Chapter 10: Blood in the Moon


Onua Chamtong looked around the foyer of the royal barracks in apprehension. They're not ready for this. she thought to herself as she watched the Rider trainees equip themselves with weapons and armor for the coming battle. We didn't have enough time. How can we expect them to be able to hold their own out there?

Her thoughts were interrupted as Thayet came to stand beside her and watch the busy room as well. Jon wants all ranks to report to the courtyard within the hour for a quick debriefing. the queen said solemnly. You, Daine, and myself will command the trainees out in the fields. Jon, Sarge, Duke Gareth, and the court mages will remain on the palace walls to command the civilian recruits from Corus.

How are the civilian recruits looking? Onua asked.

Thayet sighed. They're scared. No denying that. Most of them have never held a sword in their whole lives. But they're willing to fight for Tortall. Wait till you see them, Onua. What they lack in experience they're making up for in heart.

Onua nodded. I hope that's enough.

********

As she quickly moved about the stables saddling the trainees' ponies, Daine accidentally cut the pad of her thumb against a too-sharp edge of a stirrup. She suddenly forgot the immense urgency of her situation, and for a moment she stared blankly at the fat drop of blood that formed against her skin; almost mesmerized by her body's ability to, well, leak.

Such a strange thing, it is, she thought to herself. Warriors are taught to make weapons out of their bodies. They spend years training themselves to become invincible to pain. If they work at it hard enough, even the idea of death can become a thing of little importance. Yet look how fragile we really are. A little nick from a tiny piece of steel and here comes my blood ready to burst forth from within me. Humans are so easily damaged. One would think we'd spend all our time finding ways to avoid putting ourselves in harm's way instead of always rushing toward the battlefield.

You sound more like the Stork-man every day. scoffed a familiar voice in the young woman's head. Daine smiled in spite of herself and turned to scratch the gray pony behind her ears. By the way, Cloud continued, Where is he? Shouldn't he be out here with you getting all protective and twitchy?

Daine rolled her eyes at her companion's description of Numair. He's still inside the palace with George and the Lioness. she shivered suddenly and her tone grew more somber. They've been at it for hours now. Cloud... before they began- well, Numair said that there's a chance George might die. What if he does? Or what if all three of them get trapped by the Chaos magic? How is Tortall supposed to make it through this war without Alanna or George or Numair? Daine's voice dropped and she buried her face against her old friend's neck in misery. What if none of us make it through this night, Cloud? Evil is closing in on us by the second- what if no one can stop it?

Cloud was silent for a moment, then shook the girl out of the embrace. We will stop it. she said simply. Daine blinked at the pony and then slowly began to smile.

Thanks. she sent. I needed that.

The pony nipped at her sleeve affectionately. Don't mention it.

Daine turned around and looked at the nervous horses that surrounded her. Don't fret, dear ones, she said. The girl then closed her eyes and called up several copper-colored threads of wild magic from within herself. She cast the threads out over her friends, using her magic to comfort them. The two-leggers need you to be strong tonight. she told them. They need you to be brave and sure footed. Be cautious, but do not be afraid. We are bound together, my brothers and sisters. As long as we depend on each other, we will make it through any danger.

Daine opened her eyes and found that the ponies had stopped fidgeting anxiously and were all standing tall before her. Tears of pride for the incredible courage of her People prickled at her eyes as she swung onto Cloud's bare back and lead the herd out into the courtyard to meet the humans.

********

Duke Gareth the Elder watched the king of Tortall pace back and forth across his study. Unable to stand the tension in the room any longer, the duke's calm voice broke the silence.

Nightfall approaches, Jonathan. And your army awaits your leadership.

Jon spun on his heel to face his mentor. That is no army! Those are farmers and merchants out there! My knights and advisors are scattered about the kingdom, the Queens Riders are no place to be found, and my Champion is unconscious! he dropped helplessly to his knees before Gareth's chair. Tell me, your grace: what would you have me do? I feel as if all this madness is of my own doing and now my people will have to pay the price. How can I ask them to stand against wave after wave of the most dangerous immortal creatures in existence? What kind of king am I?

