Vagrants: Book 2 Circles of Light series Read online

  Emla swallowed some of her broth.

  ‘There are Snow Dragons too, much smaller than the ones we knew of here, and in the cold seasons they spend more time inside the Domain. I think they hunt for the Delvers sometimes, although Mim said Delvers use bows and snares to catch meat.’

  Kera chewed thoughtfully for a while.

  ‘Of course you didn’t bother to keep a journal, or make any notes?’

  Emla choked on her broth.

  ‘We were a trifle occupied Kera, trying to stay alive. Hardly favourable conditions for writing reports for you.’

  Kera grinned at her.

  ‘Only a thought dear one!’

  Emla grunted. Then she said quietly: ‘The two bonded ones are changed Kera. Tika healed her soul bond of a wound such as I would believe mortal. She knew how to use a blade, yet Gan said she was barely adequate with it. And Mim – he is a Dragon Lord.’

  Kera looked blank.

  ‘He is covered with tiny scales.’ Emla nodded at Kera’s gasp. ‘He seems to be able to regulate his body temperature as do the Dragons. He is no longer the shy and simple Nagum boy of a few weeks ago.’

  Kera stood up and paced to the window. She stared out over the courtyards ringing the Asataria buildings and drummed her fingers on the window frame.

  ‘Emla, will you let me speak to Ryla of what you have told me? She herself is too frail to travel far but she would be a strong advocate here for making the People wake up to reality. Are you staying at your House for now, or returning to the north?’

  ‘The Wise One of the Delvers said my place is here, especially now.’ Emla admitted. ‘I would prefer to go north and observe Dessi and Mim as they take control of that Realm. Why?’

  ‘Come with me, and we will speak to Ryla – you don’t know her that well, do you?’

  ‘I never took the courses she taught, no.’

  ‘If you find her congenial, why do you not work with her and whoever else you can persuade to force some action from the sleepwalkers here? I would dearly love to travel north myself.’

  ‘Huh! I thought you had some such plan worked out!’ Emla shrugged. ‘It seems I must not go, so I would rather you were one of any who do go north.’

  Kera snatched her cloak from the hook, whirling it around her shoulders.

  ‘Let’s go and talk with old Ryla then!’

  Chapter Two

  After Rhaki’s first day of cutting blocks of stone, he organised a team of labourers to hoist them onto wagons and transport them to the site of his projected tower. He had been prostrated by the effort required to cut the first blocks and used the excuse of moving them to give himself a day to recover. When he saw the difficulties the labourers had lifting the stone into the wagon beds, he arranged that four wagons be left empty at the quarry. When he cut the next blocks, he floated them directly into the wagons ready for their transport the following morning. He found himself growing more used to drawing such amounts of power. Although the effort still made him swoon, he regained awareness sooner each time.

  Lord Hargon’s scouts had reported on seeing Rhaki’s collapse in the quarry the first time he cut stone. But Hargon’s delight at that information soon vanished, as it became apparent that Rhaki’s strength was increasing.

  ‘But there is still a time immediately afterwards, when he is unaware, Sir,’ Navan pointed out. ‘He could be killed then.’

  ‘Have any approached him when he is unconscious?’ Hargon asked. ‘You know he can put invisible walls round himself. You remember that time when he had my men try to attack him as a jest, and none could touch him? I would not be surprised if he could arrange protection like that when he collapses.’

  ‘Would that not also need strength Sir?’ Navan stroked a finger along the edge of Hargon’s worktable. ‘I thought perhaps one of the men could dress as a labourer or a farm hand, and see if he can touch Lord Rhaki when he falls to the ground? If Rhaki woke, my man could say he was but concerned that the Lord was hurt or taken sick?’

  Hargon’s chair scraped the stone floor as he stood. He leant at the side of the window, rubbing his forehead.

  ‘When first this Lord appeared here, I thought to use him for my own purposes. All the lands far west, even to the Salt Sea, all of Sapphrea in fact, I thought with his aid could become one realm under my dominion. Now I admit to you Navan, I fear him. He seemed pleasant enough but I think there is madness in him now. And to trust a madman would be very stupid, not to say dangerous.’

  A rap at the door interrupted their conversation.

  ‘Come,’ Hargon called.

  An armsman entered, closing the door behind him.

