Drogoya: Book 3 Circles of Light series, page 40
Tika grinned at him. ‘We can go anywhere – as long as there is tea, isn’t that so Sket?’
Her personal Guard grinned back. ‘Quite right,’ he agreed.
They settled to sleep, all trying not to anticipate a land worse than they’d already crossed. Khosa toured the little camp as the companions slept then curled against Gan’s chest. A voice brushed her mind like a caress.
‘Beloved little daughter.’
The cliffs continued for a few more days then disappeared again to be replaced by sand dunes. A tough grass grew in places but it had not much goodness in it for the koninas. Pallin and Maressa had been careful with their supplies, relying so far on the fish Storm brought them. They argued the necessity of keeping their dried foodstuffs for if or when they had to turn inland. It didn’t make the rest of the company complain less about the continuous fish diet.
Storm had been disturbed that they met no other Flights of Sea Dragons along the coast. He’d expected to find at least one, but the caves and ledges on that section of cliff were all empty. Then Storm flew ahead early one morning and returned in some excitement.
‘There are two legs down the coast. Three of them and they have creatures the same as the ones you ride. They are just sitting there.’
Gan checked his sword and shared a look with Olam and Navan. Khosa hissed at them from Seela’s back.
‘It doesn’t occur to you that they may be there to help you, does it?’
‘Very few seem inclined to help us,’ Olam retorted. ‘These three are our friends are they – are you sure about that?’
Khosa stared down her short nose without deigning to reply.
‘Well? Any ideas?’ Gan asked the company generally.
‘It might be best if two of the Dragons went first to meet them – they would surely attract their attention at least,’ suggested Navan.
Gan smiled. ‘And you could come along the beach unexpectedly, just in case?’
‘Exactly.’
‘And the other two of us?’ Seela sounded as disgusted as had Khosa.
‘Perhaps two of you could fly more inland to approach from behind while these strangers are busily watching the others approach from the sea?’
In spite of her concern, Tika smiled at Gan with admiration: he’d put just the right amount of humility in his tone. Oh yes, Gan was finally learning just how susceptible the great Dragons were to flattery.
‘That could be quite effective,’ Brin agreed thoughtfully. ‘But which of us goes where?’
‘Brin and Farn,’ said Tika without hesitation. ‘You will take myself, Sket, Ren and Gan.’ She waited for Ren’s protests. She stared at him when none came. He shrugged in some embarrassment.
‘Gremara said I would not suffer as I used. I suppose now is as good a time as any to see if she’s right.’
‘Maressa should go with Seela – she can far see and also far speak best of us all. And Navan should go with her. Storm will fly without a rider. Olam should lead the riders along the beach but you must keep your mind open for either me or Maressa to warn you of any danger.’
With the exception of Maressa and Ren who were unarmed, the company checked their weapons: ensuring swords slid unhindered from scabbards, that bows were strung and arrows to hand. Maressa had sat on the sand staring blankly at the now familiar sea. They waited, knowing she was seeking the three strangers. She stood up.
‘I feel only a calm patience. I think they really are only waiting for us. There was no tension in them as there would be should they be anticipating action of a violent nature.’ She frowned. ‘Grek, did you think they were shielding?’
Sand flurried beside Riff’s foot and the Guardsman prudently edged away.
‘They were not shielding, but their minds were awakened.’ The invisible being sounded slightly surprised. ‘I had believed all this time since the fall of the Valshebans, that the vast majority of human minds slept – that they could not touch the source of power within them. It would seem far more can do so than I would ever have guessed.’
‘The plan remains the same.’
Tika climbed onto Farn’s back, Khosa in her carry sack against her back and Sket behind her. Gan sat behind Ren on Brin. Maressa and Navan took their places on Seela and the three other men mounted their koninas. The remaining animals were already on two leading lines attached to Riff’s saddle. They all looked to the south where the land curved gently, forming yet another wide bay.
‘Once at the point there, the strangers will see us,’ said Tika. ‘You ride on Olam, and we will head out over the sea so that we fly landwards just as you get there.’
