“So you deceived Magnar,” Orion said. “You played the rebel’s role instead of obeying your king.”
Arxad swung his head and cast an angry stare at Orion. “To keep him out of your world, Governor. If you are displeased with my efforts to keep your world safe, then continue to question my actions. You might learn more about me than you really want to know.”
Orion turned his head, his face flushed. “Very well. I grant your point.”
Randall let his shoulders sag. “Well, at least we can open the portal. That’s a relief.”
“It is a relief regarding that problem,” Arxad said, “but I am quite concerned about Cassabrie’s activities. She is unpredictable. I provided her transport to the Southlands, but she did not have the crystal. In the spirit state, humans cannot handle objects for more than a few seconds.”
“What could she use the crystal for if she had it?” Jason asked. “To open the portal at the mine?”
“Not likely. There is another lock the crystal can open, and if she knows about it, I am sure she will use it. Yet her movements puzzle me. Why would she obtain the crystal and then leave the Northlands without it? She would need a physical transport to get it to the Southlands.”
Jason spread out his arms. “There’s no one else here who can help her. We don’t even know where it is.”
“We have to assume that she believes she has a way. Otherwise, she would not have asked Randall for it.”
“Arxad,” Fellina said. “She is very aggressive and bold. Her courage knows no bounds. She will try to use the crystal on that lock.”
Arxad brought his head close to Fellina’s and looked at her eye to eye. “If she succeeds, everything will change.”
“For the better,” Fellina said, “or for the worse?”
“That depends on Cassabrie.”
Fellina nodded. “And Taushin.”
“True. If Taushin finds her, all could be lost.”
“It is all well and good,” Orion said, “for you good dragons to conduct a discussion in a covert manner. This is your world. But it seems to me that we humans have a large stake in these matters. Perhaps you would like to share your insights with us.”
Arxad gave him another fiery stare. “No, I would not. As you indicated, this is our world. You are on Starlight, not Darksphere, and you will have to be satisfied with not being in control.”
“Is that so?” Orion straightened his tunic. “We shall see about that, won’t we?”
Arxad growled, sounding like an angry mountain bear. “If you think your army will be able to conquer Starlight, then you will be deeply disappointed if you try. They are coming to dispose of Taushin, and that is all. You have no idea what kind of power I can unleash on humans, so I advise you to erase all thoughts of taking control of this land. At this time, for the sake of your people, I suggest that you listen and obey.”
Orion took a step back, but a cocksure expression remained on his face. “I surrender, Arxad. I await your orders.”
Arxad shifted his head and scanned one end of the semicircle to the other. “Jason and Randall will ride on me to my village. Fellina will carry Elyssa. Edison and Orion will set up a shelter near the portal and await their army. I will give those two the crystal, take them to the portal, and then return for Jason and Randall. Deference, you will also ride with Fellina. If the worst happens, we will need your medical expertise. Everyone must be aware that there exists a high risk that everyone who travels to the Southlands could die. Do you all understand?”
Each traveler nodded. “I’m ready,” Randall said. “I thought I was going to die several times on my way here. I’m already living on borrowed time.”
Jason clasped Randall’s shoulder. “We all decided before coming here that we would risk death, Arxad, but we appreciate the warning.”
Petra clapped her hands, then spelled out me with her fingers.
As Arxad looked at Petra, a sympathetic smile crossed his face. “I am sure there is an interesting story that explains your presence here, but no one has taken the time to deliver it to me.”
She again began to form words, but Arxad covered her hands with his wing. “Tell me later. For now, I want you to stay here. Resolute will see to your comfort.”
Petra frowned and let her shoulders slump. She spelled out words so fast, Jason couldn’t keep up.
“What did she say?” he asked Elyssa in a whisper.
“Something like, ‘People with tongues often speak about courage and then won’t let others live it.’”
“I feel bad for her,” Jason said. “She seems like a brave girl.”
“Yes, but she’s better off here. Maybe she can help prepare supplies for your father.”
