Aodhnait: Destiny

Chapter 11: History Awakened

Merlara woke to the sound of crashing masonry. A roar of rage rang out above the prison.
She pushed herself into a sitting position, then froze as screams of pain and another roar shook the earth beneath her. The jailer had already vanished up the stairs to assist the warriors.
The Seldrian had attacked the Citadel at last.
Terror engulfed her at the thought of a Seldrian tearing her apart, or being buried beneath the ruins of the Castle.
A shriek escaped her as the jailer suddenly fell down the stairs and lay motionless before her. His eyes were open, blood gushing from the wide slit in his throat.
A dark skinned man almost immediately followed, blood stained sword in his hand. He stopped short at the sight of Merlara.
He wore a simple brown tunic and trousers. His tunic was torn close to the shoulder, through which chain mail showed.
Merlara sat up, forgetting her weakness in her excitement and joy.
"Tünorë!"
Tünorë stooped, removing the key from the jailer's body. He unlocked the door and ran in, swiftly kneeling beside her.
Merlara clung to him, burying her face in his tunic.
Their embrace said more that any words could express.
Merlara looked up. "I thought you were dead."
"I'm sorry, but it was better for your safety that you thought so. When the gate was breached, I had no choice but to flee in order to ensure your rescue. Where is Ladiël and Nahim?"
"Somewhere in the lower levels. How did you get in here? Did the Seldrian not destroy the gate?
Tünorë smiled.
"That is no Seldrian."
Merlara stared at him.
"That's impossible."
"I hinted to you once, that ancient forces of the world had awakened."
Before Merlara could get him to confirm her suspicions, she was astonished to see Sümasi's brothers appear.
They were dressed in their hunter's garb and had reclaimed their bows. Their almost empty quivers showed they hadn't been idle. Lestri wielded two knives, as he had already used his arrows.
Taking her in his arms, Tünorë came out of the cell.
"Merlara is too weak to fight. Ladiël, Nahim, and Sümasi are in the lower levels. We will wait for you."
Viciri and Künosk nodded and disappeared through the barred door.
Lestri stood by the stairs, ready to cut down anyone who tried to enter.
Merlara clung to Tünorë as another roar shook the prison.
"How is this possible?"
"All will be explained, but for the moment, I need you to trust me."
"I do, but I'm not sure I can handle the shock of the truth, unless you confirm it."
"Stop tormenting her," Lestri said. He turned to Merlara.
"Yes your Majesty, we have come to rescue you: not with one, but two Dragons."
Merlara stared at him, her mouth open.
Tünorë sighed. "That's not how I would have done it."
"There's no gentle way to tell her Dragons are destroying the Citadel!"
He's right unfortunately," Merlara said weakly.
She had hardly finished speaking when Viciri and Künosk came in. Ladiël, Nahim, and Sümasi were with them.
Nahim and Ladiël didn't appear starved, but they were pale and dirty. Their chainmail had been taken from them. Sümasi seemed to be the only one unaffected by the imprisonment.
With Sümasi and her brothers leading, they exited the prison. Tünorë brought up the rear, carrying Merlara.
The room where they emerged was in ruins. Where most of the roof had been, the night sky could be seen. Bodies lay around them, some trapped under the debris.
Suddenly Sümasi screamed.
"Look out!"
 Everyone ducked as a cloud of arrows flew over their heads, clattering against the wall behind them.
Several archers rushed into the room, aiming their arrows at them. A large group of soldiers were close behind, swords drawn.
"Get back!" Viciri shouted.
He and Künosk fit arrows to their bows, while Lestri tossed one of his knives to Nahim. Nahim caught it while simultaneously pushing Ladiël behind him.
Tünorë lowered Merlara to the floor and drew his sword. Ladiël knelt beside Merlara, ready to shield her with her body if the men fell.
Sümasi  refused to retreat, but stood beside Tünorë, growling fiercely.
The soldiers had hardly drawn their weapons when a roar shook the Citadel. The night sky disapeared for a moment as a large creature leapt through the hole in the roof, scattering and crushing the warriors. Terrified, the remaining archers loosed their arrows and fled.
The arrows clattered harmlessly against the creature's body. Viciri and Künosk shot at the fleeing archers, killing two before they could escape.
Huddled against the wall, with Ladiël shielding her from stray arrows, Merlara could see nothing at first. They looked up just in time to see a soldier pinned down by a clawed foot.
Bending over him, the animal took his head between it's jaws. Merlara shrieked as with one jerk of it's head, the creature snapped his spine.
Snorting as if satisfied, the creature turned toward the fugitives pressed against the wall.
Merlara was terrified to see the large head of a Dragon looming over her.
