Thayle took a deep breath as Sarah headed away from camp, soaring through the sky on mighty wings. Doubts and worries plagued her mind, reminding her of how delicate the situation was. She wasn't sure what to do about Gersius and his explosive battle with Yarvine. All that she could agree on was that she was grateful to be away, to clear her mind. Unfortunately, there was a new issue at hand, one that was told in the light of Sarah's aura, as it flashed with a myriad of colors.
“He was willing to kill for me,” Sarah said, turning her head to Thayle. “He honors me with his actions.”
Thayle struggled to calm herself and not let another golden opportunity slip by. “I told you he felt strongly for you. He just wants more time to bring you into the relationship properly.”
Sarah nodded and looked ahead but then turned back around her aura flashing with lights. “He said my name should be sung in praises.”
Thayle smiled and nodded back. “He didn’t say no, he said not now. You have taken his desire to have more time all the wrong way.”
“How else was I to take it?” Sarah asked. “You told him I wanted to join, and he said he was too busy.”
“He didn't say that at all!” Thayle yelled louder than she intended. “Sarah, he said he wanted you, and that he would do what needed doing to make sure that happened. But he is a man with a romantic heart. He wants to make your joining special. He can't stand the idea of bringing you in with nothing to mark the occasion. Spend time with him, and grow closer. I promise, he will snatch you up the moment he finds a way to make it right.”
“He told that vile woman I was noble,” Sarah replied. “He threatened to cut her tongue out.”
“I know,” Thayle said. “And so does most of the camp.”
“You should thank him,” Sarah replied. “Had he not said those things, I would most certainly have killed her for those insults. He saved that fool woman’s life.”
Thayle was taken aback when Sarah's aura pulsed with the truth. She fought back her concern as Sarah flew on, heading west out of the hills. She wasn't sure how she felt about what Gersius said about Sarah. Thayle knew Gersius loved her but had he ever called her glorious? It was a silly thing to worry over, had Yarvine insulted her or Lilly; the outcome would have been the same. The list of compliments might have been different, but they would have been spoken with the same ferocity.
Sarah let out a deep sigh and turned to look ahead. “Why do I feel this way?”
“What way?” Thayle asked.
“Like I am missing something. That my life doesn’t have meaning.”
“Sarah, your life does have meaning,” Thayle insisted. “You are a champion of Astikar, a valued friend, and soon to be a lover.”
Sarah sighed again. “I am a champion, but thus far, that has meant wasting my life trapped in a temple. I have spent thousands of years sitting on my hoard while the world changed around me. Lilly is right. We dragons live long, pointless lives. You humans pack more meaning into your few years than a dragon will in a hundred of your lifetimes.”
Thayle saw he aura dipping into the deep shades of pain and tried to think of some way to comfort her.
“You will have new meaning when you are our wife. Not a minute will go buy that isn’t full of purpose. I promise, you will find a new joy, just as Lilly did.”
“When he finds time to allow me to have it,” Sarah moaned. “I understand why he wants more time, but I feel such a deep need. I have to know what it is that brings such joy to Lilly's heart. I need to know why he feels for you and her so deeply. I want to know what it's like to have him feel such for me.”
“You will,” Thayle said. “Please, spend time with him. He needs help planning the march. Surely you could lend a hand with that.”
“Of course,” Sarah said with a bob of her head. “I would be honored to help him. I would love another chance to duel him as well. I found our battle to be invigorating.”
“You found it exciting,” Thayle said. “And that was when your emotions started to rise.”
“I cannot say that is true,” Sarah replied. “My emotions started to change when I saw how he acted in the dream. To see how strongly he feels for Lilly made me question what I believe. The dream made me desire a man to love me, and the duel made me realize he was the man to do it.”
Thayle was glad to hear her working out her thoughts and understanding how she got here. However, there was a worry growing, and now was the time to confront it.
“Sarah, what do you feel for Lilly and I? Can you love us?” There was an awkward silence, but slowly her head came back, and those blazing eyes of fire glared down on her.
“I will admit to several things. I like it when you hug me. I like having you and Lilly to talk to. I want to hear you call me your wife, but I am terrified of how you share your love.”
“How we share our love?” Thayle asked. “You mean between Lilly and I?”
Sarah nodded as Thayle tried not to laugh. “So hugs and kisses don’t bother you, but what comes after does.”
Sarah let out a rumbling sigh. “You are are a woman. I struggle with the thought of sharing myself with you as I know Lilly does.”
“You do realize that is important to Gersius?” Thayle said in a firm tone. “He demands we love one another equally, and we freely share that love. You will need to be able to make love to Lilly, and I willingly.”
Sarah flared with colors of uncertainty and worry as Thayle waited for her answer. She admitted she loved them on the road, but words were easy to say. Acting on those words was going to be much more challenging.
“I am aware that I will have to welcome you into my arms. I admit I am confused about how that works, but I suspect you will show me. If you are careful with me, I will give of myself.”
Thayle was pleased with that answer. It was honest, direct, and showed she had already given it the thought needed to make up her mind.
“What part are you confused about?” Thayle asked.
Sarah lifted her head away but kept an eye on Thayle.
“How do you do it?” Sarah asked. “Neither of you are male.”
Now Thayle couldn't help but laugh. It always surprised her when she encountered a woman who could not imagine how two women might share love. In Sarah's case, it was probably worse. Lilly described what her mother told her about dragons mating. There was no skill or effort to please the other party. It was a chore to get done, that required no imagination. Sarah was probably thinking along those lines, blissfully unaware of how pleasurable lovemaking could be.
“Are you laughing at me?” Sarah asked. “Young lady, I will not have you laughing at my ignorance.”
Thayle waved a hand as she fought to get control of her giggles. “I will tell you what. This process is special, and I want to keep it a secret until you are ready to experience it.”
