Glimpses of
The Children of the Anarii, Book 1
from Chapter 1
The vision began slowly, rising with the mist from the river's crystal surface. A world of clouds began to slip around Morgana, enshrouding the late morning sun as it lay on the water. Pale ghostly figures of unnamed shapes moved across her mind like smoke rings from her father's pipe. Then, with a change, a solid form appeared. A tall shadow moved toward her, at first indistinct, then evolving into a darkened horse and rider. The rider was cloaked in deep red, the same color as the heavy trappings of the horse. Blood red, Morgana thought. How odd, no one wears red, except the Mirii.She watched the figures move closer to her hideaway at the base of the cedarjinn tree. The rider's hood was pulled far over the shadowed face, concealing who or what this person was. Something pulled at the back of her mind; a forgotten memory of this hu’man.
When the horse was a few steps away it stopped and, with a shudder, the rider threw the cloak's hood back. A woman's face appeared amid darkened flame-red hair, the face deathly pale with exhaustion, her dark copper eyes shadowed and lined. "Morgana Elissii," the figure spoke in a tired low voice. "Morgana Elissii," she repeated stronger, leaning forward over the horse's neck.
Morgana stared at the woman, her fear slowly twisting about her. "Who are you?" she whispered, her voice shaking.
"Rejat," the woman replied. The horse pulled at the reins, jerking her arm and she grimaced in pain. She looks so tired, Morgana thought, and found her fear slipping away as concern for this stranger replaced it. She raised her hand to soothe the nervous animal, but the horse snorted a warning at her hand.
The woman closed her eyes and leaned back. "We need your help, Morgana Elissii. Please help us," she said, her eyes tightly closed in obvious pain. "They have hunted us for four days through the western Varan. We can't outrun them much longer. Stillyth is failing. What you see now is my mastery over him, not his true self." She gently stroked the horse's shoulder.
"Who is hunting you?" Morgana searched the woman's face for some clue to her identity and how she knew her name. And what did her words mean; mastery, over who?
"Come to the island, near the fisher's dam," Rejat said urgently as the mist swirled higher around her. "I can't hold this Shadow any longer. Stillyth must rest or he will die. You must come soon or it will be too late for us." The two forms were abruptly veiled once more as Morgana stood and reached out to them, wondering why she could not help them now. A sudden touch of wind swept the mist aside and they were gone.
Morgana looked down at the empty shallows of the river. The rocks and sand appeared undisturbed. She pulled herself up the bank and looked out over the now clear surface. It was so real, could I have dreamt this? The air around her was as still now as when she had arrived. She looked up at the shadows in the trees, then with a gasp of surprise upon realizing the lateness of the morning, turned and ran from the river.
from Chapter 8
The cedarjinn tree lay silent in the flashing river, the remaining upright branches waving sadly above the waters as if for rescue from its unwelcome fate. Elas and Rejat still held the Veil over their company when they came upon the tree. They stopped to survey the destruction, Elas dismounting and walking to the ruined trunk, bringing the Veil with her. She stared out over the sprawling length, then knelt to lay her hands on the open scar of its heart. The tree cried of its fate to her soul and sang of the abandonment by its protector. She listened to the heart of the tree, saying nothing in return. Her own heart ached for this useless destruction and she inwardly raged at the man responsible.
Unable to answer the cedarjinn's song she rose and turned to her companions. Tagar's face revealed mixed emotions; he was against such waste and knew of the importance of this tree. Rejat wore a cold mask, though Elas recognized the fire that raged behind those copper eyes. But Morgana—Ah, Morgana! This was your tree! That's what happened after you left us. You knew of this. Her niece's face also wore a mask, but her eyes betrayed her pain at this sight. Morgana sat stiffly upon her horse, not daring to move lest she give away the sorrow her aunt knew was held inside.
Elas walked up to her and held out her hand. Morgana stared down at her then slowly dismounted, only then taking her aunt’s hand. She led her niece to the cedarjinn tree and placed her hand on its heart. Morgana quickly snatched her hand back in surprise as the ruined tree's agonized cry suddenly filled her senses. Frightened, she looked at her aunt who nodded silently but again placed Morgana’s hand once more on the tree. Again Morgana heard the cry from her beloved tree, but steeled herself and placed her other hand beside the first.
