Perrin fought against the exhaustion and leaned up on her elbows trying to get a better look at Chimarra’s efforts. No matter how far she stretched, all she could see past the mound of her belly was the top of Chimarra’s head. Just as she was about to complain, Chimarra stood with a messy, peach lump in her arms. The midwife wiped at it a bit with the towel while her eyes moved all about the little bundle. Perrin was quickly losing her battle with impatience when Chimarra finally gave the new prince a quick swat on the butt to test his lungs and then swaddled him in the towel.
Perrin perked up when she heard her baby cry. “Oh thank Ouloos,” she said as tears spilled over her eyelids. “That be the sweetest song I ever heard.”
“Aye, lass,” Chimarra agreed. “Would ye like to hold your son?”
“Aye, I may never be letting him go,” Perrin whispered.
Perrin was planting soft kisses all over the new prince’s forehead before Chimarra had even finished laying the child in her arms. “He be beautiful,” she whispered, lifting her head to wonder at the new life she had just finished bringing into the world. “Look at all that hair he already be having. It be looking like a crown and the color of his father’s.” She paused and continued to look him over, “Aye, and his chin. Would ye look at his chin? If that not be his father’s chin then I ain’t be knowing what his father’s chin looks like. Aye, he be looking just like his father. He be looking like a king.”
“Aye, he be a beautiful lad, milady,” Chimarra sniffled.
Perrin flushed as she glanced up at Chimarra and saw the wet streak on her cheek, “Be that a tear, Chimarra?”
“It just be the dust,” Chimarra smiled as she patted Perrin on the leg. “Ye know I ain’t the crying type.” A look of admiration slipped onto her face as she looked down upon the new mother with her new son for a moment before adding, “Alright now, lass. Let’s be finishing up this work. I be needing one more little push from ye to get the rest of this business out of ye.
Perrin didn’t pay any further attention to the commotion happening in the room. She gave the last push that had been requested of her, but her attention remained completely focused on the glistening cherub in her arms. By the time she heard Chimarra say, “Now milady, ye will be needing to feed that lad,” she already had the task well in hand. The child was latched firmly on her breast and didn’t seem to be having any trouble feeding.
Perrin smiled up at Chimarra and shrugged, “He seemed to know what he be looking for.”
“Aye,” Chimarra agreed. “All be well. I’ll be over in the sitting room if ye be needing me. Beckon once the young prince has had his fill. I’ll be working the gas out of him and getting him in his crib.”
Perrin barely registered Chimarra’s words. Her attention had already moved back to the new love of her life. She marveled at his perfection as he fed. She played with his fingers and then toyed with his hair. She kissed his little forehead several times and then his pudgy cheeks. “He be perfect,” she whispered as her eyes drooped and she drifted off.
chapter 12
visitors
Daritus slumped in his chair, staring out the window of his room. Deep lines creased his forehead as he rested his chin on his right hand. Ymitoth had fallen at the hands of dead-eyed men that should themselves be long decayed and crumbled into dust, dead-eyed men that by all accounts seemed far more powerful than they had ever been. Maelich had stolen the king’s corpse and vanished. Scouts had returned with word that foreign ships—big ships, possibly war ships—were anchoring on the western shore a mere three day’s journey on horseback from the gates of Havenstahl. Rumors raced around his city faster than anyone could stomp them out or even hope to offer explanation, and fear gripped the people within his walls. All eyes looked to him as if to ask, ‘What do we do next?’ And he didn’t know the answer. They say the king’s crown is a heavy burden to bear. At that moment, Daritus thought the general’s helmet might be just a bit heavier. Besides, the one who should be wearing the crown was damnably absent from its weight.
Daritus’s strife was abruptly interrupted by the heavy door of his chamber slamming open with Leisha, in a panic, right behind it. Fear saturated her voice as she nearly shouted, “Is it true? Are foreign warships at our shore?”
