The Ivory Star

Chapter 31

The wind howled like wolves in their ears, as the level shafts of the setting sun inflamed the clouds still lingering about them. Clutching Eric's waist like a noose, Tamarra stared wide-eyed over Skyking's magnificent black wing, down at the sprawling green carpet far below. Eric could sense that she was afraid, even after two days of continuous traveling.

She spoke in Eric's ear, pointing to the bright blue ribbon meandering through the trees below, "Beyond that river lies my step-father's domain."

"That is the Saxon River?" he asked, remembering Sordus's lessons in geography.

"Yes," she replied. "May we rest, Eric? I am fordone."

"Aye," he said, giving Capian the signal to land, and sending Skyking into a plummeting dive that brought their stomachs into their throats. With a single beat of his tremendous wings, the great bird lit on the grassy strip between the bank of the Saxon River and the forest.

The deep gurgling of the river came like music through the air as Eric dismounted and helped her down. Her legs went rubbery from disuse, and she nearly collapsed. He caught her, supported her with strong arms. Her body molded to his.

Then she said, "I can stand."

Reluctantly he released her.

Starjumper then landed, and Capian unbuckled the strap to jump down. The two men began to make a camp for the evening, while Tamarra went to the river to bathe.

Capian said, "I'm going to fetch some supper."

"Wait," Eric said.

Capian stopped and half-turned, looking at the ground near Eric's feet, not into his eyes.

"What is it, Capian?"

"What do you mean? I'm hungry."

"Come now, I mean this foul mood of yours. We're Eagle Knights. You should know the feelings of others are as open books to us. Why must you try to hide yours?"

"You do not know?"

"No."

Capian shook his head sadly. "You still do not understand."

"Then please tell me. We have the Ivory Star! Why now such a foul mood?"

"Eric, you are the One. The fate of every man, woman, child, and beast on Eorthe rests on your shoulders. Only you can destroy Uhr, and if you do not, the entire world will suffer. And yet, you risk your own life to save one woman! And worse, she's Sneev's stepdaughter! His immediate family! How do you know she hasn't been corrupted? How do you know she's not the master's servant? How do you know she's not merely biding her time before she puts a dagger in your back?"

Eric took a step back at Capian's growing vehemence. "I have sensed no deception from her," he said defensively.

"Do you know you would be able to? I've heard tales of loving wives turning like rabid beasts on their husbands, chanting the Master's name. How deep must that corruption run to hide it from their loved ones?"

"I can't believe that of her!"

"I know," Capian said, shaking his head sadly. "As I said, you do not understand." Without another word, he faded into the forest.

Eric watched him go, speechless. Could that have happened to her? No! He vehemently denied that such a thing was possible, and turned toward Skyking. He could think of it no longer. He busied himself with unsaddling Skyking, trying to drive such thoughts from his mind. He ran his fingers through the bird's thick black and white feathers. The beast relaxed to receive this attention. Eric patted the massive, hooked beak that could have nearly bitten him in half. During their long journey, he had become very attached to his ferocious mount. He could sense the animal's complete trust in him, perhaps love, if such a wild, savage beast could feel love.