She began to listen. Beyond the river’s noise, strange words rang through her, words that had no meaning but somehow she knew of their intent. A greater sadness flowed through her, and she became one with the tree in a way she had never experienced before; sadness at the loss that was different from her own; the betrayal by someone who was the tree's protector. She felt herself drawn into the life of the tree as if she were connected to its life in some unknown manner, and the world around her instantly changed, as the merging of the tree's soul and her own became stronger. She struggled to understand its song, the final chorus that was given to her, and to remember all that it was.
Deeply, Morgana listened to the inner voice of the tree, the outside world falling from her consciousness, until a small voice began calling her back. Reluctantly she followed, saddened that she could not stay and learn more from her old friend. The voice became urgent; she could not linger. With a great sigh she opened her eyes to the sight of her aunt bending over her.
Morgana stood and pulled her hands from the cedarjinn's trunk. She felt different, as if for a brief moment she had become one with the tree and felt its life flow through her veins. She looked at her aunt who shook her head to her questions, then followed her back to her horse. Wordlessly, she pulled herself onto the gray mare and took the reins from her uncle. Elas returned to her Azerii and led them back to the river trail and their journey.
As they returned to their journey, Morgana closed her eyes, feeling as if a great weight had been lifted from her heart. Upon consideration, she suddenly realized that she was the tree's protector, but that the tree had forgiven her by giving her its song. With a last glance back at the tree's final resting place, she gave her farewell to her childhood friend in soundless words, then looked once again to the trail before them.
from Chapter 9
Morgana listened to their playful talk while struggling to keep her eyes open. She felt relaxed in their company, safer than she had felt around anyone in what seemed a very long time. She watched Tagar play with the rolling object in his hands, heard Elas and Rejat's sparkling laughter, and watched the Mirii toss her flame-dark hair.
Without warning, a nervous snort rushed from the two horses behind them and she felt as if a shadow had just passed through her. From the brush before them appeared a great black Kir-Latt, with two escorting Azerii appearing as brilliant columns of light on either side. Heavy black fur surrounded its face and shoulders and crested along its broad back to the bushy tail. Silver eyes glowed above a fierce muzzle, Morgana imagining that the closed jaws contained many dagger-like teeth. The beast waited quietly before them, the Azerii light columns glowing like silent suns beside the creature.
Elas and Rejat rose slowly, their hands open, palms forward. "Welcome, Brother Kir-Latt," Rejat said first.
Welcome, Sister Mirii, the beast's mind voice boomed through them. Morgana started—she too heard its voice!
The Kir-Latt looked straight her way and a shiver of unknown emotion flowed through her body. Welcome, Little Sister.
"Welcome—Teacher," she uttered in return, surprise flitting across her face at her words.
The black creature gazed at Tagar. Welcome, EarthKeeper.
Tagar stood slowly. "Welcome, Lord Hunter," he said shakily. When Elas turned a startled glance to him he smiled uneasily.
"You can hear him?"
"Yes, very well." He shook his head distractedly. "A bit unsettling though."
Elas turned again to the Kir-Latt. "Welcome, Brother Kir-Latt. How may we assist you?" she said and took a step forward.
There is another of my Tribe who is in need of your skill, Sister Healer. The Kir-Latt also took a step closer, his escort keeping their positions beside him.
Elas glanced at Tagar, then faced the Kir-Latt again. "I shall gladly help in any way I can, Brother Kir-Latt. Can you take me to your companion?"
He is not my companion, the Kir-Latt sent flatly. But he is of my Tribe. I sense he has allowed the company of one not chosen. He now lies near, his body in disease.
Elas cast a sharp look to Rejat. "Has the One left him?"
Yes. I sense none of the Others near. Only his foolish mind greets mine.
Rejat called her Azerii to her. Swiftly, one of the columns of light shifted and became the copper stallion beside her. "Lead us to your tribe member, Brother Kir-Latt," she said as she swung into her saddle.
Elas called Brealyth into like form. "May our companions attend?"
