Splintered Shield Book 9 Circles of Light

By E.M. Sinclair

Gremara has fled the Northern Stronghold with her surviving children and found a refuge in Kelshan. In her search for Gremara, Tika follows false clues and wrong trails but does find a remnant of the alien entity she fought before. It is trying to find a star ship to escape this world and has reached the port city of Eddaven but there are only sea going ships there. Tika discovers new people, new cities, and also finds Gremara. She believed she would have to kill Gremara but can she actually do so?

• Language: English
• Publisher: E.M. Sinclair
• Release date: Jul 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463153529

E.M. Sinclair

From as far back as I can remember, I have always had a feeling that Dragons are real. When you look at a wide sky there is a glimpse from the corner of your eye which must surely be a Dragon whisking past. I always regarded the stories of monstrous fierce Dragons as being completely wrong and I detested stories of St George and his dragon killing tendencies.When I was still a small child my grandfather gave me a copy of Kenneth Grahame's The Reluctant Dragon. It made complete sense to me - a Dragon living in a secluded cave, wanting only peace and quiet to write poetry.

Book preview

Chapter One

The Lady of Iskallia stared down from a window in her quarters in the very highest part of her House. The snow seemed to have finally, although very reluctantly, departed from the valley. White shawls still draped the mountains’ shoulders but they were gradually retreating away from the lower slopes. Lady Tika studied the valley stretching eastwards and marvelled that she could see no sign of human habitation.

Her Historian and Archivist, Dromi, had told her that just over five hundred people had come here in the five years since she and her small company arrived. For some reason not one of those people had chosen to settle along the valley floor or within sight of her House. It fascinated Tika that people from all across this world had petitioned to come to Iskallia.

People from the Shadow Realm, Sapphrea, Kelshan, from the clans in the north of the Dark Realm and some of the Dark Lords themselves, had all come to Iskallia. All these so different people mingled with each other – Shadow folk settling near Kelshans, Clansmen with Sapphreans. Tika knew Dromi was keeping meticulous records of the people who arrived here, names, ages, reasons for requesting permission to join her and her company. She had read Dromi’s latest report last evening and it had played through her thoughts most of the night.

A mind brushed hers with the lightest touch. She smiled. ‘Good day Farn.’ She sent the thought on a pulse of affection.

‘Good day my Tika. You didn’t sleep well.’

Tika leaned her head against the glass of the window. ‘I slept enough dear one. Are you enjoying your visit to the Bears?’ She felt affection through the mind link and smiled again. She knew Farn adored playing with the children of the Bear Clan.

‘Brin’s been telling them lots of stories my Tika.’

Tika stifled a groan as Farn continued.

‘Do you need me there today?’ There was a wistfulness in Farn’s thought.

‘No my dear one, not today. Enjoy your time there and give Emas and the Bear my love.’

‘I miss you you know.’

‘As I miss you Farn, but you’ll be back in a few days.’

‘You’ll call me if you need me?’

‘Of course I will. Who else would I call?’ Tika poured love through her mind and waited until she felt Farn release their link.

‘Males are so very childish.’ The thought flicked into Tika’s head.

She grinned. ‘Good day mother of my heart. They are enjoying themselves Kija, leave them be!’

Kija’s mind tone softened. ‘Emas has made you a beautiful covering for your bed. She is so clever.’ Kija sounded as wistful as her son Farn so often did.

Tika pulsed love through the mind link. Kija’s only possession, most lovingly protected, was a cushion that Emas had embroidered and given to the gold Dragon. Tika recalled Emas explaining, in tears, how Kija had compared her huge hand with its thick stubby fingers to Emas’s delicate hand. It had been all too apparent that the Dragon could never master such a dainty skill as embroidery.

Dismissing such thoughts, Tika headed for the door. She made her way down the long winding stairs to the great hall. It was still early but her Housekeeper, Konya, would be busy already, preparing breakfast for all the occupants of the House. A few Guards were eating at a table near the kitchen door and nodded greeting to Lady Tika. They had just finished their night shift and would be going to their beds after their meal.

Tika slid onto the window seat behind the long table which had become known as her table. She still couldn’t follow Sket’s insistence on Guards on duty day and night in this secure valley but she chose not to argue with her Captain of Guards. The kitchen door opened and Konya emerged, saw Tika at her table and vanished back to the kitchen. The Guards got to their feet and headed out to their quarters. A kitchen helper appeared to clear the dishes followed by Konya with a laden tray.

The Housekeeper brought the tray across and pushed a plate towards Tika. ‘Honey in this pot, cloudberry jam in this one.’ She indicated two small jars.

Tika reached for the honey to spread over her toast while Konya poured tea into two bowls.

‘Glad the snow seems to have left us alone at last,’ Konya remarked.

