by G L Roberts
“With a crown that disappears and tales of fallen stars. I need mortal trappings if I am to convince humans.”
The light in the cavern grew brighter. Against the adjacent wall, a shield appeared.
“This is your shield.”
Bryn walked over to the shield. She lifted it and studied the markings. On the front, and in the center was the Tree of Life, and coiled around the tree were twin dragons. Their eyes sparkled as if lit from starlight. Two stars adorned the top, their tails streaming out behind them. Across the bottom of the shield was the image of Calibairn, Bryn’s sword.
“A disappearing crown, tales of fallen stars, a shield stronger than the earth itself, a sword forged from the stolen eggs of our kin. What else do you need?"
Bryn smiled at Ua. “Will I wake from this dream and remember I am but a druid shieldmaiden flying on the back of a dragon?”
Ua chuckled. “Oh, but what a dream!”
Ua’s size changed again, and Bryn climbed on his neck. He walked to the edge of the cliff, and the two of them looked out over the vast white landscape. Effortlessly, Ua lifted up and turned south. Bryn watched the snowscape fall away, smaller and smaller until there was nothing below her but a vast white sea and above her endless sky. The day moved away from them, and soon, it was night. The stars came out, and they twinkled as if winking, at the twin stars as they raced across the sky.
Bryn glanced back over her shoulder and gasped. “What magic is this?”
Ua turned a slow circle. “Those are the lights of the far North. Some call them the Northern Lights. They do not show themselves often, but when they do, they are a wonder, unlike any other.”
“Where do they come from?”
“This earth is surrounded by the air you breathe. On occasion, the air is charged with life. This causes the air to vibrate. I have often wanted to fly into the colors. Taste the life within them.”
“What has stopped you?” Bryn asked. “Surely, you are not afraid to do so?”
Ua chuckled. “No, I am not afraid. But alone? Some things are better shared. Do you not agree?”
“I do agree. Can we fly through now?” Bryn asked. “Tomorrow, I will be back in Bynack More.”
“We will save that flight for another time.”
“Will I be able to keep secret all the things I alone have witnessed?”
So long as you remember me, Ua said to Bryn’s heart, the secret is ours to share.
“Tell me, twin, where will you put me down so as not to show your magnificent self?”
“In the middle of their camp, of course,” Ua replied. “Am I not just a figment of a dream? Your humans will not see me unless I wish it. You will appear like a breath of fresh air.”
“And if someday I wish them to see you?”
“I will be at your side, twin,” Ua turned west. “When the need is great, we are together. However, only if the need is great. As twins together, we are something no human or elf has before seen.”
“And this would endanger them?”
“It would. The whole of the world, I suspect.”
“Then let us hope the need is never great.”
“I will miss having you with me, but we will be in each other’s thoughts,” Ua said. “Now, it is time you slept.”
Bryn suddenly felt very sleepy. She lay her head down on the back of Ua’s head and felt the warmth comfort her as she closed her eyes. Soon, Bryn was deep asleep.
“Sleep Athebryn,” Ua whispered. “Wake to a new beginning.”
❦
Meydra stepped down outside the ring of trees and waited while Thalynder got down off her neck. She bowed her head as the princess stepped in front of her and placed her hands on each cheek.
“Thank you, my trusted friend,” Thalynder said. “I have much to tell the Council. Will you wait here for Bryn?”
Meydra touched Thalynder’s back with her tail. “You need sleep, princess.”
Thalynder yawned. “Yes, I do.”
“Then stay here for a short while. You shall sleep while I await Lady Athebryn’s return.” Meydra slowed her heartbeat and adjusted her body heat to provide Thalynder a comfortable place to sleep.
“A sound idea.” Thalynder lay down on the grass and was asleep before Meydra finished encircling her with her tail.
She sleeps, Meydra said to Ua.
As does the Jewel.
Will the princess remember nothing?
She will remember she met Athebryn in a cave and beheld Queen Athyl as if in a dream. She will recall they spoke of the council. That is all,” Ua replied.
You are satisfied? Meydra asked.
