Amane of Teravinea - The Crown (The Teravinea Series Book 3)

by D. Maria Trimble

  “Sovann!” Eshshah cried. I thought her pain brought on her plea for him. A movement to my right caught my eye. Sovann and Ansel arrived in fury.

  “Retreat, Amáne!” Ansel commanded.

  I didn’t need to be told again. Eshshah was my only concern. Her leg hung limp as her agony increased.

  “Come on, Eshshah. Hang on!” I merged with her. We gathered all our strength to make the entry to the outpost. Memories of our ordeal that seemed so long ago, when we fought the Valaira, came back. We strained together — the safety of the cavern just ahead.

  “We’re almost there. You can do it, Eshshah!” My heart raced out of control. I feared for her life. It was a fear I had to block from her.

  Her strength waned, but she managed to maintain her glide to the cavern’s mouth. My teeth clenched. The entry approached. We were on a collision course. At the final moment she pulled from the last of her strength in a weak backstroke. It slowed us down just enough. We careened into the entry. She stayed upright but we skidded the length of the room. Eshshah met head-on with the back of the cavern. My head jerked forward — my face slammed into the back of her neck. I bit through my tongue. An explosion of stars scattered around me.

  Eshshah lay motionless. I released myself from the boot pegs and leaped to the floor. Spitting the blood out of my mouth, I ran back to her rear leg. The panic rose in my chest — like a weight that bore down upon me.

  Think, Amáne. Act!

  I threw off my breastplate. I tried to pull off my tunic to use on her wound, but winced as it caught on the arrow lodged in my upper arm. Twisting my left hand, I grabbed the base of the shaft, then reached over with my right and snapped it off. The point remained in my arm. I removed my tunic, leaving only my sleeveless chemise. No one was here. Even if there were, my clothing would be the least of my concerns.

  I climbed up on her rear foot to reach her wound, just over my head. It was a gaping laceration that spilled out her precious dark blood.

  “Eshshah!” I screamed. “Don’t you leave me!” I could feel her presence, but it was weak. She had lost a lot of blood between the galleon and here.

  Rolling up my tunic, I reached up, stuffed it onto her gash and pressed as hard as I could. Then closing my eyes, I concentrated and hummed her healing tune. I pushed my weight into her as I felt the restoring warmth radiate from my hands. With all my might, I willed her to heal. My hands, at first just warm, heated with an intensity that surprised me. I strained from my effort. Sweat streamed down my body. My legs became weak, but I could not let up. The bleeding was not under control.

  I felt a pressure on my back. Sovann. I hadn’t noticed he and Ansel had flown in. His power flowed through me allowing me to redouble my efforts.

  I opened my eyes briefly to see Ansel freeing Eshshah of her saddle and breastplate.

  “Amáne,” Eshshah faintly entreated, “enough. You’ll exhaust yourself. You’ve done plenty for now. Please, you will make yourself ill ... or worse.”

  “Just a bit more, Eshshah. With Sovann’s help I can stop the blood flow completely and begin the healing. I’ll be all right.” But I was nearly spent. My head spun; my legs were shaky; my palms erupted into blisters from the healing heat they’d generated.

  “Amáne!” Ansel’s voice echoed as if from far away. “Stop. Sovann can finish for you.”

  In one last burst, I poured myself out, my hands nearly on fire. Finally, my legs gave out. As I slumped forward, my hands slid down her leg. Her scales ripped open my burning palms. Ansel caught me before I hit the ground.

  I remained barely coherent as he lay me down on my right side, my back to Eshshah. He had spread quilts by Eshshah’s neck, so I could be close to my dragon. Ansel kneeled by my side and gently pulled a quilt up over me. Lifting my injured arm, he tucked the covers under it. He groaned as he inspected the point embedded in my bone.

  “Sovann, when you’re done there, I’ll need your help.” He tied a cloth around my arm, above the arrow point. With Sovann’s healing breath, he worked the point from where it had lodged. I squeezed my eyes shut and clenched my teeth from the pain. Sovann’s assistance was immense, but I couldn’t help notice he didn’t have the same intensity as Eshshah. All dragons have healing powers. But Eshshah’s were extraordinary.

