Endings and Beginnings

By E.M. Sinclair

While the Asatarian boy, Endis, struggles to understand how his life must change as he learns the ways of a Seer, Tika too must learn some lessons. Reluctantly, she is forced to face the fact that she has made certain decisions for very personal but very misguided reasons. She procrastinates until finally, another takes action, telling her it is on her behalf. Tika is angry and saddened, but also accepts the whole sequence of events was due to her own mistakes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: E.M. Sinclair
• Release date: May 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005261627

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

Book 13 of Circles of Light

E.M. Sinclair

Endings and Beginnings, Book 13 of Circles of Light

First published 2021

Format and Cover design by W.J. Scott

Published by Murrell Press

© E.M. Sinclair 2021

E.M. Sinclair can be contacted via Circles of Light Facebook page.

The right of E.M. Sinclair to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy or any information storage and retrieval system without express permission in writing from the publisher.

Chapter One

While late summer toppled slowly into early autumn, Lady Tika of Iskallia worked with Endis. Endis had escaped from the only home he'd known in the Asataria complex in the far east of Sapphrea on the other side of the world. Just nineteen years old, he had been told by his tutors that he had few talents in mage craft. Lady Tika had found him wracked with mage fevers after his power had burgeoned during his escape. She recognised he was an earth mage, but also that he was a seer.

Lady Tika spoke of the young man's talents one evening, in the hall, after realising people were concerned that he remained separate from the rest of the Household, near the Lady's own apartments. Tika noted the speculative looks on some faces and smiled. 'Any of you who think you'll be able to ask Endis to tell your fortune will be sadly disappointed. That is not how it works. At present, his power is unpredictable and frightening to him which is why I deem it necessary to allow him peace and quiet.'

Consequently, Tika's people accepted the situation although the speculation continued as no one knew exactly what being a seer might entail. Tika left Endis to decide how they proceeded with the training she felt able to offer him. That mostly consisted of protecting himself from picking up sensations from people he simply touched. He slept each night, exhausted by practising the mental exercises Tika taught him, and he dreamed, but thankfully the dreams were the usual jumbled dreams most people experience. So far Tika had made no suggestion that he should try to test his abilities. She felt apprehensive of how he might react if he tried.

Several days had passed since Tika and her company returned from Strale and Endis was still virtually isolated, near Tika's quarters. Today there was to be a change. One that caused Tika some nervousness but she had been persuaded by the gold Dragon Kija, Elder of the Iskallian Treasury. After breakfast, she made her way up to Endis' room. He looked tired, his eyes ringed with dark bruises, but he smiled when she entered. 'You need a rest,' she said. 'A rest and a change of scenery.' She saw his immediate alarm, and raised a hand in a calming gesture. 'I've told you of Genia, the newest Dragon here?' She waited for his nod. 'She found the proximity of so many people here overwhelming so Kija took her to Dragons Rest to stay with Fenj. I believe it will help you to visit there too. No one will bother you, it is a pleasant place, and you would be welcome there. If you wish to come back you need only tell Fenj. He would mind speak me or Skay and we will come for you. Will you try?'

'Fenj is the black Dragon who visited the Asataria?' Endis asked.

'Yes. He lives in some caves there, heated with hot springs. If you don't want to stay with him, the village leader, Cadarn and his wife Sisi, offer you a room in their house. They understand you may not wish to be social and they will not impose their presence on you. What do you think?'

The young man had calmed as she spoke. He nodded. 'If you think it's a good idea, I am willing to try.'

'Understand me Endis, If you need to be back here, Skay will fetch you. She is Fenj's granddaughter and if I have to be away, she will bring you to my garden and Onion will stay with you until I return.'

'Are you expecting to be away?'

Tika was glad to note he was not completely concerned with himself, showing curiosity about her possible travels. 'I might have to travel for a few days, yes. Now, I have extra packs in my rooms if you need. Do you want to take books, notebooks?'

'Yes. Someone sends books up each day. Someone called Dog?'

Tika smiled. 'I'll fetch another pack,' she said. Relieved by his reaction, she went to rummage in a cupboard in her rooms. She had visited Dragons Rest a few days previously and explained Endis's condition to Lorak, Cadarn and Sisi. 'Try not to touch him,' she had ended. 'I have been teaching him how to block himself but if there are strong emotions within someone, he will feel it.'

Lorak had been shocked. 'Poor lad! That must be a difficult thing to deal with.'

