‘I listened to dreams,’ she announced. She slitted her eyes against the rising sun and shook a front paw vigorously. ‘Most of these two-legs are very simple minded compared to most of us.’
Tika rolled her eyes but waited for the rest of Her Majesty’s information.
‘The chief among them -’
‘Hargon.’ Farn said frostily.
‘Hmm, yes, Hargon. He is confused. He has always believed completely -’
‘In the foulness of the power,’ Farn interrupted again.
Khosa spat at the blue Dragon, turned her back and began to wash herself. ‘If you are not interested -’
‘We are Khosa,’ Tika said quickly, giving Farn a warning nudge.
‘Very well then.’ The Kephi wrapped her tail across her front paws. ‘Hargon has always believed, truly, that anything to do with the power is bad.’ Kija’s eyes whirred briefly and Farn concentrated on studying the clouds.
‘But he is most impressed with all of us but uncertain now about his beliefs. It is many generations since the great disaster he talks of actually happened.’ Khosa paused, her eyes following a black shape, which flapped heavily from a tree and flew round the side of the lodge.
‘And?’ Tika drew the Kephi’s thoughts away from a possible meal.
‘Hmm? Oh yes. Well, Hargon seems to think we are all very trustworthy.’ Khosa gazed innocently from Tika to Gan. ‘He is deeply alarmed by the Grey One’s power. He knows he cannot destroy him and his fear increases daily. Hargon’s eldest child has a strong mind – I felt he could touch the power if he could be persuaded that it was not the evil thing his father has always maintained it to be. And the next child – the girl,’ Khosa paused, her turquoise eyes gazing at each of her audience in turn. ‘Unless she is helped to understand, and very soon, her mind will go wild.’
Tika nodded slightly, as if this was not a surprise to her somehow.
‘The youngest child,’ Khosa continued, her tone now icily flat in their minds, ‘already links with the Grey One. He must die.’
While that dreadful last sentence sank into their minds, Khosa added, almost irrelevantly: ‘Navan accepts the power. One of his female relatives I think – anyway, he is open and can be trusted.’
The silence when Khosa finished her report was total as they absorbed all the implications in the Kephi’s words.
Doors opening and brisk footsteps from the lodge stirred them from their thoughts. Tika locked her gaze with Kija’s golden eyes. ‘We must move very fast. There is no more time left to waste before we face him.’
Affection wrapped around her from all the Dragons as they, more than Gan or Kemti, understood that Tika meant ‘I’ rather than ‘we’.
Hargon and Navan had reached the group by then and Tika turned to face them, unaware of how pale she appeared or that she was shivering.
‘Good day my, erm, friends. I have received word that Lord Seboth of Far, with four squads of armsmen is now approaching.’
Tika sliced her hand sideways, interrupting Hargon.
‘We leave now Hargon. We must reach Return and quickly.’
He gaped at her but swallowed any reply he may have been contemplating as Farn rested his long nose gently on top of Tika’s head.
‘Can you send messengers to your townsfolk – warn them Dragons approach who will do no harm but are come to help them?’
To her companions she added privately: ‘A panic is the last thing we need – it would play straight into Rhaki’s hands.’
Navan glanced at his Lord and at Hargon’s nod, set off running for the barrack room and stables, calling orders as he ran.
‘Hargon,’ Kija’s voice smoothed through Hargon’s mind. ‘I believe I saw scattered woodland north west of your town? I suggest you make for that area, do not charge straight into the town. How long will it take you to get there?’
Hargon had caught the undertone of urgency now. He pursed his lips. ‘Two days, maybe a little less but if I push too hard, the men will arrive exhausted.’
Tika nodded. ‘Try to get there fast but still fit to fight. I hope you and your men will have nothing to fight after all, but I would rather you were prepared for any eventuality.’ There was the very slightest hesitation before she finished firmly: ‘Your children must accompany you.’
‘But that’s ridiculous! If there is any likelihood of trouble, my children are safer here!’
‘No.’ Tika looked steadily into Hargon’s blue eyes. ‘This is of the greatest importance Hargon; your children must all be there.’
The Lord of Return opened his mouth to argue further but crimson Brin lowered his head to Hargon’s level.
