The Awakening (39 page)

Suddenly, she was glad she didn’t know him better. She took a breath, addressing the dragon as was proper for his station, “Lord Rohdann, how long have you known Jaax?”

The black Tanaan actually blinked in surprise but was quick to compose himself. That was not the response he had been expecting. Jahrra tried not to smile.

“Several years,” he sniffed.

“How many is several?” she pressed.

Rohdann merely stood there, looking too self-important to answer her pointless questions. Jahrra took advantage.

“Since you refuse to give me an exact number, I have no idea what number ‘several’ might stand for in your case,” she replied, crossing her arms over her chest, “and since we are talking in terms of estimates and obscure numbers, I can assure you that I myself have known Jaax for ‘several’ years and can attest to his character and qualifications.”

Rohdann’s eyes narrowed but before he could reply, Jahrra hardened her voice and said, “You, on the other hand, would be the worst possible candidate to lead this Coalition and I’m pretty sure that that’s your primary ambition. But if you ever try to usurp Jaax’s authority again I will personally see to it that your efforts come to nothing and that you are removed just like your friend Shiroxx. How’s that for using my position as the ‘Chosen One’?”

Jahrra pushed past him without even waiting for a reaction. She knew it had been foolish to provoke Rohdann but she was tired of the negative attitudes and veiled threats.

She was so distracted by her irritation that she didn’t notice Kehllor until she ran into him.

“Sorry,” she mumbled at first, trying to skirt around his foreleg.

“Where do you think you’re going?” The young dragon had a lilt to his voice, as if he was trying to hold back laughter.

Jahrra blinked up at him, her anger melting away as she smiled.

“You would stand directly in my way and force me to trip?” she insisted, taking a step to the side to allow two elves to pass.

“Well, you were so determined to run through something I thought it most gentlemanly to offer my arm to you,” Kehllor gave a mock bow and Jahrra couldn’t help but release a bottled-up laugh.

His sudden playful behavior was so contradictory to what he’d been like under Shiroxx’s influence that she couldn’t help but be gleeful.

Her laughter made Kehllor smile.

“That was some fine work just now,” the Tanaan dragon said, jerking his head back in the direction from where Jahrra had come.

Jahrra stiffened and felt her face flush. “Oh, you witnessed that huh?”

She started rubbing at her elbow with one hand as she searched the great entrance hall for either Rohdann or Jaax. She hoped she wouldn’t see either before tomorrow morning.

Kehllor lowered his head so that it was even with Jahrra’s and gave her a scrutinizing look. “You know, there is a lot more to you than meets the eye, young human.”

Jahrra flushed again and shrugged. She didn’t think much of her behavior towards Rohdann. In her mind she saw it as a rash decision to provoke him when she could have just as easily walked away.

Kehllor grinned, his look softening even more. “Not many, dragon and elf alike, could stand up to Rohdann like that.”

Jahrra winced. What had she started this time? She had felt compelled to defend Jaax though it was clear he had no trouble defending himself. She sighed, wishing she had been more prudent with her words. Perhaps Rohdann and Shiroxx would team up against them somehow and make trouble. Jahrra didn’t want to think about it any longer.

“Thank you, Kehllor, but I think I might have caused more damage than I meant to tonight.”

Kehllor stood back up to his full height and sniffed. “I wouldn’t worry about that. I think you might have actually frightened him.”

Jahrra laughed again and allowed Kehllor to escort her out to the plaza where Phrym waited. Most of their party had cleared out by now, a few groups gathering just outside and under the glowing lanterns. The stars were very bright and Jahrra noticed that it was far past midnight. She wondered why she didn’t feel tired.

“Congratulations, by the way, on your promotion,” she murmured. “I had no idea you had been speaking with Jaax about it.” It was only a half lie, Jahrra told herself.

Kehllor nodded. “It was rather sudden, truth be told.”

He grimaced and looked back down at Jahrra, his blue eyes apologetic once again. “I meant what I said in there, about being asked to spy and then changing my mind. Jahrra, I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am and after you came to me, offering your friendship,”

He stopped speaking when Jahrra held up a hand. “I understand Kehllor, and yes, I was shocked and hurt at first but all is forgiven. You made the right choice by telling Jaax and everyone just now.” She smiled brightly. “And it shows what strong character and honesty you have. You will do well in your new position, I am sure of it.”

