by Susi Wright
“I am . . . if my lady is!” Xandor rummaged in his satchel.
Espira held out her arm. She accepted the bottle of lubio from Xandor and took a few sips of the bitter liquid and nodded.
Xandor cleansed the wound once more with warm water and brought out his prepared his needle and thread. His silver eyes twinkled with humour. “I think, my lady, you, ” he winked, “and your lover, will soon have almost-matching scars!”
Espira opened her mouth to protest, but snapped it shut it to clench her jaw. Xandor's crude handiwork hurt like hell, even with the drug. She watched him stitch with steely determination, vowing to never again shed tears for herself.
She raised her head, aware Luminor's eyes were fixed on her – loving, proud and expectant. It was time. Her multi-coloured gaze reflected the Wisdom of Ages. For him, her beloved father and mentor, she made her life-oath.
My heart is cleansed and purged by horror and grief, but I am not destroyed! I live and I am glad . . . for this scar will remind me, when comfort eases the memories of death into the past. I am a warrior, a herald of the First Fire . . . and I swear on my life, I shall carry its banner into the future!
Her eyes shone with certitude and pride as she held her father's eyes.
Any brave warrior who has ever lived . . . ends up with scars . . . is that not so, Papa?
Chapter 51 : YENGI
No-one had eaten for three days, many had the beginnings of frost-bite but all were glad to see the last pass of the Impossible Mountains.
The worst blizzards imaginable had buffeted the travellers night after night and they lost count of the days when storms blurred the passage of one to the other. There had been no opportunity to hunt for game. Only dragon's breath and insight had saved them. And all had survived the ordeal, except three Morvians riding on a samblar who had fallen into an ice-crevasse during a gale.
Assembled in the wide pass between the two high peaks, soldiers and refugees fell to their knees, physically exhausted.
The dragon perched on nearby ridge.
This noon-day, the snow fell only lightly and there was no wind. Before them stretched the final steep slopes of their crossing to the top of the Garron, which overlooked the citadel of Yengi.
“We will push to the cliffs – even into night, if necessary. What do you think, brothers?” Xandor looked around his comrades, adjusting the pack on his back which carried the Morvian baby.
Espira wanted to trust her insight. “Once we are camped, there will be a few hours for Gaian emissaries to go down into the citadel, to announce our coming. The Yengians should be prepared, but I do not see a problem.” She paused to think. “Some of you met with them on the way here. Can we expect a friendly reception from them? Father, what was your impression of the Yengi council? Do you think it will still hold now?” Do not hold back, Papa, I need your opinion and your company!
Luminor smiled at her. “Yengi is wealthy and well supplied enough to easily feed our people for at least one night. Jonas and the other council members seemed trustworthy and very hospitable. I am not so sure about all who live there. Jonas warned us he was having trouble with large gangs, Morvian-haters and slavers, and I felt some dissent. We must re-establish the support and protection of the Yengian Red Guard, especially since we have so many Morvians with us now. And, I think perhaps it would be wise for the dragon to keep out of sight. These people are not members of the Alliance, remember.”
Espira considered for a moment. “Then it will be for you and I, Father, with a small vanguard of fliers, to meet with Jonas and the council. Since it seems we must visit that city to resupply, we must also assure safe passage for these people. We have come so far . . .”
“I think Sumar and Dak should accompany us, with an extra six warriors.” Luminor smiled at Xandor, who now carried a small and precious passenger. “Brother, I leave you to choose the six. You are still right-hand of the Alliance, but your presence is not needed on this mission.” Xandor nodded once and left to select the fliers who would serve as escort for the delegation to Yengi.
“I'll send the dragon ahead, via the ranges,” stated Espira. “He will meet us along the road south. And, as soon as we have the full complement of fliers, we should leave, for I think we need to be in the citadel more than a full day before our main company, to make sure it is safe. When they begin their descent down the cliffs, they will be exposed and helpless for many hours – in full view of the city walls and any who might wish them ill!” There was steel in her eyes. “Once we are inside the city, between us, little will escape our mind-sight. If we discover a threat, we should be prepared to neutralise it, with or without the help of the Red Guard! I'm sure Jonas, the council and the citizens of Yengi will thank us for it!”
