by AS Hamilton
It was while she was being tortured that Nisari had seen their prophecy. Originally, House of Toorian had tried to hide the prophecy involving him and Nisari because they feared how two mages of their rank would respond. It was a good instinct, Colnba and Nisari were less likely to resign themselves to their fate because they had the training to take steps to thwart it. However, had House of Toorian been more open, and had House of Brynn-a-kai negotiated Nisari's return earlier, he and Nisari may not have changed sides.
Once they had discovered their prophecy, they had been able to link it to The Prophecy and The Prophecy of Desolation, but the others had been harder to source. Each time they discovered a link, they found a way to keep track of those involved. Toormeena was imprisoned openly, but they also had key figures confined in secret. Sarre had escaped, long ago, but they still had Leyhera, the heir of the House of Falkon-kai, and Akiryn, the head of the House of Debanikay, along with several others who they had convinced the rebels were dead.
They studied each one, working out how they fit within the prophecies and uncovering what they knew of them. After all this time, they now only lacked complete awareness of two of the eight prophecies, which was why they needed to be so careful with Toormeena. She may not willingly share the visions, but over the turns she let enough clues slip for Nisari and Colnba to piece them together.
If they could get to her — the other spoken of in The Prophecy — there was an opportunity not to just change Fate's path, but to change Fate itself.
Day 3 – Night
Voltain Ranges
(near North Pass)
The horses were tired, their breath misting on the evening air. Hanya patted his mare as he slipped to the ground.
'A quarter hour to rest, that is all we can afford,' Jeran told them.
'Make sure you feed your horse some praetin,' Fala chimed in before they could move off to stretch their legs.
Hanya looked over at the healer, her soft forest-green and teal curls fell forward as she fed her horse some praetin. The plant's leaves would renew the horse's strength and ease the strain in their muscles. He looked away just as Fala lifted her platinum-copper gaze towards him. He pretended to busy himself with one of his saddle packs, clumsily fumbling the buckle open. Why the healer's attention left him so nervous was a mystery, he was halfway through his third century, after all, and this was not the first time he was interested in being courted.
The mare snorted, bending her head around; she could smell the praetin he was getting for her. Hanya laughed at himself and pulled a handful of soft, purple leaves from the drawstring bag Fala had given each of them before they started out.
Suddenly, the air beside him smelled of flowers. 'She really likes it, does she not?'
Hanya met Fala's copper-flecked platinum eyes. 'I think she's addicted to it.'
'It's all these runs we have had to do of late,' the healer said sadly.
'Aye, that or I keep giving her too much and have encouraged the craving.'
Fala's laughter was like sunlight; warm and comforting. She nodded towards his bow. 'Did Jeran ask you to stand watch again?'
'Apparently I have the best eyes and the best aim in the region, she said,' Hanya drawled in a tone that implied he suspected that their division leader may have applied a little judicious flattery in making the compliment.
'But it is uncanny how you can hit your target no matter the weather or light,' Fala pointed out.
The archer chuckled. 'It is nothing hours of practice will not gain you, Fala. You often declaim the amazement of others when you heal and yet what you have said is just as true for my art as it is for yours; with time and diligence these things can be learned. Besides, I was taught by the Tiengara heir himself, an archer without flaw.'
Fala smiled as she patted his shoulder. 'It helps if you are his cousin.' Her tone grew sombre. 'Just be careful, Sariah may intend to deal with the slavers, but we cannot assume this will be a simple retrieval.'
'Did she tell Jeran what we are 'retrieving' from this slaver camp? I mean, we are not collecting freed slaves, are we?'
Fala shook her head. 'No, she told Jeran they would rescue the slaves, but had not the time or resources to also acquire the merchant wagons.'
Hanya could not hide his uneasiness. 'Why would they ambush a slaver camp without the resources to take everything?'
'I know,' Fala agreed. 'It's not like them to take such risks.'
