Amane of Teravinea - The Crown (The Teravinea Series Book 3) Page 2

  “Amáne! Poor timing on my part to leave when I did. I’m sorry.”

  “No need to be sorry, Ansel. How could we have known?”

  His eyebrows knit as he brought his face closer to the disc. “Are you all right? You look worn out.”

  “Thanks for the compliment, Ansel,” I said flatly.

  “She’s tried to heal the entire township of Anbon,” Bern said.

  I glared at him for sharing that. “There goes my privacy again. Must my every move be made known to everyone?”

  Ansel stifled a laugh. “Bern, this rider hasn’t gotten used to the fact that there’s very little that’s private in a dragon rider’s life.”

  I rolled my eyes. “How was your journey, Ansel? You must be happy to be home at last. I’m sure Lali and your staff have missed you. You were gone for quite a while.”

  “They missed me and were very happy to have me home. But I’m lonely already.” He threw me such a wistful look, my knees almost gave out.

  “I miss you, too,” I said shyly as Bern decided to stand beside me and listen to everything I said to Ansel. I’m just going to have to get used to it, I guess.

  “We’ll leave at nightfall for Dorsal. And, you know, it’s just a few weeks until the Healer and Gallen pledge their troth, so we’ll see each other soon, right?” I said.

  “Of course. I wouldn’t miss it.” A longing reflected in his eyes that I couldn’t fail to notice.

  “Give my love to Sovann ... and Eshshah sends her’s too.” I felt Eshshah’s heart pound as she gave me her message to pass on.

  We kissed the air to each other and signed off.

  I felt a pressing need to be with Eshshah. As I exited the cave, I found myself nearly overrun by the children of the camp. They crowded around me, giving me their various versions of the dragon salute as they pleaded with me, “Lady Amáne, Dragon Rider, please may we meet your dragon?”

  I looked at the sea of little faces, bright eyes shining, and my heart melted. I could not have denied their request, even if I’d wanted. Smiling at them, I nodded, “Of course you may.”

  Feeling like a mother hen, I turned and led the way to my dragon who waited nearby. There were more children around Eshshah when we reached her. They stayed their distance, obeying their mothers who reprimanded any that got close.

  “It’s fine.” I assured the cautious mothers. “She won’t hurt them.”

  It was as if flood gates opened. The young ones rushed up close to Eshshah and put their hands toward her to touch her foreleg or her tail — still too cautious to get near her fangs.

  “Thank you, Amáne.” Eshshah said. “I thought you would never get here. These poor little ones have been keeping their distance for longer than I would have thought them capable. I decided it would be better that you tell their mothers it was safe. I wasn’t sure I would be believed if I communicated it to them.”

  “I’m sorry, Eshshah, I overslept.” I walked to her large head, grabbed her fangs and placed a kiss on her nose. A collective gasp went up from the mothers and cheers from the kids. Many raised their chubby little arms for me to pick them up so they could imitate my show of affection to Eshshah.

  “Amáne, I’ve never felt this innocence. They’re so small for such strong feelings. Do all humans start this small and guiltless?”

  “Yes, Eshshah. They start even smaller and more helpless. See that tiny baby in his mother’s arms?”

  “Then what happens to turn such beauty into the ugliness that is Galtero?”

  “I don’t know, Eshshah. I really don’t.”

  “Hey, Sir Amáne. You can’t find better company than a bunch of snot-nosed brats? Are you ready to improve on the company you keep?” Darqin gave me a half-hearted dragon salute as he eyed the little ones with disdain. He didn’t even acknowledge Eshshah.

  I barely managed to hide my outrage. “Darqin, I would appreciate it if you would show some respect to my dragon. I also ask that you not call me ‘sir.’ And, to answer your question, the company I’m keeping is by far more pleasant than any other I can think of.”

  Darqin shrugged and laughed off my anger, which only made me more so.

  “My apologies.” He gave half a nod to Eshshah. “Eshshah, greetings to ya,” he said with not enough courtesy to suit me.

