Talon (The Astor Chronicles Book 1) (37 page)

‘You’re right,’
Uola said, passing on Bessed’s rapt attention and agreement as well.
‘Bessed has his copy of the letter here and he says that your mother’s name is underlined. What if those underlined names were all Anzaii?’

‘It would mean Bal Harar has been tracking Kriite genealogies for centuries and this is one he has focused on in recent years.’

‘He’s trying to breed an Anzaii into the royal line of Telby? That would seem counterproductive to say the least!’

‘He wanted me,’
I replied,
‘for something to do with using my abilities.’

‘How is that possible?’

‘I don’t know,’
I replied.
‘But that Wavekeeper who murdered Feera said it.’

‘But the child—if there is one,’
Uola began,
‘could be our salvation… Why would the Zeikas bring that upon themselves? Imagine a Kriite Anzaii—better still, an Astor—on the throne of Telby!’

‘Perhaps the Bal thinks he can control the heir or do away with it any time he likes. He probably knows that bloodline or no, without the power of Sy-tré, the gifts remain dormant.’

‘Our ability to communicate across vast distances has always given us an advantage over the Zeikas,’
Uola said.

‘If we are fortunate, they will give up on me now. I may be only one of many gifted Kriites the Bal is trying to catch.’

‘Possibly,’
Uola said,
‘but we haven’t heard about anything like this till now. The Anzaii gift, especially, is not common and those who do have it are often limited in their power.’

It sounded like he had high hopes for me.
‘Let us hope Tiaro and I can develop our skills in time to defend ourselves.’

‘Indeed. If Bal Harar’s minions keep failing to catch you, he will come for you himself. May the Lightmaker guide you, Talon. We will keep you in our prayers.’

On our sixth evening in Ubu, Sarlice was asleep by the time I made it back with her dinner. I unrolled my rug and placed it on the floor beside her. I lay there for a while staring at the blemishes on the ceiling. I thought of all the things I had said to Lira, all the looks she’d given me and the thrills it had sent through my body. Had it all been false? Did she not care for me at all?

Unable to sleep I retrieved a quill pen, ink pot and vellum from my pack. After lighting a single candle, I wrote a letter to Lira:

To her Royal Highness, Princess Denliyan,

I congratulate you on your accomplishments in Tass-Sarm and Telby recently. Your commitment to the Demaeda family is commendable. With Zeikas on the rise in Telby the power of your nation grows and, along with it, the risks to your succession. I can see why you might consider desperate measures to secure your place as your father’s heir. What you have taken from me, if it bears fruit, should be called “Rade”, stolen.

Did you know you have to raise a child in Kriite ways if you want it to present Kriite gifts? Proximity to Zeika sorcery seems to play a part in the development of Anzaii abilities, too. I should know. They haven’t stopped chasing me since I found out I was Anzaii. Don’t be fooled into doing the Zeikas’ bidding. The Lira I thought I knew would not be so malleable.

Sincerely,

When morning came I felt like I had barely slept. I pulled myself up, pocketed the letter I had written, stretched and padded to the window.

I gazed thoughtfully at Sarlice’s sleeping form. What she and Kestric had said about being called to my side by Sy-tré, gave me shivers. What had I been thinking, getting so involved with Lira? This wasn’t my time—we were on a mission of great importance.

Sarlice opened her eyes and pushed herself up. Though she still looked groggy and worn it seemed like the worst was behind her. I assisted her to walk downstairs for breakfast. I hurried through the meal, sensing the proximity of my beloved Rada-kin.

Outside I squinted in the morning light. Duria was standing in the same stall as Fleetfoot with a Zeika saddle on her back. Not far away lurked a large grey-blue icetiger, cleaning herself and exuding self-importance.

‘Rekala!’ I shouted, helping Sarlice over to the stall fence so I could greet my Rada-kin.

The great cat chuffed at me and rubbed her head against my leg. I crouched to throw my arms around her. Her fur came off in clumps, dull and grey from lack of rest and good food.

