by David Wind
“Your mother has just reached the border of Fainhall. The crave will find her, but we must go now. There is no more time for delay.”
“Agreed. Still, we can go only as fast as the kralets.”
They reached the outskirts of Lokinhold’s capitol, an hour before sundown. They had ridden the entire day at a steady mile-eating pace and had stopped only to relieve themselves. During the ten hours of riding, they had discussed many things. Nevertheless, the need to find a way to reach their ultimate goal while the dark forces tracked them was paramount.
Do we warn them? Mikaal asked, using their silent means of talking. I have been thinking about it. The warning will create fear.
Areenna, caught off guard by his question, turned to him. We must. They must begin preparations. War is coming. I saw such last night. If we… if Nevaeh is not prepared, all will be lost.
You said a small fleet… they cannot carry enough fighters to overtake us.
The ships were large, meant only to carry men, weapons and food. They are but the first Mikaal. Many more will come. Tens of thousands will cross the water to us.
“You’re certain?” Mikaal asked as they entered the more populated area surrounding Farg’s main keep.
“As certain as I breathe. The Master wants us. He wants me… and you.”
Mikaal’s gray eyes narrowed. “Which is something that shall never happen.”
She welcomed his comforting words but said nothing. Instead, she called to Gaalrie, who flew above them and sent her aoutem to Farg, to fly over the keep.
A few minutes later, through Gaalrie’s eyes, she saw Queen Ammie standing in the courtyard, looking up at Gaalrie. The Queen, tall and thin with long flowing red hair veined with silver, waved. Beside her was a small tan Gorlon, barely older than a puppy.
When they entered the streets of Farg a short time later, they found the shops closed and the streets emptying of people. Dressed as simple travelers and wearing their cloaks for warmth, they drew few curious glances on the way to the main keep.
They passed through the gate and reached the courtyard where Queen Ammie, two stable boys and a woman-servant waited. Without a word, one of the boys took the reins of the kraals while the other went to the kralets. Mikaal stiffened slightly when the stable boy took Charka’s reins but forced himself to relax. It was always hard to allow someone else to handle Charka.
“Welcome, Areenna, Prince Mikaal,” the tall woman said with a head bow toward both of them.
“Thank you, My Lady.” Mikaal returned the formality with a head bow of his own while Areenna stepped closer to the queen and embraced her.
“Enaid sent word of your journey. I expected you yesterday, but I knew the storm would delay you. The evening meal has been prepared. Let me show you to your rooms and then please join us in the dining chamber. Give Yemmat whatever you wish brought to your chambers.”
Areenna and Mikaal pointed to the lead kralets, which held two woven bags near the front. With that, the queen nodded to them and started away while the servant went to the kraals. Next to her, Mikaal cast another quick glance over his shoulder toward Charka, before following the two women.
After showing Mikaal to his bedchamber, queen Ammie led Areenna to hers. There, Areenna turned to Ammie. She was about to speak when the Queen said, “I sense much anxiety in you. Why?”
Areenna closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, she gazed deeply into the Queen’s eyes, building on the story Enaid and she had worked out. “There is much danger coming,” she whispered. “Mikaal and I… We have been sent on a mission of which I cannot speak, My Lady, but I know the Dark Ones are coming from across the sea and Nevaeh must prepare.”
Ammie’s eyes widened. She took in a sharp breath and said, “There are rumors flying everywhere about you. About your powers. Are they true?”
“Rumors?” Areenna asked, continuing to hold Ammie’s eyes with her own. “What say they?”
“That you came away from the Island with abilities more powerful than any woman of Nevaeh. Is this true?”
Areenna digested the words, worried them through her mind and came to the only answer she could give. “I don’t know. Enaid believes this is true, but I… I do not know. So much has happened since I returned from the Island I am still trying to understand it all.”
“This danger from the Dark Ones after so long… You are sure?”
“Yes,” Areenna said simply.
“We will talk later.”
