(no subject)
alrighty...I have finally finished Chapter nine. It turned out almost 16 pages long (about 5000 words) but it was incredibly crucial to the story line, and i think it came out well.
9
She was summoned a little before noon, to the chambers of the high Coridian, whose name she had now determined to be Hiyaci. The room she was led to was small, just the size of a comfortable waiting room. This is what it turned out to be. The walls, while still stone, were carved with intricate designs and patters and even historical scenes. There was a bench against the far wall and two doors, similar to the one's she had been led through earlier at the trial, stood closed.
Once again, the room was windowless and two guards were stationed outside the locked doors to the hallway. Odessa was too nervous to stay seated, so she spent most of her time pacing the room and looking at the carvings on the wall.
She notices all of the intricate details on the men hunting deer, the woman pregnant, and battles being fought. In one scene, a village was being burned with trees being uprooted and homes on fire. It looked to be the Coridian's under attack.
There were soldiers, and above their heads were carved little symbols. Odessa didn't know what these meant. There was a warrior in the picture. She had little marks around her, as if she were glowing and she carried a staff. In the picture, a small piece of amethyst, embedded into the wall, depicted the end stone at the end of the staff.
"Beautiful, aren't they?" Odessa was startled out of her thoughts by the soft voice behind her.
"That warrior..." Odessa began, pointing to the carving in the wall.
"Was me," the woman finished. " I was very young and wasn't going to give my people up without a fight."
"Who were fighting against?" Odessa asked, running her fingers through the cracks in the carvings. Hiyaci's faces darkened.
"Come," was all she said, and turned to go back into the larger room on the other side of the doors, from which she had just come. This room was about half the size of the courtroom that they had been in before, although it was still fairly large. There was a wide window on the far side of the room with a patio protruding from the side of the rock face. There was also a large writing desk facing the outside.
There were carvings in this room as well, but Odessa was not given the time to explore. She was seated across from Hiyace on the bench.
"Now, tell me your whole story, from beginning to ed, with the details," was her command. So, Odessa began with what she knew of her mother, and ended with where they were now. The story lasted all through lunch, which consisted of fresh fruits, cheeses, bread and juices to drink. It was delicious to Odessa, having eaten nothing for the last three days. Hiyace did not interrupt throughout the entire tale.
When Odessa finished speaking, the woman leaned back in her chair, folding her hands under her chin, as she had the day before. Now that Odessa was closer to the woman and looking at her straight on, she began to pick out the small details of her features. The lines in her face were many, but graceful. Her eyes were still young and shone back a beautiful violet. Her hair was greying and pulled back in a tight bun. She carried the staff to her side, her long thin fingers wrapped around it tightly.
"You did not mention your father," she remarked, slowly. "Who was he?"
"I didn't know him. He left my mother before I was born," she replied.
"I have heard you that you bear the symbol of the Argalamae." Odessa touched her wrist and then turned it over to hide the mark. She didn't know why she hid it. She wasn't ashamed, she just didn't want to be different.
"There was an attack on my people when I was just around your age," began Hiyaci. "I had been trained for battle, as everyone my age had been, but I still didn't know what a war meant. The emperor is very old. You must know this. He has had centuries to cause the damage he had caused this country. He began to attack races with potential to gather and rise against him, before they could. We were one of the first to be attacked. My people used to live out in the open, before I moved them here after the great battle. I am too old to lead a battle now, Odessa. But, Falun will always be my enemy. During the war, my parents were killed and I wanted to seek revenge against the emperor. My calling would be to lead my people, though, and I have. I trust you, Odessa, and I trust your symbol. The Argalamae is the symbol of the Daani, the race your father must have been of. The aided your father must have been of. They aided us during battle and after, to get us back on our feet. They are the only one's, other than Giata, to be Coridian friend and to know where to seek our house. Never be ashamed. Be proud, for that symbol, if used correctly, could man power and respect." She smiled at Odessa now, who looked down at her wrist and the glowing symbol.
"We will show you and your friends the way out of our woods and send you with a companion, one who knows the way. When and if you ever need our help, send her back with the message and we will come to your aid, as your people once did for us."
"Thank you," was all Odessa could say. She had not expected to get away so easy or so quickly. "What of the little girl-creature? What and who is she, have you found this out?"
"Yes. She is a sly. They are a race we know very little about. We know they are usually not trustworthy and usually only do favors if they benefit them. This one is still young, though, so we may not hold anything against her."
"Will she be aloud to leave as well?"
"Yes, but if she travels in your party is up to you, although I would not recommend it. She probably wouldn't stay around for long. Besides, they usually don't travel alone. Where there is one of her kind, there are usually two or three more."
Odessa left the office relieved and worried at the same time. The talk with Hiyaci had been anything but uplifting. Still, it was nice to know she had support, a new companion, and a sure direction in which to head.
She was led out of Hiyaci's quarters and down another hallway to the left of the door's. She followed the two soldier's who had been chosen to guard her doors. The hallway was wide, and they passed many other Coridian's, most who stopped to stare back at her. They seemed like the average race. The men carried weapons and were on average larger than the women. She saw some working as blacksmiths and some as chefs. Still other's were running business errands and speeding hurriedly past, but still making time to stop for a glance. The women carried baskets of food or laundry, and some were seen running to take care of the days house hold errands. There were children riding on mother's backs and still other's sitting in doorways playing with toys and other objects to occupy their little imaginations.