Tika swallowed a mouthful and laughed. ‘And all too soon you’ll be complaining about the heat,’ she teased.

‘It is part of a Housekeeper’s duties to be able to complain about anything at any time,’ Koya retorted. ‘My Lady.’

Tika said no more, eating the pile of toast while it was still warm. She sat back with a sigh, sipping her tea.

‘Sket was talking about your successor again last night.’ Konya spoke softly although they were quite alone in the hall.

Tika frowned. ‘Again?’

Konya nodded. She didn’t miss the chill that touched Tika’s tone. ‘He fears for your safety. You know he would die for you but if anything was to happen to you and he survived, he would be as faithful to your heir.’

‘I know, I know. But even after all these seasons I am sad that Sket cannot trust me in this matter, as in a few others. I will not speak of all the things I know Konya, not now, maybe not ever.’

Konya poured herself more tea and studied the young woman across the table. She was still as small as a child, still had hair curling in an unruly tangle over her shoulders, but the expression on her face gave the lie to her childlike appearance. Tika sighed, reaching for the teapot.

‘I hope he doesn’t raise the subject to me again. I will not discuss it.’

The sound of feet and voices could now be heard as residents of the House made for the hall and their breakfasts. Konya stood, leaving the teapot on the table but removing the plates and pots. ‘I must get back to work.’ She paused. ‘It is only his love for you that makes Sket worry.’

Tika merely raised a brow and gave a half shrug but said nothing more.

The smaller outer door banged open and two women led in a crowd of hungry people. The two made their way to Tika’s table and sat down. The younger beamed at her Lady. ‘Captain Sket has ordered drills today but unfortunately I’m assigned to Dromi.’

Tika grinned back, waiting for the older woman’s comment.

‘I would only hold everyone up I’m afraid Lady. Trouble with this old leg injury again.’

Tika laughed. ‘I’d be happy to take a look at it Dog, as I’ve told you so many times.’

The older woman looked shocked. ‘No, no. I could never put you to any more trouble on my behalf Lady. I manage well enough. Think I must have slept awkwardly.’

The younger woman snorted. ‘You can’t keep this going forever,’ she began.

Dog turned an innocent look on her. ‘Shea, I am grateful the Lady saved my leg and my life. I would never ask more of her.’

Several other Guards crowded round the table then forestalling further discussion of the state of Dog’s leg. Captain Sket sat at one end and waited as kitchen staff unloaded trays heaped with food.

‘You plan some drills today Sket?’ Tika asked before he could speak.

‘Indeed I do Lady. It’s time they all got fit again,’ he agreed with a scowl in Dog’s direction.

Konya arrived with various teapots then perched on the bench next to Shea. ‘I sent a lad to find Dromi,’ she said. ‘He missed supper last night again.’

‘He gets involved with all those books and papers,’ Shea explained in Dromi’s defence.

‘I know child but he’ll be no use to anyone if he doesn’t eat occasionally.’

As general conversation rumbled round the table and through the hall, Tika smiled at Shea. ‘You like him don’t you?’

Shea blushed faintly. ‘He knows so much, so many things. Yes, I like him and I really like helping in the archives.’

‘Just as well,’ Tika agreed. ‘I was going to suggest you become his more permanent assistant.’

Shea stared. ‘Truly? I’d love that Lady!’

Tika saw over the heads of her companions, Dromi and Navan enter the hall. Shea turned to join the conversation round the table and Tika indicated Dromi should sit beside her. Navan sat between Dog and Sket, reaching for a vegetable pastry.

Tika watched Dromi pour himself some tea. ‘I’ve just told Shea she will be with you more. I think she’ll do well with you Dromi.’

The Archivist breathed the fragrant steam rising from his bowl. ‘She is surprisingly well read,’ he agreed. ‘Yet I understood she received no education in the Citadel?’

Tika glanced at Shea but the young woman was arguing with several Guards at once. ‘She played slow witted most of her life until we rescued her when she was thirteen. She read at night, history texts, books on economics and governance. She has a very shrewd mind with a quick grasp of connections.’

Dromi nodded. ‘She will do well I believe but it would be wise to allow her to continue some of her Guard duties. Working with me in the archives will be a lonely business for the child.’

Tika watched Shea growing indignant with something Fedran was saying. Child? No. Shea had not been a child for many seasons, if ever. She kept that thought to herself however and groaned as Rivan hurried in with an armful of scroll cases.

‘Just arrived Lady.’ Rivan dumped the cases in Tika’s lap and turned away.

‘Rivan, how is Volk?’

The young man glanced at her briefly then out of the window behind her. ‘He’s very quiet Lady but I think he’s mending.’ He waited but Tika asked no more so he moved to join a table of Guards who were waiting for their meal.

Tika lifted each case, studying the seals. ‘Gaharn, Vagrantia, Malesh, Kelshan.’

