by Susi Wright
He did not see the servant girl who lingered in the shadows of a nearby alcove, and slipped silently away with what she'd heard.
Jonas re-entered the room with everything as settled as it could be, and everyone resumed their seats at the table to enjoy the meal. Gaian, Baramese, Yengian and Morvian were comfortable together, at least in present company.
Chapter 9 : PREMONITION
It seemed he had been fleeing his whole life.
He stumbled on, terrified; sweat dripped into his eyes. Exhaustion made every laboured step far too slow. The horror was getting closer. No matter how hard he tried, pumping his legs like sprinter, he was losing ground. Looking quickly over his shoulder, the monsters were only an arm's length away. One of them reached out, scooped him up bodily. Suspended in the air, he stared for a moment into its bloodshot eyes before the giant razor-toothed mouth opened; his scream sounded far away to his own ears, as the jaws closed over his head.
“Quickly grandfather, bring more cool water!” The girl's black eyes were urgent as Arin's screams and delirious thrashing worsened. The old man hurried to refill the wooden bowl from the spring at the edge of the cave and handed it to his grand-daughter; his face was grave as he touched her arm, Lelu, it will do little good . . . the wound has putrefied. The fever could take him!
Lelu shook her head stubbornly, dabbing at Arin's brow, even though she knew her grandfather's foresight proved right more times than wrong.
“Finn!” she called out sharply to get the attention of the young man who paced up and down, trying without success to settle the noisy babe. When he looked up, she gave an irritated gesture for them to exchange places. Finn obliged, quickly closing the distance between them, more than happy to hand over the challenge to someone else. Pressing the damp rag firmly into his hand, she relieved him of his squirming burden. Lelu's plea was clear. Help me save Arin – there are too few of us already!
Lelu moved away to a quieter corner of the cave, Bilu cradled in her arms, and began to hum softly.
As Finn crouched down to do as bidden, he exchanged glances with the old man, touching his arm. I know, Elder Tobu, but why upset her now? While we stay here, we might as well try! Finn's dark gaze, held more than compassion, but suddenly lacked confidence, as it slipped from Tobu to the young woman rocking the baby and back to focus on the delirious patient.
Tobu's grin was as wide as it was kind. Finnian Ironsmith, I am not sorry we met on the road from hell! You are a good man . . . but you are bad at hiding your feelings for Lelu! He straightened his stiff limbs and hobbled to refill the bowl with icy water, chuckling softly to himself. A moment later, he returned to kneel beside Finn, placing the water-bowl between them and his hand on the young man's shoulder. When their eyes met again, the old man continued where he had left off, his pictures for Finn's mind only. Soon . . . Lelu will need someone else to look after her. I am far too old to make it through these mountains. My death is certain – that will not change. I am glad you will be here for her. But our gift of foresight is not absolute. It serves only to help us decide what to do. And things can sometimes be altered, if we are persistent enough . . . and the gods allow it! You must never let the visions take away your choices. Do what you can! Fight for your lives if you must. Whatever you do, do not give up hope. For Lelu's sake . . . and for Bilu!
Finn nodded as he absorbed the elder's vivid advice, recalling his own recent premonition. I have seen four of us leaving this cave together. His eyes flicked to the injured man. I do not believe Arin was one! And, we must go soon if we are to have any chance of crossing these mountains before winter really sets in.
The old man looked thoughtfully at their patient. The poor wretch was definitely getting worse. Tobu's wise eyes, when they returned to Finn's, were also sad. A day . . . at most!
This exchange ended as Lelu approached smiling smugly, with the peaceful babe now asleep in her arms. Bilu's tiny, but very long, hairy arm had flopped out of the swaddling, completely relaxed. Feeling safe in the maternal embrace of this female that he already mistook for his mother, he had even forgotten his empty belly.
Lelu's smile faded. “The little one is too young to eat solid food and there is no milk . . . what do you think we should do? Are there wild yaks up here?” She was grasping at straws. Everyone knew that even if one of those feral creatures could be found and caught, milking it would be another matter! The idea was discounted before it was even discussed.
Finn sat thoughtfully for moment, wringing out the rag to dip it in cool water; he continued to apply it to their patient's burning skin. Then, for some reason, he launched into a tale about when he was a small boy, visiting his uncle's farm.
“Uncle Tam always raised orphaned rabbits with boiled mushroom juice. They seemed to grow quite fat!” His stomach growled loudly as he thought of roasted rabbit. “Later, we ate them – they were delicious!”
Lelu regarded him quizzically. “That's a nice story, Finn, but how can that help a proper baby, like Bilu?”
“Haven't you seen the fungi, all over these cave walls?” He looked around them, to indicate his brilliant observation which had prompted the story about baby rabbits.
Then he shrugged. Do we have a choice?
By morning, none of them had slept much. Arin had eventually lapsed into unconsciousness, which was a blessing for them all. But the peace did not last long before the little one woke up, squalling for milk. They hurried to gather fungi, which Tobu divined from the smell were not poisonous, and boiled them in a small tin pot over the fire. Using the little feeding pouch from Arin's pack, Lelu offered the warm juice to the hungry baby. At first, unsure of the strange taste, he spluttered and mewled, but Bilu's empty belly soon dictated that he drink until he was full. Then he closed his eyes and all was quiet again – very quiet.
