by Susi Wright
It would not do for Ji to meet his uncle in this state of mind. Attempting subterfuge against her father could be quite the nuisance, especially if she failed! She winced inwardly. Even the thought of trying it did not sit well. And he would not be the only one she would have to fool.
Irritated, she frowned, taking in Ji's familiar dark features. He had the olive skin and black hair so characteristic of the Northern tribes, the mountain people of his birth. He was lean and broad-shouldered, fit and muscular from his work with the samblars. From the gangly, awkward boy she had always known, he had suddenly become quite a handsome man. She felt embarrassed to see him that way. He was as physically powerful as any warrior. However, in her opinion, his mental strength was beyond lacking, to have a romantic interest in a member of his own family.
She was going to have to help him. Why do humans have to be without powers?
His warm hazel eyes continued to regard her with amused challenge.
Pursing her lips sourly, she snatched the reins to mount the enormous animal the conventional way, using the stirrup. Without an air-cloak to give her a boost, her height was a disadvantage; unusually self-conscious, she struggled with several attempts.
Ji wisely held back. When Espira closed herself, it was best to leave her alone. She was fiery and independent. He loved that about her. Besides, she was growing into a breathtaking woman. He enjoyed watching her.
He studied the sparkling rainbow of her eyes as she glared at him, before successfully hoisting herself into the saddle. Those eyes were so uniquely coloured, so fascinating. Artlessly, they drew him in. These days, he felt as helpless as a moth to a flame whenever he was in her company and the feeling was getting steadily worse. Today, it was bordering on pain, but he could not dispel it.
Suddenly, he inexplicably wished the lesson was over, even regretting she did not leave hours ago with Ardientor. He knew there was no point to the direction of his thoughts. It was like a pauper setting his sights on a princess. Apart from that, he was certain her father would not approve!
Ji looked away from her in frustration, as she ably gathered up the reins and nudged the samblar into a collected jog across the field. Yes, she had certainly grown up, and her powers had increased exponentially. He sighed, guessing she was already controlling the mighty samblar with her mind. He had taken the edge off the animal's energy with the earlier exercises, but gave that only token credit.
She had mystical talents beyond anything he could imagine! He felt deflated. Despite his excellent riding skills and his proficiency with a sword, he was only human. Lacking any kind of magic and virtually no perception, what could he ever hope to offer one like her? It was laughable! He wished fervently that he could either hide his feelings, like a Gaian warrior, or somehow kill the thoughts, like the enemy they were. He had a horrible sick feeling, however, that while he yet lived, so would his desire for Espira!
Chapter 2: BAD NEWS
One year later
The riderless samblar galloped through the gates of the Capital at blurring speed.
Above, flew two Gaian warriors on a desperate mission. The summer wind that hastened their flight also brought a warning from beyond the borders of the Known World.
Two Baramese soldiers rushed forward to corner and quieten the frightened animal as the Gaian fliers met them on the ground inside the gates.
“There is serious trouble, my friends! We must see Lord Luminor. Now! Please tend to the animal, if you would, it is close to collapse,” rasped one of the warriors, breathless from the flight.
One of the soldiers grabbed the reins and began cooing gently to the animal. The samblar snorted and shook its head but seemed to know it was in good hands, glad to finally stop running. The soldier led the exhausted animal to the stables. With that, the two warriors took to the air once more, heading for City Hall over the bustling market streets.
Anxious, Luminor awaited them on the hall steps. He had sensed their approach and picked up absences in the group, well before the messengers arrived. He guessed that the situation in Morvia had worsened in the last few months.
There had been consultations with the perceptive Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melu, and the conclusion was that the plight of the Morvian natives might well become untenable.
*
After Melu and his family, very few other Morvian refugees had made it on foot through the mountains. The route they had taken would be different now, with landslides, quakes and mysterious forces constantly changing the landscape. None of them could hope to remember it, let alone lead the way back.
From a recent account, Zorg giants had invaded, adding tenfold to the havoc already caused by the Cymbian mercenaries.
Morvians had perished, trying to make it through the Impossible Mountains, the border of the Known World. The Baramese council had unanimously agreed to attempt a small rescue
Luminor looked to the warriors. “Well, brothers, you found a way into Morvia, and made it back!”
“It has become much worse, my lord!” exclaimed the elder man. “As you see, we lost six Gaians and fourteen human cavalrymen. We brought back one solitary samblar. Cymbian mercenaries are tricky enough. It seems they can literally disappear into the environment. They have some kind of magic. Four of our mounted company were murdered at once in a Cymbian ambush. None of us foresaw it!
“The new invaders, Zorgs, are so much worse – a powerful, bloodthirsty race – I have never encountered the like. We were sorely outnumbered. During this mission, we witnessed horrible things. There was nothing left of our brothers to bury or burn!” His eyes, sparking with horror, told the manner of their deaths. He glanced at his comrade, whose expression mirrored his. “I doubt our ancestors encountered any beings like these Zorgs, even during the Great Wars!
