A Question of Power (The Fire Chronicles Book 2)

by Susi Wright

  All news of the famous lord’s accomplishments, he had deliberately blocked from his own followers.

  Lord Xian had a personal distaste for human women, especially when it came to choosing a bride. He had no desire for an heir. He intended to live for a very, very long time. He had set his sights on Saria the first time he saw her, when her family had come to him for help. He had not informed them of his intention to marry her until yesterday. Her father protested that she had been promised at birth to another, but his objection was quickly banished and forgotten. Both parents’ devotion to the new cause made them happy to see her marry their new protector, rather than honouring a hopeless promise.

  From the first days of their association, Xian had given Saria the title of Lady, status in his household, with all the extra comforts he could provide. This dalliance with the slave had seen him rewarded with betrayal. Yet again! If he could not win her love, or charm it from her, he would force her loyalty as his wife and she would pay dearly for her insult against his person.

  Imagining all the ways he would extract that loyalty from her, he turned to his bride-to-be with a brilliant blue gaze that both scorched and froze her to the core. His smile did not quite reach his eyes. He began to recite the new ceremonial words he had composed, in the Gaian tongue. The sound of his voice emphasised his position. It was a strange pledge. Saria had never heard it recited at any other wedding. But then, he followed no recognisable tradition.

  “You are mine. . .and mine alone. . .to the end of time.. .and beyond.” His voice echoed in the cavernous hall of stone. She had no alternative except to repeat as instructed. She valiantly tried to conjure up a comforting mental image of her lost lover, but failed. She almost gagged on the words which came out in a choked whisper.

  “I am yours . . . and yours alone. . .to the end of time and beyond.”

  On top of it all, by some evil magic, she was even prevented from sending a prayer to the Ancestors for assistance. She had been made a prisoner in her own private hell.

  In no time. . .it was done. Her fate was sealed, along with that of all the clans that had joined together under Lord Xian and all the future victims of his ruthless ambition.

  The strikingly handsome lord continued to hold her gaze even as he sealed their marriage with a masterful kiss. Her eyes welled with helpless frustration; she was further horrified to find, insinuating into her senses, a hateful compulsion. . .to like it.

  CHAPTER 28

  The March

  Churian and his group had fair weather for the entire day, making good time back to the craggy mountains of the western border between Siva and Lealand. As they increased altitude, however, a misty drizzle started; an hour later, they encountered torrential rain. This forced them to seek shelter for the night in a cave, close to the place they had first met Melu and his family.

  Seated on the dirt floor of their rocky shelter, they huddled around a small fire. Flint was always carried, but it was useless without tinder. Unless one was in the company of Lord Luminor! Luckily, they had managed to find some dry sticks strewn around inside the cave to add to a small pile of dead branches which looked very much like someone had collected them for this very purpose. However, there was no-one connected with this location within leagues of here now. Churian assured the others that every trace of aura had dissipated. Whoever had occupied the cave was long gone.

  A frugal meal of rock beetles, tossed for a few moments in the flames and dragged out with a stick, sufficed to nourish them for the time being. Accustomed to hardship, these Gaian warriors were resilient and well able to survive on a meagre diet, eating only what Nature saw fit to provide. They could go for days without food if necessary and still maintain a good level of energy. Their unity of spirit always sustained them and buoyed their mood, even in the most testing times. This quest would be one of those times.

  Xandor, in particular, had been glad from the outset to be leading this quest, rigours, challenges and all. If he had stayed a moment longer in the Capital, he might have become caught up in more trouble and a lifestyle that would eventually make him soft. He would never have met, nor rescued, the golden-eyed beauty on the Isle of Angels. Even now, he didn’t regret that intense experience as much as his inability to put it behind him. Her image was burned into his memory; remnants of desire simmered in his traitorous body. His soul, his conscience, definitely needed this distraction! The quest would help to increase the distance, physically and mentally from his nemesis. . .and her damned eyes of fire. He welcomed every one of the dangerous tests he was bound to encounter.

  Xandor was leading his brother warriors into a rescue mission and possible confrontation, in the south of the neighbouring country of Lealand. This task, according to the advice of Churian, would be even more perilous than the quest to kill the Flame Adder. It was doubtful their small number possessed sufficient power between them to be successful without reinforcements. They would have to exercise the greatest caution and make a start by doing some reconnaissance to fill in the gaps in their understanding.

  Facing the attentive group, Xandor felt enormous responsibility.

  “At dawn, we will head for Salmat. It is the capital city and the most likely and secure place to hold the great number of prisoners Churian senses. Apparently, apart from military strength, there is something far more sinister than mere physical imprisonment involved. What we face is an intelligent being with evil intent and extreme mental power, so confident of his abilities that he openly intends to conquer as many cities as he can. . .though it remains a mystery, how these fires could be his doing. Apart from our Supreme Lord, one with such a high level of skill has never been seen in the Known World. There is a distortion in the balance of Nature. Churian feels that a powerful and clever edict has been enforced. It hides much much. Perhaps Lord Luminor will already be aware and on his way to join us. Hopefully with reinforcements! When we scout tomorrow, we must stay under either Churian’s or Sumar’s mental-cloak at all times. Anything we find out could help us formulate a plan for the rescue of the prisoners. But not if we lose our minds – for we will also lose our lives – along with any advantage we might have given to Lord Luminor!”

