The List Unseen, page 19
part #4 of Second Draeken War Series
"You okay?" he asked.
"I . . . I think so."
Helped back to her feet she took a cautious breath from the sulfuric air and blinked back into her sight. Scanning the ground, she followed the darker areas that indicated greater density. After a hundred feet she had to pause and rub the grit from her eyes. A few minutes later Mazer offered her a scrap of cloth. Accepting it with a grateful nod, she covered her mouth and pressed on.
Her task was made more difficult due to what lay beneath the surface. Over time the area had become a labyrinth of enormous lava tubes—and some of them were still active. The liquid rock was as bright as the sun in her vision, forcing her to squint to see the darker areas. With some of the tubes hundreds of feet in height, a fall would be fatal.
Step by step she led Mazer across the treacherous ground. In some cases she paused and backtracked. Stone periodically cracked, sending an ominous tremor through her feet. Swallowing against the knot that had risen in her throat, she edged her way past a deceptively unstable spot. With her whole attention focused on the lava tubes and pillars under their feet, she breathed a sigh of relief when she once again stood on reliable ground . . .
Then she saw something move.
She froze, her eyes searching for what had caught her attention. Against the side of one of the active tubes she scanned the molten rock. Just as she caught sight of what had shifted she sensed a second movement to her left. Snapping to look she saw the darkened outline of a great winged shape gliding down one of the tunnels. Then she saw a third . . . and then a fourth.
"What is it?" Mazer asked, unaware of what she had seen.
"Brace yourself," Ianna said, falling into a crouch. He tried to look into the sky but she yanked him to the ground.
The hiss of steam sounded loud in her ears as she waited—and then the world exploded. Geysers of flame and rock erupted on all sides as four enormous shapes burst into view. The phoenix from the lava sent molten stone showering around him as he appeared. The other three shattered the thin ground and alighted a dozen yards from the huddled pair.
With massive wings wreathed in fire the great birds were the size of dragons, and yet were even more fearsome than their infamous cousins. Burnished in gold, red, orange, and yellow, each of them carried a distinct pattern of liquid flames across their bodies. Blistering heat blasted into Ianna and Mazer as the phoenixes landed, sending a hurricane of flames exploding outward.
The very earth trembled at their piercing challenge.
Ear-shattering in its intensity, the scream of rage caused Ianna to huddle next to Mazer. The urge to flee at the war cry was so tangible that Ianna felt her legs involuntarily twitch. It took every ounce of her courage to just raise her gaze to them.
Outsiders! a voice screamed in Ianna's head as ash and small rocks rained down. You will die for entering our lands. Even now we search for your companions. They will share your fate!
Quivering with fear, Ianna rose to her feet. "There are no others," she shouted. "We are alone."
Great claws gouged the stone as the phoenix from the lava shook himself, sending the remaining drops of lava from his back. Then you are fools to hunt us without friends. The voice sounded like a snarl of unbridled fury in Ianna's skull.
"We do not hunt you!" Ianna cried, desperation flooding her voice as the other firebirds inched closer.
Her proclamation seemed to startle the lava bird, who tilted his head to the side. Screeching at the two of them, it looked past and spoke to his companions. Although she caught the gist of their words it was obvious they were not intended to be heard. Mindspeak was not a skill of any race, so she doubted the phoenixes had ever encountered anyone that could "overhear" them without their permission.
"What is happening?" Mazer whispered.
"They are deciding whether they should kill us."
"Oh."
Despite Ianna's terror she couldn't help being awed by the sight of the magical creatures. Easily topping fifty feet, the firebirds resembled a falcon in shape. Unique in their patterns, all four birds had feathers in varying shades of red and orange. Ending in claws the color of fire heated steel, their thick legs allowed for unparalleled agility.
