by Susi Wright
This child of the Alliance was coming of age, fulfilling a higher purpose, entrusted with a quest. The contrary wind of Destiny called to her warrior-blood, just as it always had. The daughter of the Lord of Fire, symbol of hope, was still reeling from her father's recent disclosure and the weight of new responsibility. Prophecy told of great things. These things were gaining form. She needed to gather her thoughts, her strength and her courage for what was to come. The pull to lay her head on Ra's scaly hide and commune in silence with him, draw some of the energy he so freely offered, was enticing.
Irritated, her attention slipped to the left. Yellow eyes shone in the darkness and she knew to whom they belonged. She remembered earlier, noticing this man in the crowd; his unusual swarthy features and distinctive feline eyes stood out in a sea of pale faces. He had been with a small group of others of his kind, a new race she had not encountered before; their appearance was striking, attractive, but this one was more so. She was annoyed for even noticing that fact. He was also taller, exuding male pride and authority, a chieftain, arrogant.
She met Shuul's eager eyes with a piercing question straight into his mind. And who, in Existence, are you – who now waits to see me, but whose thoughts dishonour me? Why should I give you my precious time? You can see, I have important counsel to take!
At his obvious shock, she gave him a scathing look and raised her eyebrows.
Shuul thought he had been struck by a blade, but the sword was shame, the shame of truth. He had never before felt such a cutting-down, never before felt unworthy – exposed, without a word spoken. He stepped back, lowering his eyes with the force of it, bewildered, humbled. Stripped of any reason to stay, he turned on his heels and left, moving silently away to the Cymbian camp.
As he put distance between himself and the powerful Gaian princess, his equilibrium began to return. He shook his head with admiration and dogged determination resurfaced. He would gain an audience by some other means . . . and soon.
Espira threw the man's back a disdainful glance. She had never before given anyone such a dressing down, but he had to go. The avid male interest in his thoughts had been unsettling. A further irritation, she should have been able to dismiss it, but found she could not. There was some charm about him that made her wonder if she had not been a little harsh.
She dragged her focus back. Ji deserves my attention, more than anyone! Turning towards him with a bright smile, she moved to close the distance between them.
Ji needed no other sign to run to her.
Ra snorted but made no move to stop him this time, obeying the code. She was not in danger. This human was an ally in her protection. However, the developing love affair made it a little tricky. That might need careful monitoring.
Emotion set free, the two embraced and Ji clung more tightly than he meant to, his face pressed to Espira's ear. “I missed you so!” His throat closed on that.
Espira hugged him back. “I missed you too!” She had always loved him. Just now, the question was how she loved him. Except to know that being in his arms felt right, she had no time to ponder.
“We are together again, that's all that matters. You are very dear to me. More than that, I cannot give right now!” She squeezed him, and then pulled away, searching his eyes. His heart was in them, bursting with love.
Not now . . . “Do you understand that the success of this quest now rests on my shoulders?” She smiled ruefully.
Ji swallowed. He knew. And he understood his duty.
“You can always count on me. I signed up for you in the first place, you know that!” He reined his rampant feelings and grinned. “Do you by any chance need a few pointers on riding . . . dragons?”
She laughed, squeezing his hand affectionately. “Your valuable instruction with samblars placed me very well . . . but I might be a little past that now, don't you think?”
“I think . . . your dragon is looking a little impatient. Perhaps I should take your leave, Lady Espira!” He smiled into her eyes, and raised her hand to his lips, kissing her knuckles in the manner of any loyal banner-man, but he was much more than that. He had known it for a long time, and she would know it, sooner or later. He walked away, smiling.
Ra sighed a small bit of fire, as his mistress watched Ji's departure.
Her cheeks flamed in response when she faced Ra, aware that nothing could ever be hidden from a dragon. She wouldn't deny that seeing Ji again had been a balm to her soul. Nevertheless, she had handled it well. Ra approved. She sensed it as she settled down beside his neck to lean against his warm hide, closing her eyes to receive wisdom and courage. No more distraction. She needed to seek counsel, and to find what sleep might be possible in the last few hours of night.
Chapter 29 : FEAR
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to its path.
Where fear has gone there will be nothing....
Only I will remain.
-Frank Herbert
In this strange land, the night was darkest just before dawn.
The sky hung a black velvet blanket of cloud between the high peaks to south and the unknown horizon to the north. No moon. No stars. Visibility was poor, even with good night vision.
The sense of menace lay thick in the gut, threatening nausea like a disagreeable meal. It seemed to congeal like a stone, nearer to the summit of the ridge. The peak was close, but progress was frustratingly slow.
Climbing for hours longer than it would normally take to scale such a rise, it had been impossible to shake the attendant feeling of puzzlement.
Why climb, when one can fly? Why me, alone, when this is the duty of others?
There was no muscle fatigue, no discomfort except for a creeping nausea, which was not quite fear. It should have been a hand-over-hand marathon of physical strength to get this far, and no reason for doing it except the reason itself. The peak held the answer.