‘My Talon, my Talon.’
She chuffed, hooking one paw around my calf muscle as if she could hold me in place forever.

‘I missed you,’
I said. Being able to converse long-distance on the waves did not compare with seeing my Rada-kin in the flesh.

‘And I, you,’
she replied.
‘We haven’t been apart this long since I was captured by the Zeikas.’

‘Nor shall we again,’
I hoped.

‘Welcome back, Rekala,’ Sarlice called out.

My Rada-kin and I made our way over to Sarlice’s side. The icetiger chuffed at Sarlice and sniffed her injured shoulder when she crouched down to scratch under Rekala’s chin. Kestric also came to greet my Rada-kin, rubbing the underside of his chin against her furry cheek.

‘The Zeikas won’t be far behind,’ I commented. ‘The way I see it we can either make a stand here or press on.’

‘Now that we have two horses, we should continue our journey,’ Sarlice said. ‘There’s no reason to put the people of Ubu at risk.’

I reached out and touched her injured shoulder. ‘Are you sure you’re ready to go on?’

She flexed her neck and shoulder muscles. ‘I’m still a little stiff, but the best thing to do now is get moving.’

She looked into my eyes. ‘Thank you for everything you did for me. I know it must have been hard to abandon Lira like that.’

I shook my head sharply. ‘We both know she’s a traitor.’

‘Yes… well I’m glad you were willing to face that. I was worried for a while there that she had you under her spell.’

‘She did, and I’m afraid I don’t know why.’

‘She’s a beautiful, intelligent young woman,’ Sarlice said in a matter-of-fact tone. ‘And you are a hearty young man.’

‘I’m a fool,’ I said. ‘I jeopardised our mission and our lives. I brought this injury upon you.’

‘No you didn’t,’ she argued. ‘Kestric and I knew when we joined with you that it would be perilous. The Bal of Reltland himself is after you, for trees’ sake. It’s hope that keeps us going—hope and faith in the Lightmaker. Not one of us is perfect, but he can still work through us. We have only to not give up.’

I turned away, humbled by her grace and conviction. She put her hand on my shoulder and walked beside me back towards the tavern.

‘I’m still concerned about one thing,’ I said. ‘With my knowledge of what happened won’t she try to ensure I am silenced?’

‘But how would she know that you know? You have no memory of being violated. There’s only the vision of the princess from Rekala’s memory and the clues you put together.’

‘The fact that I’m not chasing after them might give her the idea,’ I replied.

‘But she could never be sure, so perhaps she’ll leave you be.’

I held up the letter I had written. ‘Princess Denliyan will know I’m aware of what she did, but don’t worry. I’ll send it by carriage so it takes a few weeks to reach her.’

‘Why send it at all?’

‘Because I need to tell her some things.’

‘For the sake of your pride?’

‘Nay, for the sake of my child.’

Chapter Eighteen—Strength and Weakness

M
alochar sent us off with our bellies and our saddlebags full. It was a bright morning full of promise and a stiff westerly breeze.

Two days after leaving Ubu, Sarlice had recovered much of her former zest. There was still plenty of light in the sky when we decided to stop and make camp. We both dismounted and tethered the horses near the water’s edge. Rekala and Kestric splashed into the river to cool off while I kept watch for enemies.

Later, when it was my turn for a rest, the two cats walked silently through the grass, circling our camp. Sarlice was busy oiling her Zeika saddle and discovering the intricate depths of its flaps and pockets.

Insects hummed consistently in the background, growing louder as twilight peaked. The boldest stars were just daring to poke through the darkening teal-blue sky and two watchful moons hung over us like guardian spirits.

With the stew gurgling away in a pot, I leaned my head back on my pack and closed my eyes.

‘Smells good,’ Sarlice said, startling me.

She smelled pleasant, not only of soap, but of wildflowers and honey. Her red hair sat in damp curls on her shoulders. An embroidered cotton tunic was belted over dark brown breeches. She walked barefoot on the soft riverside grass.

‘I’m a little jumpy,’ I chuckled.