  As Ansel finished wrapping my wound, my body began to shake in spasms. Violent tremors shook from my legs to my shoulders, and up to my clenching jaw. Before I could hurt myself with my thrashing, Ansel wedged himself at my back, between Eshshah and me. Molding his body to mine, he put one arm around my waist. With the other, he cradled my head.

  I became frightened as my body jerked out of control.

  “Breathe, Amáne. It’s muscle spasms.” Ansel said.

  The warmth from his body and his strong arms wrapped around me, made the tremors finally cease. A new fear washed over me. I realized after this, he would no longer have cause to hold me. His closeness was temporary — a mere necessity. I closed my eyes and memorized the feel of his arms around me as I breathed in his scent. I lamented the times I’d kept him at arm’s length. I regretted dismissing his attentions because of my stupidity. The pain in my heart would not let up as I reflected upon my disloyalty. If one last time I could feel his lips on mine, then I could make it last for the rest of my life — no matter how short or long that proved to be.

  I tried to turn my face to him, but he tightened his embrace, prohibiting any movement.

  Devastated, I exhaled, “Ansel?”

  “Shh,” he soothed as if to a baby.

  “But —”

  “Shh. Rest, Amáne. I’m right here.”

  I bit my lip as the tears soaked the quilt beneath me.

  Half awake, I felt Eshshah’s awareness. Her lack of pain touched me first.

  “Eshshah, you’re healed?” I said in thought transference.

  “Sovann treated me. Another few healing treatments and all that will be left would be my memories and a scar. Thank you, Amáne. But please, you must learn when to stop. You spent yourself once again.”

  “I know. I’m sorry, Eshshah. I was scared for you. I’ll be more aware next time I use my gift of healing.”

  My bodily pain was gone. I thanked Eshshah for treating me as I slept. The pain in my heart, however, remained. Our recent drama replayed in my mind.

  Expecting to be alone with Eshshah, I opened my eyes to face another day. The sight of Ansel gave me a start. He sat just across from me, leaning back on Sovann, watching me sleep. A ripple of anxiety went through me. I met his eyes. My throat tightened at the pain they reflected.

  Scooting over to where he sat, I crawled into his lap and lay my head on his chest. He didn’t reject me. Instead, he wrapped his arms around me and rested his chin on my head. We sat in silence for a long time. I wasn’t about to interrupt the moment, afraid if I moved, I would awaken from this dream.

  “Amáne,” Ansel broke the silence, “will you forgive me?”

  Bewildered, I pushed away from his chest and looked up at him. I was afraid my imagination had run amok. But no, it was truly Ansel — I’d heard correctly.

  He took a deep breath, his voice full of emotion, “I would rather be with my ancestors than live without you.”

  My eyes filled as I whispered, “Forgive you? I’m the one who should be begging your forgiveness.”

  Our eyes locked. A corner of his mouth turned up. “Always the stubborn one.”

  He ran his fingers through my hair as he brought his face to mine. Our lips met. My anxiety dissolved in that long meaningful kiss.

  Ansel and I sat for a while longer, each in our own thoughts. How many chances is this man going to give me? I didn’t deserve him, but needed him as much as he needed me. Our fates were woven together. Regardless of what we did, we were part of the same tapestry.

  I hope I live long enough to make it up to him.

  His voice brought me out of my musing. “The Healer’s waiting to hear from you,” he said quietly.

/>   “Is she going to tell me my fate?” My body trembled.

  “She’s waiting,” he repeated. He moved me off his lap, stood up and held his hand out to me. He gave me a kiss on my forehead and with a jerk of his head, motioned me to go contact her.

  As I headed out of the entry chamber, he said, “Uh ... Amáne.”

  I stopped with a questioning look.

  “You might want to put on a tunic before you contact her.” He indicated my chemise and then politely looked away.

  I gasped and threw my arms around myself as I rushed out of the room.

