Soul Bonds Book 1 Circles of Light series (35 page)

Stars glittered through the branches ahead and Rhaki studied their position and that of the moon. Halfway to dawn, he estimated. Time enough to walk to the outskirts of Return. He walked steadily, not striding out, and noted the fields cultivated with beans and corn in the faint moonlight. Hargon had a few good administrators and the sense to let them get on with their work without his interference.

The moon was low in the sky as dawn began to hint at its arrival when Rhaki reached a small grove of fruit trees. He sat himself down at the edge of the track and waited patiently. The town of Return was but half a league distant and he saw the thin threads of smoke crawling up from the earliest risers’ cooking fires. The growing light slowly revealed the high mud brick wall circling the town and tiled roofs grouped around a higher central building, like chicks round a mother hen.

As the sun finally rimmed the horizon, a flock of goats came noisily from the town’s main gate, followed by two young boys. They turned away from the main track on which Rhaki waited, disappearing beyond the curving wall. Next came a squad of armed men. They split into three groups, one following the boys with their goats, another turning along the opposite curving wall. The third group came towards Rhaki.

The animals they rode were similar to the fengars of the north, but these were not carnivores as were the fengars, and were more peaceable. They had no taloned feet but solid hooves and nor were they fanged. Rhaki had studied these koninas, as the humans called them, and had tried breeding them with fengars, but the fengars had always attacked and killed the koninas at first sight.

The rising sun shone directly into the faces of the four oncoming riders and they were quite close before they saw Rhaki sitting at the side of the track. The two leading men pulled their mounts up sharply and stared at him, blades already drawn, before one recognised him. He controlled the konina with his legs as he reached a restraining hand to the blade arm of the man beside him.

‘It is the Lord from the North,’ he hissed.

He sheathed his blade and walked the konina nearer to Rhaki. ‘It has been several Seasons, Sir Lord, since you visited Return. We will escort you to Lord Hargon if that is your wish?’

Rhaki stood, his great though slender height drawing a gasp of surprise from one of the mounted men. Obviously he had never encountered one of the People before. Rhaki inclined his head graciously.

‘I would indeed be pleased to see Lord Hargon.’

The riders edged to the sides of the track as Rhaki strode between them, then turned their mounts and trotted to keep pace with him.

The townsfolk were stirring as Rhaki entered the gate, although most who were about were still too sleepy to take notice of him. The road, if it could be termed such, was just wide enough for three koninas abreast and twisted its way round the town, slowly circling inwards. The way was eventually barred by a pair of wooden gates guarded by two more of the Lord of Return’s armsmen. They sprang to attention as Rhaki halted in front of them. He smiled pleasantly as the mounted man who had first recognised him barked: ‘The Northern Lord is here to see the Lord of the South!’

The door guards hurriedly pushed the gates open as Rhaki laughed inwardly at Hargon’s temerity to title himself thus. Another armsman inside the gate saluted Rhaki and led him across an outer yard to another, open, gateway. The building beyond was stone built rather than mud brick as all the buildings so far had been. There seemed to be no doors in the lowest level of the manor, only a narrow set of stairs leading up to a wide door above. As they climbed the steps, an elderly man awaited their arrival at the door. He bowed deeply.

‘It has been a while, Lord, since you honoured us with your presence. Would you like to rest, or wash, before you join Lord Hargon? The first meal will be served shortly Sir.’

Rhaki smiled. ‘You may show me to a guest room, seneschal, so I may remove the grime of my travelling before I meet your Lord.’

As he followed the seneschal, he was aware that another servant would be scurrying to alert Hargon to the arrival of an unexpected guest. By the time Rhaki had washed his face and hands, and brushed the worst of the dust from his robe and boots, there was a rap at his door. He opened it to find a half-grown boy bowing to him.

‘My Lord Hargon asks me to conduct you to the dining hall, Sir Lord.’

‘Certainly. I will be a moment if you please.’

Rhaki closed the door and put his leather bag in the corner of the room near the bed. He closed his eyes, murmuring softly. When he opened his eyes, the bag was still plain to his view, but no one else would see it should they stare hard as they could. He nodded in satisfaction and went to follow the boy to meet his host.

Hargon stood at a window at the far end of the room, talking with another man as Rhaki entered. The armsman at the door announced: ‘The Lord of the North Sir.’

