As if to answer my question, he continued, “You were bitten by my black pet, were you not? Why you weren’t killed? I don’t know. But I’m pleased that you have been very helpful with our experiments. We’ll soon have replacements for the useless dragons that are all but fairy tales. There will be a new breed of lizard that will answer only to me. With them, I will bring power to my monarchy. Even the Kingdom of Serislan will fall to me.”
Some vile link existed between the sorcerer and the black creature’s venom running in my veins. I heard Eshshah’s menacing growl. Her pain joined her anger as she tried to accept the fact that she remained helpless.
The sorcerer intensified his attack. My torture increased. I sunk to my knees, holding my head. My teeth clamped shut, stifling my scream.
“Eshshah, I need you to increase your power in me.”
“But you’ll be unable to breathe. Remember what happened last time? I could have ended your life.”
“It’ll be ended sooner if I don’t stop this agony. He’s increasing his dark magic.” I fought the nausea and the urge to scratch out my eyes to get to the pain. “I have a plan. Please, when I give you the word, I’ll need more than you gave me the last time we fought off the sorcerer. It’s my only chance.”
“As you wish, Amáne. Tell me when you’re ready.”
I immediately made my calculations, and then inhaled deeply. I held my breath and silently yelled, “Now, Eshshah!”
I felt her power surge through me like never before. Fighting to control my body, I leaped up, spotted my mark and let my dagger fly with lightning speed.
Before anyone knew what had happened the dagger buried itself past its hilt in the sorcerer’s neck, impaling him in his seat. A crimson spray pulsed from the wound. A bright red bloom spread on the front of his robe. Pink foam bubbled from his mouth — his eyes wide in a grotesque stare. I wished his evil spirit to wherever evil spirits go.
Galtero screamed. The crowd went silent.
Eshshah relieved me of the extra surge. I spun to my right to face the creature who now charged toward me, attracted by my sudden movement. My timing was off. I leaped to my left — almost avoiding his attack. His teeth missed me. But as he stormed by, he struck at me with his front claws. Raking my right arm, he sent me flying backwards. I couldn’t control my landing. When I hit the dirt, I heard the sickening pop of my right wrist. Pain set fire to my arm from the strike of his filthy talons. That and the agony of my broken wrist threatened to send me into shock. My hand now hung at an unnatural angle. A cold sweat went through me. My stomach twisted.
On natural instinct, I grabbed my wrist as I slowly rose to my feet, thankful that my bone had not broken through the skin. “Eshshah,” I whispered as heat radiated from my hand that held my wrist tightly. Disbelief washed over me as I felt the bone begin to mend under my burning touch. Light-headedness took me for a brief moment. With Eshshah’s help, my body urged itself back to fight-ready.
There was no time to question what just occurred with my wrist. The creature had run to the other end of the arena before he could stop his bulk and turn back to face me. He approached with slow deliberate steps. I remained completely still — my eyes locked with his. I would attempt my original plan to break for the barrels and safety. I had to turn him almost completely around before the barrels would be at my back.
My concentration threatened to break as Galtero screamed something about The Prophecy. I saw him out of the corner of my eye — his arms flailing wildly. I gasped. My sleeve had been ripped to shreds, exposing Eshshah’s linking mark. My hat had been torn off. My hair fell around my shoulders. The crowd whipped itself into a state of frenzy.
“Release my black pet!” Galtero howled at the top of his lungs. A combination of fury, incredulity and terror sounded in his voice.
But another sound came to me that moment.
“Eshshah, who’s calling me?” It was a guttural sound, in a language I did not recognize, but I could tell it was my name.
“I don’t know, Amáne, I hear it, too.”
“Where is it coming from?”
A grating sound filled the arena. Another massive door began to open somewhere behind me. My heart froze as I felt the vile black beast emerge — the very same brute I had encountered on my last visit. The brown broke his gaze with me, his attention drawn to the movement of the nightmare creature that emerged. I used that opportunity to turn slowly. My eyes rested on the black monster lizard. His short legs that supported his distended belly; the undersized wings; bulbous eyes and long snout; fangs that dripped with venom. He had grown in size half again from what I remembered. Charging into the arena, he headed straight at me.
