Legacy: Book #3, the Fire Chronicles

by Susi Wright

  Ji's mount, one of the strongest in the company, took the lead. Eager to be away from the terrible mountain-monster and the rocky missiles behind them, the sure-footed stallion bounded forward over boulders almost his own height and loose scree, slipping with every step.

  The others followed Ji's example, trying to keep abreast of him where they could. Nervous and injured animals were encouraged by those in the lead and the spurs of their riders, making room behind for others to escape the widening hole.

  The exodus continued to the roar of the angry mountain. In the air, Luminor and the fliers could do nothing more than deflect falling rocks, pray and watch over them. It seemed that even though the riders galloped their samblars as fast as possible, the column of men seemed to move in the slow-motion of a nightmare. The chasm consumed the stragglers, first by the dozen, then gradually two by two, until the larger part of the army had escaped its voracious jaws, swallowed instead by the relative safety of the Gaian-made gorge.

  Ten, then fifteen, abreast, the survivors surged onward through the gap, almost blindly. Visibility was a mere ten paces in front; swirling snow and dust, dislodged by the shuddering cliffs, blinded them. Nevertheless, the riders kept their samblars at a ground-covering pace for more than an hour as the earthquake raged around them.

  The worst danger was behind them. Or was it . . . who knew if the crevasse would continue to open up in their wake, to follow them? That question lingered, urging them forward, as did their trust in Lord Luminor and his warriors, to deliver them from peril.

  Ji was slightly ahead of the others, the first to burst out of the gorge into a wide open snow-filled valley; he was closely followed by waves of fellow cavalrymen. Samblars sank chest-deep in the white drifts. The riders spread out, the pace slowing as they encountered deep snow, their mounts taking great forward bounds to negotiate this new obstacle.

  Luminor watched their progress into the open white field. It seemed like an ink stain spreading across a pristine parchment. Each dark-clad rider moving across the snow was a letter in testament to their survival this day; these letters would in time become the words of future legend.

  The column gradually spread out and filled the space, as their samblars panted and sweated despite the cold. The soft, deep drifts were trampled to ankle-height by the time they came to a halt.

  Last to arrive into this blessed company, were a dozen mounted men, towing a number of yak-beasts and pack-samblars. Their burdens of valuable stores were intact, albeit somewhat askew from the headlong dash. The bovines, though sure-footed, were much slower; some had fallen back to the hindmost ranks of the column despite the desperate urging of their handlers. They had joined the unlucky last of the mounted soldiers, fodder to the abyss.

  Luminor flew over the assembling army, assessing the damage. It was easy to see that at least half the supplies had gone. Worse, a quick estimate of the men who had been lost numbered almost a hundred.

  Dead before they even saw battle.

  There were always casualties and losses in any campaign, but it was never easy to accept the tragedy of death.

  Many of the men and riders had obvious injuries, mostly gashes and scrapes from falling rocks. Some of the samblars had bloody hooves from galloping hard over sharp stones.

  Luminor hurried to seek out his ground captains, Stolis and Jimbu. His warriors had been with him in the air throughout the disaster, but he was concerned for the human and Morvian officers, vulnerable in their positions among the mounted.

  Earlier, during the flight, he had a pang of almost guilty relief, to see his nephew safe at the forefront of the escaping riders. He was pleased that Stolis and Jimbu had not been leading the column when the ground opened up. They had raced back through the ranks, giving advice and support to their youngest recruits and so, by luck, avoided death.

  Luminor found them together, on the perimeter of the company, organising the treatment of the worst casualties. Some were laid out on the snow, groaning in pain,.

  He needed to tally their losses and to deal with the injured.

  As if in sympathy, or at least in acceptance of their escape, the mountains gradually quietened, and aftershocks began to fade. The earthquake was over with only occasional rumblings of protest, until all was silent, except for a few groans of pain from the injured and the be-laboured snorts of the animals.

