Amáne of Teravinea - The Chosen One (The Teravinea Series Book 1)

by D. Maria Trimble

  My attention turned to Ansel. He was tiring quickly, but remarkably holding his own. With my success he found a sudden burst of energy, and got the upper hand. I rushed to his aid. At the same moment that I thrust my blade into the back of the man’s knee, Ansel swiped at his neck. The guard dropped where he stood. One more time, I wished a man to rest in peace.

  We looked at each other wide-eyed. Our chests heaved as we fought for air. We were pleased with ourselves that we took them, two against four. I remained mindful of the fact I had taken human lives yet again.

  Pushing that thought to the back of my mind, I grudgingly complimented him, “Not bad with a sword, I guess.”

  “Looks like you can handle that spear after all,” he returned. “Thanks for the sword. But you were taking your chances taunting him like that, weren’t you?”

  I shrugged. “I know all about anger and the mistakes it causes.” He gave me a puzzled look. I let him try to figure it out for himself.

  “We’re fine and on our way,” I told Eshshah. I could feel her anxiety.

  “Yes, I know.” Ansel responded. “I’m standing here with you. I can see we’re fine.”

  “I’m not talking to you.”

  As we took another moment to catch our breath, I realized my arm was bleeding more than I had thought. Using my dagger to cut off some of my tunic I handed the cloth to Ansel who quickly wrapped my wound. I couldn’t help but notice his skill and speed.

  We continued running in the direction of the outpost. Advancing through all the turns I’d memorized, I started to feel relief that we were closer to our destination. But it was short-lived — we found ourselves at a dead end.

  “Oh no, did I make a wrong turn? Which way do we go, now?” I asked Eshshah out loud ... again.

  “How should I know? You’re the one rescuing me, remember?” Ansel answered.

  “I’m not talking to you!”

  “Oh, great, you ask yourself questions. Do you hear voices, too?”

  Eshshah answered me. “You didn’t make any wrong turns, Amáne, but that way must have been recently blocked in. There’s another passageway that runs parallel to the one you’re in. If you can go back and find an entry to it, then you can go around the blocked wall and return back to the correct corridor. Do you remember seeing it on the map?”

  “Yes, I do,” I answered Eshshah. But it seemed Ansel took it as the reply to his question on whether I hear voices.

  He cursed and threw me a bewildered look as he shook his head. “I probably would have had better odds if I’d stayed in my cell instead of running in this sewer with a half-mad boy.”

  That was it. I had all that I could take from him — the Healer’s nephew or not. His aristocracy meant nothing to me at that moment, though it should have. I was not about to overlook this self-centered man’s last statement. Turning on him, I unleashed my temper.

  “Who do you think you are? You act like you’re someone special. Well, you’re not. You’re just some stupid rich lord who got himself kidnapped. And a friend of mine died trying to protect you. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m trying to get us out of here alive.”

  I regretted what I said about Farvard dying while trying to protect him. Ansel suddenly looked like the air had been sucked out of him. It was pitiful and I almost apologized, but I was too stubborn — and angry.

  He silently followed me back up the corridor until we found a door. I listened to see if I could hear anything on the other side. It was relatively silent.

  I made the decision. “Okay, let’s try this way.” I said. “Yes, I’m talking to you this time.”

  I turned to look at him and noted his face had gone pale. Pulling the last of the Healer’s vials from my belt, I uncorked it and handed it to him. A little gentler this time, I said, “Here, you look like you could use this. We’re not there yet so you’ll need the boost. Stay with me. We’ll be out of here soon.” I sounded a little more confident than I actually felt.

  He took it and drank half, then handed it back to me. “You could probably use some, too. Finish it.”

  His action surprised me and I locked eyes with him. I took the vial from his hand and drained the last half. The elixir was harsh and burned going down, but I managed not to choke. I felt revitalized almost immediately.

  Hmm, I thought, he could actually be kind when he wanted to, which improved my impression of him a bit. I would have to make a real effort to stop talking out loud to Eshshah. I couldn’t really blame Ansel for being confused, but he did irritate me ... he also fascinated me.