Dromi took the last case. ‘Kelshan yes, but look – it has the mark of my informant,’ he murmured.

Although he’d spoken softly, silence fell around the table and heads turned towards the Lady and Dromi. Tika slid a fingernail under the wax seal which snapped into pieces. Extracting a roll of paper from the case, she flattened it on the table, scanning quickly down the first close written page. She scowled and handed the papers to Dromi.

‘I imagine you can make some sense of it.’

Dromi smiled faintly. ‘I’ll decode it for you Lady. I will not be too long.’

Shea pushed herself to her feet when Dromi rose. The Archivist paused then nodded to her and headed for the door, Shea trotting beside him. Tika snapped the seal on another case and tipped out a thick roll of papers. She glanced through them with a smile.

‘Lady Emla and half her household by the look of this.’ She read through the first page and passed it to Dog.

The papers travelled from hand to hand round the table, accompanied by chuckles. ‘Dear Lady Emla. She finds staying on one topic completely impossible.’ Sket shook his head, taking the next page from Fedran.

Tika met his rueful smile. ‘At least things seem normal in Gaharn when she flits from one thing to another. There’s nothing in any of these to cause concern thank the stars,’ she agreed.

Other messages with Lady Emla’s were from Discipline Seniors Kera, Yash and Kemti, old friends of most of Tika’s closest companions. There was similar everyday news from Vagrantia which Tika passed on to the others but she frowned over the two papers from Malesh.

‘Chevra says he’s learned of trouble brewing again to the north of his lands.’ Heads turned towards her. ‘He says Harrip is investigating but has found nothing definite.’ Tika looked at the faces round the table. ‘That sounds as though Harrip is concerned.’

‘And if Harrip has discovered nothing yet then maybe he should be concerned,’ Dog remarked helpfully.

‘Is he asking for your help Lady?’ asked Sket.

‘No, not directly. It feels like he’s worried enough to tell me this much in case he does need help.’ Tika fell silent, watching Dromi hurry back into the hall.

Dromi offered her papers covered with his elegant script. Tika read them slowly, then reread them. ‘Sket.’

Her Guard Captain walked round the table to his Lady’s side, taking the papers she held out. He read through them, a scowl deepening as he read. ‘So Imperator Jemin has let his wife do as she pleases?’ He handed the papers to Tika but she indicated he should let the others read them.

‘There seem to be rather a lot of killings happening in Kelshan which Jemin appears to have trouble understanding or dealing with,’ she replied mildly.

‘And it is not up to you to sort out his problems Lady. From the sound of this, he’s thinking of asking your help again.’ Sket’s glare moved to Dromi. ‘Your informant must be someone high in Jemin’s court or council to know all this?’

Dromi smiled innocently but didn’t reply. Tika thought for a moment. ‘Dromi, ask your informant to send news to us as often as he can and as detailed as possible.’

Dromi nodded. ‘Come Shea. You can start work on the cipher.’

‘What about the drill I have planned for today?’ Sket objected.

‘Couldn’t you repeat it, another day, for those not on duty now?’ suggested Tika, avoiding Dog’s expression.

Sket was distracted by several Guards making a too casual exit from the hall. He barked orders in their direction before gesturing for those round the table to follow him. Kitchen staff began clearing the tables and Konya rejoined Tika with fresh tea. Tika looked between Dog and Navan, both still seated. ‘What is your excuse to avoid drills Navan?’

He shrugged. ‘Maps.’

Tika squirmed slightly and Navan laughed. No one had managed to convince Lady Tika of the usefulness of maps.

‘So what do you think is happening in Kelshan Lady?’ asked Dog.

‘Jemin seems to have learned military tactics well in his years in exile in the Dark Realm but he does not appear to have learned much about everyday governing of his land.’

Konya turned her tea bowl in her hands. ‘You don’t think any of that dreadful evil is still there do you Lady?’

‘No.’ Tika was definite. ‘There is nothing left of that. But. . . ‘ She trailed into silence.

‘But?’ Konya prompted after Tika continued to gaze blankly at the huge hearth.

Tika sighed. ‘Dog, would you see if Garrol is busy today? I would like his thoughts on this if he has time to spare. Tell him I’ll be here all day so whenever suits him best.’

Dog nodded and stood up. ‘Of course Lady.’

‘Her leg doesn’t look to be bothering her,’ remarked Konya.

Although Dog was beyond earshot she began to limp as she approached the hall door. Tika snorted. ‘Don’t! She’s driven Sket crazy these last five years.’

‘You could insist on healing her again,’ Konya suggested.

‘Certainly not. I only heal people who want to be healed.’

Konya shook her head and rose. ‘More tea Lady? I must get back to the kitchens.’

‘You think trouble is coming don’t you?’ Navan asked quietly as Konya left them.