“You must prepare King Esnal.”
“I will speak with him now,” she said as a knock sounded at the door. When Ammie opened it, a servant came in with Areenna’s bag. “I’ll leave you to change. Yemmat is at your service.”
<><><>
A half hour later found them seated around a long table centered within an ornate chamber. The walls, lined with colorfully woven artistic tapestries, served as pleasant backgrounds of faraway vistas. Nightmoss lit the room with a soft glow. Lokinhold’s King, Esnal, sat at the head of the oval table. Queen Ammie sat on his right, and to his left was Trebor. Areenna sat next to the queen, while Mikaal sat by Trebor. Plates of Dar and vegetables had been set out, and each had glasses of wine and water. Trebor’s younger brother Nahtan was visiting an outlying village. His sister Likala was in her last year at school.
Esnal lifted his wine and took a drink. The King was large in all directions. He stood taller than most and broader, a powerful man with a large stomach and a voice to match. His brown hair, two shades darker than his skin, reached his shoulders. He sported a full beard peppered with gray. Light blue eyes sat above a prominent nose, which suited his face perfectly.
When he put down the wine, he turned to Areenna and said, “Ammie has told me of the reason for your visit. She says you bring word of the Dark Ones—that they are coming to Nevaeh.”
Areenna glanced at Mikaal quickly before saying, “They are, and all of Nevaeh must prepare.”
“To cross the open sea…Why? We drove their minions out twenty years ago. It makes no sense.”
“As long as we of Nevaeh live freely, they will never stop.”
“Then we will drive them out, again.”
“My Lord,” Areenna began, seeking the right words to make him understand. “When you, my father, and the High King drove the dark forces out, their armies were but the slaves of the Dark Ones taken from the people of Nevaeh. They do not use such now. They bring with them tens of thousands of their creatures. They intend to take Nevaeh and turn it into their own darkness.”
“Tens of thousands? I do not see such happening.”
“Then you will end up as a slave. My father is at Fainhall as we speak, fighting the exiles from the southwestern outlands. The exiles are under the control of the Dark Ones. Prince Samot was badly injured. Do you think these exiles would have the courage to attack a dominion on their own? The Dark Ones are sending their… slaves to make forays against us. To attack and kill Nevaeh’s leaders and take our women as breeding slaves.”
Esnal lifted his glass and drained it. “No,” he said, “I would not think they act on their own, they are not capable of such.”
“There are other signs as well,” Areenna said. When everyone turned to her, she went on. “Prince Darb told us of Free-Blades attacking travelers, taking their valuables and wounding and killing some. Think you they do this on their own too? Have you ever heard of such happening?”
Again, King Esnal remained silent for several breaths before speaking. When he spoke at last, his words came out slowly. “To do so makes them outlaws, even among their own kind. No dominion would seek their service. Not since Roth became High King have I heard of such happening.”
“They are being controlled by the Black Sorceress, the one defeated by Roth. They know it not, but it is so.”
“This is what Roth warned us of at the last council. What asks the High King of us?”
“For now,” Mikaal said, “you must begin to prepare your people. Rebuild your a
rmy as quickly as possible. They will be here soon.”
Esnal nodded slowly. “It shall be done.” He thought for a moment. “You go to Welkold next?” Esnal asked.
“We do,” Mikaal answered.
“Perhaps you could do us an accommodation?”
Careful, Areenna warned Mikaal silently.
“If possible, Highness.”
“So cautious, like your father. It is nothing more than to let Trebor ride with you to Welkold. Despite what may be happening, there is a wedding to prepare for. Trebor is needed in Welkold for the month of betrothing.”
“Of course,” Areenna answered for her and Mikaal.
Trebor looked from his father to Mikaal. “We should postpone the wedding. This… danger is too great.”
His silent plea to the High Prince touched her heart. She saw his words had startled Esnal and Ammie. “Is this match not one you desire?” she asked Trebor.