I am. The Jewel has returned.
❦
Malcolm watched the fire while the others slept under the trees. The sun was beginning to rise, and the stars were starting to fade. It had been two days since Princess Thalynder left with Meydra to find Bryn. Arryn and Kenna would be returning soon with the chosen council member of the Lady Albistan and the Island of Erui. Malcolm stirred the embers with the tip of his sword and added another peat log to the fire.
“We fought well,” Malcolm stirred the fire. “We can defeat them.”
“And so we shall,” Thalynder said. She stepped out of the trees to face Malcolm.
Malcolm jumped to his feet and started toward Thalynder. He stopped short of giving her a hug.
“You are alone.”
“Yes, Lady Athebryn will return before dawn tomorrow. Where are the others?”
Malcolm led Thalynder over to the fire. “Arryn and Kenna have gone to Erui on the backs of their dragons. They went to meet the new council member. Our Pict Princess and the Elf are asleep under the trees. Lothan is out with his dragon searching for tonight’s meal.”
Thalynder took Malcolm’s hand in hers. “And you are left alone to talk to the fire.”
“Was our Lady at Skerrabrae?”
“No,” Thalynder replied but did not elaborate.
“I suppose we will all know soon enough.”
“Lady Athebryn had an errand to complete. When did Arryn and Kenna leave?”
“They left yesterday morning, and should return before dawn tomorrow.”
“Good, we will again be a complete council and can continue to work on our plan for the Vík Ingr.”
“What do you think about using the dragons as weapons?” Malcolm asked.
“Until I saw first hand the reckless abandon with which the Norsemen fight, I would never have considered using the dragons as weapons.” Thalynder released Malcolm’s hand and stood up. She walked over to the fire and held her hands above the pit.
“At this distance the heat from the flame is pleasant,” Thalynder said quietly. She lowered her hands a little. “From here, it is not as pleasant, but still tolerable.” Thalynder began to drop her hands again when she was stopped by Leus.
“Any further and you will begin to burn your fair skin,” Leus said.
“And yet, we are thinking of asking the dragons to do this very thing. Burn the skin of the enemy. Something we, as humans and elves, would never do to our own.”
“There are other uses for the dragons,” Rythale said as she joined the others at the fire. “Their swift speed could take us quickly to battle. Their size could be used to intimidate the enemy.”
Thalynder looked at Rythale. “Yes, they could lift our enemy and drop them in the sea to drown. They could take them to the peaks of the crags and drop them while we sit idly watching from afar.”
Lothan walked into the clearing carrying three pairs of rabbits. “You speak as our Lady Athebryn might speak.” He placed the hare down and took a seat next to Malcolm.
“I know her heart,” Thalynder said. “She will not use the dragons. She would wish to speak with the enemy and convince them battle is not necessary.”
“With the dragons at our side, it would be an easy thing to do,” Leus said.
“Will Lady Athebryn return soon?” asked Rythale.
“She will jo
in us before dawn tomorrow,” Thalynder replied. “Until then I suggest we ready the camp. We will be joined soon enough by the captains of Alban’s armies.”
Lady Albistan walked with Arryn and Kenna as they talked about the battle and the death of Teela. They stopped at the edge of a large open field where Caraid and FireSong sat in the sun.
“Teela was a warrior among our clanns,” Lady Albistan said. “Long has it been thought we of Erui had given up our need for warriors. A mistake many will learn soon enough.”
Arryn stopped and looked out over the field. He turned back to Lady Albistan. “We welcome the warriors of Erui. The seven clanns have already shown their strength, and we have thus far waged just the one battle. All seven clanns are welcome to join us. Have you chosen one to replace Teela on the council?”
Lady Albistan motioned toward a group of houses on the other side of the field. “There is one who has asked to join. I did not have to make a choice. It was made for me. Come, we will meet this brave Ulaidi.”
“The clann Ulaid is interested in joining the council?” Kenna asked. “Long have I been told the Ulaidi Clann is a reclusive clann, more so than any other of the Island of Erui.”