The Kir-Latt turned to Morgana. Little Sister shall come if she chooses. I sense the EarthKeeper does not wish to be a part of this.
Tagar looked uncomfortable. "I mean no offense, Lord Hunter. I'm not accustomed to your—presence, or your great mind voice."
Be calm, EarthKeeper. Remain here if you choose. The Kir-Latt sounded almost amused. He turned suddenly and started off away from the river. Rejat grabbed Morgana’s arm and hauled her up behind her and they quickly followed.
They rode swiftly after the dark beast, Morgana holding tightly to Rejat's waist until the Mirii loudly complained, "You'll squeeze the breath out of me!" She found riding on an Azerii was not quite like riding on a horse. The ride was smoother, even at a swift gallop through the heavy wood the Azerii never stumbled in the thick undergrowth. She watched Elas over Rejat's shoulder. She could barely see the Kir-Latt bounding ahead of them.
What seemed only moments later they stopped abruptly before a dense bramble thicket. Morgana felt a strange tension around them as they slipped from their mounts to face the Kir-Latt who waited before the dark wall of green.
My Tribe member lies within, the gruff mind voice said. She saw a small opening in the thicket near the right edge.
Come, Sister Healer. The Kir-Latt stepped forward to nuzzle Elas' hand and led her to the opening.
Elas paused before the bramble wall and called Brealyth to her. The horse-formed Azerii vanished and a shimmering halo outlined Elas’ body. She knelt and peered into the dark hole, then cast her hand into the opening. A prism of light flew from her hand into the hole, gently lighting up the interior. Morgana watched, fascinated by her aunt's surprising talents, and leaned down to see what lay inside the bramble thicket. Rejat stepped forward just as Elas beckoned to her.
The Kir-Latt stepped to one side of the opening and sat to wait. Elas, followed closely by Rejat, slipped into the opening and out of sight. Nervously, Morgana stepped closer to the passage, curious about what the two Mirii were doing to help the unseen Kir-Latt, but still fearful of the great beast who waited silently before her.
The Kir-Latt turned his luminous gaze to Morgana. Why do you wait, Little Sister? Do you not wish to help? The silver eyes closed slowly, then looked upon her once more.
Morgana felt overwhelmed by the Kir-Latt's gaze. "I do not know how to heal, Lord Kir-Latt." Her voice sounded lost speaking to this great creature.
Your words are not needed. I hear your mind voice. The Kir-Latt blinked again and raised his head high. Come to me, he commanded, rising to his full height.
Morgana heard the power within his voice. Fear held her in place for a moment, then, after swallowing hard, she stepped to within arm's reach of the dark Kir-Latt.
The beast shifted his massive head to look fully upon her. What do you feel?
She stared into his eyes. "Fear," she whispered.
But, you came, the voice echoed within her.
"Yes, but I still feel afraid." Her legs twitched to turn and run, but she held her ground.
Good. You know your fear, but remain. The Kir-Latt took another step closer and thrust his head up, revealing the dagger-like teeth she had previously only imagined.
Morgana unexpectedly laughed. The posture of the Kir-Latt reminded her of the Rinon's show horses when they were at festival. She caught her breath when the Kir-Latt dropped his head and seemed to glare at her with an almost pained expression.
"I'm sorry, Lord Kir-Latt, but the way you stood just now reminded me of our neighbor's horses when they are on show." She held her breath again as the Kir-Latt placed his head under her upraised hand. She carefully stroked the dense black mane on the beast's head. The Kir-Latt purred like a cat, the sound higher, like a vibrating song in its throat.
The Kir-Latt looked up at her. What is my name? the voice commanded once more.
"Darkness," she replied, her hand resting on the black head. The name shifted around her memory, the word echoing from some unknown past. "Why do you call me ‘Little Sister?’" She sat beside the Kir-Latt, feeling an understanding between them.
You have named me truly, Little Sister. Now I name you. Elissii, Child of Knowing. When you are Mirii you shall run with me. You shall learn Kir-Latt speak and be one with us. You shall be a Speaker of Truth. You shall know the Winds, Elissii.
