Earth called, p.6
Earth Called, page 6
“You may speak,” River said.
“Port City is so poisonous that it diseased any of our people who ate of the animals trapped and killed in or near it. That poison is so lethal that it is the root cause behind the destruction of the Tribe of the Trees as well as Mari and Sora’s Weaver Clan. If an ancient city is toxic, it must be avoided. Always. That is a truth that I know, not simply from living it, but from the Great Earth Mother.”
River nodded in agreement. “Skye, you know the decrees that forbid migration to certain ruins were not made frivolously. You should have come to me the instant you heard such talk.”
“I would have, but I didn’t—”
“Let me finish for you,” Morgana interrupted. “You didn’t believe he’d actually go there. Young Skye, if you are to be an effective Mare Rider you are going to have to expand your belief system and stop being so naïve and easily led astray.” The ancient woman’s head bowed wearily. The Herd watched Morgana carefully, waiting for her to continue. Then she straightened. Morgana reached into the voluminous pocket of the tunic she wore embroidered with the colors of all five Great Herds, and lifted a faceted clear quartz crystal the size of her hand. As she raised it, the crystal began to glow with a pure white light. The senior Mare Council Member’s voice was amplified by the crystal so that it carried throughout the crowded arena.
“Most here know this story, but we have new Herd members who have not heard it—and, sadly, some of our own people appear to have forgotten it.” Her gaze paused on Skye before she continued. “So, hear me all and hear me well as I speak the truth. There is a reason Mare Riders make up our ruling Council as well as lead our Herds. We learned from the time of the great fires and quakes that changed the face of our earth. Until then men were the leaders—and their desire for war and control and violence led their world into destruction. As we rebuilt all those centuries ago we were determined to form a better society—one led by those who create life, who will stop and think before sending their children to war—a society led by compassion and wisdom instead of greed and insatiable lust for more power, more land, more riches. That is why we are a matriarchy and why we shall always be a matriarchy. We follow the path of wild equine herds. We value our males, be they stallion, gelding, or human, but we will never again be ruled by their volatile natures.
“This history lesson is over. The Council has heard enough. River, you are Lead Mare Rider here. It is you who must pass judgment on Clayton and his Bard. The Mare Council shall support that judgment.” Morgana offered the crystal to River.
River didn’t hesitate. She took the crystal, warm and glowing from Morgana’s touch, and held it high. She’d been considering what she should do since the moment Skye had snuck into her tent the night before the Stallion Run and confided that he meant Tulpar harm. “My judgment is that Clayton and his Bard will be found and banished from the Plains of the Wind Riders. If after they have been advised of their sentence they refuse to adhere to the banishment, they will be put to death. Any Rider from our Herd, Magenti Central, who has followed Clayton’s traitorous actions will be banished with him—and should they refuse they, too, will be put to death. Those Riders who are not part of our Herd must be judged by their Lead Mare Riders.”
“We have Council Members here from each of the other Herds who may speak on behalf of them.” Morgana turned to face the women of the Council who sat on their mares in a semicircle behind her. “Cinnabar, what say you?”
A dark-skinned woman whose hair was streaked with silver nudged her sorrel mare forward. “The Warriors of Herd Cinnabar do not abide treason. We agree with River’s judgment.”
“Virides, what say you?”
Another mature Mare Rider urged her Companion forward to join Morgana. “Fleet Virides is in agreement with River.”
“Indigo, what say you?”
A woman whose hair was dyed brilliant blue came forward on a white mare whose mane was dyed the same blue. “The healers of Herd Indigo honor life. And because of that we understand the import of this judgment. There can be no honor in life if Herdmembers behave with arrogant selfishness that puts us all at risk. Indigo agrees with River.”
“And Jonquil, what say you?”
The last Rider who came forward had hair so blond it appeared to glisten like precious silver. Her mare was solid black, except for gray around her muzzle and eyes. “The expert Hunters of Jonquil do not tolerate sedition. We agree with River.”
“The Council concurs with the Lead Mare Rider of Herd Magenti,” said Morgana after she and her mare faced the crowded theater again. “Judgment is passed on Stallion Rider Clayton, his Bard, and all those who follow them. It has been said!”