‘She speaks the truth Hargon. I will carry your female child myself if she is too weakly for such a ride with your armsmen.’
Hargon was at a total loss now and Kemti said softly:
‘We should really be on our way Lord Hargon. There is little time to spare in arguing minor details.’ Kemti bowed politely and turned away to fold his bedroll into his pack. The other Guards hastily followed his lead and Hargon realised he was indeed wasting his time here in fruitless talk.
As Tika tightened the straps on her pack, she kept an eye on the lodge for any sign of Mena.
‘She will be here,’ Kija told her quietly.
Drak had already climbed behind Brin’s massive shoulders but Sket still waited patiently beside Tika on the grass. Gan appeared round Kadi’s flank.
‘We will keep our distance from the tower Tika. The Dragons say it will be a steady day’s flight until we sight Return.’
He looked down at the small figure standing against the silver blue Farn. He lowered his voice. ‘Kemti has no idea how to combat Rhaki. Have you?’
Green eyes glittered up at him and Tika managed a lopsided grin. ‘None at all,’ she answered shortly.
Armsmen were beginning to emerge from the stable block and Hargon, with his two sons, strode from the lodge. Koninas were led forward and they mounted quickly, the two boys moving to join the line of armsmen already heading down the slope. Hargon reined back a moment, his konina rolling its eyes nervously at the Dragons.
‘We will be at the meeting place as swiftly as may be,’ he called. He turned the konina and sent it running alongside his armsmen.
A small figure appeared on the lodge steps, watching as the last armsmen trotted out of sight. Clutching a pack, Mena limped across the grass to where the Dragons waited. She kept her gaze firmly on the ground, as though she did not want to see pity on the faces of those watching.
The sound of the koninas’ hoof beats fading emphasised the sudden silence as Mena stopped in front of Tika, finally raising her face. Tika’s own face was expressionless as she saw the child’s split lip was more swollen than yesterday and trickling fresh blood. A bloody line was scratched under her left eye, which was half closed and purpling by the second.
‘Can you wear the pack on your shoulders all right?’ Tika asked calmly.
Mena nodded, shrugging the straps into place. ‘You will begin the journey with Farn and me, but if he tires, one of the others will take you. Come.’
Tika lifted the child, seating her firmly before climbing onto Farn’s back in front of her. ‘Just hold on to me if you are afraid, but I promise, you will be quite safe.’
Mena twisted her hands tightly around Tika’s belt and watched Brin and Kadi rise into the early morning sky. Kija followed and Mena’s mouth formed an ‘O’ of astonishment as she realised that Farn had lifted from the ground at the same moment as his mother.
Near the city of Gaharn, silence enveloped the hall of the Golden Lady’s house. Two extraordinarily old ladies, one tiny as a child, the other like a very tall skeleton, slept in their chairs by the fire. Another childlike figure lay curled on a heap of pillows beside one of the chairs.
Shan crept into the hall with another of Emla’s maids, Bara, and stood looking at the sleepers. Shan drew Bara back to the doorway.
‘Tell all the others t
o be really quiet. Ask cook to have something ready at any time they wake, but for now, I think we should leave them. Stars know when they last slept properly. But you must wait here so that when they stir you can fetch tea at once.’
Bara nodded her understanding and slipped out to the kitchens. As soon as she reappeared and perched herself on a bench to watch over the three sleepers, Shan crept noiselessly up the wide staircase. Carefully she eased up the latch on the door to Emla’s bedchamber and tiptoed inside.
The Golden Lady’s black hair was visible, straggled wildly across the pillows and the quilts, but that was all Shan could see of her mistress. Still on tiptoe, Shan went through to the adjoining workroom and lifted a large covered jar. Glad to find it was still full, she cautiously poured some of the water into a kettle, which she then swung over the ashy fire.
A handful of bark from the fuel box, a few prods at the ashes and flames began to flicker and flare spasmodically. Shan sat back on her heels feeding larger sticks to the fire, wincing at the crackles it made.
‘Would it not be easier to fetch hot water from the kitchens, Shan dear?’
Shan scrambled to her feet in alarm, glaring at the Lady in the doorway.
‘I was trying to be quiet to allow you to sleep longer my Lady. The first night for stars know how long since you all seem to sleep well.’