'I suspect being a seer will prove to be one of the hardest of talents to control. Perhaps that's why it seems to be so rare.'

Returning to Endis, she offered him three new notebooks. 'You might find it helpful to write what you feel or sense,' she suggested.

'I've been thinking of doing that,' he agreed.

Tika sent a thought to Farn and took Endis along to her rooms and out to her garden. Farn's eyes sparkled. Any reason to fly with his soul bond cheered the silver blue Dragon enormously.

'We're taking Endis to stay at Dragons Rest.' She spoke aloud.

'You'll like it there, Endis.' Farn's mind voice sounded cheerful and Tika hoped he was correct.

'Your valley is much longer than I thought,' Endis remarked as they flew eastwards.

'There are five small villages now. Dragons Rest is the smallest and the furthest east.'

Endis watched the land beneath Farn's wings then glancing up, was surprised to see the great ramparts of towering mountains directly ahead. Looking down again, he saw a huddle of stone cottages tucked against the feet of one such mountain. He saw small fields, brown with newly turned earth, and several clusters of small trees.

'Orchards,' Tika told him.

As Farn slowed and flew lower, Endis saw hens wandering around the cottages. Then Farn curved into a glide, settling on a stretch of massive flat boulders in front of a cave entrance. Fenj was outside, basking and the new Dragon, Genia, lay close to him. Fenj opened his eyes, affection washing over Tika, Farn and Endis. 'Welcome, children.' His mind voice was a deep rumble in their heads. He sat up carefully.

Only then did Endis notice the small black cat with a splotch of white beneath her chin and bright blue eyes, perched on the Dragon's head. Tika slid from Farn's back and went to hug as much of Fenj as she could reach. Stepping back, she turned to Genia. She stroked the long face and greeted her softly. Tika was glad to see Genia lowered her face into her palm rather than flinching away. Endis stood awkwardly, holding his two packs, then two men arrived, Lorak and Cadarn.

They greeted Tika who introduced Endis.

'Come in lad, see what you think of our place.' Lorak stumped inside the cave, Endis following him slowly. Tika walked behind with Cadarn and saw Endis staring around in amazement. 'You could give me a hand boy, moving some of my plants in here afore the winter. Only if you feel like it, mind.' He showed Endis an alcove some distance further in and was pointing to a bed as Cadarn bent to murmur to Tika.

'We're very fond of them all now, Tika.' His eyes twinkled. 'Sisi makes sure Lorak's clothes are washed regularly and Fenj says he's been bathing in the hot pool.'

Cadarn's expression was innocent but Tika had to smother a laugh. 'Please don't let Lorak give him too much of his beverages. Endis has to concentrate at the moment, to protect himself, If there is any concern, please tell Fenj to mind speak Skay.'

Then Endis came back to join them. 'When you said caves, I had no idea you meant somewhere so -, so- '

'Comfy? Cosy?' suggested Lorak helpfully.

To Tika's surprise, Endis laughed, actually laughed. 'Yes. Comfy,' he said, indicating the hearth set against the wall and the scatter of bright floor cushions.

'I must get back to the House. I hope you will enjoy your visit here Endis. Just keep practising the exercises I've shown you.'

They followed her back outside and watched as Farn rose above the rocks and then swung to the west. Tika waved cheerfully and hoped Endis would be contented there for a while.

At the House, Dromi and Werlan awaited her. 'Something wrong?' she asked, joining them in the hall.

'A message, from Kelshan Citadel,' said Dromi. 'I've sent for Vallek. He hasn't reported visiting there for some time but I'd like his opinion.' He passed over a letter.

It had a thin tower painted right down the side of the paper. Tika had been told it was called a lighthouse but she saw it as just a tower, the symbol of Kelshan's government. She read through the letter then just raised a brow at Dromi. 'Your advice?'

'It is always to be preferred to be friendly with neighbours. I thought that letter to be genuine enough. Jemin's daughter is what? Barely seven years old? Vallek has always maintained that General Falkir was - relieved - shall I say, when Jemin died. He bore no affection for the man Jemin had become.'

'He was the girl's father though,' Werlan said. 'Are you sure she won't bear resentment for that fact?'

Neither Dromi nor Tika offered a reply. 'When did you send for Vallek?' Tika asked eventually.

'Not long ago. He probably won't get here until mid afternoon,' Dromi answered.