The dwellings of the Coridians seemed to begin through short hallways extended from the rock face. They were placed around twenty feet apart, but looking inside when a door happened to be ajar, Odessa noticed they looked warm and cozy on the inside. There didn't seem to be any windows to the houses, only doorways. From the glimpses Odessa caught, they seemed to be almost cave-like.
After passing for five minutes down hallways of houses and small shops, the guards led Odessa in what had to be the common area. The ceiling stretched for what seemed like an eternity to the ceiling. A road seemed to wind up the side of the mountain's insides. Vendor's selling everything from weapon's to clothing seemed to be selling their wares here. There were thousands of Coridian's walking quickly about, getting their business done for the day.
As Odessa passed through, the people made way...and silence surrounded her. If it weren't for the vendors in the distance who didn't know of her presence, you would have been able to hear a cricket chirp. Slowly, whispers rose behind her.
"Why are they letting her walk about, as if she were safe?" and "I hope they aren't letting all of her friends out! I would keep my doors locked!" Some pulled their children closer in, and some of the men even stepped in front of their families to block their veiw. Odessa was anxious to get out of this area, and stuck close behind the guards.
They soon passed through the common area and came through to another hallway with even more rows of small houses. After a mile or so of walking, nothing uphill, Odessa was glad to note, the guards stopped and turned towards the last door in the row. There were guards outside this one as well. The two guards at this door knocked twice on the frame and then pushed the door in. They ushered Odessa through the door and then took their leave, explaining that they were now on their own.
"If you would please remain here for another ten minutes or so, there will be guide around to help you get through the town and offer some guidance. At dinner, you will please return and accept the invitation of Hiyaci to dine in the great hall." At that, the soldiers turned and retreated back down the hallway. Odessa looked over at her friends. Iggie was sitting on the bed and Dothan sat on a bench near the fire, looking nun to happy. Iggie grinned and kicked his feet back and forth.
"Well, you came over good with something. We haven't heard anything about you or our situation since the last ten seconds of the trial yesterday," Dothan remarked, curtly. "You had to go and put in your two cents, didn't you?"
"Dothan, they..."
"You know that could have cost us our lives? We have no idea who these people are, or what their customs may be, Odessa! Talking back to the high Coridian..or whatever she is, could have meant our heads!"
"I know, I am sorry. I really don't know what came over me in there. It wasn't like it was even me talking," she hated it when he got mad. "In any case, I have spoken with Hiyaci. She has given us permission to leave her lands whenever we are ready. She is giving us a guide and help whenever we think we might need it."
"What did you do to get all of this?" Iggie piped up from the bed. "What did you say?"
"She asked me to eat with her today. I guess she wanted to hear the whole story when we were not in front of an audience of a thousand...and when I wasn't going to cause such drama." She smiled and looked at Dothan. He looked stern, but Odessa detected the corner of his mouth go up slightly.
"So, when do we leave?" he asked.
"Well, you heard the guard. We should at least stay through dinner. In my opinion, as much as I want to get back on the road, I think we should probably stay the night as well, and then leave early tomorrow morning. It would be better and probably safer to leave during the day after we have had some rest," Odessa replied. Iggie and Dothan both agreed with this.
Odessa spent the rest of the afternoon filling them in on where she had been and what she had been able to see of the city.
"So, it seems dinner may be a little uncomfortable this evening?" Dothan asked.
"Seems as though it could. The Coridian's didn't seem to fond of our presence when I was out in the commons area. The structure of the city is gorgeous, though. Look at it as we go by this evening," Odessa informed them. "Speaking of this evening, the day is getting over and we had better get ready."
Dothan looked uncomfortable. "Odessa, do I really have to go? I mean, shouldn't someone stay here and get the packs ready to go?"
Odessa rolled her eyes. He was always very good at getting out of things he didn't want to do. "You really should go, Dothan. Hiyaci has been gracious enough to give us nice rooms, something to eat, and even a guide out of the forest. She has offered the support of her people if we ever need them! The least we can do is join her for dinner." She almost had a reprimanding tone in her voice. She always got frustrated when Dothan didn't remember other people before himself.
Dothan sighed and slumped further into the chair he was sitting in. "Fine," he put in. "But we need to get out as soon as we can. We are going to have an early head start tomorrow morning and need our sleep." This, Odessa had to sigh at. She would have no problem waking up the next morning, but getting these two up was going to be a chore. She didn't expect to actually leave the city until noon, but Dothan's hopes were high, and she didn't say anything. She just sighed.
That evening, in her room, Odessa searched through the small ward-robe of gowns and evening wear that had been supplied to her. They had been placed in her room while she had been visiting with her friends. She tried on, first, a silky wine-colored gown, in a fashion she didn't necessarily care for. The rear of the gown bulged out a little in the apparent style of the Coridian fashion, and the sleeves were cropped at an angle. In all honesty, Odessa wasn't one for wearing dresses on any occasion, but she thought it best not to turn down Hiyaci and make her mad again.
So, Odessa stripped off that dress and shifted, again, through the gowns in the closet.