Without warning the birds launched themselves into the air. Before Ianna could move one of them swooped towards her, his claws extended. Snatching them off the ground he carried them skyward. Ianna's stomach dropped as she watched the ground recede but Mazer's response was more aggressive. Struggling against the sharp embrace, he tried to draw his sword until another voice echoed in their minds.
Draw your weapon, human, and I will roast you before you can use it.
Ianna was surprised at the feminine tone to the bird's voice. Were there female firebirds? Impulsively she decided to reveal herself.
I was unaware that there were females of your kind, she mentally spoke to their captor.
The response came swift and harsh. What kind of mage are you, elf, to speak as we do?
I am the Oracle, she replied. All magics are within my ability.
The bird's silence was disconcerting, allowing her the unfortunate chance to realize just how high they had flown. When the reply came it was her turn to be surprised.
Are there not males and females among the other races? Did you think us so different?
The phoenix closed the link then, but the mental voice had been considerably calmer, almost sad. She puzzled on the exchange as they circled above the volcano's mouth. Dropping into a smooth dive, the phoenix carried them into the opening. She glided into the bowl and released them a few feet above the center.
They landed in a heap, and rose to find themselves on stone that had been scratched and marred by countless claws. Rising with their backs to each other, they looked up at the shelves of rock that housed a dozen enormous nests. Warmed by the dormant volcano's interior the atmosphere felt hot, but was devoid of ash or soot. Half a dozen firebirds sat in nests formed of boulders and blackened trees. The one that had carried them soared to her own nest as the other three landed in the bowl.
Alighting in a screeching of rock the lava phoenix spoke into their minds. Does Archeantial speak the truth? Are you indeed the Oracle?
"I am," Ianna said aloud as Mazer jerked at the mental words. "Do you know of me?"
We have heard of you from the minds of those that seek to destroy us, he replied, shaking his wings.
His movement caused fire to engulf his body and Ianna resisted the urge to step back. Instead she focused on the diminished anger in the phoenix's tone. "I come for a different reason," she said. "I come with a warning."
A new voice, gravelly and aloof, entered the conversation, Why did you bring them to the nest, Son of the Ancient? You should have killed them, as is our custom.
The lava bird turned and screamed a warning at a darker one nearby. We have never had one of the lesser races come in such a manner. It would be wise for us to hear their warning.
As you wish, Prince, the darker one rumbled, ruffling his feathers and setting his nest on fire.
The prince turned back to them, his fierce eyes blinking. Speak your warning, Oracle, that I may decide if your life has merit.
Mazer touched her arm and gave it a squeeze. Drawing strength from the contact, Ianna began, "I am the Oracle of Lumineia, Ianna Elsheeria. By right of blood the energies of our world have been revealed to me since birth. With this power I see glimpses of what is to come, and I am here because what I see will end our world."
Raising her voice over the response to her words, she said, "A darkness is coming, one that will consume every living race. Human, dwarf, elf, and all the other races will be swept aside by an army expressly built to do so. Even you, with all your tremendous power, will not survive their advance."
A babble of protesting voices interrupted her, sounding loud in her mind until the prince gave his piercing screech. When the other firebirds quieted, he said, Who is the source of this darkness, elf?
"Draeken, the Lord of Chaos."
The ensuing silence was deafening. Then the Prince ruffled his feathers. The one of which you speak was slain centuries ago.
"He was not. He was merely imprisoned," Ianna said.
Liar . . .
What if she speaks the truth . . .
If she does, our brother's blood demands justice . . .
She is a fool. Just kill her and be done with it . . .
The voices echoed once more as the phoenixes argued, apparently not caring that she or Mazer heard. The Prince, however, shook his wings and stared at them. What is the purpose of your warning, Oracle?
"Divided, the races of the world will be slaughtered, for the enemy is too great for any of them to defeat. A glimmer of hope lies in unity—if the races can be convinced to unite. I believe you will make the difference between entire nations gathering for war, or being defeated in solitude."
