The Return of the Dragonhawk

Chapter 19 -- Fire in her Blood

Rhoz stood at the top of the Kingstower, willing herself to see further into the distance. If only Astyanace were with her! Why had she not thought to ask Arabelle for a second hawk to carry messages back and forth between Helion and Dyz?

She sighed. Even if she had a hawk in the air, there would be nothing to see. She was hours too early, but she could not stop herself from watching for the arrival of their mysterious guests. Could the young woman really be Lili? If only the Vacina Calchis were fit to answer questions!

The Vacinatrix had related only the sketchiest details before dropping into a potion-induced slumber. The Northlanders had been repelled, but the defenders had paid for their victory with severe losses. The dead and injured were now being taken to Praxen by wagon. Gundar and Lili -- if it was truly them -- were being sent to Draklunys under guard. Alyx had dispatched a force of three hundred men to watch the Great Crossroads until fresh troops could be sent from Praxen.

Rhoz had brought a fur to rest on, but she was too fidgety to sit down. Why would Lili be riding south? Much as Rhoz was curious to see her sister again, she hoped that this was an imposter. The true Lili would pose a grave hazard to anyone with the temerity to shelter her. The Northlanders would consider the loss of a betrothed bride as provocation for war. Taking Gundar prisoner was even more perilous. Was there any limit to what King Baldur would do to recover his son?

Panax, who was grazing on the mountainside, looked up at her invitingly. She had solemnly promised Alyn that she would remain in the fortress until the facts were fully known, but it was all she could do to keep herself from leaping on her pony's back and galloping off to see for herself.

She sat down with her back against the retaining wall and pulled out the velvet bag resting under her tunic near her heart. Perhaps her new rune stones would help pass the time. Her fingers were clumsy as she unknotted the thong, distracted by the memory of Alyx' lips brushing against hers.

Farewell, my dear love. Each time I cast the runestones, I will remember you.

These stones felt strangely different from the simple clay ovals Hekla had given her: not like stones at all, but like soft orbs of viscous liquid. She drew one out. Which one would it be? ZEGA again, for opportunity? TIR, for courage? Or perhaps ARNI, for patience?

She gasped as she felt the soft ball harden in her hand, becoming a deep blue jewel in the shape of a teardrop, with a silver rune glowing mysteriously in its heart. She was so entranced that it was a few moments before she realized that she had drawn AXEN, signifying unity and true love.

Unity. Perhaps the Alliance will be reborn after all. And true love -- dare I believe that these gems are more than a charming apology for wrongs done in the past?

She brought the blue jewels out one by one, each a perfect match for the first. This was a rare gift indeed.

Despite every fierce resolution she had made, she allowed herself to dream about Alyx. She had intended to leave him behind forever, but fate had brought them close again. Could it be a sign to put aside her concerns about alliances and follow her heart?

She had told herself over and over again that the burning in her blood was of no consequence, a whim of youth, irrelevant to the important matters of life. So she had been taught in the school room, and later during the interminable days of sitting and embroidering with the ladies, while a reader droned on and on. Romantic love was a perilous illusion. Only love between husband and wife was permissible and safe, their union sanely pre-determined by political considerations.

Alyn had scoffed at these precepts. According to her, no marriage could bring happiness unless it flowed from the true and lasting love of two hearts intended for each other, however unpromising the circumstances might appear.