Summon Your Dragons

by Roger Parkinson

  Azkun was still sobbing. He clutched at his arm and even in the poor light Althak could see a red weal along the black. He splashed water onto it, which made Azkun wince with fright. Then they sat silent for a while longer. Azkun let out a low moan and stopped sobbing. The dragon was quiet.

  “We should go,” whispered Althak.

  “Cannot… cannot. No light,” muttered Azkun. “They have eaten my mother.”

  “Azkun, we had light when we came up. You made it. You must have. We need light again.” He spoke slowly and patiently as if instructing a small child.

  “No,” moaned Azkun, still clutching his arm. “That cannot be. Is power my own to withhold or use? Then I killed Hrangil, I did not heal him. I could have saved Grath, I could have-” But as he spoke the globe of light flickered into existence above his head. “No!” he shouted, climbing to his feet and reaching for the light. But it danced away from his hands, just out of his reach. “Damn you!” he cried, shaking his injured arm towards the top of the stairs. “Do not taunt me! Be gods or beasts, but you cannot he both!” He swayed on his feet and Althak steadied him as he muttered plaintively, “They ate my mother. I thought they would forgive me.”

  “Come,” said Althak, and they started their long climb down.

  Chapter 34: Secrets Disclosed

  That Vorish knew should not have surprised Menish. He was used to the Emperor’s knack for finding out things. Besides, Thalissa herself had had plenty of opportunity to tell him. He remembered the words they had exchanged when he had taken Vorish from her, the offers she had made then. That had been at least half the reason he had left her for Thealum. At eight years old Vorish would have absorbed what they had said, would have deduced Menish’s infidelity and, like the Keeper, would have realised what Menish himself had not known then.

  But Adhara? Who had told her?

  “You told me yourself, my love,” she said. “When you returned from Relanor, trying to bring sanity to Sinalth’s Invaders, I knew something had happened. I knew enough about the Vorthenki to guess what it was. On your second journey you returned with Vorish. He has your eyes.”

  She had known all this time? For the moment no one else in the room mattered to Menish except Adhara.

  “I was drugged or drunk, and Thalissa was determined to command my favour. It was only the once. I never let her near me again. And I didn't know about Vorish. I only discovered that when we brought Azkun from Atonir. The Keeper of Am-Goluz told me when I asked him about Azkun.”

  “Did you really not know, Menish?” Vorish was astonished. “Then why have you always treated me like a son?”

  Adhara answered for him. She stepped forward and grasped Menish’s hands.

  “He treated you like a son for the same reason he treated Althak like a son, for the same reason he treats Neathy like a daughter, for the same reason he brought Keashil and Olcish to Meyathal.” She had spoken to Vorish but her eyes were on Menish. “You are trying to ask forgiveness. I forgave you years ago. Like Vorish, I assumed you knew he is your son, but it makes no difference. This crime is cold. The woman has been dead for years.”

  Menish could have wept with relief and love for her. She could say this before the clan council, who were looking embarrassed and wondering if they should excuse themselves, even before Mara who accused him. But her last remark froze his answer on his tongue. Of course, she thought Thalissa was dead. Did it matter? Should he tell her?

  But he would have no more secrets. He was tired of secrets.

  “Thalissa is alive. I met her in Lianar not long after we found Azkun.”

  “You… saw her? But she was thrown into the Chasm!” She did not ask the question she wanted to ask. Was she afraid of the answer?

  “She was lowered into the Chasm to prolong her agony. While there she had a child. That child was Azkun. In Lianar I met her on the dockside, we exchanged a few bitter words. But she still lives.”

  “She still lives,” Adhara’s mouth became firm, her forgiveness was suddenly not so warm. Menish wished he had not told her. Could she only forgive him if Thalissa was dead?

  “Not in Lianar,” said Vorish. “She travelled south after she saw Menish. She stayed in Atonir for a short time, but she did not meet me, or realise that her son is the Emperor. I sent her with Azkun and Althak.”

  “To the dragon isle?”

  Vorish shrugged.