Lady Albistan smiled. “This is only somewhat true.” Lady Albistan approached Caraid. As she did, the dragon lowered her head and held it there. Lady Albistan touched Caraid’s scales at her neck. “This is a truly remarkable sensation. The scales are as soft as the down of a swan. Hard to imagine it being tough as leather or even iron.” Caraid remained still while Lady Albistan spoke. Lady Albistan walked on toward the group of huts, turning back once to look at Caraid. Caraid’s head remained bowed, and Lady Albistan chuckled.
“We were speaking of the Ulaiden,” she continued. “The clann Ulaid has this reputation of reclusiveness on the Island of Erui only because they choose to keep closer ties to Alban than the rest of Erui.” Lady Albistan tilted her head as she looked at Arryn. “They are your kin, Epidii.”
“But they left our clanns so long ago,” Arryn said. “I was told the old stories when I was a boy. And you say they have closer ties to my clann than yours?”
“Indeed,” Lady Albistan said. “But this is something Lady Anestar has known and has kept secreted away. She has always been angry with her kin for leaving Alban.”
Kenna frowned. “My mother resents anyone who has their own mind. I too did not know the Ulaid and the Epidii were kin. Cousins to me as well.”
“Long ago the Ulaid were the dominant clann of the Dal Riata—The Horseman of the West. They and the Epidii controlled the western shores of Alban. They fished, hunted, planted, and farmed. They provided for many smaller clanns. They traded and eventually came under the guardianship of Lady Anestar of the Bridei.”
“Why did the Ulaiden leave Alban if they were so renowned among the clanns?” Kenna asked.
“You, of all others, should understand your mother’s mind,” Lady Albistan said. “I could not remain on your Alban and treat with my sister. I knew Erui needed a guardian. When I left for Erui, the clann Ulaid followed.”
Arryn nodded. “And the Epidii split off from Anestar to govern themselves. Still owing their allegiance to you, Lady Albistan. We welcome the Ulaid. Is this representative a dragon rider?”
“Not at the moment, but I have been assured by Lady Athebryn, a dragon will accept our choice.”
“Then the Lady Athebryn knows this person already,” Kenna said.
“She does and is glad for it.”
Arryn took Kenna’s arm. “Then let us meet this Ulaidi and move quickly to return to Bynack More. Time is not something we have over much of these days.”
“There, standing at the entrance is our chosen one,” Lady Albistan said. Standing at the door to the small hut and holding a long spear was Cinnia, great-niece to Lady Albistan. Standing with her was Calden, current Chieftain of the Clann Ulaid and cousin to Arryn. Arryn recognized Calden immediately. He let go of Kenna’s arm and ran to embrace him.
“Cousin!”
Calden smiled at Arryn. “Well met, Arryn. I was told you were expected.”
“Are we to have you on the council? What a triumph that would be for Alban.”
“No, it is not I who will join you.” Calden turned to Cinnia. “This is Cinnia. She will join you.”
Arryn lifted his fist to his chest. “Greetings, Cinnia of the Ulaid”
“Well met, cousin.”
Lady Albistan stepped next to Arryn. She smiled at Cinnia and Calden. “As you already know Prince Arryn of the Epidii, let me then introduce you to another of the council.” Lady Albistan turned to Kenna. She motioned Kenna to her side.
“This is Lady Kenna of the Clann Bridei. Lady Kenna this is Calden, Chieftain of the Clann Ulaid.”
Kenna bowed her head. “Cousin.”
“Lady Kenna, it has been a long time between meetings for our clanns. Welcome to Erui.”
Lady Albistan gestured toward Cinnia. “And this is Cinnia. She will take Teela’s place on the council.”
Kenna nodded at Cinnia. “Your presence on our council is most welcome.”
“And will your mother approve?” Calden asked.
“Lady Anestar does not represent the Bridei on the council. I do.”
Calden walked around Cinnia and stood in front of Kenna. “Yet, your mother still leads the Bridei and the Isle of Skye,” he said. “We are still a host of clanns bereft of a single leader.”
“True, cousin,” Arryn said. “Lady Athebryn wishes to remedy this fact. For now though, cousin, we are a council of representatives of many clanns. We come to aid all of Alban and Erui; all clanns, all tribes, all creatures, in a battle to preserve our homeland and protect our way of life. Surely, you can come to welcome this aid. Regardless of what the Lady Anestar may think.”
Kenna touched Arryn on the arm. “Kinsman, I am sure our cousin sees the need to join Lady Athebryn. As for me, I welcome you Cinnia of the Ulaid,” she said. “May our swords and spears pierce the same enemy and guard the same friends.” Kenna drew her sword and touched the tip to the tip of Cinnia’s spear.
“We will seek those enemies together,” Cinnia said to Kenna. “Now, tell me, how do you ride a dragon?”
CHAPTER SIX
King Heardred grabbed his daughter’s arm. “Do not for a moment think I am happy about this turn of events. You have the gem. You have the elders on your side—for now. But be forewarned the least little chance, and in a heartbeat, I will have your head. A woman at the head of my House? Only a fool would allow such a thing.”
Hansa twisted out of her father’s grip. “I am sorry you feel this way, father. I mean to keep the tribe for the House of Heardred. That has always been my aim, not to best you, or my brothers. To keep the tribe whatever it took. It only galls you because I am a woman. Otherwise, you know in your heart I am the one who can keep this House.”
“Do not flatter yourself,” King Heardred said. “If you return from that druid infested island unscathed it will not be because you were best. It will be because you were bested.”
“I know I can come to terms with the shieldmaiden.”
“Terms? What makes you think so? Some myth told to you by a lowly navigator? A druid’s wishful thinking is all that is, Hansa. The druids do not rule, they follow. You will see for yourself.”
“Think what you will, father. I go to seek the truth to the legend. Imagine father, legions of dragons at our command.”
“Ha! You have been too long in the sun. Addled brains and simple minds are what you will find on that infested island of Alban. Be sure to give them my regards. Now, go. I tire of your presence.”
Hansa gave her father a small nod of the head. She left his house and walked toward the little hut of the heir which belonged now to her. Her wish now was to devise a plan to return to Alban. As she neared the shelter, she was met by the senior elder. Hansa bowed her head and kept it lowered until the elder spoke.
The elder touched Hansa’s arm as she pass
ed. “We will talk. Come with me.” The senior elder escorted Hansa to a larger hut at the edge of the village. Surrounded by smaller shelters on either side, this larger hut was the meeting house of the elders of the tribe. Hansa paused at the door.
“You are safe with me.”
“Why have I been asked here?”
“There is much you must hear and understand. Do not be alarmed.”
Hansa followed the senior elder inside the large hut. Inside there was a fire in the central hearth and many small torches on the walls. The room itself was warm, bright, and welcoming. Seated around the fireplace were the elders of the tribe and to her surprise, the navigator. Beside him sat two others she did not immediately recognize as they wore cloaks with hoods that hid their eyes and shielded most of their faces.
The senior elder offered Hansa a small bench at the hearth. He motioned for her to sit. He then took his place at the fireplace.
“You know the elders, Hansa daughter of Heardred,” he said.
“Yes.”
“Are you familiar with this man?” the senior elder gestured toward the navigator.
“I know him as the navigator.”
“Then, a formal introduction is in order.” He nodded at the navigator.
The navigator gathered his robe and stood up. He nodded at Hansa.
“Heir to the House of Heardred, I am Conri, great-nephew to Albistan of Erui.”
Hansa frowned. “Erui?”
“Erui is an island to the west of the island of Alban. Albistan is the Elf-Sister leader of the seven clanns of Erui. I am the husband of the High Druid of your house and those druids who have remained in Götaland.”
“Impossible,” Hansa said. “There are no high ranking druids here. Only slaves and seamen.”
The senior elder smiled. “That is what we wish for your father to think. We have good cause for it to remain so.”
“Well, of course, you do,” Hansa said. “My father would have your head on a stake, and the rest of the lives here would also be forfeit. You dabble in dangerous deeds, senior elder.”