~Chapter 13~
If flying on the back of a dragon for four hours hadn't been bad enough, Mae spent the bulk of the night, tossing and turning. Her restless behavior only ceasing when Venificus grabbed her and pulled her into his bed, holding her tight. She hadn't meant to be so disruptive, but the room was small and the beds at the Inn were less than a foot apart, and were quite simply fluffy mattresses on grass-mat floors. She hadn't slept well since Karanosi had told her of the meeting with Omb five days previous, and she had hoped that her exhaustion would have caught up to her. Sadly, nerves had won out, and she was in no position to refuse. Having Ven hold her had made it easier, and she did finally manage to get some sleep, albeit for not nearly long enough.
They had arrived into Tag'thyr just before dark the previous night, and in the light of the setting suns, the imperial palace, built of black stone polished to a mirror like shine, shone like a beacon against the background of darkened mountains. The architecture was magnificent, sharing similarities from the ancient orient, with tiled roofs, masterfully carved statues, and wood framed construction, lanterns and windchimes dangling from squared corners. The city had a specific layout with districts for shopping, entertainment, citizen housing, with barracks and family dwellings. There was also a central flight tower where giant winged creatures, Mae recognized as cockatrice, which this world called 'caridon', shuttled passenger's long distances in carriages attached to their backs.
A sprawling bathhouse and hot spring seemed as popular as the theaters as advertisements were on nearly every building and wall. And although considered the two most important buildings in the city, after the palace, the temples of the Aspects, one at each end of the main cross street, neither was anything overtly grand. They were modest in size, rivaling the beauty of the temples of Japan with Torii-like gateways in stone walls that separated their courtyards from the rest of the city. The entire city was pristinely maintained. The streets were kept clean, and floral trees lined the main roadways, fountains were found in public courtyards, and the atmosphere was one of grace and elegance, despite the weather being hot and balmy, and the ocean being just on the other side of the mountains.
Ven had told her that a days ride to the south, there was the city of Enta, that was famous for its beaches, and was the place for those of the Empire to vacation. There was a strangeness to the city though, an attitude that resonated through everything; they were one people. Feast or famine, they thrived and suffered together. The palace gates were open, guards in casual wear wandered the streets and were greeted with wrist bumps and dipped wings. There was no feeling of oppression or authority and everywhere she looked the citizens were content if not outright happy. Tag'thyr was not what she thought it would be.
"Are you ready?" Ven questioned from the other side of the paper screen, which lead to the small sitting area of their room.
"Yeah. Yes. I'm almost ready," she replied having wasted more time than she should have staring out at the street from their open window.
Standing, she finished tying the laces up the front of the neck of her dress using the small mirror that was hanging on the interior wall. Golkic had been kind enough to send some more of her daughters' smaller dresses and robes a couple of days previous when Kyurn had come to visit Venificus. Mae spent any extra time she had shortening and altering the dark green one she was wearing, for just this occasion, considering it was the most adult in appearance. It was a floor length dress, straight down with no definition in the chest or waist. The fabric was light, looked and behaved like satin, and had a beautiful floral pattern embroidered on the front, in what she could only assume were realistic colors. The back being wide open for wings she didn't have, had left her with an easily solved dilemma. Using one of the black costume fabrics, she had brought from earth, she cut out and sewed a back into it, more for her own comfort than anything else.
"Karanosi will be waiting outside for us shortly," he remarked as she approached the door, hat in hand. "I'm sorry about last night. I thought I was helping."
"You did. I managed to get some sleep thanks to you, but please, next time, it's better if you just tell me to leave. I honestly didn't know I was keeping you awake too."
Opening the door, Ven's face was stern as he crossed his arms. "Why would I do that? This is our room. You were restless. I gave you comfort. You slept. I don't understand why you want me to do something different."
"You're saying that you think it's totally normal to pull a woman into your bed without asking? When that woman is pair-bonded and like your sister?"
"Yes! Because it is. Comforting you and caring for you is part of me being your family. I may have never met Jack, but I will protect you for him. I would hope if the situation were reversed, he would do the same for my partner. And you are a sister to me, not just 'like' one."
She sighed and shook her head rubbing at her temple. "You are really going to have to explain the rules of the pair-bonding to me, because marriage, most definitely, is not the same thing. And if you ever do meet Jack, duck if you tell him about us sharing a bed because he is going to try to punch you."
"Your culture is so very confusing to me Mae."
"Like wise, Ficus," she said holding her hat out to him.
"You look exquisite," he remarked as he took her hat from him. "Karanosi will dote on you after seeing you in this. It belonged to Loh'zia, his youngest. Golkic embroidered the asteräy herself."
"Oh. Well, now I feel bad for altering it."
"Don't be. She has chests and trunks full of clothing, and she wouldn't have sent this if she didn't expect you to use it."
"But won't they eventually have more children?"