He shook his head vehemently. “Why would you ask? This is not an arrangement. Akassia and I… we chose each other. But I should be here to help my father.”
Areenna sensed his emotions were at war within him. He wanted to stay but he wanted to be in Welkold as well. “One day you will be King here, and Akassia your queen. King Libon is young, only three years older than you. Your brother will be here to help your father. Libon will need your help to prepare his people for what is coming, do you not see this?”
With her words, everyone looked at her. She saw their faces filled with surprise at her answer, but she said nothing more. What did I do? she asked Mikaal silently.
The right thing. Your words were perfect.
“Areenna has spoken wisely,” Ammie said, looking at Trebor. “And it unites our dominions even tighter.”
“Then it is settled,” King Esnal declared, "You leave in the morning with the Prince and Princess. Trebor, Mikaal, let us walk and discuss what needs to be done. Ladies, if you will allow us?”
Ammie and Areenna nodded formally. The three men stood and left the room. The moment they were gone, Ammie turned to Areenna. “Now, we go as well, to talk in my chambers. I want to know exactly what is happening, everything!”
Her stomach tightened with Queen Ammie’s words.
.
CHAPTER 11
“I visited my sister a few months ago, in Aldimor,” Ammie said after the maids left the room and they relaxed on a cushioned bench beneath a large window. Moonlight filtered in as pale streaks, accenting the glow of nightmoss from the wall sconces. Fire burned in the fireplace, casting warmth through the room. She caught a tug from Gaalrie, who flew above. It was a sensation of concern. Her aoutem had picked up Areenna’s tension.
The light framed Queen Ammie, surrounding her within a low haze. The queen’s eyes were deep blue, and her irises wide. Areenna knew she was a woman of power, not fully as strong as her older sister Atir, Queen of Aldimor, but strong nonetheless. While the queen formed her next words, Areenna sent a thought to Mikaal. His response was immediate.
Be careful. She must not know about me.
Stay with me through this, she asked. His answer came with a rush of warmth.
“My sister told me about the time you went to the Island.” On the last word, Ammie directed a probe at Areenna.
Expecting and blocking the probe effortlessly, Areenna held Ammie’s eyes and slowly forced the probe back.
Without a mention of what she’d attempted, Ammie continued. “She told me of the wraiths, of the crossing to the Island and of your return from the Island. She told me how you used your abilities to destroy the wraiths. She told me something happened to you on the Island, something far more than any other woman experienced, ever. She told me you are more powerful than is any woman of power. Is this truth?”
“I don’t know,” Areenna whispered. She saw a flash of surprise cross the queen’s face.
Ammie’s shoulders stiffened. “How can you not?”
A stomach-wrenching emotion ripped through her at the queen’s words. Her throat tightened and her pulse quickened. She pushed Mikaal from her, cutting their bond instantly. She was flooded with such powerful emotions she was unsure of how to control them and was afraid of what Mikaal might see.
She took in a deep breath and released the flood of emotions. “Ammie, I don’t know what was given to me on the Island. I am eighteen; I have had powers for only a few years. I don’t know how to find whatever it was, or if there is anything to find. What have I done to deserve this… honor? Why me?” she whispered, barely able to get the words out. Her eyes blurred and she closed them to prevent any tears from escaping.
A second later, Ammie’s arms wrapped about her, the queen drawing her tight. “I’m sorry, Areenna, forgive me for pushing you so hard. The talk at the table tonight has frightened me. Another war. I… I had to know.”
Areenna drew back, ignoring the tears streaking her face. “Last night I received a vision within a dream; this will give you the truth you ask for. Will you join with me?”
When the queen nodded, Areenna placed her right hand on Ammie’s chest and her left on the queen’s temple. She closed her eyes and carefully opened her mind and brought forth her dream.
Ammie’s sharp intake of air was loud in the silent chamber. The queen, caught in the dream, watched the ships travel upon stormy seas. When Areenna ended the stream of images, she released Ammie’s mind and lowered her hands from the queen.