  We stood outside the door and I hesitated for a moment to reassure myself that it was, in fact, the way I should choose. I nodded, then leaned into it. We found ourselves in another corridor, but much larger than the one we had come from. A low hiss echoed off the walls. I figured it was the steam from the workings in the bowels of the castle, or maybe the lit torches sputtering on the walls.

  The odors from the dungeon we had just escaped were seemingly mild compared to this passageway — there was an abnormal stench I couldn’t identify. A putrid smell, like rotting flesh. It was nauseating but we had to enter and see if it would lead to our way out. It might be the only way around to connect with the corridor that would take us to Eshshah.

  We had not gone a great distance when my stomach tightened — a rock wall stood before us, blocking our path. It was not built to the ceiling, but was maybe eight feet tall. If we had to, I thought we could get a running start and scale it to the other side. At least I knew I could, and was hoping my pampered companion would be able to as well. I wondered if maybe we should retrace our steps to see if there was another door further down the corridor.

  “Great, another dead end. We’re getting nowhere fast,” Ansel grumbled half to himself.

  I jerked my head at him, and gave him a black look. Fighting the urge to strangle him, I said, “If we have to, would you be able to scale it with a running start? Or would that be too difficult for you?” I couldn’t hide my irritation. I had no apologies for my rudeness. He was rude first and I had reached the end of my patience. Don’t cross me, I thought to myself. Besides, I was starting to fear that maybe I wouldn’t be able to get him out of here alive after all — which added to my dark mood.

  “I’ll have no trouble with that wall. I can get over it. The question is, can you?” He said, taking note of my height and turning my sarcastic remark back around to me. He was good — I had met my match.

  I bit my tongue, and with some effort managed to ignore his retort.

  “First, let’s just go back to the passageway to make sure there’s not another way around,” I said.

  The low hiss echoed again. As we turned to go back the way we came, my blood ran cold. Blocking our way was a hideous misshapen reptile-like creature — as black as a nightmare. Choking back a scream, I stood frozen as it crept slowly forward into the torch light, its claws scraping on the ground. I had never seen anything like this monster. It was as if someone’s demented experiment of breeding a dragon had failed. Such a noble being as a dragon could never be bred by humans.

  The creature had underdeveloped wings, no longer than my arms — much too small to get his hulk of a body airborne. His distended belly drug on the ground supported by his short stubby legs. Bulbous eyes, a long snout with sharp teeth, and huge fangs dripping with venom. At first impression, I thought he was dense, and sluggish. I actually had pity for him, for just a split second. It was evident he was mistreated. An iron collar cut into his neck, obviously used to chain him. But at the moment, there were no chains. He was free and heading straight at us — and he looked hungry.

  “Eshshah what is this thing and what do I do?”

  I heard Ansel take a breath like he was going to answer my question or point out that I was talking to myself again, but he remained silent.

  Good, I thought, he’s finally learning to bite his tongue.

  “I know of no name for that creature,” answered Eshshah. I could feel her anxiet
y. “I believe you’re correct, it must be Galtero’s cruel attempt at breeding a dragon. You can have pity, but do not underestimate his strength, his speed, or his deadliness. Amáne, please be careful. Go very slowly. No sudden movements. Don’t try to fight it, you cannot win. The only chance you have is to outsmart it and buy yourself some time to run to the wall. Ignite my scales that Dorjan inlaid in your spear. The flame will help keep him at bay. Tell Ansel he must not look into the creature’s eyes.”

  I warned Ansel, “Move slowly when I do and don’t look into his eyes.” I could sense he was ready to ask why, but again he remained silent. Slowly, I extended my spear and whispered “Eshshah.” The scales ignited. This startled the monster. It stepped back with a snarl.