  “Brothers Stolis and Jimbu.” Luminor made the sign of the Ancestors for lost comrades, approachnig the line of semi-conscious patients, wrapped in their cloaks on the grey slushy ground. “How fare these men? Let me see, which ones have urgent need of more than Prian?”

  Commander Stolis and Captain Jimbu shadowed their leader, as he patrolled the line. “I would say, my lord,” suggested Stolis, “that none of these men will be able to ride further without some hefty treatment – perhaps your illustrious intervention!”

  On closer inspection, Luminor could sense beyond the obvious external injuries; most could easily be treated with herbal unguent. There were at least three or four suffering more serious trauma to the head and internal organs. The sight of those with head injuries always brought bad memories.

  These men were young and undoubtedly wished to live out their lives. That was in his favour. Nevertheless, he needed time to accomplish an improvement. No-one would be left behind. “Brothers, please give the order to dismount and make camp here!”

  Stolis and Jimbu called out the order to their respective men. Luminor's warriors had already begun their tasks, using their skills to form several dozen igloos while the others erected the tents.

  The easy part for Luminor was to ignite a number of campfires across the field. More challenging by far, was the treatment of those who required his special help. Bringing his focus to healing, he crouched beside the first man, a Morvian, who had a deep gash across the side of his head. According to Jimbu, Recruit Salo had fallen unconscious from his mount, the moment his samblar had come to halt and had not stirred since.

  Luminor laid hands on Salo's head to begin the flow of energy, feeling the warmth radiating through his fingertips, healing the wound within. With great relief, he sensed the man's speedy recovery. A few more minutes here, then on to the next one!

  While Luminor worked his magic, a makeshift camp materialised around him.

  The day drew to a close while the men worked under a pale, cloudy sky and the sun made a brief appearance before dropping behind the peaks to the west. The angry storm clouds which had constantly dominated the heavens in recent days were gone. In their place, ribbons of wispy white cloud, streaked with a deceptively warm apricot, gently hinted at the sun's departure and the approach of a calm, but predictably cold, night.

  This short break in the weather was welcomed by the exhausted cavalrymen and warriors. Some settled to prepare a scant meal. Ji and the other riders with minor cuts and grazes, attended first to their animals' injuries, hobbling each samblar and yak-beast with a nosebag of grain. While they worked, exchanging relieved banter and personal stories of survival, there was a solemn undertone for those comrades who had not made it.

  Later that night, even Luminor, exhausted by his use of power, fell into an unusually deep sleep. While most men snored fitfully, their dreams filled with haunting memories of the loss of friends and the desperate dash for survival, two guard shifts took up their duties through the dark hours.

  For once, the night was blessed with calm, though it was frigid as usual. Woken by the first watch, a Gaian, a Morvian and a human, the second shift of the night, took their turn to patrol the perimeter. Bundled in furs and cloaks they spread out to keep watch until dawn. All three were rested and dutifully alert for the slightest sign of danger; two of them possessed no small amount of perceptive ability.

  It was, therefore, most strange why none of them noticed the presence of a pair of hungry yellow eyes, surveying the camp from a nearby cliff-top.

  Chapter 18 : DISTURBANCE

  “Welcome back, Ardi!” Aleana stepped forward with
a bright smile as soon as the siblings entered the cave.

  Of course, the Elders had been expecting them. Ardientor wasn't surprised at his grandmother's unconditional acceptance, and her use of his pet name. But for some reason, it irked him all the same. A remnant of childish pride still lurked. He hid his exultation at being an integral part of the upcoming plan with an arrogant grin.

  “It has taken too long for you all to realise my worth . . . don't you think?” He could not resist the barb, disrespectful though it was. Outwardly, he appeared to ignore the sharp look and mental prod of censure from Espira at his side.

  Always the bossy big sister! The silent retort was for her alone.

  Aleana held back a smile, well aware that Ardientor's headstrong character was not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it would hold him in good stead through future tests. Out of principle, she gave him a stern look. “Dear boy, since you can not read minds – at least not yet – I would say you do not know all that we know! Come on in, so we can consult and contemplate . . . you might learn something!”