Kehllor breathed a sigh of relief. “You sound like Lord Jaax.”

Jahrra warmed at the compliment then released a giggle. Kehllor lifted an eyebrow at her. She waved him off. “Oh, two years ago that statement would have been the worst insult I could ever imagine.”

Kehllor’s eyes widened. “I meant it as a compliment.”

Jahrra laughed again. “I know, but I didn’t always see Jaax as someone to look up to; to respect. We fought a lot more when I was younger.”

The golden Tanaan dragon ducked his head, as if acknowledging he understood her, and the two fell back into a companionable silence.

As they approached the oak where Phrym was tied, Kehllor slowed to a stop. Jahrra had been so distracted by her own scattered thoughts that she hadn’t noticed the large figure waiting for them. It was Kehllor’s deep inhalation of breath that drew her attention back to the present. There, hidden in the shadow of the oak, was Jaax. He was as still as a statue and if Jahrra hadn’t known any better she would think he’d fallen asleep in that position.

“I think I’ll say goodnight,” Kehllor mumbled.

He nodded his head at Jahrra and continued down the stairs onto the lower plaza and into the night. Jahrra watched him almost mournfully. If Kehllor had stayed then perhaps Jaax wouldn’t be able to chastise her. Then again this was Jaax she was thinking about. He was never one to let proper decorum keep him from exacting justice.

Jahrra sighed and pulled her coat tighter. It was nearing dawn; she could see a pale gray flush starting on the horizon and the air was colder than when she had first arrived. Had the meeting really lasted all night? Phrym stared back at her with imploring eyes, whickering softly in inquiry, wondering why Jahrra was taking so long to come over to him.

Do you not see the formidable dragon that is perched just next to you, waiting patiently to harangue me for my disobedience?
she wanted to say to her semequin. He just blew out a breath of air and shook out his mane.
Trusting fool
, Jahrra thought. Phrym never seemed to notice Jaax’s ire.

Taking one more deep breath, Jahrra walked over to the fence where Phrym was tied. The lamps still burned brightly as did most in a city this size. She decided she would ignore her guardian as long as she could, keeping her head low and her eyes turned away. Eventually she reached Phrym, quickly checking his saddle and other tack before climbing on top of him. She kept waiting for her guardian’s harsh, sarcastic voice but he never said a word.

Jahrra paused for a moment, wondering if he was testing her again. Then she realized she didn’t really care. She clicked her tongue, giving Phrym a tap with her heels. The semequin descended the few stairs that separated the upper plaza from the lower.

It was only after Phrym was walking on flat ground did the Tanaan dragon speak.

“I will be keeping my eye on you girl, and that pompous guardian of yours who thinks he can keep you hidden away.”

Jahrra’s hands tightened on the reins and she felt her face go white. How could she ever have mistaken Rohdann for Jaax? And how had he made it to the oak tree before her? He must have slinked past when she was distracted by Kehllor. Despite her wariness, Jahrra pulled Phrym to a stop and turned in the saddle. Yes, it was Rohdann alright. She could see his pale eyes glittering with spite, his black color standing out more now that the sky was growing lighter.

“Threaten me, Rohdann, and you threaten the well-being of Ethoes,” she said rather boldly.

The dragon stood and made his way over towards her and Phrym, his walk languid and haughty.

Jahrra refused to flee. If she ran from Rohdann then all of her talk and bravery from earlier would mean nothing. Squeezing Phrym with her knees in nervousness, Jahrra held back. Phrym, confused by what Jahrra wanted, turned his head and eyed her.

“Hold on, Phrym,” she whispered, reaching a hand down to pat his neck.

Rohdann moved as close as he dared to Jahrra and Phrym, then lowering his head to her level he whispered, “How do we know for sure you’re even the human prophesied by the Oracles so long ago? It’s only on Jaax’s word that everyone believes you are what he says.”