  “Now,” Eshshah instructed, “walk backwards slowly and I want you to look into its eyes. You’re linked to me and its gaze will not affect you. You can hold its eyes, which will keep Ansel from being drawn to him. Use your gaze and your torch to distract it enough for Ansel to start his run for the wall. The timing on this is of the utmost importance. You have to get close enough to the wall to make your break, yet far enough to get a running start to scale it. I have no doubt as to your capability, but I don’t know about Ansel’s.”

  She continued, “Instruct Ansel to wait for your word to run. He must start at the precise moment you say, and you need to stay locked on the creatures eyes. Do not break your gaze. Then when you hear him reach the wall, you break and run. Ansel should have scaled to the top and you can spring up after him. It must be timed right.”

  I whispered these instructions to Ansel, and stressed to him the importance of the timing.

  As we inched backwards, I held the brute’s eyes in mine and could feel the strength in his stare. A normal human would have been drawn in and made easy prey. Thanks to Eshshah’s venom running in my veins, it didn’t affect me. I kept my spear-torch extended in front. The flame held him from charging while I waited for the moment for us to make our escape.

  When we were the right distance from the wall, and I felt the creature was distracted enough as he focused on my eyes, I said steadily to Ansel, “Okay, now, run.”

  For some reason he hesitated. He didn’t run when I gave the word. What’s wrong with this stubborn man?

  “Run, I said!” Trying to hold the terror from my voice.

  Finally, he broke and ran for the wall. I could hear him behind me and was thankful that at least he was faster and more agile than I thought he would be. He reached the wall and scaled it without a problem.

  The problem, however, was now mine. The creature’s gaze was broken. I had lost my concentration in telling Ansel a second time to run. It shook its head to get back into the present before the remainder of his meal could escape.

  That was my cue. I thrust my torch in his face, which bought me a split second. Wheeling around, I literally ran for my life. Ansel’s hesitation had broken the timing, and the creature was much faster than I anticipated. I tossed my spear over the wall — the black lizard hot on my heels. The stench of its putrid breath burned my nostrils. I leaped on the wall and scaled toward the top. Ansel had his hand ready to grab mine and pull me to safety. Just in time. I made it. I grabbed his wrist as he locked his hand around mine.

  Instantaneously, my right foot burst into searing pain. The feeling was familiar — it was a venomous bite. The beast had leapt up after me. Before I could escape completely out of his reach, he clamped down on my foot with his powerful jaws. I screamed in excruciating agony, but had the sense to use my left foot and shove it down on his snout with all my might. He let out an angry snarl and released me. Ansel pulled me over the wall and we slid and tumbled in a heap on the other side — the black creature growled and scratched in anger at losing his prey.

  With some effort we untangled ourselves and I strained to keep my mind in focus. The pain was nearly unbearable. I could hear Eshshah calling my name as she urged me to keep going. Her call and concern gave me the encouragement I needed. I switched into survival mode.

  “Hurry, this way!” I exclaimed.

  “Are you okay?” Ansel asked with terror in his voice.

  He looked at me in disbelief as I moved down the corridor, using my spear as a walking stick. I had been through similar agony. Only with Eshshah calling my name, melding with me and pouring her strength into me, was I able to keep my sanity and my will to go on. I convinced myself my injury was not that bad.

  “Keep moving,” I said through clenched teeth, partly from anger, partly from pain. I could feel the venom as it spread upwards, but knew it wouldn’t overcome me just yet. I was sure bones were crushed, but I was not about to look.

  My spear helped take some of the pressure off of my foot, but with each step a new stab of lightning shot up my leg. I looked back at the way we had come and my heart skipped.

  “I’m leaving an obvious trail.”

  Ansel turned, saw my bloody tracks and made a quick decision.

  “Sit here,” he said as he took my arm and helped lower me to the floor — my back against the wall.

  It didn’t appear that anyone was following us yet. I could still hear the creature howling in anger at our escape.

  “Hand me your dagger.” He cut strips off his tunic and tied them together, then kneeled in front of me. A curse escaped from his mouth when he caught sight of the damage.