“It has been said!” echoed the Mare Council.
Morgana bowed to River. “Continue, Lead Mare Rider.”
The Choosing Theater was utterly silent as River, holding the glowing crystal aloft in one hand and cradling little Kit with her other, went to stand directly in front of Skye and Scout—Anjo at her side. “Make your decision now, Skye. Do you follow Clayton or do you follow your Herd?”
Skye’s face lost all color. “I—I made that decision when I didn’t go with Clayton.”
“I’m not so sure you did, but know I will never ask you again. Choose!”
“I choose Herd Magenti,” said Skye softly.
“Louder for the Herd to hear. We will never again tolerate whispers.”
Skye raised her voice. “I choose my Herd!”
“It has been said!” River shouted. She turned her back on Skye and reverently returned the still-glowing crystal to Morgana before announcing, “The judgment is complete. You may depart. Hunters and Stallion Riders, please remain. We have much to—”
A commotion at the mouth of the Choosing Theater interrupted River’s words. The crowd’s attention shifted to the entrance to the field where a huge male Lynx limped into view with his Companion staggering behind him.
“I—I must speak with the Mare Council!” the man shouted before he fell to his knees, where he gasped for breath as his Lynx circled him, staggering and mewing with concern.
CHAPTER 4
Dax! Bloody beetle balls, I think that’s Dax and his Lynx, Mihos.” From their place in the viewing stands Nik stood to stare at the Lynx and his exhausted Companion.
“You know him?” Mari asked.
“Wilkes, that’s Dax, isn’t it?” Nik asked the tall Shepherd Companion sitting behind him who had led the Warriors of Tribe of the Trees for more than a decade.
“Yes, I believe that is Dax,” said Wilkes.
“Where’s Antreas?” Mari asked.
“Here—here.” Antreas, with Bast and Danita, his mate, beside him hurried down from their seats higher in the grand stadium. “That’s Dax and his Mihos. Something’s gravely wrong. I’ve never seen a Lynx allow his or her Companion to become so exhausted.”
“Let’s get down there.” Mari grabbed Nik’s hand. “Come on. We need to help.” Mari, Antreas, and Nik, with their Companions closely following, made their way quickly through the crowd and down to the field, where Mari pushed past the circle of concerned Herdmembers. “Excuse me, please. Sorry. Excuse me. Please let us through,” she murmured as she shouldered her way to the fallen Lynx Companion.
They broke through the circle of people to see River trying to calm Mihos while the injured Lynx stood over his Companion, hissing and snarling at her. There was blood everywhere the big feline stepped and Dax was absolutely still.
“This looks really bad,” said Mari.
The moment Antreas got inside the circle, he told Mari, “I can try to help, but everyone needs to back off before Mihos hurts someone.”
“River!” Mari called for the Lead Mare Rider’s attention. “Antreas knows this Companion. If you allow it, he can attempt to help.”
River nodded with relief and backed slowly to the circumference of the circle of silently watching people. “Yes, please.”
“Bast, speak with Mihos right away. Tell him we only want to help Dax.” Antreas spoke quickly to his Lynx before he made any move to approach the fallen Companion.
Bast padded into the circle. The angry Lynx even turned on her, hissing a warning. Bast held her ground and made soft, soothing sounds that were a mixture of meows and chirps.
“Yes.” Antreas nodded. “I hear you, Bast. I know Mihos is injured, too, and not in his right mind. I will not go to Dax until Mihos gives me permission.”
“Our healers will gladly care for both Companion and Lynx if Mihos will allow,” said River.
The big male Lynx hissed at Antreas, though he lurched slightly to the side of his still Companion.
“Mihos, listen to Bast. We are a bonded Lynx pair. Scent me. You know us. I would never harm you or your Companion. I need to check your Dax. I need to help him.” Antreas spoke calmly to the Lynx, who growled low in his massive chest as he alternated holding one paw and then another off the ground.
“The Lynx’s paws are all bloody. They’re bleeding badly, and I don’t like how still Dax is. I need to do something now,” Mari said.
“Careful.” Nik spoke quietly to her. “As long as Dax is unconscious his Companion could be very dangerous; Mihos is clearly not in his right mind.”