  ‘Sirs, a peddler from the north has arrived. The gate sentries brought him here. You ordered any from the north to be questioned Sir.’

  Navan rose as Hargon moved back behind his table. ‘Bring him here.’

  ‘Yes Sir.’

  The armsman opened the door wide and a man was pushed into the room. He was a thin, balding man in a patched cloak and his eyes darted fearfully from the armsmen to the Lord of Return.

  Hargon waved his hand at his men. ‘Bring some ale for this traveller.’ He inclined his head. ‘I am Hargon, Lord of Return. I think perhaps my men were over zealous in their treatment of you, for which I apologise. Please,’ he indicated a chair. ‘Do be seated. I am greatly interested to hear of any news of the northern lands. You heard of those monstrous beasts that plagued us here recently maybe? That is why I wish to speak with any travellers from the north.’

  Hargon paused as a servant brought in a large pitcher and three earthenware mugs. He poured ale into all three mugs and set one before the peddler and looked at him expectantly.

  ‘My name is Kasito, Sir Lord. I have been to this town only once before. Long ago, with my uncle who was a trader. I have no family now so I wander where I choose. I was in Gaharn City a Cycle ago and I have been journeying around the Middle Plains, buying and selling as I go.’ He took a sip of the ale, then a longer pull. ‘Good ale, Sir Lord. The monsters you spoke of,’ he shuddered. ‘I saw some at Larna – in the Middle Plains close by the Spine Mountains. They killed many of the people and carried off several children.’ He drained his mug of ale. ‘They eat whatever they kill you know. Only two of the monsters were killed by the townspeople – I have no idea how many of the things are roaming those lands Sir Lord. I am sorry to be of little help.’

  Hargon poured Kasito more ale.

  ‘And other news? Of Gaharn, or the northernmost realms?’ he asked casually.

  Kasito frowned. ‘I met a couple of traders I know. They said there was trouble there. The Grey Guardian had fled his stronghold they’d heard. Dragons and the Golden Lady’s Guards and a strange race who live inside the High Land Mountains chased him out.’ Kasito shrugged. ‘I know not what truth there be in such tales Sir Lord. The traders told me as they’d heard it from merchants nearer to Gaharn, but I would not swear to any of that, Sir Lord.’

  ‘I appreciate your news nonetheless Kasito and trust you may prosper in my town should you decide to stay.’ Hargon slid three gold pieces across the table towards the peddler.

  Kasito gaped in amazement at the gold then raised his eyes to Hargon. ‘I thank you Sir Lord, thank you. And should I hear any other news, I will bring it to you at once if you so wish?’

  ‘I do indeed so wish Kasito. Here.’ He gave the man a round wooden token. ‘If

  you show this to the gatemen, or any of my armsmen, you will be brought to me at once or offered protection in my name. You will find me always appreciative of true news.’

  Kasito was still bowing as the door closed after him.

  ‘So he has been displaced as Guardian.’ Navan spoke quietly.

  Hargon sighed. ‘He intends to make a stronghold here, Navan. And I was fool enough to believe that I could make use of him. Clearly, he plans to make use of us.’ He laughed harshly. ‘I will at least alert the other Lords of Sapphrea. Ready messengers Navan, and have Frink
el come to write the letters that must be sent.’

  Rhaki was sitting on a stone block waiting for the wagons to haul his previous day’s work from the quarry. He estimated another ten days worth of cutting. With his necessary days of rest between the cutting, that meant twenty days until he had the blocks assembled for the lower two storeys of his tower. He watched as a group of labourers hammered broken rocks into the circular footings in readiness for the great blocks.

  Rhaki studied the stones already hauled from the quarry. He was most impressed with the exactitude with which he had cut them and he had worked out the simplest method of cutting a narrow stairway in certain blocks. He had also sent his power down beneath the foundations and knew where the necessary weak place was. He foresaw little difficulty in cutting the short distance downwards, then horizontally, allowing him to access the cave with the spring and thence the mosaic circle beyond.

  The tower was his priority but he planned an adjoining structure, where servants would live and visitors be received. There was water beneath the tower, from that hidden spring, and it would be simple to reach it. He intended his tower to be impregnable and he was satisfied that it would be so.