‘Not surprising after everything you’ve been through.’

I felt a slight awakening inside me, the most unusual and curious of feelings. It was like I was no longer focused only on myself, but I was becoming more aware of others—their needs, their emotions and their thoughts. Sarlice’s proximity seemed to heighten it, perhaps because of the care I had given her. Were we becoming close? It made me wonder if my Anzaii abilities were going to be as strong as my mother’s had been.

‘It is possible you will develop empathy and even telepathy with other people,’
Tiaro said, aware of my thoughts.

‘Why would the Lightmaker give me such a talent?’
I asked, continuing to stir the stew.

‘That I don’t know,’
Tiaro replied.
‘Perhaps you are destined to lead others.’

‘Me?’

‘The Lightmaker can and does use anybody,’
she replied.
‘No matter their weakness.’

I looked up from my reverie to see Sarlice sitting with one hand supporting her head, watching me.

‘You miss her don’t you?’ she asked.

‘Who?’

‘You don’t have to hide it, Talon. I know you had something with Lira.’

‘I wasn’t even thinking about her until you mentioned her,’ I retorted, turning my face away.

Perhaps if I’d been more on guard with Lira I wouldn’t have fallen for her
, I thought angrily to myself.

‘If the Zeikas really masterminded the whole thing they must be desperate to get to you,’ Sarlice murmured. ‘What I can’t work out is how Lira came into their plans.’

‘She must have been working with them at the beginning,’ I muttered. ‘In the plains near Tez where Rekala and I were captured. Probably struck a deal with Bal Harar—by influencing her father to strike an alliance with Telby she would receive… what? Assistance securing her throne?’

‘Who knows where the woman’s ambition ends?’ Sarlice commented. ‘With the Reltic and Telbion armies combined she could take over all of Chryne.’

‘Aye, and it will not be long ’til they’ve found more reasons to enslave Kriites,’ I said. ‘It is being done in secret by the Zeikas now, but once they’ve positioned themselves in Telby properly, the noose will be set. They’ll gradually turn the population to their religion. Those that don’t comply will be forced or killed.’

‘What of Flale?’ Sarlice pondered. ‘How does he factor into all this?’

‘He seemed pleased enough with the Reltic alliance,’ I replied. ‘Princess Denliyan surely had a hand in it, but I’m guessing Flale thinks he’s the one in control. Only he doesn’t realise the depth of her deceit. She’ll be queen regnant as soon as she can.’

‘I hope they know what they’ve got themselves into,’ Sarlice said in a foreboding tone.

‘I’m afraid they do,’ I stated. ‘Why else would Lira have felt the need to have an Anzaii child?’

With a look of horror on her face Sarlice waited for me to continue.

‘To protect her from the Zeikas when she is no longer of use to them.’

‘You think she is playing both sides? Using the Zeikas and the Kriites, but loyal to neither? Is it even possible to become an Anzaii growing up in that kind of environment?’

‘I don’t know,’ I replied. ‘There’s so much mystery about the Astor gifts. Are they inherited or does the Lightmaker intervene in every case? Bal Harar obviously believes it’s all to do with the parents. There was a genealogy with the note my father left. The Zeikas have long been paying much closer attention to Kriite bloodlines than we do, and now it appears they have what they want—a child of my mother’s line under their complete control.’

Sarlice shook her head. ‘You don’t know for certain Lira’s pregnant.’

‘If she is I’ll let her think I loathe the child. In my letter I suggested she call it “Rade”. That way she will not expect me to come for him or her.’

Sarlice nodded. It was as if my suggestion of walking into Telby Palace to pluck the heir to the throne from the princess’s bosom was the most natural thing in the world.

We crested a rise and made our way between a maze of tors, rocks and boulders that lined the river. The water thundered louder the further east we went making conversation difficult. If we hadn’t been following it we may never have come across the entrance to the Tanzan Chasm. The chasm itself, however, was unmissable. It stretched far out of view, flanked on either side by bushes, small pockets of forest and more rocks.