Then, with sudden ease, the last few metres melted away and the edge of the cliff came into reach, one handhold away. One more, and the summit was breached.
Peering out across the plains below, the climber saw the reason, but strangely, was not surprised.
That did not lessen the horror of it.
Illuminated by the glow of countless torches held aloft, marched a horde. Across the plain from end to end, an army of giants, numbering in the thousands, shook the ground with their advance.
It was an impossible number.
Suddenly, there was a loud crack and the rocky overhang gave way beneath the observer. The fall into thin air, though painless, quickly became full of terror, a powerless flight. Down, down. No air-cloak for salvation. No warriors to the rescue.
Time stood still.
Below, the torches beckoned, a sea of flaming menace.
Fire was sometimes an ally – but not this time. To hurtle between its fingers, right into the middle of the horde, was a fall that should have broken every bone. It would have been a merciful end. Instead, for one heartbeat, savage faces and evil eyes stared down. The lone warrior heard a haunting scream in the distance, before the monsters closed in for the kill.
Espira's eyes flew open to find she was on her feet beside Ra. He was wide awake, attentive. The scream had been hers. Astral dream, premonition or nightmare, it really mattered not. It happened.
Sumar came up beside her and Ardi, too, his face full of consternation. Both had woken when she cried out and had rushed to her aid. It was not yet dawn.
Espira's stomach lurched. By the Flame! They are not far away . . . it's not safe here!
She cast around in the darkness, but could make out little detail of the terrain. Regardless, she knew in her bones, the ground on which they were now camped was the plain in her vision.
She worried at her lip. I am not ready for this
!
Xandor awoke instantly at the slightest movement, was now poised for action. Ardientor had drawn sword, youthfully eager for real combat instead of games. Sumar's sense of foreboding was confirmed by Espira's turbulent emotion. Her words made the danger very real.
“I saw it! I am not sure how much time we have . . . The enemy is on the move – this way. And, I sensed Morvian captives, but there was no time to see how they were held, or how many.” She swallowed hard. “I know so little of war . . . I have nothing to compare it to, except vague memories of the Battle of the Fires. This army is far larger. More, I think, than even you warriors have ever experienced. I believe what happened today was a mere skirmish. In the next battle, we face thousands of them!”
Xandor was thoughtful. “The horde must be returning north, which means . . .”
Sumar's grave look said it all. They have depleted their food source . . .
“The prisoners are for the journey,” exclaimed Xandor. “They move now, before winter cuts off all the passes into Morvia from the north. According to Jimbu, this land has border ranges on all sides. Who knows where they will invade next!”
Ardientor, quiet up until now, voiced the horrible conclusion. “They must be stopped! They have almost wiped out an entire race! There might not be many of our Morvian brother's left to rescue, but save them we must . . . and none of the monsters can be allowed to follow us back to the Known World!”
Espira let intuition guide her, leading on from her vision, as she had been taught. “We are vastly outnumbered, but they do not know we are here. There are forest slopes all around this plain. We must move from here to cover on higher ground, ready ourselves quickly and wait. Brother Xandor, you and the other captains know how to get that done, and what comes afterwards. This will be the place of a monstrous battle. A battle we must win!”
Xandor nodded his approval; he began formulating a plan of action to lend her much needed encouragement. “We will wait for the horde to fill the plain. Ground troops and warriors must surprise and disorientate the rear guard – it is likely the captives are held there. We have clever new Cymbian allies and excellent samblar-riders, all of whom proved their mettle today. We have the elements and mental powers on our side. And you, my lady, have all of that and the Supreme Creature of Fire at your beck and call!
“For the rest of us, to free the Morvians from ropes is not a problem. It will be more difficult, if they are chained, but I have an idea to get them clear!”
Xandor was in his element. Espira could trust his judgement implicitly.
The stark reality of the danger ahead brought up new concern for Luminor, lying helpless on his cot. Espira started for the tent, worry etched on her face, intending to try the same vivification as the previous evening.
“If Papa cannot be revived again, we need a few warriors to take him somewhere safe – he cannot stay with us!” She paused. Xandor was about to say something.
“Hold still, if you please, Lady Espira,” he offered. “I will get that done too. Stolis and Jimbu are close by, awaiting instructions. With respect, there is no time for you to do anything more for him now. Do not worry, he will be safe. Do what else you must!” He gave her a firm nod of assurance and broke into a run, yelling orders to his men as he went.
Espira turned back to face Ardientor. He stood, tense, expectant, his sword still drawn. There was an accusatory gleam in his eyes.
She began hesitantly, “Ardi, I have a bad feeling –” She was cut off by his frustrated growl.
“Do not tell me it is too dangerous for me to come with you into battle! We can all feel the danger. Do not pretend it is specific to me, just to protect me!” His father's words, about looking to Espira for instruction and protection, clamoured in his brain, stirring up old resentments, provoking him to barricade his mind. Conflicts welled and clashed in his gut. His chest began to heave with barely-contained emotion.