"Doubtful. One brood is normally more than enough for branch pairs, and she'll have her hands full for a few more centuries still. All seven still live at home," he explained while tying on her hat.
"Did you say centuries?"
"I did."
"Yikes."
"Okay, are you ready to go now?" he questioned as she turned and looked up at him.
"I am."
Leaving the Inn, they found Karanosi waiting for them outside. He had spent the night up in the mountain boundary to the north between the countries of Lar'dion and Horizn's Deep, since he preferred to sleep in his true state and no Inn had rooms that big.
Karanosi did his best to prepared her for her meeting with Omb, but as they made the walk down the long street towards her temple, she could feel the atmosphere shift. The shadows seemed to be watching them. The Thay had stopped moving and had begun to stare.
When they reached the open gate that marked the entrance to the temple grounds, a Cynocephali, wearing a set of midnight-blue armor stepped from the shadows and stood at the top of the main temple's stairs. She had the face of an afghan hound, with gorgeous waist length golden hair. Her eyes as black as the night sky.
"Enter, dragon of the Crystal brood, and bring your child to me," she called out, a deeply amused smirk hanging on her lips, her voice resounding with sharp undertones despite being higher in pitch, as if two voices were speaking at once.
"Eyes at her feet," Karanosi reminded Mae as he took a hold of her hand and lead her forward.
"Lady of Shadow, I present to you my daughter, Elahemé," he spoke as they arrived at the temple's steps.
"So, it is true what the oracle whispered in my ear," Omb remarked with a whimsical tone as she clomped down the steps. "Remove your hat, child of Savhejan."
Reaching back, she struggled to untie the bow, her fingers quivering in an uncontrollable fashion, as Omb stepped ever closer. When she finally managed to undo it, and removed her hat, she felt the claws of Omb's hand sweep across her forehead, causing every muscle in her body to lock up. The tips of Omb's fingers pressed up against the underside of her chin, forcing her to lift her head, as her thumb brushed against her scar, her eyes scanning across her face.
"A creature of Nubarra. What is it that you call yourself?"
"H… hu… human," she stuttered, her voice catching in her throat, her anxiety and nerves making it unbearable to breath as she struggled to stay on her feet.
"Human. Are all of your kind so pathetic and weak?" Omb questioned, removing her hand allowing Mae to drop her head.
"No," she squeaked.
Omb giggled.
"There…" she breathed deep and closed her eyes, it was always easier to find courage when you can't see what scares you, and willed herself to talk. "There are far braver than I." Although her words didn't come out smooth or very loudly.
"And yet it is you who have found your way here, to my temple, into my presence, to ask of me a favor."
"No. Not a favor," she remarked looking up at her, her heart pounding so loud that she could hardly think. "I came to ask; what it would cost… for you to send me back to Nubarra."
"Ah, I'm glad you understand how this works. A task of equal measure. That is the cost. What you ask is no simple thing, Elahemé of Nubarra. For even I cannot do such a thing on my own. Come inside, we have much to discuss," she said as she turned and headed back up the stairs.
Mae reached for Karanosi's hand when she heard Omb speak again.
"These stairs you must climb on your own. The dragon can follow once you have reached the top."
There were only five steps but her legs felt weak, and as she attempted to lift her foot, it was as if something was trying to hold it in place. Handing her hat to Karanosi, she tried to lift her foot again, but couldn't. She looked around, this had to be some sort of trick or test or both. Karanosi had told her, warned her, this could happen. Omb valued intelligence and bravery. Mae had to think, and quickly. Taking a deep breath, she looked down at her feet, but couldn't see them under the length and shadow of her dress. Looking back up at Omb, who was watching her with a cunning gaze, the answer was staring at her. Reaching into her pocket, Mae pulled out her armor orb and slammed it into her chest. Surrounded in a flash of red, her dress had vanished along with the shadow it had created at her feet. Omb's cunning glare faded as she gave Mae a faint nod.
"You best hurry. I'm not known for my patience."
Mae, now clad in her leather armor, hurried herself up the stairs with ease, Karanosi following behind.
Entering the temple, Omb sat at the head of a short table surrounded by cushions, as a male Thay dressed like a monk, set the table with cups and saucers, while a second brought out a large steaming tea pot.
"You will sit at my right. The dragon may sit to my left," Omb instructed as the first Thay sat across from her, and the second sat nearby at a smaller, slanted table with paper and a quill.
"This is my most trusted servant, Tien'shay. He will be joining us, but pay him no mind."
"Thank you, for allowing us to sit with you," Mae said as she took her allotted seat, Karanosi remaining silent as he took his.
"Savhejan, was it you who brought her through from the Shaad?"
"It was," he replied as Tien'shay lifted the pot and filled their mugs.
"Why?"
"She was injured. This world was the safest place for her to come."
"And you, Elahemé, you are aware that it was the actions of the Council in the Dailen Shaad that lead to your current circumstances?"
"Yes. I am."
"Do you blame them?"
"No. It was an accident."