‘Yes, but I don’t know from where. It’s just a feeling so far but I think there is something we’ll be dragged into.’

‘I’m always happy to listen if you need to talk.’

Tika smiled. ‘I know.’

Navan was the only one who had known her since her birth. He had enabled her escape from Return. He himself had fled from Lord Hargon’s town after being sentenced to death, and had eventually found his way to Tika and her company.

Two kitchen helpers began wiping down the tables and straightening benches. A small orange cat had come after them from the kitchen and walked stiffly towards Tika. Navan followed Tika’s gaze. ‘She’s getting so old,’ he murmured.

‘You have no idea just how old Navan,’ Tika replied as softly. She slid off her seat and went to lift the cat against her shoulder. ‘Good morning Khosa. Have you decided it’s warm enough for you to desert the kitchen?’

Turquoise eyes blinked and a soft feminine voice spoke in both Tika’s and Navan’s minds. ‘I liked being in your rooms but you never remembered to keep the fire going warm enough.’

Tika sat down, cradling the ancient cat gently. ‘You should have told me Khosa. I’m sorry.’ She stroked down over the cat’s spine, feeling the bones under too little flesh. She made no attempt to probe Khosa’s health: it was all too obvious she was nearing the end of her incredibly long life. Some of her feelings must have leaked because Khosa batted a paw on Tika’s leg.

‘I’ve lived far too long and you know it child. I am content.’ Those turquoise eyes gazed steadily up into Tika’s green ones. ‘You will help me, if I ask you?’

Navan sat perfectly still, aware Khosa had deliberately allowed him to hear these words.

‘I will help you, if you ask it of me,’ Tika agreed aloud. She swallowed and felt gratefulthat/her/voice/only/wobbled/slightly.

Khosa stared at Navan. ‘You heard,’ she said. ‘Remember, she has promised me.

Bereft of words, Navan nodded. Tika cleared her throat. ‘Would you like me to take you up to my rooms now Khosa?’

The cat yawned hugely, her whiskers bristling forwards. ‘Not now. I will stay here and watch all your people. Kija said I might lie on her cushion.’

Thoughts tumbled through Tika’s mind which she struggled to keep from seeping through to the cat. Clearly, Khosa had spoken with the gold Dragon about her failing health.

‘I’ll fetch it for you.’ Navan rose and crossed the hall to the hearth. He opened a small cupboard set level with his head and withdrew Kija’s cushion. Returning to Tika’s table he set it carefully on the wide window ledge. ‘Here Khosa? Or on the seat? The sun will soon shine in here.’

Khosa merely blinked so Tika lifted her onto the cushion. She knelt on the bench waiting as Khosa settled onto the glinting silver embroidery. The cat curled in a tight ball, flicked her tail round and over her nose. ‘I want you to put me near Akomi, when the time comes.’ Turquoise eyes met Tika’s steadily, then they closed.

Tika stroked the orange fur gently. ‘Whatever you wish my dear,’ she whispered.

Khosa curled tighter but remained silent. There was only the muted clatter of dishes from the kitchen to disturb the quiet of the hall until Khosa began to snore faintly. Tika twisted on the bench. ‘Let’s walk,’ she said.

Navan glimpsed the shine of tears on her cheeks and followed her from the hall. They emerged into the huge entrance, large enough to permit the Dragons to pass easily through, onto a grassy area above the valley. They walked round a great circle made of slabs of coloured stones until they reached the edge of the small plateau. There was still a tang of winter in the air but there was also definite warmth in the sun which was just reaching this spot.

‘I do know how old she is Tika,’ Navan said. ‘I was with you in Wendla, remember? When Khosa made the Shadow folk try to return her to human form?’

Tika glanced up at him. ‘I forgot you were there. But Khosa’s been with me nearly as long as Farn.’ Her words trailed away.

Navan looked to his right, at the long stretch of the valley of Iskallia. ‘It is so beautiful here Tika. I never tire of seeing this view. After the dry lands we grew up in, all these shades of green still amaze me.’

A man was climbing up towards them from their left accompanied by Dog. As they neared the flat area, the man continued to them while Dog vanished back into the House. Bright blue eyes gave Tika a searching glance before Garrol raised his right fist against his heart in salute. ‘You wanted to see me Lady?’

‘Yes. I hope you weren’t busy?’

‘No Lady. Waiting for the forge fire to heat sufficiently.’

Tika began walking away from the plateau, watching the light washing over the valley as the sun rose higher. Navan and Garrol paced to each side of her. ‘Garrol, you had the training of Jemin for many years. What is your honest opinion of him?’