  “She wasn't happy in Atonir, she wanted to be with Azkun and Tenari.”

  “You sent her to her death, then?” said Adhara. Menish could see she was partly relieved at this, and partly disturbed that Vorish could do this to his mother.

  “She once offered to kill me so that Menish would not leave her to Thealum. You are my mother, Adhara.”

  Adhara smiled, sniffed and rubbed at one of her eyes.

  “I think that perhaps we should resume this council after our royal family has become more used to the idea,” said Barvolin, at last overcoming his desire to be inconspicuous and trying to excuse the rest of them from a private discussion.

  “Does this mean I get no justice, because all of you approve of the King’s crime?” asked Mara.

  “The King’s crime was not against you, Mara. No charges have been laid. In your case the King has made a judgement. You have no higher authority to appeal to,” said Barvolin.

  “I have a higher authority, I will appeal to Kiveli herself!” She turned and stamped out of the tent. Her action shifted the mood back to business.

  “The King has judged Mara, I will judge my man. Your name?”

  “Garth, I am under Treath’s command.”

  “Ten lashes, to be given at tomorrow morning’s drill. Put him under guard tonight with only bread and water, Treath. That will teach him, and the rest of the men, never to insult the Anthorians. Also, no one is to leave the camp without good reason. Have guards posted around the perimeter.” Vorish looked at Menish and Menish nodded. “And no Anthorians are allowed in the camp without authority.

  “Meanwhile, Barvolin, your suggestion is timely. We can continue this council tomorrow.”

  There was a general nodding of agreement and they decided to meet again at noon, which would give the clan chiefs time to discuss what had been decided with their own people. Vorish said it would also give him time to talk with his engineers about Drinagish’s fire. Now Menish wanted to get away from here. There were things he wanted to say to Adhara in private. But, as the others were leaving, Vorish stopped them.

  “Menish, wait please. Don't go yet, and you too, Adhara and Drinagish. Let us talk some more.”

  Menish shrugged. He would have to wait a little longer. Drinagish looked puzzled but sat down again. When the others had all left them and the servant had poured more ambroth Vorish spoke.

  “I really find it incredible that you didn't know, Menish. Didn't you see that my eyes are like yours? What Vorthenki has eyes like these? Even Athun with his dark hair still has blue Vorthenki eyes.”

  “I always thought you looked like Thalissa,” Menish said. “You have her shape of face, and her chin.” He grinned wryly, “you have Drinagish’s nose, I don't know how you managed that.” They laughed. “But I couldn't leave you for Thealum’s men. And, since I thought you to be Sinalth’s son, I supported you against Thealum when the time came. It was easy to see you would do better at ruling Relanor than that monster.”

  “And you unwittingly put an Emperor of the line of Gilish on the Relanese throne. No wonder the Keeper had to tell you!”

  “It means you're not Sinalth’s son at all,” said Drinagish. “I thought that was the basis of your claim to rule the Invaders.”

  “That's true, up to a point,” said Vorish. “The Vorthenki are always uncertain about who their fathers are because of their… customs. I could only claim to be a son of the house of Sinalth. Since my mother was one of his women, one of his favourites, the claim is still true. Besides, no one is going to challenge me now.” Menish heard Adhara mutter “barbarians” under he
r breath when Vorish referred to the Vorthenki customs.

  “Drinagish, I asked you to stay behind for a reason. Your contribution to the council was excellent. Menish, have you considered letting Drinagish have a personal guard of his own?”

  “Whatever for? He usually forms part of my household. He's too young to form his own yet, and besides, he'll get Meyathal when I'm gone.”

  “It would enhance his prestige, and it would be useful in the battle. I have an idea that we could use it to form the nucleus of a standing army for Anthor. A trained army.” Menish suspected that Vorish had something else that he was not saying.

  “What would I do with it?” asked Drinagish. He was interested in the idea.