Werlan reached for the letter and reread it. 'This is a formal invitation, Tika,' he said. 'Therefore you must make it a formal visit if you go. Personally I would advise you to do so. You can sense any danger, and surely you have the power to protect yourself and your escort.' He paused. 'I would also suggest a smaller rather than larger group. That would indicate you are there in friendship rather than as a threat. This letter says the Imperatrix in Waiting is the instigator of this invitation. She is but a child. Perhaps she is merely curious.'

Tika considered his words. 'Let me know when Vallek arrives. I'm going to see Garrol then I'll be up in my rooms.'

Dromi and Werlan rose but Tika spoke again. 'I took Endis to Dragons Rest. Fenj will let us know if any problems arise but I think Endis needs to be away from here for a while.'

Werlan inclined his head. 'I believe that is wise. I have not been able to recall any instances of seers in the histories of the Dark Realm that I have studied. I was going to ask you if I might consult Corman or Fenzir?

'If you wish. I know there are instances of foretelling - I've experienced those myself, but Endis is an utterly different case. To be honest, I'm very unsure how to help him.' She slid out from behind the table. 'I'll join you when Vallek arrives.'

At Garrol's forge, Tika waited by the door while Garrol and his apprentices, Anushka and Kennet finished working a piece of metal. Anushka plunged the object into the quenching trough and Garrol mopped his face on a towel. He saw Tika and smiled. 'How can I help?' he asked her. He noted her hesitation and instructed his apprentices to tidy up before he joined Tika outside. 'Let's walk down by the lake,' he suggested.

Reaching the lake shore, they strolled along past two cottages. 'Does anyone use those anymore?' Tika asked.

'When it's very hot, yes. Quite a few people sleep there, or just outside, on some nights. And things are stored there for transport through to Port Maressa.'

A leaf, stained scarlet, drifted past Tika's face. She caught it and smoothed a finger over it.

'When I was a boy, we were told that for every leaf you could catch as it falls, you'd have a happy day in the coming year.' Garrol shook his head. 'I haven't thought of that for years.'

Tika paused. 'Garrol were you aware of anything when that new pendant flashed out as it did? No one has mentioned it to me. People looked at the pendant, but no one has touched it. Even the Dragons haven't spoken of it.'

Garrol also halted, staring over the tranquil lake before facing her. 'I heard him,' he said. 'It was the Maker, Pakan Kelati, wasn't it? He said no.'

Tika let out a long breath. 'The noise was so loud, but I'm not sure if it was just him. There were other words, which I couldn't understand.'

'I heard other words,' Garrol agreed. 'I had no knowledge of the language in which they were spoken. The noise seemed to shock you but it wasn't over loud to me.'

'Tarel says I have to visit Pakan Kelati again. He says I should already have done so but I've been too worried about Endis. It also seems we must visit Kelshan soon too.'

Garrol's white brows rose. 'Kelshan?'

'I only hope Jemin's daughter isn't just a spoilt brat who plans to insult me because I killed her father.' She met Garrol's eye and they both laughed. 'Will you come with us?'

Garrol was surprised by her request. He didn't travel with Tika too often, depending on how much work was waiting his attention in the forge. 'When are you going?'

'In the next day or two, I think.'

'If you want me as part of your escort, of course I'll come.'

Later, in her quarters, Tika sat writing her personal journal,. Tarel was in his room but emerged to climb into her bed after a time. She glanced across as he organised the two cats, Cerys and Liekke around him. 'I'll be going to the Citadel in Kelshan, probably the day after tomorrow. Will you come?'

The boy's face became completely blank, somewhat to Tika's surprise. She set down her pen and waited for his reply. It seemed a long time coming and was prefaced with an enormous sigh.

'I don't want to come but I have to.' His eyes, neither grey nor blue yet both, were enormous as he stared at Tika.

'Do you know any more? Can I help?'

The smallest smile touched his mouth. 'What will happen will be a long time in the future yet. I have to be stronger, far, far, stronger.' The smile widened. 'You always help me Tika.'

More concerned than she was prepared to admit, Tika returned his smile. 'I always will, Tarel.'

He nodded. 'I know.' He slid down beneath the covers, Liekke held against his chest, and closed his eyes.

Tika spent most of the next afternoon in the library with Mardis Fayle. He had maps, which she detested, spread out on a table and indicated all the places where they were sure domes were located.

