by Susi Wright
As proven by Finn's uncle, in the fattening of his young rabbits, the efficacious brew contained sustaining nutrients; it seemed to serve well as a substitute for milk. Apparently, it also had a mild soporific effect, harmless and similar to milk in that respect. Little Bilu slept more than he was awake, which was a good thing in more ways than one. Just a babe, he would not remember Arin's struggle against the infection nor understand that his father's life was slipping away. Soon, Bilu would be an orphan.
Finn considered Tobu's frailty and his desire to protect Lelu. The responsibility fell to him, as the group's strongest member, so he took the initiative. “We must leave this place at dawn. We have very far to go, before the worst weather sets in. Southwards is the only way out of these mountains, and only Fate knows how long the journey!”
Lelu tried to be brave, pushing down the lump in her throat as she moved to gather their things, ready for leaving. Sadness for Arin and worry for his tiny baby son, fear of what the future might hold, threatened to overwhelm her. Sometimes, visions and premonitions were not enough to guarantee a safe future. She swiped away an errant tear which squeezed from her eye.
Looking to her grandfather first, her tearful gaze rested on Finn. When their eyes met, her heart fluttered, suddenly a little lighter. In the obsidian depths of Finn's steady regard, she saw his fidelity and understood . . . the Morvian life-oath.
I will protect you, unto my last breath. . .Till I lay me down!
Chapter 14 : THE CAVE OF SPRINGS
The entrance to the cavern was hidden by an outcrop of granite which formed a maze of sorts.
Navigating this part of the approach in single file had taken quite some time, but guided by the Gaian warriors above, the entire company and their animals eventually passed through the mouth of the cave into a huge cathedral-like space, as high as it was wide.
It was a welcome find for these cold, travel-weary soldiers who soaked up the immediate warmth provided by the hot springs and pools in the centre. They stood awestruck for several moments, taking in the marvel of the place.
Its size alone was a gift of Nature; in fact, five ocean-going ships would have fitted in easily. The ceiling, soaring a galleon's mast high, was covered by a luminous green blanket of giant glow-worms. The flickering fat bodies, clustered together, provided an eerie illumination which revealed the majestic relief of the place. Huge pale stalactites hung down, glistening and dripping with steamy moisture; these giant fingers reached for their stalagmite mates, each the height of several men, standing like ghostly sentinels over these secret cavern pools.
The water seemed alive with a thousand magical lights and eddies of green-tinged steam danced up from its surface like wraiths. The floor was damp but warm. Every man looked forward to sleeping on his small part of it this night and hopefully another as well.
Commander Stolis wasted no time in organising the cavalry to attend to their mounts. A second lower chamber, adjoining the main cave and separated by several rock steps, perfectly housed the animals, with one guard to keep them from wandering through during the night.
Before long, they were all tucking to generous helpings of stew, cooked on the boiling springs which bubbled up into the cave.
Afterwards, they cast off their clothing and bathed in the warm pools, a rare treat for the men. The serious crowding bothered no-one. For the Morvians, the occasion fell nicely into what they considered a perfect reason to celebrate; they engaged in a traditional, bare-bottomed jig, before jumping into the water with whoops of joy. And no one minded that either.
Refreshed and eager to relax, the men formed into smaller groups, to sit and chat, or engage in the customary story-telling.
Ji, had done an excellent job of staying out of his perceptive uncle's way. He settled down amidst his group of human friends, on the far side of the cavern. As Ji hoped, much of Luminor's attention and energy had so far been occupied by the demands of the march. Due to the nature of any quest, it could continue that way for the foreseeable future.
Tonight, however, Luminor might make the rounds of the men, to individually acknowledge and encourage their efforts. Ji did not want to face his uncle's mental scrutiny, all his emotions laid bare, without the benefit of Espira's shield.
He glanced surreptitiously across the space, noting with some relief that Luminor was presently engaged in deep conversation with his main officers. They stood close together, attentive while the Morvian captain, Jimbu, spoke in a very low voice.
This quest was Ji's first experience in the field, but every day of the march, he had observed the constancy of these elite warriors of three races. Many nights, sleep eluding him for hours thinking of Essie, he had caught sight of them, still consulting after every other man was snoring in his bedroll. He assumed there would be little rest for the leaders of any campaign. They had to make plans when they were not on the move. Perhaps for efficiency, Luminor would choose to address the company en-mass, in the morning, thought Ji.
As the evening wore on, he relaxed, turning his attention to the loud banter and jokes occupying his own group of friends, which conveniently did not include any individuals with extraordinary Perception.
Later, conversation exhausted, the men slept in rare comfort. Ji's dreams raged rampant, like those of many of the younger men; his were unashamedly, always and only, of his rainbow-eyed goddess.
The discussion between captains continued long into the night.
During the discourse, Jimbu gave insight. “I am sure, my lord, you sense something, and you, brothers Dak and Sumar? Last night, I envisioned it clearly,” Jimbu spoke in human with lilting Morvian tones. “There are others of my kind in these mountains – they shelter due north of here. Our flyers can find them. And, I think, more every day will try their luck in these hostile borderlands. I have a concern – is it too much to hope that none have been followed by barbarian hunters?”
“I do not believe the enemy is close,” said Luminor. “From the description given to us, these giants are cumbersome and not suited for climbing, but that does not mean they cannot. With watchmen on the approach, this place will make an ideal sanctuary to bring those we can gather. I shall send a party of my warriors out at dawn. Rescued groups will be escorted here, to shelter until we return. We shall leave some supplies here, but we cannot spare too much. The rest of us must move on towards Morvia. Time is not our ally!”
Xandor looked hesitant, glancing at Stolis apologetically, before taking his turn to speak.
“Go ahead, brother Xandor . . . ask!” encouraged Luminor, aware the same question had hovered in the minds of most of his veteran warriors since the outset of the journey.
“My lord, no offence meant to our human friends! I have the greatest admiration for Commander Stolis, his loyalty to the Alliance and his dedicated years of service. But, if time is of the essence,” he pointed to the air-cloak, folded beside him, “With flight, and Fire,” he gestured to Luminor, “I have been wondering why we need to put mounted soldiers in danger? Surely, no-one can deny it slows us all down!” Xandor inclined his head to Stolis, placing his hand over his heart in genuine respect. Practical to his bones, his question was a pertinent one and he was not ashamed of it.
Stolis took no offense. He preferred to save his aggression for the real battle. Always willing to serve, but having personally seen the capabilities of the Lord of Fire and his warriors, he also had some curiosity on the matter. He waited for Luminor to answer the younger man.
“I am sorry that we left the Capital in such a hurry – we lacked time for much at all. Had there been a few more days, there would have been more consultation, and time for . . .” Luminor had a secret regret that he had not recovered sufficiently to summon Ra, “Other helpful things.” He lowered his voice to just above a whisper and continued to answer Xandor, not chiding, and only in confidence to these chosen few. It was important keep the morale of the men high. “That fact remains, as it ever did. But times ahead might not be as certain as they on
ce were. If something were to happen to me – even if not – we will need their numbers. Apart from the Cymbian mercenaries, we face an unknown number of Zorgs.
“Do not underestimate the value of our other brothers. Every one of them excels at hand-to-hand combat and each has enough courage and determination to make up for lack of other powers. We need Morvian knowledge of the territory. Moving such an army through these mountains was never going to be easy, but it will be worth it. I have known from the start that we will need them, one way or another!”
For several moments they were silent and Stolis smiled. At last he and his men would be able to serve the Alliance, doing what they were good at. With their lives, if necessary.
Xandor, also a military strategist, was satisfied with the answer, even though he could not see a time when Luminor's powers would not save the day.
Sumar had a concern to express, since reading Luminor at any time was impossible. He had to admit, his curiosity about the matter had not diminished ever since the Battle of the Fires, and the bouts of weakness could not be ignored.
“My Lord, this is a question I haven't voiced for more than ten years. I did not press for an answer then, but I repeat it now . . . because it needs to be asked. What of your dragon?”
Luminor smiled at Sumar. The question was bound to arise again, especially at such a crucial time. The fact that he had not already searched out his winged ally for such an important quest was far too telling. He chuckled self-derisively. “Ah, brother, you have me there!” Seeing the discussion about to become a lengthy one, he felt a sudden need to sit. He gestured for the whole group to be seated, found a boulder and did the same. He was silent for long moments while he considered his reply.
“As you are all aware by now, every insight, every decision, throws up questions of its own. No knowledge is absolute. I hurried to take up this quest for the sake of our Morvian brothers for whom every day is a battle to survive. And I knew it was timely – while I have my strength.” He sighed heavily. “The truth is . . . unless the Ancestors see fit to send the creature to me again and, believe me – I have prayed for that – I must not deplete my energy because it is limited. I must sacrifice some of my abilities to use others. The fact is, despite the skills of the best healers in the land, my strength occasionally wanes. You have all seen it, more than once. That damn poison haunts me still. Simply put . . . I cannot summon him!”
Chapter 15 : TOKEN
“Now we have a plan, we must tell Mother! She must be so worried about us both!” Espira exclaimed, excited to have the help of her elders in the search for her brother. She realised now that to ask for help was never a weakness and deep down she had known this collaboration was inevitable.
“Yes, my dear, we will visit Fralii on the way,” agreed Aleana.
“It will help to have some token of his,” added Nerisse. “With the edict clouding so much, we will need every trick to find him.”
“I know the perfect thing!” offered Espira. Earlier, on the way to her grandmother's house, she had decided that if for some unexpected reason Aleana refused to help her, she was going to use the gemstone bracelet herself.
When the group flew into the grounds of the villa, Fralii jumped to her feet from her seat on the front porch, where she had been keeping watch on the sky since dusk. The siblings hadn't returned as they usually did before the evening meal. Espira's arrival, surrounded by the Elite, all with serious expressions on their faces, did not bode well. Ardientor wasn't with them. Aleana and the elders each nodded a greeting, but remained where they were, allowing Espira to meet her mother on the front steps.
“What has happened?” gasped Fralii, guessing part of the answer. Her heart leapt into her throat. “How bad is it?” Her mind raced. Missing, injured – or Fate forbid – worse?
Espira hurried forward to embrace her distraught mother, answering her thoughts automatically.
“Ardi is missing, but we shall find him, Mama!” She hugged Fralii tight. “I know you trust that we are able!”
Fralii squeezed her daughter with fierce emotion and a bewildered frown.
The mysticism of the familial Link never ceased to amaze her, even after all these years of marriage to Luminor and two hybrid children, who each presented new wonders daily. Now, there was something new. She was certain that Espira had just read her thoughts, wondering if this was not the first time.
Espira pulled gently away, ignoring the smart in her arm, glad her wound was concealed by the sleeve of her tunic. She looked at her mother and grinned.
Fralii simply nodded and smiled. She didn't seem surprised..
“We must leave immediately, Mama. But first, I need to get something from Ardi's room.”
Fralii moved aside to let Espira hurry past into the villa.
Aleana's tone offered assurance. “Do not worry, my dear Fralii. We have things under control. I believe we can bring your son back . . . body and mind, both!”
Aleana had no sooner spoken, than Espira was back, brandishing the bracelet in her hand.
The intricately engraved silver armband, set with a Chuli fire-stone, had been a gift from their grandfather. The talisman had caught his eye among the wares of a curio-merchant during a trading trip and he'd brought it back for Ardientor, a perfect gift, given the family's connection to Fire. The boy had worn it almost constantly ever since.
Chadren had retold the story of its origin many times.
The piece was ancient, fashioned by the tribes of Baram's Far Northern Mountains. It was said that thousands of years ago, dragons had inhabited those mountains, the caves around Chuli, long before man settled in the north to mine; the gems had absorbed energy, even magic, from the creatures.
In Gaian lore, when Chuli gems were placed next to the skin, they would absorb the aura of the wearer – an ideal token for tracking.
“He only leaves it at home when we have combat exercises.” Espira inspected the bracelet, running her fingers over the silver-blue scales of the engraved dragon with its fiery-red eye. It reminded her so much of Ra! She remembered being quite envious when her brother had been presented with it, even though Chadren had also given her a beautiful gem-encrusted dragonfly brooch.
Now, with it in her hands, Espira knew she had been right about the talisman. She felt a little closer to finding Ardientor.
The arm-band was passed around to each member once more, to glean in which direction to proceed.
Again, Espira turned the exquisite silver dragon over in her hands, feeling the buzz of its connection to Ardientor. She could not help thinking how the strange and contrary winds of Fate could draw things together like this . . . or blow them clean apart!
Aleana made the sign of the Ancestors before raising her air-cloak to the breeze, and after one last quick hug for her mother, Espira joined the others on the freshening wind towards the distant western hills.
They flew in a straight line towards the forested western ranges. It was difficult to believe that Ardientor's anger alone could keep him out there. There was more to it than that.
An hour's flying brought them to the same wooded valley where the siblings had fought that morning. The night air was chilly but they would light no fire. Pulling cloaks tight around their bodies, they gathered close to confer in whispers.
The collective mental shield hid their presence; when it began to rain, a veritable deluge which forced everyone to seek shelter, Ardientor had no idea that he had been tracked, or that his stalkers were so close.
Now they had found him, the elders would stay hidden. Espira would talk to her brother alone, while the others focussed on her success. With their support, her natural powers of persuasion and the empathy of the Link might be almost as effective as direct mind-craft.
Although Luminor's edict still held, it was an enigma. While it remained a hindrance in certain ways, predominantly to Espira's projective ability, it left other talents in both siblings untouched. Their father had been very careful not to damage their
pride too much, just enough to put them in their place and protect them from any rash decision to follow him into battle.
Aleana wasn't surprised. How like my son. Compassionate, even in this! She was as ever, proud of his strengths; this among them, was perhaps his greatest. Nonetheless, she could not help wondering if it might not also be a small chink in his armour. She made eye contact with her grand-daughter.
Espira smiled wistfully. I believe I can help him.
There was ample proof of her burgeoning skill, in the light of this new ability to read thought. Even Espira had only fully realised her new talent this very day. No-one had ever achieved full telepathy, no matter how skilled in mind-magic, even Luminor.
Aleana knew, as their gaze held, that Espira was meant for greatness. Pride, for both her grandchildren, filled her. She was moved to tears. Ardientor would play his part.
She smiled affectionately, allowing Espira free access to her thoughts. After all, as a wise mentor, she encouraged practise of all the arts.
Very soon the rain will stop and you must go. At least he will not see you coming. Surprise will put him off guard! You know you cannot use mind-magic on him this time. But there is wisdom here – it is better this way. You must persuade him, naturally, to his good senses. The future depends on it. Without his free choice . . . we will have nothing!
*
Luminor's disclosure that to call on the dragon in his present state would be at the expense of all his other powers had left his officers in disbelief. While fewness of words was common for the Gaians, even Stolis was quiet. None of them wanted to accept the possibility that their leader might not be as strong as he once was. Yes, they had seen a few bouts of illness, but many other times he had combined his skills, including control of the Fires. As far as they knew, his mental projection was still unequalled. They were certain that, if he desired it, he had the power to call the dragon. And besides that, each one of them had their own version of faith in the Ancient Realm to assist.