Terra - Knight in White Satin: Chapter Three

“Rat things! Very large rat things!” Burakani called out as he ran back toward the group.

Burakani had been pulling point since they left Morin Tulan two days previously and traversed the cave Brother Jol explained to them. The priest that joined them stayed in the back, silent and covered from head to toe in their robe. Even now the priest stood behind everyone and didn’t react to the news.

Delvakhan pulled Bhor Wethrin and stood ready. Mora and Elidra copied his stance and without thought stood in front of the priest. Mora then took a step and put a protective arm in front of him. Both were then shoved back by Burakani who drew a weapon in both hands.

Just before the rat things appeared a clattering could be heard along with heavy panting squeaks which sent a chill up Delva’s spine. The noise proved to be far worse than the creatures he saw. Dark whiskers that seemed to absorb any and all light only matched by similar dark eyes, twitched repeatedly against scared and patched fur. As they drew near, their lips snarled back revealing snake thing fangs dripping with vile fluid. From their sides, leathery wings batted at the air in anticipation

Burakani charged forward as two of the creatures leapt toward the group. Slamming his blade into the first two creatures, Mora and Delvakhan easily sliced through the two that jumped at them. The creatures weren’t strong or a challenge in battle, there were simply dozens of them.

Above the loud sounds of the battle Mora screamed out in pain. One of the creatures latched onto her leg. They were quickly becoming overwhelmed. The air ignited as several were thrown back in explosion. From the back, the priest had released a ball of fire into the center of the creatures. Now in a calm stance the female priest had drawn a bow and was aiming at the creatures. Just before releasing the arrow its tip lit up in flames. Sailing past everyone leaving a trail of smoke, the arrow slammed into a creature. In rapid succession arrow after arrow flew into the creatures often pinning them to the wall or ground.

While the others fought around them, Delvakhan stood in awe of the woman. Her face was one he could not ever forget. As he watched her, his thoughts immediately recalled the beautiful slender and sensual body that was hidden beneath her robes. Seeing her now only increased the desire burning through every fiber of his body.

For a single split moment their eyes linked again. As a smile spread on her face, she offered him a suddenly and quick smile. Smiling back he understood the words she mouthed; ‘fight’. Spinning he charged into the beasts, motivated by the fact she was watching and would see him. Bhor Wethrin sat light in his hand as he struck beast after beast. Nothing else mattered to him, only killing the creatures. Sweat made his hair stringy as it continually slapped his face. There had been enough carnage Delvakhan was unsure at that moment if it was sweat or blood, either way he simply looking for another creature to kill.

Moving further down the cave checking to be sure there were none left, Delvakhan turned only to find Burakani directly behind him. Saying nothing they simply looked at each other and smiled. The King of the South knew this was what he was made for and good at. Prophecy and everything attached to it was something he simply didn’t want to be a part of. It didn’t matter the seer told him they had to save the child, Elidra had saved his life. For that he would help her find her daughter, and then he would be free of them all.

Walking back with Burakani, they found the priestess addressing a wound on Mora’s leg. Carefully looking over, Delvakhan saw several deep puncture wounds. One of the wounds almost seemed to bubble against her flesh. The priestess’s hands moved quickly as she seemed to hum while she worked. For her part Mora dropped her head back and clenched her jaw tight.

“We will have to return to the temple. There is something strange about this wound and parts of it won’t seem to stop bleeding.” The priestess announced yet refused to quit working. “Each time I work with it one of the others reopens. She will continue to bleed.”

“What would cause such a thing.. um priestess?” Burakani asked looking at the woman.

“Xynari.” She looked at him and smiled politely. “And I simply do not know.”

“We are not going back.” Mora announced lifting her head, rolling her eyes and looked directly at Delvakhan. “It’s a wound; it will heal, even if magic says otherwise. I have had worse. Your talents will be better spent on other things”

“Let me look at it.” Elidra interjected as she reached for Mora’s leg.

