Akira blushed.
His rather proud sounding statement made her wonder about dragon mating habits. She thought rather wickedly, ewww, the ground would shake for miles. Perhaps, the ground tremors from time to time are caused by dragons. Akira bit her tongue to keep from laughing. Her finely shaped dark eyebrows then raised in consternation. How many lady dragons has he for wives? Do dragons have no rules limiting them to only one mate? She eyed him suspiciously.
The dragon rambled on. “If you have no need of me immediately I’m going to bathe in the refreshing salt waters before I visit a female friend of mine nesting nearby.”
Mage Morgan chuckled. “No wonder you were so eager to transport us in this direction my virile friend. If you will just wait until I have successfully alerted the enchantress, Talana, of our arrival, I’d be appreciative.”
Mage Morgan reached inside his robe and pulled out smooth silver cylinder, two hands long, and one-man thumb thick. He broke the end of the cylinder and a great flame burst out of the end. He pointed it towards the sea. A loud popping noise sent a ball of flame high into the predawn sky. Showers of sparks trailed behind the fiery red ball.
Akira watched with excitement for she had never seen such magic before. Waiting with anticipation, Akira looked around the long shoreline, the sandy beach, and back towards the horizon above the never-ending waterline. She sucked in breath quickly when the waters stirred just off the shoreline. The head of a beautiful woman emerged from the water. Moon light highlighted and danced over the ripples surrounding her.
“Who interrupts my predawn swim?” The voice was silky sweet.
“’Tis I, your old friend Morgan,” said the mage loudly.
“Oh Morgan, I recognize your voice! It’s been too long since we exchanged pleasantries and news face to face.” The water rippled as the enchantress swam closer. She stood in waist deep water. She was naked. Long blonde tresses partially covered her glistening breasts.
Morgan whispered to Akira. “Always seductive. I’m, fortunately, immune to her charms.”
Akira raised her eyebrows. Without taking her eyes off the naked woman in the water she whispered, “My mother would hope so.” While thinking and so would I.
The seductive enchantress raised her slender silver-adorned arm and pointed up the shoreline. “Walk up the beach that direction until you see my cave. There will be torch lights at the entrance. I’ll swim ahead … unless you wish me to accompany you in my naked state?”
“Dear Talana, as much as that would be a delightful prospect, for your beauty is renowned, it will be a distraction. I’ve, we’ve, come for your assistance.”
“As you wish Morgan,” said the beautiful enchantress, her voice as seductive as her body. She turned her attention to the dragon. “I see you are well and in fine form Sky Stalker. Areetrah will be delighted to see you. Her eggs should be hatching any day now. She will be glad of your company while guarding her eggs.” Talana turned and swam away, leaving an iridescent ripple behind her. She had deliberately ignored Akira’s presence. It didn’t escape Akira’s notice.
The great dragon turned his head to Mage Morgan. “I am eager to see if any of the hatchlings will bear my resemblance.” Sky Stalker lumbered into the water. He wasn’t as graceful on land as in the air. Still he was majestic. He walked deep and deeper leaving a large wake behind him. He dove down into the chilly water, then suddenly reappeared, splashing like a water-loving dog. Akira could not help but smile. The giant beast even shook the water off his scaly body like a dog.
Morgan smiled also. “Our friend is freshening up before greeting his mate of the moment, much like any courteous man would do. We are not so different, dragons and men.”
Akira could contain her curiosity no more. “What manner of magic did you use to make that great red light in the sky.”
“I didn’t use my own magic. The stick has a magic of its own. It’s a magic tool.”
“Can you make it do that again?” Akira looked at the stick. “Make a fire streak in the sky?”
“No, it’s a one-time use magic stick. I carry several to spare using my own magical power.
“Do you make them?” asked Akira, as they started walking up the beach.
“As a matter of fact, I do. The instructions have been handed down several generations through my bloodline. It’s a carefully guarded secret.”
