Blood and Fire (Book 3) Read online

  As she looked around for signs or clues to the Tremen’s whereabouts she noticed Marsila studying her.

  ‘Good girl,’ said the fierce-looking woman and nodded in approval. ‘Such scenes can be shocking, and the sight of blood can be an easy distraction. But as Keepers we must learn not to allow first impressions to cloud our judgement. Tell me, what can you deduce from this scene?’

  Charlie wasn’t sure she was ready for a quiz but, having learned to endure similar teachings from Azariah, she decided to play along.

  ‘That there was a fight … and that for all the blood there are no bodies.’

  ‘Which tells you what?’

  ‘That whoever took part had time to remove their dead and wounded?’

  ‘Good. And what can you tell from the blood? Do you know whose it is?’

  ‘… No?’

  ‘That is correct. You cannot. It is impossible to tell if it belongs to friend or foe, man or beast, so worrying about it or the welfare of your friends is a needless and pointless action,’ said Marsila. ‘It is, in fact, wasted emotion and wasted energy. Let us instead concentrate on the task at hand and save fears for your friends until we are presented with real proof for concern.’

  Marsila waited for a response from Charlie but the girl was busy thinking.

  ‘Do you understand?’ urged Marsila.

  ‘Yes. Yes, I do,’ said Charlie. ‘Stay focused and keep moving. Hard and fast, I’ve got it.’ But understanding the lesson didn’t make it any easier to put aside her worries. Wary of Marsila’s scrutinizing eyes, she hid her true emotions by turning to scour the countryside.

  ‘The Tremen went this way,’ said E’Jaaz, who had wandered ahead to better study the muddied footprints. ‘And it looks like their antagonists went that way.’ He paused to purse his lips in wonder. ‘Seems like they were in a rush too. I don’t get it. From what I can read from the tracks, the Stomen had the upper hand. They were winning, so what do you think got them so riled up? What could have given them cause to leave?’

  ‘I’m not sure but I have a feeling we won’t like the answer. E’Jaaz, take point and lead the way. Charlie and I will watch the rear.’

  E’Jaaz led them at a jog. Following the scuffed marks of the Tremen was not difficult by any means and it didn’t take them long to find where they had gone.

  A ruined temple squeezed between a craggy rock face and a slow-moving stream.

  Serene and seemingly peaceful, it lay in a decrepit state of decay. Trees grew around the building and in places actually sprawled over the roof; thick roots crept down the walls before disappearing into the mossy soil. Ancient carvings of both Winged Ones and Bellanians peeked from beneath a thick coating of ivy and orchids.

  To Charlie’s eyes the building was remarkable, the very embodiment of long-lost and forgotten temples. It was the sort of place one would read about in dusty magazines or find sketched in crumbling history books. But her gaze didn’t linger long as her attention was drawn to the Tremen gathered inside the ruins. There was a flurry of movement as people realized they had visitors.

  ‘Make way! Make way!’ cried a voice.

  A familiar figure pushed his way clear of the throng.

  Charlie’s heart skipped a beat when she found that her worst fears had been ungrounded.

  If his huge smile was anything to go by, Jensen was alive and well.

  ‘Me little Hippotomi! I knew ya’d come!’

  Inner turmoil subsiding, Charlie hastened over to greet her friend. Jensen pulled her into a quick hug, then held her at arm’s length so he could better examine her.

  ‘Ya look tired, lass. Everything OK? How did the battle fare at Sylvaris? Did we beat –’

  ‘Jensen of the Willow,’ said Marsila, interrupting his questions, ‘I know you have much to ask but time is of the essence. More than you could ever believe. We need to know what happened to you and we need to know what you have learned about the lie of the land.’

  ‘But –’ began Charlie, only to be cut off by a look from Marsila. She swallowed her sense of disappointment. ‘All right, hard and fast. I’ve got it.’

  Jensen looked from Charlie to Marsila and back again. Sensing the Keepers’ combined need for urgency, he straightened up and began to recount the story of their ambush.

  10

  A Hasty Reunion

  The three Keepers and Jensen had moved inside the temple.

  While Jensen told his tale, Charlie discreetly took note of her surroundings. Dappled sunlight and a warm breeze floated through the temple. The building was as romantic and beautiful on the inside as it was on the outside. Carvings graced the walls and ancient mosaics added splendour to the floor.

