Postby Mimichan » Thu Oct 02, 2003 12:00 am
The Guardian's eyes adjusted to the diminutive light of the chamber. It was the Queen Mother's failing eyesight, she knew, that had her living in shadow all the livelong day. It was an odd condition the Queen had that caused sensitivity to light and had the royal handmaidens forever tripping over one another's tails. Somehow or another every one of them managed to get their tasks done. That the Queen was happy-may her flame burn forever-was all that really mattered in the end anyway. The Guardian kept her pace deliberate and steady. It would not do to rush into the Queen Mother's presence. Form must be upheld at all costs. The Queen Mother was adamant about that.
Only a few paces away, the Queen Mother eyed the Guardian's advancement with all the scrutiny of a Dragon Scout surveying hostile territory. Although, the Guardian would never have admitted it to anyone, the Queen Mother's gaze was enough to send chills up her spine. That gaze, she thought, could burn a hole into the side of a mountain. It looked right through you and saw everything you did not want it to see. The Guardian kept her face expressionless. She had no time to feel intimidated. Let some lesser dragon afford the luxury, she could not. When she was at the appropriate distance, the Guardian halted her advancement and made obeisance to the ruler of Aiken'yar. She bowed low, talons downward and held out to either side. With her wings opened and her gaze lowered she greeted the Queen.
"Hail to the Queen Mother, most wise and powerful. Hail to the ruler of Aiken'yar! May your flame burn forever!"
The Queen acknowledged the greeting with a nod of her head. " You are well met, Mithaya, Guardian of Clan Aiken'yar. Tell us, if you can, what news of the attack? We grow restless waiting here."
The Guardian looked puzzled. " 'We', my Queen?" she asked. Her gaze followed the Queen's into the shadows nearby. Ah of course. The Guardian had been focusing so keenly on the figure before her that she had neglected to note the equally formidable one just to the left of her. The figure stepped forward and into plain sight. As Guardian, she was supposed to be aware of everything around her. She was supposed to see what others could not. Her defenses had been caught off guard and by the one dragon she least desired it to. She lowered her head respectfully. "Maisige, forgive me, my senses must be faltering this night."
The High Priestess of Aiken'yar merely inclined her head. "Do not be too harsh with yourself, Mithaya, Guardian and Protector of the Clan. I was hidden beyond your senses. It is an ability I find most useful." Her tone was laced with secrets and her piercing eyes held much knowledge. "But enough of me," she continued, " You were about to tell the Queen of the circumstances above us."
The Guardian nodded. "So far, we have managed to keep them at bay. There is the Rockbiter of course. But it has not caused us as much trouble as we'd feared. Incidently, there is a Priest of Dai'og Theyhl riding on its back. It is my belief, my Queen, that the Rockbiter is not here of its own free will."
The Priestess, Maisige, spoke up. "You believe the creature is being coerced?" The Guardian nodded.
"Yes, Maisige. Its rider wields an odd-looking staff according to the reports I've received. And its movements appear unnatural."
Maisige narrowed her eyes and muttered half aloud. "The Priests of Clan Dai'og Theyhl are known for poisoning innocent minds into submission. 'To coerce is to rule' as they say. It is entirely possible that the Rockbiter is being forced into attacking the lair. Its kind has no quarrel with us. Besides, they are not fighters."
"That is true," said the Queen Mother. She adjusted herself into a more comfortable position on the dais, her tail swinging idly from side to side. "And I have always granted them safe passage through our lands during their Great Migration. I see no reason for them to come against us. Besides, did you not say there was only one? Rockbiters never travel in groups of less than five. They must have separated this one somehow."
The Guardian nodded. "That is my belief as well. If one of the warriors can manage to get rid of the Priest...."
Maisige interrupted, "Go carefully Mithaya. A Priest of Dai'og Theyhl is no fledgling in the nursery! And this one has a great weapon within his grasp. He will not let go of it easily. Do not underestimate him." The priestess waited until she saw the Guardian's acknowledgement and then retreated once more into the shadows.
"My Queen, there is another matter I would like to discuss if I have your leave." The Guardian said. Now it was time to discover the fate of the young female she'd left in the dungeon. While the Guardian had no quarrel with Fannie, it was her obligation to bring this matter before the ruler of the clan. Still, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. She had known for some time of Fannie's interests. Perhaps if she hadn't winked at the problem like some trivial thing, Fannie would not have gone so far. The Guardian sighed. It was too late for regrets. Fannie knew the Law just as everyone else did.
"This female. How old is she?" asked the Queen. "She is no more than 200, my Queen" came the Guardian's reply.
"200 you say? Why she isn't even old enough to control her flame completely! Is this my lot as Queen of Aiken'yar--to destroy the life of such a young dragon? Has she even bore her first litter yet?" demanded the Queen Mother.
To this the Priestess, who had been listening in the darkness, spoke up. "This young female has bore no young. She is still under the care of den mothers Akaha-n and Fautheiy'l. But she is too curious about the humans. And she is also fond of going where she should not." The priestess of Aiken'yar went silent once more. The Guardian wondered how much the priestess really knew but kept her eyes upon the Queen.
The Queen Mother remained silent for a few moments. " This dragon is but a child. Perhaps the fault lies not within her, but perhaps the fault is with those who are charged with her care. Females at her age are very impressionable and also very curious. It is the nature of a female to wander and explore. The den mothers should be more aware of what is going on around them. Had they been more attentive this probably would never have happened."
The Guardian inclined her head. "As you say, Queen Mother. But what is to be done with the girl?"
"Of course, there must be some form of punishment. Such a crime cannot go unchecked. Yet, I will be merciful in consideration for her age. She is still young. I do not think she is without hope. It is simply a matter of getting her upon the correct path once more. You may leave her in the dungeon for now. I will summon for her before night falls tomorrow." And with that the Queen waved the Guardian away.
The Guardian made a swift bow, backed up three paces, and slowly turned to leave the chamber. It had gone much better for the young one than she'd thought it would. The Queen Mother was in a benevolent mood, it seemed. Quickening her pace, the Guardian decided to check on Fannie once more.
Back in the dungeon, Faien'nithayah groaned softly and opened her eyes.
"Why do people not notice until they lose it?
What it is that's truly important...
Although I can't afford to forgive even myself,
Because you were there,
I was able to be myself (Natural).
I want to be honest...I want to be kind...
I want to be the adult I once (in my childhood) longed to be.
I go on fighting against the heart to run away...
I go on fighting against that invisible something!"---
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