Hanya's mare nuzzled his empty hand and the archer affectionately shoved her away. 'That is enough for you,' he chastised.
Fala laughed again as she moved on to check the other horses. They had been moving at a steady gallop since just after dusk.
Hanya's smile faded as his mind turned again to the hastiness of Sariah's request. It was hard not to suspect an ambush, and yet Jeran was certain that it was Sariah she had been communicating with.
Day 3 – Night
North Kenar Woods
Sariah signalled for the slaves to get up as Brynn re-joined them, having put the slavers into a deep sleep.
'Maybe you should lead them. After all, you are the mage,' she whispered.
Brynn took note of Kaydyr's gaze; it lingered on the camp. He looked back to the slaves who were waiting nervously. They had to move.
'If the rebels came and took these wagons, it would feed families for sennats,' she persisted. 'There is a rebel division stationed close by. If we alerted them, they could be here by dawn. There would be no slaves at risk by then. The absence of these slavers would not be noticed right away; it could be sennats before an investigation was initiated.'
He should have known better, Brynn thought. The warrior had given up the argument too quickly earlier. Now she was putting pressure on him when he could not afford the time to debate with her. Brynn had to admit, it was a good strategy, but he still resented it. Still, there was not a lot he could do. It was likely Sariah had planned this all along, and when she sent to her rebel contacts to get help with the slaves, she had probably discussed this part of her plan with them. The division she spoke of was probably already on their way. If they left the slavers alive, a battle would ensue when the rebels arrived, and they may not have a mage to help them.
'My soul is my censor, you have no such bonds; do what your conscience begs, warrior,' he growled, before grasping her arm to pull her close, 'and for the cursed-path's sake, do not miss! None must survive!' he warned, releasing her and motioning to the slaves to follow him.
Sariah sent Treya off after them, with Kaydyr to see for her, she could catch up easily enough on foot; this would not take long. The warrior watched them disappear into the trees, considering Brynn's words. How did his 'soul' censor him, she wondered absently. It mattered little, as long as she was able to eliminate any chance the slavers had of recapturing her brother. A part of her had longed to call Sentary's name, to touch his face, to know he was alive. The practical side of her knew that such a reunion here could be ill-fated. She had seen it before; a chance noise, a sentry woken, a well-aimed crossbow; a tragedy. Better to get them out of danger and then seek him out. Sariah waited several minutes and then silently removed her long blade.
Fate had spoken, and she would carry out Her will this night.
Day 3 – Night
Berryn Woods
(north-western end, near Sal-Cirus Rebel Base)
Riqu fed the raven a handful of seeds and turned to Pasika, smiling broadly. They were resting in the woods that lead to the Sal-Cirus rebel base. They had two more hours of walking ahead of them, but although they were eager to reach their beds, the moon was already at its peak and a rest had been long overdue. A quarter hour added to their trip would not excessively delay their arrival. Pasika was a wisp of paleness; her hair a mix of sun-gold and silver-moon and the gold flecks in her pearl-grey eyes often glittered with good-natured optimism. To a stranger, the hardships she had known over her six hundred turns were unimaginable as the healer was often mistaken to be in her first century
so carefree were her mannerisms and behaviour. Riqu's broad chest and muscular bearing made of him a powerful visage, but rarely one typically associated with the elvan. Only the long, pointed ears and slanted eyes spoke of his heritage, causing many to speculate if one parent had been human; an occurrence which, while not unknown among their people, was still extremely rare. The bird finished delicately pecking up the seeds in Riqu's hand and took off in a flurry of feathers.
Riqu laughed deep and heartily. 'Fly well, my friend,' he sent as the bird ascended, leaving the trees far below.
'My! That bird must have told you a good one. I've not seen you laugh, let alone manage a smile, in an age, Riqu,' Pasika remarked.
'Oh, it's no joke,' Riqu told her, recovering his composure. 'It's good news... Very good news indeed. Sariah has found Sentary,' he announced, his grin so big it disappeared into his great gold and tawny beard.