Turquoise....purple...no!..ew!....She shifted through the gowns until she came to the very last one. The took it out, and her eyes scanned the gown with appreciation. She pulled the gown over her head. It was loose fitting and draped over her body elegantly. She looked at the gown in the make-shift mirror. She was really quite beautiful. The dress was long, and dragged the floor a little behind where she walked. There were no sleeves to the dress, for, it had been made of the summer time. It would be warm in the dining hall, however, so this should be comfortable enough. The gown was a light blue, making a gorgeous contrast between the dark color of her skin and the sparkling fabric as she walked.
She let her dark hair fall down around her neck. It was rare that she ever let it down anyway, and now it fell in thick locks. Her necklace with the vile of poison still hung around her neck and she slipped a few darts under the belt, tied around her waist. There was no way she was going unarmed, anywhere. She looked at herself proud now and her Argalamae shone slightly with her excitement.
She was startled when a knock came to the door. She wasn't expected at the dining hall for another hour. She walked to the door and pulled it open. Hiyaci herself was standing before her and she carried with her a small basket.
"May I come in and speak with you, Odessa?" She asked, as if she thought the answer might be now. Odessa stepped aside and let the woman enter. She sat the basket down on the bed and asked Odessa to take a seat, not commenting on the gown Odessa wore, but only looking on her with approval. The basket on the bed squeaked during the uncomfortable silence.
"I have brought your companion," was all the woman said. Odessa looked at her inquisitively and then brought her gaze down to the basket.
"You have told me your mother was of Abderan. I have not noticed an animal companion with you since you arrived, and hope that you will accept one from me as my parting gift to you," the woman continued.
Odessa, still confused, noticed the basket move. Then she remembered.
[i]Diana, my mother's bird. She could speak with Diana.[/i]
The basket moved again, and Hiyaci opened the top lid. Two small eyes peaked out over the rim of it's carrier, followed by a small pup nose.
"She is an Orthyx, born of a litter only two days before your arrival. She was born from the litter of my own Orthyx, Risto," Hiyaci informed her.
"But I don't know anything about Orthyx!" Exclaimed Odessa, but picked the pup out of the basket. It's clumsiness made her smile, as the small creature tripped and padded and finally fell on the pillow it had been stumbling it's way too. The fur, already long in length, fell down over her eyes. Odessa could barely see the two beady speaks, peaking out from beneath the fringe. Her paws were big and told Odessa the size of the creature would be large when she was fully grown. Her fur was black with patches of grey around the paws and ears and her ears stood straight on end, to enhance the comical look that the little Orthyx was already displaying.
"She will eat whatever she can find on her own. Even from the womb, an Orthyx pup is fully prepared to hunt and survive on its own. The mother usually leaves them immediately. This little one will be your companion for life, Odessa. Work with her, and in a few months time, you will be able to speak with her as mother had Diana. We will send you with someone who knows their way out of the woods. The Orthyx will know her way back, should she need to return. If you ever are in need of our help, send her back with the message. We will get it."
Odessa was led into the dining hall not an hour later. Two guards had appeared at her door and had asked for her presence. She walked, gracefully down the hall behind them, concentrating on her steps and trying not to stumble or trip. They entered the hall. There were candles along the walls, lighting up separate dining areas where most of the Coridians were already seated. There was a large table stretched the length of the room. At one end sat Hyaci, guards standing at either side of her seat. Dothan sat on one side of the high Coridian, with Iggie to his left. The seat on the other side of the woman had been left open for Odessa. She walked to it, and sat. Every eye seemed to be on her. Dothan watched her as she crossed from the doorway to the room, and smiled and she blushed and gave him a wink. He wished she would wear her hair down more often. Still, it wasn't practical when you had to walk miles and the days were hot, to where your hair in your face. She was beautiful, though. His eyes strayed to wrist where she wore the Argalamae openly.
There were gasps as she entered into the room. She wore her symbol out in the open, and those who sat nearest to the door were the first to notice it. She could already hear the whispers spreading like wildfire and she wasn't sure if respect or more fear would come of it. She didn't even fully understand the Argalamae, and didn't expect anyone else to ,either.
But, the people of the jeweled forest did understand the Argalamae. Most had been there during the war, and remembered the help of the Danni. Odessa, since entering the room, had gained more respect with the Coridian's than she could have imagined. They were proud to say that they had hosted a Daani, and could call one friend. Many bowed their heads as she passed and took her seat next to Hiyaci.
Hiyaci rose from her seat, her tall and straight body commanding the attention of her surrounding audience. The room hushed and she rose her glass.
"To better times," she spoke in her loud, booming voice. Everyone toasted, and she continued.
"Odessa and her party have earned the trust of our people. We owe them our allegiance. Her mission is great, and will help not only are people, but all the races of Fangdar," she turned to face Odessa. "We give you our home and our swords. Whatever you need for you journey is yours." Then, she sipped her wine, and sat gracefully back down onto her large thrown. Odessa felt her cheeks flush red and looked over at Dothan. He seemed to be a little red as well, but there was something else in his eyes. Odessa smiled. He was always thinking about something.
They finished the dinner with little more interruption. The small party spoke to Hiyaci of their plans for their long trek. Odessa thought to make her way to Blithtik, for that was the only place she could think to find her brother. That also seemed to be the place she was expected to go by the Coridians.
"Your highness," said Dothan, over dinner. "I have been thinking about your offer to take what we might need for our trip." She cocked her eyebrow at him a little, but bade him go on.