The races have proven they cannot be trusted. We will not stand with them. The prince's response came swift and hard, and was echoed by several others. We are bound by oath to guard our nest. If they attack us here, we will defend. We cannot seek them out.
"Even if it means your end?" Mazer asked.
Even then, human, the prince's voice resounded in her mind, Our oath to our nest is the bond of our race. We will not betray it.
The prince turned his head, and the flash of sunlight in his great eye sent a tremor of farsight through Ianna. It was just a glimpse, but the image she saw made all the difference. In perfect clarity she saw a young man standing in the forest. Dressed as a druid, he began the ritual of summoning.
And a phoenix answered.
"What if only one of you was needed," Ianna asked, trusting her instincts.
For a moment no one responded, until finally the prince said, Perhaps one may go, but what do you speak of?
"In seven years time a young druid will issue the call for his joined one. One of you will hear it."
The dark phoenix laughed first, but several others joined in. The rest seemed stunned by her statement.
It is not possible that a druid call would summon one of the eternal flame, the prince said.
"But if it were," Ianna pressed, "it will only occur because of the druid's magic. The one to hear is the creature most akin to the human's personality, will, and strength. If it be one of you," she swept a hand at the firebirds that surrounded her, "will you answer?"
After several minutes of heated argument the prince turned back to them. I cannot promise that the hearer will answer—but I can promise that if one of us is summoned, they will share it with the nest.
His challenging gaze swiveled around the bowl until each of the gathered birds had responded.
As you wish, son of the ancient . . .
We will as ordered . . .
Yes Prince . . .
By our oath . . .
Once they had all answered the prince spread his wings. With fire cascading off his body, he screamed his challenge. I am Reiquen, Son of the Ancient, and I give my oath to Ianna Elsheeria, Oracle of Lumineia, that if the druid's call goes unanswered, I will accept the summoning myself to protect the nest against the darkness. If the races gather for war, a phoenix will be present.
That is my oath.
Chapter 24: A Wolf and a Friend
Mazer's arms tightened around Ianna's waist, and she sensed the element of fear in his movements. She couldn't blame him. Soaring through the clouds astride a phoenix was terrifying, but after Archeantial had offered to return them to more traveled lands they had been forced to accept. Apparently one of the firebirds had eaten their horses.
But she couldn't deny the beauty of the view.
Patches of white clouds glided past them as the great bird banked east, speckling Ianna's cheeks with moisture when they passed through them. Far below, the rolling expanse of hills and forests presented a vista unlike any she'd ever dreamed of. She felt awed by the enormity of the world.
This is as far as we are permitted to travel, the firebird said in her mind, angling her flight towards a range of low mountains.
"You have done more than we could have hoped," Ianna replied. "It would have taken us weeks to return here on foot."
The phoenix issued a mental laugh, and Ianna heard a note of pleasure in the humor. It was subtle, but it offered a glimpse of the joy that Archeantial felt to fly. Mazer's arms tightened again as the great bird dropped from the sky.
Ianna's stomach rose into her chest as the ground approached. Soon individual trees could be discerned and then the shape of a shallow valley came into view. Sweeping around a mountain the phoenix banked through a broad canyon. Shadows reached for them as its walls momentarily blocked the sun. Jagged cliffs rose on either side, its occupants squawking in fear at the massive bird's appearance.
Beneath them, a river twisted its way in the same direction, its waters churning with white froth. The canyon ended at a stunted waterfall and they burst into light above the lake it fed. The phoenix curved to the side and back winged to land. Alighting on a short cliff, she stooped to allow her passengers to dismount.
First to reach the ground, Mazer wobbled as his feet touched the earth. Breathless at the descent Ianna slid off the warm back and landed in a crouch. A spontaneous laugh escaped her lips as she felt a keen sense of regret.
What amuses you? Archeantial asked.
Ianna turned to see the bird's quizzical eyes directed at her. "I anticipated the fear of visiting the heavens," she said, "Yet I regret my return to earth."