‘Welcome!’ Hargon walked towards Rhaki, a smile on his squarish face. ‘You honour us Lord Rhaki. This is Navan, my Arms Chief – I believe you met him before.’

‘Indeed I did, Hargon. I am glad to at last be able to enjoy your hospitality once again.’

‘Please, be seated.’ Hargon waved towards a long table set for three places. As they took their seats, serving men brought dishes of hot stew, fresh bread, vegetables and fruits. Three pitchers were placed in the middle of the table.

‘There is ale in the green jug, water in the brown and spice tea in the black Lord Rhaki. If you don’t mind serving yourself, we can be more private if you wish?’

‘I need none to serve me,’ Rhaki said jovially. ‘But private matters are of no urgency. Tell me how things progress in your Domain. It seemed very peaceful and prosperous as I arrived. Don’t tell me you have routed all the gangers in the region?’

Hargon laughed serving himself from the bowl of stew. ‘Very nearly it seems, Sir Lord. I fear life may become rather staid with no gangers to fight!’

Rhaki sipped the tea he had poured. ‘I’m sure there will be something to replace the hunting of gangers Hargon.’ He smiled at both men. ‘Oh yes. I am quite sure of that.’

Chapter Thirty-Five

After considerable argument, Emla, Kemti, Nolli and Jeela waited in Rhaki’s study as Tika, Bark and Mim led the way into the hidden passage. Ashta helped Farn to follow behind them. Mim caught Bark’s arm.

‘There is a warding across the passage Bark!’

‘I did not feel it,’ Bark confessed.

Tika was already snipping at the lines of power.

‘There is a similarity to all these wardings. Careless I would say.’

‘Effective still!’ Mim grinned.

The next warding Tika pointed out, Bark dismissed. ‘It is a chamber where he did some – experiments. It is not where the Balance lies.’

‘I’ll undo it anyway,’ Mim offered. ‘It’s better they are cleared in case anyone comes in contact with them.’

‘What would happen if they did?’ Ashta asked curiously.

Tika glanced back at the pale green Dragon. ‘They would burst into fire,’ she said bluntly.

Further they went, deeper into the heart of the rock until they reached a dead end. Tika drew a breath but Mim spoke first.

‘Save your strength. Let me do this.’

As he worked on the door wards Tika bespoke Kija. ‘We are at the Chamber of Balance Kija. I will do what must be done.’ She faltered. ‘Care for Farn, as I know you will. I love him dearly Kija.’

‘I know, small one. If it is the time for your journey, may you go safely beyond. I beg the stars to spare you. Know also that as Farn is my son and I love him, so you are my beloved daughter.’

Mim stepped clear of the rock as Bark touched the contours of the wall and the entrance slid open. Bark walked inside, lighting lamps with a sparking flint, round the circular chamber, till he rejoined Tika at the doorway.

Unnoticed, Dessi and Gan stood close behind Ashta and they stared with the rest at the seven golden disks hanging motionless above the mosaic circle. Mim took a pace forward but Tika’s hand stopped him. She forced a smile as she looked up at him.

‘No further Mim, Dragon Lord. Please. This is the task set on me alone.’

He looked at her hard for a moment then hugged her tight and as quickly released her again. She moved to Ashta, stroking her face wordlessly, then turned to Farn.

‘I come with you, my Tika.’

She slid her arms round his shoulders, stroking the folded wing edge. ‘No my dear soul bond. You must come no further.’

Behind the Dragons, Dessi tugged Gan’s sleeve, whispering: ‘He is too calm. He will try to follow her no matter what she says.’

Gan nodded and eased his way alongside Ashta, having no idea how he could prevent the silver blue Dragon doing anything at all.

Tika forced herself to release Farn and stepped firmly back, turning quickly into the Chamber of Balance. She went to the edge of the mosaic circle and gazed at the disks hanging impossibly in the centre. She was aware of Bark standing close by and she gave a near hysterical laugh.

‘We didn’t think of that, Bark.’

He waited for her to explain.

She nodded at the disks. ‘I can’t reach. Can you lift me?’

He put a hand on her shoulder, turning her to face him then knelt so that their faces were nearly level.

‘I believe it means you are not the one for this task. I must do it.’

‘But you can’t – you will be destroyed,’ Tika said softly.

He smiled. ‘Dear one, Rhaki destroyed me long ago. Even with the help of the healers of Gaharn, I will be forever damaged. If you let me take this task from you, I will gladly go beyond, knowing I have tried to atone for allowing Rhaki’s monstrosity to reach the heights it has.’

