by Susi Wright
Thank you . . . beyond words, dear brother. Father would be proud!
She knew this acknowledgement meant far more to him than he gave away by his tight smile. To also be included in this war council was a notable honour. Already an integral part of this quest, Ardi would have the endorsement of the Elite and the company of two veteran warriors. He could take charge of his next mission with new pride.
Profoundly humbled by the task with which she was now entrusted, Espira kept her father's advice close to her heart as she greeted each of the participants. Invited to the meeting by Stolis, Ji was introduced as new captain of forward cavalry. Her gaze rested briefly on him, her tone formal, while she secretly acknowledged their mutual affection.
“Welcome, cousin and brother-at-arms, Ji. Congratulations, on your promotion!”
He inclined his head respectfully, but his eyes remained on her face, holding much more than loyalty. An insistent question hovered there.
Espira gave an uncertain promise. We can talk later today . . . if there is time!
Over her shoulder, Ji noticed Ardientor's eyes on him again, holding a distinctly suspicious glint. Moments ago he had suffered another venomous glare, when Ardi had joined the meeting to find Ji was part of it. As always, no one seemed to notice that Ardientor's sullen look had a target . . .
Do not worry, Ji! I have noticed. He is just protective of me . . . that is a good thing!
Ji nodded deferentially. If Essie was prepared to ignore it, he would too.
Back to business, she turned her attention to the next man.
Unreasonable irritation flared as her eyes flickered over a swarthy, handsome face. The Cymbian chief. Her earlier dismissal had not stuck, since apparently, he had a right to be here.
Espira frowned at his thoughts, smug that he had won an introduction. His perusal of her person was distinctly audacious.
With theatrical flourish, the man swept a bow. No one had ever bowed to her! He came up, a brilliant smile on his face which was nothing less than disarming.
“Greetings, Princess Espira! I do not believe we have been properly introduced. My name is Shuul. I pledge myself and my humble clansmen to your service, my lady!” His Morvian was heavily accented, charming and infuriating.
As earlier, his intense golden gaze was predatory. She had a fleeting vision of a black leopard stalking its prey. The hungry look was quickly replaced by extreme admiration. The offer of his clan's help was a genuine attempt at gallantry, an effort to be honourable. However, Espira detected that the underlying motive was less so. He was trying to impress her and it rankled! With a mental shake, she dismissed the annoyance and finished the exchange by a curt nod.
Ji now realised that Shuul, whom he had thought to be his friend, was actually interested in his girl. It was his turn to look sullen, feeling quite justified, when he noticed that Ardientor's censorious stare now targeted the Cymbian.
Abruptly, a command snapped into his mind. Enough pettiness – we have important things to do here!
Suddenly ashamed, Ji found he could not meet Espira's eyes, dropping his gaze altogether, knowing she was right.
She gave a dismissive sigh and graced the next men with a warm smile.
Two loyal veterans of the Alliance stood at attention.
“Commander Stolis and Captain Jimbu, you have both served my father well for many years. I look forward to consulting with you, and it will be my honour to serve with you!”
A simple look sufficed to welcome Sumar and Dak, both present as percipient advisors. They completed an expert assembly of supporters.
She had already forgiven Ji, his only weakness, love. And her opinion of the Cymbian, she would defer, for now.
Espira cast a glance towards the tree-line. Her eyes rested lovingly on her father, still as pale as death, then back to share a look with Ardientor.
Yes, big sister, I am ready! Hurry and get on with it!
She took a breath to quiet an insistent whisper of foreboding and began the silent observance, joined by the others.
Perhaps with Ra's help, she could take up where her father left off. But she was no leader. Not yet. Still a novice, she had yet to prove herself. This was the first flight of a fledgling questador, testing her wings on the winds of Destiny. Her gift of intuition would certainly guide her, but all these men could offer the valuable voice of practical experience in battle.