Mari squeezed Nik’s hand. “I can communicate with him. It’ll be fine.” She stepped into the cleared circle around Dax and his Mihos. Closer to the pair Mari could see that it was as she suspected. The Lynx’s bloody paws soaked the grassy ground around Dax. Mari drew a deep breath and concentrated on the big feline. First she sent him waves of love and comfort.
Mihos had been watching Antreas, yellow eyes narrowed menacingly, as he moved slowly toward Dax, but as Mari touched his mind the big Lynx’s head snapped around and he stared at her.
That’s right. It’s me. I’m Mari. I’m a healer. I can help you, and I can help your Dax. Will you let me, please? With her words Mari sketched a picture in her mind that showed her putting salve on the feline’s wounded paws and a second sketch of her gently examining Dax.
At the same time Bast padded closer to Mihos while she continued to chirp and mew calmly.
Dax hurt! Paws hurt! Must get to Council!
Mari almost staggered back at the force with which Mihos responded to her.
“I understand, and you have made it. The Mare Council is here.” Mari spoke aloud calmly as she kept sketching pictures of help, adding the Mare Council to the frames as she sent them to the Lynx. “But you have to let me—let us—close to both of you.” Mari gestured at Antreas, River, and the rest of the silently watching crowd. “Will you?”
Help Dax first. Mihos flooded Mari’s mind with his answer as he finally groaned with exhaustion and lay down beside Dax.
“Thank you, beautiful boy,” said Mari. “Sora!”
“Right behind you. Jenna ran for our medicine baskets as soon as she saw the Companion fall to his knees.” She shoved a basket loaded with salves and bandages into Mari’s hand and then scooped her Terrier pup, Chloe, from her baby sling and handed her to Jenna, who was panting beside her. “Chloe, stay with Jenna.”
“Mihos, this is Sora. She is another healer. Will you let her tend to Dax?” Mari asked the Lynx as she sent him a visual image of Sora examining the Companion.
Dax first, Mihos blasted into her mind.
Mari glanced at River as she and Sora entered the cleared circle. “Mihos will let us help them, but Sora must see to Dax first. Could someone bring fresh water?”
“Right away.” River nodded to April, who sprinted away. “We can take them to our infirmary inside the cave—if Mihos will allow.”
Sora went quickly to Dax while Mari approached the wounded Lynx. She knelt slowly beside him. “May I touch you?”
The feline’s gaze was locked on Dax, but he responded, Yes.
Mari gently stroked the big feline’s head. She could feel that his body was trembling. “It’s going to be okay. Everything is going to be okay.” The Lynx chirped pitifully and fretfully licked at one of his paws as he sent Mari waves of pain and fear for his Companion.
“I’m going to touch your paws, but I will be very careful and try not to hurt you.” Mari spoke softly to the Lynx.
Paws hurt, he told Mari as he slid a huge, bloody pad toward her and then leaned on his side so that she had access to all four—though he never took his gaze from Dax.
Quickly, efficiently, Mari examined the feline’s paws. They were in horrible shape, torn and seeping blood—worse even than Rigel’s paws had been after he’d fought a Swarm to find and Choose her. Mihos must be in terrible pain. It would take weeks for him to heal, even after she called down the moon and used its power to soothe him.
“May we move you, sweet boy?” Mari asked.
Help best moved? The Lynx’s question filled her mind.
Mari ignored the headache the Lynx’s loud psychic voice built in her temples. “Yes, Mihos. It will be a great help if we can move both of you.”
Me with Dax!
Mari cringed slightly but nodded. “Yes, of course. You will always be with Dax.”
Move. Help. The Lynx began to struggle to his feet again but yowled in pain as he put weight on his bleeding paws.
“Oh, no.” Mari wrapped her arms around the Lynx and pulled him onto her lap to ease the pressure from his paws. “Let us carry you. Please, Mihos.”
You carry, Mihos told her.
“I will definitely carry you,” said Mari. Then, as she guessed the full-grown male feline probably weighed almost as much as Laru, she added, “May my mate, Nik, help me lift you?” Mari motioned for Nik to join her.