  But all was not pretty and peaceful.

  Groans of pain and whispers of dismay filled the air.

  Walking wounded held bandaged arms or hobbled around on makeshift crutches. The seriously hurt lay on the floor awaiting treatment from the two Treman healers and Crumble Shard, whose stonesinging abilities allowed him to mend broken bones.

  Charlie paused in her scrutiny of the temple to momentarily study her friend. Although Crumble was far slimmer than an adult Stoman he nonetheless towered over the Tremen and the thick, gnarled skin that ran down his muscular back was in sharp contrast to the green skin of his smaller compatriots. The soft sound of his chanted Stonesong was welcome in this unhappy moment and had a calming quality that settled the nerves of the more traumatized Tremen.

  Continuing her inspection, she noticed that the dead had been placed with as much respect and reverence as possible in a line along the length of a wall. Their still bodies were shrouded with blankets. Charlie did her best not to count the fallen but a small voice in her head couldn’t help but tally the cost.

  Seventeen.

  A raised voice snapped her attention back to the present.

  ‘He did what?’ Marsila nearly choked.

  Jensen repeated the story. ‘He waved the pendant over his head and flew off. The Stomen charged after him and ever since he’s been leading them away from us. One of the sentries reported seeing flashes of lightning half an hour ago so we know he’s still going strong.’

  Marsila clapped her hand to her forehead and moaned.

  ‘What is it?’ asked Charlie.

  ‘How could he have been so stupid?’ said Marsila. ‘Does he know what he’s done?’

  ‘Yeah,’ said Jensen, quick to defend the young Winged One. ‘He stopped the Stomen from slaughtering us is wot he did.’

  ‘What’s the problem?’ asked Charlie, confused as to why Marsila appeared upset.

  ‘Is it not obvious? No? Then let me spell it out for you. Revealing the pendant might have brought short-term gains but it has muddied the waters and decreased our chances of success. When Bane hears of the pendant’s appearance this close to the Winged Mount he will send all the forces that he can spare to crush us! You know our task was difficult to begin with, so imagine how much harder it will be when the countryside is boiling with Stomen and Stonesingers. Our element of surprise is well and truly over.’

  An uncomfortable silence settled across the group.

  E’Jaaz was the first to break it by clapping a companionable hand upon Jensen’s shoulder. ‘Not everything is bleak. Sylvaris still stands. Come, let us gather your people and prepare for your return.’ Leading the Treman aside, he added, ‘You should know that Lady Dridif has made Kelko a general and she wishes you to become chancellor.’

  Crumble arrived, blocking Charlie’s view with his lanky frame and preventing her from hearing Jensen’s reaction to that particular titbit of news.

  ‘Charlie, I know we’re in a rush but please come with me. I’ve got something to show you.’

  Distracted, Charlie allowed herself to be led past the crowd of Tremen to the far side of the temple. There she found a beautiful image of a Winged One crafted with such skill that it looked like it might come to life and fly off. One of its forelegs was held upright with talons splay
ed as though waiting to receive something.

  ‘Why did you want to show me this?’ asked Charlie.

  ‘Here,’ said Crumble. Leaning closer, he pointed at a small hole lying above the Winged One’s outstretched palm. ‘Look at this – it’s a socket. I’m not sure but I think your pendant would fit perfectly.’

  ‘Like a keyhole,’ muttered Charlie thoughtfully. She stuck her finger into the pendant-shaped depression. ‘Do you think this could be the hidden Gateway to the Winged Realm? Could we really be that lucky?’

  ‘I’m not sure.’ Crumble shrugged. ‘I just thought I should point this out. Although it would be nice if something turned out to be easy for a change.’

  They shared a grin at the thought.

  ‘Charlie!’ called Marsila, shattering their moment. ‘We’re ready!’

  ‘What? But I thought –’ stammered Charlie. ‘I haven’t had a chance to talk to –’

  E’Jaaz appeared by her side. ‘I’m sorry, Charlie – you too, Crumble – but we cannot afford the time. We must form a Triad and send these Tremen home.’

  His hands rippled with unfocused Will.

  As Marsila took up a stance next to him her hands too blossomed with golden light.

