Set nudged me awake while it was still dark.
"I smell people. But I can't tell it they are friends or bad people," he told me almost as an apology.
"Waking me was the right thing. Let's see who these people are."
Extending our senses, Vanity and I felt several approaching entities. About a dozen from the west and about half that from the east. The west group felt angry and hostile. The east group radiated confusion and apprehension. Leo had awaken and aided us in finding the cause of each emotion. Focusing on the hostile group, we found they were soldiers sent to do a task they felt was beneath them: rounding up runaway sheep. We found that the sheep were among the last pure Crialas stock in the kingdom, which made them highly prized. Turning to the eastern group, we found another group of soldiers, who were anxious about finding "the scourge", not sure what it was, exactly, and what to do if or when they found it. The new growth we caused confused them, even in the dark. We pushed a little more and were shocked that it was Leo for whom they were searching. There were contradicting tales as to how he looked and what he had done. My sisters were awake by now and helping find the whole story. The western group had moved north and out of our path. The eastern group was following the trail of growth as if it, alone, would lead to him. We discussed this as we made breakfast and broke camp. Janesh and company told us that Crialas Paguoe or Prime was less than a day's ride from here, so we could wait for the soldiers. It was agreed to do just that.
An hour after dawn, the soldiers arrived. They approached with swords drawn and arrows notched. One called to Janesh.
"Major? Is all well? This monster causing you any trouble? It has been seen over many cities, leaving a trail of strange plants devoid of snow. We cannot let it reach the Paguoe and cause any destruction," he said, not taking his eyes off of Leo.
Janesh and company listened, then began to laugh. We seven also chuckled. Set came from among the horses. The new soldiers reacted in fear, unsure of which dragon to guard. Janesh went to them, placing himself between them and Leo.
"Officers, these dragons are not a threat. We are taking the Seven Sisters of the Swords to Crialas Paguoe and the Crowns."
"The...the Sisters? These girls? Oh, sirs, surely you cannot believe these young girls are those Sisters. Those legends are human tales of rubbish. Our Crowns spent too much time in those lands if they are convinced those stories are real," the same soldier replied.
We looked at each other, trying to find some way to get them to lower their weapons and return to their homes.
I don't know if I heard it or sensed it, but I perceived one of the archers' fingers slip on his bow. I turned to see the arrow leave the string. As if time had slowed greatly, I watched it heading for Leo, through Janesh. I raised a hand and said, "Transforae". In mid-air, the arrow became a huge rose that softly thudded into Janesh's chest. The whole sequence took but a second or two.
As they were trying to figure out what had happened, Leo picked up the rose.
"Magnificent cabbage rose, Kayla. That was quick thinking." Leo commented as he examined it.
I blushed a moment. The new guards lowered weapons as they looked at Leo, me, and each other.
"It speaks."
"She changed an arrow into a rose."
"We almost killed a major of the Royal Guard."
They closed ranks and spoke low to each other. We got a sense that they didn't know dragons spoke. Also, we could tell they were appalled at the thought of accidentally killing one of their own. Finally, they reached an agreement.
"Major, we were mistaken. This being, this large dragon, is not the rampaging beast we were told to eliminate. Dragon, it is our hope you have a pleasant stay in Crialas. Ladies, while we cannot say for certain we believe you are the Seven Sisters, we know that you are mighty in magic and hope you can aid in returning our land to normal. Good day and good travels."
They saluted and turned back to the east. We waited for them to be out of sight before we got into the saddle. Leo said good-bye and took off, clutching the large rose as he flew.
I saw the energy above Crialas Paguoe before any of us saw the city. A dizzying rainbow of colors, swirls, bolts, and sparks bounced around on the horizon. I told the rest what I saw. Janesh and company sighed heavily, conveying their sadness about its current state. They warned us to keep close ranks when we entered the city as it would be very easy for us to get separated and lost. Set was flying around to both stretch growing wings and not be bored. He had grown enough to not fit easily in the extension on my saddle. He had to trot a bit to keep up when walking, but he could manage.
The city rose from the landscape large and beautiful. The stone had a pink cast to it. Janesh told us that all of the marble in this area had it and that whole hills were solid marble, more than enough to build a city. Curiously, there were no spires, towers, or any really tall structures. We were informed that an ancient war with giants resulted in building down instead of up. Nearly all of Crialas Paguoe's structures had large subterranean sections. Many of the shops could be visited without seeing the sky as they were connected by tunnels.
Just before reaching the gates, we performed Sloth's exercise to purge ourselves of harmful energy and thoughts. I noticed one of the guards writing as we did. She said it would make a good addition to the mental training the guards received to keep their minds sharp and focused. Sloth, through Anna, thanked her and helped correct any errors in her details.
Outside the gates, the city noise was a low murmur. Upon entering, the noise rose substantially. Set roared against the noise, but it did not diminish. He laid across my lap, claws over his ears, and whimpered. I placed my cloak over him to further shield him. We stayed tight upon each other's heels, parting the people as we traveled. Our presence was barely acknowledged, like a stone tossed in a lake. Janesh led us through the maze of Crialas Paguoe, stopping only when the path was blocked. By mid-afternoon, he halted us before a four-story building.
