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

by D. Maria Trimble

  Ansel unfolded the document. “This could be the advantage we’ve been looking for.” He locked eyes with me. Hunger reflected in his intense gaze. “Thank you Rider Amáne. You’ll find refreshment three tents down to your left. I’ll join you when I get a moment.”

  Turning on his heels, he proceeded quickly back to the table where I’d found him. He carried himself with such authority.

  My heart ached with longing as I watched his retreat. As if he felt my gaze upon him, he turned around, caught my eye and kissed the air in my direction. I smiled, nodded and kissed the air back.

  I found the mess area. They certainly didn’t go hungry in this camp. Several large pots of stew simmered over the fires just outside the tent. Even if I wasn’t hungry, I would have had some anyway. The aromas were that enticing. The tent, with the front side open to the outdoors had three rows of tables. Benches stood on either side. Two young soldiers conversed at the first table. At the far end of the second table, I spotted a familiar figure.

  “Avano!”

  I rushed to where he sat. He stood and we both saluted. This attracted the attention of the two soldiers, who realized I was a dragon rider. They rose and saluted. I nodded in return just as Avano wrapped his arms around me and lifted me off the ground. He planted a kiss between my eyebrows.

  I happened to look over at the soldiers who gaped at Avano and me.

  I laughed realizing I hadn’t removed my helmet. As soon as Avano put me back on my feet, I pulled it off. My hair spilled out. Their stares turned into the familiar male ogle to which I’d become accustomed. Ignoring them, I turned my full attention to Avano.

  “I gave my salutations to Eshshah,” he said. “She told me you’d gone to seek out Lord Ansel. I thought maybe you and he might be having a little conversation.” He wiggled his eyebrows and winked. I punched his arm. “So I left you two alone and figured I’d see you out here.”

  “There was no alone in that tent and no conversation,” I said, as I seated myself opposite him.

  “What a pity. I’m sorry to hear that.”

  I rolled my eyes.

  “Oh, and let me congratulate you on your betrothal. I’m truly happy for you and Lord Ansel.”

  “Thank you, Avano. It’s so good to see you again. It’s been too long.” I studied his face. “You look nearly as tired as Ansel ... Lord Ansel. What have you two been doing?”

  “We’ve been busy on patrols. This is a strategic location. Galtero’s men would like to hold this hill. We have to keep a close watch. A small band of spies tried to penetrate the perimeter this morning. They retreated into the woodline where Sovann couldn’t follow. We had to dismount and chase them down.”

  “Is that what happened to his cheek?”

  “Yeah. He got in too close and stopped the edge of a shield with his face.”

  I scowled at Avano. “I thought you were supposed to be looking after him.”

  “I had my eye on him. I was ready to step in if needed. He was doing fine on his own. It’s just a scratch.”

  “It’s a gash, Avano.” A little more heat than I intended echoed in my voice.

  Avano jerked back in mock fear, then smiled at my concern. “Then you should convince him to take a little break and you can heal it for him.”

  Concern rose in Avano’s voice. “Truthfully, I’m glad you’re here, Amáne. You came none too soon. Lord Ansel needs someone to talk some sense into him; he needs to step back and take a breath; allow one of us to assist more. We’re all quite capable. There’s a large meadow west of here. Your dragons could hunt. Why don’t you suggest a private ride with him, and head there?”

  The two young soldiers at the other table stood abruptly and saluted. I turned in the direction of their gaze. My heartbeat accelerated. Avano and I jumped up and saluted Ansel.

  Our eyes met. I hesitated, but maintained my professional bearing. My inclination would be to rush up and throw my arms around him. I wasn’t sure that action would be acceptable. My tentativeness was nullified as Ansel reached me in three long strides. He pulled me into a warm embrace and buried his face in my neck. He inhaled deeply, savoring the spicy scent of my hair. Without delay, he tilted my head back and kissed me. His kiss revealed an urgency that I shared.

  Avano cleared his throat. “I wonder if the Healer still expects me to chaperone.”

  Ansel and I pulled apart. We laughed at Avano. It was good to see Ansel laugh. His tired appearance lifted somewhat.