Ardientor's recent meditations had thrown up wonderful things. Reconciliation with Espira had endowed him with confidence. Dedication to mental effort paid off very quickly. Within a few heartbeats, he experienced a profound new reality.
How true it is that meditation kindles inspiration. He realised that what he had felt so surely before, had been a mere inkling in comparison. By habit, his mind was already shielded from intrusion. His shield felt stronger every day. This offered a certain amount of protection from his sister, a bastion for his ego. He would not surrender it.
As clear as the break of day, came the absolute knowledge of himself. It was starkly confronting, yet no fear tainted it; scorching like the desert sun, yet more glorious! He kept this powerful insight within the most secure corner of his mind, carefully hidden from anyone who might look. It must be his alone. At this moment, he was certain that no one, even Espira, bothered to search. He sensed it was completely safe where it was. For the sake of all . . . he would not share it!
A few minutes passed before Xandor opened discussion, choosing the Morvian tongue so Shuul would understand.
“Yesterday's contingent of Zorgs must have been on their way to join the main horde. This time we shall be vastly outnumbered.”
Commander Stolis came to the point. “How many are we talking about? At least we have the element of surprise. The initial attack can come from the cover of the trees. Our riders will rely on their swords, when it comes down to it. And perhaps the savages will set about their fallen . . . as horribly as before! That would be most helpful to us!” Stolis looked to Espira.
“There are more than four thousand,” stated Espira in a flat tone.
Xandor provided a grim update on the state of munitions. “We don't have enough arrows left to do much damage. Every archer must be instructed accordingly . . . to the eyes only!
He turned to the Cymbian chief. “Shuul. Can I count on you and your men to use your tricks to sneak in, release the bonds on the captives and get out quickly?”
Shuul jumped at the sound of his name, and the extreme danger of the request and his eyes snapped to Xandor. He had only been half-listening, watching Espira, while the others were talking. Fortunately for him, her eyes and ears were completely focussed on the discussion; she noticed neither his hooded gaze . . . nor his interest.
Now, his heart thumped at the memory of the last foray, but pride drove him to sarcasm. “So the mighty Baramese army relies, once again, on a few Cymbians for success, eh?”
That was met with stony silence.
He went on to ask something relevant with a wry grin. “Ropes . . . or chains?” There was a distinct difference in the difficulty, even if one was invisible. Ropes could be cut; shackles would entail stealing keys from the belts of mace-wielding giants, with extremely good sense of smell . . .
Xandor ignored the mild jibe, smiling a challenge instead. “Could be either . . . I will trust your resourcefulness. And, I believe there is plenty of samblar dung hereabouts, to aid your camouflage this time. Thank you, brother Shuul! I am glad you are with us!”
He took Shuul's cynical smile as an affirmative, but he wanted to let the Cymbians they would have support.
“Brothers, a mounted attack from the rear will give the Morvians and Cymbians time to escape into the forest, if the riders are fast and efficient enough.” He raised his eyebrows at Ji.
Ji nodded. “We will do as before. If we are lucky, the Zorgs might be fooled into thinking there are more of us than there are. We can hide some samblars and riders in the forest to pick up stragglers.”
&nbs
p; “I can see no flaws in the plan,” acknowledged Stolis. “Well done, everyone!”
At his turn, Jimbu put in quietly, “I do not see failure,” He shrugged. “But you know how it is. We do not see everything!”
Sumar commented tersely, “Of course, it will not be without loss!”
“The day will be ours!” agreed Dak, pressing his lips into a grim smile. “And, it does not take a savant to know that men die in battle!”
“No victory, without sacrifice!” recited Espira sadly. “It has ever been so . . . and I believe that is one thing which will never change!”
“Aye!”, “Here, here!” echoed the others.
Ardientor could be heard, louder than anyone, before his tone became impatient. “Great plan! No time to lose, then – I must be about my mission to get Father to safety!”
Espira looked sideways at her brother, sensing a strange new excitement in him. It wasn't there earlier, but his thoughts revealed nothing more than impatience for action.