  He turned to me, “I would think you’d welcome my attention. There can’t be many men who would vie for a dragon-riding, sword-carrying female, who dresses like a boy.” He eyed me up and down. “Maybe you’ll change your mind and join me later.”

  Eshshah let out a low rumble that only I could hear. “If these children were not here, I would give him reason to take back his insult and give you a proper apology.”

  “I would gladly let you, Eshshah. Unfortunately, that’s not possible right now.”

  I glared daggers at Darqin. He flinched and looked away quickly when I caught his eye, which gave me a small degree of satisfaction. “I won’t change my mind,” I said.

  “Well, I’m sure, with time, you’ll wise up.” He sauntered away.

  I let out a long exhale, trying to bring myself back to the peace and joy I’d felt before, with these innocent little ones.

  “That’s Okay, Lady Amáne,” piped up a little boy of about seven. “You don’t have to listen to Darqin. He’s always mean. My mum says he was borned mean, and his father was mean and his grandfather was mean.”

  I looked at the boy and smiled. My anger dissolved.

  It had been a few days since Bern, Eshshah and I landed in the Healer’s courtyard to salutes from the Healer, Gallen and Dorjan. I couldn’t help but allow a small amount of pride when I thought about how Eshshah and I had now completed our third quest since our linking — all successful.

  The Healer, Gallen, Bern, Dorjan and I sat around the Healer’s table at our evening meal. Their discussion steered toward people they’d known throughout their long lives. None of the names sounded familiar to me. I quickly lost interest. I picked at my food and listened halfheartedly, trying to find an opportunity to excuse myself from their company.

  “Did anyone meet Leyna, rider of Sitara, before they left for the Valley of Dragons?” Bern asked.

  I stopped playing with my food. My ears perked up.

  “No, she left shortly before I linked with Unule,” said Dorjan. He was the oldest of the three.

  “I wish she would have left more information on that place. If we could persuade the Ancient Ones to come to our aid, it would mean sure victory — riding dragons into battle once again.” Bern’s gaze focused far away.

  “Bern, maybe that last tankard of ale has done its job,” Gallen said.

  Dorjan laughed and added, “There’s been no proof that anyone has found that place. It’s still just legend, or at the least, ancient history.”

  “No, it’s not,” Bern said. “Leyna searched for it and I believe they found it. There’s a little-known saga written by a poet close to her just after they left Teravinea.”

  Bern inhaled and hummed a tune to himself, trying to recall the song. He nodded. In a deep and beautiful voice he began the ballad — a haunting tune about two dragon riders of long ago. I sat riveted, no longer bored, as the song unfolded.

  Leyna, rider of Sitara, fell in love with Hajari, rider of Dinesh. The two dragons, Sitara and Dinesh, were mates. Leyna and Hijari’s love was unprecedented. Alas, Hajari met his ancestors too soon. His dragon, Dinesh, distraught, exiled himself to find the Valley of Dragons. He couldn’t end his life because of his mate, yet could not survive any longer in Teravinea without his rider.

  Leyna and Sitara remained for a short time, persevering in their duties to the king. Sitara could take her mate’s absence no longer. Leyna scoured the kingdom for any information on the whereabouts of the Valley of Dragons.

  King Rikkar, Ansel’s grandfather, gave them a pardon, excusing them from their duty. They left in search of this legendary place and were never heard from again.

  Bern finished the ballad. I
wiped my tears with the back of my sleeve.

  “Sitara or Dinesh were not of the Royal Dragon line, so neither were bound to King Rikkar,” Bern said. “I personally believe Leyna found the Valley of Dragons.”

  “Where do you think she found it?” I asked.

  My enthusiasm drew attention. The Healer raised her eyebrows. Dorjan eyed me curiously. I quickly changed my expression to what I hoped showed mild curiosity.

  “I heard she flew down here to the Dorsal Outpost to research, but I can’t be sure if she actually found anything there,” Bern replied.

  My pulse quickened as I absorbed this news. I kept my expression neutral.

  Gallen, inappropriate as usual, said, “I don’t know about the Valley of Dragons, but I am familiar with some ballads about Leyna and Hajari’s love. I wouldn’t sing them in mixed company, though. What that must have been like — a couple in love, linked to dragons who were mates.” He looked pointedly at me, as the heat rose in my cheeks.