Pasika jumped up from her seat on the grass to hug the burly mage. 'Oh, Riqu, that is phenomenal. What jubilant news. Will they return soon?'
'Not quite, well, not here.'
His friend's expression invited further explanation.
'Sariah met a mage who helped her track the slavers who have Sentary. They are not just rescuing Sentary, but an entire group. Even as we speak, they escape.'
Pasika eyes grew wide with excitement. 'By Fate's hand! Only Sariah would attempt such and succeed.'
'Indeed,' Riqu chuckled, for it was very true of his daughter. 'They plan to stop and rest soon, but have encountered a complication. The mage who aided Sariah needs to get to Sal-Cirus.'
'Not an easy thing to do with a group of refugees,' Pasika observed.
'Sariah would stay with the group,' Riqu continued, 'but the mage is not familiar with Sal-Cirus, nor is he greatly experienced at travelling in Abbarane lands.'
Pasika nodded in understanding. 'You think Sariah should accompany and protect the mage. They need support, and they need it swiftly. How many?'
'Twenty.'
Drawing her head back, Pasika exclaimed, 'That is a lot. How soon do you need to get to them?'
'Yesterday,' Riqu groaned. 'Sariah has already contacted the nearest division, South-East Eighth — they got her message first, because I have had my full barriers up and she had to send a bird to me physically rather than just send through Kaydyr. South-East can retrieve the goods the slavers were transporting, but can spare only two to help with the rescued slaves.'
'Oh, I see. That would be nowhere near enough. I would go, but I must be on hand when Linuk comes through, due to the nature of her task, she is unable to give me an exact day.'
Riqu frowned. 'When did she get in contact?'
'Last night, via a dream so Abbarane mages would not detect and intercept the message. I did not mention it because it is a healer she anticipates needing.'
Alarmed, Riqu asked, 'Has she come to harm?'
Pasika answered with a tight shake of her head as she bent to retrieve her blanket and roll it up. 'I am uncertain. You know how she is, always vague about her machinations. I believe she intends to bring another and she does not yet know what their state of health will be,' she added, reattaching the blanket to her pack.
Riqu made a sound of dissatisfaction, he knew Linuk needed to keep secrets. And he trusted her. She was the reason he survived the assault that brought down Sal-Cirus, after all, and Keldon had made that a slaughter rather than a fight. But he would appreciate it if Linuk would remember to let him know when she intended to use shared rebel resources, especially ones as essential and thinly spread as the healers.
Dismissing the complaint, Riqu tugged his pack upright, preparing to heft it to his back, there was naught he could do about it and Linuk made up for such minor frustrations tenfold. He paused as Pasika asked, 'Do you know this mage Sariah has found? Can she trust them?'
The rebel leader's expression lit up. 'Oh, she can trust him. Indeed, I must admit, finding Sentary is a joy that lifts my heart, yet it is news of Sariah's companion that fair makes my spirit soar.'
This mysterious statement caused Pasika to take hold of his pack and address him in a mock-stern tone, 'Riqumorgia, you cannot make such a statement without further elaboration.'
Laughing, Riqu agreed, 'Aye, that is a fair comment. You recall the binding I placed on Sariah and her hawk companion, Kaydyr?'
Pasika nodded, unsure of how this information was related to the discussion.
'You remember, also, that the binding is such that Kaydyr has lost all freedom and Sariah is aware of his yearning and regret.'
'A daunting burden for them both, yes, I'd hardly forget.'
'This mage,' Riqu paused, his face was a mix of disbelief and delight, 'I believe he is capable of undoing the binding. You see, he has training not many mages have access to, training, I myself, lack. I have known of him for some time, but, until now he has resided on our far borders doing the very training I speak of, and has only just started putting that training into practice. It has been a meeting only Fate could convene, and the wait has tested all my will. Now that it has finally happened, my Sariah finally has a chance to be restored.' Letting go of his pack, Riqu grasped Pasika and whirled her in a circle.