  “You would command it in the battle, and it would serve as a bodyguard for you. The rest of the time you'd have people of your own that you could use to carry messages and advise you, rather like Menish has. This would allow Menish to delegate some of his work to you, to give you experience. It might also mean he wouldn't have to make so many journeys in winter.”

  “It's a good idea, Vorish,” said Adhara. “Menish works too hard. There are plenty of foolish errands they expect him to go on. With Grath and Hrangil, and now Althak, gone there'll be even more.”

  “Who should I have in my guard?”

  “That's up to you, but choose eight or ten people of about your own age, people you like, of course. Try and include some that are closely related to the clan chiefs. That will make the chiefs pleased with you, and it'll be useful to have such people near you when you are King one day. Also, choose people who are interested in learning to fight in the Relanese way, people who can work together as a team.

  “You should have your own standard too, if we can make one before the battle. People should see where you are.”

  “Our family has a standard,” said Adhara. “You can use that if you want.”

  “The eagle? I remember it. Mora has it hanging in Kronithal. I'm not sure. She treasures that standard. I'd hate anything to happen to it.”

  “Getting the people are more urgent,” said Vorish. “I'd like to begin training them as quickly as possible.”

  Drinagish counted on his fingers for a moment.

  “Yes, I think all of the ones I'd choose are here in Meyathal, except one. He should arrive any day. The clan chiefs being here means everyone who's important is also here. I'm sure we can be ready by tomorrow except for that one. And… Uncle, I would like to include Neathy if I may.”

  “Neathy? Why? I've just appointed her my standard bearer.”

  “I would like her to be in my guard.” Drinagish looked embarrassed.

  “Oh, I see. How long has this been going on?” Menish turned to the other two. Adhara was smiling. “I suppose you knew all about it?”

  “I wondered,” she said.

  “We're only friends as yet, Uncle. Nothing further has been discussed.”

  Vorish grinned.

  “A good choice, Drinagish. She admires you greatly.”

  “She does?”

  “You can see it in her face.”

  “You'll have to put up with that cat of hers if you marry her,” said Menish warningly. “Meanwhile I'll have to find another standard bearer. I hope you'll not steal Bolythak from me.” He sounded exasperated but, like Vorish, he was pleased with Drinagish. Neathy was technically a member of the Rithyhir clan, but she was normally thought of as part of Menish’s household, and therefore she had no strong clan affiliations. If Drinagish married her he would not have the usual problem of placating the other clan chiefs. Besides, Menish liked her too.

  “No, Uncle, I'll not steal Bolythak. Perhaps I should have a cat as a standard!” They laughed, but Vorish reached behind him and tugged at one of the wall hangings.

  “Something like this?” It was a stylised picture of a leaping lion. With some trimming it would make a fine standard.

  “You might change your mind about that standard if you don't marry Neathy. Standards are awkward things to change,” cautioned Menish.

  “Perhaps,” said Vorish. “But I'd advise you differently. Set your heart on something, and never rest until it's yours. You quickly find that nothing can stand in your way.”

  “That's exactly the sort of thing I'd expect you to say,” laughed Adhara. “Be careful of him, Drinagish. It's said that the Emperor of Relanor never sleeps and knows everything.”

  “It's true, of course,” said Vorish, as if she had just announced that day followed night. “But don't let me keep you from your beds. It's getting late.”

  They had arrived at the camp by horse, but it was an easy walking distance back to Meyathal. Drinagish chose to ride, Menish and Adhara chose to walk. The night had deepened and there was no moon yet. At first they walked silently, listening to Drinagish’s horse gallop away along the path ahead as they walked. He was in high spirits, probably off to find the friends he wanted in his guard. When the thudding of hoofs faded they could hear the low murmur of the river, sounds from the Relanese camp and, further up the valley, the hooting call of a bull.

  “Does this change anything between us?” asked Menish, breaking the stillness.

  “How could it? The only difference is that now you know that I know.”

  “I should have told you. But I was afraid you might leave me.”

  “Perhaps, if you had told me all those years ago to my face, I might have felt I had to leave. When I realised what had happened for myself it didn't seem that I had to do anything.”