'As far as I can work out, there is only one place in Sapphrea, in the Qwah desert.' Mardis twisted his beard as he thought. 'There are two large ones in Kelshan and you said you found a small one near Kelshan's north coast?'

'There was a small group near the Hallaven lands,' Tika pointed out. 'On Damir's property. The Mother of the Sea Eagles in the north of Kelshan implied there were many such small domes throughout that land.'

'She gave no indication of knowing who the builders might have been?'

'She said only it was the old ones, the ancients, but she laughed when she spoke of that. I've found some of these wise ones or shamans, love to always speak in riddles, or laugh as Tula did. I'm never sure if they're teasing or truly trying to tell me something.'

Mardis grunted. 'I studied the ones I used as my secret working place. The construction is amazing Tika. No mortar used, but each block fits with its neighbour perfectly and rises to a flawless dome so high above. I just cannot see how any clan folk could have made them.' His beard was now completely snarled and tangled as he twisted it in agitation. 'There are some who believe people long ago had empires and realms, all over the lands, but there is no trace of them, Tika. Surely there would be some signs of buildings, towns? Some record of such things in our histories? There is nothing, nothing whatsoever. If there were great empires, why is there no evidence left?'

'When the great earthquake destroyed Harbour City,' said Tika, thinking of the devastation as she spoke. 'There were places where nothing suggested people had ever lived there. Other places you could see parts of buildings, half exposed.'

Mardis nodded. 'Exactly so.'

'If you are saying there might have been great empires so long ago, there are no records and no memories, even in old stories, but wouldn't the ruins be covered again, by earth and trees?' She was thinking now the circle buried in the ground near Lord Seboth's town of Far. 'That's something else I'd like to know,' she added. 'Who made the circles?'

Mardis groaned. 'Such puzzles fascinate me, but they also drive me mad. I copied many of the signs inside the domes on my lands, but I still cannot tease out any meanings or familiar symbols.'

'Can you do that?' Tika was surprised.

'Oh yes. But it really helps if you can find even one clue that can start you off, and so far I haven't.'

They sat in silent, frustrated thought. 'I think the circles are much older than the domes,' Mardis said eventually.

'Why?'

He gave a helpless shrug. 'Just a feeling I have. The circle in Chaban is very different from the one you have here and it feels truly ancient. I don't mean I can feel it, sense it, the way you can. The form of the carvings suggests immense age to me, more so than the domes.'

'Were the signs and the glyphs in the domes arranged like writing?'

'In some places, yes. I can copy one section if you like? Then you can stare at it until you grow cross eyed too.'

'You say some parts you are sure are writing?' Tika thought back to what she could remember of the domes where Mardis had set up home. 'The domes in the city in the Qwah desert had no carvings on the walls, I'm fairly sure,' she said. 'Why would they have no signs?'

'Did you go inside the domes Gremara and her children are occupying?'

'No. We have only spoken outside.'

'You told me the domes in the desert were the largest you've seen?'

Tika nodded. Mardis absently began untangling his beard. 'I would suggest the largest buildings would have been the last to be constructed. Perhaps those who made it thought it perfect enough without any carvings? Dog told me there was a vast library in one of those domes. Surely there may be clues there?'

Tika laughed. 'So that's what this is about? You're planning another raid on someone else's library again?'

Mardis huffed then shrugged again. 'Dog was greatly distressed at the loss of the Asatarian library, Tika.'

'I know she was but Mardis, I really cannot condone theft!'

Mardis agreed. 'I had wondered if we would be able to perhaps borrow some, if they have histories of relevance.'

Tika glared at him. 'Borrowing is very different from stealing, Mardis.' She sounded severe.

'I confess that Dog's appropriation of some books has bothered me but Rhaki also seemed to have no compunction about book borrowing either.'

Tika's glare remained, to Mardis Fayle's obvious discomfort. 'If I decide we will revisit the City of Domes, I will be sure to warn Hezwa, the Keeper of Lore, of your tendencies to help yourselves to books.'

'Perhaps I could write to this Keeper?' Mardis looked hopeful. 'There is a circle there, isn't there?'

Tika folded her arms as she considered his suggestion and he fidgeted in his chair. 'Very well,' she said at last. 'Write a letter and let me see it. If I approve, I'll send it to the City in the desert but there is no way I give you my permission to visit, with Dog, unsupervised.'

Mardis beamed. 'I will compose a letter now. You're going to Kelshan tomorrow aren't you?'