He cleared his throat, "Well, we are not properly armed for our journey and have little money to suffice for shelter or food. Not mention, you took our horse during our meeting in woods, so we have no way of transporting our objects for trading with us."
She smiled. "We will supply you with swords and shields if you so desire. As for money, we use none of it ourselves. We trade only with one another and have no contacts outside of the forest. Your horse, we have kept. That beast will hardly get you to the next town, though. So, we have determined to keep it for you and supply you with three of our stronger, more sturdier steads. You may each ride out of here. Their backs are broad, so there are rooms for your packs as well." She then turned to Odessa. "Have you thought about what to do with the Sly Child?"
"She can't come, Odessa." Dothan knew her all to well. "We can't trust her. We don't even know her and she will just get in the way."
"On the contrary," put in Hiyaci. "While you are quite correct on the trustworthy portion of your claim, Sly's can be quite useful. You see, they have the ability to slip into other people's bodies." The three made a repulsed face and Hiyaci laughed.
"No, it is not as you think. They don't possess the person. They learn to see through the other person's eyes. If she was spying on you, then you may have seen some strange sets of eyes on some of the people you have talked to on your journey here." Odessa remembered the eyes of the bookseller and the farmer.
"But doesn't the person feel anything? Don't they feel...different?" Iggie asked, with a confused look on his face.
"No, the person has no idea that they are any different, or that anyone is even seeing through their eyes. In fact, the body of the Sly could be miles off, it is just her vision she uses in connection with her victim's. She uses his eyes, not his body." There was silence around the table. "She could be useful, if you needed to find out information with out being seen." Dothan scowled, but didn't say anything. He hated to be proven wrong, or at least to out-thought. Hiyaci just smiled back.
So, it was agreed by all, except Dothan, who just grumbled agreement, to take the small-sly creature on their journey, if, that is, she still wanted to go.
The dinner and festivities came to an end, only after much yawning and excuses. The company of men...and Iggie, and the women finally parted ways.
Odessa entered her room and walked to where the nightgown lay, freshly washed, across her bed. She may have looked beautiful tonight, but she would still prefer riding clothes and even nightgowns, to fancy dresses.
She was just undoing her belt, when she noticed in the mirror, the two green eyes, shining in the blackness behind her. She jumped and turned to face the spy. The small sly was perched upon the ward-robe behind her. Odessa tried to smile and not sound startled when she spoke. She didn't want to scare the creature. The sly sat with her legs folded beneath her, the Orthyx in her lap, purring.
"Come down, little one," Odessa said in a kind, coaxing voice. The Sly didn't move, and neither did her eyes from the belt which Odessa still held in her hands. Odessa quickly through the belt across the room to the floor and looked up again at the small creature. She still sat, petting the pup, but she looked much more relaxed. Odessa tried again.
"Come down," he voice was soft, like a mother's tone. "Come down, I want to know you." Odessa went and sat down on the bed an tucked her feet underneath her, as the girl was sitting. The Orthyx bounded out of the Sly's lap and landed with a roll onto the bed. After regaining it's direction, it jumped over to Odessa, landing between her legs. It put it's little ears flat against it's head and closed it's eyes as Odessa stroked it's soft fur.
It's hard to believe this little one can defend itself, and remember the way back to the village. She rubbed the Orthyx a while, musing on this fact and giving the sly a chance to see that she was harmless. When she did look up again, she found that the small creature had made her way down the closet and was standing at the head of the bed, peaking out from behind a banister.
"What are you going to name her?" came the odd, awkward child-like voice. Odessa smiled.
"I haven't decided. Would you like to help me pick one?" The sly nodded and moved a little closer.
"I had a sister, once. Her name was Rithane...Can we name her Rithane?" Her question was quiet, but pleading.
"I love the name Rithane. I think it will be perfect. But, you haven't told me your name. What is it?" The sly watched Odessa for a minute, and Odessa didn't dare to pressure the child. She let go of Orthyx and placed her on the bed in between them. Rithane sat for a moment, and then wobbled to where the small girl watched, her green eyes on Odessa. After a few minutes of silence and thoughtful thinking on both their parts, the answer to Odessa's question came.
"Tegan," she said in a whisper. "My name is Tegan."
"That is a beautiful name, Tegan." Odessa repeated it. "But where is your family? Are they near by?" A large tear fell down the smooth black fur on the child's face. Her green eyes squinted.
"My, my family is gone. I don't know where they went," she was choking back the sobs as she gasped for air. "I woke up and they were just gone..." She lay down on the bed and cried. Rithane sniffed her tears and then waddled back over to her master. Odessa leaned over and stroked Tegan's fur and her sobs, after a time, began to slow. She soon sat back up, wiping her tears from her face.
"You are nice. Can I stay with you, Odessa?"
"Of course you may, Tegan...and we will help you find where your family went." Odessa felt nervous, letting the child go on the journey with them, but she would not be welcome here and had no other place to go. So, Odessa didn't see what other choice she had. She smiled at the child and they spent the evening playing with Rithane.
When night time came, Odessa pulled on her nightgown and crawled into bed. Tegan, who wasn't used to sleeping on such soft surfaces, curled up in the corner, near the fireplace and soon, you could hear the steady breathing of both woman and child. It would be a while before Rithane learned to go to sleep when the lights went out.