“Why not tell me now?” Sarah asked. “Am I to have nothing I want from you and your family?”
Thayle smiled and looked into the one fiery eye that glanced down at her. “It will make that first lovemaking very special, and help bind you to our hearts.”
“I am assuming I will already be bound to your hearts,” Sarah said with fear, suddenly tinting her aura.
“Are you still afraid to be let us bind you?” Thayle asked.
“Any dragon would be,” Sarah replied. “Think of my age and power. Now imagine I had no say in how any of that was used. That some being a tiny fraction of my size, holding a leash around my neck that I can not break or resist. A dragon's heart beats free, and desires no boundaries, to give another such control over me causes pain.”
“It’s only meant as a sign of trust,” Thayle said. “Do you trust us?”
“With my life,” Sarah admitted. “I may be afraid, but I will gladly let you bind me.”
Another good answer. Thayle was more convinced than ever that Sarah was ready to be a wife. Her heart desired to know love and to have it from them. She was more afraid of her life being empty than devoting it to them.
“That man is so wonderful,” Sarah said, causing Thayle to smile.
“He is indeed,” Thayle said.
“Oh! I hope I am not causing insult,” Sarah stated. “I don’t mean to imply that you and Lilly are not as important to me. Honestly, I am looking forward to a relationship with you.”
“With me?” Thayle asked her smile wider. “Why me?”
Sarah turned fully to look at her. “It has not escaped me the role you played in Lilly’s happiness. I know you have taught her a great deal about this love I struggle to understand. I want you nearby so you can teach me as well. I want you both around me, so I can take you firmly into my grasp.”
“Maybe we should talk about that,” Thayle said. “Sometimes you can be very bossy.”
“Bossy?” Sarah repeated. “I am not bossy.”
“Do you remember what you said to me after catching Gersius and I making love? You scolded me like you were my mother, using guilt as a weapon.”
“I was only trying to protect you,” Sarah argued. “You did something very foolish, and I felt you needed to know. I don't want anyone thinking any less of you. You should be honored like the empress you will one day be.”
Thayle was rather pleased by that point of view but wanted to make a point. “Be that as it may be, I am an adult, and I don’t make decisions like that lightly,” Thayle said. “You can’t treat me like I am a daughter.”
Sarah brought her head closer and sniffed at Thayle. “Why not?”
Thayle was honestly taken aback by that question and had to think for a moment to come up with an answer. “Because you're my wife, not my mother.”
Sarah let out a sort of pfft and narrowed her eyes. “I have seen humans with more than one wife before. I once knew a king who had seven. One of the women was the head of their household and took charge of the others. It seemed to work well in my estimation.”
“Well, it won't work well here,” Thayle argued. “And if that's going to be the case, I will take charge.”
“You?” Sarah asked. “I am the oldest by far. I am more suited to the role, besides,” she paused and looked away as if afraid of her next words. “I like it when you call me mother.”
Thayle felt genuine anger at Sarah but held her tone in check as she replied. “I said that to mock you,” she replied. “I was trying to impress on you that acting like my mother was not appreciated.”
“Oh,” Sarah replied, her eyes looking lost. “I see.” Her head moved away, and Thayle saw her aura dip into sadness.
“Sarah?” she called. “Does this mean a lot to you?” Sarah glanced down and didn't reply as her aura dipped even lower. “Sarah, please answer me.”
“I just wanted a role,” Sarah replied, looking up to avoid seeing Thayle. “Something I felt I would be good at that would be a blessing to you and Lilly.”
“You wanted to be our mother?”
“Not in the sense you are thinking, but a guiding hand—one who can show you something of her herself by leading. You and Lilly are destined to rule, but I have done so already. I could help you avoid the mistakes I have seen other women make and ensure you are respected. I wanted a way to express my feelings.”
“Do you mean express your love?”
“I don't know what I mean,” Sarah replied, growing irritated. “I just wanted some way to show you how I feel. I saw that relationship in the past and thought maybe I could bring the same blessing she did. Her wives seemed to be happy and smiled under her care.”
“You mean express your love,” Thayle clarified as it became clear. “We have Gersius to lead us. Wouldn't you be tripping over him.”
“He will lead the family, and I will follow. I was hoping to lead the household, showing how I felt by taking care of you two.”
Thayle took a moment to consider that. Sarah was a lot like Gersius, with an almost natural need to lead. She was looking for a way to put that part of her nature to use and lead her and Lilly in being wives. However, Thayle was a Priestess of Ulustrah. Building and maintaining families is what she was trained to do. If anything, she was far more qualified to do this, but she didn't have Sarah's pride and need. Lilly would take to this naturally. She already saw Sarah as a leader due to her dragon nature.
“If I agree to this, will you promise to take any objections I have serious?” Thayle asked. “I don’t want to wake up one day and find out I have no say in our family.”
“I would never take your voice from his ear,” Sarah replied. “You are as vital to this as he is, and I need you to teach me how to be a wife. You do that for me, and I will teach you and Lilly how to be empresses and rule properly. If you truly dislike my leadership, I will cease.”
Thayle couldn’t ask for a better agreement than that. It made her nervous to think about what it might mean, but at least it could be ended if needed.
“Alright, I will agree to those terms,” she sighed and rolled her eyes before adding. “Mother.”
Sarah's aura glowed with pleasure, and she leaned in close enough for Thayle to touch her snout. Thayle reached up and rubbed Sarah's nose and gave her a gentle kiss. Hopefully, this would be a blessing in the long run.
“I feel sorry for the males,” Sarah said.
“You feel sorry for male dragons?” Thayle asked.
“Yes,” Sarah replied as she lifted her head high again. “They have much shorter necks. They cannot turn their heads so far around to get kisses.”
Thayle laughed as Sarah lifted her head high, her aura glowing with life.
“Lilly has promised me she will find some way to change his mind and make him take me sooner,” Sarah said.