  “As might we all,” whispered Nerisse, almost to herself. All the other Elders were in agreement, but none deigned to speak.

  Effectively put in his place, though he would never admit it, he allowed reason to the fore of his mind and meekly joined the circle next to Espira. Once he succumbed to the higher power, he felt the encouragement from his mentors begin wash over him.

  Not so bad after all, Brother? Espira's thought came clear as day. She had placed it there! Indignant at first that her ability to intrude mentally was restored stronger than ever, he quickly understood that this was something that set her apart from any Elite . . . past or present.

  In a way, it pleased him that none of the Elders could hear the thoughts which were for him alone. It was still just between the siblings, their little conspiracy. And perhaps, in time, being endowed with the same hybrid blood as his sister, he would also enjoy this unique skill. Like a boy given a new plaything, he decided to enjoy the distraction of using it.

  Sister, this is new – I almost like it! He slid a sly glance her way.

  The guileless widening of her eyes belied her thoughts, Stop it!, which put an abrupt end to his play. Admittedly, they had no time to waste. Besides, unlike Espira, he had never actually seen a real dragon. He couldn't wait!

  Combined intuition worked a magic of its own. With the support of this exalted company, the siblings were able to tap into an exciting new portion of the Supreme Power, previously only passed on by inheritance. It was not control of all Fire, which still belonged to their father, but it was access to the part they needed. As the two joined hands, sinking deeper into meditation, the Link surged between them, transporting their essences together on wings of pure power. It was like flying, only infinitely better!

  This exultation combined with noble purpose took unique form; it propelled their joined psyches, beyond time and place, into the Ancient Realm. Prophecy suddenly slipped into the present. In the blink of an eye, it seemed these two, the first of a new race entirely, connecting the past and the future, soared towards their destiny. This was the right time, the right purpose.

  Theirs.

  As they sailed through the void, fleeting glimpses of their future quest bombarded them from all sides, confusing and disturbing. As percipient as they had now become, those glimpses represented a myriad doubts which assailed their senses, like individual flames feeding on their inspiration. The blaze grew around them, but strangely neither felt pain nor fear, only wonder. Completely distracted by the phenomenon, it came as a complete shock when out of the inferno, directly in front of them, emerged a form so huge neither could take measure of it. The distance between them and the apparition was also difficult to judge.

  For Espira, it was simple: the silver-blue scales of its head, the bright-red eyes, the bluish-green under its jaw, down a graceful, long neck to its belly and the whole body, suspended amid the flames by an enormous pair of translucent wings. All doubt evaporated with recognition, despite the much larger size of the creature. Here was Luminor's dragon – at long last, here was Ra in all his splendour!

  Without forethought, Espira met the assessing red gaze, communicating as naturally as she would with any creature, You are almost full-grown . . . like us! Do you remember me? Unafraid but careful, she reached out her hand towards it.

  Ardientor was not far behind her in comprehension. Well-practised in the art of meditation, he recognised that this was something far more. He was on astral flight with Espira, experiencing a special kind of projective conciousness, similar to a dream. His mentors taught that Projection, one of the highest skills, held a wondrous reality of its own, but strengthened by the mystical Link, there were untold possibilities.

  Ardi knew Espira had done this before as a small child, and he probably would not be here now without her help, or the support of the Elders. Always aware of his sister's empathy with animals, he sensed that right now the connection to the dragon was through her.

  His right hand instinctively went to the armband on his opposite wrist, feeling a strange familiarity, even though he could not speak to the creature's mind. He was certain the talisman had more than one purpose; it was far more than coincidence that he had it! The depiction of the animal on the bracelet bore an uncanny resemblance to the one before his eyes, as his admiring gaze roamed over the magnificent being which towered over them: its beauty far surpassed his lonely vision in the forest. Nevertheless, he felt proud that he had seen it.