Garrol, once Shield Master of the Dark Realm, considered the question. ‘He was always eager to learn weapon skills and military tactics. Less keen to attend Lady Lerran’s lessons on governing. She expressed concern over his attitude many times when we spoke of his development. He had an impetuous streak, almost reckless at times, which he learned to hide but not rid himself of by the time he was returned to Kelshan.’ Garrol paused, glancing down at the diminutive Lady at his side. ‘There is trouble I would guess, by your question?’

Tika shrugged. ‘Possibly. Dromi’s spy in the Citadel tells of an increase in killings, which sound more political than anything else.’

They walked on for a while in silence.

‘He was welcomed back gladly after the horrors Veranta inflicted on Kelshan but his marriage was not approved of by many citizens,’ Garrol remarked. ‘You have met his wife Lady. What do you think?’

‘I thought she was a frivolous idiot the first time we met.’ Tika grinned up at the elderly man. ‘The few times since I have suspected she is much cleverer than she appears.’

‘I’ve heard snippets from some of Jemin’s soldiers when we’ve been in the Citadel,’ Navan offered. ‘They think she is working towards taking the throne and installing clans folk throughout the council.’

Tika paused as they rounded a curve of the massive rock walls, gazing along the valley. ‘So if Jemin asks for my aid, what would be the wisest course?’ She looked at Navan then to Garrol and laughed. ‘All my advisors seem so reluctant to advise on anything important! Seriously Garrol, what should we do?’

‘If you’re asked to intervene or help? I’m not sure you need to take any action Lady. Turmoil in Kelshan should surely be resolved by their own people. It isn’t the same as when you were there before.’ He noted Tika’s involuntary shiver. ‘That was caused by something beyond Kelshan, beyond our world. If Jemin faces trouble it is up to him to resolve it unless he’s invaded by another realm. Even then, you should consider all aspects before committing to helping him Lady.’

Tika huffed a laugh. ‘Sket said the same thing. But I hate the thought of the people suffering again.’

Garrol smiled, a slight breeze ruffling his white hair. ‘You can’t help everyone Lady. You have to accept that fact.’

‘I know.’ She went on to tell Garrol of the message from Malesh. He listened carefully then shook his head.

‘Again Lady, I would advise you to wait until Harrip has more definite information.’ He smiled down at here. ‘There are still things to do here, in your own lands child.’

Tika scowled. ‘I’m not sure about those things either.’

Garrol laughed. ‘Oh such are the joys of being a ruling Lady.’

Chapter Two

When trouble arose a few days later, it was in neither Kelshan nor Malesh, That morning Tika woke early, Khosa buried under the covers close against Tika’s back. The room was lit by the chilly pale light of predawn and Tika slid out of bed to rebuild the fire for Khosa’s benefit. She sat back on her heels watching as flames grew and flared in the hearth.

Slowly she turned her head to the high doorway at the further end of the room, the door that led out to a patch of hidden garden sheltered by the sweeping mountainsides. The door remained closed but a faint mist coalesced in front of them. Tika remained quite still while a small figure slowly emerged from that mist. She bowed her head in respect. ‘Youki. It is an honour to see you again.’

The figure was suddenly standing beside Tika, who blinked having forgotten quite how strange this creature was. A long fingered furred hand reached to stroke Tika’s cheek. ‘I have been busy child. I have given you time to settle here but I fear I must ask your help now.’

Tika stared into eyes of no colour and all colours, at the furred face and faded clothes. ‘I promised I would always help you as I could Youki. What do you ask of me?’

‘You will have news today child, and you must act upon it. In this instance I can be of little help to you. You still carry your treasures with you?’

Tika’s hand went to one of two pouches on a leather thong round her neck. ‘Always. As you told me.’ Tika could have sworn Youki’s hands were empty when she first appeared but now she held out a feather to Tika.

‘A gift.’ She smiled sadly. She stared past Tika towards the bed.

Tika turned too, unsurprised to see Khosa sitting upright, her tail neatly wrapped round her front paws. Then Youki was by the bed, scooping the cat into her arms. Over Khosa’s head those strangely beautiful eyes met Tika’s, filling with unshed tears. Khosa gave a soft cry as she was gently returned to the bed and then Youki was gone. Khosa cried again then burrowed back beneath the bed covers.

Tika studied the feather in her hand. It wasn’t very long or strikingly beautiful. In fact the colours seemed oddly muted, as if they weren’t sure what colour they actually wanted to be. She slid it between her fingers, wondering what it might mean.

When Lady Tika joined some of her company at breakfast a short while later, she ignored the food, taking only a bowl of tea. One of the newer members of her personal Guard glanced at the feather Tika twirled in her fingers.

Ashoki was from the Eagle Clan in the north of the Dark Realm and wore a slender green feather worked into a narrow braid by her left ear. She had been laughing at something Dog and Geffal were arguing over but Tika noticed the girl’s gaze returned again and again to the feather she held.

Sket appeared in the doorway and various Guards got to their feet to hurry towards him. Ashoki remained at the table, still eating.