Flight is a joy that few walklings have known.
"Perhaps that is best," Ianna said.
Be safe, Oracle of Lumineia, the bird replied with an amused tone. Then she dipped her head and slipped off the cliff. Flapping hard, she rose into the sky. Ianna didn't turn away until she had disappeared from sight.
A smile still on her lips she turned to find Mazer on his back, his arms outstretched. Moving to his side, she crouched and touched his forehead. "It's safe. You are back on firm ground."
Mazer opened his eyes. "Is it too late to mention that heights make me uncomfortable?"
She laughed. "No, I will certainly tell the next phoenix that we cannot accept her aid."
"That would be nice," he said with a grimace. He sat up with a groan. "So where are we?"
"You didn't see where we landed?"
"It's possible that I was not looking," he admitted.
The whiteness to his face dissuaded her from commenting on his discomfort. Sweeping her hand at the stunted peaks that surrounded the valley, she said, "As we descended I think I spotted the Giant's Shelf to the south, so I believe we are in the mountains northwest of Azertorn."
"Is that where we have to go next?"
"We know that seventh on the list refers to a queen," she replied. "Ayame is the only reigning queen in the five kingdoms, so I am confident it means her."
"Have you figured out what to do yet?" he asked, grunting as he rose to his feet.
Accepting his outstretched hand she joined him, taking the opportunity to compose herself. "Not yet," she said, feeling a twinge of guilt. "But we have a few days of travel to get close to the city. Hopefully by then I will know more."
Mazer's expression became thoughtful. "We should gather food on the way then, and perhaps talk about getting into the city. Of all the places I have visited Azertorn is without question the strongest fortress among them—and that includes the dwarven citadels."
He gestured to her, and added, "And as hunted as we are, getting in will be no small feat. You are one of the most recognizable of any race. We won't be able to just walk through the gate."
She frowned at his comments but fell into step beside him. Together they headed for a game trail into the valley. "So how are we going to enter the city?" she asked.
"I'm not sure, but I'm certain it will be unorthodox," he said, and flashed her a grin. "With you it always is."
She laughed, and then spotted a berry bush. "Care for some lunch?" she said, pointing to it.
Pausing to collect the sweet fruit, they ate their fill with the last of the food from their packs. Then they gathered all they could carry. Moving on, they were unable to find more food before nightfall. Curling up for the night beneath the protection of a great oak, they awoke to the first droplets of rain.
Mazer insisted they trade cloaks, arguing that with his heritage the cold affected him less. Reluctantly she agreed, and donned the thicker garment. As she tied it around her neck she was surprised at the combination of smells. Although she'd seen him wash it regularly, the material was permeated with the aroma of weapon oil, smoke, leather, and a dry earth. For some inexplicable reason the weight of the cloak and its scents incited a sense of security. Distracted, she nearly jumped when he nudged her.
"Everything alright?"
She nodded and strode to the trail, unwilling to admit how she felt. She had no doubt he would think it absurd. The clouds became more forbidding as they walked, and within an hour it was pouring. Wet and hungry, they quenched their thirst at a mountain brook but couldn't catch any fish due to the torrent.
The storm abated some as they worked their way through a pass, but returned in force as they reached the neighboring valley. Empowered by the gale darkness came early, but just as night fell they saw a flicker of light through the sluicing rain.
"What do you think?" Mazer asked, tightening her cloak around his shoulders.
"Do we have a choice?" Ianna asked, shivering as the cold sank deeper into her body. "I don't think I have ever been so hungry."
He shook his head with a growl, sending water splattering off his hair. "Let's see if they are friend or foe."
Approaching the light, they could make out the solitary cabin of a woodsman. Built with an eye for defense the small cabin abutted a rocky rise, but looked cozy and inviting with such a large porch. A dozen paces from the front door several huts had been constructed under large trees. Deerskins and the pelts of other animals were visible inside one, and another housed chickens and pigs.
