“You will have an easy time of getting into the cave,” declared Mobi, “but it will be harder to get you back up here. Do not cut the harness off when you enter the cave. Untie it.”
Rejji nodded and inhaled deeply. He walked to the edge of the precipice and grabbed the overhead rope with both hands. He pulled on it as hard as he could and nodded when the spikes did not pull out of the mountain. Steeling his courage, Rejji stepped off the edge of the trail. His body swung precariously for a moment before he exhaled.
The Astor moved along the rope slowly, passing one hand over the other as he continually progressed towards the cave opening. Within a few minutes, his feet were able to touch the floor of the cave. He used that leverage to propel his body further into the cave. Mobi sighed with relief when Rejji stuck his head out of the cave and waved to his friends on the broken pathway.
Rejji methodically untied the harness and stepped out of it. He moved to the back of the cave and found the small passage. Dropping to his hands and knees in the darkness, Rejji crawled into the small tunnel. Memories flashed through Rejji’s mind as he navigated the small tunnel. When the tunnel enlarged enough for him to stand, he shook his head in wonder at how the world had changed since his last visit to the cave.
The tunnel widened a great deal and a soft glow of light emanated from around a bend in the tunnel. Rejji started whistling loudly as he walked towards the bend. He trembled with fear as he thought about what he was going to do, but he tried to keep that fear out of his whistling. As he rounded the bend, he saw the dragon staring at him.
“Myka!” greeted Rejji as he bow exaggeratedly. “Imagine finding you here.”
“I must get that hole fixed,” snarled the dragon. “I thought I told you never to come back here. You did not bring the baby maker with you I hope?”
“No,” Rejji replied as he continued to walk towards the dragon. “Mistake has gone to the land of the elves to be with her kind.”
“Well, you should have gone with her,” retorted the dragon. “Now I will have to eat you or you will continue coming here. You will probably try to bring friends with you the next time.”
“Actually,” smiled Rejji as he halted in front of the dragon, “my friends are outside the hole. I told them that you do not enjoy company. They will wait out there for me to return.”
“They will have a long wait,” huffed Myka as smoke curled from her nostrils, “because you are never returning to them.”
“I have an offer to make to you,” Rejji continued, ignoring the dragon’s threat.
“An offer?” balked the dragon. “Do humans go through life with dirt in their ears? Did you not just hear me say that you are my next meal? There is nothing that you can offer that I cannot eat right now.”
“There is something,” shrugged Rejji as he felt the trembling cease. “I can offer you a life of excitement and fun.”
“You?” Myka belched fire that singed the hairs on Rejji’s arm. “I do not need a human to have excitement. I make my own excitement. You are just trying to talk your way out of being eaten.”
“Myka,” sighed Rejji, “why would I go through all the trouble of coming up this mountain and risking my life to enter that hole in your cave just to talk my way out of being eaten? Do you think I just happened to come here by accident?”
“Foolishness is more like it,” retorted Myka. “You should have known better. Why did you come?”
“I want you to hunt humans,” grinned Rejji.
“You want me to eat your enemies?” asked Myka as her brow creased in confusion. “Why should I help you in such a way?”
“I don’t want you to eat them,” Rejji shook his head. “I want you to herd them. Like a shepherd.”
“Do I look like a shepherd to you?” balked the dragon. “You really are quite deranged. I wonder if eating you would be bad for me?”
“Look,” explained Rejji. “I have need of your services. I have a plan that I think you will find exceedingly exciting, and there is a bonus in it for you. I will set aside a whole herd of wasooki for your pleasure. My people will care for the wasooki and breed them continually until you feel that your payment has been fulfilled. Will you listen?”
“You expect to buy my services?” Myka asked with disbelief. “Did I hear you correctly? I am a dragon, not a mercenary.”
“Big fat wasooki,” grinned Rejji. “Not scrawny Fakaran wasooki. We imported them from Khadora. There must be hundreds of them.”
“Hundreds of them?” echoed the dragon as her tongue flicked out of her mouth. “What do I have to do?”
“You will really enjoy this,” Rejji said excitedly. “Let me explain.”
* * *
Back in Angragar, Rejji and Wyant stood in the plaza before the Temple of Kaltara. The Qubari people moved through the plaza on errands much like they had done in the Qubari village, but they were no longer clothed in breechcloths. The Qubari had settled in homes and adopted the garments of their ancestors. Colorful robes and dresses passed in every direction as the Qubari scurried around and prepared Angragar to once again be the capital of Fakara.
“Quite a change in this city,” noted Wyant as he held the reins to his horse. The tribes are going to like it here.”
“I sure hope that they do,” replied Rejji. “You have a long hard ride ahead of you. Are you sure that you know exactly how I want this done?”
“Positively,” nodded Wyant. “Word of the dragons will be spread clear across Fakara within the week. The woman and the children of the Free Tribes will begin arriving here even before then. Will that be enough time for the Qubari to get the city ready?”
“Angragar will be ready,” promised Rejji. “Just make sure that the Jiadin get the message that I want them to hear.”