Olam nodded his understanding and heeled his konina forward. Tika stared hard at Storm whose eyes whirred and flashed with his great excitement.
‘You will do exactly what Seela says,’ she told him sternly. ‘Is that quite clear?’
‘Of course!’ Storm’s reply, in such a tone of offended indignation sounded too like Farn for comfort.
Tika linked minds with her soul bond. ‘And you will do whatever I tell you, won’t you Farn?’
He twisted his long neck to look at her, sapphire eyes innocent and reproachful.
‘Of course, my Tika!’
Tika smiled but catching sight of the scar running down Farn’s neck made those dreadful memories stab her heart again.
‘It’s time Lady Tika,’ said Sket, pointing to the konina riders.
Brin and Farn lifted from the sand together, arrowing out low over the waves. As the two Dragons turned and began to rise, Tika glanced across at Offering Ren and Gan. Ren’s eyes were wide open and his face wore an expression of bemused wonder.
Tika could see the six shapes now, ahead on the shore – three men and three koninas. The men were holding the plunging animals, trying to calm them even as they watched the fast approaching Dragons. Crimson Brin screamed his challenge as he manoeuvred above them, curving his massive body through the air to land four square and facing them. Silver blue Farn repeated Brin’s call, his voice higher and lighter. He landed beside Brin, Tika and Sket at once sliding from his back to stand in front of his chest while he reared erect, wings extended and eyes blazing. Gan and Ren were already beside Tika when Olam’s small group rode up.
The three strangers wore tunics belted over loose trousers and were bare footed. Short, curved swords hung from their belts. The koninas had calmed a little and the three men went to their knees, bowing over until their foreheads touched the sand. Seela and Storm chose that moment to arrive, causing the men to jump to their feet again as their koninas shrieked and reared in renewed panic. Maressa walked forward, Navan close at her shoulder. She sent pulses of calmness to the wild eyed animals and they steadied, although their sweat-streaked bodies trembled still.
Olam and Pallin were also on foot now and Tika’s company stood in a half circle round the strangers. One of them handed his reins to another and stepped forward, bowing deeply to Tika. Gan wondered why or how this man had so instantly picked Tika out as their leader. Ren and Maressa were both taller, older and both had an air of authority.
Tika was no bigger than when Gan had first met her, her hair snarled in black tangles and her skin burnt darkly tan by wind and sun. Her eyes were startling chips of green surrounded by silver, but Ren’s eyes were as strange. Then he realised that all three men were staring at Tika’s sword and at the pendant which hung outside her shirt for once. Khosa yowled and Sket released her from where she hung at Tika’s back. She stalked round to sit firmly upright a pace before Tika. Gan noted looks of surprise and then pleasure cross the three men’s faces.
The first man spoke, but the words were a jumbled liquid trill. Maressa frowned as did Ren. Tika shrugged, one hand resting lightly on the hilt of her sword.
‘We do not understand your speech – do you speak our Common Tongue?’
The first man bowed again. ‘We do indeed great Lady. Forgive my stupidity in using my people’s speech which, of course, is unknown to any outside our Desert.’
‘Were you expecting us in particular to come here?’ she asked. ‘And who exactly do you think we are?’
‘We know not your names great Lady. But we were told to greet travellers here and you were described to us as were these magnificent Dragons.’
They all noted he showed only admiration for the huge creatures, no fear at all.
‘My name is Tika. I am bonded to Farn of the Broken Mountain Treasury.’
A third time the man bowed low. ‘Lady Tika, it is the greatest honour of my life that I should be the one to welcome you to our Desert. My name is Kirat. These are my brothers, Hadjay and Sirak. May we offer you refreshment while we speak together?’
Tika’s mind touched Ren’s and Maressa’s and found they only reflected her own bewilderment.
‘Very well,’ she agreed. ‘But we have few supplies to share with you – unless you would like some fish?’
Storm quivered in anticipation and Tika was unexpectedly touched, seeing Kirat’s quickly hidden smile. He bowed to the young Sea Dragon.
‘Fresh fish would be a boon greatly appreciated.’