Morgana gazed at the dark face. "How do you know I will be Mirii?"
"The Kir-Latt are Visioners," a voice spoke from behind them. She looked up to see Rejat standing outside the bramble wall, a soft silver glow around her body. She quickly glanced to where her Azerii had been standing, surprised to not have noticed his departure.
She turned back to the Kir-Latt. "Why did I call you Teacher?"
Because you have known me before. The Kir-Latt turned to face the Mirii as Elas crawled out of the passage, a tired expression held in her eyes as she stood.
"Your Tribemate will need rest and protection for some time, Brother Kir-Latt." Elas rubbed her hands over her eyes, the silver glow of her Azerii still around her body. "He has allowed much disease from the meld he accepted. We do not know how soon before he is truly whole again." She lowered her hands from downcast eyes. Morgana thought she saw tears beneath her aunt’s dark lashes.
The Kir-Latt quickly slipped into the thicket. Morgana rose to ask about the other Kir-Latt when Darkness reappeared from the opening.
My Tribe thanks you, Sister Healers, Sister Mirii! the deep mind voice boomed at them. We shall sing your praises to the Lady! We shall honor your names to our memory! We shall open our hearts to your songs! He roared his thanks to them with his awesome howl.
Elas, Rejat and Morgana covered their ears at the Kir-Latt's true voice which cut the air like glass. When his song fell away Elas returned the Kir-Latt's thanks. "We honor our Brothers of the Kir-Latt Tribe as before and always. It is our privilege that we have been of assistance to your great and wise people."
Rejat echoed her words and added, "My thanks to your Tribe for their help in my journey through the Varan Mountains. We would not have survived without it."
The Kir-Latt stared intently at her. We do not usually interfere with the paths of you Hu'mans, but we were forewarned of your journey and knew of your danger. Be warned again. The Hu'mans you ran from still follow your path and desire to prevent your journey from completion. We shall assist you should you need us when you cross the Wildering Ways.
His manner became gentle once more as he turned to Morgana. Farewell, Elissii. Remember your journey. Follow your path to your Truth, Child of Knowing. We shall meet again when you are Mirii. Remember Darkness. Embrace your fear, then stand before it. Farewell, Little Sister.
The Kir-Latt turned and entered the thicket. Elas and Rejat began walking away from the bramble wall, back in the direction from which they had come. Morgana stared at the dark passage, her thoughts dancing; I wonder what happened in there. Was that the Kir-Latt who chased me along the river? Rejat's voice cut sharply through her speculations and she turned and hurried after the two women, now waiting for her astride their horse-form Azerii.
"Come, Morgana. We still have some distance to go before nightfall." Elas offered her hand and pulled her niece up behind her. "Tagar will be worried. He is not overly fond of the Kir-Latt."
"Must have been quite a shock for him to talk to one," Rejat said.
"I don't understand," Morgana said over her aunt's shoulder. "The mist ponies called me Elissii, so did the Kir-Latt, but he said it as if he gave me the name. How did the others know? How did the Kir-Latt?" she mumbled, finding it was getting difficult to think about anything.
"The Kir-Latt are Visioners," Rejat replied, her voice seeming to echo as if from a great distance. "They see beyond the normal limits of Hu'mans and remain separate. It is because of this separation that they can see. If they become involved in other's paths, they lose their ability to vision. They are the Ageless Ones."
Morgana watched the red-haired Mirii astride her dark copper-colored Azerii. Her face appeared drained, as if the healing had taken some of her vitality. Elas too seemed much more tired than before. She held her aunt's slim waist, careful to keep a secure hold without causing her discomfort. She struggled with her own exhaustion as she fought to remain alert. The rocking motion of the Azerii was comforting, where a horse would keep one jarringly awake. Time slipped past her unnoticed until she heard Tagar's voice welcoming their return. He helped her down, then greeted Elas as she slid off her Azerii into his warm embrace.
"We missed you," she murmured.
"I missed you too. Are you all right? You look worn out." Tagar held her close and glanced over her shoulder to smile reassuringly to his niece.