“I know,” Thayle sighed. “She told me all about it. I don't want you to get your hopes up, though.”
“I understand she means what she says, but has no method to bring this about,” Sarah agreed. “I am grateful that she cares enough to feel that way.”
“Lilly loves you,” Thayle admitted. “I think she loved you from the day you flew into camp.”
“That girl needs a firm hand. She can’t run about falling in love with everyone she sees,” Sarah scolded.
Thayle laughed in agreement and informed Sarah how many times she and Gersius had this conversation. Sarah was relieved to know that Lilly was very good at keeping her feelings in check. There were some women she was fond of, particularly one named Taylin. Lilly readily called her a close friend and often went to visit her.
“So long as it is just a friend,” Sarah quipped. “That dragon belongs to us.”
She paused as a realization dawned on her. “Oh! I didn't mean to imply anything,” Sarah stumbled. “I mean, she belongs to you.”
“Us will do just fine,” Thayle said, delighted to hear Sarah be so possessive of them. “You may as well think of yourself as a wife. Your husband is just waiting for the right time to tell you.”
Sarah let out a loud sigh and nodded her head. “I will take your advice and spend more time with him.”
“Good,” Thayle replied.
“Can I ask you a personal question?” Sarah said and glanced back. “Do you ever get jealous?”
“Of Lilly?” Thayle asked.
Sarah nodded. “I have seen women fight over a man. Jealousy seems to be a common thing between women.”
Thayle was interested in how Sarah knew so much of these feelings. She had been a queen once, but always said she kept herself apart from the people. Yet, she knew a great deal about some of the dynamics of human relationships. Sarah obviously had a few secrets to tell.
“I never get jealous of Lilly,” Thayle said. “I am thrilled to be a part of this relationship, and I love seeing them together. Some nights he makes love to her, and she falls asleep in his arms. They look like they belong to one another, and I treasure that.”
“But don't you wish you could be in his or her arms?” Sarah asked.
Thayle nodded. “I do, but I don't feel left out. I know If I crawled in closer, they would throw their arms open and pull me in. You don't know this yet, but the bind makes if very hard to be jealous. We feel each other as if we were one. I know exactly how they feel about me, and I know they are not neglecting me. If at any moment they are making love and I feel left out, they feel that. They immediately pull me in and share the lovemaking. Honestly, Lilly and Gersius both love to watch. She loves to watch me make love to him, and he loves to watch me make love to her.”
“Will they want to watch me?” Sarah asked.
“I know I will. I am looking forward to seeing this big powerful red dragon conquered properly.” Thayle had to cover her mouth as the laughs flowed freely, watching Sarah's aura. She flashed with every color of embarrassment, fear, uncertainty, and even excitement. She thought about pushing that imagery forward but didn't want to scare her off. “Sarah, relax. You will never regret joining our relationship.”
“Did you have to use the word conquered?” Sarah asked.
“Would subdue work better?”
“No, it would not!” Sarah bellowed.
Thayle was rather enjoying this game, but there was an urgent mission ahead and problems in the camp. Yarvine was going too far and was colliding with the mountain of resolve that was Gersius. He was ready to be done with her, but expelling her from camp would cause dissent in the women of Ulustrah and might lead other primes to object. Somehow, she needed to convince Yarvine to stay out of the military campaign and focus on the women's spiritual needs. She could lead services, organize many of the needs of food growth and distribution, even manage the women's camp itself. This would take a lot of burden off Thayle, but it wasn't what Yarvine wanted. She was determined to be seen as the head of the women of Ulustrah, and perhaps even the whole army.
“I hope Prime Arlin has an answer,” Thayle sighed.
“What was that?” Sarah asked.
Thayle told Sarah about the message, and Sarah nodded, pointing out what Thayle already knew. Yarvine was currently the most pressing issue for Gersius when he should be planning the march. She was becoming a burden and would have to be dealt with sooner or later. Thayle agreed but stressed the point that the Primes were the ones who called the order of storms. She was technically second to Yarvine.
“You were not appointed to your position by the primes,” Sarah corrected. “You were chosen by Ulustrah herself, and given her weapon as your mark of command.”
“The primes voted to make me Governess Commander General,” Thayle said.
“And Ulustrah made you her champion,” Sarah countered. “Your authority comes directly from her.”
“You really are just like Gersius,” Thayle said with a nod.
“That is because he sees reason, and knows the road ahead must be led by strong command. There is no room for the question of who is in charge to be debated. When the order of Astikar appoints a general, they give up any say in his command. They only do so in dire circumstances when a commander needs the freedom to make quick decisions. Such cannot be if he has to keep requesting permission from dozens of lesser men hundreds of miles away. Is this not the same in the order of Ulustrah?”
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“I honestly don’t know,” Thayle said. “I have never heard of this title being given before.”
“I have,” Sarah said. “Lisassra, the green once lead your armies in the dragon wars. She answered to no one but Ulustrah herself, and was just as determined to shatter the enemy as Gersius is.”
“Why was she called the green?”
“She was a dragon,” Sarah said. “A green dragon of Ulustrah with the most beautiful markings. Her wings were colored like butterflies, and her energy was intoxicating.”
“There were green dragons?” Thayle asked.
“I told you there were other dragons,” Sarah said.
“Yes, but you never said there were more colors,” Thayle argued. “What was her breath?”
“A cloud of golden pollen. It caused everything inside it to grow, or blinded and choked those within. They could choose the effect as they used it. I once saw a green cause a frozen mountain top to come to life with plants, if only briefly.”
“How amazing,” Thayle said and then pondered a thought. “She died, I assume.”
“All of them did. Not a single green survived the war,” Sarah replied. “They are extinct.”
Thayle lowered her head and felt a deep sadness to know such beautiful creatures were gone.
“I have upset you,” Sarah said.