Storm was gone before Kirat straightened.
Pallin and Riff tied the koninas to boulders whilst the others sat cautiously round the strangers’ fire. But Tika, Gan and Sket all heard Kirat’s soft words to Khosa.
‘You are so very welcome little sister.’
One of Kirat’s brothers, Tika thought it was Hadjay, declined Maressa’s offer to share their meagre supplies. He smiled, producing a fatly packed sack from the shade of a large boulder.
‘We have fruit and cheese, travel bread and herbs for tea,’ he explained.
Storm hurtled back to drop a large fish on the sand and rocketed out over the water again.
The brother named Sirak smiled too, catching Tika’s eye.
‘I think he is very young yes? As your bonded one is young?’
Tika relaxed. Whatever was happening here it felt right. These men might not be quite what they seemed but she was sure her friends need have no fear of them.
‘Yes,’ she replied. ‘They are both less than one cycle old yet.’
Riff and Pallin quickly cleaned the first fish and put it to bake. Storm was disappointed when he brought the second fish to be told two were sufficient.
‘Two will be ample sky brother,’ Kirat told him gently. ‘And these two are magnificent fish.’
Storm was mollified further when Seela suggested he bring fish for Brin, Farn and herself. Her eyes whirred soft lavender as Storm rushed off once more. The three Desert men all looked at Seela as she spoke, obviously hearing her mind speech. Tika made no comment then, introducing her company. She gave a very edited account of their travels since leaving the Sapphrean town of Far. Then she sat back against Farn’s shoulder, sipping a bowl of tea that tasted of a slightly tart, tangy fruit.
‘Tell us who you are, where you come from, and who sent you to find us.’ She suggested.
Kirat set aside his bowl of tea and folded his hands in his lap. ‘We are of the Qwah people. We have always lived within the bounds of our great Desert. The elders of our council have known you would come here for many long ages. We are sent by the Council of the Dome. That is our sacred place, the place where most of the Qwah people live. It is in the Valley of the Star Spiral, eight days travel from this place.’
‘How have you kept yourselves so secret from the other people who share this land?’ Tika waved a hand to the north. ‘Herdsmen say no one who enters the Desert is seen again.’
Kirat laughed. ‘The Desert is our friend – a living thing as we are. Dust and sand storms conceal us from all prying eyes.’
‘You did not say who sent you in search of us,’ said Ren mildly.
Kirat laughed again. ‘The Survivors sent us. They have need of you.’
Chapter Thirty-Five
Finn Rah was in one of those light dozes common to the very sick, and Observer Soosha was swinging the kettle over the fire, when the door burst open. He looked over his shoulder and slowly straightened, smiling at the child who stood there. The girl’s gaze left the still small shape on the bed to stare at the old man.
‘She sleeps?’ she whispered.
Soosha nodded. ‘She does child. She is very ill.’
‘I know. I felt it.’ She bit her lip then remembered her manners. ‘My name is Mena Sir,’
‘And I am Observer Soosha. I am so glad you reached us safely. We have been very worried for you and your friend.’
‘Tyen hurt his leg.’ Mena looked again at Finn Rah. ‘I should go and be with him while Sarryen fixes his leg for him.’
Soosha held out his hand. ‘Finn would want you to wake her – just to say hello.’
‘Really?’
A brilliant smile lit the oddly triangular face and small warm fingers caught his. Soosha led her to the bed, touching Finn’s shoulder lightly. Her eyes opened at once and she stared up into Soosha’s face. Her brows drew together when she saw tears glistening on his cheeks. Then she felt another hand twine its fingers round hers where it rested on the coverlet. She looked down from Soosha’s face, staring in disbelief at the radiance beaming at her. Finn found her mouth stretching into an enormous smile in return, even as tears gathered.
‘Thank the light you are safe!’ she managed, holding out her other hand.
Mena pressed past Soosha to hug Finn close, part of her mind registering in terror how frail was the woman in the bed. She stood back.
‘I have to go to Tyen, but I’ll come back as soon as he’s mended.’
‘Oh do child, please do.’ Finn whispered.
