Three voted for their deaths. Six seats were undecided. Lara shivered. No one had called for life. Though the trial continued, she couldn’t help but to think how easy the six votes could shift to a call for her death. Displeasure reached her from the conniving woman. The interactions of the council made Lara realize there was an underlying political struggle within the complex society.
In satisfaction, Gerant said, “This trial proceeds. The Pyranni will be questioned next.” The councilors exchanged looks with who Lara deduced were their allies on the council. What surprised her was that the alliances crossed species. One of the pakas had voted for their death after sharing a brief glance with Jahni.
“Etheme claims you are powerful, Pyranni. What magic do you possess,” asked a council member who hadn’t yet spoken.
Skye shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. “I am uncertain whether I have a magical ability. If I have one, it has not made itself known.”
Woman, what magic do you possess, inquired the paka who had voted for their deaths.
Chion, should I tell them? Do I have a choice? For some reason, she was uneasy sharing the magical ability she held with these councilors.
At his urgent push, she lifted her chin and said, “I can feel people’s emotions.”
To which person do you know what he or she is feeling?
She looked at him quizzically. “I don’t understand your question.”
The paka hissed at her in irritation. The question is simple, woman. Point to the person you can feel and tell us the emotion. Or do you require touch?
She ground her teeth at the paka’s insistence on calling her ‘woman’ instead of her name. She lifted and spread out both hands in an all-inclusive wave. “I know what everyone is feeling in this chamber.”
A gasp went up, followed by a low murmur of voices. The ripple of dismay hit her like hot fog. Embarrassment crashed into her next, resulting in a flushed feeling to creep up her neck and face.
A disbelieving scoff sounded from the lower row of thrones. Jahni remarked, “We shall test your claim.” The councilor scanned the bystanders. She pointed at three random individuals and asked them to step forward.
Tired of the malicious woman, Lara jerked her head at the first two peasants. “The woman is incredibly nervous. The man is embarrassed for some reason, probably for all the attention he is getting right about now.” She turned her head to the right to look at the old man and grinned at the emotion beating at her. “He was curious before, but now he is amused. I’ve no idea why.”
She faced the council, satisfied she silenced the woman at least for a bit. Chion chuckled from her besting the High Council noble. I should not be amused. The woman has wanted you dead since you entered the chamber. Councilor Jahni forgot the Triad’s Tal’Ai and his power. I would worry for her retaliation, except it cannot be worse than her vote of death.”
A snort escaped Gerant and a few other council members. Gerant said, “Give it a rest, Jahni. Does anyone have any more questions?”
A female paka gave a quiet scream to gain the attention of her fellow councilors. She said in a slow, thoughtful voice, her age evident from the way her voice wobbled. I am intrigued by the marks all four carry. We have determined they cannot be Tal’Ai because the woman and the Pyranni’s eyes have not changed. But we have not discussed how they were given these marks. The two pakas before us, from my understanding, believe these outlanders are their Ais. An explanation is desired that can give us the circumstances where these strange markings were derived.
Gerant nodded his head and leaned back in his seat. “Alanri, as always, your wisdom in matters of state is highly valued.” He pointed at Skye and said, “Young Pyranni, tell us how you came by the bond.”
Lara listened with avid interest. She never heard how Skye and Eiren met. As he told his story, Skye left all emotional ties out. She understood. Lara refused to share her feelings with her potential executioners. When Skye gave the specifics of how their bond formed, Lara frowned. The actions were identical to how the bond formed with Chion. But the strands of magic as they melded together, before rushing back into each of their bodies, were different colors.
What does the different colors mean? Is that important? Does it mean we are not Tal’Ai?
My Lady, every bond is different as the personalities from which the magic derives are very distinctive. No Tal’Ai bond is similar to another in that respect.
Alanri turned her head so her faded eyes stared at Lara in silent appraisal even though she still spoke to Skye. I thank you for your explanation, young Pyranni. As I listened to your experiences, I couldn’t help but wonder at your acceptance of the bond. She blinked and straightened her head, allowing her questioning gaze to focus on Skye.