Pushing the Empress away Mora quickly used her weapon to cut two strips from her clothing. Wincing she cinched the cloth tight against her skin. Without looking away from Delvakhan she stood and gathered here things.

“It’s your choice.” Delvakhan announced which immediately caused the priestess to throw her hands in the air and walk away from them. “I am going to go talk to her and find out how much longer.

Delvakhan quickly became attached to Xynari, opting to stay toward the back as they continued to walk and talk. No one made mention of the situation not even when they woke one morning to find Delva and Yare had shared company through the night.

After almost a week traversing the cave the troupe finally exited. Highly unexceptional, the exits simplicity did more hiding it than any man made façade could have even attempted. Serving at the downside of a small hill that simply fed another, one would have to specifically look for the entrance. Pausing a moment Delvakhan took note of everything around him. The snap of cold air quickly reminded him the winter season wasn’t quite over yet. With purpose the others exited and allowed Xynari to point out the direction they needed to travel. Dragging a cloak him, the King covered as many of their trampled tracks as he could. Walking and talking previously with Xynari caused him to think more and more on his Rakshar training and was ashamed he had not been following even the basics he learned.

Immediately they moved to the nearest tree line and set up a small camp. Playfully Delvakhan nudged Xynari as she worked her own pack causing her to giggle and slip in the snow. The king stopped when he saw the angry glare Mora held for them as she caught his eye. Holding the look for just a moment, Delvakhan shrugged and continued unrolling his own pack very near Xynari. As the night came upon them, yet again he woke with the priestess within his own coverings smiling at him softly.

Mora sitting with the others continued to watch muttering under her breath and angrily tossing her things down packing it haphazardly. With a growl she yanked the pack tight, threw it down and turned toward Delvakhan and Xynari.

“Leave them to it Mora, it is not our business.” Elidra stated as she grabbed Mora’s wrist stopping her from walking away. “He is a man, she is a woman. It is a very natural thing.”

“He is a boy.” Mora snapped.

“He is a King and he is not your child.” Burakani stated. “The King’s bed is his own to share.”

“You support this? How can you support this?” Mora demanded. “Someone has to say something to them.”

“No Mora. Leave them be.” Elidra stated as she released her wrist. “Burakani is right. It is his choice who he shares his bed with and not up to us to approve or disapprove.”

Ignoring them Mora stormed toward the couple, just a foot from them she collapsed groaning. Examining her, Xynari found Mora’s breath was short and labored with sweat covering her entire body under her fur coverings. Pulling back the clothing from her legs, Xynari gasped and covered her mouth.

Mora’s leg was black and covered in a green film that released a foul smell into the air. Xynari looked up at the others, tears already wetting her eyes.

“There is nothing I can do with this.” She stated.

Saying nothing, Elidra dropped to her knees and placed her hands on either side of the wound and closed her eyes. Around them the air crackled as the Empress exercised her gifts on Mora’s leg. After several moments, Elidra let go and struggled to catch her breath.

“It is beyond hope, her life essence has passed. Mora is dead.” Elidra stated as she collapsed in the snow. A blackness covering her hands was slowly disappearing.

Xynari pressed herself into Delvakhan’s arms as he reached around her and pulled her to his chest. Carefully Burakani gathered Elidra and carried her to her tent and bedroll.

Fighting his own emotions, Delvakhan sadness pressed into his face, placed a hand over Mora’s still open eyes and pushed her eyelids closed. “I am sorry Mora. I don’t know what else to say.” He whispered softly.

In silence Burakani, Delvakhan and the soldiers worked hard to break the ground for several hours making very little headway. Finally finding a tree with deeply exposed roots, they cleared out some brush and placed her within its protective confines. Using the frozen dirt each person did their part in filling in the roots. Once finished Elidra spoke softly in a language they could barely hear let alone understand. Energy formed around her hands as she placed them upon the tree roots. Breathing heavily, yet calmly Elidra gave herself to her power.