For a long while Tika studied him, slipping into his mind and seeing the great disruptions there. She saw that she could perhaps mend some of the injuries, but not all. He was right. He could never be restored to his former state and would only live in frustration, half remembering all he once had been. She put her arms round his neck, pressing her face close to his.

‘I believe you are right Bark, if it is truly what you wish to do.’

He held her away from him. ‘One thing.’

She waited.

‘When I take the Balance Weight, I wish you to kill me before Time can.’

As she opened her mouth Bark laid a bony finger across her lips. He shrugged and smiled sadly.

‘I fear such a death Tika, but not death by your hand, or mind.’

Tika thought rapidly. She realised she could indeed use the power to destroy, and that she could do it gently. Tears rolled down her face as she slowly nodded. The bony finger caught a tear and Bark whispered:

‘I do not recall anyone weeping for me. I am most honoured dear one. Now, you should tell Farn we have changed the plan, and then we will proceed.’

She threw her arms round him once more then turned to the door. She cleared her throat, clogged with tears as it was, and looked at the group waiting anxiously. Khosa had seated herself between Farn’s feet and as Tika explained chokingly what Bark planned to do, the Kephi walked forward to weave herself round Bark’s legs. He lifted her to his face and she crooned, bumping her head against his cheek. Bark looked at the two Dragons and Gan and Dessi and felt their respect and affection pour into his crippled mind. He stood, handing Khosa to Tika and turned to the column of golden disks.

A stillness settled over them all as Bark seemed to move in slow motion, his hand reaching up for the topmost Weight. There was a collective sigh as his fingers grasped the disk and lifted it from its place. As he took it, the six remaining Weights shivered and moved upwards, readjusting their alignment with the six Weights in Emla’s Pavilion in distant Gaharn.

Bark stared at the Weight in his hand and a tremor passed through his body. He sat against the wall, the disk held to his chest.

‘Quickly Tika,’ he said urgently. ‘You must not touch me with your hand until I am dead.’

She dropped to her knees beside him and focused her mind. Leave his poor mind, she thought, go deeper. Somehow, she saw through his flesh, beneath his ribs, to the steadily beating heart. She carefully narrowed a blood vessel, finally squeezing it closed as her awareness fled from Bark’s dying body. Khosa leaned against her and Tika swept the Kephi up, burying her face in the orange fur. Eventually, she released her hold on Khosa and raised her eyes to Bark’s face. His expression was peaceful but his cheeks seemed even more hollow, his half closed eyes even more sunken. But the disk had vanished, and Bark’s hair was white.

Tika climbed to her feet, feeling drained and exhausted. She reached Farn and leaned heavily against him, her eyes closed. When she opened her eyes, Gan and Mim were watching her worriedly. Straightening with an effort, she said:

‘Let’s go back to the study and tell the others what happened.’ She glanced back at Bark’s body, Khosa crouched at his side. ‘We will move him later and lay him with Iska.’

It was a struggle to turn Ashta and Farn in the passage but by unspoken agreement no one suggested they enter the chamber to make turning easier. As Tika stumbled at Farn’s side, Gan reached out his arm to support her.

Wordlessly, they returned to Rhaki’s study to find Kemti had hauled the carpet back into place, hiding the circle - no one had wanted to stand on its exposed surface. Tika looked at Emla, then at Nolli but before anyone could speak, an unearthly wailing echoed from the passage. Farn moaned and his prismed eyes darkened to midnight blue.

“What -’ began Kemti.

Tears poured down Tika’s face. ‘Khosa – she sings the death song for Bark.’

‘Bark?’ Emla looked bewildered.

Mim began to explain all that had happened as Khosa’s song ululated around them. She stopped as Mim’s tale came to an end but almost at once, the Dragons’ voices took over, their song heard by all in the stronghold.

Farn lay against the wall as Emla sat down holding Tika close as the Dragons’ harmonies flooded through them. Then again silence descended, broken by Khosa’s chirruping call as she jumped onto Nolli’s lap.

‘I do not like these rooms. Could we not go down to the Dragons?’ Tika asked shakily.

Nolli agreed immediately, watching sympathetically as the girl tried to control the shock and tiredness she was suffering. The Wise One made no objection, other than a scowl, when Gan lifted her and carried her from the study.