Gareth sat quietly for a moment, looking into the the younger man's face. Then he rose from his seat and moved to stand by the door.

What would I have you do Jon? I would have you be the man I have always known you to be: one who leads his people with his heart as well as his head, and one who has yet to back down from a situation where his country is put in peril. What kind of king are you, Jon? What good is it if I answer that question with words? You had better show that answer to your people with your actions tonight. With that, Duke Gareth the Elder left the study and went out into the courtyard.

Jonathan of Conte watched him go. Then he stood, straightened his clothes, and walked out into the twilight with reaffirmed purpose.

********

As they entered the greenish-yellow haze that surrounded Alanna's prone spirit, Numair felt his magical tie to George being ripped away. By the time they had become fully immersed in the Chaos magic, practically all connection between the two men had been severed. Only by straining could they manage to even verbally communicate with one another.

Panic began to rise in Numair's mind as he frantically shouted out instructions to his companion before they were separated altogether. George! GEORGE! Listen to me! Find Alanna! Just find her and keep her mind with yours! Leave Uusoae's magic to me, but you must keep Alanna's mind safe! Do you understand me?

George yelled back across the chasm that had begun to form between them. And Numair! Watch yer back, laddy!

Currents of vomit-colored flame swept the mage and baron out of contact with one another, and they each steeled their minds towards their tasks.

George headed towards that faint purple glow that he knew could only be his Lioness. As he grew nearer and nearer to her, he could feel the influences of the Queen of Chaos close around him. A myriad of emotion swept through his consciousness. Anger and bloodlust would fill him instantly, then his eyes would be suddenly brimming with tears of anguish and misery. Maniacal laughter ripped itself from his throat as a sickening wave of euphoria overtook him. Inhuman hands grabbed at his body, sensually caressing one moment, threatening to tear him limb from limb the next. An icy wind drove a thousand tiny daggers into his skin, then abruptly gave way to intense heat that burned up from his toes to his face. George was drowning in mayhem. In irregularity. In chaos.

Finally he reached the violet colored glow. At its center he could clearly make out Alanna's unconscious form. She lay motionless, her Gift's light growing weaker with each passing second as the tendrils of Chaos magic tightened their hold on her. George's hands tore violently at her magical bonds but to no avail. He screamed and cursed his misfortune and as he descended further into his rage and hopelessness, he could feel the cold, nauseating bile of Uusoae creep into his heart.

Remembering Numair's final words to him, George willed himself back into relative calmness. Angling his fingers so that they touched the faint purple glow instead of the Chaos tentacles, he shut his eyes and tried to clear his mind from the madness that swirled all around him.

Alanna... he thought. Alanna, c'mon darlin', I know you're there. He clenched his facial muscles and tried to concentrate. Lioness, answer me! he suddenly felt long eyelashes flutter against his cheek- faint breath whispered against his skin.

George?

He gasped heavily in relief. Eyes still closed tightly, mind unwavering, he mentally called out for his wife again. Yes, darlin', it's me. Alanna, you have to listen to me- you have to stay here with me. Can you do that, love? Can you hold on to me?

He could feel her begin to shake. I don't know. Oh, George, you don't understand... the pain. The pain is just so much. I can't take it for much longer. I can't hold on.

Yes! Yes, you can. You can. I'm here to help you. Give me the pain, Alanna. You can do it. Just pass it to me. Let me bear it for you. I want to. I have to. Please, kitten, give me the pain.

No! You don't know what you're asking. It's... it's too much. I won't do that to you.

Yes you will. Please, darlin'. I need to do this. Let me help you, we make such a good team. I can withstand it, I'm strong enough. Numair's fighting Uusoae as we speak, we're here to help you. We're here to free you. Tortall needs you. C'mon, Lioness. You need to wake up and be their Champion again.