Following the strands of life that made the tree Elidra carefully and gently pushed them to encase the fading body of Mora. Reaching further Elidra sought the binding line that would flow from the tree she touched through Terra to the familiar strands of the Mother Tree and the Pikes. Finally there was a soothing response as familiar energy replied to her search. Mora’s essence would be safe Elidra knew for certain as the Mother Tree sent heavy pulses of her energy forward drawing Mora to her.

Blackness without warning or sound suddenly severed the link. Hatred foul and devious now lashed out against her. Fearing for her own essence, Elidra responded in panic as more black spiritual strands attempted to surround her, each from a different source, each with only one motive; kill Elidra.

With force she had never felt several black strands disintegrated with an explosion. Raw and primal energy from the Mother Tree seemed to devour the blackish strands that continued to attack. Wondering how long they could hold out against the sheer number that continued to attack, Elidra became aware of a strange sound from the physical world. Suddenly the strands were repulsed and pushed away by an unseen barrier. Within a moment the energy of the Mother Tree retreated and Elidra opened her eyes, returning to the world around them.

Standing next to her, Xynari offered both a smile and an extended hand helping Elidra to her feet.

“I have no idea what was happening, but it appeared you needed help.” The priestess offered.

“What did you do, suddenly I was surrounded by something like a shield and my attackers couldn’t get through. It was something I have never seen before.” Elidra explained shaking her head slightly.

“You could see it?” Xynari exclaimed in surprise. “What did it look like? Did it have sound?”

Elidra just shook her head while she listened to Xynari prattle on. “I don’t know that I can explain it, but I saw it. You cannot see into the spirit?”

Horror filled the face of Xynari as she gasped. “By the Light no! To see something like that would cause one to go blind. Only the holiest of the devout can actually see such things. But I have always wanted to.”

“Religious dogma Priestess, any with the gift can see it.” She answered.

“If that is so Empress Elidra, why did I not see it? I have never seen such, only heard about it. Always I have wished such a thing.” Xynari’s eyes were wide in excitement.

“I don’t know why you can’t see it. Still, however, I thank you for what you have done. They were quickly overwhelming me.” Elidra answered closing her eyes for a moment and catching her breath. “But Mora’s essence is safe.”

“They?” Delvakhan’s interest piqued. “You weren’t just lost in whatever you were doing?”

“No King Delva, I was attacked while I worked. Something is actively seeking me. Only the Ministry would know to do this. I wonder if that is why Mora wouldn’t let me help her in the cave.” Elidra paused. “Whoever it was, it was darkness beyond words and its intent was without question.”

“The Witches of Sarna.” Xynari stated immediately. A line of fear flashed across her eyes. “They are zealots loyal to Rhiya and her rebirth. For hundreds of years they have supported the Ministry’s Seom. They are the eyes, ears and executioners of his will.”

“Jade.” Her name fell from Elidra’s lip like liquid venom.

Saying nothing more Elidra walked away from the group, barked an order to the soldiers, grabbed her pack and began walking. After a few moments of her not turning around or even looking back, one by one they joined her in silence.

By the afternoon of the second day, Xynari let them know they were very near the outskirts of Sarna. Concern weighed heavily on her face as she brought up the topic.

“Have any of you ever been to Sarna?” Xynari questioned as she attended to her bedroll. “I have been told it’s a very scary place during the day with all the strange sounds and sights. That is only made worse at night. I have seen it referred to more than once as the Wailing City.”

“Stories meant to cause fear. Typical story of the Ministry and those that like to use people.” Elidra spat the words having no desire to hide her distaste. Her eyes never looked to the others anymore as she spoke, always looking out at something.

“Most stories have some form of truth.” Burakani added. “Master Grulan was pretty famous for using a bit of truth to make us all believe and thereby listen to his every word.”