  The next second, his face contracted as he winced. Guessing that the Healer had kicked him under the table, I shot him a ‘you-asked-for-it’ smirk.

  “I believe there’s more to it than just legend,” said the Healer. “I remember seeing a manuscript at the Dorsal Outpost when Torin still flew.”

  I saw a brief flash of pain in her eyes. My heart went out to her when I thought of the loss of her dragon. He had perished saving Ansel’s life. Torin had sacrificed himself by flying in front of the Healer and the infant prince when an explosion destroyed the royal living quarters of Castle Teravinea. Ansel’s parents, King Emeric and Queen Fiala, lost their lives in that explosion.

  “Yes, Bern, it would certainly make a difference if we could ride dragons into battle again. But right now, it’s only a dream for us.” The Healer sighed.

  To my dismay the conversation came to a close. It had gotten late. Everyone suddenly found themselves tired, except for me. I couldn’t stop thinking about the possibility of other dragons somewhere. It would surely mean victory for us if someone could find them.

  I joined Eshshah in our chambers, but couldn’t sleep.

  “Eshshah, do you know anything about the Valley of Dragons?”

  “My ancient memories do recall a valley where our ancestors began. But, what are you thinking, Amáne? Do you think the Council will ask us to search for the Valley? Are you hoping for that to be our next quest?”

  “I’m not quite sure what I’m thinking yet, Eshshah. It doesn’t sound like a mission which all the riders would support. Not to mention, Ansel. But what if it was possible to find the Ancient Ones? And what if they could be persuaded to help us win the throne? Would that not be worth the effort?”

  “Hmm,” she rumbled. “It depends on what kind of effort you’re implying.”

  “Don’t worry, I won’t do anything foolish. I’m certain you would be the first to put me straight.”

  Sweat burned my eyes as Dorjan and I exchanged blows. He worked with me in a preliminary preparation for my training as swordmaster. My official instructor would be Avano. Until he was available, Dorjan had stepped in. My lungs burned. I had serious doubts that I was actually ready for Avano, but I didn’t voice my insecurity.

  “Good hit, Amáne. Remember to attack, then get out of measure straight away .”

  “Amáne, take a break,” called Gallen from the kitchen garden. “Avano needs you to contact him.”

  “Avano?” I wasn’t accustomed to receiving contact from any of the dragon riders. They usually only spoke with Ansel or the Healer. Ansel was the only one who asked for me on the communication disc.

  Dorjan and I thanked each other as I rushed to the laver outside the kitchen to wash up. Maybe Avano wanted to arrange our training. It was an honor of which I didn’t feel worthy, but looked forward to with excitement.

  I took the stairs quickly up to the Healer’s library. Placing my hand on the brass knob of the communication device, I said “Gyan,” then, “Arun.” Avano’s former name when he rode Cira.

  Avano’s handsome face shimmered in the glass disc before coming into clear focus.

  “Greetings, Avano.”

  We saluted each other.

  “Gallen said you needed me to contact you.”

  “Yes, I have someone here who has something to say to you.”

  Now I was really confused. He mouthed something to someone out of my line of sight on the disc. His eyes twinkled as he gave me a wink then stepped aside.

  “Father!” I screamed. My father’s face filled the disc. “What are you doing ... what ... why?” I sputtered.

  The blue eyes of Duer crinkled on the edges as he laughed at my reaction.

  He saluted me proudly. I nodded in response.

  “Amáne, I’m so happy to see you again. Yes, you are as pretty as I remember you at our last meeting. The spitting image of Catriona. I’m thankful you received her looks and not mine.”

  I laughed. “I’m afraid I have quite a bit of you in me. The reason I recognized you under the castle is because it was a familiar face that stared back at me every time I gazed in a looking glass.”