9
She was summoned a little before noon, to the chambers of the high Coridian, whose name she had now determined to be Hiyaci. The room she was led to was small, just the size of a comfortable waiting room. This is what it turned out to be. The walls, while still stone, were carved with intricate designs and patters and even historical scenes. There was a bench against the far wall and two doors, similar to the one's she had been led through earlier at the trial, stood closed.
Once again, the room was windowless and two guards were stationed outside the locked doors to the hallway. Odessa was too nervous to stay seated, so she spent most of her time pacing the room and looking at the carvings on the wall.
She notices all of the intricate details on the men hunting deer, the woman pregnant, and battles being fought. In one scene, a village was being burned with trees being uprooted and homes on fire. It looked to be the Coridian's under attack.
There were soldiers, and above their heads were carved little symbols. Odessa didn't know what these meant. There was a warrior in the picture. She had little marks around her, as if she were glowing and she carried a staff. In the picture, a small piece of amethyst, embedded into the wall, depicted the end stone at the end of the staff.
"Beautiful, aren't they?" Odessa was startled out of her thoughts by the soft voice behind her.
"That warrior..." Odessa began, pointing to the carving in the wall.
"Was me," the woman finished. " I was very young and wasn't going to give my people up without a fight."
"Who were fighting against?" Odessa asked, running her fingers through the cracks in the carvings. Hiyaci's faces darkened.
"Come," was all she said, and turned to go back into the larger room on the other side of the doors, from which she had just come. This room was about half the size of the courtroom that they had been in before, although it was still fairly large. There was a wide window on the far side of the room with a patio protruding from the side of the rock face. There was also a large writing desk facing the outside.
There were carvings in this room as well, but Odessa was not given the time to explore. She was seated across from Hiyace on the bench.
"Now, tell me your whole story, from beginning to ed, with the details," was her command. So, Odessa began with what she knew of her mother, and ended with where they were now. The story lasted all through lunch, which consisted of fresh fruits, cheeses, bread and juices to drink. It was delicious to Odessa, having eaten nothing for the last three days. Hiyace did not interrupt throughout the entire tale.
When Odessa finished speaking, the woman leaned back in her chair, folding her hands under her chin, as she had the day before. Now that Odessa was closer to the woman and looking at her straight on, she began to pick out the small details of her features. The lines in her face were many, but graceful. Her eyes were still young and shone back a beautiful violet. Her hair was greying and pulled back in a tight bun. She carried the staff to her side, her long thin fingers wrapped around it tightly.
"You did not mention your father," she remarked, slowly. "Who was he?"
"I didn't know him. He left my mother before I was born," she replied.
"I have heard you that you bear the symbol of the Argalamae." Odessa touched her wrist and then turned it over to hide the mark. She didn't know why she hid it. She wasn't ashamed, she just didn't want to be different.
"There was an attack on my people when I was just around your age," began Hiyaci. "I had been trained for battle, as everyone my age had been, but I still didn't know what a war meant. The emperor is very old. You must know this. He has had centuries to cause the damage he had caused this country. He began to attack races with potential to gather and rise against him, before they could. We were one of the first to be attacked. My people used to live out in the open, before I moved them here after the great battle. I am too old to lead a battle now, Odessa. But, Falun will always be my enemy. During the war, my parents were killed and I wanted to seek revenge against the emperor. My calling would be to lead my people, though, and I have. I trust you, Odessa, and I trust your symbol. The Argalamae is the symbol of the Daani, the race your father must have been of. The aided your father must have been of. They aided us during battle and after, to get us back on our feet. They are the only one's, other than Giata, to be Coridian friend and to know where to seek our house. Never be ashamed. Be proud, for that symbol, if used correctly, could man power and respect." She smiled at Odessa now, who looked down at her wrist and the glowing symbol.
"We will show you and your friends the way out of our woods and send you with a companion, one who knows the way. When and if you ever need our help, send her back with the message and we will come to your aid, as your people once did for us."
"Thank you," was all Odessa could say. She had not expected to get away so easy or so quickly. "What of the little girl-creature? What and who is she, have you found this out?"
"Yes. She is a sly. They are a race we know very little about. We know they are usually not trustworthy and usually only do favors if they benefit them. This one is still young, though, so we may not hold anything against her."
"Will she be aloud to leave as well?"
"Yes, but if she travels in your party is up to you, although I would not recommend it. She probably wouldn't stay around for long. Besides, they usually don't travel alone. Where there is one of her kind, there are usually two or three more."
Odessa left the office relieved and worried at the same time. The talk with Hiyaci had been anything but uplifting. Still, it was nice to know she had support, a new companion, and a sure direction in which to head.
She was led out of Hiyaci's quarters and down another hallway to the left of the door's. She followed the two soldier's who had been chosen to guard her doors. The hallway was wide, and they passed many other Coridian's, most who stopped to stare back at her. They seemed like the average race. The men carried weapons and were on average larger than the women. She saw some working as blacksmiths and some as chefs. Still other's were running business errands and speeding hurriedly past, but still making time to stop for a glance. The women carried baskets of food or laundry, and some were seen running to take care of the days house hold errands. There were children riding on mother's backs and still other's sitting in doorways playing with toys and other objects to occupy their little imaginations.