‘Well, I am awake now and I will wash and dress whilst you make me some tea.’ Emla looked doubtfully at the fire. ‘Perhaps you should start again with that,’ she suggested as she returned to her bedchamber.
Shan gritted her teeth, pushed a few thicker pieces of wood onto the sulky fire and hurried to fetch food and drink from downstairs.
By the time Emla had dressed, drunk three bowls of tea and eaten her hot honey rolls, Shan reported that the old ones were also awake.
‘Did that sweet Hani tell you important things last night my Lady?’
Shan was trying hard to learn the discipline incumbent on one being trained in weaponry, but her basic curiosity was just too strong a part of her character for her to keep suitably silent now. Emla quirked an eyebrow at her maid, then she laughed.
‘Indeed yes. And she is the only one of the Great Dragons who could possibly have known quite so much.’ Emla’s green eyes shone with excitement. ‘Hani’s mother’s sister was of the same brood as the present Silver Dragon!’
Shan gaped at the Lady. ‘You mean Gremara is Hani’s aunt? Or is it uncle?’ Shan frowned in confusion. ‘Isn’t Gremara both male and female or something? I really do not understand about that too well my Lady.’
‘I don’t either, but Hani referred to her as ‘she’ so I think we will stay with that.’ Emla rose from her breakfast table and fastened her sword belt around her narrow waist. ‘I will be travelling into the city later Shan. You will accompany me – as my Guard rather than as my maid.’
‘Yes my Lady.’ Shan stiffened her shoulders proudly.
When Emla reached the hall, Nolli was talking rapidly to Ryla. Senior Ryla was writing notes and nodding as Nolli spoke. They looked up as Emla joined them by the hearth.
‘It still feels cold but I do believe the snow has finally abandoned us,’ Emla said cheerfully.
‘About time too,’ Ryla agreed. ‘We are putting down all we remember of Hani’s information. We will check it with her later. Perhaps she would not mind if Khalim were allowed to sit in a corner. He is excellent at note taking.’
‘I have to go to the Asataria this day,’ Emla said casually. ‘I will tell Khalim to come here as soon as possible.’
‘Good!’ Ryla continued to write but Nolli gave Emla a piercing stare.
Just then, Commanding Officer Soran came through the main door. He saluted the Lady Emla.
‘You have orders for me Lady?’
‘Ah yes Soran. I will be going to the Asataria in a short while. Shan will be my personal Guard today.’
Soran nodded. ‘I will arrange the escort Lady, which I will lead myself.’
Emla frowned faintly but before she could say anything, Soran took a step closer and murmured: ‘Two of the little Dragons are outside Lady. I think they wish to come in, but are not sure if they should.’
Emla returned his smile then crossed quickly to the main door. She stepped outside, shivering as a gust of still icy wind tugged at her clothes. A silver blue Dragon stood shoulder to shoulder with a slightly smaller mauve blue Dragon. Emla held out her hands with a cry of delight.
‘Ikram! Nya! Oh my dears, come in, come in!’
Nya moved stiffly Emla noted, still wary of the injuries she’d suffered when Gremara’s mad screams caused such panic. As her brother Ikram followed Emla saw his sparkling eyes and guessed mischief was reawakening.
Nolli and Ryla were delighted to see the pair after the long days spent in quiet seclusion as Nya’s torn wing and twisted spine slowly healed. Farn’s brother and sister made their way towards the old ladies’ chairs. Nolli gestured impatiently to Lanni and Shan to scoop piles of books, papers and scrolls out of the way. Lanni grinned at Shan’s mutterings as they grabbed the precious documents from the floor. Ryla had been insistent that all should be left scattered around them – ‘in case’ they were needed again. Now, Shan and Lanni dumped armfuls onto a table in a jumbled, teetering heap. Nya and Ikram made their greetings a little shyly but Nolli’s loving tones soon put them at ease.
Shan brought Emla’s cloak while Soran gathered the escort.
‘There are papers I must return to the Asataria,’ Emla said, hurrying back upstairs, her cloak loose on her shoulders. ‘I will be only a moment.’
The main door was pushed open again and Shar peered in at her brother and sister.