The respect the paka showed Skye was enough to unravel his expressionless face. His look of disgust, alongside his next words, was blunt. “I do not believe I have accepted that magic is anything but evil. My faith in the God and Goddess has been severely tested. Even so, I question the bond that has been placed on me and its purpose.” He shifted his eyes down to the small paka sitting steadfast beside him. Skye smiled, making him look several years younger than he probably was. “My faith in Eiren has grown to take the place of my previous faith in the gods. Before you ask, my loyalty and honor has been given to this one paka and no one else.”
Young Pyranni, you say this, but you forget your home, Pyran. Well you know the consequences to Eiren if she enters its boundaries. Your bond will last only as long as it takes before you begin to look toward Pyran. What say you to this?
Skye’s face became fierce, his jaws clenching and his nostrils widening. His posture didn’t change, though Lara knew it took an immense amount of discipline. “I can no longer call Pyran home. I have been cast out because of the bond I accidentally formed with Eiren.” He shook his head once. “You name me Pyranni, yet I can claim myself Pyranni no more.”
As Lara watched the council members’ expressions to his words, she felt Eiren shift her feet so she could better push against his leg, providing comfort to her Ai.
I understand, young man. Although I cannot speak for my High Council peers, I do apologize for the unintentional slight. Kurites are proud of their heritage, and I believed this of Pyrannis as well. Alanri paused for a moment to collect her thoughts. She looked at Lara. Young woman, before you tell this council how you formed a bond with Chion, I would like to hear how you travel to this planet.
Knowing her ineffectual words would make the councilors more suspicious of her, she ran her fingers through her hair, uncaring that her curls became messier.
“I don’t know. Chion and I have discussed it numerous times, but the end answer is we have no idea. I go to sleep in my bed, and I open my eyes here.”
“Intriguing that you speak the absolute truth. Very intriguing,” murmured Gerant as two fingers tapped the arm of his throne. “Now that we are certain she has not been sent by Malirrans, do you have any further questions for this woman, Alanri?”
I do. Young woman, reveal to us how you received the bond. Lara took a deep breath and told how she first met Chion while she was exploring the tunnels. She told them how the bond surprised her when she reached out to touch Chion. She then communicated to them how she first realized the kind of magic she possessed, sharing the episode with Juno. When she finally ran out of words to express what she experienced, Lara fell silent before she lost the last of her courage.
Etheme addressed the other councilors, twisting in his seat so that both hands rested on the same armrest. “If you would please, both their stories match the Tal’Ai bond. It is eerily accurate. As neither has been caught in a lie, I wonder, if not Tal’Ai, then what magic is this that mirrors ours?” He lifted his right forefinger. “Both bonds were received by accident.” His raised his middle finger. “Both have bonded with Kurite pakas, who believe they are bonded to their Ai.”
Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.
He looked at each of his peers, leaning forward to see the councilors sitting at the other end. “I could not have conceived this situation until now. But my experience at the Tal’Ai bonding ceremonies tells me these are, in fact, Tal’Ai.”
The human Tal’Ai whose magic could differentiate truth and lies asked, “If this is the Tal’Ai bond, why did their eyes not change like the other Tal’Ai.”
The human’s bondmate answered his question. Perhaps it is because their lineage is other than Kurite.
Jahni interrupted again, her tone falsely sweet and concerned. “I must confess I am confused at the turn of events. Have my fellow councilors forgotten so soon? Malirran invaders have attacked one of our cities. At the same time as the first sightings of Malirrans, this woman and this Pyranni arrive inside the borders of Kureto? They have now been brought inside the walls of our greatest city. My councilors, this is a scheme designed by the Malirrans so that we would unknowingly allow the enemy behind our walls. Can you not see beyond this one small trial? I beg you to rethink your words, to remember we have a new enemy.”