  Both Keepers had expectant looks on their faces.

  Charlie stared at Jensen and Crumble in shock. She hadn’t had a chance to even greet them properly, let alone ask how they had fared since she’d seen them last. She had so many questions to ask. She had to –

  ‘Charlie, we must form a Triad.’ Marsila’s insistent words sheared through her thoughts. ‘We must do it now before –’

  ‘Shades!’ yelled a Treman. Pushing his way into the temple, he staggered up to the Keepers. ‘They’ve returned!’

  A muttering of fear arose. The gathered Tremen were in no shape for another confrontation.

  ‘Charlie,’ said E’Jaaz, ‘we can afford no more losses. Forget your goodbyes and form a Triad now!’

  There was no other option. Charlie did as he asked.

  With the glow of Will surrounding the three of them, E’Jaaz tore open a broad Portal that led to the Jade Tower.

  ‘Go!’ he roared to the Tremen. ‘Run!’

  The Tremen needed no further encouragement. Grabbing their fallen and aiding the wounded, they pushed and staggered into the safety of the Jade Tower. As they did so the ground in the temple began to rock and groan as a behemoth thud-thudded its way towards them. The hissing of Shades grew closer, as too did the chant of Stonesong.

  ‘Charlie!’ cried Jensen. ‘Whatever happens, I want ya ta promise me –’

  ‘Jensen!’ yelled E’Jaaz. ‘There’s no time! Go! You’re needed in Sylvaris! You too, Crumble Shard. Both of you go!’

  ‘Charlie, promise me –’

  The behemoth’s fist burst through a wall, showering the Keepers with dust and debris.

  ‘Jensen! You’re endangering us all!’ screamed Marsila. ‘We’ll look after Charlie. Just go!’

  Distraught, Jensen grabbed Crumble and together they jumped through the Portal.

  It winked shut.

  As the behemoth’s hand began to lunge and scrabble around in search of prey, Marsila looked to E’Jaaz with the calm of leadership in her eyes.

  ‘Get us out of here. Two miles north will do.’

  He nodded and at his gesture another Portal appeared. They jumped through, leaving the behemoth’s massive hand to clench impotently inside the empty temple chamber.

  11

  A New Direction

  E’Jaaz’s Portal deposited them closer to the Winged Mount. Once they were clear it slid shut with a brief twinkle that outshone the morning sun.

  ‘Close one,’ remarked E’Jaaz.

  ‘Very,’ agreed Marsila.

  Together they turned to survey their environment.

  The landscape was much the same as it had been at their jump-off point: rock spires, gnarled trees and a profusion of cacti amongst a background of red and brown boulders. Charlie, her mind in turmoil, raised her hands to shield her eyes from the sun’s glare and stared in suspicion at a building peeking above a depression in the land. For a second she thought it was the temple they had just evacuated, but once her brain kicked into gear she grunted in annoyance. It wasn’t. The absence of Shades and behemoth should have been clues enough. I’ve got to keep my head screwed on, she thought to herself. There’s too much at stake for me to act like a fool.

  Maybe it was coincidental, maybe not, but both Marsila and E’Jaaz chose that moment to turn and inspect her.

  ‘I see you’re a lady who likes to cut it close to the line but, Charlie, I’ve got to tell you, I’m far too young to be collecting grey hairs,’ said E’Jaaz. ‘Maybe next time you could be a touch faster with grabbing hold of your Will?’

  Charlie blushed at that. She hoped it was the end of the matter but Marsila wanted to add her two cents too.

  ‘What did I say to you back in the Jade Tower?’

  Charlie resisted the urge to cram her fist into her mouth. ‘I’m part of a team?’

  ‘Yes … and?’

  Charlie gritted her teeth. ‘Mistakes have consequences.’

  ‘Yes, they do,’ growled Marsila, ‘and yours almost cost a lot of lives. If I or E’Jaaz ask for something, you do it, and do it without hesitation. Particularly when it comes to forming a Triad or opening a Portal. Do you remember what else I said back in the Jade Tower?’

  ‘Er …’

  ‘I said that I wouldn’t do the we’re adults and you’re just a kid talk. It’s a decision I suspect will come back to haunt me.’ Marsila’s eyes pierced into Charlie’s own. ‘Please … do not let us down again.’