Daritus sighed, slowly turned his head away from the window and toward his wife, and calmly replied, “It appears there may be. We do not know what their purpose is at this point. However, they do appear to be vessels built for battle, and their numbers are great.”
Leisha wrung her hands as her eyes darted all about the room, “What are we to do? Do you have a plan? Ymitoth has fallen. Maelich has vanished and stolen his corpse. Cialia has left the city to pursue an audience with the Great Mother. We are without a champion.”
Daritus inhaled deeply and let the breath out slowly, “My love, you must calm yourself. Three of our champions have fallen or are absent. They are not the only champions that Havenstahl boasts though. I am a champion of this city, and I have many champions under my command that would take great offense at the idea that the great city of Havenstahl is vulnerable. This mighty city boasts the most powerful force on Ouloos, and that force will fight until all of the breath has left all of the bodies in it.”
Leisha’s demeanor calmed, if only slightly, as she continued, “Yes, my love. We have champions, all of which are men, mortal men. What do we know of our adversary?”
Daritus cleared his throat and rose from his chair, “Leisha, my dear,” he began. Then he crossed the room and embraced her before continuing, “It is true, we do not know the nature of our adversary at this point. In fact, we do not even know if they are actually an adversary at all.”
Leisha shook her head, “I think we do know. What other purpose would warships have at our shores?”
“That is a valid point,” Daritus conceded. “I do not have a good answer. Truthfully, I am fairly certain whoever commands those ships means to wage war against us. I am even more certain panic will do nothing to aid our efforts in defending ourselves. In fact, I am completely certain it will hinder our efforts. What happened to the cool-headed queen commanding our fair city in the trees, the last defense of the race of dragons against countless attacks for so many years? Where has she gone?”
Leisha pulled away from his embrace, crossed over to the window, and stared down into the valley. “I do not know, but I fear she may be gone forever,” she replied. After a brief pause she continued, “It was a simpler time. My children were not gods. Our adversaries were men or at least beasts that bled and died. It was before unstoppable, dead-eyed, soulless creatures came to batter men to death with their bare hands. It was before the gods showed themselves to us and waged battle right at the edge of our forest,” she paused again and sighed. “Daritus, you know I have always felt the weight of this world on my shoulders.”
“You have, my dear,” he replied.
She turned to face him and said, “This world is so much heavier now. I cannot bear the weight. I need my children by my side. Maelich was lost to me for so long and now he is lost again, right when I need him most, right when Ouloos needs him most.”
Daritus went to her again and gently held her shoulders, “The weight of this world has grown. I feel it too, but I take heart in knowing there are an army of men willing to give their souls to help us hold it up.” He stared into her eyes in silence for a few moments hoping for evidence of even the slightest ease in her tension. Once he finally decided there was none to be had, he continued, “Not to mention, an entire kingdom of dwarves that—though small by the standards of men—fight as if they were three times their size stand ready to rush to our aid whenever the need may arise.”
“Okay,” she nodded. “What you say is true. Worrying over what might be will not help protect this world from darkness. What is your plan?”
Daritus quickly found himself pacing. His plan was not quite finished. That answer would never suffice, so he didn’t say it. Instead, he said, “I have d
ispatched a small force to determine the nature of our new visitors; friend, foe, man, giant, or otherwise. Two emissaries from the force will attempt communication. If the effort is successful, the group will return with word of the nature of our visitors’ expedition. If not,” he paused.
Leisha prodded, “If not, what?”
Daritus stopped, “I have sent our army to build a camp about a half day’s journey from the shore. There is a fort there from a battle that occurred many years ago when foreigners threatened Havenstahl after Maelich had Ahm’s head in battle. The soldiers of Havenstahl proved mightier than their adversaries then, and the fort is solid. If our emissaries meet with anything less than hospitality, the rest of their small force will return with word of their demise, and we will go to war.”
“War?”
“Yes war, my love,” Daritus sighed. “We will take the battle to them, beat them back to their ships, and send them scurrying back across the Great Sea.”
Leisha’s form drooped as she replied, “I love you, Daritus. I have always loved you.” She paused and straightened back up before continuing, “I have always known you better than you know yourself too. Your tone and your words are confident, but your eyes…” She trailed off.
Daritus turned to face her, “My eyes, what?”
“Your eyes are filled with doubt, my love.”
Daritus shook his head, “Concern dear, not doubt, my eyes are filled with concern. It is my job to protect this city, and—as you have already pointed out—I am without the aid of my greatest champions. Doubt, however, is the furthest thing from my mind. I believe in our cause, and I believe in my men, my champions.” His tone softened, “Most importantly, I believe in you. If our visitors are unfriendly to Havenstahl, if our forces fail and they breech our gates, I am depending on you to guide the people of this fair city to the safety of our beloved city in the trees.”
Leisha began speaking before Daritus had even finished, “And I will. At the first sign of danger, I will gather them all and guide them to the safety of the Forgotten Forest.”
Daritus nodded as he approached her, put his arm around her shoulders, pulled her close, and assured her, “I am counting on it. I know you as well as you know me, dear. You will have the full strength of the palace guard to protect you on your journey, and I will send word if the tide turns even slightly against us.”
Leisha nestled her head into Daritus’s chest and asked quietly, “Will you be on the front line with your men or here with the palace guard?”
“My place is with my men, dear. You know that.”
Her form drooped again, “I do know it, my love. When will you go?”
“At nightfall we ride,” he whispered.
She raised her head, grabbed his shoulders firmly, pulled him close, and whispered, “Lay with me awhile, love.”
“Of course,” he replied as he fell into her embrace.
chapter 13
dragons
Stretched across the wind, Cialia felt lighter both physically and mentally, almost unconscious, but aware on a different level. Her senses weren’t triggering chemical reactions in her mind or sparking up memories of things she knew to be to feed her awareness, yet she was aware of everything. And not only aware, but she was a part of everything, like dancing between light and dark or physical and spiritual. Time, light, sound, space, depth, distance, nothing was beyond her control. Ideas grander than the entire universe or infinitesimally minute were as accessible to her mind as the feel of cool sand between her toes. Nothing seemed out of reach. That is, of course, except for her brother. She didn’t feel the slightest tingle from him.
Cialia slowly grew heavier as her physicality returned, and she materialized out of the air at the edge of the Lake of Dragons. The perfect circle of glass-like water—known to all but for most merely myth—lay before her. A perfect ring of sand exactly fifteen feet wide surrounded the water creating a circle within a circle. Beyond the sand, trees—long and thin with wide, balmy leaves—grew haphazardly in small groups, bunches here and there like tiny forests. Flowers with petals of the most vibrant purples, yellows, and oranges grew in patches as random as the trees. Some with sharp looking petals stretched tall as if they were reaching for the tops of the trees, while others with softer, round petals drooped like they were sniffing the ground. Wrapped around all of it was lush green upon green; plants with long, wide floppy leaves resembling the trees mingled with plants bearing leaves so tall, thin, and frail they looked as if a stiff breeze might blow them down. Fruit bearing vines snaked around the plants, trees, and flowers as if sneaking between the giants to occupy all unclaimed space. Cialia inhaled deeply through her nose. Joy like no desire remained unfulfilled forced an uncontrollable smile to her lips. The earthy smell of the greens mixed with the sweet perfume of the flowers nearly wiped away all the heavy thoughts weighing her down and left her feeling so peaceful she nearly forgot her purpose. Movement in her periphery reminded her.
“Cialia, you have returned,” the familiar voice was calm yet powerful.
“Delcinia,” Cialia began as she turned to behold the mighty Dragon. “Your home is so beautiful. It always leaves me completely enchanted. I forget myself surrounded by the bright colors and the sweet air.”