  The three of us seated ourselves. A cook rushed to the table and placed three bowls of steaming stew in front of us, then saluted. We dove into our meals ravenously. No one said a word for several minutes. The contents of our bowls were consumed so quickly, the steam still rose from the empty vessels.

  Avano nudged my foot under the table. When I looked up, he tilted his head and his eyes toward Ansel. A silent go ahead and ask him.

  “Ansel, I thought maybe you could get away for just a while. We can fly to a nearby meadow. Our dragons could hunt and we can spend some time together.”

  Ansel glanced at Avano, then at me. We shrugged our innocence.

  Avano interjected, “I’m sorry my Lord, but the truth is, fatigue is dangerous. Important decisions could mean lives, or even the kingdom. And we need your full strength to lead.”

  Ansel pursed his lips. “Ah, so it is a conspiracy.” He said it in such a way, we knew he didn’t mean it as a serious accusation.

  He raised his hands in surrender. “As you wish. It appears I’ve been outnumbered. Avano, this must be your doing. I’ll leave the command to you. See to it the reports are prepared for the Healer.”

  Avano grimaced. I smiled in triumph.

  After only a few minutes flight, we spotted the meadow Avano had mentioned. A rather large clearing that sat next to a slow-moving stream. I smiled at the relaxing view. We unsaddled our dragons so they would not be encumbered while they hunted.

  Ansel and I held hands as we proudly watched our beautiful companions fly off together. We turned to each other and forgot the world in a long kiss.

  I touched Ansel’s cheek. “Let me take care of that for you.”

  “It’s just a scratch, Amáne.”

  “I believe I’m understanding your kind more and more. I think you must all think alike. It’s not just a scratch.” I smiled up at him. “Besides, it’ll leave a big scar and I don’t want my betrothed showing up at the archway with a less-than-perfect appearance.” I pulled his face down to mine and kissed him. “Please, let me heal it Ansel.”

  “I don’t want you to tire yourself.”

  “I won’t. I promise.”

  He sighed. “If you must.”

  I tugged him to where we had left the saddles. Mine made the perfect back rest. He winced as he lowered himself to the ground and leaned back against my saddle.

  I kneeled next to him. “Are you hurt somewhere else?”

  “Truthfully, I think there’s not one place on my body that doesn’t hurt.” He allowed a tired smile.

  “Oh, Ansel. What good would it be to win the crown and be too broken to wear it? You need to take better care of yourself. It’s your duty. And Sovann should be looking after you.”

  “It’s not for his lack of attention, he’s offered. I haven’t the time to spend on such things.”

  “Then allow someone else to help you. You can’t do it all yourself. Your riders are more than willing to assume their responsibility. You have to remember, they were doing this before you were born.”

  He nodded. There was no denying my point.

  “Let me see what I can do for you,” I said as I pushed his hair back.

  I placed my hands on his face and closed my eyes. Humming Eshshah’s tune I willed his injury toward healing. The heat radiated from my hands. My concentration centered on both healing him and staying aware of the intensity and the drain on my body. I found if I took it slowly, my strength was not severely affected.

  Ansel began to relax under my touch. His ch
eek was well on its way to healing. If I could help his muscles loosen and relieve his tension, that would be a plus. My hands heated as I placed them on his chest. His body sank back. I became mindful of my waning strength. Before it reached an undesirable level, I eased up. My hands were hot, but not blistered as when I previously overexerted myself. A soft snore escaped Ansel’s lips.

  Pleased with the results, I leaned against the saddle and watched him sleep. I surveyed his face, the curve of his nose, his full lips. It brought to mind the times he had watched me sleep. At last I understood his fixation. It proved to be a pleasant diversion while he rested.

  Eventually, my eyes became heavy. I dozed beside him, my head resting on his shoulder. I awoke after only a short nap and resumed my study of his face as he slept.

  Our dragons returned fully sated. Ansel startled awake, a disoriented look briefly crossed his face.

  “I must have dozed off,” he said.

  “Dozed? You were snoring.”

  “I’m sorry, Amáne.”

  “There’s no need for you to be sorry. You needed the rest. It’s part of healing.”