'Yes, and Dog will be with me.'

The old man got to his feet. 'I'll consult Dromi and Werlan to make sure my letter to the Keeper of Lore is correctly phrased,' he said, hurrying from the library.

Tika allowed herself a smile. It had been quite obvious Mardis Fayle thought it prudent to leave her presence while she still agreed to his letter writing. She rose, stretching, and strolled to a window. The memory of Tarel's reaction last night to the visit to Kelshan still hovered in her mind. Did he have a premonition concerning the place, a foretelling such as she had occasionally experienced? He had said something would happen, in the distant future of his life. Tika rarely thought of that future but she did wonder, idly, if it was a time she would see, or would she have gone Beyond by then? She had fully expected to die in the Ancient Mountains of Sapphrea when she ran away from her owner, Lord Hargon. There had been numerous occasions since then when she had not believed she could possibly survive a situation she found herself in.

Tika realised she wasn't concerned for her own death. She was concerned that the people she cared for should be safe, be able to live securely, and as contentedly as human nature allowed. The thought suddenly came to her, of Farn. Dragons were long lived creatures. She must surely leave this world long before he even reached full adulthood. She shivered, her mind shying away from that thought in a sudden roil of terror. Tika turned from the window, deciding to visit the kitchens and speak with her Housekeeper, Sarila.

She found her with Kastin studying long lists of supplies. They smiled as Tika entered. 'We're still waiting for some vegetables from Deep Fold, but we're already well stocked for the winter,' Sarila announced. She opened one cupboard and Tika saw shelves stacked with sealed pots. 'Preserved fruits and pickles. There are four more cupboard, all full of the same.'

Tika glanced around. There were no others in the huge kitchen. 'I've been meaning to ask for some time. Are all your assistants happy? Washing up so many dishes each day must surely be tedious?' she asked.

Both women seemed surprised by the question. 'They take turns at the more boring jobs,' Sarila replied. 'We've found some are excellent at certain tasks and they usually do the same work all the time. Some want to learn particular skills so we put them with whoever is the expert. The rest seem happy with a change of work every few days - cleaning, preparing vegetables and so on. I also insist they take time away from here during each day. Like now.' She waved at the empty room. 'Some go outside, some read. Truly Tika, they all say they're happier here than they ever have been before.'

'Quite a few of them go along to the Guards training sessions,' Kastin added. 'My husband included.' She rolled her eyes, making clear what she thought of that.

'They do?' Tika was astonished.

Sarila lowered her voice. 'You know some of their stories, girls and boys alike, who were mistreated where they came from. Some of them have told me they feel stronger here, freer, learning how they, too, can fight back now.'

'As long as all is well here,' Tika replied.

'It is, I promise you. I hear you are travelling tomorrow?'

'Yes. We have been invited to Kelshan.'

'The Imperatrix in Waiting can't be much older than Ama? I wish you good luck with that.'

Tika scowled at her Housekeeper's grin. 'Thank you so much, Sarila. I hope luck won't be needed.'

Chapter Two

Five Dragons waited on the plateau in the morning. Mist twisted lazily up as the sun crested the eastern mountains. Tika saw Fedran had picked eight Guards who included Navan and Garrol, for this visit to Kelshan. Fedran explained that they would land on the roof of the central part of the Citadel. 'I told General Falkir it would be best for the Dragons, and for us. He was agreeable to the suggestion,' added Dromi.

Tika merely nodded as she swung onto Farn's back, pulling Tarel up in front of her. The boy was pale beneath his tan but he said nothing. Brin opened a gateway which was of brief duration, then they were circling high in a grey, cloud smothered sky. Grey ocean heaved to the west of the huge building which was the Citadel. Brin kept them shielded until they touched down on the tower roof where they had landed on previous visits.

There were arms men stationed around the roof who seemed slightly shaken as Brin released the shielding. The Iskallians had formed up around Tika when a door opened and an older man strode forward, a slightly younger man at his side. Their uniforms were dark grey with a green edging and the man approaching them had various markings on his shoulders which Tika presumed indicated his rank. He confirmed this as he halted before her.

'Lady Tika, you are welcome to Kelshan. I am General Falkir.' He saluted and Tika gave a shallow bow in return. 'This is Major Derren,' he introduced the officer at his side.

Tika inclined her head. 'General, Major. This is Fedran, Captain of my Guards, Dromi, my Historian, and Tarel, my heir.'

