Chapter 7
They arrived as the battle raged overhead. From the air, Stormwings fought birds. Their stench fouled the air miles around. Cannons and foot soilders clashed. The sounds of the dying were all around. The war had begun.
A little farther from the chaos was Daine, her eyes were closed. She was calling all the animals within a radius of 2 miles.
People, she spoke as they quieted. I need your help. She filled her mind with images of the enemy soilders killing innocent people. With these images they would begin to lay traps and sabatoge the enemy's supplies. That could be all the difference.
Beside the girl was Numair, looking equally exhausted. He was concentrating on destroying enemy transportation, communications, and morale. Suddenly, in the midst of the battle, a man in a black robe appeared. He smiled evilly. Daine opened her eyes, saw him, and strung her bow, but it was too late. The man vanished. Suddenly Numair yelled in pain. A black mass that appeared to be underneath his skin was clinging to his arm. It was spreading steadily and very, very slowly. Daine screamed. "Alanna!"
"She's out in the battle, lass," said George Cooper, Alanna's husband. "I'm afraid she can't help ye. What is it ye want from her?"
Daine pointed to Numair's arm. George's expression changed from tense to horrified. "Great Mother Goddess!" he exclaimed. "I'll fetch a healer!"
"And hurry," said Daine fervently, but he was already gone. She checked Numair, the blackness was spreading. Numair started to sweat heavily. His eyes rolled to the back of his head. His pulse rate doubled. If it keeps on doing that, it'll burst, thought Daine numbly. She tried to use the towel a servant had given her to mop up his sweat, but it was no use. The towel was soaked immediately. Then Estelle appeared.
"I'm no substitution for the King's Champion," she warned. "But I'll try." She placed her hand on the black mass and yelped. Her hand was burned. "I can't touch it! There's only one option left," she said cautiously. "It's dangerous and a long shot. If you're willing to take it." Daine nodded. Anything to save Numair, she thought.
Estelle quickly explained her plan. Carrying Numair on a magic stretcher, she led Daine into a spot in the forest, both secluded and calm. Daine and Estelle could feel the wild magic everywhere in the forest. The sounds of birds chirping almost drowned out the sounds of the battle- almost. She gently placed Numair on the ground. "Now, on the count of three, start. One... two... three!" Daine called in thought-speak to all of the wild animals she could reach. The animals gave their attention to her.
People, she began. My good friend, Numair, is hurt and dying. From each of you he needs just a tiny bit of energy. Please! I'm begging you. The animals were glad to help. Now, she continued. You must all be in contact with his body or someone else who is in contact. Focus on just a little bit of your energy. Just a tiny bit for the start, and we'll see how it goes.
Suddenly, all sorts of animals emerged from the forest. Whole flocks of birds, all sorts of small mammals, and even a family of deer. They crowded around Numair.
Now, go! Daine's ears buzzed with the amount of energy being transferred. Her whole body shook. Meanwhile, Numair jolted upright, scattering birds and other small creatures. "Numair!" Daine whispered hoarsely. She rushed beside him. His eyes fluttered, his mouth opened, but he said nothing. She could feel him slipping into unconsciousness, but the black mass shrank and disappeared.
"You did it!" whispered Estelle proudly. She clapped Daine's back. They took Numair back to the castle, finding the battle over. The Tortellans had won.
Inside, Estelle put Numair on an extra long bed. Daine draped a comforter over him. Daine stared at Numair. He looked perfectly healthy again, but he was still unconscious. Daine and Estelle left quietly.
* * *
Three days later, Numair awoke. Daine was immediately by his side. She put her hand on his. He smiled slightly. "Thank... you," he managed to whisper weakly.
"You're welcome," she whispered back. "But don't talk. You'll wear yourself out."
If you insist, he said in thought-speak. His voice sounded far away and frail, but it was his.
I never knew you could do that! replied Daine, shocked. Numair smiled in her mind.
I don't tell you everything, now, do I?
No, grumbled Daine. But you could've told me this. I guess I should go and let you rest. Sleep well.
That's my magelet, Numair replied drowsily before drifting off to sleep.