something as I'd first feared. Mom was opening my door even before the car fully stopped, while Dad did the same on Shirak's side. I got out quickly and found myself pulled into her arms. I put my arms around her, and my shirt was immediately soaked by her tears.

  "Mom, come on, don't cry. It's all right. I'm okay."

  "I was so worried about the two of you!” She pulled back and examined me, her hands running over my arms and chest.

  I let her, knowing she needed this. Seemingly reassured, she kissed my cheek before hurrying around to embrace my brother, repeating the process with him. Dad came over to hug me too. He wasn't one to cry, but I could tell in the stiffness of his muscles that he too had been worried.

  "Come inside and you can tell us what you know,” he said.

  I stared at him. “You mean ... you don't know what's going on?"

  He shook his head. “No, only that Rikashi all over are disappearing, including some of the Council."

  Oh boy, this should be an interesting meeting. “How many Rikashi are hiding here?"

  "About thirty. Mostly Gwindor, a few Surion and Carnesir.” He stopped, looking into the car. “You have your friend with you?"

  I bent down and smiled at Phi. “It's safe."

  She gave me a suspicious look. I didn't blame her. The last two days had done nothing to encourage instant trust of strangers. She sighed heavily and tried to get Leena to go back into the backpack.

  The dragon hatchling had a mind of her own, and refused to go into the bag. She hopped onto Phi's shoulders and wrapped her tail around her human mother's arm. Phi sighed, opened the door and stepped out to face my parents. I heard their gasps. They knew the dragonet draped across her shoulders was no Rikashi and as far as they knew Phi wasn't either.

  "What is the meaning of this? A human holding a Great Dragon?” My father spoke in draconic, obviously thinking Phi couldn't understand him. I thought about telling him that Phi could understand, but I decided to let him find out for himself.

  "It is part of what we need to discuss,” I replied, also speaking draconic.

  Shirak stepped in. “Mother, Father, please, let us go inside, and we can explain in a more private setting."

  Phi didn't disappoint me. She came around to our side of the car and folded her arms, glaring at my parents. From her perch on Phi's shoulder Leena hissed, echoing her mood. Phi met my father's eyes, with all the fire and determination I loved about her. “You don't know this, but I can understand every word you say. Do not talk about me like I'm not even here."

  I bit back a laugh at my parents’ expressions. Mom's eyebrows flew upward beneath her bangs, and her jaw dropped. As funny as her reaction was Dad's was better. He fish-mouthed for several minutes, unable to form words. Finally he managed to squeak out, “How can you..."

  "As Aer and Shir said, we have a lot to discuss, and it needs to be discussed in private.” She stressed the last word. “One more thing, having all these Rikashi in one place is so not a good idea."

  My dad turned disapproving eyes on me and Shirak then returned his attention to Phi. I could tell he was about to lay into her when my mother stepped in smoothly, putting a hand on his arm.

  "Let's do as they suggest, darling. Inside we can bring all the others in and discuss it one time instead of a hundred times. Besides, our sons are correct, this is not the place to have this conversation."

  His mouth snapped shut and he turned on his heel, walking stiffly up the stairs and into the mansion. Yup, he was pissed. I had a feeling when we had this discussion he was going to be furious. Lucky me.

  Mom turned to me. “There had better be a very good explanation for this,” she said, motioning toward Phi and Leena, “Aerandir Cirdan."

  I swallowed at the use of my full name. It took me back to when I was a hatchling and had broken her favorite vase. Even knowing I was justified in my actions, the child in me cringed.

  I swept my arm in front of me, allowing Phi to proceed me. She rolled her eyes at me but Leena's soft trill told me she wasn't upset. On the ride, it had become apparent that the dragonet responded to Phi's emotions and she to Leena's.

  Servants shut the mansion doors behind us, and we were led down a maze of hallways into a huge ballroom.

  "Wait here,” Dad ordered. “I'll get the others."