The Dragon was black like coal. It's wings were each ribbed with six wingbones, the last one at the tip ending in a claw. It's ears resembled that of a bat, and it's head was shaped like a lizard's. It had two horns between it's ears. It's long tail scraped against the floor, the spike on the end of it making deep scratches. It would have been invisible if not for it's yellow eyes; and it's scales, which shimmered like stars reflected in water.
A saddle was strapped to it's back, a leather strap around it's long neck.
"When it spoke Merlara jumped; startled that it's voice, though unmistakably female, was unusually deep.
"Well met, Queen Merlara. I've waited three hundred years to meet you."
Merlara was too weak from starvation and fear to ask what the Dragon meant; and she couldn't help wondering if she was joking. Destroying her father's Castle wasn't the best way to make her acquaintance.
"Well met indeed Alest," said Künosk. "I trust you and Äron have made our escape possible."
"We have. But we must be swift, the few warriors who escaped fled to fetch reinforcements. I will take four of you. The rest must wait."
Lestri helped Merlara, Ladiël, and Sümasi into the saddle. He fastened straps attached to the sides around Ladiël and Merlara's legs; but secured Sümasi to Alest's back by her waist. Then he climbed up himself.
"The straps are meant to keep you from falling in case archers target us," he said as Künosk tied the straps around his legs. " Alest may have to spin to avoid the arrows."
Merlara sat behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist. Ladiël sat behind her, with Sümasi in the back.
With one leap, Alest launched herself into the sky. For a moment she dropped dangerously close to the ground. As she adjusted to the weight on her back, she slowly gained altitude.
In the midst of her fear, Merlara realized they were rapidly leaving the Castle behind.
"Wait!" she shouted, "We can't leave them!"
"We're not!" said Alest.
Merlara felt Ladiël turn her head and look behind them. "She's right, look."
Merlara looked back. Another black Dragon, slightly bigger than Alest, leapt into the air and dropped as she had. Merlara's heart almost stopped when for a moment the Dragon looked as if it might land. Then with a powerful flap of it's wings, it flew above the battlements. A cloud of arrows immediately followed it.
The Dragon turned sharply to the left. The arrows harmlessly struck it's scales, missing it's passengers.
Merlara peered into the darkness behind them. Because of her Dragon blood, she could see what only Sümasi or Alest would have seen had they been looking.
"Someone is with them."
"Who is it?" asked Ladiël.
"I can't tell if it's a man or woman from this distance."
"Don't fear," said Alest, "If Äron has chosen to bring someone else, that person may be of use. But if not, a Dragon need not fear that which can't run from him."
Merlara couldn't think of a reply.
Soon they had left the city far behind. Alest flew in front. Äron, bearing Nahim, Künosk, Viciri, Tünorë and the stranger, flew behind.
A mist lay over the land, low clouds resting on the hilltops. Below them the Lüsia River flowed. A village of The White Fox Tribe came into view. Merlara's heart sank at the thought of what was in store for them.
She would have been too cold, if not for Ladiël and Lestri's body warmth. Still, it was cooler than she liked, as there was little of her nightgown to shield her from the wind.
"Where are we going?" Sümasi asked at last.
"To a safe place," Alest said. "We're bound for the Wild Lands, where the Free Eagles Tribe dwells."
"How do you know the Siljë will welcome us?" Merlara asked. "They may be aligned with us now, but I doubt they'll care to be burdened with such fugitives."
We would agree with you," Lestri answered, "But apparently during the First Alliance, the Seldrian attacked them as well. Without telling their allies, the Dragons defended them. For reasons Äron and Alest have refused to share, the Dragons and Siljë agreed to conceal this from Tyor, though Callagan has known of it for generations."
"How much have you not told us?" Merlara said, suspicion getting the better of her, "Since I ascended to the throne, it seems everyone except Ladiël and Nahim have kept secrets from me."
Alest said nothing. Ladiël was equally silent.
That was answer enough for Merlara.
"Ladiël, if there is anything you haven't not told me, I think I ought to know it now."
"Ladiël was slow in answering.
"There is much we didn't tell you. Too much to tell you now. I can tell you this much, that it was your Mother's dying wish for us keep these things from you; until you were ready to receive them."
"Well, your timing was wonderful," Sümasi said sourly. "Perhaps we wouldn't have been imprisoned, if you had spoken sooner."
"All will be explained," said Alest. "But now is not the time."
Merlara wasn't convinced, but she was too exhausted to argue.

Just when Merlara was wondering if they would be flying all night, Alest began to descend.
Looking down, Merlara could see tents, a strange kind she had never seen, only heard of: tall tents made of animal hides, stretched over a framework of wooden poles. Some had smoke coming from openings in the top. Fires could be seen, many with people gathered around them. Other larger shapes were among them, some sitting, others standing. Some stood apart from the rest, as if waiting for something.