“Hey there, Mihos.” Nik spoke softly to the Lynx as he joined Mari. “Remember me? Remember Laru?” Behind Nik, Laru huffed a greeting.
Mihos sniffed the air as he looked from Nik to Laru. Sol’s Laru?
“He asks if that’s Sol’s Laru,” said Mari.
Nik crouched before Mihos. “Yes, Laru was Sol’s, but when my father died I was greatly blessed when he Chose me as his Companion. I will be very careful if you allow me to carry you. I give you my word.”
Laru’s Nik can carry, Mihos told Mari.
“Thank you, Mihos.” Mari spoke quickly. “Mihos will allow Nik to carry him to the infirmary, but he must remain close to Dax.”
“I-I’ll be fine.” Dax’s voice was weak, and when he struggled to sit Mihos mewed pitifully.
Antreas, who had joined Sora as she examined Dax, gently pressed the Companion’s shoulder down. “Old friend, I do not believe you are fine, but with Sora and Mari caring for you, both you and your Mihos will be.”
Dax lay back, but he reached out and touched Mihos’s shoulder. “My boy … I—I tried to get him to rest, to wait and let me finish the trek here, but he refused. His paws…” The Companion’s voice broke as he continued. “N-nettles—goatheads—he tried to find a shortcut here and ran into a thicket be-before I could stop him.”
Mihos mewed pitifully and licked Dax’s hand.
“I can heal Mihos. I promise you,” Mari said to Dax.
“And I can heal you,” said Sora firmly. “But you’ll need rest, hydration, and food. You and your Lynx are practically skeletons.”
Mari felt a jolt of shock as she realized she’d been so focused on Mihos’s shredded paws that she hadn’t noticed that the Lynx was all bone under his thick pelt.
“Dax, we’re going to carry both of you to the infirmary. You and your Lynx are in shock,” Mari said.
“Yes. Whatever is best, but I must speak with the Mare Council and whoever is Lead Mare Rider of Herd Magenti—I am in Magenti territory, correct?” Dax said.
“I am River, Lead Mare Rider of Herd Magenti.” River stepped closer to them. “A majority of the Mare Council are here as well,” she told Dax.
Dax ignored Antreas’s hand on his shoulder and sat up as he said, “You must know”—but his voice broke off as his eyes rolled to show their whites and he sank back down to the bloodstained grass.
Mihos yowled and began to struggle in Mari’s arms.
“Sssh, be still,” Mari soothed.
Sora raised her voice over the Lynx’s protestations. “Where’s that water? We need to stop the talking and transport these two now—and we need warm blankets and water boiled.”
“Here! Here!” The crowd around them opened to allow April through. She carried a skin full of water and was followed by two men with a stretcher between them. Dax had regained consciousness again, though his face was the color of old milk.
“Here, carefully, just drink a little right now,” said Sora as she held the water to Dax’s lips.
He took two long pulls from the skin before he wiped his mouth with a trembling hand and said, “Mihos. Give Mihos some, too.”
Sora passed the skin to Mari, who poured the water into Nik’s cupped hands, and the Lynx lapped thirstily.
“Ready to carry him?” Mari asked Nik.
“Yes, absolutely.”
Nik lifted Mihos as Mari helped take care with his bloody paws. At the same time Dax was placed on the stretcher. The crowd parted and River led them from the Choosing Theater, calling over her shoulder, “Dove, Tulpar, Morgana, and Mother, please stand by to join us. April! Gather our Stallion Riders and Hunters, as well as any Rider team from the other Herds who are still here. I will speak with them shortly.”
Side by side, they transported the Lynx and his Companion through the heart of Herd Magenti and to the enormous cave. Just inside the entrance River turned to the right and led them to a large circular room that was filled with comfortable pallets—some equine sized and some human sized—a briskly burning hearth fire, and crystals everywhere that glowed like they were ensouled.
They placed Dax and Mihos on pallets beside each other as River made quick introductions. “This is Griffin, our Lead Healer.” She gestured to an attractive woman with kind brown eyes and a compassionate smile. “She is Mare Rider to Minka, and this is her assistant, Mikayla, Gelding Rider to Avalon. Ladies, please support Mari and Sora in any way you can.”
“Of course,” said Griffin. “How may we help?”