I tried not to be disheartened. I was not a quitter, but now I had two beasts to face. And my right arm was almost useless. My end was forthcoming. Galtero screamed like a mad man, urging the creatures on — a wicked note of victory in his voice. I wished I had another dagger to stop his despicable ranting.
Hope. There is always hope. I cannot let it slip away. I must not leave my dragon to mourn me. I must see Lord Ansel’s green eyes again. The Healer. Gallen. All marched before me in my mind.
“Amáne, jump to your right — now!” Eshshah cried.
I did as she commanded. I dove to my right as the black lizard bolted past me, not even looking at me. He fell upon the brown one. Both tumbled to the other end of the arena. The black one clamped his jaws on the neck of the brown and picked it up shaking it like a dog would shake a squirrel. I stood frozen as he launched it into the stands high above us. The brute crashed lifelessly into the seats, crushing several spectators. It sailed over Galtero, who was instantly surrounded by his protectors. They ushered him out of the arena through another exit. The crowd screamed in a panic, trampling each other to leave the stands.
“The black one wants to help you, Amáne.” Eshshah informed me. “He speaks the ancient language, and calls himself Charna Yash-churka, Black Lizard. You are linked to him, just as we suspected. But contrary to what we thought, his only desire is to serve you. It’s a very primitive linking and he can’t communicate with you from any distance. That’s why you couldn’t hear him until now. He’s telling you to leap onto his back. He’ll take you out of the castle. Go, Amáne! It is safe.”
With my good hand I grabbed the metal collar around his neck and swung onto Charna Yash-churka. The mutant dragon turned back, exiting through the open door he had just entered. We rushed through the tunnels under the castle. I tried to comprehend what had happened. A creature that a few months ago was ready to have me for his meal, now saved my life. I had his venom in my veins, as well as Eshshah’s. All this time I was disgusted at the thought of being linked to him. Now, I rode him to safety. My head reeled.
Eshshah directed him to where I’d hidden the egg. Wasting no time, I moved to the crate where I’d stashed it. Breathing a sigh of relief, I found it exactly how I left it — it had not been discovered. I threw the satchel over my shoulder, then leaped back on the black creature’s shoulders. Leaning forward, I held tight to his metal collar as we bounded toward our escape.
I heard his harsh-sounding speech, but couldn’t understand what he said, except when he said my name.
Eshshah translated, “He says there is a gate on the river side of the castle where he will take you. I’ll meet you there, but it may be locked.”
I had Aperio’s key at the ready. The gold chain kept it hidden under my tunic, close to my heart.
We were almost there — my beautiful dragon waiting on the other side.
A commotion behind me told me that the guards had discovered our position and raced in our direction.
We made the gate. I leaped off and hurried the key in the lock, whispering, “Aperio.” The gate unlatched. I threw it open and we rushed out. The sunlight — the glorious sunlight — drenched my face as the sound of pounding boots increased behind me.
Eshshah was there, ready for a wing mount, but I hesitated. I turned and thanked
the black lizard, Charna Yash-churka. My eyes rested on the cruel metal collar around his neck. I needed to remove it for him in thanks for saving my life.
“Amáne,” Eshshah called, “hurry, there is no time for that.”
In my stubbornness I put Aperio’s key in the lock and relieved him of the cumbersome device. All at once arrows whizzed past me. I had no weapon. Whirling around, the black lizard shot flames at the soldiers that poured out the door.
From out of nowhere, Avano rushed up. “Amáne! Go. I’ll handle this.”
“Avano!” My heart leaped to see him. “Give me your other sword.”
“No! You have your duty. I have mine. Go — do yours. Don’t make my efforts be in vain. Get our boy on the throne. Farewell, Amáne. I’m proud of you.” He turned to deal with the soldiers that managed to get through. Charna Yash-churka stood with him.
Tears in my eyes, Avano’s brave stand ingrained in my memory, I spun and ran toward Eshshah. Using my left hand, I got hold of her wing “finger.” She raised her wing and catapulted me into the saddle. With her powerful hind legs, she launched off the ground. A perfect execution of the wing mount maneuver Gallen had taught us so long ago.