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  Chapter 17

  Josephine Erlina Moreau

  I stood between Aer and Shirak in the huge room, which I guessed to be a ballroom. The floors were inlaid wood, the real stuff. Paneling went halfway up the walls and the other half was ancient wallpaper and ornate mirrors. We were waiting for their dad to come back with the other Rikashi.

  I'd never had a problem with public speaking, but since I was part of the “news” I found myself a little nervous. Leena rubbed her triangular head against my cheek.

  "Why won't you talk to any of them?” I knew she could communicate in draconic, she'd scolded Aer a couple times on the ride here for trying to tell her what to do, but since we'd arrived at the mansion she'd been silent.

  She sniffed and dug her claws into my shoulder. “I just don't feel like it. They had mean thoughts about you, and I didn't like it."

  I laughed softly. Leena was definitely a leader and her information confirmed Shirak's prediction of her being a silver. Aer's mother looked at me suspiciously, and I cleared my throat, then pretended to look around the room. “So, who's doing the talking for this?"

  Aer considered it for a moment and then nodded at me. “I think you should."

  I grumbled, but he was probably right, I was the one who'd found out what little we knew. Maybe these Rikashi could fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle. We didn't have to wait long before Aer's father returned, and behind him was a line of Rikashi that seemed to never end. Pretty soon the room was filled with dragon shifters and the dull roar of many conversations. Aer's father came over to stand beside us, and he let out a loud whistle. Conversations ceased and all eyes were on us.

  "As you know, I have been searching for my sons for some time. They returned to us today and say they have some information.” He turned to us. “Go ahead."

  I looked at Aer and Shirak. Aer nudged me forward and Shirak nodded. I stood there, looking out at the sea of strange faces. Some of the Rikashi were in hybrid form, and wings of all colors were visible in different locations. I swallowed past the lump rising in my throat and gave myself a mental pep talk. I could do this.

  "My name is Josephine and this...” I held my arm out and Leena walked down it, her wings outspread, balancing herself on my hand, “is Leena."

  Several gasps rose from the group and murmuring rippled through the gathered Rikashi. I nodded. “Yes, she is a Great Dragon. She hatched this morning from an egg I stole from the Rikashi responsible for the—"

  "Are you saying a Rikashi is killing his own people? And who the hell are you anyway? Why does this human know of us?” Someone in the back of the room spoke up and the room erupted into angry shouts.

  I started to snap a reply but Leena glided to Aer, put her claws on his head, then threw back her neck and let out an angry call. When the cacophony of voices quieted, she finally spoke. “Rikashi fools! You will be silent and listen to what Mother has to say!"

  Her call had an immediate effect on the Rikashi. The room fell into silence.

  I cleared my throat. “Thank you, Leena. Now, as I was saying ... a Rikashi by the name of Maedhros is responsible. I don't know exactly what his deal is. Maybe one of you might have some information to that end, but he's crazy as a loon and pissed. Leena came from one of the eggs. I'm not sure exactly how many more he has."

  Murmuring rippled through the room again but did not erupt into the angry shouting. Aer's father stepped forward. “And exactly how d
id you learn of us, Josephine?"

  I licked my lips. I guess technically my dreams were how I learned of them, but if Aer hadn't revealed himself, I never would have thought they were anything more than dreams. I had a feeling they weren't going to like this part. “Aer asked me for help rescuing Shirak."

  "But...” Aer stepped forward at the disapproving look on his father's face. “Phi is not exactly human."

  "And that means?"

  "That means, that I am part Rikashi."

  When Shirak shared my thoughts, I'd felt this pressure in my head. Now that pressure was back, only this time it was multiplied. The room began to spin. I couldn't breathe. I staggered, putting a hand out as that creeping blackness of passing out over came me.

  "Aer?” I heard my own voice call shakily as my vision was blotted out by dark spots.

  My last thought as I fell was that I hoped I didn't fall on Leena.

  * * * *

  I sat among the others of the Council, hands folded in my lap. Around me I could hear the frightened whispers, the strangled sobs and angry shouts as the remaining Rikashi debated what to do. In other parts of the world, other Rikashi were gathered like this, connected through the Council and the Tasartir leaders there.