Jason lifted his brow. “Would you be satisfied with that job?”
“No, but there isn’t much we can do about it.”
“I will gather sufficient weaponry for you,” Arxad said. “Then when everyone has put on warm clothing, we will leave.”
Petra signed, “I will get cloaks.” Pumping her arms, she ran into the corridor leading to the healing chamber, angling toward the right. After about fifty paces, she grasped imperceptible handholds on the wall, scrambled up, and disappeared through a hole in the ceiling.
“Arxad,” Fellina said, “Petra is small. I think I can carry her.”
“You are already exhausted. We cannot risk any extra weight.”
“But you are not tired; maybe you could take three.”
“Simply flying with her is not the issue. It was easy to get past the barrier wall guardians without passengers, but it will not be so easy when we go south. If we have to employ avoidance tactics, any rider will be in danger. I will not risk Petra’s life just to satisfy her desire to contribute.”
Uriel cleared his throat. “Not that I have any death wish, but I also have a desire to contribute, and you did not mention a role for me.”
“If Taushin uses that spear,” Arxad said, “I will need you to work on a solution to the problem he will create. I have stored some research books deep under this castle, and I need you to study them right away. It will not take long for me to return with the most important volumes.”
Uriel gave him a firm nod. “I look forward to the challenge.”
“And what of Cassabrie?” Fellina asked.
“When we arrive at the village,” Arxad said, “you should drop off Elyssa and Deference and check to see if Cassabrie is trying to do what we suspect. If so, you can ask her about her plans and motivations.”
Fellina bobbed her head. “I understand.”
As Arxad took wing and headed toward the stairway to the star chamber, Jason drew close to Elyssa and whispered, “What’s all this talk about Cassabrie?”
“I was hoping you knew. The dragons are being very secretive.”
“That’s what worries me. Arxad says we’re all going to face death, and he won’t let us in on some of the risks. That’s not exactly comforting.”
Elyssa turned to him, linked her ring finger with his, and looked him in the eye. “Will you make a covenant with me?”
“A covenant?” He glanced at their fingers. Strange. She had switched from the usual index finger link. “What kind of covenant?”
“If I die …” Her whispered voice began to crack. “If I die, don’t leave me here on Starlight. Take my body home to my mother.”
“Elyssa, I’m not going to let you d—”
“Promise me.” Her lips quivered as she spoke. “Just promise.”
Jason gazed into her tear-filled eyes. She was so sincere, so passionate. Of course he wouldn’t leave her behind. “Okay, I promise, but —”
“No buts, Jason.” Her voice steadied. “Let’s be realistic. Death is a real possibility. We can’t keep facing it and cheating it forever. Between you and me and Randall and Tibalt and Uriel, the odds are one of us isn’t going to make it.”
Jason nodded. “And my father.”
“Right. So let’s all promise each othe
r that no one will be left behind. We’ll do everything we can to take anyone’s body home.”
Jason gave their finger clasp a brief squeeze. “I’ll spread the word.”
“And one more thing.” She leaned so close, her breath warmed his cheek. “And this one is just between you and me.”
“Okay.” As her eyes locked on his, he swallowed. “I’m ready.”
“If I die, and you get married, will you wear my pendant at your wedding?”
He glanced down. The pendant dangled at her chest, the side with the clasped hands visible. “Uh … I suppose I could do that. Why?”
“Because when I was six years old, I vowed to be with you on your wedding day. If I can’t walk down the aisle with you, I want to adorn you with love in the only way I’ll have left.” She lifted their link, kissed his finger, and walked away, her hands covering her face.
Jason took a step toward her, but a firm grip held him back. “Let her weep alone, son. There is nothing you can say.”
Jason turned toward his father. “You heard what she said?”
“Every word. And she saw me listening. A covenant needs a witness, you know.”
Jason looked at Elyssa again. She stood at the castle’s entryway and stared out at the snowy landscape. “I didn’t know she felt that way. I mean, we’re good friends, but …” He couldn’t find the words to continue.