“We were told Zorgs and Cymbians have been in constant skirmishes since they both invaded that land, in addition to murdering Morvians and pillaging the countryside. . .and more of the giants are coming!”
Luminor spoke aside to his right-hand man, Xandor. “For some time now, I have personally been considering a quest. I have discussed it with the council. I believe it is now inevitable! This failed rescue mission has served as a scouting foray for a much larger operation.”
“I am with you, my lord!” said Xandor.
Luminor became pensive. “My dear friend and mentor, Churian, was one of the last from the Great Wars. When he was alive, he never mentioned any such creatures.” He turned back to the warriors. “I am sorry you have seen such things!” He smiled grimly.
For an instant, his vision swam and he would have swayed where he stood, but he covered it well, taking a step down to place a comforting hand first on one man's shoulder then the other. His equilibrium had returned before he next spoke.
“I fear that many more of us will have to face these monsters, if we have any hope of saving the few Morvians who might yet survive!”
He looked gravely at his two warriors. “Your experience would be invaluable if we return to that land to defeat the invaders. We shall need all our resources, including large numbers of human soldiers. I intend to lead the quest myself, and this time, we know what we are dealing with! I swear we shall bring back alive as many of Melu's countrymen as Fate will allow!”
“We are ready, my lord,” said the first man, ignoring his own fatigue. He was worried about his lord's health and did not try to hide his concern, “. . .as soon as you are!” Luminor's pallid complexion was evidence of another period of illness, during their absence. That was more than three months. Everyone had seen occasional bouts of physical weakness affect Luminor, ever since the poison arrow he took at the Battle of the Fires a decade ago; however, it seemed to be occurring more frequently. Often he could not hide it, because it sent him to his bed for days at a time. The mystical poison Xian had used during that battle had lasting effects. Even after ten years, not a single apothecary or Elite healer had yet been able to name it, let alone find a cure.
“C
ome, brothers, you must be tired! Take some refreshment with me, before we take this report to the Council. I have convened an urgent meeting within the hour.” Luminor spoke brightly, as he turned to lead the way up the steps of City Hall. He appeared to be recovered.
“With the council's agreement, by the time I have organised sufficient forces, in two days,” He smiled confidently over his shoulder at his men, “I will be ready!”
Tarin, the elder warrior, stood before the Council, his comrade at his side. As the better speaker of the two in human dialect, he would deliver the account in the predominant language; there was a majority of humans on the Council. Most people throughout Baram were muli-lingual now, with the expansion of the Alliance. Effective communication was paramount for a peaceful society.
Tarin was still in his dusty, worn clothing after a three month long campaign in horrific conditions. He stood tall beside his travel weary comrade, proud and grateful to have returned alive, the bearer of useful information.
He inclined his head respectfully to the panel of councillors.
Lord Luminor sat in the centre. Altor, Luminor's brother, was positioned at his right. Melu, the Morvian representative and minister of Foreign Affairs, was seated to his left. Aleana, the Lady Mother, highly respected for her wisdom and a decade of tireless work in economic development, was the only woman on the panel. The remaining five councillors were human.
“My lord, lady and brothers, I regret to bring bad news! Sadly, we were unable to bring any Morvian refugees back with us and we barely made it out with our own lives. Hordes of Zorgs are over-running the land from the far north. They are giants. Each one of them is the size of five of us! Their skin is tough, quite resistant to normal arrows. They are difficult to kill!
“Without help, I fear our remaining Morvian brothers and sisters in that land will all die at the hands of these monsters! Those already trying to find a way through those perilous peaks will perish without Gaian intuition and guidance. We have mapped the route and directions from the air, so changes in the landscape will not confound us. But make no mistake, it is still a hazardous and long journey!”
Luminor thanked Tarin and stood to address the assembly.
“It appears there is now overwhelming need in Morvia. Yes, this is outside the bounds of the Known World and up until today, I deferred to this council's ruling that we could not take such a great risk to our resources, to interfere outside of our own world for a few random raids and skirmishes. Yet we have come to respect and value the services of Melu, and all others of his race who now live under the Alliance. All such innocent beings are our brothers, no matter their origin. The Morvian people are in dire straits. We cannot leave them to die!
“Brother Melu, I see you wish to speak.” Luminor invited his dear friend to take the floor.
Melu stood. “Myself, I have never seen a Zorg. Ten years ago when I escaped with my family, we had become desperate from a long hard period of Cymbian raids throughout Morvia. I, also, respected the council's earlier argument against going. However, an invasion of this nature is so much worse, as Lord Luminor says, an entire race is under threat of extinction! I appeal to you, good men. We must assemble a much larger force—take the risk! I cannot sit idly by, while my people face such horror. I am prepared to go!” His black eyes glittered with conviction.
Luminor paced a few strides. “Melu has a point. I say we must go to battle! What say you? You are all men of conscience!”
There was a few moments silence, before a heated conference buzzed between the other members. The debate continued at length, until a vote was cast and a smartly-uniformed human stood to speak. A dozen medals of bravery adorned his chest.