Her passionate speech ended with Jahni lying back in her chair, her delicate hand laid above her breasts as her chest heaved with every breath. Lara almost rolled her eyes at the sheer ridiculousness of the woman’s actions. She hadn’t known the woman long, but the woman’s pretense was conspicuous after her previous words. It was obvious the woman was power hungry, wanting to increase the number of allies she had on the council. Lara imagined Jahni as someone who would lie, cheat, and steal to climb the political ladder. The woman would do anything for more influence on the High Council. After all, Jahni was a member of the High Council, which controlled all of Kureto.
Her humor died a quick death when she felt the bubble of emotions coming from the crowd around her. The Kurite people believed the woman’s performance. The stir of voices behind them rose to a crescendo until Gerant banged his staff against the floor again. All four Triad members scowled at the crowd’s interruption. Out of the corner of her eye, Lara saw the glitter of victory in Jahni’s eyes.
But Lara could feel the other council members’ feelings. Although she wasn’t completely confident, she knew that when the vote came, it would not be what the vengeful woman expected. She shared the knowledge with Chion, knowing he would tell Eiren. Chion stiffened beside her before relaxing again. Eiren was not so calm. She swiveled her head to stare up at Lara in disbelief. Lara could read the muted excitement and rising hope in the small paka. She nodded once, but then shook her head, hoping the paka understood what she was trying to convey. The vote wasn’t definitive. Until it happened, she wasn’t going to assume anything with this council.
Gerant asked the other council members, authority giving his voice a more serious tone. “I call a vote, unless anyone has any more questions? We have a war council to prepare, after all.” When no one moved, he bowed his head, showing his respect for the other councilors. “A vote has been called. The alternatives are life and death. Take a few moments to decide your vote. Jahni will be the first.”
The tension built as a few councilors lowered their heads and closed their eyes, while the rest stared at Lara and Skye in contemplation. The turbulent emotions made it difficult for Lara to pinpoint the actual feelings, with many of the councilors flitting from one emotion to another as they debated within themselves the outcome.
“I vote death,” Jahni shouted.
“Life.”
Death.
Again, Lara kept a careful tally as each High Councilor spoke their decision. Gerant gave his vote with a grim smile, “Life.”
Lara spewed the breath she held. Six had voted life.
Lara stared around her as pandemonium broke out around them. Some of the townspeople yelled their disapproval while others nodded in agreement with the vote. Somehow, during the two hours they stood before the council, Kurites started to believe their story. Others showed their worry about the new Malirran threat and rushed for the door.
After feeling so much fear and despair, she stood there watching it all in disbelief. She was going to live.
They were going to live.
After a few moments, it finally sank in, and Lara swung around with a huge smile plastered on her face. Chion’s tail whipped around, showing his happiness at the vote. All of the sudden, Lara was knocked down by a hard swipe of white fur. Staring up at the glowing ceiling, she began giggling. When Chion’s large head blocked her vision, she reached up with both hands, pulled him down, and gave him an upside-down kiss right on his nose. He hummed through their link, and before she knew it, his rough tongue swiped from her forehead down to her chin in revenge.
When she heard a deep laugh nearby, she turned her head to see Skye sitting down with a determined paka scrambling into his lap. Her grin was so wide her cheeks felt like they’d split.
They had survived their ordeal. They were alive.
Using Chion’s neck, she pulled herself back up into a sitting position and hugged the paka so hard she was afraid she might break his neck. He didn’t seem to mind. His purr vibrated through both of their bodies, the sound lowering the adrenaline pumping through their veins. Merriment tickled her skin, making her huff in relief.
Etheme and his bonded paka emerged from the crowd to stand between both sets of Tal’Ai. She realized the merriment was coming from the High Councilor. She looked at the man towering above her from where she sat on the floor with Chion. Sensing only good intent from the councilor, she gave Chion another hug before she stood back up, trying to regain some of her dignity.
When all four of them stood facing Etheme, he said, “Though it is late in coming, I wish you welcome to Malkese. The Triad voted that I would provide guidance to you over this next week. After speaking with you more, I will make a decision as to what your next step will be.”