A chill ran through Jahrra then, one that made the hair on her arms stand on end. Did Rohdann really doubt she was human, and if he did then how many others thought the same? This was not good. She had to tell Jaax, if he didn’t already know. But right now she needed to get rid of Rohdann.

“Jaax wasn’t the only one to determine that I’m human,” Jahrra insisted. “The elves of Crie found me and can vouch for what I am.”

Jahrra felt very ridiculous defending her humanity but wanting to keep up her cool manner and unbothered attitude, she sat as tall in the saddle as she could.

Rohdann on the other hand stepped away from her slightly. His eyes still held irritation but the wind from his sails seemed to have faltered.

Before he could come up with a response Jahrra kicked Phrym in the ribs, sending him forward and putting as much space between them and Rohdann as possible.

-
Chapter Twenty-Two
-

A Surprise Encounter

The city was just waking up as Jahrra and Phrym made their way home. She was grateful it was the first day of the weekend for she didn’t think she could make it through a day of classes after staying up all night. Despite her exhaustion, however, Jahrra felt edgy and awake. Rohdann’s behavior unnerved her and she knew that Jaax would be waiting to dig his claws into her when she got home. She needed to work off some of her unfettered energy first.

“How about a hard ride through the woods Phrym?” she said, leaning down and scratching her semequin’s neck. He whickered and tossed his head. Jahrra grinned and turned him southward towards the city’s exit.

The air was crisp and cool but held the tang of the approaching spring. Already wild crocuses were beginning to show their colors, painting the quiet forest floor in lavender, gold and white. Phrym ambled along, his hooves digging into the soft, black earth of the trail and kicking it up in great clumps. Jahrra took a deep breath and released it, no longer feeling so tired.

They were now a few miles from the city walls on a trail she had taken a hundred times, the sun pouring over the hills and flooding the world in golden light. Jahrra slowed Phrym to a walk and relaxed in the saddle, her mind lingering on the events of the past several hours. She had expected some anger about Jaax’s rash decision but she hadn’t expected Rohdann’s reaction and threats.

A rustling in the bushes to her right caused her to stiffen but it was only a pheasant, frightened by their presence. Phrym nickered and Jahrra grinned. Everyone seemed to be jumpy this morning.

Reluctantly, she turned her thoughts back to the aftermath of the meeting. She was tempted not to tell Jaax about her encounter with the black Tanaan dragon but then she remembered what had happened when she had decided not to tell anyone about Shiroxx. Would Kehllor speak with Jaax this time? Would he consider it his new found duty? Probably. She sighed and reminded herself that Rohdann’s threats, unlike Shiroxx’s covert insinuations, were a credible danger.

The trail through the woods remained relatively silent for another mile or so and Jahrra continued to keep Phrym at a slow pace. He was eager to run; sidestepping and even picking up his forelegs as if to charge down the next straight away, but Jahrra kept a firm hand and told him she would let him run when they reached a clearing. Phrym obeyed her, of course, but he complained about it the entire time, swinging his head and snorting.

Jahrra didn’t hear the voices until she and her antsy semequin were nearly upon the people who belonged to them. The road curved wide and Jahrra could see where the mud had been carved deeply from wagon wheels. A small meadow settled into the hollow on the inside curve of the path and a cheery brook chattered in the not too far distance. On the flat patch of land just above the meadow a wagon was parked, the two draft horses attached to it standing in boredom.

The cart was a small, rickety thing piled full with what Jahrra could only classify as junk: old pots and pans, broken furniture, dusty blankets folded and stacked, tools and what suspiciously looked like rusty weapons shoved underneath it all.

Jahrra stopped Phrym several feet away and took stock of the whole situation, listening to the conversation before drawing any conclusions.

“Listen, you old hag, we know you’s got truffles hidden away here somewhere and we wants ‘em,” a burly, middle-aged Nesnan man with shaggy black hair said.

The woman next to him, close to his age but with faded blond hair and a stocky build, was scuttling around a much older woman, trying to get close enough to take something from her.

Jahrra tightened her hold on Phrym’s reins and forced herself to stay still for a moment longer.

“I haven’t any truffles,” the woman croaked, “but I do have some fine mountain mint.”

A gnarled hand held out a sprig of greenery but the man batted it away. The woman pulled her hand back and hissed.

