The Duelist 6, page 21
“Aim her sight at a good gap in the canopy and then give the command,” he said and pointed at a good gap in the trees above.
I did as he said, and in a strong voice, I shouted, “Away!”
“PPPrrrraaaahh!” La squalled, but she only jerked backward a few steps until I realized I needed to flick the reins in my left hand to get her to actually go.
But go she did, and when she rocketed into the air, I accidentally yanked her sharply to the right.
“Prrrrck-ack!” La said in her weird mix of shrieking and chattering.
It was not the most pleasant of noises, so I course-corrected pretty quickly.
“Sorry, girl,” I said as I let her flap as high as she wanted for a little bit.
When we were above the tree line, I tested my steering while letting her glide around in circles and figure eights. She leveled us out fairly easily, and for the most part I left her in “neutral” so I could gaze around the odd canyon above the trees.
As we flew through the air around Lower Terr, I could see the thin snaking road sloping ever-upward and knew that was the path we would be traversing in a few hours, and I tilted La upward so she could catch the updraft.
“You’re pretty good at this,” Thas called out when he flew El alongside me.
“Thanks,” I answered back, and then I let the other man lead us in a long spiral before we headed back toward the clearing.
“When you’ve found a spot, aim her gaze where you want to land and then give the command,” Thas instructed in a voice loud enough to rise above the rushing wind. Then he demonstrated what he told me by pulling back on the reins first so El was in a hover. “Land!”
At the command, the blue squaller did a tight half-circle and then started to glide back down. I watched Thas execute the maneuver, and then I recreated what he did to the best of my ability.
“Land!” I ordered, and I brought La down to land back in the middle of the clearing. “Good girl.”
“Prrrrt!” the green squaller chirped, and I took Tharfin’s offered hand in order to hop down to the ground.
“You looked like you got accustomed to La fairly quickly,” the Major said as he clapped me on the shoulder.
“She flies like a dream,” I said and patted the creature’s neck.
“My turn!” Horus cried out, and he swung a gunny sack in my direction, which I caught before it could hit me in the head.
Inside were more chucks of offal, and I tried not to gag as I pulled out a few fleshy lumps so I could toss some to both beasts while Tharfin walked the falcon-man through the same instructions as he did with me, and then it was Thas’ and my turn to hang out on the ground.
“Do you think we will be successful, Ambassador?” the big guy asked me, and I glanced at him.
If it were Horus, I would have probably responded flippantly just to make him laugh, but I hesitated for a second.
Even though Thas took after his father in the stoicism department, something about the way he asked struck me as being more trepidatious.
He shifted on his feet in an overly casual manner, and I realized he was nervous, so I took a small breath and answered him the best I could.
“I think that as long as we fight to our fullest, there’s no way we can fail,” I said, and after I did, the Stone around my neck glowed as if on cue.
Thas stared at it, and some of the tension around his eyes and mouth lessened a bit before he nodded his scaled head.
“We shall prevail simply on hope alone,” he said and smiled a rare smile.
I tried to copy the certainty of that smile, but the reality still pressed down on me.
Insurrection.
That word was pounding through every fiber of my being, and even as the caravan was pretty much well on its way complete with skitters and grubs as well as Tharfin and Thas flying the squallers overhead, I wondered what would be waiting for us when we did march on the palace.
We were finally leaving Lower Terr behind, but something tugged at me, and as our caravan marched through the abandoned streets, I knew I fell into a brood I couldn’t shake.
“Alex?” Zoie questioned, and I tore my gaze away from where I kept peering over my shoulder even though we were headed through the square. “What is it, my love?”
“I think there’s something… beckoning to me,” I said as I attempted to put words to the strange sensation that kept distracting me since I flew on the squallers. It wasn’t exactly a voice, but something about it was very familiar.
“What is it?” she asked as she came up to stand at my side.
I’d completely dropped the pretense of trying to focus on the task at hand, and as I stood facing the path that led past the deserted farms, I suddenly knew what was calling out to me.
