The Silver Hawk

By Beaulah Pragg

Tynan shouldn't have this power, and when the priestesses find out, they come for him.

His twin sister, Tasya, is a spy in the palace serving as handmaid to the Royal Heir. To keep her vow to save her brother, she'll have to walk a fine line between love and betrayal.

Meanwhile, Maat and Mikael watch from their orbital space station, forbidden to interfere in what should be a routine experiment. But when they learn their population have been scheduled for termination, they realize just how much they've come to care for their crazy mortal family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beaulah Pragg
• Release date: Dec 12, 2010
• ISBN: 9781458041302

Beaulah Pragg

Beaulah works for Christchurch City Libraries, as well as teaching creative writing and independent publishing. She is a founding member of the Christchurch Writers' Guild, a free and accessible space for new writers to find encouragement and support. Her novel, The Silver Hawk, is the first in a science fiction / fantasy trilogy for young adults.

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Chronicles of Tyria: Book 1

The Silver Hawk

Beaulah Pragg

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2011 Beaulah Pragg

Chapter 1

Mikael leaned back in his favorite leather chair, taking a break from more than ten hours of cataloguing. A last minute scramble to get that report done, yet again. He knew he should be more dedicated if he ever wanted to earn a promotion, but it all seemed so pointless. He glanced out the lab window at the blue planet, swirling with opaque grey clouds. The same one he had been studying for the last hundred cycles. Tyria, they called it in the human tongue. He could still hear his mother's strict instructions: observe and catalogue. Do not mess this one up.

He had been following those instructions for what felt like his entire life. Meanwhile, she was off exploring the outer rims of known space, discovering new planets and species, and climbing her way up through the ranks of the Narian Scientific Advisory Board. Mikael and his twin sister Maat had all but given up any hope that she would put in a good word for them.

Mikael pushed himself out of his chair and wandered over to the window. He stared at the planet, tracing the main continent with his eyes. He and Maat used to laugh about how much it looked like the scar on Uncle Tarrin’s cheek, squarish and jagged around the edges. The joke had worn thin within five cycles. After fifty cycles, Mikael had stopped thinking about the planet as anything more than statistics. He felt like he was drowning in a sea of numbers, from live birth rates, daily average temperatures and seasonal crop yields, to the migration patterns of the bald yak, an essential food source for human settlements in the northern provinces. Finding plausible correlations in that mess was a never ending struggle. Mikael squeezed his eyes closed, his head spinning. He needed to take a break.

He wandered out of the lab and down the main corridor, dimly lit at this time of night, towards Maat’s holographic recreation room. It wasn't far. Their orbital science station was efficient in design, a single ring surrounding their miniature sun reactor. The engineering bay and ship mainframe were all down in the spire. Maat was responsible for keeping everything running smoothly, but she barely needed to do anything. The ship was smart enough to repair itself, most of the time.

Mikael paused outside the holo-room, taking in the first shafts of sunlight streaking over the edge of Tyria. It reminded him of his first few cycles on this mission. He and Maat had been so excited back then, watching their humans like doting parents. When his mother set up the experiment, she had taught the population to believe that Maat and Mikael were gods. It had been fun, at first, to hear them compose songs in Maat's honor or use Mikael's name as a battle cry before bringing down a mighty beast, but then they had their first great war - a battle over who had the right to use magic. The male magicians rallied together under Mikael's name while the priestesses dedicated themselves to Maat alone. The magicians lost and were driven out into the Desert. Mikael’s name became a curse and from then on, he was referred to the 'Dark God', but he had stopped caring.

Mikael tore his gaze away from the planet. At the rate he was going, it would be a millennium before the Board remembered he existed out here. Probably a couple more before he managed to drop the ‘Junior’ from his title. What he needed was something big, a really important discovery like the ones his mother made every few cycles.

He entered the holo-room—an empty dome lined with micro-projectors and a walkway around the outer edge. Maat stood on the far side of the room, white hair curling over her shoulders. Last time he saw her, it had been sapphire. Perhaps she was going for the ‘venerable mother’ look this year. With a doting smile, she watched a small boy, no older than six years in age. His bare feet squelched as he ran; the forest floor muddy from the last of the melting snow. The sounds of bellbirds, insects and a chattering stream poured from the surrounding speakers, completing the illusion of being on the planet’s surface.

Hi, Maat flashed him a surprised grin.

When did you last sleep? he asked as he pulled his attention away from the projection.

Oh, a few days ago. She gestured to the thin cord running from the socket in her wrist to the nearby console. I’m powering up every six hours though.

Plugging in is not a substitute for real sleep. Mikael raised an eyebrow. Normally you’re the one telling me to take it easy. What’s going on?

You don't recognize him, do you? Maat gestured to the child.

Mikael took a closer look. Untamed chestnut hair flopped over the boy’s forehead, not quite obscuring his spirited green eyes. The worn, dirt-smeared shirt and brown woolen leggings, both several sizes too big, told Mikael the boy was poor. Judging by the towering beech trees blocking out most of the afternoon light, the child was in the Black Forest. Long thought to be haunted, the place was inhabited only by the desperate and those who wished to remain hidden.

Guild, Mikael concluded. Though I’ve been away too long to know any of their brats by name.

Maat rolled her eyes. That’s Elaine’s son, Tynan?

No… Mikael did a double-take, surprised by how quickly the time had passed. He thought her offspring were still infants. Elaine was one of his, a genetic experiment conducted without the Narian Board’s knowledge, and her children would provide invaluable data as they grew.