Fedran saluted, Dromi bowed and Tarel remained quite still, close to Tika's side.

The General studied the Dragons who all reclined gracefully across the tower, watching him steadily. Tika saw a smile tug at the corner of the General's mouth then he turned back to her. 'They are beautiful indeed,' he said softly.

She had already sent her mage sense into his mind and found him to be without guile. She smiled. 'They are, and they will do no harm, provided no one offers harm to them. Or to us.'

'I would expect no less. No threat will be offered against them, Lady Tika. You have my word. Will you come inside? The Imperatrix in Waiting has been eager to meet you.'

Tika walked beside him to the doorway. 'Should I know why she wishes to meet me?' she asked lightly.

Falkir paused, looking down into her unusual eyes, and made a decision. 'She had no affection for her father, if that is of concern to you, Lady Tika. She has given me no specific reason for this request.'

Tika nodded but said no more, aware of the tension in the boy beside her. They made their way down a curving staircase, wide enough for three to walk abreast, then emerged into a much broader corridor. Arms men stood at regular intervals along the way until General Falkir halted at a door where four arms men stood. Two moved aside and Falkir knocked on the door. A young man opened it and stepped aside in silence. Falkir moved ahead. 'Lady Tika of Iskallia and her escort, Lady Ricca.'

As Tika walked forward Falkir continued his introduction. 'Lady Ricca, Imperatrix in Waiting of Kelshan.'

The room was large, well lit with tall windows along two sides through which Tika could see the ocean but not much else. There were couches and armchairs and a large desk, but her hostess stood by a hearth, hands behind her back as she waited. Tika halted, offering a minimal bow. Fedran saluted. Ricca wore Kelshan grey uniform, a small sword at her side and her pale hair in a tidy braid tied with a green ribbon. Ricca inclined her head in return.

'Please have a seat, Lady Tika, and your advisor and Captain.' She looked across to a woman standing with the young man who had opened the door. 'Lara, would you order refreshments?' The woman bobbed a curtsey and left.

Tika sat with Tarel on one couch, Fedran and Dromi on another, and her Guards stood behind them.

The girl sat in a chair close to the empty hearth and met Tika's gaze. Tika noted the hardness of the dark brown eyes, slightly unsettling in such a young child. 'You travelled here on your Dragons, Lady Tika?'

'The Dragons brought us, yes, but they are my family, not my possessions,' Tika replied calmly.

'And who is this boy?'

Tika again sensed anger rising in Tarel and rested her left hand casually on his shoulder. 'This is Tarel. He is my heir.'

Ricca's gaze returned to Tika. 'You killed my father. In single combat I was told. You're not very big.' General Falkir coughed. Ricca glanced at him. She bit her lip but then her chin jutted. 'Did you use magic?'

Tika relaxed back against the couch. 'I did not, Lady Ricca. I used my sword alone.'

There was a momentary silence. 'I have been training, for over a year now,' Ricca said. She stared at Tarel again, then up at Tika's guards. She focussed on the huge figure of Sergeant Essa. 'Can she fight, or is she a Guard just because she's so big?'

Tika glanced up at Essa. 'Sergeant Essa is an excellent fighter. Are you always so rude to everyone, or only to those of lesser rank than you?' she asked, her tone interested rather than annoyed.

Into the silence following her remark, the door opened and servants entered with food and drink which they offered the guests. Tika caught General Falkir's eye and he gave her the tiniest nod. She accepted a bowl of tea but refused food. Tarel refused both. Tika chose to break the silence. 'May I ask, Lady Ricca, the reason you invited me to visit Kelshan?'

She saw the slight confusion in the child's eyes at the change in questions. Tika had made no attempt to touch the girl's mind, was content to watch and wait. She was sure of General Falkir's honesty and knew he would not allow Ricca to order their instant detainment.

Ricca tilted her head, staring at Tika. 'I heard you have made agreements with lands that were ours.'

'We have indeed agreed treaties with Tarran, Jerrad, Chaban and Strale. Those lands existed long before Kelshan became powerful and claimed them I understand. They have chosen now to take back their independence and asked that Iskallia, and the Dark Realm also reach agreements with them of peaceful cooperation and friendship.'

Because she was watching so closely Tika didn't miss the second quick glance from Ricca to General Falkir. 'Is that so, General?' Ricca asked.

'It is indeed, my lady. It is clearly recorded in many histories that Kelshan annexed those lands without agreement just after your grandfather became Imperator.'