'Well, now, that is marvellous!' Pasika cried as he gently put her down. Laughing she threw her arms around Riqu again, kissing him on the cheek. 'By Fate's blessing, that child has been through enough.'
Riqu tried to agree, but Pasika spoke over him in her excitement.
'What are we doing, Riqu? We must get moving!' Hefting her pack onto her back, Pasika started off, setting a brisk pace.
Pasika was just as much Sariah's mother as Riqu was her father, despite the platonic nature of their relationship, so he could understand her haste. Unlike most elvan Sentary and Sariah were not twins, being born sixteen turns apart, and, thus, were considered particularly blessed by Fate. Sariah had certainly proved how special she was, achieving more than many others who did not suffer her loss of sight and family. Riqu found himself grinning as he jogged after Pasika; Fate had finally caught up to one of his soul's greatest desires, his daughter would see again and Kaydyr would be free.
Day 3 – Night
North Kenar Woods
As the slaves started down the river bank, Brynn noted that some were struggling to stay on their feet. The plan was to use the water to muddy their trail. If they were having trouble now on dry land, then pushing their way through the water would probably prove too much. He signalled to an older-looking human male with greying black hair and beard and golden-brown eyes who was moving without difficulty.
'I need you help…'
'Hagen,' the man supplied his name as Brynn trailed off.
'Hagen. I do not think some these people are going to be able to stay upright in the water, so I want to put them on the horses, can you help?'
Hagen nodded. 'Of a certainty.'
Brynn sent to Sershja and Treya, who had not entered the water yet, to stop and wait for him. Then he directed Hagen to a human male he thought looked too frail to stay on his feet and went to an elvan female that had stopped at the water's edge, hesitant to enter.
He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. 'You look like you are about to collapse, perhaps you would allow me to put you on Sershja, my horse.'
She nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek. 'I was worried I would hold the others up, but did not want to be left behind.'
'Fear not, I will not leave any behind.'
Brynn picked her up, she was so light, it required barely any effort.
Sershja, realising what his friend was doing, dropped to his knees so that Brynn could more easily get her on his back. Treya followed suit as Hagen approached and helped the human male get on her back.
Hagen then moved over to Brynn. 'I think that fellow just there could also do with a ride.'
Brynn nodded, indicating for Hagen to get him.
'Treya, wait a moment, we have another.'
Sershja had moved down into the water, b
ut Brynn sent to him, 'There may be more before the night is over.'
Just then, one of the slaves at the back of the group, an underweight human with pale hair, slipped and then tumbled down the bank. Hagen, who had just escorted the male elvan back was closest and, seeing that Brynn had reached out to assist the male elvan in getting onto Treya, rushed over to help the woman. Two elvan children had been on either side of her and the male child had managed to stay with her, stopping her from falling into the water. Sershja, seeing that Treya was about to have someone put on her back, turned around and made his way over to them. He nudged Hagen's shoulder to let him know he was there and then, carefully got to his knees and then down on his stomach. The human was a lot shorter than Brynn, even one of the elvan children was taller than him, so he got himself down as low as he could without unsettling the elvan female already on his back.
Once they were all settled, Brynn took a moment to look over the rest of the group. They seemed to be managing in the water. He looked back towards the camp. Sariah was still back there. He hoped she did not delay much longer, he could do with her help. That reminded him, he should work out which one was her brother, Sentary.
Shifting to a spirit plane, Brynn easily located his spirit, recognising it from when he had first located him. Before he could approach Sentary though, Hagen tapped his shoulder.
Pointing to the male elvan child that had been with the human woman before she collapsed, he said, 'Perhaps, we should put him up with her, for now. He can ensure she stays on the horse. When I picked her up, she was completely unconscious.'
She still was, Brynn observed. The child was very young, only around twenty turns, but it looked like he had developed a close bond with the woman. That would put five people on the horses, but Hagen was right, it was better to ensure the woman did not fall off.