“I am upset, but it isn’t your fault. I would rather know and feel the loss than have never known they existed,” Thayle replied and looked up. “I shudder to think how terrible that war must have been.”
“When divines take to the field of battle, it can’t get any worse,” Sarah replied.
They flew on for several hours talking about the problems and why the companies of Ulustrah were sent to die. Thayle held out that it was a simple miscommunication or error in judgment. Sarah was blunt, pointing out that the two armies should have been ordered to link up first, then sent ahead. Sending them alone only made them easier to destroy.
Thayle knew she was right but refused to believe it. There had to be a logical explanation, but what could it be? As they debated the possibilities, the town of Haverneck came into view. A modest town with no wall and ringed by large farms of crops.
“I see nothing that resembles an army,” Sarah said as she flew high overhead. “This one was mostly cavalry, correct?”
“All of it is cavalry,” Thayle said as she found it hard to look over Sarah’s side. She rather liked Lilly’s smaller size and narrower frame that allowed a better view.
“There are no large groupings of horses or tents for a camp. I see nothing to indicate they are here,” Sarah replied.
“Is there any damage? Do you see any sign of an old battle?” Thayle asked.
Sarah studied the ground a moment and replied. “Nothing. There is no sign of struggle.”
“Maybe they haven’t arrived yet,” Thayle said.
“Or they were ambushed on the way like the first company was.”
Thayle hadn't considered that, and sudden fear gripped her heart. Who was to say the ambush would take place here? Surely Alayse would be on guard so close to the old empire's lands, better to ambush her on the road in a favorable location.
“What do you want me to do?” Sarah asked.
Thayle was torn with indecision. Part of her wanted to fly for Mordholm and the rose temple this instant, but she knew it was more important to report to Gersius.
“Take us back. I need to tell Gersius what we found.” Sarah turned about and headed back, all the while talking about the problems. Sarah was right, there could be no conflict of command, but that was in Yarvine's hands, not hers. Her only hope was that a reply from Prime Arlin was waiting that would open some path of resolution.
Lilly spent her time talking with the men and women who made up her priesthood. She led them in a small service and even took them out to pray over the fallen dragon, asking Balisha to welcome the poor creature to her heaven.
She was unhappy about the bodyguard that now traveled with her. It wasn’t the lack of privacy, but more what it meant. Gersius was afraid for her safety, and he was rarely wrong. If he thought she was in danger, she was.
After the prayers, she worked with her flock, taking them through all of Balisha’s blessings. To her surprise, they had a star pupil who could manage every single one of them. Culver, the shy boy who was her fist chosen follower, had dedicated himself like no other. He still had a habit of staring at her, and his aura sometimes betrayed his feelings by sending her light. She was quick to correct the behavior and turn his attention to his practice. He had come a long way and could now hold the connection to the divine with little effort, and was particularly skilled at healing. He insisted he wanted to be able to heal her if she was ever badly wounded again.
Gersius spent what time he could with him, and Kilgian was teaching them the basics of sword combat. Lilly still didn't like the idea of the acolytes being pressed into battle, but that didn't mean the battle wouldn't come for them.
Thankfully she now had a large number of women who already knew how to fight. Nearly two hundred women defected from Ulustrah to join Balisha. They were aggressive with their training, and many were skilled with the blessings already. They wanted to stand on the battlefield with blessings more suited to warfare. Lilly didn't like the idea of her faith's blessing being thought of in that way, but she supposed growing plants was a little less useful in war.
There was one matter she was hoping to advance, and that was the use of her gift. Sarah taught her how the dragon blessing worked and how she could gift a portion of her power to another. Sarah explained the process of it, but as yet, Lilly hadn't attempted it. She felt uncertain about bestowing that blessing on another, feeling that it was a unique feature of her loved ones.
She spent some time speaking to her flock, trying to establish some measure of order. Gersius had wanted to grow their number to thirty and establish a chain of leadership. Now they were well past that mark, and leadership was sorely needed. The new task was raising some of them to higher ranks and assigning duties. Lilly wasn’t sure how to do that, but Gersius assured her he would sort it out.
One hope she held out was for Culver. She deeply wanted to see him rise through the ranks and become a man and leader. He was technically a priest now and wore the silver and blue robes, but that was the lowest official rank. He needed to be recognized and given a new title and some responsibility to keep him growing.
She decided to send her flock back to camp but kept Culver. She asked the guards to give them some space, and they moved a safe distance away. When they were alone, she asked him what his hopes were for his faith.
“I don’t know, I just wanted to have a place,” he said with his eyes cast down.
“You have a place,” Lilly replied. “Where do you want to go from here?”
He shrugged and kicked a stone, causing Lilly to narrow her eyes. She didn't blame him. He lived a life as an abused farmhand, told how to do everything, and given little choice. Now that the world was open to him, he had no idea what to do with it.
“Would you like to have your own temple? Lead a congregation in worship of the Goddess?” she asked.
“I guess so, but why would anybody listen to me?” he said sheepishly.
Lilly snapped a finger bringing his eyes up as she glowered at him. “You are a man, not a boy. You are a priest of Balisha, and I might add a trained fighter. You have significant accomplishments, all this while marching night and day to war. Stop thinking you are worthless in other people's eyes. Balisha has accepted you, and so have I.”
“You have?” he asked, looking into her eyes.
“I have, or you would not be here,” she replied, growing frustrated. She needed some way to bolster his confidence, and then the answer came to her.
“I want to give you a gift. Since you were my first, and have worked so hard, I want to reward you,” Lilly said in a commanding voice. “I am going to mark you as a dragon blessed, bestowing a portion of my power on you.”
His eyes went wide as his lower lip trembled. Lilly could see it was having an effect, and she struggled not to smile, instead holding a firm gaze. Gersius had instructed her a dozen times on how important it was to show strength to followers. She needed to appear confident, strong, and in control, even when she was not.