“There’s something about facing death that brings feelings to the surface. As a soldier getting ready to march into a dangerous battle, I have heard many men confessing their sins and making solemn oaths.”
“You’ve told me that before. They make their vows because of fear, and if they survive, they don’t live up to their promises.”
“With rare exceptions.” His father nodded toward Elyssa. “I’m pretty sure she is a rare exception. Her mother once told me Elyssa has been writing letters to you. She hoped to give them to you on your wedding night.”
Dryness parched Jason’s tongue. Elyssa was skipping steps even way back then, planning to marry someone who didn’t have any idea he was supposed to be involved. “I never knew. Why didn’t she —”
“Because it wasn’t the time, and because she wants you to take the first step when you both are of age.”
Tears welling in his eyes, Jason nodded. Elyssa’s signature statement rang in his mind. Lead the way, warrior. Now it made more sense than ever.
His father tightened his hold on Jason’s shoulder. “For now, I advise you not to say anything else about it. I think she didn’t want to go to the grave without ever giving you a hint about the way she feels, but it would only further embarrass her if you bring it up again now. If you are of the same mind, you would have to wait a few years anyway. Just be the gallant warrior the Creator has called you to be, and all will be well.”
“I understand.” Jason looked at the finger she had kissed, the finger that might one day wear a ring, which would signify another covenant, the ultimate covenant between two people. Would he make that covenant with Elyssa? Maybe. But for now he would honor the one he had just made, and he would do everything in his power to make sure it was unnecessary. If someone had to die to rescue the slaves, it would be Jason Masters.
fifteen
Xenith flew into the castle’s entryway and landed on the wooden floor, scratching the surface as she ran to a stop. Not daring to take a breath, she looked around the spacious chamber. Father had mentioned this place, but only in the vaguest terms. He usually finished with “You would have to see it to understand.” He was right. From the murals to the marble columns to the reflective floor in the corridor, the castle of the white dragon was magnificent.
“You seem frightened,” Cassabrie said from her back. “Awestruck.” As Xenith took in the splendor, a breathy sound reached her ears, gentle sighs blended with quiet weeping. “Do you hear that?”
“I do.” Cassabrie appeared in front of her as she pointed toward a dark corner of the room where a girl sat in a chair with her back to them. “Come. She is the one we’re looking for. Starlight has told me her tale.”
As Cassabrie hurried toward the girl, Xenith beat her wings to keep from shuffling across the wood. The quieter the better. Although the entry was wide open, the great white dragon might be angry at an unannounced visit.
Cassabrie glided to the other side of the chair and knelt in front of the girl. “Hello, Petra.”
Xenith extended her neck, curling it so she could see Petra’s face. Dressed in a heavy cloak open at the collar and thick trousers, she sat with slumped shoulders. Tear tracks stained her cheeks, and her eyes glistened.
“Why are you so sad?” Cassabrie asked.
Petra signed with her fingers, a language Xenith knew well from several months of having the kind girl in her parents’ service. “They left me behind,” her fingers said. “They think I can’t do anything, just because I can’t speak. But I can help.”
Xenith opened her mouth to translate, but Cassabrie replied too quickly.
“Of course you can help. That’s why I came here. I will take you to the Southlands, where you can help me do something so important it might very well save all of Starlight.”
Petra’s fingers spelled out her words more slowly this time. “Why would an angel want to use someone like me? Aren’t you powerful enough to do it yourself?”
Smiling, Cassabrie glanced at Xenith as she replied. “As many times as I have visited you at night and told you otherwise, are you still convinced that I am an angel?”
Petra nodded. “I think I have figured it out,” her fingers said. “I saw other angels here, so I think I died, and now I’m in heaven. I was just a ghost, and they put me back in my body. I don’t understand that part, but I do understand that Arxad and the others left me, because they are waiting for the white dragon to tell me that I’m dead and can’t leave heaven.”