‘You recognise this feather?’ Tika asked casually. ‘I’ve never seen its like.’

Ashoki leaned closer but made no move to touch it. She sat back, her dark eyes meeting Tika’s. ‘I have seen one such feather, exactly like this, but not the bird from which it came.’

Tika waited.

‘It is the central feather in the chieftain’s cape. I saw it a few times when I was a child, training under Gold Wing.’ She drew her left hand across her eyes in a gesture Tika recognised as the sign of grief and respect among the clans. ‘I was told it was a feather from the most ancient of birds, the ancestor of all birds.’

Tika nodded. ‘It was given to me,’ she began then paused. ‘So it is a very special thing to the Eagle Clan?’

Ashoki frowned. ‘Special to many clans Lady, but only the Eagles possess one. I’m sure Sergeant Essa would recognise it. Many clans carve it or paint it in their meeting halls.’

Tika twirled the feather again. She smiled at Ashoki, holding it out to her. ‘Can you fix it in my hair, like the one you wear?’

Ashoki licked her lips, rubbed her hands on her vest and took the feather from Tika.

‘I don’t think it’s dangerous,’ Tika said gently.

Ashoki moved to stand closer to Tika and began twisting strands of hair around the feather.

‘Why did you want to join us Ashoki?’

‘Gold Wing was a wonderful chief, an amazing woman. Our new chief, Blue Claw, is too young, too inexperienced and too boastful to be chief of the Eagles.’ She stepped back regarding her handiwork and nodded. ‘I have beads Lady, that I was going to offer to you before, but there never seemed a suitable time.’ The girl blushed shyly.

‘Beads? Like the ones you wear on the other side? Show me.’

Ashoki produced a small pouch, tipping out tiny beads of bright green and silvery blue. Tika clapped her hands in delight and sat still while Ashoki threaded them into a thin braid. Eventually Tika let the girl hurry off to catch up, belatedly, with her duties, just as Guards swung open the huge doors to allow Dragons entry.

The Dragons had flown in yesterday and after a night’s rest had gone to hunt. Kija the gold Dragon paced into the hall and settled by the hearth, closely followed by her son Farn. The silver blue Dragon bustled in, heading for Tika with a supreme disregard for stray chairs and benches. Tika laughed, reaching to hug him.

‘Konya won’t be pleased if you break more chairs Farn.’

He twisted his head to peer behind him then looked back at Tika, faceted eyes whirring in sudden alarm. ‘I didn’t notice them my Tika. Are they broken?’

‘Not this time my dear.’

Farn’s eyes calmed and he lowered his head close to hers. ‘Are you very busy now, or can we fly for a while?’ The wistful note was back in his mind voice.

Kija snorted but Tika ignored her, stroking Farn’s long beautiful face. ‘We can fly Farn. To the end of the valley.’

‘Now?’

‘Why not?’

The sun was setting when they returned. They’d visited settlers at the far eastern end of the Iskallian valley who had been delighted to see them. They’d shown off their newly turned gardens and some newborn livestock. Now, Farn was among a heap of Dragons around the hearth, trying to tempt some of the Guards into playing the riddle game.

A skinny young man hurried in with a scroll case. He went straight to Tika. ‘Late for one of these to turn up Lady,’ he said.

Tika turned her attention to the case, not recognising the seal on it. She snapped the wax and tipped out the contents. She read through three pages and sat motionless. She read them again, far more slowly. After the second reading she realised there was silence through the hall. Raising her head, she saw everyone, including the Dragons, was watching her. Tika forced a smile.

‘From Discipline Senior Kera. She’s visiting the Domain of Asat.’ She glanced at the papers but said no more.

There was a soft murmuring as those who knew of the Domain of Asat whispered to those who did not. Farn stared at Tika, his eyes flashing. ‘News of our dear friend Mim at last?’ he asked eagerly.

Tika met Captain Sket’s stare and read the concern in them: he knew it was not good news. Tika sent a thought to some of those in the hall, asking them to join her in a while in the council chamber. She walked slowly across to Kija. The gold Dragon lowered her head to bump against Tika’s shoulder. Then Tika headed to the door leading to her quarters but turning sharply left, up a short flight of stairs to a chamber rarely used.

This chamber was for meeting official visitors from other Realms and was never regularly used by Tika and her Advisors. She sat in the window seat watching stars prickle through the darkening sky.

Captain Sket and Sergeant Essa arrived first, closely followed by Rhaki, Konya, Dromi, Garrol and Navan. She waited until they were all seated then took her place at the table’s head.

‘The Dragons will hear our words,’ she began. ‘Kera and Jakri decided to try to visit Asat on their way to Wendla. Communication with Asat has become increasingly difficult over these last few years but Kera was always fascinated by that place and she hoped she’d be allowed to enter. The Delvers received a message from Dessi recently.’