"Come on, you two. We've lost much time," Rejat's voice cut impatiently into their warm reunion and Morgana turned to glance at their red-clad companion. Rejat sat stiff-backed on her Azerii, one hand rubbing the copper neck affectionately, though her eyes revealed her tension and unrest. She looked away from Morgana's too-long gaze and her Azerii moved toward the trees.
Morgana turned and walked to the gray mare and hauled herself into the saddle as Elas and Tagar separated and returned to their mounts. Without another word, the four returned to the northern trail, resuming their interrupted journey to Tagar’s landshold once more.
from Chapter 15
Rejat and Elas sat close in the Sumarkh’s tall grass, with Morgana asleep, her head in her aunt's lap. She was exhausted from the psychic battering the Dark Azerii had given her. Her horse Kahja grazed quietly nearby under Rejat's firm mind control. They had waited an hour in the hot sun, the herd of Lii horses preventing them from moving from the rise. Both Mirii had tried to communicate with the Lii, but to no avail. They would not move on or mind speak with them. So the small company silently waited for their absent Azerii to return.
The two Mirii spoke few words, both at a loss for the Lii's actions. Rejat was frustrated; she had never heard of the Lii preventing anyone from crossing the plateau unless the Vondarii were with them or an intruder had attempted to catch one of their number. She had spoken with the Lii on many of her journeys across the Sumarkh in the past, always receiving some answer to her mind voice. But this time they remained strangely silent.
Elas looked skyward. A lone fayr hawk appeared, soaring lazily on the air currents above them. She nudged her sister from her scowling at the circling Lii. We have company.
Rejat raised her gaze and caught sight of the bird when it called out, its cry sending shivers down her spine, then it abruptly vanished from the sky.
Who do you think is was? Elas sent, smoothing her niece's hair from her face.
"I have an idea, but I wish he'd shown up sooner," Rejat muttered crossly, then stood and brushed bits of grass from her trousers.
"Why are Stillyth and Brealyth taking so long?" Elas murmured as her gaze slipped to the mountains behind them.
"They gathered a lot of wild Azerii, Elas. They'll have to travel some distance to lose them, I imagine. And if they ran into that Dark Azerii..." Rejat trailed off as she began to scan. "Wait, they're coming, I hear Stil."
"Yes," Elas said and tried to carefully move Morgana's head from her lap so she could stand. "I hear Brealyth."
With her aunt's movement, Morgana started awake. A flash of dream slipped from her, something about her horse. "Kahja?" she mumbled groggily as she sat up.
"She's right over there, Morgana," Rejat said absently, her eyes still on the western horizon.
"No, I think—" she broke off, rubbing her eyes and glancing at the surrounding Lii.
"What is it?" Elas reached out and began rubbing Morgana's back, pushing her energy to help her niece regain her awareness.
"I had, a dream? About Kahja," she said, looking from her horse to the Lii. "I think they want us to release her."
Rejat held out her arms as Stillyth appeared before her in hu'man form. She warmly embraced her Azerii, then turned to Morgana just as Brealyth's lights shimmered around Elas. "What do you mean, release her?" Rejat said.
Elas looked up at her sister. "She could be right; why else would they still be here? There are no Vondarii around or we would have seen them by now."
Rejat leaned back against Stillyth. "Well, I've never traveled across the Sumarkh with a horse," she muttered, then glanced up at her Azerii's face. Who was the fayr hawk?
He will be here soon, Laa, he sent back, a secretive smile on his lean face.
"I thought so," Rejat replied smugly. "Well, let's wait a bit and see what he says. He knows the Lii better than we do."
"Drek'h?" Elas stood, her Azerii slipping into the child form beside her.
"Yes." Rejat took a waterskin that Stillyth presented her and drank deeply, then handed it to her sister. "They probably called him," she added, then glanced again at the Lii.
"I don't think he'd hear them," Elas said, then took a drink before handing the waterskin to her niece.
"Drek'h's coming?" Morgana said, trying to hold back a yawn.
"Yes, we are to be blessed with his company once again," Rejat muttered, and Stillyth hugged her at her sarcasm. She grimaced briefly, a smile soon crossing her face as she exchanged private words with her Azerii.
