Vagrants: Book 2 Circles of Light series

by E. M. Sinclair

  Nine koninas were saddled and mounted, reluctantly by Tika and Kemti. Mena was staying with the Dragons and Navan had already suggested that Tarin remain with her. Mena objected strongly, supported by Kadi, and so she was left without an armsman for her protection. Gan, and more especially Kemti, were very aware of many undercurrents roiling between the Dragons. Tika was too involved with dealing with Farn’s terror at her departure. Twice she dismounted to hug him close until finally Brin intervened.

  ‘Come along young one, the sooner Tika is settled in Return, the sooner we can fly to the great waters.’

  Farn still insisted on accompanying her to the edge of the forest and stood watching until she was lost to his sight. Kija’s heart ached as she watched her son trudge back to her, his head low and distress radiating from him.

  Kadi, carrying Mena, and Brin both lifted into the air and flew in separate directions to hunt while Kija settled with Farn in a puddle of sunlight. She curved her body around him and crooned a hatching song over him.

  Most surprisingly, Khosa had kept a tactful silence, in spite of being seriously squashed when Tika embraced Farn. Now she squirmed in her carrying sack until Tika released her. Khosa scrambled onto Tika’s shoulders, her tail whisking briefly across the girl’s nose.

  ‘I appreciated your kindness in leaving Farn alone Khosa.’

  Khosa yawned then dug her claws deep into Tika’s jacket as the konina that carried them did a skittering side-step. Khosa slitted her eyes at the ears twitching in front of her and spat before answering.

  ‘He is still only a baby: I have decided to try to remember that.’

  Tika tried to focus on riding this uncomfortable animal and on her imminent arrival in Return – a place she had sworn she would never set foot in again. She was aware that Kija had lulled Farn to sleep and received Kija’s assurance that he would be safe during her absence.

  Kemti rode beside her, nearly as uncomfortable as she was: his legs were far too long and he would much preferred to have walked. Navan explained that a man on foot was not respected – it would be assumed that he had either lost his mount or could not afford one. The four Guards were quite content as koninas were far more biddable animals than the bad tempered fengars they used in Gaharn.

  ‘I have felt the Grey One’s presence since we reached that building,’ Khosa remarked. ‘But it is not the same as it was in that northern place.’

  Kemti frowned. ‘I am aware of him too – can you sense him Tika?’

  ‘Yes, but I agree with Khosa. He somehow feels much more powerful. There is a changed sort of “taste” to his mind though. Before, I thought I might be able to reach Rhaki; that being Emla’s brother there was still something decent to reach out to. Now I am sure there is nothing of him that would be prepared to listen to anyone, let alone me.’

  Khosa twisted on Tika’s shoulder, her whiskered face tickling the girl’s cheek.

  ‘Do you know what has happened to your mind?’ she asked innocently.

  Kemti held his breath: only Khosa’s regal imperviousness would have dared question Tika so bluntly. He was aware of Gan and Navan slowing in front of them but listened only for Tika’s reply.

  ‘No,’ she said. ‘I do not know what has happened.’ She tapped the Kephi’s nose with her finger. ‘I will be sure to tell you as soon as I find out.’

  They were moving from fairly dense forest into much thinner stands of trees, beyond which fields could be glimpsed. As Nomis and Tarin, at the back of the line, cleared the last of the trees, Navan halted them.

  ‘We will join a road which leads to the north gate of Return very shortly. I suggest we form a proper escort and keep the Lady Tika and Lord Kemti directly behind myself and Captain Gan.’

  Sket moved his konina in front of Tika and grinned at Navan, his manoeuvre clearly stating that Tika was his personal responsibility. Navan turned back to the open lands, then halted again, staring south. They all stared in the same direction and gradually they realised that the odd stump rising in the distance must be the Grey Lord’s tower.

  Tika felt her mind being drawn towards that distant shape and pulled back inside herself. During the last league to the gate of Return, she resolutely kept her eyes and her thoughts away from the tower. Then Hargon’s armsmen, in their dark grey uniforms, were riding out to meet them. Saluting Navan, Gan, and finally, Kemti and Tika, the armsmen swung round, forming an escorting ring around the visitors, and Tika found herself back in Return.