  “I’m not going to look,” I told him. I didn’t want to lose consciousness ... or anything that might be left in my stomach.

  “No. No need, you’ll be fine. It’s not that bad.”

  He didn’t make a very good liar.

  “You think it’ll leave a scar?” I tried to joke.

  After another bewildered glance in my direction, he wrapped my foot and halfway up my leg with a speed and expertise that surprised me. I didn’t look until he finished.

  “Where did you learn that?”

  “I may be a stupid rich lord, but I am related to the Healer, you know. I’ve learned a few things from her.”

  My face got warm but I still refused to apologize for what I’d said to him.

  Ansel helped me to my feet, positioned himself at my right side, and wrapped his left arm around me bringing it under my arm. Modesty had no room at that moment and situation. But I was thankful I had my breastplate on or my impersonation of a boy would have been found out. I needed to keep up my male charade until we got to Eshshah in case he decided to try anything chivalrous — if he even had that in him.

  With my spear in my left hand and his support on my right, we were able to move more quickly down the corridor. We had to find the door that would connect us to the passage from which we had detoured.

  I started to think better of him after his attention to my injury, yet I debated whether I would ever forgive him for his hesitation. It was his fault I was bitten.

  We found the door that led back to the original passageway. It took every ounce of my willpower joined to Eshshah’s strength to successfully make the last two turns down the long corridors.

  With my dragon’s assistance, we managed to reach the stairs that led to the outpost and safety. The creature’s burning venom threatened to overcome me by that time. Ansel half carried me up the first set. When we got to the landing, I had to stop to catch my breath and try to deal with the pain that rose up my body. I bent over holding on to my knees as the fire reached my thigh. I needed to get to Eshshah quickly before it ascended to my chest. It would be too difficult for me to breathe, and I would surely pass out.

  “I am so sorry. It was my fault that creature bit you. It should have been me.” Ansel couldn’t hide his distress.

  “Then you would be dead,” my voice flat and harsh. “We’re almost there. Let’s go.” I threw aside all pretense of politeness as my pain dictated my mood.

  Two more flights of stairs and we came to a gate that I unlocked with Aperio’s key, then closed and locked it behind us.

  We turned the final corner and at last had reached the door
into the safety of the Castle Outpost. Unlocking it, we entered the cavern. My lungs nearly burst from the effort to get here and from the venom rising. We took a moment to lean on the wall as we both gulped for air.

  Ansel let out a curse as he realized we were in a cave high up in a cliff. He could see out the entry that it was a long drop to the ground below.

  “What now, do we grow wings and fly out of here?”

  I rolled my eyes and clenched my fist, barely managing to hold my punch.

  “You’re not far from the truth. Eshshah, come around slowly, please.”

  We had decided we didn’t want to scare Ansel any more than necessary, although, seriously, I would have loved to scare him senseless. Maybe show him some manners. But, I probably would have regretted it later. Besides, I was not in the right frame of mind to enjoy it. My body was on fire.

  Eshshah set foot in the entry cavern. As was natural upon a surprise meeting with an almost full-sized dragon, Ansel jumped back and cursed. Then realizing Eshshah was a true dragon, he did something that I didn’t expect. He greeted her with a salute. I was shocked, yet pleased he actually knew the proper way to show respect to my dragon.

  “This is Eshshah.”

  “Greetings, Eshshah. I stand in awe of your beauty.”

  Eshshah nodded to him, pleased with his compliment. Without delay, she moved to me, concerned only for her rider. Putting her nose to my foot, she exhaled her healing breath to stave off the venom and ease some of my pain. Ansel turned to look at me with wonder, mixed with confusion in his widened green eyes.

  “You’re a dragon rider,” he stated, and saluted me.

  With Eshshah’s healing attention, my pain became bearable. My pride got the better of me. I stood up as straight as I could and leaned on my spear. I nodded and pulled off my helmet. My long tangled hair fell over my shoulders.

  I should have been a little more ashamed of the pleasure I took upon noting the shock in Ansel’s face.