  Each man in turn acknowledged his understanding of the conditions of survival through the coming day with a solemn nod and silently retired to rest under his own dry cloak and the protection of their elder.

  Never in recent centuries had such a large force of Gaian warriors flown together. The formation could be clearly seen for many furlongs in daylight. This would soon have to change. When they crossed the border, they would take to flying at night, using cloud cover and fog wherever possible. From the moment they left the Capital, Luminor’s powerful projected mental cloak shielded their intent and approach from detection by their opponent. He would maintain it as long as possible for the sake of a number in his ranks who, as well-trained as they were in other talents, did not have enough sentient skill to protect themselves. Soon, he would have to shield them from mental intrusion, as well as himself, while simultaneously drawing on the Supreme Power and facing an opponent with similar talents. He had practiced increasing his protective influence and improved his range greatly over the last three years, alongside his exercises in all the arts. But, even for him, the full extent of this new faculty was as yet untried.

  During a long flight in fine weather, there was always opportunity for reflection and with the mental cloak firmly in place over his company, Luminor made full use of the time to recap his actions in recent days. So much had to be attended to in the short time before their departure but he was quite sure he had missed nothing. If by chance, he had overlooked something, he was confident that Altor, with Aleana at his side, could deal with it.

  The only decision in which he doubted his wisdom was the concession he had made, allowing the insistent and very likable Melu to accompany them. Within hours of arriving in the Capital, Melu perceived that his family would be absolutely safe in the hands of Altor and Aleana, seein
g his way clear to join the quest at Churian’s side. Luminor, knowing full well the value of honour and pledges, had been swayed by the Morvian’s passionate plea to be allowed to resume his self-sworn post as Churian’s bodyguard. Of course, Melu’s excellent percipience and trustworthy character had greatly impressed Luminor; this newcomer would make a valuable sense-scout for the company. The Morvian’s prediction, that there would soon be opportunity to save Churian’s life, also added weight to Luminor’s knowledge that some of his men would not return from this conflict.

  The drawback presented by Melu having to be carried as a passenger had been dealt with quite adequately by the use of a larger cloak. Such garments were developed during the last twelve months, woven by the Gaian ladies for the very purpose of carrying the occasional passenger. It had been a popular idea, enthusiastically encouraged by members of the human council who had been interested in experiencing flight. The design was put to frequent use as more friendships developed between the two races. So far, the new feather cloak and its flier were doing an admirable job of keeping up with the group. The longer journey would be an excellent test of durability. At worst, Melu would have to join the ground forces.

  The sizable Baramese cavalry departed four hours ahead of the Elite Gaian force, sent ahead as a gesture of respect from Lord Luminor to the human community; the sight would raise the morale of the citizens of the Capital and impress less-confident humans throughout Baram. They would soon hear of his new quest and might feel more secure to know of the large number heading off to tackle the threat. Crowds of city-folk lined the streets and cheered their passage. Six hundred soldiers, all mounted on the new powerful breed of samblars, were a sight to behold as they trotted at an impressive pace, twenty abreast, out of the city gates.

  The march through Baram set off on the main highway west to the border. The sturdy, energetic mounts, with proudly arched, tufted necks, were broad of chest and rump. Their strong-boned legs and cloven hooves made them supremely sure-footed. They were nothing short of magnificent. Many carried the telltale hallmark of their sire, a lustrous black hide and clearly defined leg markings, black and white stripes from knee to hoof. Most of the stock had been provided by Simban’s large farm on the outskirts of Splendo using the loaned services of Fralii’s own famous samblar stallion, Spirit. The majority had been bred and well-trained under Simban’s discerning eye. In timed trials and tests in the field, this breed had proven to be the fastest land animals yet known. They were extremely hardy and capable of travelling over difficult terrain, maintaining a cracking pace when required, so the army could take a more direct route, advancing quickly towards the south once they had crossed the Lealand border mountains.

  Luminor’s force of warriors, which had swelled greatly in number since the beginning of the Alliance, were much faster than the human forces. They were unhampered by conventional routes or difficult terrain. Over one hundred Gaian warriors took to the air. They flew in formation over the city ramparts into the clear dawn sky, bravely undertaking another quest to defend the Alliance, to protect the lives of countless innocent people, regardless of race. Now there was a sight that would be told and retold in the legends! Borne by the wind, they would reach their destination in two days. Luminor preferred that the Baramese army arrive later. Loyal human soldiers, however skilled at combat, or brave, could constitute six hundred deaths he did not want to count, should they be exposed to the dark forces at work. Once engaged in the confrontation, his sphere of protection would be sorely-tested. Despite his best efforts, he was bound to lose some gifted Gaian brothers. This cleverly percipient opponent, now by some mystical means, was adept at thievery of a dangerous element. He was ruthless with ambition. In this, he was far more powerful than any fire-breathing creature. . .very intelligent, skilled and deadly.