“I am sure everyone is awaiting the call to move, Ardi! Have patience, we are nearly done here. Be assured, you go with our blessing. I will be brief in conclusion!” She turned to close the meeting.
“Well, brothers, I do not need to tell you my part in this. My mental powers are untried on such a scale. I have no idea how many I can shield at once during the battle. However, I do believe the dragon can protect us all! Just make sure you and your men are all well clear at Xandor's signal. Once unleashed, I might not be able to stop it – dragon-fire is formidable indeed!”
The group lingered, reverent. Divine assistance never went amiss. Those who had witnessed the dragon when it was young expected no less; the others could well imagine its present power. In fact, a formidable weapon was the only thing to ensure success. It was their only hope of saving the last of the Morvians, or of returning home to their loved ones to tell of this mighty quest.
Espira did not need to look. Ardientor had not stayed to hear her concluding remarks . . . nor waited for her goodbyes.
She sighed heavily, wishing for more certainty that her decision to send them away would indeed keep them safe!
Chapter 30 : PRIMAL
At dawn, Gaian scouts returned with news.
The Zorgs had encountered a large tract of marshland. The crossing had slowed them down. They were a day and a half away at most, quicker if they did not stop to rest.
The morning's preparations continued at a measured pace after that.
Of course, it also meant there was a horrible possibility that some Morvian captives could be lost as grisly fodder during this time!
Bearing this in mind, each man went about his duties with resigned gravity, knowing he could only do his best for the survivors.
Though it could not be said that the mood among the men was light, they were certainly grateful to have time to feed and saddle their animals, break their own fast and sharpen swords. They would need all their energy, lively mounts and the deadliest of steel to do damage to the thick-skinned giants. Bowmen filled their quivers with the allocated ration of arrows, apprised of their task to use them only to take out the eyes of the enemy.
By midday, the men were as physically and mentally prepared as they could be for the battle of their lives. A tentative calm settled over the company, further encouraged when the dragon returned from a two hour hunt and promptly took a nap. One could only guess what he had found to eat, but more important was his decision that there was enough time now to sleep.
Sentinels found vantage points to spot the immediate approach of the enemy; the percipient ones would sense it before that, time enough for the various contingents to take up strategic positions on the forested hillsides. Now, all that remained to do was wait for that signal.
Stolis, like the other veterans, knew that the waiting before battle had a way of wearing a man down. Concerned for morale among his young recruits, he made a quick round, giving permission for cards or jacks to pass time; this was taken up with grateful zeal.
It was at one such card game, Espira found Ji, his mind filled with her while he played his hand. His eager brown eyes spotted her approach, almost as if he expected it. They both knew, if there was ever time to talk, this was it.
“Good morn, cousin! It is past time for us . . . to exchange tales of our journeys!” Espira couched her greeting carefully, still concerned about appearances.
“Perhaps you gentlemen will excuse one player from your game?”
No reply was necessary, everyone knew the cousins were close.
“Yes, my lady, of course!” Ji was obliged to use her new title in front of the men, but his eyes twinkled with pleasure to finally have her attention. This was a rare opportunity to spend time together. Even the dragon was asleep!
Summoned, as it were, Ji's friends did not find it strange that he almost threw his cards down and leapt to his feet to obey.
Jubilant, he went to her side, moving with her like a shadow.
Not far from the edge of the camp, a fallen log provided a suitable place to sit and talk. However, when they sat, an arm's length between them, there was an awkwardness neither had felt before.
Ji knew Essie could read his mind better than ever. He wondered if he even needed to say anything, yet he felt like he would explode if he did not speak. He was human. He was bewildered, waiting for her to do something, mental or verbal. Aware that she faced enormous responsibility, Ji knew it was selfish to burden her further by making emotional demands. Yet, nothing could change the fact that he loved her with every fibre of his being. Even now, he fought a burning desire to demonstrate it and demand everything in return.