  He looked sideways at me. “Did you have anything to do with putting me to sleep? You and your powers?”

  I laughed. “I merely healed your cheek and tried to help you relax. You look so much better than when I found you at the command tent. And speaking of the command tent, we should be heading back before Avano sends out a search party.”

  As we saddled Eshshah and Sovann, Ansel asked, “When does the Healer expect you back?”

  “She said we would probably be gone for a few days. Do you have an assignment for us?”

  “I have my cartographer copying the map and plans you brought. I need you to leave tomorrow at daybreak to take the copy to Braonán. Sovann can give Eshshah his location. The Nunn Outpost is not far from there. I’ll have a report, and Braonán should have one as well. Contact the Healer and read her the reports. You should be back here before nightfall tomorrow.”

  “Yes, Ansel. Thank you.”

  “Don’t thank me. If I could, I’d send you to the northernmost part of Serislan until this war is over.”

  I threw my head back in exasperation and rolled my eyes. I didn’t want to ruin our time we’d spent with each other, so I pressed my lips together and remained silent. Why couldn’t he accept the fact that it’s Eshshah’s and my duty to help him win the throne?

  We saddled up. Ansel gave me a boost, then leaped on Sovann and we flew back to camp.

  The next morning I arose before light. My restlessness would allow no more sleep, so I headed to the mess tent. Avano already sat at a table, sipping hot mulled wine. I took the seat in front of him. The cook put a bowl of hot porridge before me.

  Avano raised his eyes from his cup, “Whatever magic you worked on Lord Ansel yesterday proved very effective.”

  “I don’t do magic,” I snapped.

  He ignored my sharp response and continued, “He’s made a sensible decision to move on to Braonán’s location tomorrow. It’s been some time since he visited there. It’s good for morale when the troops see their high commander. Lord Ansel is a very fine leader. He has much of his father in him.”

  I allowed a small, yet sad smile.

  “You’ll probably be asked to accompany him to Braonán’s.”

  “Eshshah and I will gladly fly anywhere with him and Sovann. Moreover, the longer we can break from our punishment, the easier I’ll be to get along with.”

  “Ah, that explains it. After today’s flight, I hope to see a more pleasant Amáne.”

  “I haven’t been that horrible, have I?”

  “No, you haven’t.” Avano smiled. “I caught the tension you’ve been under, but you’ve played it well. Truthfully, grounding is one of the more severe punishments I could think of. Although it doesn’t hold close to a loss.” A shadow crossed his eyes as he, no doubt, recalled his late dragon, Cira.

  Before I could respond, Ansel entered the tent. Avano and I stood and saluted. Ansel strode to my side, took my face and kissed my forehead, then brushed my lips with his.

  As we sat, he said to me, “I hope your night went well. I apologize for not having a tent set up for you. If there were women in this camp, I would have put you up with them. I can’t believe you convinced me you’d stay in one of the officers’ pavilions.”

  “I see her persuasive powers haven’t waned,” said Avano.

  I rolled my eyes at him, then turned to Ansel. “It wasn’t necessary to have a private tent. I was perfectly fine with the officers, although it did get a little noisy with all the snorers.”

  “Hey,” said Avano, “you fit right in.”

  “I don’t snore.”

  “Maybe not, but you sure thrash around a lot, and you talk, too.”

  My eyes went wide. I felt my cheeks color. I’d been told before that I talk in my sleep.

  Ansel put his hand over mine. “I hope my assignment wasn’t to blame for your nightmares.”

  “Of course not. I have plenty of fodder for my nightmares. Delivering a map doesn’t rank among them. Eshshah and I are looking forward to flying.”

  We finished our morning meal and returned to the command pavilion. Ansel handed me a satchel with the copy of the map and critical information. He included a report for the Healer.

  Both men walked me to Eshshah to help saddle her. Avano finished tightening the girth, then turned and saluted me. He strode back to camp after a wink in my direction.

  “I’ll watch for your return tonight,” Ansel said before he kissed me goodbye.

  He stepped back and gave me a leg up. We saluted as Eshshah launched off the ground with a powerful leap. Her wings whipped the air around Ansel. I closed my eyes and inhaled with joy.