The dwellings of the Coridians seemed to begin through short hallways extended from the rock face. They were placed around twenty feet apart, but looking inside when a door happened to be ajar, Odessa noticed they looked warm and cozy on the inside. There didn't seem to be any windows to the houses, only doorways. From the glimpses Odessa caught, they seemed to be almost cave-like.
After passing for five minutes down hallways of houses and small shops, the guards led Odessa in what had to be the common area. The ceiling stretched for what seemed like an eternity to the ceiling. A road seemed to wind up the side of the mountain's insides. Vendor's selling everything from weapon's to clothing seemed to be selling their wares here. There were thousands of Coridian's walking quickly about, getting their business done for the day.
As Odessa passed through, the people made way...and silence surrounded her. If it weren't for the vendors in the distance who didn't know of her presence, you would have been able to hear a cricket chirp. Slowly, whispers rose behind her.
"Why are they letting her walk about, as if she were safe?" and "I hope they aren't letting all of her friends out! I would keep my doors locked!" Some pulled their children closer in, and some of the men even stepped in front of their families to block their veiw. Odessa was anxious to get out of this area, and stuck close behind the guards.
They soon passed through the common area and came through to another hallway with even more rows of small houses. After a mile or so of walking, nothing uphill, Odessa was glad to note, the guards stopped and turned towards the last door in the row. There were guards outside this one as well. The two guards at this door knocked twice on the frame and then pushed the door in. They ushered Odessa through the door and then took their leave, explaining that they were now on their own.
"If you would please remain here for another ten minutes or so, there will be guide around to help you get through the town and offer some guidance. At dinner, you will please return and accept the invitation of Hiyaci to dine in the great hall." At that, the soldiers turned and retreated back down the hallway. Odessa looked over at her friends. Iggie was sitting on the bed and Dothan sat on a bench near the fire, looking nun to happy. Iggie grinned and kicked his feet back and forth.
"Well, you came over good with something. We haven't heard anything about you or our situation since the last ten seconds of the trial yesterday," Dothan remarked, curtly. "You had to go and put in your two cents, didn't you?"
"Dothan, they..."
"You know that could have cost us our lives? We have no idea who these people are, or what their customs may be, Odessa! Talking back to the high Coridian..or whatever she is, could have meant our heads!"
"I know, I am sorry. I really don't know what came over me in there. It wasn't like it was even me talking," she hated it when he got mad. "In any case, I have spoken with Hiyaci. She has given us permission to leave her lands whenever we are ready. She is giving us a guide and help whenever we think we might need it."
"What did you do to get all of this?" Iggie piped up from the bed. "What did you say?"
"She asked me to eat with her today. I guess she wanted to hear the whole story when we were not in front of an audience of a thousand...and when I wasn't going to cause such drama." She smiled and looked at Dothan. He looked stern, but Odessa detected the corner of his mouth go up slightly.
"So, when do we leave?" he asked.
"Well, you heard the guard. We should at least stay through dinner. In my opinion, as much as I want to get back on the road, I think we should probably stay the night as well, and then leave early tomorrow morning. It would be better and probably safer to leave during the day after we have had some rest," Odessa replied. Iggie and Dothan both agreed with this.
Odessa spent the rest of the afternoon filling them in on where she had been and what she had been able to see of the city.
"So, it seems dinner may be a little uncomfortable this evening?" Dothan asked.
"Seems as though it could. The Coridian's didn't seem to fond of our presence when I was out in the commons area. The structure of the city is gorgeous, though. Look at it as we go by this evening," Odessa informed them. "Speaking of this evening, the day is getting over and we had better get ready."
Dothan looked uncomfortable. "Odessa, do I really have to go? I mean, shouldn't someone stay here and get the packs ready to go?"
Odessa rolled her eyes. He was always very good at getting out of things he didn't want to do. "You really should go, Dothan. Hiyaci has been gracious enough to give us nice rooms, something to eat, and even a guide out of the forest. She has offered the support of her people if we ever need them! The least we can do is join her for dinner." She almost had a reprimanding tone in her voice. She always got frustrated when Dothan didn't remember other people before himself.
Dothan sighed and slumped further into the chair he was sitting in. "Fine," he put in. "But we need to get out as soon as we can. We are going to have an early head start tomorrow morning and need our sleep." This, Odessa had to sigh at. She would have no problem waking up the next morning, but getting these two up was going to be a chore. She didn't expect to actually leave the city until noon, but Dothan's hopes were high, and she didn't say anything. She just sighed.
That evening, in her room, Odessa searched through the small ward-robe of gowns and evening wear that had been supplied to her. They had been placed in her room while she had been visiting with her friends. She tried on, first, a silky wine-colored gown, in a fashion she didn't necessarily care for. The rear of the gown bulged out a little in the apparent style of the Coridian fashion, and the sleeves were cropped at an angle. In all honesty, Odessa wasn't one for wearing dresses on any occasion, but she thought it best not to turn down Hiyaci and make her mad again.
So, Odessa stripped off that dress and shifted, again, through the gowns in the closet.