Wyant nodded and mounted his horse. Rejji stood and watched the marshal ride out of the plaza. Chief Dumo approached Rejji after the marshal had left.
“Your plan is crazy,” Dumo declared humorously. “That is why I like it.”
“I will like it if it works,” frowned Rejji. “We are running out of time, and I have no other plan to gather the Jiadin to me. What is this I hear about caretakers remaining in the jungle?”
“That is what I wanted to talk to you about,” Dumo replied. “While most of the Qubari are adjusting well to the return of Angragar, some families want to remain in the jungle. I do not think it is a bad idea. While the jungle has fallen away from Angragar, what remains of it is still vast. It might be wise for some Qubari caretakers to remain in our old village. It would ensure that our ways are never lost.”
“Unless the caretakers forget who they really are,” frowned Rejji. “They may cease to be Qubari.”
“Never,” promised Chief Dumo. “For thousands of years we never forgot. In fact, I would like to send future children to live in the jungle for a season. I think it would help them understand who the Qubari are. It would also keep the ties between the village and Angragar strong. It requires your permission.”
“The Qubari have remained faithful to Kaltara,” nodded Rejji. “I cannot refuse the request. I leave it up to you to make sure that the binding of the two peoples remains in place.”
“I shall see to it,” nodded the Qubari chief. “Who knows when having men in the jungle may help us in the coming struggle?”
* * *
Upon his return to Morada, Tamar saw his father and several other elders sitting in a park. He turned from his path and joined the group.
“It makes absolutely no sense to me,” complained Vitalora. “The scrolls are clear about it. This is definitely the Time of Calling. There can be no doubt about that. How can she ignore it?”
“Queen Alycia can act how she wishes,” shrugged Volox. “The Council of Elders is advisory only. We cannot force her to do what is right.”
“What has happened?” asked Tamar.
“The ancient scrolls state that the awakening of Angragar will happen in the Time of Calling,” explained Tamar’s f
ather. “At that time, the elves are commanded to rejoin with their human brethren, but Queen Alycia refuses. She will not allow even cursory contact with the humans.”
“She has always been steadfast against contact with humans,” shrugged Tamar. “Why do you expect her to change now?”
“She has not always been this way,” retorted Vitalora. “It is only since the loss of the king that she has been so set in her ways.”
“The humans killed the king,” interjected another elder. “How can you blame her for hating them?”
“I am not trying to blame her for anything,” sighed Vitalora. “I feel her pain over that tragic incident. No woman should have to endure such pain, but she is our queen, not just any woman. She has a duty to lead the elven people as best she can. She cannot ignore the Prophecies of Kieran.”
“And what do you propose to do about it?” asked Amber. “She is under no legal obligation to believe in the Prophecies of Kieran. Were those prophecies codified into law, then you would have a point, but they were not.”
“But clearly we all believe in them?” retorted Vitalora. “Kieran was the greatest mage in history. His ascension to the throne of Elvangar started a dynasty that has lasted thousands of years. How can his most crucial writings be ignored?”
“They are not law,” shrugged Amber. “She is a Kieran, and you are not. That makes the prophecies more hers than yours. She can believe them or not as she sees fit.”
“Yes, she is a Kieran,” scowled Vitalora, “as are others in this land. Maybe the throne belongs to one who is not Kieran. At least then we could follow Kaltara’s will.”
“There are many Kierans in Elvangar,” interjected Tamar. “Even the foreign girls are descendents of Kieran. I don’t think lineage is the question here. I think the queen just needs to see the importance of the scrolls. Perhaps we should take them to her.”
“How?” snapped Vitalora. “She no longer gives audiences to just anyone. Any audience must be approved by Malid, and he is not about to allow it.”
“Why wouldn’t he?” asked Volox. “I know that he does not entirely agree with us on this matter, but Malid has always been fair in carrying out the duties of the Head Elder. We should ask him. Amber, you know him best. Would you arrange it?”
“I think it best that those who feel strongest should address it,” refused Amber. “I will find Malid and tell him that you wish to talk to him. That is all that I will do.”
Amber turned and strode out of the park. The other elders continued to discuss the problem. Volox pulled Tamar away from the others.
“I know that you see the queen frequently,” Volox said softly. “Would it be possible for you to feel out the queen on this matter?”
“I can try,” sighed Tamar. “Actually I missed a meeting with her today because I took the boys out to the village. She is likely to be angry with me. Maybe if I waited a day or two before bringing it up?”
“That will be fine,” nodded Volox. “We will try going through Malid first, but I fear that will fail.”
“But you just said that it would work,” Tamar replied with confusion. “Why such a sudden change?”
“The way Amber reacted has me puzzled,” confessed Volox. “When I asked him to approach Malid, I expected an immediate agreement, yet Amber acted as if I had struck him across the face. Something is going on here that I do not understand.”
“Something devious?” asked Tamar.
“I do not know,” admitted Volox. “Malid and Amber were the two dissenters on this issue before the Council, yet Amber chose to discuss it with us today in a congenial atmosphere. Why then would he suddenly change his attitude and run away? It makes no sense to me.”