George could suddenly feel indescribable pain begin to flow into his body through his fingertips. Acid and fire flowed across his skin, he could feel himself begin to blister, bubble and burn at their touch. Sharp, cold steel twisted itself into the flesh of his belly, ripping at soft tissue and piercing his organs. His bones ached as if filled with lead, and as they grew heavier and heavier, they began to split and break within him. George opened his mouth to scream, but found he no longer possessed a tongue or vocal chords. His eyes burned and they sprang open at the intense, immediate shock of his violated body.

Turning his vision on his wife, he was heartened to see her destroying the tendrils that had once held her captive. As she tore herself free, she rushed to his side, trying desperately to comfort him, but unsure if her very touch would cause him more pain.

George! Oh, Great Mother, George! she cried, helpless tears streaming down her face. I can't- I didn't mean to- oh George, I'm so sorry!

His mangled fingers closed around hers as she sank to her knees before him. He raised her hands to his mouth and his dry lips gently brushed her knuckles.

There is nothing I wouldn't endure for you.

Her violet eyes turned towards his and he was suddenly overcome with a feeling stronger than any that the Chaos pain had invoked in him. She looked at him with such vulnerability, such raw and truthful devotion. The pain was worth it. George knew that for this woman's love, any journey, any sacrifice, anything would always be worth it.

Then the pain began to subside. George looked down at Alanna in confusion. What was happening now? Suddenly, the nightmare was over and with a rush of cold air and a violent jolt, they found themselves lying on the wooden floor of the royal infirmary.

George sat up quickly and looked around. We're back. he said in surprise.

The lady knight sat up and flung herself into her husband's arms. She buried her face into the crook of his neck as he held her tightly. You came for me. she whispered. You saved my life.

He stroked her hair with shaking fingers. I will always come for you. he whispered. Then his eyes darted around the room looking for the dark haired mage. he called.

They heard his groan before they saw his face. Hand rubbing a nasty looking bump on his forehead, Numair rose to his feet from where he had been sprawled on the floor behind a bed. Alanna stood and went over to hug her friend.

Thank you Numair. I owe you my life.

The tall man grinned and pulled back to look at her. Nonsense. We're even now. I seem to remember you saved the life of a certain black hawk a few years back. His eyes traveled over his haggard looking companions. You two look awful.

George rolled his eyes. You're not such a stellar sight yourself, mage. he said good naturedly.

Numair swiped the back of his hand under his bloody nose and shrugged. He then fell silent and shook his head slightly, trying to remember something. His eyes fell on the oil lamp burning brightly in the corner. Mithros, Mynoss and Shakith, his whispered. It's night. The immortals are here.

George and Alanna looked at Numair in confusion as the unmistakable sounds of battle could suddenly be heard coming through the dark window.

********

Fitting another arrow to her longbow, Daine aimed at the throat of a large gray hurrok. With a cry, she released and the bolt buried itself in the creature's throat. It screamed in pain, then dropped to the ground to join the other dead bodies on the battlefield. From her vantage point on Cloud's back, Daine could easily see the progress of the others fighting alongside her in the field, and also those stationed on the palace walls.

Despite their inexperience and the fear they must be feeling, both the Rider trainees and the civilian recruits from Corus had been doing remarkably well. As the last rays of dusk had disappeared from the sky, hundreds and hundreds of immortals had set upon the capital. Now, hours later, they were still coming.

Unicorns, nymphs, sprites, winged horses, centaurs, and other nonviolent immortals were nowhere to be found. Only the bloodthirsty creatures had come at Ozorne's bidding. The wyrvens had been taken care of easily enough. Kitten had used her dragon magic to keep them away, but as a result the dragonet was now exhausted and presently resting under the watchful eye of Jon and Thayet's daughter Kalasin up at Balor's Needle in the palace. There hadn't been any griffin attacks, those creatures had chosen to stay away from the human voices they hated so much. The basilisks, spidrens and tauroses were causing the most problems for those in the field. More than a few of the trainees had been turned to stone before they had realized how to kill the large reptilian creatures. Hurrocks and stormwings were being rapidly shot from the sky by the archers and mages on the palace walls, but as soon as they fell, others swarmed up to takes their places.