Turquoise....purple...no!..ew!....She shifted through the gowns until she came to the very last one. The took it out, and her eyes scanned the gown with appreciation. She pulled the gown over her head. It was loose fitting and draped over her body elegantly. She looked at the gown in the make-shift mirror. She was really quite beautiful. The dress was long, and dragged the floor a little behind where she walked. There were no sleeves to the dress, for, it had been made of the summer time. It would be warm in the dining hall, however, so this should be comfortable enough. The gown was a light blue, making a gorgeous contrast between the dark color of her skin and the sparkling fabric as she walked.
She let her dark hair fall down around her neck. It was rare that she ever let it down anyway, and now it fell in thick locks. Her necklace with the vile of poison still hung around her neck and she slipped a few darts under the belt, tied around her waist. There was no way she was going unarmed, anywhere. She looked at herself proud now and her Argalamae shone slightly with her excitement.
She was startled when a knock came to the door. She wasn't expected at the dining hall for another hour. She walked to the door and pulled it open. Hiyaci herself was standing before her and she carried with her a small basket.
"May I come in and speak with you, Odessa?" She asked, as if she thought the answer might be now. Odessa stepped aside and let the woman enter. She sat the basket down on the bed and asked Odessa to take a seat, not commenting on the gown Odessa wore, but only looking on her with approval. The basket on the bed squeaked during the uncomfortable silence.
"I have brought your companion," was all the woman said. Odessa looked at her inquisitively and then brought her gaze down to the basket.
"You have told me your mother was of Abderan. I have not noticed an animal companion with you since you arrived, and hope that you will accept one from me as my parting gift to you," the woman continued.
Odessa, still confused, noticed the basket move. Then she remembered.
[i]Diana, my mother's bird. She could speak with Diana.[/i]
The basket moved again, and Hiyaci opened the top lid. Two small eyes peaked out over the rim of it's carrier, followed by a small pup nose.
"She is an Orthyx, born of a litter only two days before your arrival. She was born from the litter of my own Orthyx, Risto," Hiyaci informed her.
"But I don't know anything about Orthyx!" Exclaimed Odessa, but picked the pup out of the basket. It's clumsiness made her smile, as the small creature tripped and padded and finally fell on the pillow it had been stumbling it's way too. The fur, already long in length, fell down over her eyes. Odessa could barely see the two beady speaks, peaking out from beneath the fringe. Her paws were big and told Odessa the size of the creature would be large when she was fully grown. Her fur was black with patches of grey around the paws and ears and her ears stood straight on end, to enhance the comical look that the little Orthyx was already displaying.
"She will eat whatever she can find on her own. Even from the womb, an Orthyx pup is fully prepared to hunt and survive on its own. The mother usually leaves them immediately. This little one will be your companion for life, Odessa. Work with her, and in a few months time, you will be able to speak with her as mother had Diana. We will send you with someone who knows their way out of the woods. The Orthyx will know her way back, should she need to return. If you ever are in need of our help, send her back with the message. We will get it."
Odessa was led into the dining hall not an hour later. Two guards had appeared at her door and had asked for her presence. She walked, gracefully down the hall behind them, concentrating on her steps and trying not to stumble or trip. They entered the hall. There were candles along the walls, lighting up separate dining areas where most of the Coridians were already seated. There was a large table stretched the length of the room. At one end sat Hyaci, guards standing at either side of her seat. Dothan sat on one side of the high Coridian, with Iggie to his left. The seat on the other side of the woman had been left open for Odessa. She walked to it, and sat. Every eye seemed to be on her. Dothan watched her as she crossed from the doorway to the room, and smiled and she blushed and gave him a wink. He wished she would wear her hair down more often. Still, it wasn't practical when you had to walk miles and the days were hot, to where your hair in your face. She was beautiful, though. His eyes strayed to wrist where she wore the Argalamae openly.
There were gasps as she entered into the room. She wore her symbol out in the open, and those who sat nearest to the door were the first to notice it. She could already hear the whispers spreading like wildfire and she wasn't sure if respect or more fear would come of it. She didn't even fully understand the Argalamae, and didn't expect anyone else to ,either.
But, the people of the jeweled forest did understand the Argalamae. Most had been there during the war, and remembered the help of the Danni. Odessa, since entering the room, had gained more respect with the Coridian's than she could have imagined. They were proud to say that they had hosted a Daani, and could call one friend. Many bowed their heads as she passed and took her seat next to Hiyaci.
Hiyaci rose from her seat, her tall and straight body commanding the attention of her surrounding audience. The room hushed and she rose her glass.
"To better times," she spoke in her loud, booming voice. Everyone toasted, and she continued.
"Odessa and her party have earned the trust of our people. We owe them our allegiance. Her mission is great, and will help not only are people, but all the races of Fangdar," she turned to face Odessa. "We give you our home and our swords. Whatever you need for you journey is yours." Then, she sipped her wine, and sat gracefully back down onto her large thrown. Odessa felt her cheeks flush red and looked over at Dothan. He seemed to be a little red as well, but there was something else in his eyes. Odessa smiled. He was always thinking about something.
They finished the dinner with little more interruption. The small party spoke to Hiyaci of their plans for their long trek. Odessa thought to make her way to Blithtik, for that was the only place she could think to find her brother. That also seemed to be the place she was expected to go by the Coridians.
"Your highness," said Dothan, over dinner. "I have been thinking about your offer to take what we might need for our trip." She cocked her eyebrow at him a little, but bade him go on.
He cleared his throat, "Well, we are not properly armed for our journey and have little money to suffice for shelter or food. Not mention, you took our horse during our meeting in woods, so we have no way of transporting our objects for trading with us."
She smiled. "We will supply you with swords and shields if you so desire. As for money, we use none of it ourselves. We trade only with one another and have no contacts outside of the forest. Your horse, we have kept. That beast will hardly get you to the next town, though. So, we have determined to keep it for you and supply you with three of our stronger, more sturdier steads. You may each ride out of here. Their backs are broad, so there are rooms for your packs as well." She then turned to Odessa. "Have you thought about what to do with the Sly Child?"
"She can't come, Odessa." Dothan knew her all to well. "We can't trust her. We don't even know her and she will just get in the way."
"On the contrary," put in Hiyaci. "While you are quite correct on the trustworthy portion of your claim, Sly's can be quite useful. You see, they have the ability to slip into other people's bodies." The three made a repulsed face and Hiyaci laughed.
"No, it is not as you think. They don't possess the person. They learn to see through the other person's eyes. If she was spying on you, then you may have seen some strange sets of eyes on some of the people you have talked to on your journey here." Odessa remembered the eyes of the bookseller and the farmer.
"But doesn't the person feel anything? Don't they feel...different?" Iggie asked, with a confused look on his face.
"No, the person has no idea that they are any different, or that anyone is even seeing through their eyes. In fact, the body of the Sly could be miles off, it is just her vision she uses in connection with her victim's. She uses his eyes, not his body." There was silence around the table. "She could be useful, if you needed to find out information with out being seen." Dothan scowled, but didn't say anything. He hated to be proven wrong, or at least to out-thought. Hiyaci just smiled back.
So, it was agreed by all, except Dothan, who just grumbled agreement, to take the small-sly creature on their journey, if, that is, she still wanted to go.
The dinner and festivities came to an end, only after much yawning and excuses. The company of men...and Iggie, and the women finally parted ways.
Odessa entered her room and walked to where the nightgown lay, freshly washed, across her bed. She may have looked beautiful tonight, but she would still prefer riding clothes and even nightgowns, to fancy dresses.
She was just undoing her belt, when she noticed in the mirror, the two green eyes, shining in the blackness behind her. She jumped and turned to face the spy. The small sly was perched upon the ward-robe behind her. Odessa tried to smile and not sound startled when she spoke. She didn't want to scare the creature. The sly sat with her legs folded beneath her, the Orthyx in her lap, purring.
"Come down, little one," Odessa said in a kind, coaxing voice. The Sly didn't move, and neither did her eyes from the belt which Odessa still held in her hands. Odessa quickly through the belt across the room to the floor and looked up again at the small creature. She still sat, petting the pup, but she looked much more relaxed. Odessa tried again.
"Come down," he voice was soft, like a mother's tone. "Come down, I want to know you." Odessa went and sat down on the bed an tucked her feet underneath her, as the girl was sitting. The Orthyx bounded out of the Sly's lap and landed with a roll onto the bed. After regaining it's direction, it jumped over to Odessa, landing between her legs. It put it's little ears flat against it's head and closed it's eyes as Odessa stroked it's soft fur.
It's hard to believe this little one can defend itself, and remember the way back to the village. She rubbed the Orthyx a while, musing on this fact and giving the sly a chance to see that she was harmless. When she did look up again, she found that the small creature had made her way down the closet and was standing at the head of the bed, peaking out from behind a banister.
"What are you going to name her?" came the odd, awkward child-like voice. Odessa smiled.
"I haven't decided. Would you like to help me pick one?" The sly nodded and moved a little closer.
"I had a sister, once. Her name was Rithane...Can we name her Rithane?" Her question was quiet, but pleading.
"I love the name Rithane. I think it will be perfect. But, you haven't told me your name. What is it?" The sly watched Odessa for a minute, and Odessa didn't dare to pressure the child. She let go of Orthyx and placed her on the bed in between them. Rithane sat for a moment, and then wobbled to where the small girl watched, her green eyes on Odessa. After a few minutes of silence and thoughtful thinking on both their parts, the answer to Odessa's question came.
"Tegan," she said in a whisper. "My name is Tegan."
"That is a beautiful name, Tegan." Odessa repeated it. "But where is your family? Are they near by?" A large tear fell down the smooth black fur on the child's face. Her green eyes squinted.
"My, my family is gone. I don't know where they went," she was choking back the sobs as she gasped for air. "I woke up and they were just gone..." She lay down on the bed and cried. Rithane sniffed her tears and then waddled back over to her master. Odessa leaned over and stroked Tegan's fur and her sobs, after a time, began to slow. She soon sat back up, wiping her tears from her face.
"You are nice. Can I stay with you, Odessa?"
"Of course you may, Tegan...and we will help you find where your family went." Odessa felt nervous, letting the child go on the journey with them, but she would not be welcome here and had no other place to go. So, Odessa didn't see what other choice she had. She smiled at the child and they spent the evening playing with Rithane.
When night time came, Odessa pulled on her nightgown and crawled into bed. Tegan, who wasn't used to sleeping on such soft surfaces, curled up in the corner, near the fireplace and soon, you could hear the steady breathing of both woman and child. It would be a while before Rithane learned to go to sleep when the lights went out.