“Yes,” the Dragon replied. “Yes, this place is quite peaceful and beautiful. If only the rest of Ouloos were so. You are one of few who can look upon it while still inhabiting your physical self. This beauty is mostly saved for those whose souls are called home. You and your brother returned it to us. We are forever in your debt.”
Cialia shivered as a white mist slowly surrounded her and then moved on toward the Lake. It hovered like fog just above the ground but moved as if guided by intelligence. Within a few moments, it had traveled to the center of the Lake. Then it sunk slowly into the water until it breached the surface and in a flash of white light raced toward the heavens until it was out of site.
“Another soul called home,” Delcinia noted.
“Indeed,” Cialia agreed. “It was so cold.”
“They are,” Delcinia replied. “I honestly do not know why, but they are.”
Cialia looked up to see hundreds of dragons flying long, lazy circles around the Lake. Thousands more must have been among the trees or beneath the water’s surface. Cialia’s broad smile grew as she looked back at Delcinia, “It is so good to have Dragons back where they belong, back at the Lake, the true origin of us all. I shudder to think of those dark days when misguided fears robbed Ouloos of your love and perfection.”
“As do I,” the Dragon agreed. “Kallum was pure evil. He opened the eyes of violent men allowing them to find this place. Then he poisoned their minds with lies and urged them to destroy. I cried for every soul he damned to that wicked forest, that prison holding us captive for so long. I even cried for him.” She paused a moment and looked to the sky before continuing, “You did not come to reminisce or speak history with me though, fair princess. There is purpose to your journey. You wear it like a wound upon your brow.”
“Alas my fair sister, you are correct,” Cialia conceded. “I carry a burden quite heavy to bear.”
“You worry for Maelich?” Delcinia asked. She paused only a moment before adding, “It is not just your brother you worry for. You carry concern for him, but your concern for what his absence means to the people of Ouloos is far greater. You seek the Great Mother, wisest of all our sisters.”
“I do, Delcinia. I do,” Cialia agreed. “I seek her wise counsel and her fair advice. I need guidance. I need help.”
“She knows, fair sister,” Delcinia assured her. “The Great Mother has been expecting you. She aches for Maelich as well.”
Cialia allowed herself a faint glimmer of hope, “She sees him? She knows where he is off to?”
“Sadly, no,” the Dragon replied softly. “You should go ask her about it yourself. She always does provide wise counsel.”
“She does,” Cialia frowned as she looked toward the rocky
hill directly across the Lake from her. The greatest of all Dragons perched atop it. “Thank you, Delcinia. It is very reassuring to speak with you.”
“Of course, my dear,” the Dragon replied. “I missed you as well.”
Cialia blushed as she smiled, turned toward the Lake, and dismounted Purity who tromped off into the foliage. With a wave toward Delcinia, she walked slowly toward the water until she reached the sand surrounding it. The Great Mother, Helias, perched upon the rocky hill on the opposite shore as if it were a throne. Helias, first daughter of the Lake—true beginning of all—was magnificent to behold. Her colossal body sat atop powerful, squat legs ending in mighty claws firmly gripping the peak beneath her. Thin, though muscular, arms ending in equally impressive claws folded across her belly. A head the size of a hut consisting mostly of jaws and horns sat atop a long neck that—though very thin—appeared incredibly strong. The Great Mother stretched and spread her wings. They must have spanned at least one hundred feet. Behind her stretched a mighty tail, long and thick, ending in a sharp point. As impossible as it seemed to her, Cialia felt her smile widen as she took in the perfect sight.
The Lake was a good two miles in diameter, but Cialia’s eyes were far keener than any other, save her brother. The sight—as she and Maelich referred to their ability to see great distances without strain—was a gift from the Lake of Dragons. Through her eyes, she could see Helias’s entire form as clearly as if she were standing beside her. Cialia gazed into the Great Mother’s glowing, red eyes and felt the weight of her burden ease slightly. Helias was like a soft pillow to a sleepy head or a warm blanket to a cold traveler.
Kallum's Fury (Lake of Dragons Book 2) Page 7