  The rumbling of iron bound wheels warned of the arrival of a wagon and Rhaki rose to make sure the stones were unloaded where he needed them. He hoped he would be able to raise the stones to their positions during but one night. A surprise for Hargon to wonder at. As Rhaki had thought, Hargon was proving an easygoing simpleton, awe-struck no doubt at the evidence of Rhaki’s powers.

  The dust drifted around him as the huge blocks were eased to the ground, guided by sweating workmen. Rhaki smiled. Here he would most assuredly come into his own and none could gainsay him. He brushed the dust off his sleeves and sat down again to await the next wagon. He frowned as a tatty feathered black Merig landed on one of the blocks and croaked hoarsely. Rhaki picked up a chunk of rock and threw it at the ugly thing. The Merig screeched as the rock passed its head, liberally bedaubed the block with a large grey dropping and flapped heavily away.

  The snow and wind both having ceased for once, Kija led Farn outside with Brin. The golden Dragon lifted from the snow packed ledge before the gate and drifted out over the chasm. Farn did his regular exercises then took a deep breath.

  ‘Watch, my Tika,’ he called.

  Tika stood by the ruined gate, unaware she was clutching Lorak’s hand. Then the silvery blue Dragon was lifting slowly towards his mother, crimson Brin rising immediately beneath him. After a preliminary wobble, Farn’s flight steadied and he spiralled higher. Tika was reminded of his first attempts to fly under Krea’s instruction, and she held her breath as he circled again.

  It felt like hours but was only a few minutes before Brin was settling again, his eyes following Farn’s landing. Farn stumbled as he touched the ledge but he caught himself and his sapphire eyes whirred wildly at Tika.

  ‘See how much fitter I am!’ he crowed. ‘Of course, I knew it wouldn’t take long for me to recover!’

  He blinked as Kija landed and glared at him.

  ‘Recovered!’ she snorted. ‘It will take much more practise before you are recovered.’ The glare softened. ‘You did well my son, but do not pretend it was more than your first attempt.’

  Tika hugged Farn’s shoulders as Brin and Kija rose into the cold air again to hunt.

  ‘Not bad Farn,’ old Lorak remarked. ‘But you still need my potions.’

  Farn groaned. ‘I liked the first potions you gave us all, but what you have been making me drink lately is truly awful.’

  Lorak’s sharp eyes noted that Farn was trembling after his flight.

  ‘Well,’ he said. ‘Perhaps a drop of my beverage to celebrate this time, but you won’t escape the potions yet!’

  ‘You did wonderfully,’ Tika whispered as they went slowly into the hall.

  Mim touched her arm as they passed, sympathetic understanding pulsing from him.

  ‘Well done, young one.’ Fenj rumbled as Farn slumped rather than reclined beside him. ‘I think Lorak’s salve should be used on your neck you know. There are no scales to protect your hide there now, and it must be kept supple.’

  Lorak emerged from his workroom, a leather bottle in one hand and a small stoppered pot in the other.

  ‘Splendid creature,’ Fenj murmured.

  Sket and Gan joined them, Sket grinning and Gan’s expression neutral. Farn’s eyelids were drooping and Tika slid away from him, leaving him to sleep against Fenj. Lorak nodded and Tika smiled, knowing Farn was well watched over.

  ‘We watched from back there,’ Sket said as the three walked deeper into the hall.

  Tika dropped onto a bench at the long table with a sigh. ‘I feel as tired as if I were the one trying to fly,’ she said.

  Gan sat opposite her as Sket went to collect a forgotten dish of dried fruits from the far end of the table.

  ‘How long before Farn is able to travel, do you think?’ Gan asked.

  Tika took a piece of the fruit. ‘I would prefer us to stay here a Season, but Nolli says we should stay twenty five more days at the very most.’ She chewed thoughtfully on the fruit. ‘I hope he will strengthen as we go, rather than weaken. Kija says we will do the journey to Gaharn in short hops. I think he will find flying easier than walking through the Domain of Asat again, but I hope the weather is not as bad as Mim described it before.’

  ‘There are many entrances the Snow Dragons use, aren’t there?’ Sket asked.

  Tika nodded. ‘At least we will be sheltered whenever we stop, but you see how exhausted he is after this first attempt.’

  Gan and Sket followed her gaze to the silver blue Dragon lying against Fenj’s side.