“Come here,” Lilly instructed and waited for him to shuffle closer. “Close your eyes.” He did as she instructed, and now she did panic. She had nothing but Sarah's instructions to go on and was terrified of making a mistake. What if she failed to give him the gift, or worse, injured him? How would she look before her flock? How would he respond? She fell into her focus as she cupped her hands before her mouth. Reaching for her solus, Lilly drew on that energy then softly blew, singing the tone of her blood. A ball of whirling frost formed in her hand, and she was amazed at its beauty. Quickly she held it out and told him to open his eyes.
He looked at the swirling snowstorm in her hands with amazement as she smiled and held it up.
“This is my blessing, a portion of my power. I give it to you in honor of your growth and the hard work you have put in.”
He nodded, his eyes never coming off the swirling ball of frost. She struggled not to be as excited as he was as she instructed him to take it with both his hand and close them together. He reached out slowly, trembling the whole way, and plucked it from her hands. He folded his around it, and for just a moment, his eyes glowed with blue fire.
“Congratulations, Senior priest culver.” Her heart wanted to melt when his eyes became wet, and he tried to stand tall and bow his head.
“Thank you, High Priestess Lilly,” he replied in a trembling voice.
She bowed back and dismissed him, sending him away before she lost control. She waited for him to be halfway to camp before heading back herself, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Surely what she had done was beautiful? A great act of kindness and mercy? It was meant to build him up and make a man out of him, but would it work? Time would tell in the end, and she hoped it would prove her right.
----------------------------------------
Thayle was glad to be back in camp and made her way directly to Gersius. He was in the keep with Gams, Lengwin, and many of the order's new bishops. They were in the grand hall on the ground floor in an animated discussion. The Holy priests were concerned about the damage that might be done to Astikar's temple in Calathen during the fighting. Gams shook his head and told them that it was up to the Father Abbot. If the old fool decided to make his last stand there, then damage was unavoidable.
Gersius tried to persuade Lengwin that all efforts to limit the destruction would be taken, but winning the battle would take precedence. If their enemy turned the grand temple into a fortress, it would have to be stormed.
Thayle hated to intrude on such a tense moment, but she felt it was important to relay her message quickly Gersius paused the proceedings to hear her report and her suggestion that she fly on to Mordholm. Gersius agreed but insisted she take a few hours to rest, pray, and check on the scryer. He also wanted her to deal with some rumblings from his battle with Yarvine. Already there were reports of unhappy women whispering about how he should not have spoken to a prime like that.
Thayle knew that was coming and promised to speak to the women about it. He urged her to use caution and be very careful with her words. If she was perceived to support him over Ulustrah, it might undermine her command. She understood and sought out her captains, especially Mingfe and Chiune, hoping they could heal this wound.
After an hour of tense meeting, it was decided Thayle needed to address the assembled mass of the women. She needed to establish her command while showing support for Yarvine. Mingfe also suggested that if there were any future battles with Yarvine, Thayle needed to fight them, not Gersius. This was a battle between the chosen of Ulustrah. If Gersius kept fighting them, he would be seen as an enemy to the goddess.
Thayle made one last visit to Jaylis only to learn they had heard nothing. With no other course of action, she retreated to their room in the keep, desperate to speak the to goddess herself.
It was surprising how large the inner keep was and how many rooms were set aside for bedrooms. They occupied one on the very top of the keep with a balcony built into the cliffs beside them. From here, they could look over most of the compound and the sea of tents.
Thayle undressed and settled on the balcony, silver bowl in lap, enjoying the cool breeze that blew out of the hills. She smiled to think of how much she enjoyed the cold and wondered what Sarah's fire would bring to their binding. Gersius moved someplace in the inner room, fresh from his meeting and concerned over Yarvine. She blocked him out to focus on her task, as her eyes stared into the water's mirror surface. A low song came to her lips, praising the goddess before she spoke her questions aloud and fell into meditation. She let her mind go and drifted into the divine flow to enjoy the power and splendor of her goddess.
The flow established, Ulustrahs power filled her soul, and then she was someplace else. It was a rocky, windswept plain with a distant city before her. She didn't know where it was, but the walls looked high and foreboding. A woman appeared, walking in graceful steps with a smile on her face. She had a hood pulled low so that her lips were all Thayle could see of her. Something about her presence was off, a feeling of danger as if this woman was somehow a threat. She carried a silver bowl of Ulustrah in her hands as if going to pray.
Thayle watched as the women passed and held the bowl high as if offering her praise to the distant city.
“I have them,” the woman said. “I have the tools of their power.”
Suddenly there was another woman with short brown hair and a shadow for a face. She leaped out of nowhere at the first woman burying two knives in her back. The woman screamed and dropped the bowl, but blood fell out instead of water.
Thayle jerked awake with a cry, her breath rapid as the vision faded from her eyes.
“Are you alright?” Gersius asked, her sudden movement drawing his attention
“I, I had a vision,” Thayle said. “And I have no idea what it means.” She stumbled to her feet and made her way inside as the vision haunted her. Gersius came to her side and steadied her, holding her up as she caught her breath.
Tell me what you saw,” he asked, and she explained it in detail, focusing heavily on the blood that poured from the bowl.
“That is disturbing,” Gersius agreed. “The city you saw, it had high walls?”
Thayle nodded as she thought back to the walls that looked impregnable.
“Was there a central spire? Like a building that rose above it?”
“I don't know. It was very far away, and I couldn't see it clearly,” Thayle replied.
He nodded and rubbed her back as he considered the possibilities.
“What are you thinking?” Thayle asked.
“That you were looking at Calathen,” Gersius said. “The landscape east of the city is a grassy area with broken stones. I am planning to march across it on our attack. You don’t recognize either of the women?”
Thayle shook her head. “They were both obscured, one with a hood, another in shadow.”