Shan chivvied servants to fetch tea for them all as they settled in the entrance hall. Kija’s golden eyes shimmered as she curved herself protectively around both her son and Tika. Lorak came from where he sat with Fenj and settled near Kija, as did Sket. Nolli accepted Shan’s assistance to drink some of her bowl of tea then she rapped her stick on the floor.

‘You have done well to restore the Balance, Tika. But the Grey One has fled, he has not been destroyed – as he must be.’ The oddly young voice was clear. ‘He has discovered how to use the circles. I fear he may well discover just how powerful they can be. I would guess he has gone to the south lands and intends to build a secure base for himself there.

‘Make no mistake,’ Nolli’s gaze met each pair of eyes of the group to emphasise her point. ‘This is only the beginning. He has allowed the idea of power to totally govern him and he will continue to disrupt the harmony of the world until he rules all. You must Name another Guardian who will protect the Balance here. Of that I will speak later. But you must seek out Rhaki as urgently as you are able.’ She leaned back in her chair wearily. ‘And the time is upon us when we must make contact with the ones beyond the Wilderness.’

Rhaki had spent the day pleasing Hargon. He had been shown parts of the fortified manor that had been added since his last visit and had watched the armsmen at their training exercises.

As they waited for the evening meal to be served, Rhaki said: ‘I am fortunately able to spend some considerable time with you now. My Realm in the North runs smoothly even in my absence. I thought I might even build myself a dwelling in this region.’

‘That would be marvellous,’ Hargon agreed with an enthusiasm Rhaki found most gratifying. Then Hargon added: ‘There are so few of our intelligence here, you will be precious company indeed.’

Rhaki winced at Hargon’s estimate of his own acumen but kept his smile in place.

‘Do I ask permission of you to build a small place beyond your town?’ he asked.

‘Build where you choose, Sir Lord. And use the guest rooms as if they were your own until your house is built.’ Hargon waved a goblet of wine in a magnanimous gesture. ‘I can help with servants or slaves later too.’

Rhaki pursed his lips. ‘There is a difference here. In the North, I would say servants are slaves.’

‘Not here! Servants are from poorer families usually, but they can make comfortable positions for themselves through hard work and trustworthiness. They can have their own homes and a voice at our councils. Slaves are those we take captive in raids. And they are as nothing.’

‘I remember, many Cycles past, did you not show me some – ‘pets’ – did you call them?’

Hargon laughed. ‘I did indeed. But then I took a female and bred three children of my own on her, so I was not amused with the pets any longer. She died,’ he added.

Rhaki saw no reason to offer sympathy in the face of Hargon’s evident disinterest in the death of the mother of his children.

‘There was a pet who was different – a dark haired child. That is all I recall really. A group of small children playing and just the one with such dark hair.’

Hargon frowned. ‘That was Chena. She was to have become a pretty in my household but the ungrateful bitch ran away.’

‘And was suitably punished when she was brought back?’

Hargon shifted in his chair. ‘Never found her. My trackers said she had gone north to the Ancient Mountains, but found not a trace of her there. Eaten by beasts no doubt.’

As the seneschal arrived to announce that their meal was ready to be served, Rhaki asked: ‘Is there someone you could spare to show me various places where I might build?’

Hargon thought as they walked into the dining hall. ‘Mallit, I think. He would be best. I’ll speak to him in the morning and tell him he is to be at your disposal.’

‘You are a generous host indeed Hargon.’

Hargon beamed. ‘There are still two of those taller koninas in my stable – you are welcome to use them. None of my men like them.’

Rhaki bowed. ‘As I said – a most generous host.’

Next morning, Hargon introduced Mallit. He was younger than Hargon, perhaps thirty Cycles, with light sandy hair and pale blue eyes. Rhaki had already decided where he intended to build, but made no mention of that fact. He asked Mallit to show him around the area generally, to a distance of one or two leagues from the town.

Mallit frowned. ‘You might prefer to be closer, Sir Lord. Gangers often raid farms too far beyond the Lord Hargon’s domain.’

‘I understood there is little threat from Gangers these days?’

‘There are far fewer of them here Sir Lord, because of Lord Hargon’s vigilance, but there are still some who find a more isolated dwelling an inviting prospect.’

Mallit nodded as a man led forward two koninas, one standing nearly an arm length taller than the other. Rhaki wore trousers and loose tunic, clothes fortunately left here from previous visits, and now he swung himself onto the taller animal. It twitched and sidestepped for a moment. Mallit rode alongside saying: