"Lehran, please have a look at this."
Maian handed her teacher and friend a roll of parchment. Two years had passed since the day they had first met, and in those two years, neither of them had aged. Maian had learned a lot. She had acquired the rank of a Light Sage, she was now stronger than her guard, the mage Tyna.
"What is this?", Lehran asked curiously.
Maian braced herself. She had spent the last week wondering whether she really should show him what she had been working on in secret for the last two years.
"You once told me that herons cannot fight, and therefore, their magic was designed to help, not to harm. But I am not a heron, and not bound by their laws... This is a galdr. The Galdr of Death."
Lehran carefully unrolled the parchment and read through the text.
"To think you did this all by yourself... This is amazing. Could you sing the melody to me, please?"
Maian nodded. The melody was darker and sadder than the ones of other galdrar. It resembled a song of mourning, like an overture to death.
"Yes, the melody is befitting its name. But I would change a few lines in here, since I assume you want to use it?"
"I want to be able to use it, but I hope I will never have to. The thought of actually killing someone is – I do not like it."
"I would have been disappointed if you had said anything different", he replied, sounding pleased.
"So – you are not angry with me?"
"Why would I be angry with you? You are merely seeking a way to become stronger. There is nothing wrong with that. Remember, a power can never be good or evil. It always depends on the user. But you should only use this galdr in the greatest need, for those around you would surely notice you have the blood of herons flowing in your veins."
"I understand. So, what would you change?"
"My dear fellow senators, we have a very, very serious problem", Vize-Minister Lekain announced. "Recently, there has been unrest among the people of the empire. They demand the coronation of young Princess Sanaki."
"What?", Maian exclaimed. "But this is insane! The Princess is just a child, surely they must know - "
"My dear Senator Maian, do not presume those peasants to possess an equal amount of wisdom and knowledge as us, the enlightened senators."
Maian glared at him. Lekain loved to belittle her, associating her young appearance with a lack of experience. He might believe the commoners to be dumb, but Maian was not as blind as that.
"Vize-Minister, surely you must realise that, even if Sanaki is crowned empress, nothing is going to change", Lehran said softly. "A five-year-old child cannot rule a country."
"Yes, I have realised that. It is just as you in your wisdom have stated – things are going to stay exactly as they are now. We will remain the ones ruling this country, but the people will be content, believing we are back to the Goddess' graces. But if we refuse their request, we risk an uprising. And I doubt you would want this to happen."
Maian knew that Lekain was right, and that they had no other choice than giving in, besides, almost the entire senate was backing Lekain. Without the Voice of the Goddess, Begnion was lost. But Maian could also see right through Lekain's pretence. He didn't care one whit about the people, he was just worried that his image could be tarnished, and that he might lose some of his power.
"Very well", Lehran replied. "I hereby declare this meeting ended. Senator Maian, please inform the Princess of the senate's decision, while I will take care of the necessary preparations."
"Yes, Prime Minister."
"I cannot stand that man!", Maian ranted as soon as they were out of earshot. "He is arrogant, power-hungry and corrupt! I cannot believe this..."
"Unfortunately, most senators are like that. It seems like Sanaki's carefree days are over... I had hoped she would have more time..."
"Some of the senators will try to abuse her youth and naivety."
"I know. But we have taught her well – she will know how to deal with them. Besides, she will have us to help her."
"Yes. I will not allow these corrupt senators to keep abusing their powers! This has to end."
"There are so many people", Sanaki complained, looking down from the gallery into the throne room and clinging to Maian's hand. "I don't like it."
"They have all come to see you", Maian replied.
"Why?"
Maian crouched down next to the child.
"Because from this day on, you are going to be our empress and apostle."
"Does that mean I can order everyone else around?", she asked eagerly.
"Yes, but it also means that you are responsible for your people. All of them."
"Right. I want to make you proud, Maian. And Sephiran, too!"
Lehran smiled.
"But you will stay with me during that ceremony, right?"
"I will be waiting along with the other senators. You stay here with Sephiran, all right?"
Sanaki nodded, and Maian made her way down the stairs to the throne room.
"My lady? Please excuse us..."
Maian turned around. Two women had appeared next to the door. Both seemed to be pegasus knights, judging from the armour they wore. The one who had spoken had long turquoise hair and eyes, she was wearing white clothes, cloak and armour, the other one had short brown hair and dark eyes, she was wearing black armour and a lilac cloak. Both of them were carrying swords with them.
They are like light and darkness.
"Please forgive us for intruding upon you like this. Are you Senator Maian?"
"I am. What can I do for you?", Maian replied kindly.
That surprised the soldiers.
"Well, since you are very close to the Empress, we thought we should introduce ourselves to you... I am Sigrun, commander of the Holy Guards, and this is my deputy, Tanith."
The dark-haired woman bowed slightly without saying a word.
"So, you are going to start being on duty from this day on. Well met – I am always glad to see young people who know how to act with propriety."
Maian smiled at their stunned faces. She always enjoyed making remarks like that. By now, everyone knew that Maian was older than she looked, and she had never tried to pretend else-wise.
"Shall we go? We should not keep them waiting."
"Of course, Senator."
The soldiers bowed and followed Maian into the throne room.
Sanaki, Lehran and Maian had retreated to Sanaki's apartments to discuss a matter that was a serious problem.
"15 years ago, your honoured grandmother, Empress Misaha, freed the laguz slaves and made them equal to the beorc. But despite that, we have reason to suspect that there are still some nobles who are keeping slaves, knowing fully well that this is against the law", Maian explained.
"Hm, but what can we do about it?", Sanaki asked. "Without proof, we cannot charge them."
"But it would be enough if we could make one of the slaves accuse their masters", Lehran suggested.
"Yes, but how to do that?", Sanaki mused.
"I might be able to find those who keep slaves", Maian said slowly. "As you know, I possess certain powers that would make that possible. After that, I could try to liberate them – or at least a single one."
"Very well. But be careful – I don't want you to get caught."
"I understand."
With a heavy sigh, Nala leaned against the cold stone wall. Although they made her do a lot of hard work, she was not tired – not yet. But she knew sleep would come, like every night.
Feeling absolutely miserable, Nala looked around her cell. A bundle of straw and a rough blanket were the only pieces of "furniture" she had. Nala brushed a strand of her curly white hair out of her face and looked through the iron bars that served as a door at yet another stone wall, illuminated by the light of a single torch.
Nala knew that escaping was not an option. Knowing that she was still stronger than any average beorc, they kept her under close watch during the day. And although Nala spent every night unsupervised in the dark coldness, they had made sure she would stay where she belonged.
An unexpected sound made Nala jump. She carefully moved forward to poke her head out between the bars. The sound had come from the far side of the dungeon. There was a single window high up in the wall, it, too, had been barred. But now, some of the bars were missing, and someone was dropping a rope through the opening.
A girl started climbing down the rope. Nala stared at her.
She's no thief, that's for sure.
The girl was wearing a white dress embroidered with gold and green threads, covered by a black cloak. Her golden hair was fastened into a bun at the nape of her head.
The girl dropped to the floor and swiftly moved to the cell Nala was in.
"I found you! I knew someone had to be in here."
"Who the hell are you? And what are you doing here?"
"Quiet!", the girl hissed. "Or someone might hear us. I am here to rescue you. Now, please stand back, I do not want to hurt you while opening the door."
"You have no key."
"I do not need one. I am a sage."
That convinced Nala to do as the girl said. She backed away to the far side of the cell. The girl placed her palms against the lock and closed her eyes. Light flowed from her hands, and Nala could feel the heat as it melted the lock away.
I wonder how she can stand that?
The girl opened the door and stepped into the cell.
"What is your name?"
"I'm Nala."
"Nala. Well met. I am Senator Maian, Second Duchess of Idras."
"You're a senator? This is getting more and more weird by the minute."
"I understand your confusion. You are not the first one to react like that."
"The first one?"
"Did you think I was doing this for the first time?", Maian asked, tilting her head to the side.
"If you ask like this, probably not."
"You are a dragon laguz, correct?"
"You can tell?"
"I know you are not one of the beast tribe, and the birds do not have those marks like the one on your forehead."
"That's right, all of us got those on our faces."
"I was told that the dragons were the strongest of all the laguz. Why did you not break free from your prison?"
Nala snorted. "Believe me, if I could do that, I surely wouldn't be hanging about any more. But they got a sage – a cunning little creature. He sealed my powers, making it impossible for me to transform. But since I'm still stronger than most of their soldiers, they keep me separated from the others."
The senator raised her hand and lightly touched Nala's forehead.
"Yes, I can feel it... This is some good piece of magic, but I think I should be able to remove it..."
"You – what? Are you sure you want to do that?"
"Yes, why? Would you rather I did not?"
"No, but – do you know I could simply tear you apart?"
"There would be no need for you to transform to break this body", Maian replied dryly. "Besides, if you really should kill me, my guards waiting outside would gladly avenge my death."
"What is it that you want with me, anyway?"
"I want you to take your 'masters' to court. You might have heard that slavery is against the law, but unfortunately, we will be unable to do anything without a witness – and that would be you."
"How do I know I can trust you?"
"You cannot know", the senator replied softly. "You can only try... but what have you to lose?"
"Good point. Even death would be better than slavery... All right. I'll trust you – for now. And if you could remove that damned seal, I'd be very grateful."
"Very well."
Maian raised her arms, her palms facing upwards. Nala could feel the magic emanating from her body.
What is this power? She's not an ordinary sage, that's for sure.
Nala could feel her strength flowing back into her body and resisted the urge to shift right now – she would probably cause the manor to collapse on top of her.
"Ah!"
The senator staggered and leaned against the wall.
"Hey, what's wrong?"
"A small miscalculation... I did not expect this spell to sap so much of my strength. Go now, quickly! If you climb up the rope, you will find my guards. They will take care of you."
"I can't just leave you here like that", Nala replied. "I think I should be able to carry you."
"You will be amazed."
As Nala picked Maian up, she was surprised to notice that she was as light as a feather. Carrying her over to the window wasn't difficult at all.
"Do you think you'll be able to stay on my back while I climb the rope?"
"I will try."
Nala helped her to climb onto her back and waited while the thin arms closed around her neck and seized the front of her tunic. Then, she started to climb.
She could hear voices from above. Hands appeared and helped her out. Someone lifted the senator off her back, and Nala slowly got to her feet.
She was surrounded by six beorc soldiers, who looked at her with curious eyes, one of them was supporting Maian.
"What's wrong with Senator Maian, Commander?", one of them asked.
"I think she has just pushed herself too far. Again", the woman supporting Maian said. "Now, here are your orders: Tyna, you take the dragon. Two of you come with me, the other two are the decoy group. Split up, now!"
One of the soldiers handed Nala a black cloak, and the next moment, she was running through the streets after the only mage from the group.
"It sure feels good to be out in the open again."
"I understand, but we have no time to be idling around now. Once we reach the manor, we will be safe."
"You're a thunder mage, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"Hmpf. Are you supposed to roast me, should I go off rampaging?"
"Kind of, yes. But I hope that will not be necessary."
"We are moving in circles", Nala observed after a while.
"Yes, those are our orders – just in case someone should follow us."
After about 15 minutes, they finally reached the manor. The gates were opened as they approached, and closed and bolted after they were inside.
Nala took a deep breath and looked around. The commander came over to greet them.
"Well done, Tyna."
"Thank you, Commander Cynthia. What's wrong? You look unwell. Wait – let me guess. Was it Tlia?"
"Yes, our little kitten has given me another headache."
"Little kitten?", Nala asked.
"Tlia is a cat, and unfortunately, she is hyperactive. I would love to give her a good scolding, but the Senator is very much fond of her. Tlia is a former slave, just like you", Cynthia added when she noticed Nala's confusion. "She chose to stay with us and is now one of my subordinates."
"You have laguz in the guard?"
"Yes. One cat, one tiger, two ravens and one hawk. However, we should discuss further matters inside."
Nala followed the soldiers into the main building. They were greeted by a noble with long black hair and brown eyes. The soldiers bowed to her and left.
"Welcome. I am Liane, First Duchess of Idras. My sister asked me to take care of you in her stead."
"Is she not feeling well?"
"She is just tired. But she will have recovered in the morning."
"I would have never guessed the two of you could be sisters. You don't resemble each other at all."
"We have the same eyes", the duchess replied. "But apart from that, you are right. The reason for this is us being half-sisters."
"I see. So, she takes after the parent you don't have in common."
"That is correct. Now, I trust you are hungry. Please, come this way."
While Nala ate her way through the best meal she had eaten in what seemed ages, Liane watched her with a smile.
"Please don't think I'm slow or anything, but I still haven't understood what exactly is going to happen now."
"Tomorrow morning, my sister will report back to Empress Sanaki that we have managed to free you - "
"Hang on a minute, the Empress is in on this?!"
"Yes, my sister works under direct orders from the Apostle. They want those lawbreakers to be punished, just as the Prime Minister."
"And you?"
"I wholeheartedly agree with them, otherwise, I would have never permitted my sister to do something this dangerous. We are twelve years apart, and I have always been very concerned about her safety, as I promised our father on his deathbed."
They are only twelve years apart? There is definitely something wrong with Maian – beorc normally don't age that slowly.
"As soon as the Empress knows everything, they will accuse your former masters publicly. And then, we will need your help – you are our key witness. Without you, we will be unable to punish them."
"Don't you worry, I'll make sure they get what they deserve. And I want to save the others, as well..."
"Excellent."
"But what happens after that?"
"If you wish to return home, or go somewhere else, you may do that. You are not a slave any more, and we are not going to force you into anything."
"I see... Some of the former slaves chose to stay, right?"
"Yes. They want to help Maian – she is trying to prove that it is possible for laguz and beorc to coexist in peace and harmony. And this experiment has been very successful so far."
"I see. This sounds interesting..."
"Have you satiated your hunger?", Liane asked when Nala pushed the plate away.
"No, I could keep eating for an hour or so. But I won't starve 'till the morning."
"That is good to hear. Unfortunately, we have no room prepared for you, I hope it will be all right for you to sleep on a couch."
"Are you kidding? I spent the last 30 years or so sleeping on a bunch of straw on a cold stone floor. A couch is like paradise!"
"I am glad to hear that. If you should be hungry, you may take some of the fruit in the bowl over there. I shall retire for now – sleep well. A servant will bring you something to wear, and you may also use the bathing house."
Nala nodded in acknowledgement.
She greatly enjoyed bathing in the hot water. Tyna and Cynthia came to join her, and the commander scrubbed Nala's back. For the first time in three decades, Nala felt relaxed and safe.
Nala was halfway through the breakfast some of the servants had brought her when she heard someone call out to her.
"Hey! Hey! You there, dragon!"
Nala looked up to see a cat girl running towards her. The cat skidded to a stop in front of her and bared her fangs in a wide grin.
"You're Nala, aren't you?"
"That's right. And you must be Tlia."
"Yup! I heard they rescued you yesterday. I wanted to come, too, but the Senator said no. That was so unfair!"
Nala didn't reply.
"Say, are you going to be my new friend? Please, please, pleeease!"
"Well, if that makes you happy..."
"Yay! Great!"
"Could I ask you something?"
"Of course!"
"Why did you choose to stay here? I mean, you were a slave once. Why not go and enjoy your freedom?"
"Well, it's not like we can't enjoy ourselves here. The payment's great, and we get to live here in the manor, and the cook is a genius! Plus, the Senator doesn't treat us any different. When we're around her, we forget that we are laguz and they're beorc – or rather, we don't think about it. It doesn't matter. Besides, we feel like we owe her, and that's why we want to help her."
"Help her with what?"
"The Senator wants to make Begnion a country where all are equals. A better world for everyone is something worth fighting for, don't you think?"
"I suppose you have a point."
"Senator Maian! You're finally up!"
Nala turned to see Maian walk into the room.
"Good morning, Tlia, Nala. How are you feeling?"
"A lot better. Your sister was very kind."
"I am glad to hear that. I will be heading for Mainal Cathedral now – I will send someone to fetch you once we have everything prepared. Please wait here until you hear from me."
"Hey, Senator, can I come with you now?", Tlia begged.
"Of course."
"Great!"
Tlia leapt into the air. Maian laughed.
Commander Cynthia and four other guards led Nala through the streets of Sienne. Again, they had made her wear a cloak. Cynthia had explained that this was a precaution, just in case someone should recognise her.
Once inside the cathedral, Nala removed the cloak. They walked along several corridors until they reached a gigantic pair of wooden doors. Several knights were positioned in front of it.
"Commander Sigrun, I have returned", Cynthia said.
"So I can see", a younger woman with turquoise hair replied. "Just go on in, they are expecting you."
The next room was big and very bright. Apart from Maian, two more people were present. A small girl with lilac hair and yellow eyes, and a man with waist-long black hair and green eyes. Nala stared at him. Just as with Maian, something about him was very strange.
"Apostle, Prime Minister, this is the one we have rescued yesterday. A Goldoan named Nala."
"Thank you, Commander Cynthia. You may leave us", the girl replied.
Empress Sanaki and Prime Minister Sephiran now eyed Nala curiously.
"This is the first time ever that I have met one of the dragon tribe", Sanaki said. "How come you were captured? I thought the dragons do not leave Goldoa."
All of a sudden, Nala felt nervous. She had no idea how to behave – she knew that the beorc had rules for everything, so there had to be some.
Maian closed her eyes and the next moment, Nala felt completely at ease.
What the – is she manipulating my feelings?! But I thought that only herons could do that... and she is not a heron – hang on. Could she be - ?
But Nala's train of thought was interrupted as Maian focused her power on Nala. Besides, Nala realised that they were still waiting for her answer.
"I left Goldoa about three hundred years ago. I've been travelling all over Tellius after that... I had enough of just staying in Goldoa, I wanted to see the rest of the world. When I was among beorc, I hid my true nature most of the time, but that wasn't difficult. No offence, but beorc are awfully dumb creatures."
"Not all of us", Sanaki replied. "I doubt you would have been able to fool Maian or Sephiran."
"Hm." Nala tilted her head to one side. "I don't know. Anyway, about thirty years ago, I was captured by slave traders and sold at an auction. I have been with that family ever since."
"That was before the Emancipation Act", Sanaki said quietly. "But that is no justification – all slaves should have been released immediately."
"Looks like those nobles couldn't care less."
"Maian told me you are willing to help. We need to know all you can tell us about the family, the people who worked there as employees, their guests and, of course, the other slaves."
Maian hadn't been exaggerating, or lying about the Apostle's intentions. Nala's former masters were publicly accused of keeping slaves, and punished according to the law. The other slaves were brought to Maian's manor, where they received treatment so they would recover.
Most of them decided to return to their homelands, being fed up with the beorc.
"What about you?", Maian asked Nala. "Will you return to Goldoa, or continue your journey?"
"Actually, I'd like to help you, if you don't mind. I'd like to join your guard."