Mena turned to the door. She paused, looking back at the Offering and Observer with a puzzled air.
‘There should be a - ’ She held her hands cupped. ‘Shaped like an egg. Is it here – I’m sure it should be?’
Finn Rah’s face paled. ‘An Observer took it to the Night Lands – the lands I believe you came from. Oh child, she has it. Is it important?’
Mena gave a smile which was all too plainly forced. ‘I don’t expect it was. Never mind. I’ll come back when I’ve seen that Tyen is comfortable.’
Soosha found his knees were suddenly unreliable and had to sit down heavily on Finn’s bed.
‘The pendant Soosha. Clearly the child meant Myata’s pendant. Chakar took it with her and she is not returning with Babach. Just how important can it be?’
Soosha stared at his hands. ‘Of great importance I fear. Perhaps Babach or his companion could travel back and fetch it do you think?’
Offering and Observer sank into a gloomy silence until the kettle’s hissing stirred Soosha to make some tea.
‘Lyeto has made no mention of any students contacting Babach since that first time – four days ago – five?’ Finn sounded fretful.
Soosha carried a mug of tea to the bed. ‘It is just over three days Finn – the same day Volk found the children. Calm down or your temperature will go up again.’ He patted Finn’s hand. ‘I know you have never been renowned for your patience, but do try Finn dear.’
Finn glared and struggled to push herself higher in her bed. Soosha put the tea on the bedside cupboard and easily lifted Finn to the position she wanted. He held her steady while he plumped up the pillows behind her.
‘What’s wrong with the boy?’ Finn asked, leaning back with a sigh.
‘Mena said Tyen’s leg is hurt. Sarryen was healing him.’
‘Where is Melena? Or Lyeto?’ Finn’s eyes blazed with frustration. ‘Oh surely I could be taken to the common room for a while – I feel so isolated here Soosha.’
Soosha studied the Offering, with his eyes and with his power of deeper sensing, then smiled.
‘I see no reason why not. The viewing ledge has been enlarged and the dust has gone.’ He folded back Finn’s top covers.
‘Wait! I need a shirt at least, you old fool!’ Finn laughed, pointing to the cupboard behind the door.
‘Oh. Yes. Of course.’
Finn wore only a sleeveless shift in bed and Soosha considered the folded shirts and trousers on a shelf in some confusion.
‘Soosha, just grab the first one – it is only to keep me warm.’
They met Melena in the passage, Soosha carrying Finn cocooned in bright quilts.
‘I was on my way to you, but Arryol asked for my help,’ she apologised.
‘No matter. Is the boy all right?’
‘His knee was badly dislocated but Arryol realigned it. Tyen will have to rest a few days but will recover quickly we’re sure.’
They had reached the common room and a gust of chill air whisked across from the expanded viewing ledge. Soosha hunched protectively over Finn Rah and hurried to take her to a sheltered spot beside the hearth. Volk waved a large mug of beer in their direction.
‘Old Volk found them,’ he said smugly.
Several students were gathered here and they gave Finn shy smiles and nods. Then Sarryen appeared with Arryol who regarded Finn impassively.
‘I can’t stay hidden away when so much seems to be happening.’ Finn defended herself before Arryol could comment.
His mouth twitched in a smile. ‘Who said you had to?’ he retorted. ‘It will do you good perhaps, but - ’
‘There is always a but,’ Finn groaned, eyeing him with suspicion.
‘But – you must rest when you need to and no heroic denials when you do get tired.’
Before Finn could argue, Mena arrived, leaning against Finn’s knee as though she’d known her since birth. The child tilted her head.
‘Tyen’s fixed,’ she said, then smiled at Volk. ‘That lady makes the most wonderful bread.’
Volk glanced at Teal where she sat talking with two students. ‘She does that, and with those poor hands too.’
Mena frowned. ‘What’s wrong with her hands? I haven’t seen them.’
‘They were burned when she was a small child,’ Arryol explained. ‘That’s when she lost her sight. I can do nothing for her eyes and only have pain easing salves for her hands. She should have had healing too long ago.’