“Snake Tree,” I said.
Chapter 18
“The Ancient Tree Spirit is calling for you?” Zoie asked in an attempt to confirm why I was hell-bent on walking away from the mega exodus taking place from Snake Tree village.
“I think so,” I said as we both fell into a jog. “I’ll be quick, I promise.”
“We’ll catch up,” Zoie agreed, and I smirked a little at how her ears were pricked forward with curiosity.
We surged forward as a pair and made it to the large tree in no time.
The large fissure that used to be dubbed as The Pit was now a distant memory thanks to Shay’s healing influence, and the tree with its thick trunk and sprawling neon branches looked healthier than ever. It no longer looked gnarled and rheumy, but now stood upright and proud.
And I was drawn to it like a magnet.
“Prrrr!”
I looked up in time to see both Tharfin and Thas coming in for a landing next to us on the two squallers.
“Is everything alright, kin-son?” the Major asked as he looked down at us from the back of El.
“Everything’s fine, Major,” I said as I gazed at the tree. “But I think I need… to go speak to it.”
“I see,” he said and then gestured toward Thas. “We will leave you and your wife with La. Catch up when you can.”
“Thanks…” I said a little absently since I was already approaching the power radiating from the old spirit.
I could feel a pulse start up through the ground with each step I took toward Snake Tree, and by the time I was right next to the trunk, it was only natural to press my palms against the rough bark.
A wave of incredible power washed over me, but it wasn’t as overwhelming as it was the first time I communed with the spirit.
Alex Brightwood, I heard a multitude of voices clamor in my head all at once, and at first I nearly went cross-eyed.
“Hello,” I said, and my voice felt like it scraped against the inside of my skull.
You may use your thoughts, the Tree said, and it almost sounded like there was a smile to the words.
Did you want me to come to you? I asked in my own head.
I did. The Tree pulsed with a warmth that reminded me of gratitude. Last time we spoke, I’m afraid I was less than charitable. It has been a long while since an Outsider has proven himself.
Have I done that? I asked.
Listen to the voices, young Brightwood, Snake Tree echoed through me, and I could hear a symphony of singing and laughter that was resoundingly absent the last time. You have not only stopped the massacre of the Sacred Forest, but you and your Incarnate wife have healed my land. Now, there is a possibility all of Terr can be healed.
What do you mean? I smoothed my hands along the textured surface of the Tree and felt the fleeting sorrow bleeding through. The sensation stabbed me in the heart, and I suddenly had to swallow past a lump in my throat. I’m sorry.
The feeling eased, and I felt caressed by several gentle touches.
We know your heart, and now that the Incarnate has come into her power, you must get her to gaze into the Eye, the voices said cryptically. She will know what to do.
What is the Eye? I asked. And what do you need me to do?
The Eye can only be seen from above, the Tree said. The Incarnate must be there to gaze into it.
But-- I started as my confusion only grew and grew, but the spirit halted me.
All will be well, but we ask this last thing of you, Brightwood, even though you have helped us beyond all measure. Another strong pulse of gratitude seeped into my palms. Once the Incarnate can see through the Eye, she will be able to heal the heart. This must be done!
Okay, I said as I tried to sooth the Tree that had suddenly become so agitated at the thought that I might not do… this last thing. I promise I will do everything I can to bring Shay to the Eye.
Thank you, Snake Tree said, and about a thousand other voices overlapped in an overwhelming chorus. You must take this with you as a token of our gratitude.
Before I could even ask, the textured bark shifted under my hands until I was cupping something smooth, bright green, and shaped like a crystal teardrop. When I held it, I could feel the same vibrating power as when I stood in the Tree’s presence.
What is this? I asked in awe.
It is the power source you seek, the Tree said with trills of amusement lacing all of its voices.
An image flashed in my mind’s eye of the strange pedestal thing built inside the airship back at Monger Manor.