Sleep had come so suddenly to the babe, the three companions, even Tobu, exchanged hopeful glances that this state was a healthy and natural one!
Luckily, nothing untoward happened during the night, but their activities had eaten away the hours. When Bilu began to stir, hungry again, they gave up trying for any kind of sleep of their own, banked the fire against the increasing chill and set about boiling some more fungi. Since this variety had proven to be safe and were very plentiful in this cave, Finn had the idea to gather extra and spread them on a large flat rock near the flames to dry, to take with them when they moved on.
With dawn approaching and a baby to feed, they ate the last dry biscuits, saving one for Arin, just in case he miraculously recovered enough to eat it, and Finn prepared himself to go out hunting with his slingshot. He was a good shot. He would settle for anything that fluttered, hopped, scurried or slithered among the rocks. If he came back empty-handed, well then, it might be mushroom juice for them all!
Chapter 10 : SECRETS
Aleana opened the front door before Espira knocked.
The percipient dowager had a creeping sense that some kind of trouble was brewing since the early hours that morning. It had kept her awake, contemplating past dawn, but she had failed to pinpoint its origin. That was most troubling. Now, at Espira's agitated approach without her younger sibling in tow, she knew something had happened.
Just like his sister at a younger age, but with a ten-fold stronger temper, Ardientor's volatile and gifted nature had always been a warning flag. She knew his father's discipline was never taken easily by the boy, and the particular form of the edict made things difficult for everyone else as well!
“Quickly, come in, child! What has happened?” Aleana ushered Espira into the kitchen to sit. The poor girl was close to tears.
“Gran-mama, I came here first, because I do not know what to do! I can't worry Mama until I have a plan. Ardi is gone . . . look – ” Espira pulled her cloak back to reveal her wounded and bloody arm, “He did this and took off! I have tried, but I can't find him . . . the edict . . .”
Aleana tut-tutted as she realised the problem was worse than expected, while she att
ended to Espira's arm by applying some Prian ointment. The cut was deep but only a flesh-wound and would heal quite quickly. What it signified was far more worrying!
She had envisioned something like this for years. She had long suspected there was a reason why Ardientor's temper had not already caused more challenges than it had. She regarded Espira speculatively. Still, even now . . . she gives nothing away!
“Tell me something, Essie! The edict blocks both ways. I cannot sense where he is either. How can I help you, if you do not now tell me more than you have ever told anyone?” Her chiding tone was not unkind, but it was firm.
Espira hesitated. Her abilities had progressed beyond anyone's expectation. For years now, she had become used to letting others only see a fraction of what she was capable, smoothing over Ardi's frequent outbursts of anger, preventing problems, protecting him from himself! Far too long, she had kept all this tightly hidden within the armour of her shield. Now, it was difficult to let anyone in.
Sometimes a question was better than an answer.
“Gran – you can't track him either, then?” She held on tightly to the tears of frustration which threatened. “What are we to do?”
“Essie!” insisted Aleana, guessing just how much her grand-daughter had been keeping to herself.
“This time, I couldn't stop it, and he saw that!” The tears spilled over with the secret she was telling. “For once, I don't know what he will do! I think the edict affects talents of Receptivity and Projection, not the elemental powers. In that way, it restrains me more than him. But, it also helps to hide us both from each other and, it seems, everyone else!” Espira worried at her lip, contemplating an almost inconceivable possibility. “Do you think it possible . . . that Papa made a mistake . . .because he could not see clearly?” she sighed, “Because of me!” Her tears flowed unchecked now; she had answered her own question.
“And Gran, on top of it all . . . I think I am beginning to hear actual thoughts. At first I wasn't sure, it seemed no more than excellent Perception. But just before Papa left, at random times, the thoughts of those close to me were sometimes as vivid as spoken words. Ardi was the first, perhaps because I was already so tuned in to his intention. I never once caught Papa's thoughts. His mind is a fortress! But, Mama has become quite easy. And a few weeks ago . . . just once – ” Espira looked guiltily at Aleana, “I heard you worrying about Ardi's temper. This happens more and more, if I focus on it – just like all the other powers. I think a mental shield could stop it. Now the edict . . .”
The many colours in her eyes swirled with trepidation. So many unknowns, all brought about by her mixed blood. She felt alone, aware that even the wisdom of her grandmother might not reveal how to deal with her new talent. Then, her eyes opened wider with sudden realisation. “Now, I think Ardi might be able to do the same . . . that he has been hiding things – even from me!” She sighed and fresh tears of frustration welled. “By the Stars! Sometimes, I am certain all these powers are not a gift but a curse!”
Aleana opened her arms.“What a burden you have been carrying, child! I do not need to ask why you chose to hide so much. There is a certain wisdom in bearing one's own talents and faults quietly. One should not let them be a challenge to others. But do not blame yourself. Mind-magic takes many forms. It is not an exact science, even for the Elite.