There were no words to describe my feelings. Too many emotions swirled in my head — in my heart. My chest was ready to burst.
Eshshah flew to the Castle Outpost entrance. Bern sprung onto the saddle behind me as Eshshah barely touched the ground. Immediately, she leaped off the ledge and soared toward the ocean. The battlements above us showed some action, as men mustered to their positions. But Eshshah was too quick. We outpaced the arrows they released.
We flew swiftly over the ocean, my adrenaline still pumping. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply the briny air. We took in the reality that our mission was accomplished. It was at that moment I lost control. The pain and torment of what we had just been through flooded through me and my body shook. I let it all out as Bern put his arms around me in comfort.
Turning inland, Eshshah took a longer route, flying over forests and uninhabited areas so we wouldn’t be spotted. Darkness had just fallen when we landed in the field outside of Anbon where Bern’s friends waited.
Eshshah treated my arm. She breathed her warm soothing breath, fighting the infection that had set in from the creature’s foul claws. The oozing gashes would need more treatment to ensure they were free of all contamination — but that would have to wait until we got home. She attended to my wrist, and did a better job at mending it than I had done.
I turned my attention to my clothing. I smelled so badly, even I couldn’t stand myself. I didn’t know if the putrid stench could ever be washed out — or, if it would ever leave my nostrils. My once-white tunic held no memory of ever having been white. It was covered in blood and the unimaginable filth from the arena.
I grabbed a large pot of water that heated on the fire and retreated to the far side of the field. With Eshshah as my screen, I scrubbed myself until my skin burned. After which I donned a fresh change of clothes from my pack. Pulling the egg satchel back over my head, I made sure it hung securely. Feeling much better, I headed back toward Bern and his companions.
Rolling up my filthy garments, I tied them into a ball. With an exaggerated motion I cast them into the fire and watched the flames consume them. My eyes remained on the fire until there was nothing left of them but glowing embers. Relief washed over me as the embers died and blended in the ashes. If it were only that easy to rid my memories from the horrors of the arena.
Bern offered me a plate of steaming meat. I was ravenous, not remembering the last time I’d eaten. His friends were shocked at the amount I consumed. I’d never tasted anything so delicious, whatever it was that they’d roasted over the fire — I didn’t ask.
It was time for me to get back to Dorsal to deliver the dragon egg to the Healer. Bern would head toward Anbon to wait for word from Eben. I was distraught at the thought that I may never see Avano again. I was also anxious for word on my father.
We said our good-byes. I put on my helmet and my riding cape. With one last salute, I mounted, and Eshshah took flight.
Dawn just hinted when I spotted the coast of Dorsal. My heart beat noisily in my chest. I was never more happy to be arriving home than at that moment. As exhausted as I was, I didn’t get any sleep as we flew. I wanted to just be with Eshshah. Our minds melded as we comforted each other. We both admitted how terrorized we’d been. However, our atmosphere of terror turned to elation as we rejoiced at our triumphant quest.
Eshshah and I discussed my options for contacting Lord Ansel to report our success. Although we knew he would already have been informed, I thought it would be more proper if I told him myself through the communication disc. My only concern was that I wasn’t sure I’d be ready to face him — to encounter his flashing eyes should he still be angry with me. I knew he had forgiven me, but that wasn’t a guarantee that he would give me a second chance.
Our spirits lifted. We spotted the Healer’s home growing larger as we neared it. Eshshah contacted her that we were coming in. The first thing I’d do — after I see to Eshshah, of course — would be rush to the bathing room for a long hot soak. My body ached like never before.
Eshshah’s wings whipped the air around the Healer and Gallen as they stood watching our approach, making them look even more impressive. We hardly touched down before I slid off and wrapped my arms around the Healer. We kissed both cheeks — her tears flowed freely, as did mine.
I turned to Gallen, who had just greeted Eshshah with the scratch between her eyes that she loved so much. He kissed my forehead, then put his arms around me and swung me in a circle. It hurt a bit, but it was well worth the pain. I was home safely, with the egg slung over my shoulder under my riding cape. I had adjusted the strap so the egg hung at my back — protected and out of the way.