“Really?” I breathed out loud as I clutched the power source to my chest.
Now, go, and take the blessing of Terr with you. The Ancient Tree Spirit sent one more wave of warm affection through the object in my hands, and I was nearly overwhelmed again with thanks.
“Husband?” Zoie asked as I backed away from the swaying Tree with reverence.
“I think Terr has just thanked us,” I explained and handed her the object.
“We must protect such a treasure,” Zoie gasped, and she pulled a familiar blue headscarf out of her pack and wrapped the sacred gift away.
“La!” I called, and the green squaller stalked over and lowered her long neck. I climbed aboard and then extended my hand for Zoie to get on behind me, and because of how La’s skull-fin projected over my shoulder, my cat-wife had to grip me low around my waist as I operated the reins. “Hold on, kitten. La, away!”
“Prrrrt!” La said, and she used her huge wings to catch the updraft already swirling through the air.
Zoie clutched me strongly at first, but the ascent on the back of this creature was a lot less jarring than on the back of a canterfly, so after a few moments, she loosened her death grip.
I smiled and took us a little higher so Zoie could see the large canyon the way I was able to before.
This strange twilit place with its neon landscape, slanted dark forests, and hard-working loyal people would definitely be carved into a special place in my heart. Maybe it was the lingering impression the Tree Spirit left behind, but a part of me knew why this island was so important, and why its people were so beloved.
My Stone pulsed as if it confirmed what I was feeling, and as we caught up with the rest of the caravan, I let the meditative beat of my mount’s wings, and the warm presence of my wife at my back, settle my mind and organize my thoughts.
The Tree had tasked Shay and me with something important, and hopefully Lord Griss would have some answers.
“Screech!” My musing was interrupted by the infamous call of Crackers the Cantankerous Cur.
“Rrrr!” La growled when the nuisance flapped around her head.
“Land,” I commanded, and I aimed the squaller toward the front of the caravan where Tharfin and Thas were letting El, the blue pterodactyl-creature, take a little rest. When we touched down, Thas helped Zoie and I off while Mozz took care of La.
“Is everything well, kin-son?” the Major asked as he mounted the blue squaller.
“Fine, sir,” I replied and let Crackers land on my wrist. “I just received a message from home.”
“I will take over patrol for now, and soon we will camp for the night,” Tharfin said, and I nodded my understanding before he and El took off into the air.
“Is that from our boy?” Shay asked me from her position on top of one of the large grubs.
I scanned briefly through the sheaf of letters, and my eyebrows inched toward my hairline. “Yeah, along with Jenner and Mec.”
“Come up here, darling,” Shay said as she peeked at me from under the large floppy brim of a straw woven hat. “Horus is making sang-whiches.”
“Almost,” I mumbled to myself in amusement as I tucked the letter into my armored belt. Then I reached for the ladder leading up to the saddle basket. “Coming, dear!”
I climbed over the edge of the saddle and hopped down to join my Crew where they were all sitting campfire style all around.
“So?” Shay asked eagerly. “Rylan?”
“Hello to you, too, sweetheart,” I joked as I pulled out the letters.
“Sorry,” she said with a blush, but I cupped her elfin chin so I could peck her on her lips.
“I’m teasing you,” I said and kissed her again. Then I settled between her and Zoie with the letters. “Rylan doesn’t have too much to report… oh, apparently he found out screechers are capable of carrying up to ten times their body weight, and he wants us to experiment.”
“Do you think Crackers will be capable of carrying that awesome wirm skin you managed to get?” Horus asked as he handed me a sandwich of salted meat between two slices of bread.
“Yeah, and probably our power source,” I said with a grin, and then I watched Horus catch up with what I said.
“Power source?” Horus asked as his green-gold eyes snapped up to mine. “Does Sskern know? I remember he and Jenner were the ones to figure out Monger Manor’s awesome airship feature.”
“We’ll make it a surprise for him,” I said as an idea started to take shape. “Do we still have any more parchment?”