  Another uncomfortable silence, of which recently there seemed to have been far too many, settled across the group. Charlie, already unhappy that she hadn’t had the chance to speak to her friends for what might well be the last time, began to really comprehend the situation she was in. Beneath this layer of irritability she could also sense the ticking of an internal clock that counted down the hours Sylvaris had left. It was not a welcome sensation; for her, responsibility had never been an easy burden. And the knowledge that Bane would be likely to send more troops to this region only added to her sense of unease.

  ‘So how to proceed?’ mused E’Jaaz. He craned his neck back to peer at the Winged Mount’s summit. ‘That’s going to cast one heck of a shadow. I can tell that finding this Serpent’s Tail is going to be a lot of fun. Yessiree. A. Whole. Lot. Of. Fun.’

  ‘I’d suggest –’ began Marsila but was cut off by Charlie’s sudden words.

  ‘We have to go back.’

  The two adult Keepers shared a telling look. E’Jaaz tried a diplomatic approach. ‘I know leaving friends behind isn’t always easy, but at times like this moving forward is the only option.’

  ‘That’s not what I mean,’ retorted Charlie.

  Marsila grumphed in annoyance. ‘We’re not going back to Sylvaris just so you can say a proper goodbye to your friends.’

  ‘Wait! Let me explain myself.’

  ‘Charlie,’ said E’Jaaz, ‘Marsila’s right. We have to –’

  ‘Will you hang on a second!’ protested Charlie. ‘Look, I might not have formed a Triad quick enough for you guys earlier but that doesn’t mean I don’t have a brain! Please listen to me. Crumble found some sort of a socket for the pendant back at the first temple. I think it could be the Gateway.’

  Startled, E’Jaaz and Marsila shared yet another look.

  ‘And stop doing that!’ complained Charlie. ‘I hate it when people do that look in front of me. I’m not deaf, I’m not stupid and, yes, I might make mistakes from time to time but please stop those,’ she put on a voice, ‘she’s just a kid glances.’

  Surprisingly, it was Marsila who melted first. ‘I’m sorry, Charlie,’ she said. ‘Old habits,’ she added with a shrug. ‘Please tell me more about this “socket”. What makes you think it might be the Gateway?’

  ‘Well
, I’m not a hundred per cent sure it’s the Gateway but there was this really lifelike carving of a Winged One and where its talons were outstretched there was a hole that looked like it fitted the pendant. I mean, what else can it be? A socket for the pendant, a Winged One and an outstretched hand … it’s got to be something, right?’

  ‘What about the Serpent’s Tail?’ asked E’Jaaz. ‘Did you see anything that resembled that?’

  ‘Er … no. But surely it’s worth checking out, isn’t it?’

  ‘Could be. Marsila?’

  ‘I can’t believe we’ll be lucky enough to score this Serpent’s Tail first go,’ said Marsila. ‘But, yes, it’s worth looking into. However, first things first. Let’s get hold of our wayward Hatchling and the pendant before we go trooping off anywhere else.’

  ‘Agreed,’ said E’Jaaz. ‘We need a vantage point of some sort … How about that?’ He pointed to a series of ripples in the land that rose to become a ridge.

  ‘That’ll do,’ said Marsila. ‘Let’s go.’

  The two Keepers took off at a jog. Charlie hastened after them but it was surprisingly hard work; the lack of sleep and the punishment that her body had endured over the last week had taken their toll. Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to keep up and even though she choked on the dust kicked up by Marsila and E’Jaaz’s feet she succeeded in keeping pace all the way to the top of the ridge.

  ‘Does someone want to tell me,’ she puffed, ‘why we didn’t just cut a Portal up here?’ She paused to look at them suspiciously. ‘Please tell me this wasn’t a character-building activity?’

  ‘Opening Portals drains your energy,’ said E’Jaaz.

  ‘And jogging doesn’t?’

  ‘Ha! Now I see why Jensen likes to call you his Hippotomi,’ chuckled E’Jaaz. ‘I’m not sure how far Azariah got with your Keeper’s education but using your Will drains your energy at a deeper level than normal physical activity does. And seeing that we don’t know how long it’s going to take us to find this Serpent’s Tail –’