  The Asataria had been plunged into uproar when it was discovered that the Golden Lady had vanished from the premises. The letter that was found conspicuously placed on a chair within the great Hall had been taken rapidly to the Senior Ryla at Emla’s House. Ryla surveyed the three breathless Seniors who had brought the letter with disfavour.

  ‘Clearly you take little exercise these days. You should not neglect your bodies any more than you would neglect your minds.’

  Fayet tried to catch his breath but only managed to wheeze, but Harak was now able to speak.

  ‘We told you Ryla, Lady Emla is gone, vanished. But this letter was found in the Hall. It is addressed to you and sealed with her signet.’

  ‘So I can see,’ Ryla agreed, turning the letter over in her long fingered hands.

  ‘Then open it,’ Fayet gasped.

  Ryla stared icily down her nose at the overweight Senior, but did not reply. She broke the seal, unfolded the paper and quickly read its contents.

  ‘Emla is quite safe I am sure,’ she announced. ‘She found it necessary to make a brief journey away from Gaharn and simply left this letter where it would be swiftly found.’

  ‘A trip where?’ Fayet retorted. ‘Let me see that!’

  He reached to snatch the letter and a pale green Dragon reared her head above Ryla’s chair. Fayet pulled his hand back, his eyes widening in horror. Ryla drew herself up stiffly.

  ‘Don’t ever speak like that to me again Fayet. This letter is addressed to me, I have given you the gist of its information. There is no need to concern yourselves with the Lady Emla’s whereabouts. I thank you for bringing it to me, but now you are dismissed.’

  Soran, with six Guards, came to attention, waiting to escort the Seniors back to Gaharn, so Fayet and Harak had little choice but to turn and go.

  Malesh remained. He had long worked for Ryla and now he grinned at her.

  ‘What does she really say?’

  Ryla grinned back at him but turned to Hani before answering him.

  ‘Thank you dear one. Your sudden appearance was most impressive!’

  Hani’s laugh rang in their minds but Nolli was thumping her stick on the floor.

  ‘Ryla! Will you tell us for the stars’ sake!’

  ‘It is as you feared.’ Ryla’s expression grew serious. She paused as Khalim came down the stairs. She waved the letter at him. ‘Emla has walked the circle in the Asataria. She says she hopes to reach the Stronghold. How long before a message could get here, using the Merigs, to tell us if she is safely there?’

  Nolli shook her head, scowling. ‘She could be anywhere Ryla. Stars forfend she hasn’t landed on Rhaki’s threshold.’

  Ryla handed the letter to Khalim to study.

  ‘She says Shan must not be reprimanded,’ he commented. ‘Shan has not been seen either though, has she? We should assume they are together.’

  ‘Of course they are,’ Ryla snapped. ‘Shan adores Emla and is proud of being her personal Guard. Where Emla goes, Shan goes, you may count on that.’

  Several days had passed when a Guard came hurrying to the main door and saluted Ryla.

  ‘Lady Ryla, there are people in the Chamber of Balance.’

  Ryla stared at him. ‘What do you mean – people?’

  ‘Oh stars,’ Malesh muttered. ‘There is a circle in the Chamber.’ He ran for the door.

  Ryla cursed her inability to rise from her chair while Hani softly ordered one of her daughters to go and find Nya and Ikram quickly and bring them here.
Then the Dragon moved from her preferred, discreetly hidden position, around in front of the two ancient ladies. She commanded her other daughter, Lilla, to take a place to the left and Shar to stand to the right.

  Marching feet could be heard approaching the door and Nolli reached a swollen hand to grasp Ryla’s. The door swung open and the three Dragons reared erect. Guards entered surrounding three people, one of whom was protesting volubly to Malesh.

  ‘Shan!’ Ryla gasped.

  The Dragons lowered themselves but remained where they were.

  ‘Where is Emla? And who have you with you? Oh it’s all right,’ Ryla added to the leading Guard. ‘You know it is Shan, for stars sake. You may return to your posts.’

  The Guards retreated, leaving Shan standing with another woman and a man, both of whom were gaping at the Dragons.

  ‘Introduce us quickly and tell us your news. Oh Shan,’ Ryla ended helplessly.