"We're here, Ladies, the Palace of Crialas."
Looking at it, we thought he was mistaken. It looked like dozens of other buildings we had passed. No flags nor banners flew, no seal nor herald anywhere, not a mark to distinguish it from any other. Trusting the guards, we dismounted. More, younger, guards arrived and took possession of our horses. We walked up to a set of doors, which were opened before us by two more guards. A valet appeared and told us the Crowns were in the dining chambers, waiting for us.
Janesh cringed and told us, "The Crowns eat in private. The only reason they are in that chamber is to accommodate a large number of guests. Brace yourselves, Ladies, we are about to be interrogated."
We nodded without verbal comment. The valet led us through the corridors, down stairs, and, finally, to a set of ornate doors. He told us to wait here and entered alone. The muddle of voices ended just after the doors were closed. Janesh stiffened, as well as the rest of our guards. The doors opened and the valet told us to enter. We entered cautiously, the emotions pouring around us like a river. A sea of faces watched us in silence as we walked through the large room towards a pair of large chairs at the far end. We stopped a dozen paces from the Crowns, who were elegantly dressed and seated in the large chairs. Only by their eyes were we able to recognize them as the deer couple from Brimgrove.
"Welcome to Crialas Paguoe, Seven Sisters. We are so pleased that you have come to aid us," the King spoke loud enough to be heard by the entire chamber.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," we chimed in as one.
Odd looks assaulted us. Set leaned so hard against my leg that I had trouble standing. I knelt to comfort him. Gasps rose from the assembly.
A male elf stood and shouted, "All eyes upon the Crowns! That beast should not even be in here. Guards! Remove it!"
Janesh and company remained as still as statues. I continued to comfort Set. The same one called three more times for the guards to remove Set. Having my fill, I stood and approached this male elf, who was still standing. We stared at each other a moment. He tried to make me cower by rattling off meaningless titles.
Finally, he said, "You turn from a king and queen to coddle some animal."
"No, sir," I told him in a matter-of-fact tone, "I turn from a king and queen to comfort an emperor."
Another round of gasps. Others rose to look at Set better. The tension was broken by laughter, the King's laughter. The Queen's titters went unheard.
"Sit down, Havark, you windbag. We were not insulted. Sarroset, being so young, became frightened and Kayla did what a proper dragon rider would do for her partner. Kayla, please return to Set so we can get this formality over and done," the King stated after recovering from his mirth.
Giving Havark one last hard look, I went back to Set, who buried his head in my embrace.
"Now, Janesh told us you met some powers of this realm on your journey. Please, elaborate for this assembly," the King gently ordered.
Alice stepped forward, Dawn perched elegantly upon her shoulder, "Crowns, at the cloister of Aldoahrn, we met the Treegal goddess Treenaliza in person. The Oracle, Sister Willow, channelled the god Lor-O-Va. Outside Aldoahrn, we healed a large tree which houses the dryad Lyrica, who when to sleep when her tree became effected. The dragon god Brimagor came to our aid in Scarnac. We called for aid in Orda and awoke the river goddess Danaska who used our sister, Lisa's, body to take us out of Orda by pulling us out of the stream of time. Last night, a friend of our's, a dragon, visited with us and spend the night and part of the day at camp with us. After a misunderstanding with some other guards this morning, we finished our trip to stand before you."
Alice returned to our side in utter silence. Looks of shock, disbelief, and horror contorted every face save the Crowns and one elderly-looking elf woman. This woman did not rise, but turned to face the Crowns.
"It is as foreseen. These girls have done more in a few days than this entire assembly has in hundreds of years. The powers hear their blood and respond positively."
The Crowns bobbed their heads in agreement.
Turning back to us, the King asked, "Who is of elf blood?"
Alice and Lisa stepped forward.
"Do you know your ancestor's name or family?" he asked, voice slightly tinged with anxiety.
Alice and Lisa looked at each other. A quick dialogue revealed that neither knew his name.
"We are unsure of his name," Lisa reported, "but we have his crest."
The King motioned for a male elf to examine it. The pair produced the tree harp shield.
The examiner gasped, "Tree Singer! They bear the herald of the Tree Singer clan."
The silent assembly began mumbling. The examiner returned to his seat.
Seeing our confusion, the King explained, "The Fifteen Founders of Crialas Paguoe were seven mated pairs and one single male elf of the Tree Singer clan. Being a bard, he felt no need to stay long in a growing city of people more focused on labor than lyrics. We found a few of his children, on whom he had bestowed the Tree Singer name. When he disappeared from this land, we assumed he had met a foul end. Obviously, he traveled to the east and became the ancestor of these ladies. Who gave you these heralds?"
"The Faerie Queen," all seven of us responded.
Several loud thuds followed our statement. We saw a handful of the assembly had fainted and fell from their chairs.