  ‘But that was the first attempt Tika.’ Gan said gently. ‘Kija said she will make him try again before dark today, and she will not allow him to come to harm.’

  Gan was correct. Kija and Brin again accompanied Farn outside and guarded his flight for a few brief minutes. As before, he was trembling with fatigue when he re- entered the hall and he settled to sleep almost at once.

  Nolli’s chair had been drawn out to the huge hearth in the hall. It had been unused in Rhaki’s time as Guardian – what need to make the hall welcoming when he discouraged any guests to welcome? Fenj had moved nearer and lay with Lorak propped at his side. Ashta and Mim, Jeela and Dessi, all reclined close to Kija, who kept an eye on her sleeping son.

  Nolli had been telling old tales of the times when Delvers lived Outside. Then Mim had told of life in a Nagum village. A life spent tending growing things, deep in hidden woodlands beyond the Sun Mountains across the Middle Plain.

  Tika sat cross-legged on a pillow near the fire with Gan and Motass each side of her. She asked idly, half entranced by the flames of the blazing fire: ‘Are there any more Dragons, Fenj? I saw the Water Dragons, and we met the Snow Dragons.’ She smiled at Meppi couched by Nolli’s chair. ‘Are there more of the Dragon Kin for us to meet?’

  Fenj rumbled and his eyes whirred the shadows-on-snow colour. Tika looked at him in some surprise. It had truly been only an idle question and yet Fenj seemed unsettled by it. Finally the massive black Dragon answered.

  ‘There is one other kind of Dragon, but I doubt you, or any of us, will meet such a one.’

  Brin’s eyes began to glitter with excitement. ‘You can’t be sure Father. We might.’

  Fenj rumbled again and shivered his wings.

  ‘Tell us then, Fenj,’ Nolli said softly. ‘For I know of no others.’

  ‘Once or twice in many thousands of Dragon broods, is born a hatchling who is – different. They are neither male nor female, and yet both. Always they are brilliantly silver scaled, beautiful beyond words.

  ‘For the first full Cycle after their hatching, they learn, as do all Dragon children. Gradually then, they remove themselves more and more from their family, until the time of the second Gather after their hatching. At the closing of that Gather, the silver one will overfly all the Gathered Treasu
ry, flying higher, ever higher, until they turn to the rising sun and will be seen no more.’

  All those listening to Fenj’s deep smooth voice in their minds sat still as stones.

  All could see Fenj’s picture of an unbelievably sinuous and graceful silver Dragon effortlessly climbing into a clear blue sky. Dessi sighed, leaning forward and hugging her knees.

  ‘And how long since you saw that silver one?’ she asked.

  ‘One such was hatched when Brin was only very young,’ Fenj replied. ‘Although both male and female, this one seemed more female in her ways. She was the only one I have seen.’

  Brin and Kija murmured their agreement, their listeners aware of their sense of wonder, even after so many Cycles, at such a strange and beautiful creature.

  ‘She named herself Gremara,’ Fenj whispered. ‘They all have names used by no other of the Kin. Her name was Gremara,’ he repeated.

  ‘What happens to them?’ Mim asked aloud in his fluting voice. Fenj stared at him for long enough that the others also looked at Mim. Tears sparkled in his turquoise eyes and shone on his scaled cheeks. ‘What happens to them?’ he asked again.

  ‘We do not know. They fly out towards the Wilderness, but as Nolli says, her people have no knowledge, or even stories, of these Dragons, I can only think they fly on yet further. If they survive.’ His wings quivered again. ‘The Kin remember the Wilderness as a pleasant land until a day of fire and thunder. Many died and the rest of the Kin who lived there fled, never to return because the land was bare. Nothing lived or grew there. We do not know how far the Wilderness extends but that is the direction in which the silver ones always fly.’

  Mim rose to his feet and left the group, wandering to the gateway where he stood, head tilted, looking up at the brilliant icy stars in the dark sky. No one spoke. All were thinking of this strange Dragon Fenj had told them of, and why such a creature would be brought into being.

  Lanni crept away from her place at Nolli’s feet and went to the kitchens. The silence in the hall continued, broken only by the rustle of the fire. Mim came back to the group round the hearth, his new scales reflecting the firelight on his face and arms.