Onua was locked in battle with a menacing-looking male spidren. His hideous face slobbered and shouted vulgarities at the Horsemistress as she vainly tried to stab it with her sword. Daine and Cloud raced toward them as Daine drew a long slender knife from its case on her back. Plunging the blade into the back of the monster's neck, Daine tossed a dagger to Onua who used it to cut off the sticky spidren legs that clung to her clothing. No sooner than the woman had turned around than she found herself attacked by a tauros. Onua brandished her sword again and let loose a K'miri war whoop.

Daine took aim at another spidren and tried to focus on her shot, but she couldn't help worrying about the futility of this battle. Yes, the Tortallians were putting up an admirable fight, but would it really be enough against an enemy with such numerous forces?

Up on the wall, Jon was thinking the same thing as he blasted a stormwing to death with his Gift. His people were giving their all, but there was only so much they could do against such staggering odds.

Then Jon heard a familiar battle cry pierce through the din of the night. A lone figure in golden armor atop a black stallion galloped out of the gates into the field below, glittering sword held high. A new archer joined the line on the wall, expertly catching a hurrock in the throat on the first shot. And a tall man with long dark hair stepped up to stand beside the king, black fire veined with white radiating from his outstretched hands.

Sorry we're late, Your Highness, said Numair wryly.

The older man let loose a strangled laugh and clapped the mage on the shoulder.

Effortlessly, Alanna slew three basilisks as the awestruck trainees glanced away from their battles to watch the legendary Lady Knight in action. Daine had to smile at the look on their faces as she thrust her knife into another spidren. Welcome home, Lioness! she called to her friend. The redhead's eyes lit up in greeting as she ran a tauros through with her sword.

Jon turned to Numair anxiously. There're just too many of them. We can't sustain a victory tonight without reinforcements. Numair, can you get a barrier up?

The mage clenched his fists and breathed deeply, taking stock of his Gift's strength. he said finally. But I can't do it alone.

Jon motioned to Harailt of Aili and the three men quickly stood facing one another. Numair muttered under his breath, drawing power from the three combined Gifts to create a ball of glowing flame in his hands. He passed the sphere to Jonathan and turned his gaze to the night sky. As he spoke, a translucent shield settled over the palace. Winged immortals dashed against the barrier harmlessly as the exhausted archers finally set down their bows.

In the field, the shimmer of the barrier caught Daine's eye and she turned toward the palace. she smiled.

Thayet raised her sword and shouted to those in the field to retreat to the safety of the palace. The motley crew raced towards Numair's shield, the attacking immortals in hot pursuit. A hole large enough for the soldiers to ride through yawned in the magical barrier, and the trainees were all to grateful to get inside. Once the hole had sealed itself and the immortals were shut out, Daine dismounted and ran towards Alanna.

The Lioness laughed as her young friend hugged her fiercely. Drawing back, the girl was all questions. George, Numair, are they all right? Were they harmed?

Alanna smiled and motioned towards the stairs leading to the top of the palace walls. Go see for yourself.

Daine weaved through the throng of people as she made her way up the steep stone stairs. Once on the wide ledge of the wall, she looked around anxiously for Numair.

Large hands fastened onto her shoulders and spun her around. Daine threw her arms around his neck, uncaring who saw this very un-platonic embrace. Numair smiled and held her tight, dropping light kisses onto her forehead, cheeks, and lips.

Daine turned in the the circle of Numair's arms when she heard a mock disapproving cough. There stood the Lioness and her baron, hand in hand, grinning. The younger couple blushed, but didn't move apart.

George's eyes turned to the mass of furious immortals beating against Numair's barrier. How long will it hold? he asked.

Hard to say, the mage answered. At least a day and a half. Long enough to call for reinforcements and any rate.

Alanna grew somber and looked at the others. Finding reinforcements may prove difficult, she began. When I was at Buzzard's Rocks I learned why the ranks of those raider companies never seem to diminish. They're turning our own against us. Somehow, these raiders are using Chaos magic to infect the minds and control the bodies of Tortallian warriors.

Numair's body tensed.

Daine looked up at her teacher's stormy face and squeezed his hands. We'd best go find their majesties. she said.