Ricca frowned. 'Without agreement?' she repeated.

'Yes, my lady. I would have explained this had I known you were concerned about it.'

Ricca looked back at Tika. 'They don't want to be part of Kelshan anymore?'

Tika smiled. 'No. They don't.'

It was clear that Ricca found that a very strange point of view. 'But Kelshan is bigger, stronger, than those little places,' she said with a frown.

'Strale and Chaban are hardly little places,' Tika pointed out.

Again that quick look to the General. 'Is that so?'

'It is, Lady Ricca,' he confirmed.

'Your lands are beyond the Barrier Mountains?' Ricca asked. 'Do you or the Dark Realm hope to attack us?'

For the first time, Tika frowned. 'Lady Ricca, neither I nor Lord Shivan, Grandson of Mother Dark, have any wish to control any other lands. We both believe, rather strongly, that people should be free to live as they choose. Also, we both consider slavery, or forcing people to live in a manner not of their choosing to be deeply wrong. If we were called upon to help such people, we would be inclined to do so.'

She had attempted to keep her words simple and now she watched as the child tried to make sense of them.

'The Imperator Jemin told me all the clan folk were vermin. That is why he planned to kill them all near Ferris Lake.' Ricca paused, the silence in the room absolute. 'Why were you there?'

'The clan folk called for my help,' Tika replied softly. 'Do you think clan folk are all vermin?'

An expression Tika couldn't read flickered across Ricca's face before she replied. She sat straighter in her chair. 'My mother was of the clans, Lady Tika,' she said with a certain dignity. 'If I said the clans are vermin, I would have to see half of myself as vermin, would I not?'

Although that could be taken as an ambivalent answer, Tika understood it was not, and chose to change the conversation. 'May I invite you to visit Iskallia, Lady Ricca? It would seem the polite thing to do in return for your inviting me here?

Ricca blinked. She had not expected that, Tika saw. 'How would we get there?' The question was blurted out, the first that truly showed her tender age.

Tika raised a brow. 'The circle would convey you, or you could come by ship, although the weather is not at its best for sea journeys now the summer is past.'

General Falkir intervened for the first time. 'I know how to use the circle to send messages, Lady Tika. I did not realise they can be used to send people?'

'They can, but it is not something that should be widely known in my view. How many know how to send messages, may I ask, General?'

'Three of us here,' he replied.

'Can I suggest you keep it to that number? It is not to be used for amusement you understand? And the wrong people knowing how to do this, could be extremely dangerous.' Tika watched Falkir, his eyes widening as thoughts of assassins and other intruders raced through his mind. 'Who are the people you have entrusted with this information?' she continued.

'Major Derren and General Parrak.'

'If you wish, my advisor or my Sergeant Essa will show you how to alter the words to allow people to be moved?'

A little pale, Falkir nodded, turning to the Major standing across the room. 'If you would find General Parrak, Major?' The Major went to the door.

'My Sergeant will explain it to you,' Tika smiled.

'I should know how this is done.' Ricca stood up.

Tika studied her then she too rose. 'Why don't we all go and watch Essa work the circle?' Falkir met her eyes over the head of the Imperatrix in Waiting and Tika shrugged.

A small procession wound its way through corridors, down flights of stairs until they came to the room Tika recognised as the one the Imperatrix Veranta had used as her study. The furniture which had cluttered it was gone, only the circle remained. Essa moved to the further side of the circle and indicated the officers should join her. Towering over them, she glanced across at Dog. Dog rolled her eyes but moved to stand on the large green central stone. Lady Ricca still stood beside Tika, watching and listening closely. What Ricca didn't realise was that Essa was using mind speech to instruct the three officers.

With a faint pop of air, Dog vanished. Ricca gasped. 'Where did she go?'

'To Iskallia of course,' Tika replied.

They waited, then there was another pop of air and Dog reappeared, but not alone. A very untidy and indignant Mardis Fayle was beside her. Dog grinned at her audience and slapped Mardis on the back. 'Thought I should bring evidence. This is Mardis Fayle, Book Master of Iskallia's library.'

'I was busy,' Mardis protested.

Dog stepped away, off the circle. Essa nodded and Mardis disappeared again. Dog wandered back to stand with the rest of Tika's Guards.

'Did she tell you how to do that?' Ricca demanded of General Falkir.