When Etheme saw Skye shift his feet into an obvious fighting position, he hurried to explain. “I apologize. I am speaking of your training. Most, if not all, Tal’Ais bond during childhood and as kits. All four of you are adults. Because of this, your situation is unique. You must receive rigorous training on how to control your magic.” He waved his right hand at Skye. “You, my warrior friend, must learn what your magic entails. Believe me, your magic is strong. The potential in both of you almost overwhelms my own magical senses. I have never felt anything like it.”
He stepped aside, waving his hand in the direction of the large chamber doors. “Perhaps you would be willing to follow me to your new quarters. I have already ordered servants to provide a meal for you in your rooms.”
As they followed him into the large hallway, he said, “The rest of this day should be given to composing yourselves after what each of you has suffered. Tomorrow is soon enough to plan.”
They were shown to rooms that shared a door. The view outside their windows proved they were several floors above the large fields.
When they turned inquisitive eyes to Etheme, he smiled and explained, “If I were you, I would not trust the people of Malkese after such a trial. I requested rooms to be prepared, allowing you to stay close to one another for this reason. Although you are in no danger from the High Council, there is concern for the general populace. Guards have been placed outside your doors for your safety as there are many in Malkese who fear your ill-timed appearance. Until the edict is read throughout the city, assigned guards will provide a protective detail.”
He stopped when they all heard the soft knock at the door leading into the winding hallway. The High Councilor walked over and opened the door.
The aroma of food tickled her senses, making Lara salivate. She was starving.
With her focus entirely on the platters of food, she didn’t hear the councilman exit their new quarters, leaving them to their meal in peace. They were already sitting down among the cushions placed in a circle on the floor. The food and bowls were set between them. None of them were willing to separate from their Ai and friend, so Lara sat shoulder to shoulder with Chion while Skye had to try eating with Eiren lying across his right thigh. Both pakas ate pieces of chopped, raw meat. Skye and Lara dished up a thick stew, soaking up the gravy with a chunk of flatbread. No one spoke a word as they focused on their meal. Lara groaned as she pushed away the remains of the third helping of stew. She leaned back on her hands to give her stomach more room to expand, giving it a happy pat.
For the first time, she glanced around the room. She realized this room was made for the Tal’Ai. There was a soft-looking bed in the corner of the room with a thick layer of blankets folded on the floor adjacent to it. Twisting her head in the other direction, she noticed there were two types of doors. The larger door had a handle for humans to grab. The smaller, flap door was located on the lower portion of the larger one. Each door had a latch to keep others from entering the room uninvited.
Not having thought beyond the trial’s outcome, Lara asked her friends, “What do you think will happen in the next few weeks?”
I do not know, My Lady. Councilor Etheme is correct. Both of you need training in your new powers.
Skye said in a soft voice, with Eiren nodding her head in agreement, “Eiren believes the Malirrans’ attack forebodes a difficult time ahead.”
I agree, my young friend. I cannot help but think these markings come at a precipitous time.
They all reflected on Chion’s words for a while, enjoying the peace and tranquility following their ordeal. Lara yawned and a chain reaction of yawns competed with hers.
She grinned. “Maybe we should follow the Councilor’s instructions and rest. Tomorrow is soon enough to decide our future. We’re still alive. I plan to enjoy it while I can.”
After Skye and Eiren went to their adjoining room, quietly shutting the door behind them, Lara stood up and stretched, relishing the feeling of her body as joints popped. The last of her energy and adrenaline left her in a rush. She stumbled over to the bed, her eyes closing without her permission. She sank into the soft mattress with a heartfelt sigh. Already well on her way into sleep, she mumbled, “Good night, Chion.”
She didn’t hear whether he replied or even hear the servants take away the dishes. She didn’t notice when he bypassed his own bed and crawled into hers, fearing she would be taken from him while he slept. He waited as Lara moved closer to his body, unconsciously seeking his touch as well.
With a contented purr, he lowered his head onto his paws. Sleep well, My Lady.