Akira gave her father a sideways glance as she looked about. “Where did the instructions come from?” She was intrigued by her new surroundings, but more intrigued about magic now she no longer feared using it. She kept looking out at the great salty waters as she waited for an answer. The sun was about to rise; noisy gulls were taking to the air from the cliffs.
“From the ancients, who were star nomads. Our knowledge of magic came from those ancients. Some knowledge has been passed down, in memories we mages are born with. Like a babe instinctively knows how to suckle, we just instinctively have knowledge we were born with, knowledge of magic.”
Akira stopped in her tracks. Her mind was reeling “Are you saying we are descendants of people from beyond the stars?”
Mage Morgan nodded affirmatively. “Come along, walk and talk. We don’t want to keep an enchantress waiting, especially this one. I’ll explain as quickly as I can.” He cleared his voice. “Where to begin?” He made a “hmmnn” noise then plunged into an overdue history lesson. “Humans feared star nomads, for they were like nothing known by man before. The star nomads were powerful. Mankind worshipped them like gods. Their species were human-like in appearance, and build. They were by all accounts, taller than us, and had knowledge far surpassing our most learned minds. The star nomads took humans as mates when they lived among us. Their couplings with humans, much to human surprise, resulted in offspring. When they left to return to some place beyond the stars, they did not take their half-breed progeny with them. From the star nomads, those star chasing almost human people, came the bloodlines of the mages, our ancestors, who inherited the memories and knowledge of magic we have to this day.”
The mage stopped and looked to the stars, before continuing. “The star people, in their wisdom, knew that fear would cause persecution of their half-breed children, and so, compassionately, they left instructions for our bloodlines, instructions so we could maintain our inherited powers and protect ourselves. Our bloodlines have carefully preserved all written manuscripts, all the instructions for magic potions, magic tools, that the star people left behind for us, their progeny. The human numbers of people outnumbered the half-mage numbers. Naturally, inevitably, our bloodlines have crossed with nonmage bloodlines resulting in mixed breeds with mixed levels of magical abilities. You, and I my dear, come from a pure bloodline. I suspect your dear mother must have mage blood somewhere in her ancestry for you to have such strong indications of a’kil.”
Akira looked puzzled.
“A’kil is another word for magic. It can be a confusing term at times as in other lands it is a reference to a race of mixed bloods with magical power. Perhaps I can solely take credit for your emerging abilities. I’m a potent mage if you don’t mind me saying so myself.”
Akira smiled mischievously, pretending not to have heard him clearly, “Impotent you say?”
Mage Morgan stopped dead in his tracks. He snorted, seemingly about to reply when his face projected surprise.
Akira laughed, “Important? Or did you say potent?”
“Ha, ha. You have a sense of humor,” said the mage dryly. Although her laugh was at his expense, the mage looked satisfied, if not happy. His daughter was letting him get closer to her. She had never dared to tease him so openly before.
Although she was laughing, Akira’s mind whirled, absorbing as much as she could, as fast as she could. “I guess the mage bloodlines must have started fighting amongst themselves, and that would explain the differences in mages, black, white. What happened?”
“’Tis a long story, daughter, that boils down to jealousy, power struggles, vengeance
for past and present persecution. Revenge is one of the banes of human kind, and unfortunately ‘tis also the bane of mages. Those banes are also the banes of the other living beings that walk the earth. ‘Tis troubled times we face again. War is on the horizon. Power balances are tipping. As members of the Order of the White Rose we have our duty to keep the balance so all may coexist.” The mage’s robe billowed behind him as he picked up his pace. “I see a light flickering ahead, at the base of the cliffs.” He pointed towards the cliffs, and followed his finger’s direction.
The entrance to the enchantress’ cave was guarded by two green statues, sea creatures holding oil-filled urns burning brightly. Each sea creature had the body of a woman from the waist up, and the body of a scaly fish from the waist down. The eyes of the statues were set with dazzling stones. Akira impulsively reached up to touch one. The touched jewel-like eye blinked, startling Akira. “I’m so sorry!” Akira said apologetically.
“As you should be, poking my eye. Be on your way,” said the statue irritably. “You are expected inside.