  Because Shan was busy hugging Shar and then Hani and finally Lilla. She turned, tears on her cheeks although a smile curved her lips, and hugged Nolli and Ryla before stepping back to stand by the two strangers. She wiped her face on her sleeve and drew a deep breath.

  ‘Lady Emla did not get us to the Stronghold,’ she began. ‘We found ourselves in a place called Vagrantia, right across the Wilderness. This is Councillor Jilla.’ Jilla bowed formally. ‘And this is Councillor Bagri.’ Shan turned to the old ladies. ‘This is Nolli, Wise One of the Delvers of Asat, and Ryla, Discipline Senior of the Asataria.’ She paused to draw breath again, heard the door open, and looking over her shoulder, gave a squeak of delight. As Hani’s other daughter Deeba, together with Nya and Ikram, advanced into the hall, Shan flew across to embrace each one.

  Ryla fidgeted. ‘Plainly Shan will tell us a confused and interrupted tale. Please Jilla and Bagri, come and be seated.’

  Lanni appeared as if by magic, with two maids, all bearing trays of food and drink.

  ‘Do not think me rude, but please just tell us quickly – is Emla safe and well?’

  ‘She is safe and well,’ Jilla confirmed, dragging her eyes away from the Dragons.

  ‘Come,’ said Nolli. ‘Sit here. I fear we may not be so formal as you might wish, but Ryla and I are chairbound. One of the aggravations of old age.’ Her gums gleamed pinkly and her dark eyes sparkled as she waved Jilla towards a heap of cushions beside her.

  Nolli studied the young woman: red gold hair cut close to her head, thin attractively shaped face, and dark blue eyes, which had turned to stare yet again at Hani and the younger Dragons. Nolli chuckled.

  ‘It is plain that you have not encountered Great Dragons before.’

  Jilla accepted a mug of spice tea from Lanni. ‘I have only seen Gremara, and only at a distance.’

  Nolli stared at the visitor. ‘Gremara?’ she whispered.

  Bagri sat down beside Jilla and gave Nolli a warm smile.

  ‘Gremara lives in Talvo Circle. There are five circles that make up Vagrantia and Gremara has Talvo to herself.’

  Shan extricated herself from the younger Dragons and stood uncertainly before Ryla.

  ‘Sit down child, you do not need to play either maid or Guard now. Sit, I tell you!’

  Soran arrived at that moment and cast a quick assessing eye over the newcomers.

  ‘Join us Soran. These are guests from far to the west, where apparently Lady Emla has managed to get herself.’

  Bagri opened a satchel he carried and withdrew a sheet of paper. He handed it to Ryla.

  ‘Lady Emla asked us to give you this and she hopes you will believe she really is safe.’

  ‘Begin at the beginning Shan,’ Nolli demanded.

  ‘Well. Lady Emla told me to follow her onto the circle in the Asataria and step exactly where she did.’ She pulled a face. ‘It was a horrid feeling, like spinning round very fast and upside down as well. I don’t know how long it took, but there was a sort of popping sound and we were lying on another circle in a strange room, feeling dreadfully ill.’

  The Dragons were gathered behind the group and were listening as intently as were Ryla and Nolli. Shan reached out to touch Hani’s cheek.

  ‘Walking in a pattern on the circle was right, but we should have said some words as well – that is what made us feel so ill.’

  Bagri nodded. ‘When the circles were made, only the walking pattern was needed. Our ancestors found that some unwelcome visitors could too easily use the circles for causing unpleasant surprises. So the chanting spell was added. Now, without the chant, any who walk the circles arrives in no state to make any trouble for a day or two.’

  Bagri and Jilla looked stunned when Hani’s voice spoke in their minds. ‘I am sorry that I did not know the words for you Shan. I am distressed that the lack made you ill.’ Her eyes whirred unhappily.

  A small brown Kephi with black smudges on his back, climbed onto Nolli’s lap and regarded his audience. He chirruped softly to himself and Nolli’s twisted hand rested on his back.

  ‘Do not upset yourself Hani dear. Once Emla heard of any way to travel the circles, no one could have stopped her from trying.’

  Jilla put down her mug. ‘We have come here partly to enquire if you have had any cases of a strange – malady.’ She glanced at Bagri and he continued.