  I felt a hand on my shoulder. The Head of the Council smiled at me. How could they forgive what I had done?

  "Fear not, child,” he whispered, his voice deep and wise with age. “We will use your experience not condemn you for it."

  I wiped at a tear rolling down my cheek. “I do not deserve your kindness."

  He patted my cheek and called the meeting to order. I barely listened as the rules were proposed and agreed upon. My worry was only for the life growing in my belly. No Rikashi-human offspring had survived for many winters, according to what the Elders had said. What would my child look like? Would she have the powers of a Rikashi? Or would she be powerless?

  I put a hand on my stomach, feeling the child within move. “Don't worry, little one. I won't let anyone harm you or take you away from me,” I whispered in promise.

  * * * *

  I was warm, warm and lying on something amazingly soft. Gentle fingers massaged my temples, the last of the headache disappearing under their circular motions. I was so comfortable I almost didn't want to open my eyes. Then I remembered Leena. My eyes flashed open, and I sat bolt upright. “Leena!"

  "Here now,” a voice with a heavy British accent said from my side. “Rest your head. The dragonet is safe. None here will harm her."

  I sighed in relief and looked around. I was in a bedroom, a huge one, decorated with golds and reds. I was on a canopied bed, three times the size of my own, and next to me sat a woman who practically oozed regality. She definitely seemed to fit in this décor, while I felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb. Her auburn hair was pulled back in a neat bun, and she looked at me with green eyes full of concern. I'll admit that falling back into those pillows was not a difficult decision. I felt worse than I did when Maedhros drugged me.

  I put a hand on my forehead. “I feel like I've been hit by a Mack truck. What happened?"

  "About ten of our glorious Tasartir forgot their manners and searched your mind.” Her tone told me she was not happy with them. She placed her hands on my temples again. Again that warmth flowed from her fingers.

  My eyes slipped half shut. Whatever she was doing felt really, really good. “Can I forget mine and kick them in the ass?” I murmured, though in my contentment there was no threat in my voice. “Where is Leena?"

  She removed her fingers, and a whimper almost escaped my throat. I didn't want her to stop.

  "The dragonet is being coddled by a few of the others, worrying over you. That was after giving those oafs a piece of her mind."

  I sat up a little, chuckling at the thought of Leena scolding the Rikashi. The woman—no, she had to be Rikashi—helped pile pillows behind me. I was feeling much better and felt somewhat silly about being treated as a child, but she insisted. “How are you doing that ... that...” For lack of words, I waved my hands around my head.

  "It is the gift of the Surion,” she said. “We are healers."

  Before I could ask any more questions there was the sound of scuffling outside. Through the door I heard Aer's voice.

  "I don't care if you're the Council Head herself, get the fuck out of my way."

  I rolled my eyes.

  The female beside me sighed. “That one has been making a pest of himself for the last four hours."

  "Four hours! Exactly how long have I been out?"

  She smiled gently. “It has been eight hours since you first arrived."

  I couldn't believe I'd been out of it that long. I was definitely kicking some Tasartir Rikashi ass when I got out of this bed.

  She looked at me with a quirked eyebrow. “Having ten telepaths poke around in your mind has a dangerous effect on the body. Even had you been full Rikashi you would not have been able to withstand that.” She rose and started for the door. “Shall I let him in?"

  I nodded. “It sounds like if you don't he'll break down the door."

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  Chapter 18

  Aerandir Cirdan Gwindor

  I glared at the Carnesir Rikashi standing before me, and he glared right back. He was lucky I wasn't already swinging. I was pissed. Even Shirak was angry, and it was rare to see Shirak angry. The moment he realized what had happened, he'd let loose with a berating tirade along with Leena that had every Rikashi in the room, even the ones with no telepathy, ducking their heads in shame.