Maian's face brightened. "Not at all! Having a dragon supporting my efforts is just wonderful! However - "
"What's wrong?"
"I would like to make good use of your knowledge and skills, so – how would you like becoming Commander Cynthia's deputy?"
"You want me to be the second in command?"
"Yes, if you do not mind."
"Not at all! Though I never knew something like that is possible in Begnion."
"It is not. I am making it possible."
"Oh, I see. As the favourite of both the Empress and the Prime Minister, you can do things like that, after all..."
"You are very observant."
"You can say that again."
"Very well. From this day henceforth, you are Captain Nala of Senator Maian's Guard. I do not believe any of the others will object to this."
Nala was on her way to see Maian. She had not been working for the senator for long before she first heard the rumours circulating about her.
She doesn't age, she avoids getting close to anyone, and she doesn't even trust her own guards. Plus, there are those strange rules about not entering her rooms without being announced and her mysterious powers – and the feeling I've had about her all the time. But now I'm certain.
The housekeeper led her into Maian's study. Maian was sitting behind her desk, working on some documents.
"Captain Nala here to see you, my lady."
"Thank you. You may leave."
The servant bowed. Maian placed the quill in the inkwell and looked up at Nala, smiling.
"What can I do for you?"
All of a sudden, Nala didn't know how to start.
"Well – the thing is, we need to talk about something – but I don't know how to start, I'm afraid you're going to freak out."
"Well, the only way for you to know is to try", Maian replied, still smiling. "But I will do my best to stay calm, I promise."
"All right, then... I know you are not a beorc, as you pretend to be. You are one of the – what word did you use again? Ah yes – hybrid. That's what you are."
Maian rose from her chair, her face ashen.
"How – how did you find out?"
"I had a weird feeling ever since we met, then there are your strange powers and those rumours... I simply added two and two. Besides, I heard that Tlia and her tiger-friend have made a bet whether or not you have the blood of the laguz. Tlia says you have, he says no."
"I see... you have been too observant. I always knew it was risky... having laguz around me... But I do not regret what I did."
"Senator... I think you're getting the wrong idea. I didn't come here to kill you or anything." Nala dropped onto one knee. "I've already sworn allegiance to you and your family, but if it makes you feel better, I'll just do it again. No matter what happens, I'll always be there to protect you. No matter who the enemy is, if anyone threatens you, he is going to feel the wrath of a Goldoan Dragon."
Maian gasped. Nala looked up to see that she was crying.
"Rise, Nala." Maian's voice sounded throaty. "You have no idea how happy this makes me – now I know I can trust you. Thank you – thank you for accepting me."
Nala rose to her feet and smiled at her lady.
"If there's something I've learned, it is not to judge people by race or blood. Besides, I owe you – you freed me, and gave me my life back. But now I'm really curious – you have heron blood, right?"
"It is quite obvious to you, is it not? Yes, my mother was a heron. I never met her – she was murdered during the Serenes Massacre."
"I'm sorry to hear that. Who else knows about you?"
"My sister, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, and the Prime Minister."
"What about him? Is he a hybrid as well?"
"No. My apologies, but I cannot tell you. You could ask him, though. You are trustworthy, maybe he would reveal his secret to you."
"I'll try. How many heron powers did you inherit?"
"All, actually. I can sense emotions, read minds, influence other people's emotions, and use galdrar. And I have wings."
"Show me!", Nala asked eagerly.
Maian smiled and spread a pair of grey wings.
"Beautiful", Nala breathed. "You are the only link to the lost heron tribe – like the last sparks after the fire went out."
"Yes, I suppose you are right..." Maian put her wings back in. "Say, Nala, could I ask a favour?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"Dragons speak the Ancient Tongue, correct? Would you practise with me?"
"You speak it?"
"I do, but I am still learning. But being able to talk to someone would help..."
"Of course, I'll gladly help you!"
From that day on, they were more than just servant and lady. They were friends.