  ‘We have had eight cases so far, all within the last ten days. It has affected only young people. It does not appear to be a contagion – no one has “caught” it by associating with a victim.’

  ‘You say victim Bagri,’ Ryla said with a frown. ‘Is death the inevitable outcome of this illness?’

  Bagri exchanged looks with Jilla and spread his hands helplessly. ‘It presents in two forms: in one form the person survives, in the other, madness and death occur.’

  ‘And how do you know which will be the outcome?’

  ‘Their eyes change.’ Bagri looked squarely at Ryla. ‘If they awaken with their eyes scaled in silver, they live and appear unchanged mentally. If their eyes are red scaled, they are insane, and will die within days if not hours.’

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Ren woke at dawn to the smell of cooking and struggled to sit up. He groaned and Voron, who was heating something in a pot over a small fire, laughed.

  ‘I didn’t know you had grown so soft Ren.’

  Ren bit back another groan and climbed to his feet. He ached everywhere, his thighs were sore, and a stone had dug a deep hole in his hip he was sure. He tottered to the poolside and splashed icy water over his face then went back to see what Voron had invented for breakfast.

  ‘How long will our journey take?’ Voron asked as Ren packed away their bowls and plates into a saddlebag.

  ‘Three days in the direction we are heading now, then we have to detour south for a while to avoid the Garah Mountain. There is a pass but it is still too early in the year to risk crossing it.’

  Voron was silent for a while, riding beside Ren on a wider trail.

  ‘There is a small town somewhere in that region is there not? I seem to vaguely recall one from map making lectures years ago.’

  ‘Yes. Supplies are brought up the Garah River to the town of Valoon for the hunters and the few settlers.’ He smiled. ‘We could get a bed for the night there.’

  ‘You have been too long shut in the Menedula Ren,’ Voron scoffed good naturedly. ‘How long is it since you went out on Inspection?’

  ‘Nearly two years,’ Ren replied. ‘You should know Offerings spend five years within the Menedula alternating with five in the field.’

  They rode for a while in silence, moving into single file as their route took them onto a more heavily wooded slope.

  ‘Did anyone try to seek us last night?’ Voron asked casually.

  Ren frowned, checking that the web of light he had placed around the two of them was still secure. ‘No. I would have woken anyway if they had. I had rather expected it though. Perhaps your company is not as greatly desired as you had imagined.’

  Voron laughed and let the ma
tter drop. Just after midday, grey clouds began racing down from the north. The travellers unstrapped their weather-proofed cloaks from their saddles and wrapped themselves securely as the wind began to gust and buffet them. The first squall caught them in the open, crossing a stretch of flat, bare land. Voron urged his horse on, angling down again to where a small stand of trees might offer them some protection.

  It certainly broke some of the wind’s force but did not keep them much drier than they had been in the open. Branches rattled and creaked above them, Voron leading them in and out of the tree trunks. Finally he halted and Ren saw they had reached another wall of grey rock. It jutted out from the base and would offer them at least some shelter from the weather.

  Ren unsaddled the horses, pushing the saddles and bags as far back under the rock face as he could while Voron rooted through the old leaf litter in hopes of finding kindling. In spite of the uncomfortably small space beneath the rock, they were dry; the horses stood tied to a tree, heads lowered and tails clamped tight.

  Voron soon slept but Ren lay awake, checking and rechecking his protecting web. Two nights ago, the night he had impulsively decided to take Voron to Babach, he had told the Observer his plans. Babach had stood in Ren’s dreaming mind, pulling at his braided beard. Eventually he agreed it would be best if Ren and Voron left the Menedula. He reminded Ren that he would not be able to contact him once Ren’s shield was in place. He said that nonetheless, he would keep watch for him along the road as well as he could.

  Ren found some small comfort in knowing that Babach would do all he could to guard them, but why should either he or Voron need guarding? And from whom? Round and round went the thoughts in Ren’s mind until finally, sleep overtook him just before another dawn.

  In the next day and a half, they were occasionally soaked by sudden downpours. Once, they were battered by a ferocious hail and snow storm just as they reached the highest point of their route round the Garah. Ren told Voron that the pass he had spoken of was considerably higher, so, to judge by this snowfall, they had been wise to take the longer detour.