  Our mission went well. Eshshah and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We delivered the satchel to Braonán and headed straight for the Nunn Outpost to dispatch the reports to the Healer.

  Eshshah let Sovann know we were on our return approach. We found Ansel already in the field waiting. He rushed over and gave me a hand down.

  “What are you laughing at, Ansel?”

  “I’m not laughing, I’m just enjoying the look on your face.”

  I tilted my head. “What look on my face?”

  “The fiery look you get when you ride. You’re practically glowing.” He kissed me, then a serious look replaced his amused one. “Amáne, I am truly sorry.”

  Surprised by his sudden turn, “Sorry about what, Ansel?”

  “I see the toll your punishment has taken on you and Eshshah. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be banished from flight. Don’t consider this as playing lightly with your sentence — it is a serious charge, but I can’t bear to see you suffer like this. I’ll see if I can at least offer you another mission like today, so you and Eshshah can get some additional flying time before you have to go back to Dorsal. Truthfully, it would be a great help to me.”

  Ansel and I stayed up late talking before we said good night. After assuring him once again the officers’ tent suited me fine, I let myself in and settled into my cot.

  “Amáne, are you awake?”

  “No, go away.” I turned over and pulled the quilt over my head.

  “Amáne?”

  I threw the covers back and rolled over. “Ansel? I thought I was dreaming. What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing, I hope. I couldn’t sleep. Something’s bothering me. I don’t know what it is. I thought I’d ask you to accompany me on a patrol. Dawn is another hour away, but I couldn’t wait.”

  “Of course.”

  I extracted myself from my bed covers and pulled on my boots while Ansel waited. I’d gone to bed still dressed in my tights and tunic.

  Still groggy from my interrupted sleep, I stumbled out of the tent. A water basin stood just outside. I scooped a handful of cold water and splashed it on my face. We proceeded to the field and grabbed the saddles off their stands.

  I glanced over at Ansel
as he finished buckling Sovann’s breast shield and threw on a fighting saddle. Eshshah wore her breast shield, but we used the travel saddle. It was larger, more comfortable and suited for long distance. The straps secured a rider at the upper thigh and hip. The lighter fighting saddle Ansel used, secured the rider with straps at the boot pegs.

  “Ansel, that boot strap is cracking. Didn’t you notice?”

  “I know, I’ll have to get it looked at sometime.”

  “It’s not safe. Isn’t there another saddle you can use?”

  “This is the only single one, here. It’ll be fine.”

  “But, Ansel ... ”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll get it repaired today, I promise. We’re just going on a short round.”

  I scowled, but didn’t press the issue.

  We took flight, and even with the uncertainty of what had bothered Ansel, I couldn’t help the breath of euphoria that filled me at takeoff. I caught Ansel eyeing me, a smile on his face as well. My heart swelled with love.

  We flew fairly low, our eyes scouring the dark pre-dawn valley for any sign of something amiss. Our flight began in small circles above camp, increasing in wider and wider bands. After about a quarter of an hour of this pattern, Ansel signaled for us to head in.

  “Amáne, over there,” Eshshah said. Our dragons’ eyesight was far superior to ours. Ansel looked in the same direction. No doubt he’d gotten a similar prompt from Sovann. Just beyond a ridge was a dark mass. I blinked and could make out what looked like a shadow moving along the ground. As we came closer, my stomach tightened. Armed enemy troops moved steadily below us. They headed toward the encampment.

  “Sovann and I’ll go rouse the camp,” Ansel said. “You two stay up here and keep an eye on their progress. Fly high. Don’t let them spot you.”

  With that, Sovann banked a hard turn and headed back to headquarters. Eshshah and I spiraled higher. Adrenaline pumped through my body as we waited for Ansel.

  Eshshah followed Sovann in open thought transference. He and Ansel flew low over the camp. Sovann trumpeted a warning. Ansel shouted out a call to arms. Tents flew open as soldiers rushed out and fell into formation. Ansel jumped off of Sovann to give directions to Avano, then leaped into the saddle and they headed back.