Falkir nodded. 'Indeed Lady Ricca.'

'I didn't hear her say anything.'

'She has a name Lady Ricca. It is Sergeant Essa. She used mind speech to give them the information.'

'But I should know,' Ricca began, sounding, for the first time, like a petulant child.

'You should not, my lady.' Tika was glad to hear General Falkir refute Ricca's claim. 'If there is ever need for you to travel this way, you will be accompanied by at least one of us, your three senior officers. The knowledge of how such a marvel works could be very dangerous in the wrong hands.'

Ricca opened her mouth but Falkir forestalled her. 'You are Imperatrix in Waiting, Lady Ricca, it is not something for you to know now.'

There was a certain mutinous look on her face which suggested the General might well face further arguments when the visitors had gone, but Tika was happy to know he would be dealing with it and not her. 'If you would prefer, General Falkir, I can send my Sergeant here and she can activate the circle for your first such journey? You only need to let us know which you choose as most suitable when you decide to visit us.'

Ricca appeared somewhat distracted. Tika waited but the child didn't speak. 'If there is anything you wanted to discuss further, Lady Ricca?' Ricca shook her head. 'Then we will take our leave. I should warn you. If you visit Iskallia, you will find us very informal. I regard my people as my friends, my family, not as servants or lesser people of any kind. You will, of course, be treated in a suitably proper manner but the general way of life in my realm is far less formal than you might be accustomed to.' Ricca just stared up at her in some confusion. Deciding she could neither say nor do anything more, Tika looked at General Falkir. 'We will go then. It has been an interesting visit. Thank you, Lady Ricca, for your hospitality.' She inclined her head.

Fedran saluted again and they faced the many flights of stairs to the roof with inward sighs. As she was walking to the door, Ricca spoke behind her. 'We will see your departure, Lady Tika, and hope you have a safe journey.'

So everyone trailed back up the stairs to the tower roof. Lady Ricca stopped in her tracks as she set eyes on the Dragons. The large gold scaled Dragon lowered her head level with the girl. 'Greetings, Ricca. I am Kija, of the Iskallian Treasury.'

Ricca swallowed, took a deep breath and ducked her head briefly. 'Greetings,' she managed to reply. Then her eyes rounded. 'You spoke inside my head.'

'Many use mind speech,' was all Kija answered.

Tika's Guards waited beside the various Dragons except Tarel who pulled himself onto Farn. 'Farewell, Lady Ricca. I am sure we will meet again soon.' Nodding to the Generals beside the girl, Tika swung up behind Tarel. Her Guards and Dromi instantly climbed on the other Dragons, Fedran last to sit behind Tika. As one, they rose from the tower then Kija took the lead, spiralling high and fast before opening a gateway and vanishing from the view of those watching far below.

It was midafternoon when they arrived at the House. They all entered the hall to discuss their impressions of the visit to Kelshan. 'You do realise we completely missed lunch?' Dog remarked.

Sarila had just brought tea for them and she laughed. 'The young lady didn't offer you anything?'

'Yes. At least, she offered Tika, Tarel, Dromi and Fedran refreshments. Tiny little pastry things.' Dog admitted. 'Obviously Guards didn't need feeding.'

'Well, I'll find some bread for you but it will be dinner very soon so you can survive a while longer.' Sarila retreated to find sustenance for those who were on the verge of starvation.

'What did you make of Ricca?' asked Garrol

'She could learn some manners,' Essa said at once with a wry smile.

Tika sighed. 'She seems to have got used to demanding her own way but Falkir is aware of that I thought.'

'You didn't touch her mind?' Dromi spoke softly.

'No, I didn't, but I did sense Falkir and he is a good man.'

'Did you believe her, when she spoke of her mother being of the clans?'

Tika shrugged. 'She believed what she said at that moment. Whether it is a genuine or long lasting sentiment, who knows?'

Fedran poured himself more tea. 'She said she'd been training for over a year.' He grinned. 'I wonder how she'd fare against the twins?'

Essa groaned. 'Please don't suggest such a thing.'

There was amusement around the table before Navan spoke. 'May I ask what has upset Tarel?'

Tarel had headed straight upstairs on their return.

'I'm not sure. It's possible he had some kind of foretelling, or a dream, about Kelshan in the future.' Tika glanced round the table. 'I don't plan to question him and I would rather none of you did either.'

People went off to change from their uniforms if they weren't on duty and Tika remained at the table.