"Then explain to me why you stench of the river of life?"
Mae was taken aback by Omb's question.
"She…" Karanosi was silenced by a wave of Omb's hand.
"She can answer."
"I'm shocked that you can still smell that," Mae confessed as she looked at Omb with a gentle smile and nervous laugh. "That was an accident to. I tripped, there was an explosion, I hit my head, and fell into the river. Karanosi and Venificus saved my life. They brought me here and treated my injuries. They've taken responsibility and welcomed me as family. I'm not ungrateful. I can't express my appreciation properly, but I don't belong here. I miss my home and my family there. I won't live long enough for the next time they can send me back through the Dailen Shaad. That is why I have come to you."
"You have three options. Accept your fate and live out your days here in this world. Carve out a place for yourself and find what happiness you can. Or accept the task I give you and I will open a way back to your world. Or you can end your life."
"The third isn't an option I can take. An option although it may be."
"Drink," Omb said as she picked up her mug. "Then which of the remaining options will you choose?"
"What task would you give me?" she asked as she picked up the mug in front of her.
It was filled with a bright amber liquid and smelled of honey and flowers. Bringing the cup to her lips, she drank back a mouthful, taking in the ginger notes that left her mouth tingling, even though it was relatively light and refreshing.
"There is a man, a Draynarian. He has been held captive for many years. I require that you rescue him and deliver him to me. Agree to this, and I will summon Nimaro."
"You want me to rescue someone?" she exclaimed as she looked Omb in the eyes. "I'm sorry, but I'm a seamstress and a housewife. Wouldn't you prefer money or clothing? Or perhaps, I could impart human knowledge to your followers?"
"The task is the task. I've no need for what you offer."
"But what you're asking is near impossible."
"And so is what you ask of me. I will require the aid of another Aspect, and only Nimaro will suffice. What he will ask for in return, remains to be seen, but it will be my price to pay."
Mae was struggling to think clearly and bought as much time as she could, taking a long slow drink of the tea, coming to only one conclusion, if this is the cost, she would need more information.
"Tell me more of this man you want rescued."
"His name is Strativar Ral'shin Stroff."
The task was far more difficult than Mae could have ever conceived, and the more Omb explained, the more impossible it sounded. The only saving grace was that Omb specified that there was no time limit, she could take as long as she needed to prepare. And those preparations, as far as Mae was concerned, could take years, but there would be no turning back, and failure meant death, or worse, life in a cage next to the man she had been sent to retrieve. But there was one other part of the scenario that intrigued Mae, and that was this opened the door to a meeting with a second Aspect, even if it was Nimaro of Nightmare. The Aspect that Ven had spoken of, as if he were just as likely to kill her as look at her.
Mae had watched Karanosi as Omb spoke, and saw the ways his eyes shifted and his expression changed. Fear, concern, worry, guilt, they each displayed at one point or another. And once Omb had finished explaining all she would, the unnamed Thay stepped up behind Mae and placed a piece of paper before her on the table.
"Those are the terms of the agreement. When you make your decision, sign it. While you think it over, I will send for Nimaro. Tien'shay, a Relay stone."
From under the table, the servant produced a small wooden box and from it, he pulled a cloudy, dark purple crystal, the length of her hand and half its width, fastened to a long silver chain, which he set down next to her.
"Wear that," Omb stated. "When Nimaro arrives, I will contact you. Until then, you should go out and enjoy our city. There's a wonderful Cyno, name Pi'Kel. He runs the stable house on the west side of the market district. This one is his daughter. Tell him that I have sent you and show him that stone. He will show to you a selection of rare mounts and sell you one for the price of a dragon's scale."
"Thank you. That is very generous and kind," Mae replied bowing her head.
"I will not see one of my servants ride an unworthy mount, and you have yet the ability to summon and capture one of your own."
"Yet?"
"The longer you stay on Sah'Korhune the more you will become connected to this world. You eat of its food. Drink of its water. Breath of its air. The river of life has awakened that which was dormant. You have thrived on a severed planet. One, that was once claimed by Boem'thol. You will become capable of more than you think, Elahemé of Nubarra. Now go. I have other matters I must attend to. Tien'shay will walk you out."
"Thank you for your time," Mae replied, finishing her drink and setting down the mug.
Picking up the paper and stone, Tien'shay stood from the table along with her and Karanosi.
"I am, however, not finished with you, Savhejan," Omb remarked motioning for him to sit.
"I will meet you outside Mae. Wait with Ven," he said as he lowered himself back to his seat.
Mae was concerned, but willingly followed Tien'shay back out to the courtyard.
"My lady has asked of me to warn you," he remarked as they walked down the stairs. "As Sotar'ra is aware of your presence here, so is Boem'thol. Be wary of those who call you friend before they have earned that right."
Stopping, Tien'shay bowed, before turning, and walking back towards the temple, leaving her alone in the center of the courtyard to contemplate the meaning of his words.