Ji and Shuul exchanged a worried look. Neither was happy to hear these plans. Lady Espira was going on a mission, without them! However, they were both beginning to accept that this was the future, and held their tongues. When Espira left their company to tell the dragon he would not be going with her either, Shuul took Ji aside, ever intent on sharing his knowledge of women with the younger man. “It takes balls to speak to a woman when her mind is set, and more balls not to speak at all, for she will find a way to make both wrong!”
Ji gave him a blank stare, wondering if the Cymbian ever spoke much sense. “You are not as clever as you think, my friend. I don't think your rules – or any other – apply to Espira!”
With that he went to find La-poo and mount up for the afternoon ride to the Garron, leaving Shuul grinning after him.
A short time later, Ra took off over the eastern peaks and Espira found Ji, mounted ready to leave, La-poo astride behind him on the samblar. She looked up at him. “Were you leaving without a farewell? You said nothing at the meeting. I know you're unhappy with my decision.” She frowned. “This is my life now – our life!”
Ji's expression was neutral as he shrugged. “I know. I accept it. You will have your way and I will not even try to stop you!”
Espira took his gloved hand and placed it on her cheek. “You know, if I couldn't read your mind . . . I would think you didn't care enough to argue with me! I would be upset, but I am not. I just wanted to wish you a safe journey. I'll see you in Yengi!” She squeezed, then let his hand fall and went her separate way.
Ji smiled to himself as he watched her take to the air. Espira was certainly no ordinary woman!
The ten fliers streaked ahead of the main company, making all haste to the citadel of Yengi. The breeze was unusually pliable and could be utilised well to speed their flight. They arrived at the Garron cliff-tops within two hours, coming to land hidden among the boulders, in easy reach of the city walls. Ten sentries patrolled the ramparts.
Luminor signalled to the others and they swooped simultaneously to land on one end of the wall. He called out in the common trader's tongue, as the nearest sentries drew their bows at the sudden arrival. “Men of the Red Guard! I bid you good day! It is I, Lord Luminor, and my party, returned from our mission. We request entry into your city!”
The high-ranking captain recognised him. “By all that is Holy, Lord Luminor, you are alive! We did not believe you would return!” He assessed the row of nine warriors standing next to Luminor, his eyes hovering on Espira. “Is this all that remains of your company?”
“No, we are here to make arrangements – the others are a day behind us. We must speak with Jonas and the council.”
The guard captain's admiring gaze lingered on Espira, though he spoke to Luminor. “This woman was not with you last time . . . there were no women, if I recall. But this one . . . I would have remembered her from a crowd of thousands!”
Luminor stepped forward, rattled by the Yengian's interest, but quickly calmed himself. “This is my daughter and heir, Lady Espira. She has ensured the success of our quest and now leads our army in her own right!” At that announcement the man ceased his appraisal, embarrassed; Luminor gave brief explanation. “She and her . . . forces . .
. joined us in Morvia, from a different direction.”
Quite awestruck, the captain now felt compelled to bow deeply in this lady's presence, and his men followed suit. He personally escorted the party to the council chambers, announced their arrival and bowed again to Espira before he left.
Espira shared a look with Luminor, smothering a smile. It seems to be going well so far . . . He smiled and shrugged, taking her arm to be received by the council.
Jonas emerged to greet them. “Lord Luminor! What a surprise – please, come in! And, Lady Espira,” he inclined his head politely, “What a pleasure to meet you! We are about to reconvene.”
The six warriors remained on watch outside the door, and Espira, Luminor, Dak and Sumar followed Jonas into the bright, sunlit chamber. The council members were seated around the meeting table, where two young girls were bustling to clear the remnants of a midday meal.