“Usually, its chosen construct has certain disadvantages, as well as advantages. You have already learned that everything in Existence has positive and negative aspects. Every action has positive and negative effects. An edict, even from one as powerful as your father, is no exception!” She handed Espira a handkerchief. “Come Essie, dry your eyes. The same applies to keeping secrets. Now, you are going to have to face up to accepting help. And, it is going to take more than mine alone!”
Aleana's tone brooked no argument. “You are now going to learn the value – and humility – of working with others! We will begin by consulting with your other tutors. Together, we succeeded in averting disaster last time. Once we have a plan, we will include your mother. That way, she will not worry so much because she trusts Gaian intuition.” She smiled affectionately, thinking how much Fralii now believed in the mystical talents of her extended family.
“And I trust in your abilities, Essie, more than even you know! I believe you hold the key to the solution, despite the constraints we face. Come, we cannot waste time. I have sent a summons and our Elite brothers and sisters are already on their way to City Hall. We will meet with them there,” said Aleana, heading for the door.
Tears and the pain in her arm forgotten with this new purpose, Espira followed, surprised at how relieved she felt, not to shoulder this problem alone without full use of her talents. She could not help thinking of her father, so far away and most likely facing his own challenges.
I wonder if Papa can sense any of this now . . .
Chapter 11 : BURDEN of TRUST
The blizzard which struck on the fifth night of the ascent was sudden and merciless.
The protection of the entire company relied on a huge snow bank, a windbreak whipped up in haste by Gaian magic. The frozen wall, which towered into the turbulent white-out above, had given them life-saving shelter through the long night. So far it was holding. In these inhospitable mountains, it was starkly evident that the usual rules of Nature did not apply. All the air-benders, even Luminor, struggled against the force of the gale. The driving snow still found its way over the top of the barrier, swirling around the men and samblars with icy fingers, penetrating hoods, cloaks and gloves. It even crept under the extra fur blankets supplied by the Yengians, no matter how tightly wrapped. One could be forgiven for thinking, as some did, that something in the mountains bore evil purpose.
Every day it challenged the memory and navigational ability of the two Gaian guides, despite the calmer weather. Countless avalanches and landslides had occurred since they were last here; every mountain peak appeared to rise in a different place. Nevertheless, they had managed to maintain direction by intuition alone, retracing their original flight path as closely as possible. With the help of the earth-movers, who cleared away some of the snowdrifts and rubble, the cavalry was able to get through. Then, last night, all the fliers had been grounded by the severity of the weather. They were going to have to wait it out.
At notable expense to his energy, Luminor kept several fires burning with next to no tinder during the coldest part of the night. Huddled around those blazes, the men were able to get enough warmth to sleep, after a share of the hearty, warming stew, cooked on those magical flames. Even the Gaians, who suffered equally from the frigid conditions, had filled their bellies from the rations.
Fortunately, the army had been able to purchase ample supplies from the Yengi traders, enough to feed the soldiers and their mounts for three weeks. If they were careful, that would see them across the mountains. The council had also gifted their cause with twenty large bovino-yaks, pack animals to carry the extra burden.
These long-haired, sure-footed creatures were well-known for their strength and resilience to the cold. The cattle had been used for centuries in many mountainous regions of the Known World, originally bred by accident, when wild rutting yak bulls from the high-country strayed into local domestic bovino herds. The offspring proved to be far hardier as beasts of burden, than pure bovino or samblar, especially in these colder climes. Nowadays, every breeding season, the herders would allow the wandering wild bulls into their herds to mate with the bovino cows. The calves were trainable, tractable and very useful. This valuable gift, a genuine show of friendship from the Yengians, would serve them very well in the weeks to come.
Jonas had warned that the night blizzards posed a real danger, even this early in the season, but they would be shorter and less severe than in mid-winter months. In the depth of one of these storms, the temperature could drop so dramatically, a man could freeze to death in minutes.
They had been lucky for the first few days of the ascent. With the
onset of this frigid weather, Luminor was not alone in his assumption that every night from now on could pose a similar challenge. And it was not even full winter yet!
The plan was to make it back before the worst set in.
The responsibility of leadership weighed heavily on Luminor's shoulders. He had to stay physically strong, to protect the company during the coming weeks of the campaign and ensure the survival of his men, along with any refugees they would bring back on the return. In the years since he inherited possession of the Supreme Power, it was always his guiding light and his staff, in leadership and in life. It resonated through every fibre of his being, almost as strong now as it ever was.
Though the details of any outcome were rarely clear, every percipient Gaian in the company sensed some success. The assurance that they would save innocent lives was heart-warming. Right or wrong, this confidence uplifted the morale of the company; it served as a beacon for all of them, including their human and Morvian comrades.
Luminor was certain he would be instrumental in saving numbers of Morvian people. He could rely on his powers for that purpose and this usually had a unique way of warming him from the inside out. As he maintained the fires through the night, there was much time for his own contemplation, and with the advent of dawn, the gale began to subside, throwing a calmer light on the coming day. The men began moving about, preparing for an early departure.
But, alone during those intuitive hours, Luminor had experienced a vague sense of foreboding, which hatched secret doubts about his own return.