Eshshah and I hoped this quest proved fruitful. If the Healer could decipher the evil the sorcerers had committed on the eggs, it would help our cause.
“You have a gift in the kitchen, Amáne.” Gallen broke into my thoughts, barely able to hide his excitement. “Why don’t you go in and see what it is?”
How important was this gift, that Gallen couldn’t wait to tell me about? Only minutes had passed since I’d been on the ground.
“From whom? What is it?” I was afraid to hope it was from Lord Ansel. He was the only one that had ever sent me a gift. If it were he who sent this one, then possibly it meant that I still stood a chance.
“Go in and find out.”
“Let me take care of Eshshah first.”
“I’m sure Eshshah won’t mind if the Healer and I do that for you. You’d probably end up pulling the saddle down on yourself, or some such thing,” Gallen said with a laugh.
“Go open your present, Amáne. I’m fine with the Healer and Gallen.” Eshshah assured me.
I took Eshshah’s fangs, pulled her head to mine and kissed her nose. I thanked her, then turned and rushed inside to find my package, hoping that it would be from Lord Ansel.
I didn’t bother to remove my riding cape or the egg satchel, but hastened to the kitchen. I stopped at the table. There was no package there. I stood puzzled, staring at the empty spot.
Footsteps sounded behind me. Spinning around in alarm, I almost lost my balance.
I gasped, lowered my eyes and dipped in a deep, but painful, curtsy. “Lord Ansel! Your Grace.”
His voice filled with pain, “Get up, Amáne, please. What are you doing? It’s Ansel. Just ... plain ... Ansel.”
He took my hands and helped me up. I hesitated to look at him, afraid to face the disappointment that may come. But I had to know. I gazed up to search the cool green depths of his eyes. My eyes melted into his. My eyebrows lifted and a smile turned my lips. Still holding my hands, he put them gently on his shoulders, then he pulled me close and kissed my forehead. I pressed my head on his chest and listened to the beat of his heart, content to remain there and not move.
Feeling his warm breath on my neck, he whispered, still with a note of distress, “You weren’t listening when I told you that I keep my promises.” I looked up at him, confused. He pulled me closer and pressed his lips against mine.
As my heart beat against his, I recalled the promise of which he spoke so long ago. He told me he would not give up on me. That truth demonstrated in his kiss.
He pulled back and gazed into my eyes — I saw his deep unconditional love. I saw his forgiveness. I saw the person whom I loved most in this world. We stood in silence, drinking each other in — no words needed. I raised up on my toes and invited another kiss just to make sure this wasn’t a dream. It was not.
“I see you found your gift.” Gallen said as he and the Healer entered. They were holding hands and looked quite pleased at finding us in an embrace.
I pulled away quickly. The heat rose in my face. Ansel reached for my hand and clasped it tightly, as if he feared he would lose me if he let go.
“I have water heating for you Amáne,” said the Healer. “A hot soak with soothing herbs is what I recommend straightaway. You must be exhausted.”
“I am, Healer, but I don’t think sleep will find me any time soon.” My heart still raced. I glanced up at Ansel. He hadn’t taken his eyes off me.
Ansel smiled and reached to pull me back to his side, but unknowingly grabbed my injured arm. A stab of pain ripped through me.
Grimacing, I drew in my breath and stifled a cry.
“Your injuries! How thoughtless of me. I’m sorry.” He winced.
Ansel unclasped my riding cloak, took it from my shoulders, and gently lifted my sleeve. The three of them gasped at the same time at the sight of the angry red grooves the brown creature had left in my arm — infection showing once again.
Trying to ease the pressure in the room, I offered, “Do you think that’s going to leave a scar?”
Ansel just closed his eyes and shook his head.
The Healer acted at once. “Bring her to her chambers, we’ll need Eshshah’s help.” She poured some hot water in a bowl, grabbed a linen and we all moved down the corridor to my quarters.
Amáne of Teravinea - The Prophecy (The Teravinea Series Book 2) Page 20