  My hand shook as I placed it on the brass knob of the communication device. Ansel had repaired the damage from the attack. My mouth went dry as I worked up my courage. I’d let the Healer down. My mentor. What a frustration for her I must be.

  In a hoarse whisper, I said, “Gyan,” then, “Nara.”

  The Healer’s face shimmered into view in the glass disc. I noticed her eyes, first. Her suffering and pain read clearly. Gallen slid into view beside her with the same stricken look. I stood mute.

  “Amáne,” the Healer said, then fell silent. In that one word, her disappointment and concern echoed in my ears.

  “Healer, I’ve failed you.”

  She could have unleashed her wrath upon me. I wished she would have. Her silence was worse than anything she could have said.

  After a torturous moment enduring her scrutiny, she said, “I’m pleased to hear Eshshah has recovered. Your healing powers are a remarkable gift. Let me caution you again to learn your limits.”

  I nodded. It was not the first warning on that subject I’d heard that day.

  The Healer continued, “When we lost our connection, I was about to order you to abandon the outpost and head for home. I tried to reconnect, but you didn’t answer.”

  My shoulders dropped. “I tried too. The device was damaged. Will our decision to fight be added to the charge against me?”

  “No. You made the right decision. To our advantage you destroyed the ship.”

  “Ansel and Sovann destroyed the ship.”

  “He told me there wasn’t much left to do. One flaming pass and the ship sank. We have you and Eshshah to thank. That fact will be considered by the Rider’s Council when discussing your sentence.”

  I hung my head.

  “Healer, what will happen to Eshshah if I receive the max ... if they decide ...”

  “My fervent hope is it won’t come to that. We’re heading into a time of war. You and Eshshah are a great asset to our cause. If you can be trusted.”

  Her eyes focused on mine. Her wrath began to show. “When are you going to understand, Amáne, that we riders rely on each other for our lives? There needs to be a trust that does not waiver, that is not questioned. You’ve broken that trust. You took it upon yourself to decide what was best for the kingdom. That was not your call to make.”

  I bit my lip and fought my tears.

  “Ansel spent days trying to verify your whereabouts. He figured you’d followed Leyna. If you hadn’t shown up when you did, I was afraid I couldn’t have stopped him and Sovann from going after you — the kingdom put on hold because of you.”

  That thought nauseated me.

  “He knew you were keeping something from him when you parted in Serislan. He blamed himself for not pressing you.”

  My knees went weak.

  “I’ve told you before, it’s not all about you, Amáne. You are but a small part of a team that needs to work together, if it is to work at all.”

  I wiped my nose with the back of my sleeve.

  The Healer closed her eyes and took a deep breath. More calmly she said, “You have many points in your favor that may lighten your sentence. The esteem in which Ansel places you counts for more than a lot. All of the riders are witness to that truth. The fact of your youth, and yes, whether you care to hear it or not, the fact that you are a girl will play a part in the riders’ decisions. You made a favorable impression, I’m sure, with your entry at Ansel’s birthday feast. You met and interacted with all of them at the ball. Most importantly, the riders will factor in the accomplishments you and Eshshah have already achieved.

  “I’ll make no false promises. You will be punished. That much is certain. To what extent, is not yet known. A Rider’s Council will convene here in Dorsal. You will stand before the Council to plead your case.”

  She paused to let that sink in. My tears flowed freely; my hand trembled on the brass knob.

  “It’ll be dark soon. I understand Eshshah will be well enough to fly. I’ll expect you here no later than an hour after dark.”

  “Yes, Healer.”

  She saluted me sharply and signed off. My hand was still poised at the end of my salute when her image faded and I found myself alone.

  I slumped to the floor and sobbed. Eshshah hummed to me in thought transference.

  As soon as darkness fell, we left the outpost. Gallen, the Healer and Dorjan stood waiting as Eshshah and Sovann spiralled down into the Healer’s courtyard.

  I returned their salutes, unbuckled and slid off the saddle. Full of remorse, I hesitated to approach the Healer. She held out her arms and I fell into them without further delay.