No one spoke. Tika drew a breath. ‘Mim has – killed – three of Gremara’s children and Gremara has fled with the others. There are many dead in the Northern Stronghold, including Jal.’

All present could feel the rising agitation from the Dragons’ minds and Tika took a moment to calm them. ‘Dessi asked the Delvers to contact me. She believes Gremara has flown to this side of the world. She is frantic with worry over Mim. He hasn’t spoken since he killed the children and even Ashta cannot reach his mind.’

Tika paused again. ‘I think Dessi has been struggling with this for too long. It is nearly five years since Gremara arrived at the Stronghold. We know the Delvers withdrew more and more into their previous isolation because of her madness, her unpredictability. I will go to the Stronghold. I will hear your opinions and advice but I will not be dissuaded from this. Mim and I soul bonded with Ashta and Farn at the same time. I will not abandon him.’

‘Shall we go now my Tika?’ Farn’s mind voice held great distress.

‘No Farn,’ Tika spoke aloud, knowing he would still hear her. ‘We will go in a day or two.’

‘Dessi could have asked for help from Gaharn,’ said Rhaki thoughtfully.

Tika nodded. ‘She could have but she didn’t. She asked for me.’

‘Quite so,’ he agreed.

‘I will need to know if we should warn other Realms, Kelshan or Drogoya in particular. Have we heard much from Drogoya of late?’

Dromi shook his head. ‘Drogoya’s population is still negligible. They are rebuilding, mostly on the north west coast, but there are very few sizeable settlements anywhere in those poor lands. It would be best to hope that Gremara went there. If she is in Kelshan lands,’ he shrugged. ‘We would surely have heard by now. Kelshan is well populated with many towns, ports and trading centres. Gremara could hide herself and her children in Drogoya but not for long in Kelshan.’

Tika nodded. ‘I agree. I have no faith in Gremara being rational enough to go to Drogoya because it is empty though so I believe Jemin should be warned. I ask you Rhaki, to stay here in command in my place.’

She was aware of the turmoil in Rhaki’s mind as she made her request. He would far prefer to accompany her but he also understood her need to have him in charge of Iskallia in her absence. Finally he met her eyes. ‘As you will it Lady. My heart will travel with you.’

Tika turned to Konya but before she could speak her Housekeeper did. ‘Please my Lady, if there’s room for me, I would travel with you.’

Tika studied the ageing woman then nodded. ‘If you so wish. Your deputies are trained well?’

Konya’s shoulders relaxed. ‘Oh yes Lady. They will do well.’

Tika stood. ‘Think on this news. Plan to leave the morning after tomorrow. If the Dragons agree, we will use their gateways, first to Sapphrea to warn Lord Seboth, then on to the Northern Stronghold.’

Next morning Tika looked for Khosa. She checked all the places she knew but found no sign of the cat. She went outside and sat on one of the stone seats overlooking the mosaic circle and tried to think where Khosa might have hidden herself. She rose and wandered along the path she’d walked with Navan and Garrol and found her Steward, Volk, sitting on the grass watching a small herd of goats scampering down the slope. She hesitated then sat beside him.

‘It’s good to see them outside again,’ she said quietly.

‘It is that Lady.’

Tika looked at him. He had lost a lot of his burliness, was almost gaunt now, but as he turned to look at her she thought his dark eyes held a hint of light again.

‘I hear you’re off again tomorrow Lady? That Gremara creature is causing trouble young Rivan told me.’

‘Yes she is Volk. Will you take care of things here while we’re gone?’

Volk sighed. ‘I will Lady. I apologise that I’ve not – been myself – for too long now.’

Tika rested a hand on his arm. ‘No apologies Volk. But I wondered if you’d seen Khosa?’

‘Aah.’ Volk gave her a searching look. ‘The tales say that Khosa and this Gremara are related?’

‘They are.’

Volk scratched his thick beard, the dark brown scattered now with grey. ‘Well now. Sometimes Khosa hides in that bit of stable, where I keep the goats and hens.’

Tika smiled. ‘Thank you. I’ll take a look.’

Rounding a buttress of the mountain wall, Tika came to a sequence of caves which Volk used as his home and his workspace. He stabled goats and hens in the first one. He brewed various noxious beverages in the third one and he said he lived in the cave between. Tika strongly suspected he spent very little time in that home, being either with his animals, in his brewery, or wandering the valley in his Bear form.

Entering the first cave, Tika let her eyes adjust to the dimness. The goats were out on the hillside but a few hens burbled softly from straw-filled nest boxes along one side. She stood quietly before speaking aloud. ‘Khosa please. I need to speak to you my dear.’

Straw in the furthest box heaved upwards and turquoise eyes glared at Tika.

‘Please,’ Tika repeated.