  “I haven’t stopped thinking about you, my daughter. I have only a moment. I’m on king’s business. Since I was passing through, I thought I’d take my chances and see if Avano could conjure you up. I heard about this amazing contraption, and wanted to see it for myself. Avano was gracious enough to oblige. I’m only several paces in front of the king’s spies. I think they may have their suspicions about me, but I had to take the chance to see you again.”

  “Oh, no! Why don’t you just quit Galtero’s court? Come down to Dorsal and stay here. The Healer has plenty of room. We can rebuild the cottage and live there. There’s so much we need to talk about.”

  “I wish I could, my beauty. For now I’m more valuable to your cause if I stay in Galtero’s circle for as long as I can. I do have much to tell you. But we’ll have to wait until Galtero is overthrown. When that wondrous day arrives, I promise I’ll talk until you can’t take it any longer. You’ll know everything and more that you’ve ever wanted to know — about your mother, your relatives and your ancestors. And you can fill me in on everything I’ve missed out on. Deal?”

  “Deal.” I smiled at the familiar interchange. I, too, used that word in the same way.

  “If you come again to the City of Teravinea,” Duer said, “please let Avano or Bern know and they can try to contact me. I long to see you.”

  “And I, you.”

  “I must be going. I’ve tarried too long. Take care, my sweet Amáne. Your father loves you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  Avano signed off just before the tears began to roll down my cheeks.

  Several weeks passed since Anbon fell. I’d been so busy planning the Healer and Gallen’s celebration of their vows, I hardly had time to wonder about the Valley of Dragons. With the heaviness of war looming, the Healer and Gallen didn’t feel right having a large celebration to pledge their troth. That, and the fact that they had known each other for so long, they wanted only a simple gathering. All of the dragon riders would be attending and only a few of the people of Dorsal.

  Gallen and the Healer had behaved like young adolescents for the last week. Sometimes I felt like their mother. It was fantastic. It made a nice break from the seriousness that had surrounded us lately. Just for a bit, we could escape the concern of war.

  “Well, that’s the last one, Amáne,” Fiona said as she placed the vase of dahlias on the cloth-draped table.

  Fiona and I had become close friends since that fateful night when the sorcerer and his thugs terrorized Dorsal. Her father lost his life while protecting her.

  I surveyed our surroundings. It exploded with color from the tied table cloths to the vases of flowers sporting every hue I’d ever seen.

  “Fiona, what would I have done without you? Look how beautiful you’ve made this courtyard. It looks like a garden at an exotic palace.”

  “It wasn’t
just me. You’ve worked right beside me the entire day.”

  “I know, but I don’t have your talent with color and cloth. I couldn’t have come anywhere near to how you’ve transformed this place. Thank you so much for your help.” Fiona smiled and put her arm around my shoulders as we admired our handiwork.

  “Well, I think your lantern idea was brilliant. I can’t wait to see how they look after dark,” Fiona said.

  Paper lanterns hung from ropes stretched across the courtyard. I had used some of Sitara’s scales, so that at just the right moment, I’ll whisper Sitara and they’ll light up the courtyard with their soft glow.

  “We’ll test them tonight.” I said.

  Fiona turned to me with a serious look. “Amáne, I want to thank you for allowing me your secret. I’m so proud of you. A dragon rider. Although, it comes as no surprise that you were chosen. You were always more interested in the cutler’s booth than the silk and ribbons at the mercer’s, or in battle stories over romances.

  But more than that, you’ve lifted a veil that hung between Kail and me. He refused to share anything with me about the time he spent here. And he’s been silent about an incident that happened the night my father met his ancestors. He tried to hide it, but I saw his injuries and the stricken look in his eyes. We’ve never kept anything from each other. Now I know that it had to do with what you’re doing here — your mission to unseat Galtero.”

  “Kail is an honorable man, Fiona, sworn to secrecy. I’m sorry that made it difficult for you.”

  “I understand, now.” She turned to me and her face lit up. “When is your Lord Ansel arriving?”

  A thrill went up my spine. “He’ll be here after dark.”

  Ansel and Sovann already left Trivingar manor to fly the long route over the ocean so they could travel in daylight without being spotted. They should be at the Dorsal Outpost by now waiting for nightfall. I could hardly contain myself.