“Unless Amber’s presence was for a purpose different than everyone else’s,” posed Tamar. “Were I you, I would be cautious with what I said in his presence until I learned more about what is happening.”
“Your advice is sound,” nodded Volox. “I think it is time for me to go and eat anyway. Will you join me and your mother tonight?”
“I would love to,” Tamar shook his head as the other elders began to disperse, “but I have been negligent in my duties today. There is much work waiting for me back at the office. I will come by tomorrow night.”
Volox smiled and embraced his son. Tamar watched his father leave the park and then turned and headed along a city street. He stepped into an inn and ordered a simple meal. He finished it quickly and went on his way.
As Tamar entered the courtyard of the fort he saw a dozen soldiers hurrying out. He paid no particular attention to the detail and made his way to his office. There on his desk was a pile of papers awaiting his attention. He sighed heavily and began going through them. After an hour spent reviewing the papers, Tamar pushed his chair back and rose. As he left the office he saw a small group of officers at the end of the hall. They were talking softly, but excitedly. His mind filled with curiosity as he slowly approached the group.
“What is happening?” asked Tamar.
“You haven’t heard?” retorted one of the officers. “An elder was arrested for treason tonight.”
“Treason?” echoed Tamar. “What elder would be foolish enough to spout treason?”
“It was Vitalora,” replied the officer.
“When did this happen?” asked Tamar. “What did Vitalora say that was treasonous?”
“It was about an hour ago,” answered the officer. “Vitalora stood in a park right here in the city and proclaimed that a Kieran should not sit on the throne of Elvangar. He was planning a rebellion. Can you imagine that? One of our own elders plotting an overthrow of Queen Alycia.”
“No, I can’t imagine that,” frowned Tamar. “If you will excuse me?”
Tamar’s mind raced with fear, but he controlled his outward appearance. He left the fort and subconsciously checked behind him as he entered an alley. The hair stood up on the nape of his neck as he saw someone duck around the corner behind him. Tamar’s mind immediately switched to military mode. He mentally marked the person following him as an enemy and employed his training to lose the tail.
Tamar took an overly circuitous route, which involved a number of sharp turns that afforded him with an excellent view of his backtrack. Only when he was positively sure that he had lost his follower, did he approach his father’s house. Instead of using the platform, Tamar climbed the tree and remained low to the platform when he knocked on the door. Volox answered the knock and peered into the dark questioningly. He only looked down when Tamar hopped through the doorway.
“What are you doing down there?” asked Volox as he shut the door.
“Hiding from whoever is following me,” explained Tamar as he rose. “Something is going very wrong in this city. I think you should resign from the Council. Retire and go live in a village.”
“What are you talking about?” asked Volox. “Have you gone mad?”
“Perhaps,” sighed Tamar, “but they arrested Vitalora tonight.”
“Vitalora?” echoed Volox. “Whatever for?”
“Treason,” answered Tamar. “Treason for words that you and I heard in the park earlier.”
“He said nothing treasonous,” scowled Volox. “All he said was…”
“That a Kieran should not sit on the throne of Elvangar,” finished Tamar. “I know, Father. I was there. Vitalora was not arrested for his words tonight. I do not know why he was arrested, but this game is being played for keeps. Your position on the Council is not worth your life.”
“What makes you think they will be coming for me next?” asked Volox.
“Because you and Vitalora agreed on what you were talking about,” explained Tamar. “Only the two of you were vocal in the discussion. Can you afford to take the chance? Retire.”
“I will not,” Volox declared as his body stiffened. “I will continue to stand for what I believe is right. If they want to hang me for that, then let them do so. I will not turn tail and run.”
Chapter 22
Garl sat on a log at the edge of the glade where the jungle began. Mistake and MistyTrail were just inside the fringe of the jungle practicing the magical spells of accelerated plant growth.
“Enough,” called Garl. “Both of you have proved your prowess with such spells. It is time to return to the magic of mental healing.”
The sisters grinned with satisfaction as they exited the jungle and sat on the ground in front of the old man.
“This magic is fun,” declared Mistake. “I never even knew that I had any abilities. Do you think there are others who can do magic who do not even know it?”
“I am sure there are,” nodded Garl, “but I doubt any of them have the abilities that you two do. You both learn so quickly. I am surprised that your talents were not discovered earlier.”
“I was taught some magic in StarCity,” offered MistyTrail, “but I did not seem to have the abilities that others did.”
“What type of magic did they teach you?” inquired Garl.
“Fireballs and force bolts,” answered MistyTrail. “I was able to learn some healing, but not much else.”
“You are different from the humans who taught you,” sighed Garl. “Elven magic is of the light. It is the magic of nature in that it gathers life forces only. It sounds as if the humans gather the power of just about anything. I can see how learning some of those spells would be very difficult for you.”
Eltor and Caldal saw the girls and came racing across the glade. They slid to a halt and flopped down on the ground near the small group.
“Tayo,” greeted Eltor. “Do you have free time today? Caldal and I are planning a hike into the jungle to go exploring.”
Elvangar Page 28