Khosa hissed but climbed carefully from the box to the floor. She stalked past Tika to settle on a patch of grass beyond the path. Tika followed and sat by the cat. She stroked a cautious finger down the too bony spine and steeled herself. ‘I think you should stay here this time Khosa. You are not as fit as you were and it will be too hard for you if we have to confront Gremara.’

Khosa turned her head. Tika froze at the fury in those turquoise eyes, at the rage she could sense pouring from the small orange cat. ‘I will not find it hard to confront her, child. It is hard to comprehend her evilness, her cruelty. Madness is not enough of an excuse. My father’s sins continue to damage this world all the time my sister lives. I will come with you, if I have to bully someone else to help me or I will walk all the way.’

‘If you feel so strongly and are sure you can accept whatever might happen, I would be glad of your company Khosa. I was trying to save you pain my dear, bodily pain or emotional pain. And it will cause you pain Khosa, of that I am sure.’

Slowly Khosa’s anger faded. ‘Pain I accept child, but I will come with you.’

Tika bent to plant a kiss between Khosa’s ears. ‘I have to pack and see who Sket has chosen to be of our company. Be sure you aren’t hiding early tomorrow my dear.’

Everyone gathered next dawn to farewell their Lady. Those travelling emerged onto the plateau where the crimson Dragon Brin was apparently arguing with Kija. Brin’s butter yellow son moved to Tika. He pressed his brow to hers, his mind voice soft in her head.

‘Father said some of us should stay here, to help guard Iskallia. So Twist and I said we would stay.’

Tika hugged the young Dragon. ‘I’m glad to know such brave Dragons will be here,’ she agreed. Flyn was of a much more timid nature than his sister Skay so Tika was pleased that he didn’t suspect he’d been omitted from the group because he lacked courage. She stroked Twist’s grey green face. ‘Thank you for staying with Flyn,’ she told the Sea Dragon. ‘Are you sure your family aren’t missing you?’

‘Oh no. I saw some cousins, along the coast. I told them I was staying here.’

All the Dragons suddenly became alert. Tika spun towards the mosaic circle. The air shivered and two people stood there. The very tall slender man walked towards her and she stepped close to hug him briefly. ‘Lord Shivan. This is unexpected.’ She hugged the much smaller woman, Shivan’s sister Jian. Tika noted Jian had a pack slung over her shoulder.

Shivan, Lord of the Dark Realm, scowled. ‘I can’t come with you, according to my councillors, but Jian insists she can.’

Tika looked between two pairs of bright gold eyes, one pair clearly annoyed, the other smug. She made a quick decision. ‘You are welcome Jian if you’re sure you want to join us.’

Jian grinned, stood on tiptoes to kiss her brother’s cheek and went to greet the Dragons. ‘She is truly better Shivan,’ Tika spoke softly.

‘I know, and I think she should go with you. It’s just so annoying that I can’t.’

‘All is well in your Realm?’

Shivan pulled a face. ‘Of course it is but I have to deal with such ridiculous formalities and protocols.’ He glanced across at his sister. ‘If you don’t mind, I’ll go now. I don’t want to watch you leave but I wish you well against Gremara.’ He moved back onto the circle, standing on the central stone. There was a pop of imploding air and Lord Shivan was gone.

The Dragons had decided which of them would carry which humans and the riders were already astride broad scaled backs. Tika took Jian’s pack and climbed behind Farn’s shoulders, Captain Sket sitting behind her. Jian waited until five Dragons lifted into the air. She drew a breath and paced forward.

The slim woman shape quivered, replaced by a huge Dragon form, dwarfing the other Dragons but whose white wings seemed amazingly fragile for its size. A gust of cinnamon scented air blew back over the watchers as Jian took to the sky. Now, six Dragons gained height, flying north east towards the peaks which ringed Iskallia. For the briefest moment the watchers saw early sunlight glitter on scales of silver blue, crimson, gold, black, grey blue and white. Then they were gone and the sky was empty.

The Dragon gateway opened again above Sapphrea on the other side of the world. Sket estimated they were about nine leagues west of Far, Lord Seboth’s town. Crimson Brin let all hear his mind voice as he called to Seboth and Lady Lallia, telling of the company’s arrival.

It was mid afternoon when the Dragons swept down, circling over the fortified town with its outlying farms, and settling in the main courtyard. Tika watched Jian’s vast Dragon shape drift down first, the cinnamon scented gust of air rising round them as the Dark Lady resumed her human form. Farn landed beside her as an armsman, his left arm supported by a leather strap, headed straight for them. Jian vanished in an engulfing hug while Sket and Tika slid from Farn’s back.

Jian extricated herself and Tika grinned at the blush on her cheeks. Jian prodded the arm in its sling. ‘Still malingering I see Riff?’ she asked.

The man scowled.