“Your people are not new to manipulation.” She added. “I see it was not just your government.”

Burakani looked to her with a stern brow that hid his actual young age. “You will have to come to terms they are your people as well Empress.”

“Can we not do this again?” Delvakhan had grown weary of the regular jabs and bickering between the Baron and Empress. “We have Sarna before us so we can get Khelidra from the Witches. Can we focus on that and put this other garbage behind us?”

“At least someone else seems to stay on focus. You are right Delva and I thank you for it.” Elidra commented as she sighed heavily. “I cannot help but feel this would not be as it is had I not been deceived by the Rakshar.”

“You were deceived by your mate the Emperor and not by all the people Empress Elidra. It was not done by all the Rakshar. Even you have used that same manipulation that you are so quick to curse others for.” Burakani stated yet the anger had completely left his voice replaced with something sounding more like a deep sadness.

Elidra said nothing and sat staring once again at the distance with her arms folded against her body as if she were hugging herself. Waiting for few more moments, the Empress breathed deep and then grabbed for her pack. Methodically searching through it, she produced a small handful of metallic rings. Saying nothing she pulled forth her long hair and began affixing the rings to her hair. Xynari walked over and silent began helping her. When they had finished, Elidra took Xynari’s hands into her own, looked into her face with complete silence even as tears welled into the corners of her eyes.

“We will find her Elidra.” Xynari stated with complete confidence as a smile pulled her lips slightly apart.

Elidra stood and faced everyone. “I am going into the city and see what I can find. Meet me at the far eastern edge once the moon is very high, but not before then. We can’t just walk into Sarna and we need to know something about where we are. It has to be more and beyond a few rumors.”

Xynari offered a smile at Elidra’s inference and then moved to gather her own things.

“No.” Elidra responded as she saw the priestess move. “I hold gifts that will allow me to enter clearly but yet hidden. Simply be at the eastern edge when the moon is high above you. That should give me the time I need.”

“We will be there Elidra.” Delvakhan answered with a strong voice. “For now we will get some rest in preparation. The question is, once we have her where do we go?”

“Once I have her, I am going away from all of this. Whatever and wherever accomplishes that task.” Elidra stated.

Before anyone could respond her shape shimmered and formed into a snow leopard. With the metal links in her hair bouncing softly against her fur, Elidra bounded for the city.

****

Another day finished that simply merged into another. One day merged to two which merged to a week. Those she could keep track of. Well those she used to keep track of. Now it was a matter of seasons; each giving her a signal to begin the next stage in her work. Yet each season she pushed him harder, each to the brink of his own death.

Power was the only reason to continue. First it was to feel her own fill her body and mind once again. But as the years slipped past her, it became about his. How much could she fill into him before he simply collapsed? Oh the joy she found each time a barrier was broken and even more his mind could handle. Surely there would eventually be a limit, but after so many years she still had not found it. This pleased her more than even her own power could.

With the end of each session she would search his eyes, those cold blue eyes that threatened to haunt her if they were ever to wake and see her as she stood before him. Those tantalizing eyes that held somewhere a key she was most desperate to find. Blue eyes framed so handsomely beneath his heavy and dark brown brows set against an ever growing manly face and strong jaw.

Eventually she would take him as a lover; there could be no other choice. Something so lovely would have to be enjoyed and thoroughly so. That alone would be worth the wait, more so if he approached her with it. Slowly she licked her lips with the anticipation of such a succulent reward. It too, however, would have to wait. The needed years for him to obtain the age of manhood she wished would arrive in due course. Waiting for that would prove to be the greatest reward.

Taking a final look at him she found herself wishing it was already the next day. Just visible she saw the lingering quiver of his chest as the aftermath of his most recent convulsion. Tingles of excitement shivered throughout her body begging for more. Without tempting herself more, she turned and walked through the door. Her right forefinger caught tightly between her teeth as a smile of ecstasy pressed heavily upon her thin red lips.