When the four companions entered, the members all stood, surprise still on their faces from the captain's recent news. Jonas shooed the servants away and gestured to several vacant chairs.
The members sat once the visitors were seated and Jonas spoke. “Our captain tells us your quest was successful. I must say, none of us expected it!” His smile was genuine. “Lord Luminor, I am curious . . . has there been some change in leadership?” He looked at Luminor then Espira.
Luminor explained. “For now, I hold my position as Governor of Baram, but recently I have suffered severe illness. In Morvia, I almost died. I survived only because my son sacrificed his own life for mine! Lady Espira has proven her worth as my heir during this quest and will continue to lead the Baramese force. I will serve as her advisor and mentor for a while.”
Jonas nodded, impressed. “So you succeeding in rescuing Morvians? I look forward to hearing all about how you managed that, perhaps later, over the evening meal!” He seemed anxious. “Now, I am informed that we are to expect this company of yours in a day or so. Tell me . . . how many are we talking about?”
Espira shared a glance with her father and stood up. “There are around three hundred, soldiers included. Of the refugees, many are women and children. We have eaten very little for days and we sorely need your help!”
Jonas' eyes widened and the councillors mumbled to each other in their own language. “That is a very large number to accommodate . . .” He paced several steps, rubbing his chin, “Even under normal circumstances . . .” Turning to face Espira, his expression was apologetic. “Lady Espira . . .”
“You cannot help us, because you are under duress,” finished Espira, watching his shock register. “You fear an attack.”
Jonas recovered his composure, having already noted the strange magic of Lord Luminor and his clan at their previous meeting.
“Yes. We expect it any day. We don't know how many! It could mean a siege and we will need our supplies. There are many mouths to feed here, and our own people to protect!” explained Jonas. “I am truly sorry . . .”
“We have armed soldiers and warriors,” stated Espira, “Our human and Morvian men are well-trained enough, but I can assure you, it could be a most unwise move to refuse the talents of Gaian warriors if it is offered. We can help you – if you help us!”
Luminor came to his feet to stand beside Espira. “She is right . . . you will fare much better with us than without! Tell us more about the situation.”
After a moment's hesitation, Jonas went on. “After your forces left last time, our council cracked down on troublemakers. During a search of a cart at the gates, we discovered a gang of slavers, trying to leave the city with a dozen kidnapped children. One escaped on a stolen samblar, but we sent the others to the gallows.
“Some days later, a small army of Cerulan slavers attacked the citadel. Our Red Guard numbered one hundred; we lost thirty driving the Cerulans from the walls, but we believe the slavers will be back. A message arrived yesterday, from a settlement on the inland harbour, Lake Dulis. However the pigeons here in the north are very slow. News is old when we get it!
“Apparently, weeks ago, the Cerulans landed a dozen ships, took the children and killed the settlers. A few ships left the shores of Dulis, full of child slaves. The slavers hold the settlement with a small army. The men we arrested here were spies. We got more information out of them before we hanged them! Lake Dulis is twenty leagues from here at its closest point, but we think they have a camp much closer than that.”
You will need our help! Espira had a confident smile. “After what we have seen . . . and done . . . a few slavers is nothing!”
Jonas turned to the other members for a brief discussion; then he spoke with a slight frown, eyeing Espira. “How quickly can you get your people into Yengi? We need to get ready for the attack. We do not want the liability of having them half-way down the Garron when it happens!”
Luminor was already moving to the door. “You have my word that we shall have them all inside the city by tomorrow night. Our warriors can be here by nightfall! I shall send two men to fetch them.”
“After that . . ,” Jonas wrinkled his nose distastefully, “Perhaps you all would like to freshen up and send your clothes to the laundry!”
Xandor led the full complement of Gaian fliers in at dusk. Yengian citizens weren't too disturbed by it since most had seen it before. The Red Guardsmen welcomed the Gaians, having become acquainted on their first meeting. They shared the evening meal in the barracks, but all the warriors would sleep the night on the walls.