Brealyth plucked at Morgana's shoulder. You are well? the Azerii sent, her small serious face gazing intently into Morgana’s. We were concerned; Elas told us of the Dark One.
Yes, Brealyth, I am well. Morgana flashed the Azerii a smile. But I would rather not have to do that again.
The child smiled. We shall watch over you more closely, Morgana. She looked up at Stillyth; he was gazing down at them over his Mirii's shoulder. Won't we?
Yes, he sent, then at Rejat's query, told her of their journey.
"Stil says they took the others to Mahdii."
"Why Mahdii?" Elas' expression shifted to puzzlement.
There were too many for us to hold long, Brealyth replied and took her Mirii's hand. We needed help from the Meld. It was the closest.
"That explains the time." Rejat looked towards the hills behind them. "Here comes Drek'h," she said as his Azerii's hoofbeats became audible.
Morgana stood to watch. Just over the last rise they had traversed, a blond, red-clad rider on a black horse came galloping across the golden hills. Drek'h's face came into view as his Azerii slowed to walk the last few lengths, stopping before the Lii horses. He slipped from Kitteryth’s saddle and walked towards the Lii. A pale gold mare barred his path briefly; after a brief silent exchange she moved aside to let him pass through their circling numbers.
Drek'h's face was flushed with emotion. His eyes greeted Morgana first. He sent, You are well? then without waiting for an answer spoke aloud, "I'm sorry, we came as fast as we could." He glanced back at Kitteryth when she neighed loudly then vanished. She reappeared quickly, into the white and silver fayr hawk form and fluttering onto his shoulder, startling him. "Kit!" he blurted, his face reddening. At Rejat and Elas' small smiles he tried to relax.
"Well? Why won't the Lii let us pass?" Rejat growled, her irritation clear in her voice.
He took a deep breath before answering, gazing first to her, then to Morgana. "Because you hold one of their own." He looked back at Rejat.
"One of their own? But the mare's not Lii," Elas said then looked at her niece; Morgana's face held little surprise at his news.
"They call the mare their own. If you want to move on, you must release her." His eyes returned to Morgana.
Rejat swore, planting her hands on her hips. "Then how do we travel? Morgana isn't going to walk to Communion and our Azerii can't carry two riders for that distance. We'll never make it in time if one of us has to walk!"
Drek'h remained silent, staring long at Morgana. "The Lii will tell you," he finally said, his voice low, his gaze remaining upon her.
Morgana nodded her head, then turned away and walked to her horse. Kahja stood quiet, her nostrils quivering wide as if in anticipation. She began removing the pack harness and saddle, then slipped off the mare’s bridle. "You are free, Kahja," she said softly to the horse, a twinge of sadness washing through her as she patted the mare on the shoulder. Be free, Kahja, she sent, not knowing if the mare could hear her thoughts, then stepped back.
Kahja lifted her head high and let a ringing whinny pierce the air. Shaking her head, she turned to face Morgana. The mare thrust her nose into her face, blowing softly, then swung away and quickly trotted off to join the Lii.
Morgana watched as the Lii horses welcomed the gray mare into their midst, quickly surrounding her and moving away from the hu'mans behind her. She was aware of Drek'h's approach before he spoke. "You could not hold onto her, Morgana. The Lii had claimed her."
"I know. I had a dream." She felt a new sadness within her and wondered if it was her own, or was it from Drek'h?
"Wait for the Lii to tell you," he said roughly and walked away.
As Morgana watched the Lii herd move away, a bronze filly turned about and began to move toward her, its head held high as it approached. The filly stopped a beside her saddle and pack harness. Morgana glanced back at her companions, seeing the three Mirii standing together silent; she sensed Drek'h had told Rejat and Elas not to interfere.
She turned to the filly and asked herself, What do I do now?
The Lii snorted and pawed the ground. I am Starrynn. I have come for your need. I will carry you on your journey. The filly raised her head again and walked up to Morgana and blew softly into her face.
An overwhelming joy swept through Morgana’s heart. She reached out and gently stroked the velvet nose before her. Thank you, Starrynn. I am Morgana, she sent as tears of amazement began dancing among her lashes.
And the journey continues...
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