Akira apologized once more, following her father into the entrance. Her father seemed amused by the statue. Akira had expected a rebuke, but none came. She, again, compared this father to her stepfather. There was no comparison. It was like comparing a fish to a tree.
The flickering yellow light from torches, spaced where light could not go around corners, gave the passageway an eerie feeling. The dancing flames moving with a gentle breeze highlighted all the bumps and craggy contours of the cave walls. Akira shivered involuntarily. She looked back, expecting the statues to come to life and follow them inside, then told herself not to be silly. The statues had no legs. Nothing she could see, followed them.
The torch oil was scented. It was a heady fragrance, feminine, greeting them, inviting them inside the wave carved rock walls. The scent was unfamiliar, salty and flowery at the same time.
The deeper they walked into the cave, the dryer the ascending floor became, the brighter the way forward became, until they walked into a large cavern where the beautiful enchantress awaited. She stood before a large mirror arranging her damp golden tresses. She wore a low-backed blue gown that revealed her shapely curves. Akira gave the enchantress an admiring look then took stock of the cave. There were tunnels leading off in several directions from the central high-ceilinged cave.
“Welcome to my seaside dwelling,” said the enchantress when she saw her guests’ reflections in her mirror. She turned and gracefully indicated her guests should sit on shell-shaped chairs arranged around a small ornate central fire pit. An odd-looking man-creature scurried to add driftwood to the intricately sculpted fire bowl, artfully centered in the middle of the cave. Blue and purple flames flickered above red coals and yellow flames. The enchantress’ servant eyed the guests suspiciously, and looked to his mistress as if to question her intent. Friends or prey, his eyes seemed to ask.
Akira watched him carefully. The creature walked like man, on two legs. His legs were green and bumpy. They reminded her of frog legs. Her eyes swept the cavern, wondering what other strange creatures might appear from several other tunnels adjoining the large cavern they were seated in. The enchantress waved the strange creature off.
“You look as handsome as ever old friend, despite looking tired,” said Talana. She smiled at Mage Morgan, glancing briefly at Akira.
Mage Morgan smiled in return. “As charming and as seductive as ever my beautiful friend. We seek your expertise,” he said.
Akira thought her father wise to refrain from calling the enchantress old friend, no matter how long their relationship spanned. One never called a vain woman, old, and certainly one would never dare call an enchantress old in any context, especially if one valued one’s life. This is kiss ass time, thought Akira.
“It has been a long night. One does not sleep astride a dragon,” said Mage Morgan.
Talana smiled. “Would you prefer to rest before we speak of the matters that bring you so far?”
“I appreciate your thoughtfulness, most gracious friend, but far better to discuss your willingness to assist us with matters at hand, immediately. I introduce to you my daughter Akira.”
Talana eyed Akira up and down, head to toe, as she spoke. “I’m delighted to make your acquaintance, Akira, daughter of Morgan.”
Akira wisely bowed her head. “I’m honored to make your acquaintance.”
Talana turned to Mage Morgan. “You never told me you had a daughter.”
The mage smiled. “It appears I have secrets.”
Talana chuckled. “A pretty secret. Is she gifted?”
Akira resisted the urge to shift uncomfortably. Her facial expression didn’t change. Flattery didn’t impress her. She viewed it as a tool to manipulate.
“Akira has gifts, but she is, one might say, a late bloomer, due to circumstances beyond her control, said Morgan.”
“Are you not capable of guiding her, teaching her? You are an accomplished and powerful mage.” Talana pinned the mage with her blue-eyed gaze.
Morgan answered, “I’m good at many facets of magic, but one of Akira’s powers is one that you are more qualified to help her develop. I suspect she may become a powerful siren if tutored by someone as skilled and knowledgeable as you with the art of seducing men without always physically seducing them.”
Talana looked Akira over again. “You do have potential already. Your appearance is one that appeals to men. So, you desire to be a siren, Akira?”
Akira swallowed before answering. “No, I don’t wish to be a siren. I have always wanted to be a warrior. I haven’t been overly fond of men since birth.”