Cassabrie caressed Petra’s arm. “If I take you to the Southlands, will you be convinced that you’re not dead?”
Nodding again, Petra spelled out, “But not that you’re not an angel.”
“I was once called to be an angel. We’ll see if I’ll have another chance.” Cassabrie laid a hand on Petra’s chest. “To make things easier for both of us, I am going to enter your body. You will carry me with you, and I will be able to speak to you without anyone else hearing me, and you can answer with your hands. That will allow us to be silent as we converse. Do you understand?”
Petra nodded once more.
“Then will you grant me permission to enter? The process will be uncomfortable at first, but the feeling won’t last long.”
Petra spelled out, “Go ahead. I will always trust you.”
Cassabrie glanced at Xenith again, the green in her ghostly eyes dimming. “I will do anything to keep that trust.” Her glowing hand shifted to Petra’s collar. Then, her body stretched out and poured in underneath Petra’s tunic.
Petra stiffened. Her eyes grew wide. Her body trembled, as if assaulted by a bitter wind.
“Are you all right?” Xenith asked.
Shaking her head, Petra stood and pulled her cloak close to her body as she moaned softly.
“Maybe I can help.” Xenith exhaled through mouth and nostrils. Spreading out her arms, Petra closed her eyes and let the warm air flow over her body. Her shivering eased. Then, her eyes opened wide again, and she stepped out of Xenith’s jets. Sweat beaded on her forehead. She opened her cloak and flapped the material, drawing in cooler air. Finally, after nearly a minute, she settled and relaxed.
“Is she inside you?” Xenith asked.
Petra nodded and spelled out, “Now Cassabrie wants me to get the crystal and something else, some kind of box. She hid the crystal near the portal.” She scurried to a dim corner of the room and picked up a black box, small enough to carry in her palm. “And here is the box.”
Xenith stared. How could one human dwell inside another human? “Is Cassabrie speaking to your mind?”
Nodding again, Petr
a tucked the box under her arm and spoke with her fingers more quickly than ever. “She said we should hurry. The men you saw at the portal won’t stay asleep for long.”
“Then let us go.” Xenith lowered herself to her belly. “Climb up and hold on tightly. I hope I can give you a smooth ride, but if the wall guardians try to stop me, hang on for dear life.”
Koren guided Exodus southward past the barrier wall, her focus set on the Zodiac’s twelve spires. They shone like gold against the purple backdrop, a sure sign that dawn approached. Trisarian hung low in the western sky, its lower arc brushing the treetops in the distance.
It had been a long, lonely night floating above the flower-speckled meadow, and the moons had been her only company. When Trisarian appeared at midnight on the eastern horizon, the great moon began its long journey across the entire sky, chasing the three lesser moons that sank out of sight soon after Trisarian rose. Dozens of shooting stars painted the heavenly canvas with white and yellow arcs, while nettle birds flew here and there, glowing green until the energy they had absorbed during their daytime slumber wore off. A vog had prowled the river’s edge for hours, splashing in the water with its huge hairy paws as it tried to catch a fish it could crush with its powerful jaws and sharp teeth, unaware that a Starlighter watched its movements from a safe height, for even a vog’s keen night vision could not detect a dark sphere hovering silently above.
Koren drove Exodus forward, wide awake in spite of not sleeping at all. At first, she had thought that her own light had kept her awake, but as she stayed quiet, Exodus dimmed, finally blinking out, taking away all light and heat. Still, although she stayed warm in her cloak, sleep never came.
Keeping the sphere dark with her silence, she floated over the spires and descended toward the Zodiac’s portico. Trisarian’s waning light revealed a woman wearing a skirt stealing across the cobblestones toward the Zodiac, a shawl covering her shoulders and head.
Koren lowered the star to within twenty feet of the road. Madam Orley? Yes! It was Madam Orley!
Madam stopped at one of the portico’s columns and peered around it, as if hiding in wait. With one firm hand clutching a book, she didn’t appear to be frightened, though the wrinkles in her brow revealed a good deal of worry.