That’s when Jahrra shouted, “Hey!”

Before she could say anything more the man’s wife yelped and fled for the wagon, her husband right on her heels. The rough man jumped up into the wagon seat and slapped the reins, bringing the lethargic horses to full alert.

“Git up!” he snapped and the horses jerked the wagon forward, spilling a few of its contents as they picked up speed.

Jahrra couldn’t believe how easy that had been but wasn’t about to question her luck. She clicked Phrym forward to where the old woman stood, still hiding under her hood. She hadn’t moved much since the thief had abused her hand so Jahrra was worried she might be injured.

“Are you alright?” she asked, climbing down from Phrym. She kept her distance, but approached the woman cautiously.

“Well, I’m fine now that I’ve seen your welcoming face.”

The woman’s voice had changed. She threw back her hood, a pair of topaz eyes and a young, smiling face framed by flaming red hair gazed back.

Jahrra’s jaw dropped and she felt her knees buckle. After an entire night spent arguing with the Coalition it was no wonder the shocking sight made her stagger. She couldn’t be seeing what she was seeing but after blinking several times, the image of the familiar woman standing before her did not disappear.

“Denaeh!” she squeaked in utter disbelief. “What on Ethoes are you doing here?!”

The Mystic stepped forward and grasped Jahrra’s elbow, doing her best to haul her up from where she had fallen in the mud. Once she was standing again, Jahrra threw her arms around her old friend, tears forming in her eyes.

Denaeh returned her embrace, laughing the entire time. “Look at how much you’ve grown!”

She pulled away and held Jahrra at arm’s length, looking her up and down. “I knew you would outgrow me someday, but I never imagined it would be so soon.”

The sound of Denaeh’s young voice was like a breath of fresh air.

“And what a fine young woman you’ve become,” the Mystic continued with a playful look. “I should think you have plenty of young men trailing after you in that grand city of yours.”

Jahrra actually felt herself blush, thinking of Senton’s recent attention.

“Oh Denaeh, it’s so good to see you! Where have you been?” she managed, surprised her mind was able to form any coherent thoughts.

Denaeh dropped her hands and clasped them in front of her, the sparkle from her eyes fading a little. “I’ve been traveling, mostly. I’ve only just arrived on the outskirts of Lidien in the last few weeks or so.”

She walked over to the small fire she had built earlier and gestured Jahrra to do the same. After securing Phrym to one of the willows growing on the banks of the small stream, she joined her old friend on a fallen tree limb.

“You must tell me everything,” Jahrra insisted. “I mean, you must know why we left Oescienne, but why did
you
leave?”

Denaeh pulled her cloak more tightly around her and started to poke at the fire as she added some wood. She sighed and sat on the rock across from Jahrra.

“Aye, I know why you left,” she said, her face taking on a sorrowful expression. She took a breath then brightened. “Oh, but my own tale is quite long and tedious, Jahrra dear,” she breathed wearily.

Jahrra simply folded her arms and crossed her ankles, cocking an eyebrow at her old friend as if announcing she had all day.

Denaeh grinned impishly. “Very well then. I guess it is still early and I have nowhere else to be.”

The Mystic watched the fire grow to a cheerful blaze before she started her tale. “I left shortly after you and Jaax departed, after Hroombra,” Denaeh paused and looked at Jahrra.

She then cleared her throat and continued. “The Tyrant’s men scoured the area and even the Wreing Florenn for a few days but they found nothing and no trace of you or your draconic companion.”

Jahrra sat up abruptly, a single thought slicing through her mind. “Gieaun and Scede?” she pleaded, her voice sounding suddenly raw.

Denaeh gave her a pained look and Jahrra choked back a sob.

“No, no,” the woman said, waving a hand, “they are safe. No harm has come to them. They came looking for me the day after Hroombra’s death and I told them what had happened and that I knew you and Jaax had gone, but I couldn’t see where you went.”

Jahrra slumped back in relief and Denaeh went on.

“They were deeply saddened by Hroombra’s passing but grateful you and Jaax escaped. I did,” Denaeh sat forward on her rock and took a breath, “I did tell them who you were.”