Commander Stolis was a distinguished man of about sixty, director of the human contingent in the Baramese army for more than a decade. He proudly led six hundred men into Lealand during the Battle of the Fires, set up medical camps for the casualties of Xian's destruction and assisted in the rebuilding of Salmat. Working alongside Luminor since the beginning of the Alliance, he had enormous respect for him and all Gaians. Stolis was fiercely loyal to the ideals of the Alliance and a personal friend of Melu; he represented all human members of the assembly when he spoke.
“It seems we are about to go to battle! Lord Luminor, I assume you will be leading us?”
Chapter 3 : TEARS
There was grave news to deliver.
Xandor sat on the opposite side of the table to a regular dinner guest, his close friend, Sumar. His wife, Serafina, and Sumar's companion, Saria, were busy in the scullery cooking the meal.
He glanced at Sumar, recalling how long they had been friends. In ten years, he had lost count of the times they had saved each other's lives. Smaller missions were still dangerous.
There had been no major conflicts for the Alliance since the Battle of the Fires, but an occasional Morvian still made it through the Impossible Mountains with news of war and carnage outside of the Known World.
So far, the Baramese Council had never voted in favour of mounting a campaign so far away.
Today, that had changed.
Sumar cleared his throat to get his friend's attention. He was anxious to discuss the day's news before the women returned to the table with the meal.
Xandor looked at his friend. “Brother, you are aware of the decision made by the Council this morning?” Xandor knew Sumar's talents.
“We are going on another major quest. . .soon,” Sumar was resigned. “I assume it will be to help our Morvian brothers.”
Xandor nodded. “Lord Luminor has recovered from his illness and will lead a large force, sufficient to defeat these barbarian, ” he lowered his voice to an emphatic whisper, “giants. Apparently, they are five times our size! The Cymbian mercenaries in Morvia are another thorn in our side. It seems they have magic – they can disappear into the environment. At least, they and the Zorgs are not allies! If we are victorious, perhaps the Morvians can continue to live in their own land in peace. It will be a dangerous mission, through the Impossible Mountains and beyond. We could be away for months. I believe Serafina will already have some sense of it, she has been sad all day. Not much escapes her insight these days.”
“Saria is not so perceptive and I would prefer to protect her by giving as little detail as possible.” He smiled slightly, as his eyes met Xandor's and his friend replied, continuing in a low whisper.
“I do not want to frighten Serafina, either. My own mental talents have improved, but hers are better. Perhaps you could hide the extreme danger from them both. Do you have a sense of the outcome?” Xandor had confidence in Sumar's superior and well-honed Perception.
Sumar considered for a moment. His expression was serious as he imparted his insights. “It is obvious that there will be heavy losses.” He sighed heavily. “But I think we will have success.”
Xandor looked as if he expected more.
Sumar shrugged, shaking his head with an expression that said, That is all I know!
There was no time for further talk of things best kept secret. The sounds of footsteps and women's voices, coming from the direction of the kitchen, heralded the arrival of the meal. The discussion about the two warrior's imminent departure would soon continue between the four of them, and despite Sumar's best effort to cushion the harshness of reality, there would probably be a few tears.
*
There had been more than a few tears in Luminor's household that evening.
Espira and Ardientor were equally devastated to discover that at seventeen and fourteen summers, they were too young to go on a quest. Long after they had been sent their own rooms, they continued to commiserate and complain. Once in his room, Ardi had immediately climbed out of his window and air-cloaked into Espira's chamber at her invitation.
Neither could sleep, both too stirred up with frustration at their father. Both were better than many of their tutors in combat and the other arts. Espira's mental skills far surpassed anything she allowed to be seen, though L
uminor suspected something.
And Ardientor, though he lagged a little behind his sister in every art, was convinced that his mental strength would one day go beyond merely sensing emotion, to being able to read thoughts.
“It's not fair! What do we practise endlessly for? I asked Papa that question so many times before this happened, and his answer was always the same, 'It is better to be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener in a war!' He always speaks in annoying riddles!” grumbled Espira in low tones, with a final sniffle. She swiped at her eyes, aware that crying was useless. Nevertheless, with hurt pride, neither sibling was really trying to hide their displeasure from their father's acute hearing or Perception.
“There hasn't been a quest, since I was a baby! When will there ever be another?” griped her brother. He scowled. “Life is so disappointing!”
“And, you know there will be no going against Papa. He is going to compel us to stay at home and that will be the end of it!” hissed Espira.
They exchanged a quick guilty look, a heartbeat before the sound of their father's voice boomed from the corridor outside Espira's chamber.
“Stop complaining, you two. Ardi, get back to your room! And both of you – go to sleep. I have much work to do tomorrow.”
He opened the door and pinned them with a stern look for their small conspiracy, as they sat side by side, pouting. “There will be many meaningful tasks for you both in the future, but you must learn humility. The world does not revolve around either of you!”
He beckoned Ardientor through the doorway in front of him, making sure his son returned the conventional way to his room. Throwing one last glance of admonishment at Espira, Luminor ushered Ardi out.