Espira, Luminor, Dak and Sumar were on their way to supper with the council, after a quick wash and the benefit of some borrowed clothes.
“I don't think the Cerulans will be here too soon . . .” Espira raised her eyebrows in question at her companions.
Dak answered. “We have time to prepare for that – but there is still a large anti-Morvian faction in the city. There lies an immediate problem. I don't think Jonas realises how extremist the adherents are. Their aura disturbs me greatly!”
“Dak and I walked around the city this afternoon,” added Sumar. “We sensed a large group, meeting in a warehouse not far from here. Word has gotten around that we are bringing the refugees in tomorrow. I think they are planning something!”
“Let Xandor know, brother Dak. Ask him to join us after the meal. I think we can deal with it quickly . . . without causing a stir!” Espira nodded to him and turned to the others, steely-eyed. “Tonight!”
The meal was lavish, considering the impending siege, and the evening passed in polite conversation, Jonas insisting on a brief account of the quest and particularly Espira's part in it. She obliged, leaving out mention of the dragon, referring vaguely to the use of magic, which seemed to satisfy him and the evening concluded with everyone retiring early.
Espira had been given a room in a guest-house near the council tower. Her three companions had the adjoining chamber and Xandor joined them all there.
Espira briefed him. “These men are planning murder. I think they will not be ushered gently to the merits of the Alliance . . . and we cannot afford trouble!” She looked around at the others. “Let's get it over with – if we can provide proof, the Red Guard can arrest them!”
Five moved as one, out into the street and over the roof-tops to the warehouse. By listening and peering through an open skylight, their suspicions were confirmed.
Luminor slipped away to alert the Yengi captain.
Inside the warehouse, a tall brawny man detailed the plan with about fifty followers. There was a crude explosive device on the table in front of him and a stack of daggers, shovels and axes on the floor. “Thanks to servant gossip, I've had time to prepare. It has taken me weeks to steal all these – make good use of them, lads! Collect your weapon of choice after the meeting. Hide it carefully! I will get the bomb in where it needs to be for tomorrow night. The mutants will be housed in the sporting arena – it's the only place inside the city, large enough, with amenities. You get those that run, after the explosion – any way you can! We cannot l
et those abominations free in our world. The Impossible Mountains are there for a reason. Hell knows what could come through next!”
Another man spoke up. “If we had gotten rid of those Morvian soldiers the first time, maybe the others would've gone away. I didn't think they would be back at all, let alone with hundreds more! Give me an axe . . . I am ready!”
Men started filing up to collect a weapon each and milled around, stuffing daggers into pockets and axes under cloaks. Shovels were slung across the shoulder as if the men had just returned from the local vegetable gardens.
The leader looked about to dismiss them, when the four observers dropped liked shadows from the skylight. Surprise and confusion were always their best allies; Espira and the men flew nimbly around, seeming like many more than four. Some of the troublemakers tried to fight, flailing axes and shovels at the warriors. Others were disarmed in an instant and stood mutely, or cringed, trying to avoid the attack.
The leader made an attempt to escape with the bomb in his arms but Espira tackled him to the ground with a flying leap. He slammed face-down and the container smashed under him, tallow, spirit and tapers spreading across the floor, soaking his clothes and smothering his face.
Confusion and anger drove the big Yengian. Spluttering, he threw Espira off and came after her. She ducked away, passing another militant who struck out at her with an axe. She countered it with her sword; the clash of steel on steel sparked and the spark fell, igniting the tallow-covered clothes of the big man just behind her. She flew straight up to the rafters, desperately applying her elemental magic to avert disaster, but head to toe, he burst into flames, screaming and running in circles. He slipped in the grease, fell and set the pool of flammable liquid alight which erupted around him; his wailing quickly ceased. It was over in seconds, despite Espira's efforts. Nothing could be done.