  “Then I'm glad I didn't tell you. I felt so guilty about it. That's one reason I left Thalissa for Thealum’s men. I wanted her dead.”

  “What… what was she like?”

  Menish hesitated before he spoke. The Vorthenki had regarded the youthful Thalissa as beautiful. Such things had never been said of Adhara, though she was hardly ugly. But could he tell her that?

  “She was Sinalth’s favourite. You know how the Vorthenki choose their women, buying or stealing them like cattle, and Sinalth was the leader of the Invaders. She was very beautiful, in the Vorthenki fashion, but she was poisonous. One evening she put something in the wine I was drinking, or perhaps I just drank too much. I don't remember much more about it. I woke the next day with a splitting headache, and she was still in my bed. I came to my senses then and threw her out of the room.

  “When I met her at Lianar she was old and sad, but perhaps still a little poisonous.”

  He felt he had made a full confession at last.

  “And, all these years I've wanted to ask you but I couldn't, did you really love me, or was it something like the pity you showed people like Althak and Vorish?”

  Menish stopped walking, taken aback by her question.

  “How can you ask this? You've shown them as much care as I have. It's something we both do. Not just me. Your comment in the council about how I take these people in could've been said of you as well as me. Who found Neathy when she was lost and homeless? Who was the only woman in Meyathal who would speak to Althak for years?” He put his arm around her. “I couldn't have shown these people pity without you.”

  They walked on in silence, enjoying each other’s touch without need for words for a few moments until Adhara spoke again.

  “I suppose you're wondering how Mara knew?”

  “Was it something to do with the rite of Protection?”

  “Yes. Only women who have had children may perform the rite. While the idea that a man might do it was acceptable enough, there were ancient precedents, a man without issue was out of the question. So I had to tell them what I knew.”

  “I would have thought it would make me totally unacceptable.”

  “Many argued that. But no one is innocent of some crime or other. I challenged them to find someone who was. Besides, your crime was against me alone. If I choose to ignore it they had no case.”

  “I'd noticed their looks, and few of them have spoken to me since then.”

  “They'll forget. Meanwhile you'll ha
ve to be satisfied with me for female company.” He heard the grin in her voice, and the fact that she could joke about this more than anything else convinced him that she had, indeed, forgiven him.

  Chapter 35: Resolve

  It was faster descending. Thalissa had slowed the way up, and now fear and horror drove them back down. After they had crossed the gap in the stairs they travelled even faster, for they knew there were no more obstructions.

  The strange designs on the walls of the stairway leered at them like phantoms now, mysterious and threatening. Unconsciously the two men found themselves glancing behind them. Tenari simply held Azkun’s arm and walked.

  Their legs became tired from the endless jarring of stepping down. They felt their knees become weak with fatigue and no longer trusted their steps. But still they kept walking without pause, refusing themselves rest. Azkun would have gone on forever. He feared the end of the stairs almost as much as their beginning, for at the end of the stairs he would have to think again. Althak simply wanted to get back to the boat.

  Finally their eyes discerned a dull light ahead. It grew as they approached until, quite suddenly, they came to the end of the stairs. With a sigh of weariness they passed through the first arch and climbed off the ledge onto the shelly floor of the first tunnel. From there they stumbled out onto the beach where Shelim and the boat waited.

  Azkun collapsed on the beach and Althak sat beside him. It was almost sunset, they had spent nearly the whole day going up and down the stairway. The beach was wider now, for the tide was out. Althak massaged his aching legs.

  “M’Lords!” cried Shelim, hurrying over from the boat where he had waited. “What happened?” he asked, seeing their blackened faces.

  “Get some water, Shelim. Mine's all but gone.”

  Shelim was back in an instant with a skin bottle of water. Althak took it and bathed Azkun’s arm again. He splashed some on his own face and Azkun’s to clean the dragon smoke from them. Before he could attend to her Tenari stood up and wandered away. She did not seem so badly hurt after all, and Althak assumed she had fallen flat on the ground before the dragon flame had caught her.