Jahrra stiffened, whether from Denaeh’s admittance to knowing her true identity or the thought of Gieaun and Scede knowing, she couldn’t tell. She shouldn’t be surprised that the Mystic knew, actually. Denaeh knew everything.

“You’ve known who I was from the beginning, haven’t you?” she asked quietly.

Denaeh nodded and looked off into the trees that climbed the hill on the other side of the creek. “Aye,” she said softly, “I always knew.”

Jahrra nodded and grinned, but with little humor, “It must have been hard to keep that secret from me.”

Denaeh looked back at her then, her eyes taking on that deep golden color they always did when the Mystic was using her gifts.

“Aye,” she repeated in a soft voice, “but you have no idea of what secrets I’ve kept and continue to keep.”

Jahrra stopped smiling and leaned back a little. That was a very ominous thing to say. Before she could think about it any further, however, Denaeh snapped out of her strange mood and continued with her tale.

“Ah, if you had seen Gieaun’s and Scede’s faces when I told them you were human.” The sly grin was back and the two women laughed.

“Once they recovered from their shock, Gieaun was prancing around the Belloughs with glee and Scede merely sat on one of my old stumps, looking as if someone had just punched him in the stomach.”

Jahrra’s throat ached with the thought of her two best friends. She missed them terribly, especially now with Denaeh here to tell her about them. She fought the urge to cry; it wouldn’t help anyone and it would only make her feel worse.

“I assured them that Jaax was taking care of you and stressed the importance of their staying back in Oescienne in case you ever needed their help. They had talked about following after you but I knew you had a reason for leaving without telling them.”

Jahrra nodded and breathed a sigh of relief. She may never see Gieaun and Scede again but at least they would be safe from any harm.

“I started my travels shortly after they left, working my way up the coast until I reached Lidien,” the Mystic began again. “It took me such a long time because following you wasn’t as easy as I had thought. My visions came sparingly and they weren’t as clear as usual, but I knew eventually that Jaax would be bringing you here.”

She waved her arm around casually, indicating the trees and low hills surrounding them.

Jahrra had been listening politely but she lifted her head after this announcement and asked, “Why were you following us?”

Denaeh grinned, her young face looking worn and tired.

“I wish to help you on this mission of yours, in any way I can.”

Jahrra blinked stupidly. “But how? Jaax has forbidden me to make any contact with you.”

Denaeh sighed and stood up, placing her hands at her lower back and stretching. “I know. But I’m a Mystic, I see things that are yet to come, remember? How do you think I found you today?”

Jahrra blinked again. It had been strangely coincidental that she’d stumbled upon Denaeh of all people on this impulsive ride of hers.

“I saw you. Three days ago. I knew you would be riding Phrym down this very road about this time so I arrived very early this morning and started a fire in order to wait. I hadn’t seen those awful vagabonds, however.”

She made a face. Jahrra found it amusing, but didn’t smile.

“They didn’t hurt you, did they?” she asked instead.

The Mystic made an absurd noise and eyed Jahrra disbelievingly. “Oh please, I could have cursed them well and good if you hadn’t come along. It takes a lot more than a couple of filthy thieves and their tricks to do any damage to a Mystic. That mountain mint I was offering was actually fire nettle.”

Denaeh grinned with mischief and Jahrra returned the gesture, resettling herself on her log. “If you are to help us,” she began, “why do you not go to Jaax? We could use your knowledge and foresight in the Coalition. You would be a great asset.”

Jahrra thought about the recent developments once again; about the confrontation with Rohdann and the future problems that would surely arise with him and Shiroxx. It would be very helpful to have Denaeh’s gifts handy if anything were to occur. The Mystic might even be able to let her know if the two rogue Tanaan dragons were plotting anything before they struck.

Denaeh sighed. “I cannot go to Jaax. He has made it clear he wants nothing to do with me.”

Jahrra stood up and crossed her arms, her curiosity about something that bothered her years before finally pushing itself forward. “Why is that Denaeh? Why does Jaax dislike you so?”

The Mystic grimaced again and regained her seat on the chunk of cold granite. She smoothed her worn skirts and held her hands out to the fire. “We have history, he and I.”