  The surrounding flames became insignificant, as the moment was suspended in the void, the focus on Espira's hand, outstretched towards the creature's muzzle. A faint puff of orange vapour escaped with each breath. Each huge nostril was larger than her arm.

  She paused, in calm expectation, whispering into his mind, Ra, my friend, I always knew you would be mine!

  The wise, red eyes blinked slowly. Then, the dragon snorted and lowered his mighty head down to her level. Deadly white fangs protruded from either side of his presently closed jaws. Inch by gentle inch, he stretched out his neck. Finally, with infinitely careful restraint, the tip of his nose touched her fingers.

  Ardientor saw the spark at the point of contact; then a fascinating glow suffused his sister's entire body. How can this not be dangerous? At the same time, wild excitement surged in his chest. He felt fit to burst. It was as if the dragon's mystical energy was filling him up too. Something wonderful was about to happen and he was part of it!

  Unable to tear his eyes from the ethereal beauty, he felt a jolt as Espira took his hand, pulling him with her as she stroked first the scaly muzzle, then along one side of the head, her gaze similarly glued. Gingerly, she ran her hand over the vivid blue crest and along the neck and moved in closer, bringing Ardi with her. Ra's left eye followed them, turning his head slightly to keep them in view.

  Dream-like, they were aboard his broad, scaly back, feeling completely protected and powerful at the same time.

  In the next heartbeat, they were back in the cave, still seated in the circle with the Elders, waking from their astral trance.

  Ardientor's elation slumped, replaced by disappointment, “What happened – it was not finished, was it?” He turned sharply to Espira, noticing by the wild sparkle in her eyes that her excitement hadn't diminished in the slightest. Her body no longer glowed, but he understood that had merely been part of the vision. His look demanded some kind of explanation.

  Aleana and the others were patiently silent. Their insights had been very encouraging, but they had not seen exactly what happened.

  Espira's expression of intense concentration broke into a brilliant smile. “Do not worry, Ardi . . . he is coming!”

  *

  Luminor woke with a start, seriously disturbed, on his feet in a heartbeat. He detected not only an immediate presence inside the camp, which had to be dealt with right now. Something significant had happened on another level. Was it connected to Espira? Oddly, that occurrence di
d not point to danger. It required further contemplation.

  Before an order could be issued, Xandor and Sumar flew in, with several other warriors, surprising the intruders among the pack animals. The thieves had started to load stolen food supplies. How they had succeeded in entering the camp, getting so far into their crime without notice, was a mystery. By the unmistakable looks of astonishment on their strange features, it seemed they were just as puzzled, why they were discovered at all – as if they expected to get away with a brazen raid on an army of hundreds!

  They were quickly surrounded and detained, their arms held firmly behind their backs by four strong Gaians. The intruders stood several heads taller than their captors, but apparently weren't stronger; in fact, they seemed all-too-easily subdued. Then, both disappeared from sight.

  “I do not know what just happened – but I think I still have one!” yelled one warrior. “They are still here!” enjoined another. “By the Flame, I cannot see mine, but I feel him!”

  Sumar, stepped towards the apparently invisible captives. “Oh, yes. They are definitely caught . . . I can see them clearly now!” He grasped the nearest one by the cowled neck of his tunic, rising into the air to level a glare into those crafty yellow eyes. “I want some answers. Stop your tricks, thief! You are undone!”

  Xandor followed suit, reaching out to grab the other in a similar manner. Suddenly, he was able to see both captives; shocked by Sumar's words, the thieves had abandoned their camouflage, unsure if all these foreigners could see them.

  “This is most interesting!” Luminor flew into their midst. The hard, speculative gleam in his eyes left the two prisoners in no doubt, as to who would be extracting information.

  Xandor and Sumar stepped respectfully aside, as Luminor held his position, pinning both captives at once with his powerful stare. Under Luminor's scrutiny, both seemed to waver in defeat. He demanded capitulation without a single word.