“It was a warning, but both women seem to be a threat.”
“Why do you say that?” Thayle asked.
“The first woman has a bowl to your goddess in her hands, but it is full of blood instead of water, meaning she has blood on her hands. The second woman is hunting or stopping, or perhaps betraying her.”
“The first woman is clearly a priestess of Ulustrah,” Thayle said.
“And the blood in her bowl means her offenses are against the goddess,” Gersius added.
“What priestess would betray Ulustrah?” Thayle asked.
“The very head of the order of Astikar has betrayed him,” Gersius said. “If he could fall, anyone could.”
Thayle shook her head and leaned into his chest. “I can't wait for this struggle to be over and our family to begin. I want your dream of family and children. I look forward to having a baby.”
“We will have our family and our time together, but now is not the time to think about such things. It will only make you unhappy.”
“What I need to stop thinking about is Yarvine,” Thayle said. “Maybe this was something to do with her?”
“Do you feel either of them was Yarvine?” Gersius asked.
Thayle tried to think, but the Goddess intentionally hid their identities. Her frustration grew as she thought of Yarvine until Gersius folded his arms around her.
“She hasn’t tried to interfere since I spoke with her,” he said.
“You threatened to kill her if she got in your way, and cut her tongue out if she offended Sarah.”
“As I said, she hasn’t tried to interfere,” Gersius repeated with a smile.
Thayle sighed and shook her head. “Some women have approached me with arguments that I should defend her and rebuke you. They feel a prime is holy, and not to be threatened.”
“She left me with no choice. She told me she was taking over and would arrange a council of women to help me make decisions. I had to put an end to this right then and there. When I did, she vaguely threatened that she would remove all support of the women of Ulustrah from my efforts, including you. This is a problem that needed to be cut off the moment it appeared. If I had given her any quarter, it would have gotten much bigger.”
“Well, thank the goddess she is keeping quiet,” Thayle said. “I can't imagine this can get much worse.” She set the bowl aside as he ran a hand over her rear. She smiled and swatted his hand away, reaching for her robe. “Don't you get enough of that at night?”
“We have been very busy. I have not shared your love since we arrived,” he reminded her.
Thayle nodded. They were busy, often working through the nights to plan and prepare. This was exactly why he was worried about taking Sarah; there was no time to love her. She looked about the room with a shake of her head. At least they had a proper space for once.
“These are surprisingly good rooms. This keep is very well built for such a remote stronghold.”
“It was made to house significant people,” Gersius said as he walked to the table to pick up a book. “Many important men used this as a secret location on their travels to and from the east.”
Thayle looked about the space with an approving nod as Lilly came through the door.
“Why are you naked? Are you playing without me?” she asked with a smile.
Thayle smiled to see the beautiful blue-haired woman with eyes to match. She radiated love, and as she walked across the room to wrap her arms around Gersius. They shared a kiss and looked into one another's eyes before she parted and came for her. Thayle enjoyed the warm embrace but felt a twinge of sadness from her wife.
“Is something wrong?” she asked.
Lilly sighed, still holding her tight. “I went to visit the dead dragon and took my followers with me. I prayed to Balisha to welcome her home and give her a better life in heaven. I am sad to know she will never get to experience love like we have. She will never be saved from the curse.”
“Oh, sweetheart,” Thayle cooed. “Your heart is too big, must you feel sad for everybody?”
“No dragon should live such a long pointless life. I wish I could show them all how to love,” Lilly said, looking into her eyes. “I am sad Sarah isn’t here too.”
Thayle glanced at Gersius as he ran his hand through his wild hair.
“Lilly, you know why she isn’t here,” Thayle said. “It isn’t because we don’t love her. We just don’t have the time to welcome her in properly. Look at right now, Gersius has more meetings, and I am flying out in a few hours to Mordholm. It would be terrible to make Sarah a wife and then have no time for her.”
“I know,” Lilly said. “But deep down, I know she is meant to be here. I love her.”
“So do I,” Thayle said and glanced at Gersius. “And so does our husband. Just give us a little more time to do it right. I will talk to Sarah as we fly and make her heart lighter. I will tell her in secret that you told me you loved her. She will glow with joy.”
Lilly smiled and stepped back, holding on to Thayle's hands.
“I wish you were a dragon. I bet you would be pretty.”
Thayle smiled and curled back into her arms, as the two of them stepped into the center of the room. “Show me what you think I would look like?” Thayle said.
Lilly closed her eyes and concentrated on an image that made Thayle smile. She always marveled that Lilly could change forms and asked her how it worked many times. Lilly was all too happy to tell them, describing the process of transformation. Lilly would visualize her other self sitting in the mists of her solus, then focus on trading places, bringing the other form forward. Thayle smiled to see Lilly's image of her as a blue dragon that looked like herself. Thayle decided to visualize her own dragon, seeing it in a sort of white mist. With a heavy heart, she allowed herself the silly longing of switching places with it. The image wavered and moved as Gersius cried out in alarm.
“Lilly, what is happening?” he shouted as Lilly jumped away from Thayle. White smoke poured over Thayle's skin before she was engulfed in a swirling cloud.
“It can't be!” Lilly said in shock and then looked around the room. “Thayle, stop! This space is too small!”
There was a flash of light, and Gersius expected to be crushed against the wall, but instead, the mist began to fade, and a very confused voice spoke from within.
“What happened to me?” Thayle cried as the cloud faded.
Lilly dared to step closer as a form emerged, holding its clawed hands before its face.
“Thayle?” Lilly gasped and then smiled. “You’re beautiful!”
Thayle looked up with tears in her eyes and then ran to the mirror, nearly tripping over the tail that trailed behind. She stood in shock a the visage that looked back, shaking her head in disbelief.
“What happened to me?” she wailed.
“You are part dragon,” Gersius said as he came close enough to touch one of her delicate wings.