As they drew nearer, Merlara realized the shapes were Wolves. It was said by people who came to Tyor, that The Siljë and Kasia often hunted together, dividing what they caught.
Though the Siljë could run with the speed and endurance of the Wolves, they often used horses to hunt; but as their friends and companions, rather than their masters.
When Alest and Äron were a few hundred feet from the ground, the Wolves began to howl.
The people reacted instantly. Shouting with excitement, they rushed with the Wolves to meet the Dragons, who landed a few yards from the encampment.
Lestri jumped to the ground, then assisted Ladiël , Merlara and Sümasi. 
Sümasi immediately leapt to the ground, apparently relieved to be off Alest's back.
Merlara wrapped her arms around herself, self concious in her light garment.
Tünorë came swiftly to her side, wrapping his arm around her waist to support her. Nahim, Künosk and Viciri climbed down from Äron's back, Künosk assisting the stranger.
Merlara could now see it was a woman, dressed in a chain mail shirt and trousers. As their eyes met, Merlara gasped. The stranger was Teril.
"What is she doing here?" she asked, turning to Tünorë.
"I don't know. Nahim insisted we let her come with us."
Merlara looked at her suspiciously. Teril returned her gaze somewhat haughtily, but her tone was matter of fact.
"Yes your Majesty, Captain Tünorë speaks truly. It may enterest you to know, that Nahim was the one to warn me of my Tribe's betrayal."
Before Merlara could question her, a large crowd of men, women, children, and Wolves ran up.
Sümasi snarled, her eyes glowing red. Merlara noticed she was glaring at the Wolves. They were about the size of horses; but the Siljë seemed perfectly at ease in their presence.
Merlara had never been to The Wild Lands, but she knew the Siljë by sight, as many were citizens of Tyor. Though some were of Tyorian or Callagan race, those native to the Wild Lands had olive to light brown skin, and their eyes were slanted like a cat's.
The men wore a deerskin shirt and leggings, with tassels in the front and back. Some women wore the same, while others wore a full length dress and leggings. Both men and women either wore their hair down, or in one or two braids. Some men had their heads shaved, except for a single lock of hair down the middle.
Each of them wore a black leather band, with one or more feathers in the back. The children were dressed in the same manner. They all wore soft leather shoes.
Two women and a man with light brown skin stepped forward. Tünorë went to meet them, leading Merlara.
Your Majesty, I would like you to meet the Chief of The Free Eagles."
Merlara nodded. "I am honored."
The Chief wore a feather headdress. The first woman, who she assumed was his wife, wore a full length dress and leggings, with three feathers in the band around her head. Her hair brown and in a in a single braid.
The second was younger, not much older than Merlara. She wore a shirt and leggings, with a single feather in her band. Her hair  was black and in two braids. She looked at Merlara with a mixture of amazement and joy.
"Welcome," the Chief said. "I am Amasua. This is my wife, Lesao, and my daughter, Salesoa."
Merlara bowed respectfully.
Lesao and Salesoa nodded. "Teenah."
Welcome.
Merlara replied, "Ëa sa iwea."
I thank you.
The Chief smiled.
"One of your kin has dwelled with us long. She's waited many years to meet you."
Merlara hesitated, unsure what to say.
"There must be some mistake. I have no other kin that is living."
A voice in the crowd answered her.
"So you were told, but the time has come for me to reveal myself."
Merlara stared in amazement, as the crowd parted and a strange woman stepped forward.
She was dressed as Salesoa was, but her skin was white. Her hair was white also, worn in a single braid. Her eyes were the same shade of green as Merlara's.
She looked at her with the expression of one who had waited years for this moment, but could hardly believe it had arrived. She touched Merlara's face with her hand, her eyes shining.
"You have the look of your mother. I have waited so long to see you. I only wish I could have witnessed your childhood."
Merlara's heart stopped at her words.
"Who are you?"
"I am Cahira, your mother's sister."
It was a few moments before Merlara could answer.
"My mother had no sister."
"Alas, it was to insure your safety she kept my existence from you. She was against it, but relented when I gave her my reasons. But now the time has come, for all secrets to be revealed."
"But first," Nahim said, "You must have food and rest."
Merlara looked at him sharply. She didn't have to look at Ladiël to realize she had known of her Aunt as well.
"Of course," Cahira said. "Come, you all must bathe and eat. Then you must rest. Tomorrow I will tell you all."
In a daze Merlara followed, Tünorë still supporting her. The crowd followed close behind, some talking in low voices. Alest and Äron also followed, though they stopped when they came to the encampment. They were too large to join them, as their wings or tails would have knocked over the tents.
Merlara looked back and saw Sümasi walking with her brothers. Her lips lifted in a snarl whenever one of the Wolves came near her. Her brothers exchanged glances, but said nothing.