No! There was honour and greatness in his destiny, shining like a beacon. But suddenly, he could feel the dream he held, of that glorious ride into battle on the back of their magnificent dragon, slipping from his grasp.
He stared at her, trying to discern if she was meddling with his emotions, quelling his ambition, his thirst for glory. Even when his shield was as solid as he could manage, her power was so subtle yet so strong, he had rarely been able to distinguish and match it.
“Why do think I am using words now, Ardi?” Espira's question exuded kindness. There was no hint of mockery.
Ardientor understood, but his answer was clipped with frustration.
“You do it to prove you are not interfering!”
He realised this mental conflict was his alone. While it still raged, he was not fit for any other battle: he was a danger to himself and everyone else! He needed time they did not have, to figure it all out. This realisation only served to vex him more. To defer to Espira's judgement would never sit well; in fact, it would stick like a choking crumb in his throat. At this moment, though, there seemed to be no choice.
Nevertheless, it seemed he was still master of his own thoughts . . . so in a last show of defiance, he chose to throw all other deference to the wind, to be entirely disrespectful to the Ancestors and all things Holy.
Damn the Guardians, for giving you this talent! You can read my thoughts, now . . . but perhaps not always! And, I know that you do not know everything! He stubbornly held his sister's stare, caring little if she disapproved.
“So . . . what paltry task have you decided to give me, then?” he asked with a bitter smile. “Since, it seems, you are in charge! It appears Fate is intent on making you a warrior-queen, regardless!”
Espira hesitated. The decision was made, but it was difficult to ignore her brother's renewed resentment. She sighed sadly. “Ardi, please . . . this is for the best. Do not make it more difficult for me than it already is. There is no time for argument! I need you to go with two other warriors – this is a most important task – to help protect Father. I hope that way, you will both be safe!”
Ardi's scowl wavered. How could he refuse to be his own father's champion, when it came down to it? Love was an undeniable force, which ironically he often chose to fight. The Link deepened the connection. Espira had almost always been able to reach him with her maddening powers of persuasion, even before she added Projective talent. And in all of that, he still had a conscience! His father was vulnerable, in need of protection. He sighed heavily.
“You win, Essie . . . I will do as you say,” he conceded, “But it doesn't mean I like it!” His mouth was grim.
“I know.” Espira uttered the simple truth, but she was well aware there was much about all this, she did not know. The future was never set in stone. That frightened her.
Without another word, Ardientor turned on his heels and left to find Xandor. For now, he would accept this task, a safe-escort for his father. He had some space to think as he strode along. The journey to the hideout would not be without danger. His father might even wake up to see him at his side and be pleased. Perhaps, while he was away from his sister's overbearing presence, his own powers of Perception would orientate themselves and shed new light on his future. After all, his fate was his alone! Importantly, he had not missed Espira say she had hope for their safety, which meant there were things she did not know! What things?
Their father said that Fate had grand designs for both he and Espira. Ardientor had imagined personal glory for his entire life; others had only noticed recently. His mind began to sharpen, as it always did when he put distance between himself and his sister. A brief glimmer of intuition suggested his given task might be life-threatening; Ardi entreated the Stars, that it be a fight-to-the-death. This would make the bitter pill of disappointment about the dragon-ride slightly easier to swallow. His hybrid blood gave him more powers than any Gaian warrior. He was as physically strong as any of them, crazy-brave and formidable with a sword.
He smiled with the realisation that he had just managed to put his
thoughts in order in record time. He recalled Espira's comment in the cave, about loving too much, a possible weakness. If she had any flaw, it was that. Love could create fear as well as vanquish it.
Espira's 'bad feeling' was only because she was afraid, for him, for Father, perhaps even for herself! Fear was a warrior's worst enemy. It was not his. Never his! He knew better. He was ready for greatness!
Just over an hour later, the forces were hidden among the trees on the rise to one end of the plain. Ardientor and two others re-employed the travois to move Luminor to the top of the slope. Word of their assigned mission travelled quickly. As they passed through the ranks of men, the small group received many a sign for the protection of the Ancestors, or a respectful nod for their stricken leader.
At the ridge-top there was a clearing, which afforded enough space for a dragon to land out of sight of the approaching enemy, and it was there the commanders and captains assembled.
This last war council before battle was as poignant as it was historic. Their beloved Lord Luminor was physically present in their midst, but not one of them could feel his usual encouragement. In deference to his earlier instructions, for the first time, their champion was to be a woman, a young woman at that. Admittedly, it was his own famous daughter and with a trusted mentor, Xandor, at her side.
Loyal to the last, all these men, except one, had complete faith that Luminor's instructions were for the best. Shuul, though reluctantly impressed by the Gaian's magic, was still not entirely convinced of his wisdom in putting a woman in charge.
Ardientor emerged from the trees, leading the travois. The human companion, Beris, went to get supplies; the other, a Gaian named Lor, took the reins of the samblar and waited at the edge of the clearing.
Espira noted with some relief that her brother seemed resigned to his new duty. She made sure he received her grateful thought, loud and clear.