Thayle turned about, still shaking her head. “I am not a dragon!” she shouted and looked back to the mirror. Her face looked like her own, but instead of skin, she had a fine leathery coating of blue scales. Her eyes were blue with black slits and burned with a gentle fire. Her hair remained, but two small horns of blue with black points now curled about the side of her head. She had sharp teeth, and when she dared to look into her mouth, a forked tongue. Her hands were human, but the fingers were long and ended in talons. Her body was covered in the same leathery scales all the way to the tail that hung from her waist. She had wings of a soft creamy blue skin between dark arms, and her legs now had an extra segment so her feet could end in a broader, more dragon-like foot. She stood erect like a human but looked very reptilian in appearance.
“How did this happen?” Thayle asked as she pulled at her cheek.
“I do not know,” Gersius said as he put a hand to her shoulder. “What were you thinking just before the change?”
Thayle turned to look at him and then looked around, trying to remember. “I was looking into Lilly's vision of me and thinking about how she transformed. I walked through the process. I didn't realize it would work.”
“You made a transformation,” Lilly gasped. “You are a dragon now.”
“How can that be?” Thayle asked in a panic. “I can’t go out looking like this!”
“Thayle,” Gersius said, squeezing her shoulder. “Please calm down. If you were able to change to this form, you must be able to change back. The process works both ways.”
Thayle nodded and closed her eyes, desperate to return to calm as Gersius pulled her to the center of the room. He looked up to her blue eyes, and only then did she realize she was nearly a head taller than him now.
“Now relax, close your eyes and focus on going over the process again,” Gersius said. “Draw on Lilly’s strength if you have to.”
Thayle nodded as he stepped back and stood beside Lilly to take her hand. She closed her eyes and tried to visualize herself as a human, focusing her thoughts on seeing her image inside. The same white tunnel came back to mind, and she saw a human form at the end. With all the intent she could muster, she reached for the form, desperate to trade places.
“She’s doing it!” Lilly said excitedly.
“I cannot believe this,” Gersius said as Thayle vanished in a cloud of swirling mist.
The mist ended with a flash and began to dissipate as Thayle walked out of the cloud, holding her hand before glowing blue eyes.
“It worked?” she cried and ran to the mirror. “It worked!”
“I liked how you looked,” Lilly pouted as she came to stand behind her.
Thayle never felt more relieved in her whole life. The shock of what just happened had her heart racing, and she leaned on the table for support as Gersius put his arms around her.
“You are safe. No harm was done,” he said softly.
“I don’t know why anybody was upset,” Lilly said. “You are a beautiful dragon now.”
“That wasn’t a dragon,” Thayle gasped as she tried not to see the image in her mind for fear she might change back. “That was something in between.”
“It was dragon enough for me,” Lilly said with a frown. “You had such beautiful blue wings.”
“They were very pretty,” Gersius agreed. “But I think the shock of the sudden change was too much.”
“Too much for me?” Thayle repeated. “That was terrifying. I never dreamed we would have such a gift.”
“Nor did I, but I suppose I am not surprised,” he replied. “Lilly’s solus seems to be overwhelming ours. I wonder how far this will go?”
“You should be able to do it too,” Lilly said, turning to him. “You should try to transform.”
“I don’t know if that is a good idea,” he said. “Thayle was bigger.”
“Only a little, and this room is near twice your height. You should be fine,” Lilly insisted.
Thayle could see Gersius was nervous, so she tried to be strong and turned in his arms. “I was just frightened by how unexpected it was. Obviously, we can change back. Why don't we both change together and take a few moments to explore it before we panic.”
He agreed, and she wished those words had never escaped her lips. As a precaution, he took off his clothes, to avoid tearing them in a change. They moved to the center of the room and stood ten paces apart as she explained what she did. He nodded his head and closed his eyes as she waited. In moments white mist crawled over his skin, so with a sigh, she closed her own eyes and looked inward.
When her eyes opened, she felt the tail and the wings but was determined to keep calm. She stepped out of the mist to see Lilly clutching a tall blue reptilian creature with a broad chest, rippling with scaled muscles. Thayle lost all sense of concern for herself to see Gersius in his dragon form. He was tall and broad, a giant cut from stone. His scales were pure metallic blue, and the leather of his wings barely a shade lighter. He had horns of blue crystal that rose a few inches from his head, ending in dark points that curled back.
She smiled as he lifted Lilly with one arm causing her to giggle as she hugged him and told him how handsome he was. Her heart skipped a beat as he turned to look at her, his blazing blue eyes looking over her form. She looked down to see that she had a very human feminine form still, with distinct hips and full breasts. She took a deep breath and walked to him as he held out an arm to embrace her.
“I can’t believe this had happened,” he said as their blue eyes met. “You are beautiful.”
She smiled and ran a hand over the muscles of steel that were chest. “You are a work of art,” she replied. “I can’t believe how attracted to you I am right now. I feel an almost primal need to have you.”
“I wonder if you have a calling now,” Lilly said, causing Thayle to choke on her words. “Please, Ulustrah, spare me that,” she gasped. “I don’t need that added to my list of frustration.”
“I have to admit, seeing you like this pulls at me as well,” he said. “I feel a hunger like never before.”
“We need to focus,” Thayle interjected, fighting the burning desire. “What does this new gift mean for us?”
Gersius bounced Lilly in his other arm with a funny smile. “We are stronger, and I am willing to bet faster.” He turned his head to look at his wings and then looked at Thayle. “Do you think we can fly?”
Thayle shook her head. “Our wings are smaller. Lilly's are as long as her body. I don't think it would be the same.”
“You should try,” Lilly urged. “Let’s go outside.”
Gersius shook his head with a laugh. “I do not think it would be wise to go outside looking like this. The camp is already on edge over the conflict with Yarvine.”