“Such wickedness,” she said, “such horror coming to us. I understand more now, Areenna, thank you. I will do whatever is necessary.” Then Ammie smiled. “Your block, it’s very powerful.”
“Thank you.”
“I apologize, Princess. It was… rude.”
“It’s all right. Your sister did the same thing.”
“It must be a family trait,” Ammie said with a short laugh. Then her face turned serious. “How long do we have, does anyone know?”
“The ones coming now are but the first wave. There will be many more. A few months if we are lucky.”
“So soon.” She nodded. “And you’ve been riding all day as well. Perhaps it’s time for sleep.”
“Almost,” Areenna said. They rose together and started toward the door. “I must go to the parapets and to my aoutem.”
“Of course.” She paused at the door. “Areenna, this mission you are on to the Frozen Mountains, what is it you seek?”
“Like those powers I may or may not have, I have no answer because I know not what’s there.”
“It seems to always be the same for a woman; we are given gifts and must discover ourselves what they are for. Goodnight Areenna.”
<><><>
Mikaal walked with Esnal and Trebor, listening to the King’s preparations for calling in his people and warning them about the future.
Esnal asked not advice from the two young princes; rather, he spoke with the experience of his years and, Mikaal realized, he was adding to his son’s education and to Mikaal’s as well. When Esnal finished his walk, Mikaal sensed the King wanted to talk to his son privately.
“If you’ll excuse me, Highness, it’s been a tiring day.”
Esnal turned and nodded to Mikaal. “Of that I am sure. Rest well.”
“Thank you, Highness, Trebor,” he nodded to the prince and left them talking. He went to the stable even as Areenna and Ammie were talking. Before he got there, he lost mental touch with Areenna. An instant before, he had sensed her sudden anxiety; now there was nothing. He tried reaching out to her, but there was only a blank space in his mind. At Charka’s stall, his aoutem pushed his snout against Mikaal’s chest. He melded with the kraal and took in the soothing sensations Charka washed over him. Charka’s mind touch assured him Areenna was all right. If there were something wrong, the kraal would know.
When he left the stable, he was certain where Areenna would go when she finished with Ammie. The parapets and Gaalrie.
<><><>
I knew you would be here, she whispered into his mind when s
he stepped on the parapet.
As I knew you would.
“I am sorry Mikaal. I was wrong asking you to stay with me; I needed my thoughts kept to myself.”
Mikaal reached up and cupped her cheek. “As long as you are safe.”
She did her best to ignore the spark between them when his fingers touched her skin. “We have been hiding in Tolemac too long. There are many rumors about me floating through Nevaeh.”
He lowered his hand. “I was with you then. I know. There is nothing to do about rumors. Just be prepared for whatever people ask.”
When he finished speaking, a flutter of wings announced Gaalrie’s arrival. The giant treygone landed smoothly on the parapet wall and Areenna went to her. Gaalrie laid her head on Areenna’s shoulder in greeting. She stroked the treygone gently for a moment before the bird rose and flew off toward the woods in the North.
“She hunts,” Areenna said.
“As we will soon, in the mountains. We must be careful when Trebor is with us.”
“We have become good in that, these past months.”
“We have,” Areenna agreed. “It is but two and a half days.”
“A lot can happen in two days,” Mikaal said in a half-whisper.
<><><>
The first day and a half of travel had been smooth, the three keeping a steady pace throughout the first day, while they talked and rode. Areenna and Trebor had brought up many of the memories of their time at the school while Mikaal had listened and laughed at the stories.
When they finished their noon meal by the side of the old road to Ontan, the capital of Welkold, a warning sense caught Areenna. “Men are coming,” she said.
Who? Mikaal asked silently.
She shook her head. I know not. There are at least six. “They are not friendly.”
“Free-Blades?” Trebor asked, gripping his sword but not drawing it. His red hair splayed fan-like as he looked around.