  Dad had been trying to apologize to both of us for the last eight hours, but neither Shir nor I were interested. I knew why I wasn't, but not Shirak. Not until he'd explained, four hours ago, that dear old Dad was one of the Tasartir who had scanned Phi. Now I wasn't risking speaking to him, because father or not, I might rip his wings off.

  Now this Carnesir was stopping me from seeing Phi. He was welcome to try, but I'd waited as long as I was willing to. I balled my fist at my side and prepared to knock him out of the way, but then the door opened behind him revealing another Rikashi.

  "Let him in,” she said, and the guard stepped aside.

  I couldn't resist bumping him as I passed with a growl and entered the room. Josephine lay in the center of an enormous canopied bed, propped up with pillows. I crossed the room in a few quick strides.

  "Are you all right?” I asked, setting on the edge of the bed and taking her hand.

  "Aer, I'm fine.” She looked at the healer. “Would you tell him I'll be fine?"

  That might be so, but I didn't like the pale color of her cheeks.

  I looked at the Surion for confirmation. She nodded her head. “She is correct, Aerandir. You have no need to fret. She is a strong girl."

  "See?"

  I had been so worried, but I found no voice to tell her. Instead, I cupped her cheek, gazing into her eyes. I barely heard the other Rikashi say that she was leaving and the door click shut.

  "Did you kick their asses?” Phi asked, putting her hand over mine.

  I snorted. “No, my brother beat me to it."

  I shifted to sit beside her, putting my arm around her shoulders. She leaned her head against my chest. I sighed, stroking her hair. “I'm sorry, Phi."

  "For what?"

  "I never should have dragged you into all this."

  She pushed away from me, glaring at me. “If you say that again, I swear I'm going to punch you."

  I blinked in surprise. “I never wanted to put you in this kind of danger."

  "Ah, so that's it. You want to be Mr. Hero and protect little, frail Josephine from the big, bad world? Is that it?” she demanded, folding her arms.

  "No. Well, yeah.” I looked away from her. I didn't think she was little or frail or needed me to protect her, that didn't stop me from wanting to.

  "You're wrong,” she said. “I don't need protecting. If you recall, I got myself away from Maedhros."

  "Yeah, and yo
u made me feel worthless in the process.” I didn't mean to say that last part out loud and winced knowing Phi's temper.

  "Oh, gee, sorry.” Her temper was in full display. “Next time I'm in mortal danger I'll stop and think about how you would feel if I saved myself."

  "That's not what I mean, and you know it!” I was fighting my own temper. It was hard for me, knowing I hadn't done jack shit to keep her safe. As a guy, that wasn't a good feeling.

  I stayed seated when she left the bed and began pacing the room. The Surion had changed her clothes. I wondered if Phi realized she was walking around in a nightshirt that barely came to her knees. I had no intention of telling her—she had lovely legs.

  "So, just what do you mean?” She turned to glare at me once again, putting her hands on her hips, the nightshirt bunching to reveal her shapely thighs.

  I got up and walked over stopping inches from her. She tilted her head back to meet my eyes. That was my Phi, she'd always meet my eyes, even when I was pissed as hell. The banked fire of her anger smoldered in the depths of her eyes. She looked so irresistible. And I didn't try to resist her.

  I bent my head to kiss her, putting my arms around her and pulling her to me. She pushed me away and I stood there, staring at her. Suddenly, she threw her arms around me, reclaiming my lips with hers. This was no soft, testing first kiss. This was a kiss of passion and desire. I lifted her off her feet, backing up until my knees hit the bed and then turned, dropping onto the bed, careful not to crush her beneath my weight.

  Things were just getting interesting when something bit my ear—hard. I jerked away, putting my hand to my ear and saw Leena winging around the room. “Why you little ... What the hell was that for?"

  The dragonet landed on the end of the bed, spreading her wings wide, rearing back on her hind legs and hissing.

  "I wasn't hurting her, dragon!"

  I heard a sound beside me and looked down at Phi. Her cheeks were bright red, and she wasn't looking at me. “Don't you laugh,” I scolded. “It's not funny. That hurt!"