  “I didn’t know it would be a crime, Healer. I only wanted to help. We were just going to verify the Valley’s existence. That was it. A matter of a couple of hours, then we’d come back with our report. I didn’t expect to be betrayed and captured to become their human sacrifice.”

  “Human Sacrifice?” said Ansel. “You didn’t tell me anything about a sacrifice or about being captured.”

  “I’m sorry, Ansel. I didn’t know where to start. I didn’t want to put you through more than I already had.”

  “All right,” broke in the Healer. “Let’s get Eshshah and Sovann taken care of, then you can tell us everything we need to know.”

  A short time later, we sat at the Healer’s kitchen table. A plate of smoked fish before us, a pitcher of ale for them and camomile tea for me. I ate so ravenously, the Healer fetched the salt pork and a loaf of bread. When she took her chair again, all eyes turned to me.

  In a shaky voice, I told our story. I made it clear it was my idea. I’d gone against Eshshah’s better sense. I told of meeting Pratt, and of his betrayal. When I came to the part where I was shot by the poison dart and transported like a trussed pig, Ansel went pale. They all listened intently to my description of the natives and their encampment. My near-drowning brought on groans of distress.

  Gallen leaned in, eyes wide with awe as I described the Ancient One, Senolis, and our extended conversation.

  “Senolis shared his thoughts about the eggs at the Hatching Grounds. He said where they are held is cursed or polluted in some way. If we remove them from the area, he believes they will recover.”

  The Healer nodded.

  “He also invited us back and told us to bring you, Ansel.”

  He raised his eyebrows.

  “Then to me, he repeated almost the same words my mother had said on her dying bed. That I must persevere and continue to accept whatever befalls me; to remember to be patient when I come upon great misfortune, because in fire gold is refined. Through my trials our goals may be attained. But, Senolis warned me my stubbornness and pride may be my undoing. Because of these weaknesses, my fate will hang by a thread.” I finished in a whisper.

  “To Eshshah, he said she must remain strong in her convictions and guide me away from imprudent decisions.”

  My voice cracked as I added the old dragon declined our plea for help.

  Silence descended around the table as each digested our remarkable story. Then their questions came at me in an unrelenting bombardment. Finally, exhaustion from the long day hit me like a valaira. At a lull in the conversation, my eyes became heavy. The Healer sent me off to my chambers. I fell into bed fully clothed.

  The following morning, the Healer came into our chambers.

  “The decision has been made to convene the Ride
r’s Council here in seven days’ time,” she said.

  I pressed my lips together and hung my head. It overwhelmed me that one thoughtless decision could affect so many people. It was like a stone thrown into a pond. The ripples get wider and wider.

  “With Eshshah’s permission,” the Healer continued, “we need you two to transport the riders to Dorsal. You’ll leave at dark tonight. Ansel and Sovann insisted they help. Between the two dragons, you could have all the riders here before the end of the week.”

  The week went quickly. We actually enjoyed our night flights. That is as long as I put out of my head the reason the riders gathered. I wasn’t allowed to engage in any discussion with the riders during flight, or at the Healer’s. I spent most of my time in my chambers or on the other side of the barn practicing on the pell.

  The Healer had told me to write a statement to read in front of the riders. She said to be sure I summarized my story, and that I included my intentions of why I decided to go on my own. In other words I was responsible for my own defense.

  The day of the Council arrived. The riders made their way to the Healer’s library. Several tables were pushed together to seat twenty-seven of us.

  My stomach would not be still; my breathing became shallow and quick. This was worse than preparing for any of my quests. My life hung in uncertainty.

  Ansel came into the kitchen where I awaited the order to enter the library. He took my hand and pulled me to him. He pushed my hair back. Locking eyes with me, he said, “I know you had no idea of the gravity of your offense, Amáne. Unfortunately, it doesn’t lessen the severity. I’ll stand behind you and support you. Stay strong when you read your testimony. Hold your emotions in check. State the facts. The riders will have a chance to ask you questions after you make your statement.” He paused, then added, “I love you.”