  The Baramese contingent could help in the aftermath, as they had ably done before, setting up medical camps and helping those who wanted a home in Baram to get there safely. In the Capital, Altor was busy loading wagons full of equipment; shortly, the supply clerks would set off with the caravan, instructed to join the others in the southern region of Lealand, close to the capital city. Their hands would surely be full when they eventually arrived. Luminor couldn’t guarantee that more damage would not happen during the struggle to regain control of the Supreme Power. That, he had to allow to take its own course, even with the aid of all his talents and the Ancestors.

  CHAPTER 29

  Ruins and Resistance

  In the first light of dawn, the small group of Gaians descended swiftly out of the mist. Not far from the border, as they flew over the largely forested lowlands, it became clear why Churian’s group had earlier encountered the zabuk leopard on the beach and seen another in the Siva desert, so far from their natural habitat. Only yesterday, they had noticed another unusual sight – huge flocks of lowland quail, high up in the rocky terrain near their camp. They had spotted several other forest-dwelling creatures such as the giant elk, the major part of the zabuks’ diet, wandering the barren slopes to pick on the scant grasses which had no hope of sustaining them.

  An hour later, they sighted large tracts of what had once been dense ancient oak forests, eighty metres tall, burnt to a cinder, leaving nothing but black stumps. Most forest creatures had not been able to outrun the fires. Giant elks were slow-moving. Many had not escaped; the charred mounds of several bodies could be seen, still smouldering where they had fallen. One of the first carcasses they spotted on the edge of the forest was surrounded by small scavenger dogs that had come down from the rocky highlands and were squabbling over a rare feast. From the air, it was easy to see that other starving carnivorous creatures, large and small, had returned to grab a meal along the perimeter of the charred woodland. A zabuk-leopard had dragged an entire elk carcass larger than itself under some skimpy shade. The lone skeleton tree stood, a grotesque sentinel to the holocaust, just at the edge of the destruction zone. It seemed as if the leopard had returned and was valiantly trying to resume the life it once knew.

  Though the scene held tragedy, it was, for whatever reason, a product of Fire. This element of nature, through natural occurrence, had many times before offered up sustenance to Gaian clans. Never inclined to waste, knowing the next chance to hunt might not be for quite sometime, these grateful warriors made use of the opportunity for a short rest. After a silent prayer of respect for the many animals and birds that must have perished in the fires, they partook of the bountiful roasted meat like the other native creatures.

  Greatly fortified by the meal, they resumed their journey towards Salmat. According to Churian, that city appeared to be the origin of the disturbance and the danger. Both he and Sumar were consummate protectors; each was capable of concealing his own personal intention or presence from an enemy, occasionally including a friend or two. The best they could manage for the whole group was to mask their Gaian identity, disguising their energy as a flock of large birds, fleeing from the recent fires. Good enough.

  A few hours later, they reached the ruined outskirts of Salmat, coming to land and taking cover within the ironstone walls of an abandoned monastery. The monks had obviously fled recently, some perhaps taken prisoner; several dozen blackened clay food bowls contained ashen evidence of an interrupted meal. There were some charred human remains, reams of half-burned holy parchments and several surviving prayer mats, strewn about. After they buried the unfortunate humans, this place would serve as their camp for the next few days. It was close enough to see the palace in the distance and for a scouting party to reach it within an hour and on foot if necessary.

  The sprawling ruins still had a few stone buildings that had retained their slate roofs; the larger outer walls were for the most part intact, untouched by the fire, having been constructed as a fortress three centuries ago from huge blocks of ironstone. Most of the damage had been to the timber dwelling structures and modest furnishings within. The holy books and parchments had almost all been burned to cinder. In its
elevated position, nestled against a hillside some distance outside the city, this monastery with its large central courtyard would soon prove to be a useful gathering place for them all, when Lord Luminor and his army arrived. But for now, it provided more than adequate shelter for the six of them.

  For the sake of secrecy they lit no fire, silently seating themselves in a circle and pulling their cloaks tightly around their bodies to spend some time in contemplation before the next move. Regarding his fellow warriors with stern affection, Churian made no attempt to hide his relief that they had made it safely this far. Ever the wise tutor, he addressed them briefly before their meditation. “My brothers, do not let down your guard, however weak or useless you might think it to be! You should each practise whatever ability you have, not rely too heavily on Sumar or myself. Something could happen to either one of us. We are not infallible. Once again, we face a formidable foe. We must remain hidden. You should know the gravity of the situation – be ready for anything. At dusk, Xandor and I will take one of you on a scouting foray to find out more about this enemy.”

  Xandor stepped in with the details. “Zenth, you will come with us – Sumar will stay with the others, to wait for our return and the possible arrival of our lord and brother warriors. At this moment we know very little. The only certainty is that the enemy is driven by hatred and appears to possess unprecedented power, including projective skills which might rival those of our own Lord Luminor. He also controls a force of unknown number and is highly unpredictable!”

  Silence fell. There were no questions, only answers to be found, so each man began to prepare himself mentally for what was to follow. They had less than an hour before the sun went down.