For the first time, the Queen spoke, "Inform the assembly how you know the Faerie Queen."
Standing with my hand upon Set, I responded, "She is my ancestor. I am her heir and blood kin."
More thuds as more of the assembly fainted. I knelt back down and allowed Set to snuggle back into my embrace.
"Are we done? All these people smell funny and I am starving," Set pleaded.
The King answered, "We held off serving the meal until you arrived. Since the emperor hungers so, we will take up the questioning at a later time. Guards, you are dismissed to find quarters and nourishment. Major Janesh, you may stay or leave at your will."
Janesh bowed, "I wish to stay. I have news my commanders, who are here, need to know at once."
The King nodded. Janesh dismissed the other guards. We bid them good-bye and thanked them for their service and company. Smiles cracked their stony faces as they marched from the room. A table was emptied for the seven of us as Janesh sat with other military figures.
An army of servants entered, burdened with mounds of food. They did not speak, even when rude attacks were made on their persons. I also noticed many leering eyes directed at us. When we were served, I saw the fear and humiliation in our server's eyes. I did not touch her, but brushed a wisp of good energy around her. Shock widened her eyes at that touch. We locked eyes for but a moment, but a thousand burdens passed between us. She left with the understanding that none of it was her fault and she was blameless for their actions.
After she left, Lisa reported the same taint as the cloister, a bit stronger though, on this food as well. While we had no blessing to over our activity, the rest of the room seemed to be ignoring us and focused on eating. We purified our table, plus a good twenty feet around us. This caught not only a few neighboring tables, but some servers as well. Unfortunately, this resulted in several squabbles. Just as unfortunate, the servers became the scapegoats, blamed for showing favoritism and serving the best to their "friends". The energy building from this was distressing us and the rest of the assembly. Even the King's shouts for order went unheard and unheeded. Taking each other's hands, plus Set leaning against me, I drew this energy into me, as much as I could handle.
I shouted one word, "SILENCIA!"
The room went dead silent. Even the dishes and serving ware was silent. It took several minutes for everyone to realize what was happening. Save for us, even mental voices were silenced. We could see them strain, trying to hear each other's mental communication. They tested snapping fingers, banging pitchers, anything to make noise. Not a sound was produced.
Still humming with energy, my sisters and I stood, Set close at my side. This move caused the assembly to focus upon us. In a mirror, I caught a glimpse of what they were seeing: a slight fog brushing our feet and a watery light hovering around us. We turned to speak to them, all of us at once.
"We have silenced this room. You attack the innocent. We purified our food. Some of the rest was purified as well. No favorites have been played. We turned your energy back upon you. We will not release you until you agree to be civil to each other, the servants, and us."
Silent shouting was directed at us. Rude gestures said what spoken words could not. We sat back down and ate as they continued their tirades. Set ate heartily from the plate he had been given. Silent servants ignored the ranting assembly, braved the fog around us, and served us, smiling. Finally, we noticed them becoming calmer, or simply tiring themselves out. We saw a scroll being passed between the people. Janesh was elected to hand it to us. We unrolled it and read:
"Seven Sisters,
All the undersigned apologize for our boorish behavior and agree to your terms of civility to each other, the servants, and you. We, humbly, ask that you remove this from us and purify all the food so none are missed. We accept who and what you are and believe you can aid us."
The rest of the scroll was covered in names. We rose and walked to an open area. All of us holding the scroll as well as Set, Dawn, and Bo touching it, we spoke."All who have signed this are bound by these words. Fate, be witness to this agreement. Should any go back on this, let Fate deal with them as is just."
The scroll rose from our grasp, pulling the fog and light with it. It began to spin, gathering speed until the last wisp of fog and spark of light was held within it. In a bright burst, it exploded in a display of light and clean energy.
In my head, I heard, "Well done, my cleric."
Sound returned and, as we could feel, every bit of food both in the dining chamber and kitchens was purified of any taint, poison, or ill effect. The assembly tested food, voice, and mental communication. Finding all to be well, they dug into their meals with vigor. A look at the Crowns resulted in twin salutes from them.
While eating, one male elf tried to accost one of the serving women. His scream brought all eyes upon him. His hand was smoking. We became aware of his crime and, while no lasting damage was done, he understood what he had agreed to and the consequences. He stared at us a moment before returning to his meal. The rest returned to their's as well.
It was late when the last of the dishes were removed. The King announced that our discussion would be taken up again tomorrow. The assembly filed out. A valet told us he was to show us to our quarters. He apologized that they had not given us a "proper" room when we had arrived, but that had been remedied. Alice, mentally, told us how the servants' view of us had changed and they gave us a different room to fit our new status. We were astonished at this massive room as he opened the door. Seven large beds were tiny in comparison to the sheer size of the room. My parents' home could have fit inside here plus the garden. Before we could protest, he smiled, bowed, and left. We found our things meticulously laid out and every scrap of clothing hung or stowed. Nothing was amiss. We got ready for bed and collapsed into exhausted slumber.
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