“Right here,” Amaya piped up as she rummaged through her pack and pulled out the required stationary.
“With any luck,” I said as I began composing a quick reply, “Rylan and Jenner will hopefully be able to fly to Terr when the time comes for us to leave.”
“Good idea,” Zoie said and held my sandwich up to my mouth so I could take a bite while my hands were occupied. “What did Jenner have to say?”
I swallowed the salty mouthful and then took a swig of wine that Shay offered me on my other side.
“Jenner gave us an update on the serf contracts,” I said as I skimmed over his response. “Apparently, there are-- holy shit-- twelve families who want to pledge their land to Ithaca. Oh, and get this, there are several merchants in the Village, Gatetown, and Palace Square who want to sell our bumblebird honey and our kolee recipe.”
“Let me see?” Shay reached out with her cute little grabby hands, and I handed over Jenner’s letter as I scribbled my response to him. “Oh, my Goddess… if I have the calculations right, each merchant wants to buy ten thousand worth of product for each, so the total comes to sixty thousand in gold for these first contracts.”
“That’s amazing,” Horus said. “And those are only the first contracts? We’ll never have to worry about our bread, that’s for sure.”
I grinned to myself as I took extra care to instruct Jenner to “send samples of each” into the response I was crafting.
“Is this our brother’s seal?” Anwaar asked as she looked at the last leaf of parchment that had fallen from Shay’s grasp.
“It is,” Amaya said as she peered over her sister’s shoulder. “Oh. Apparently, he needs the approval of the Lower Echelon as well as the Upper to make the trade agreements valid. I can take this to Sskern for his seal, and then to Zerr and Tharfin.”
“Do so now, because I’m going to be sending this off pretty immediately,” I said, and then I started to scrawl out what I needed from Nata’s Asher Lord.
I was especially curious if there was anything to dig up about imports or exports, or if there were any nefarious dealings the Councilman was involved in as well as official trade contracts for screechers, squallers, and the Terrans that could train them.
“I’m on it!” she said and zipped out of the saddle basket like she’d been waiting for any excuse to get up and go do something.
I knew she would probably be back lickety-split, so I hurried to finish up my response.
Hopefully, if the timing was good, the response would show up juuuuust when I needed it…
Namely, when I could use the documents to rub the snobby Up-ish noses in them.
“If anyone has anything they want to tell our people back home, speak now or forever hold your peace,” I joked, but then I almost got a papercut when both Shay and Zoie reached for the parchment.
“I better remind Rylan to eat his vegetables,” Shay said as she took the quill and ink pot from me.
“Yes, and tell him to consume adequate meat to build his muscles,” Zoie added, and I switched places with her so my two wives could conspire about our son while I rummaged through Zoie’s pack for the power source.
“Horus, do you have the wirm skin?” I asked as I swapped out Zoie’s pretty scarf with a sheet of leather.
“Right here, chief,” he said and hauled out the strange translucent tarp.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I reworked it so it would fold a little nicer,” Anwaar chimed in.
“This is great,” I said as I hefted the tightly-packed cube closer. “Do you think you can redo this so the power source is protected in the center?”
“I can.” The ibex-woman nodded her horned head. “But will Crackers be able to carry it?”
“Rylan seems quite confident, Ana,” Shay said as she skimmed over Rylan’s rambling report on Screecher Facts.
“Very well,” she said. “If the lad is confident, then I am, too. He is a smart one.”
“I miss him most ardently,” my phoenix-wife sighed, and she and Zoie both tipped their heads toward each other for a cuddle.
“Well, hopefully this will allow them to actually come to us,” I said.
“I’m back!” Amaya’s flaxen head popped up over the rim of the saddle basket, and she clambered in with the documents stamped with Mec’s royal seal. “Leader Zerr and Major Tharfin both gave their mark, and then the Regent added the mark for Clan Skerros which will act as the Upper Echelon’s seal of approval.”