‘Come Shar,’ called Nolli. ‘We are glad to see Nya so greatly improved!’
Shar glanced behind her and then advanced into the hall. Two smaller Dragons hesitantly followed. They were both a dappled shimmering green. Hani’s daughters.
‘Oh welcome to you.’ Ryla’s mind voice was softly reassuring and the newest visitors followed Shar more confidently.
As the five young Dragons settled by the hearth, Emla came lightly down the stairs, her cloak fastened at her throat and the deep hood drawn over her head. She smiled at Ryla – the old Senior’s expression was ecstatic. Five Dragons at her very feet! Nolli opened her mouth but Emla was already stooping to press her cheek against the ancient Delver’s face, then moving to kiss Ryla.
‘I will ask Khalim to come here Ryla. I may stay tonight in the Halls of Learning – I have questions to ask of several Seniors which may take more time than I’d hope.’
Her thick blue cloak swirled around her as she headed for the door, Shan, also well wrapped in a cloak at her heels.
‘The Lady is very excited.’ One of Hani’s daughters sent the thought drifting into the hall. Nolli sucked her cheeks over her toothless gums. ‘Indeed she was little one. And I wonder why?’
Emla and her escort travelled fast, Shan proud of the fact that she could now maintain the half-running pace of the Lady’s Guards without losing her breath. It was just midday when they reached the outskirts of the city. Shoppers and tradesmen alike called cheerful greetings as their Golden Lady strode passed surrounded by her uniformed Guards. She replied to all, greeted many by name but never slowed her rapid pace. Finally they reached the huge Asataria building, its back pressed against the mountain and its front colonnades filled with eddying Students.
Inside, Emla dismissed the Guards to the food halls, and with only Soran and Shan, climbed up to Senior Kera’s temporarily vacated rooms.
‘I need to find some notes of Kera’s. I will not be long.’ And Emla went alone into Kera’s study.
She saw no one had entered, even to dust, since Kera had gone north. She tapped a writing stick against her knuckles for a moment, shrugged and sat at the desk. Emla wrote rapidly for several minutes and then folded the paper briskly. She looked for a means of sealing it but of course no lamps or fires were lit. She poked among the
clutter on the mantel and found a striker, which she quickly used to heat Kera's stick of green wax. Removing the single ring she wore, she pressed it into the blob of softened wax. One final glance round the room as she tucked the paper inside her cloak and she reopened the door.
‘Soran, I have to go to the Assembly Chamber. I will keep Shan by me, but could you find Senior Khalim and tell him the Senior Ryla has need of him as soon as possible?’
Soran inclined his head and turned off down another corridor as Emla swept Shan deeper into the Asataria. There were few people about – most would be in the several food halls for their midday meals. Emla stopped beside a huge pair of plain polished wooden doors, glanced quickly up and down the corridor and whisked Shan inside.
‘My Lady?’ Shan asked tentatively.
Then she saw the vastness of the chamber wherein they stood. A few lamps reflected onto a great mosaic circle laid in the floor of the chamber: white marble, crystal that flashed light back at the lamps, and black jet that seemed to absorb the light completely.
‘I thought that I am not permitted here – Lady, what are we doing here?’
Emla moved one of the many chairs from beside the wall and placed it directly in line with the doors. On the chair she laid the folded parchment she’d taken from under her cloak.
‘You may stay Shan if you wish. I have said in my letter that I ordered you to remain, so there will be no reprimands.’
‘No! I go with you my Lady! But where are we going?’ Shan pivoted, staring up at the dimness far above.
‘I intend to walk the circle, as Hani told last night.’
‘Walk the –?’ Shan went closer to the inlaid circle. ‘It’s just squares and zigzags. How do you ‘walk’ it?’
‘It’s so obvious now,’ Emla murmured to herself. ‘Look,’ she caught Shan’s arm, pulling her to the centre of the circle. ‘Half close your eyes, as though you were squinting in the sun. Can you see now? Oh it’s so clear! If you are coming with me Shan, follow exactly where I walk in the pattern.’
Emla put one foot on a thin line of jet. Shan gulped, and followed her mistress onto the circle.
Vagrants: Book 2 Circles of Light series Page 21