Lilly frowned but hugged him all the tighter. “I don't like her. She is mean to people.”
“Lilly, she is under a lot of stress,” Thayle said. “She lost her temple, and the priestesses were killed. Then she was driven into exile, narrowly escaping with her own life. It's a small wonder she wants to lead the effort to retake what was taken from her.”
“But she is so bad at it,” Lilly said. “She should let you and Gersius do it.”
Thayle smiled and leaned into his chest, marveling at how strong he felt. “She will. I have a feeling she understands the mistakes she has been making and is prepared to get out of the way.”
“She better,” Gersius said. “That reminds me, why is it taking so long to get a reply from Eastgate?”
“I will go see Jaylis before I leave and see if he has heard,” Thayle said as she ran a hand over his waist.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked.
Thayle shook her head and stepped back. “We need to change back before I lose control. I don't know why, but seeing you like this is driving me mad.”
“I bet it’s the calling,” Lilly insisted as Thayle stepped away.
“If that's the case, I am never taking this form again,” Thayle said before closing her eyes to focus. When she was back in her human form, she looked on his blue scaled body and felt no less hungry. She had to plead with Lilly to let him change back to end her suffering.
“Did that help?” he asked as he stepped out of the mist in his human form.
She smiled at his human body, still feeling a need, but the primal calling was subsiding. “It's better,” she admitted. “I wonder why that stirs such hunger?”
“I don't know, but I have to meet Gams again soon, then speak with Ayawa and Tavis.” He walked up and took her by the shoulders, leaning down to kiss her gently. “Good luck on your hunt. If you need to stay a few days, I understand.”
Thayle nodded and hurried to get dressed, then rushed off to find Jaylis and enquirer about her messages. Her life was a whirlwind of madness, from the problems with Yarvine, the trouble with Sarah, the missing second company, and now a new dragon blessing. There was no time to address any of these issues properly, and the longer they remained here, the enemy grew in strength. With any luck, there would be some news at last and entered the temple tent seeking out the scryer.
“Any news?” she asked as she entered his tent. For a moment, his aura flicked with a choice, but he quickly smiled and nodded.
“Yes, Governess Commander General. I have a reply to your second question,” Jaylis said with sweat on his brow. He reached for a nearby scroll of paper and rolled it out to read.
“No such orders were given. The first company was told to meet the second at Mordholm. They were to wait there until a follow-up force of temple guards stripped from the east arrived to protect the temple. Then they were to march only on your command to a location of your choosing. We gave them no orders to move and have heard no word that the temple guards have arrived, despite the fact they should have been there a week ago. We worry that something has happened to the temple, the scryer there is not responding. Additional efforts will be made to contact the temple and establish their condition. Please advise us on where these false orders came from if you learn it.”
“They didn’t issue those orders?” Thayle asked in shock.
“I am sorry,” Jaylis said in a tired voice. “I don’t have anything further.”
“You did your job well. Please send them another message. Tell them I am going to the rose temple in person to establish the situation and get Alayse moving if she is still there. I will ensure they are contacted and updated as soon as I arrive.”
Jaylis nodded and looked down into his bowl as Thayle turned to walk away. If the orders didn't come from Eastgate, then where had they come from? The question haunted her mind as she walked to the meeting tent. She thought of seeking out Gersius to tell him but didn't want to waste a minute more.
“It will have to wait,” she said and walked to the ring to find Sarah waiting.
“Are we to leave?” Sarah asked as she laid down for Thayle to climb up. Sarah was so massive that lying down caused her to press on the walls, and she had to curl her tail tightly to avoid sweeping them over.
“Yes,” Thayle replied as she climbed the ladder and settled in. “Let's go. I have more problems to solve.”
Sarah nodded and spread her wings, kicking up a cloud of dust in her departure. Eyes looked up, and fingers pointed to see a dragon of such size leave the camp, heading at great speed to the south.
“Has he said anything more about me?” Sarah asked, disturbing Thayle's already labored thoughts.
“What? Oh, you mean Gersius. He admitted he loved you today, or he let me admit it for him.”
“You admitted it for him?” Sarah asked, her long neck twisting around to look at her. “What does that mean?”
Thayle explained Lilly's conversation, where Lilly openly said she loved Sarah, and Thayle spoke for herself and Gersius and said they loved her too.”
“So, he never said it.”
“He silently agreed with me by not objecting,” Thayle argued, growing frustrated with Sarah's sudden impatience. “Sarah, you are thousands of years old, surely you can wait a little more.”
“I can wait another lifetime,” she replied. “But I see no reason to do so. I have made up my mind, and I know where my path lies. Why won't he let me walk it?”
“Because he has no time to walk it with you,” Thayle said. “He hasn't even made love to Lilly or I since we got here. He spends all his hours in meetings or dealing with problems in the camp. He says these will diminish once Gams has his command structure in place, but who knows when that will be.”
“I understand,” Sarah replied with a sigh and turned her head back. “I can wait a little more. What do you hope to find and accomplish at this temple?”
Thayle wasn't sure. Hopefully, it would be secure, and Alayse would already be assembling for the march to Calathen. She wasn't sure she wanted to face Alayse again, but there was no time to worry about that now. She was in command of Ulustrah's forces, and Alayse was going to follow orders for a change.
“Hopefully, I will find things in good order and set the second company on the march,” Thayle replied. “If not, I will put it in order and march them myself.”
“How long do you plan to be there?” Sarah asked.
“No more than a day. If it's going to be longer, I will send you back and contact you by scryer when I am ready.”
“I will be without you then,” Sarah huffed. “I have come to rely on you for guidance in this nonsense you call a relationship.”
Thayle smiled to hear her admit that. Despite being in command of an army, she was still a priestess of Ulustrah, and there was a relationship to bless. As they flew to the south, she hoped that all would be in order, and the rose temple would not become one of her concerns.