For a moment Merlara watched them anxiously, but she forgot about them when she saw the tents and roaring fires.

Cahira led her away from the others. In a stream several feet from the encampment, Merlara bathed. When she came out, Cahira wrapped a large blanket around her; then led her to the nearest tent.
"I hope I won't be in the way," Merlara said.
"Do not fear. The Siljë and Kasia have been expecting you. They consider it a great honor to shelter you."
Merlara was sorely tempted to shower her Aunt with questions. Why wasn't any mention made of the Dragons defending the Siljë and Kasia? Had her mother known of it? If so, why did she keep it a secret? And where did Ladiël, Nahim, and Tünorë fit into all this? How much did they know, and why hadn't they told her?
She wanted answers, but she sensed Cahira wasn't going to answer them right away.
'In that she is like my mother," She thought. I should really be thinking of getting to know her. She's the only Family I have left."
Inside the tent, a roaring fire burned in the center. In the corner, a dress and leggings such as the Siljë wore lay on a bed of blankets. A band with three feathers lay beside them.
Merlara understood the tent had been prepared in anticipation of her arrival.
As she and Cahira came out of the tent, the Siljë and Kasia greeted them enthusiastically. Tünorë walked up to her, smiling.
"Well, how do you feel?"
"Much better. I don't know how to thank you."
" Surely you knew I would never desert you. but enough of such talk. Come, there is plenty of food and music for all. Now that you're here, the feast can begin."

Cahira led her to the nearest fire. One of the women gave her a bowl of venison stew and a plate with bread. The venision was tender and juicy. The bread soft, savory from the fresh herbs baked into it. Merlara could hardly keep herself from wolfing the food down.
Tünorë and Cahira sat on her left, talking in soft voices to Amasua and Lesao. Sümasi and her brothers sat a few feet away with another group. Salesoa sat on her right. She said nothing, though Merlara sensed she wished to speak to her.
Despite her efforts to eat slowly, Merlara managed to finish her stew within minutes. The woman who had given it to her immediately refilled her bowl. Merlara thanked her, and the woman smiled. Merlara wondered if she had been the one who had made it.
When she had finished, she sat and looked about her. A group of people sat a little way off, pounding on buffalo drums, chanting as they did so. A group of men, women, and children danced in a circle around them. The words that were powerful, sending chills up Merlara's spine. She had heard of this dance, though she had never seen it performed.
The Dance Of Harmony was a Siljë dance performed at Feasts, Weddings, and Summer and Winter celebrations. It was a symbol of unity for all Siljë Tribes.
Merlara turned to Salesoa.
"I remember learning about this dance as a child, but this is the first time I've seen it."
Salesoa smiled. "And what do you think now that you have?"
"It's beautiful."
"Your words hearten us. For tonight, we perform The Dance Of Harmony to show our support; and to symbolize the day when all known races of the World are united."
Merlara felt a strange sense of foreboding. Salesoa's words struck a familiar chord in her memory, though she couldn't remember where or when she had heard them.
Before she could ask her more, Tünorë appeared at her side.
She looked up. "I know what you're thinking, but I'm not sure I want to the moment."
Salesoa looked at her in surprise.
"Why not? It's for you that they perform it. They would be thrilled if you joined them."
Merlara still hesitated. Amasua and Cahira looked at her. Cahira smiled encouragingly.
Tünorë looked amused. "Come Merlara, don't think we didn't see you watching them. You have a desire to join in the dance."
Merlara blushed. "Very well, but don't tease me about my reluctance afterwards."
"Forgive me, but I won't be able to resist doing so when you've enjoyed yourself."
Lesao laughed.
"Don't argue with him, our people will be thrilled to dance with you."
Merlara smiled in spite of herself. She stood and accepted Tünorë's hand. Together they went up to the dancers. Tünorë tapped one of the men on the shoulder. As soon as he saw who was with him, he stepped aside, motioning for others to do so.

Soon Merlara lost track of time, hypnotized by the rhythm of the drums. Sometimes the musicians fell silent, and the Wolves would howl. The beat of the drums mingling with their cries made Merlara's blood run cold.
When the howling ceased, the Siljë resumed chanting, their voices rising and falling with varying intensity.
Once Merlara caught a glimpse of the Dragons watching them intently. Now and then one of them would turn away, looking toward Tyor, their ears twitching. Merlara wondered who or what they were looking for, but didn't dwell on it.
At last Merlara signaled to Tünorë she wished to stop. He led her back to the fire, where everyone complimented her on how well she had danced. She said little, but smiled and expressed her gratitude for their support and protection.
Finally she excused herself, exhausted from the day's excitement. Cahira led her back to the tent, where she lay down on the bed of blankets. She listened to the chants and howls of the Siljë and Kasia; their voices lulling her into a deep sleep.