He stared at a point in space.
Espira was bound by indecision, grappling between wanting to know his thoughts and not. What she had read was confronting but so beautiful, so warming, it begged to be explored. She could not deny that the nature of their friendship had changed. It could never be the same again.
Conflicted by her sense of duty and, up until this moment, occupied with other matters, she was still uncertain of her true feelings for him. He had already declared himself. That she should remain circumspect was unfair.
She worried at her lip, shutting her eyes tight as her mind cast about for the right words.
Ji couldn't bear the silence a second longer. “By the stars, Essie, can you please stop thinking and say something? You forget I can't read your mind. You said we were going to talk!”
To hell with not making demands! However, his words were gentle, almost a whisper, a plea, more than a demand. “Here, or anywhere, life can be far too short. We are both warriors! Either of us could die tomorrow and still not know how we stand . . . Tell me!” He was facing her when her eyes snapped open, though not in surprise.
Comprehension dawned and he laughed. “Aha! You knew I would say something . . . you wanted this! You gave me the first move!”
Espira smiled wistfully and shook her head. “None of this is game. Not any more. Our lives have suddenly become very real, have they not? And, dear Ji, you give me too much credit – I do not even know what I am doing right now! It just seemed right that we should talk.”
Using speech made her feel more human. In this moment, it fit. At least the words rang of truth. It felt like a step in the right direction but the path was precipitous.
“I still have mentors for battle, but there is no-one to ask for advice about this! Even if Papa was with us, I do not think I could go to him. Perhaps, Mama or Gran-mama, but they are not here either. And everyone expects so much of me . . . I'm not sure if I have the energy to even think about this now!” She sighed and massaged her temples. Her head hurt.
Ji reached out to take her hand in his. They had held hands many times before through their childhood, but she knew this would be different. It was a brave move, considering the intense emotion she could already sense in him; it was difficult not to read his every thought. The initial jolt shook her, but staying with it offered comfort, giving more th
an it took. It seemed to ease the sharp edges of responsibility.
She raised her eyes to his, drawing solace.
“Essie, you know I love you! I would lay down my life for yours!” His oath was a passionate whisper. “I might be human – , ” he smiled self-deprecatingly, “But I sense you feel something too. You might not understand it yet and it scares you, doesn't it? Much knowledge comes only with experience. I am still your best friend. That hasn't changed. I am here for you!” He squeezed her hand and a surge of affection flowed into her, giving her warm energy.
He pressed on, gentle but insistent. “I do not ask more than you can give, only the truth. Before I go into battle, I must know if I'm right, that you love me – not as cousin or friend – but at least a little, for the man I am. It would be a comfort to know, just in case Fate chooses death for me. If we both survive this, I would hope to pick up from here, worthy to court you properly, my sweet Essie. I don't think you need to ask anyone what is in your heart!” His deep brown gaze bore a desperate appeal which wrenched to her core.
Her eyes widened. He wanted to kiss her.
A strange fluttering like a thousand butterflies suddenly materialised in her stomach; some rose to lessen the weight of duty on her heart. The lightness was enchanting. How could she have ever thought his love a burden? It was a grace! He was right . . . this was right.
Yes!
Ji took pause, not sure the thought was real, but it was there in her eyes too. He had asked for words of assurance, had not expected permission to act. Confused, he glanced around, anxious someone might see. A thicket of brambles screened them from the others. That was all he needed to take her in his arms.
The kiss meant everything!
The moment their lips met, there was nothing else. All questions were answered in a wonderful kaleidoscope of emotion, a lofty gift transporting both from time and place.
Through the fog of passion that was quickly clouding his thinking, Ji realised that Espira was kissing him back with abandon. For her sake, and with extreme effort, he dragged up the vestiges of his honour. Pulling away, his eyes were locked on her face. In response, her eyelids fluttered open; loss and bewilderment hovered in her gaze.