Talana looked surprised. “You find yourself attracted to women?”
Now Akira blushed. “No, not in that way. Men have not always treated me kindly or fairly until recently. I find it difficult to be treated as less because I’m female. I have pushed against the unfair rule of men, and find the idea of drawing them to me repulsive. I don’t want to be a siren.”
“You don’t see the benefit of a siren’s power to defeat those who would oppress you?” The enchantress looked surprised.
“I do see the benefit, but I prefer to defeat those tyrants without using seduction.” Akira hoped the enchantress wouldn’t be offended.
Talana and the mage exchanged meaningful glances. “Ah, I am beginning to understand why your father brought you here. He either wishes me to convince you to allow your magic to help you become a powerful siren, or he wishes to help you channel that magic into other pathways. However, if you wish to seek revenge against men, a siren’s powers are effective in drawing them in for the kill.”
Mage Morgan nodded. “You speak bluntly, Talana. If I were not Akira’s father I might try to persuade her practice the arts of a siren, but I’m her father. I’m sure you understand, Talana.”
Talana raised her eyebrows. “Ah your scruples are showing again, Morgan. They have come between us in the past, prevented us from enjoying ourselves.” The enchantress pouted prettily.
Morgan chuckled. “Forgive me for being wary of consorting with an enchantress. Wiser men than I have been undone by yourself. You have mastered the art of seduction almost to perfection.”
“Almost?” Talana stroked the mage’s arm suggestively. She circled him, breathing on his neck as she moved behind him. She stood in front of him. “Almost?”
“Well my beauty, you didn’t seduce me.”
Talana laughed. “And how many spells did you protect yourself with my dear friend Morgan?”
Mage Morgan gave her a playful wink. “Now that my dear friend, is a secret. I placed great value on your friendship, then and now. Why would a man like myself risk ruining a beautiful friendship by gambling with an affair of the heart?”
“How can I be annoyed with you, old friend?” said Talana. She patted the mage on the shoulder. “You’ll never know what pleasures you missed.”
Akira wisely said nothing. At one point, she had worried her father
had angered the enchantress. It was a relief to hear the enchantress laugh.
Talana turned away from the mage and studied the young warrior in front of her. She took her time before speaking. “I’ll not convince you to become a siren, Akira. But it may already be too late to change your magic’s pathway.”
Akira frowned, momentarily closing her eyes to hide her conflicted emotions.
“But, if you haven’t used that sweet, sensuous, seductive pathway many times, it will still be malleable. Your magic can be rechanneled.” The enchantress smiled benevolently.
Akira’s relief was palpable.
“May I enter your memories, Akira?”
Akira looked to her father, for reassurance. He gave a nod of approval. “Only if you return them unaltered,” said Akira.
The enchantress laughed. “I like your daughter’s spirit, Morgan.” She raised her palms in front of her face and looked at Akira through the diamond shape her hands formed.
A red glowing mist emanated from the enchantress’ now glowing hands. It floated to, and enveloped Akira. The feeling was a warmth, a pleasant warmth. Flashes of memory danced through Akira’s mind. The feelings she felt for Dimitri were pulled and tugged. The feelings she felt for the men and boys in her life all came back in a flood then in trickles. The feelings, when she thought of Dimitri were warm, and when they were cut short, Akira felt disappointed. The whirling red mist drifted back to the palms of the enchantress. Akira blinked to clear her eyes and mind. She stared at the solemn-faced enchantress. Was it too late? Akira had a sinking feeling. She wished the enchantress would hurry up and speak.
Talana’s expression was unreadable. Akira began to have doubts about the wisdom of allowing the enchantress into her most private thoughts and memories.
“Relax, young warrior. Your thoughts and memories, assure me you have seldom, and only subconsciously cast spells over the men you have been in contact with, and only deliberately tested your natural talents most recently. Your virginal state, which is rare for someone of your beauty and age, has slowed your predisposition to project and use your undeveloped siren capabilities.”
Akira Rides Page 4