What about the other one? he asked.

Maat searched through the thumbnail sized video feeds until she found the one she was looking for. When she touched it, the holographic scene changed and he saw a girl dressed in a simple, thick-weave shift and brown woolen leggings. She had straight brown hair and serious green eyes, just like her mother.

Tasya, Maat reminded him of the girl's name. She’s the quiet twin, always trying to be sensible and keep her brother from getting into trouble.

Tasya played with her rag-haired wooden doll on a fur rug deep in the bowels of the Guild stronghold. Rows of shelves were carved into the earthen walls, with wooden boxes, clay pots, folded clothing and books filling every inch. In one corner sat an old cherry-wood desk, carved with dancing sprites. This room had been one of Elaine’s favourite places as a child.

Tynan! Come back! We will get told off.

Tasya’s mouth was not moving, but Mikael could hear her words clearly. He glanced at his sister. Maat gave him a smug smile. I modified the satellites to pick up on the thin band frequencies used for telepathy. It was easy enough to transform them into sound at our end.

He nodded, impressed. Maat should have been given a job with the Narian tech-guild. She was a genius with machines.

Mikael's attention returned to the projection as a woman entered the room. Elaine had filled out to a more healthy weight in the last six years. She had smile lines around her eyes, though her current expression was one of worry.

* * *

Where’s Tynan gone? Elaine asked. He was supposed to come for his lessons half an hour ago,

Tasya kept her head down as she shrugged.

Honey? Elaine crouched in front of her daughter. I know you can call him. Where’s he run off to?

Tasya’s shoulders hunched up.

I told him not to go mama, she mumbled. You know what he’s like.

Elaine’s eyes flashed. Has he gone outside?

Tasya’s bottom lip quivered.

That boy will be the death of me, Elaine muttered as Tasya said, He got out the back of the wine cellar… you know that crack?

So he’s in the south quarter? She watched closely, as though trying to see through her daughter’s eyes.

Tasya frowned in concentration.

Where are you going Ty? she asked.

You’re telling on me! he sounded hurt. How could you Tas? You promised.

But mama’s so worried. She says it’s dangerous. Tasya bit her fingernail. What if there are monsters? Or priestesses?

Tynan didn’t respond and a moment later, Tasya let out an angry squeal.

He pushed me out, Tasya looked like she might cry. I can’t see him anymore.

Elaine gave her daughter a hug. What were you able to see before he closed the link?

Just some big trees, and a stream. I think maybe a lake? It was all grey and shimmery. Tasya’s eyes swam as she rested her cheek on her mother’s shoulder. He hates me now. What if he never lets me in again?

I don’t think he’ll be angry for long, Elaine said. One day he’ll appreciate how much we care about him.

Can I come with you? Tasya asked.

No honey.

But Sabi’s already been! she protested.

Elaine’s expression softened. And one day you’ll go on your first mission with the Bandits and I’ll be out of my mind worrying, but until then, I want you to stay here where it’s safe.

Tasya nodded sadly and sat down, hugging her doll against her chest. You be safe too mama.

Elaine patted her hair before leaving to gather a group of volunteers to help recover her errant son.

Tynan, meanwhile, was clambering down a muddy slope, clinging to thick roots and branches to keep from slipping. He lost his grip near the bottom and slid a few yards, off a shallow cliff, to land on a pebble beach. Righting himself, he gazed out at the glassy lake and grinned.

* * *

Sommer’s lake, Maat put on an air of mystery. The heart of the Black Forest. There are many tales about the creatures and dark magics that dwell in her depths.

Mikael gave her the most sceptical look he could muster. She pouted. Well there are a few creatures living at the bottom of Sommer’s lake that can’t be found anywhere else in Tyria.

I know, Mikael grumbled. I have the statistics on everything from their weight, to their diet and skin pigmentation.

Maat laughed. Sommer’s lake is the setting for most cautionary tales among Guild mothers. Some of the older boys in the Guild dared Tynan to bring water back from the lake.

What? Why would they do that?

Because they feel threatened by him. Maat made a face. Your genetic ‘tweaks’ have made the boy stand out, even in the Guild.

* * *

Tynan pressed a wooden canteen beneath the surface of the lake, the green water rippling as he waited for it to fill. He did not seem to notice how quiet the forest had become. Only the endless chatter of the tributary stream broke the silence. A low, watery rumble sounded in the distance and Tynan’s eyes widened.

He withdrew the canteen, scrambling away from the water’s edge as a shockwave broke the surface.

The demon of the abyss… he whispered, transfixed by the creature emerging from the lake. Greenweed dripped from its tusks and its spine was plated with thick scales. As it reared up, great leathery wings unfolded.

With a snort, the beast half swam, half flew at the boy. Tynan came to his senses, sprinting away down the beach, the demon close behind.

He quickly ran out of beach, the cliff sweeping across his path, leaving him no escape.

* * *

It’s going to skewer him, Maat moaned. We should…

No, Mikael snapped. You know the rules.

But… she protested.

* * *

Tas, Tynan thought desperately. Tas? Can you hear me?

The demon slowed, eyes glinting in the afternoon light. Tynan backed away, fear turning to determination in his eyes.

The demon tossed its huge head, spattering mud across Tynan’s face. Instinctively, he lifted his hands and the air around the beast began to shimmer. The demon squealed as the water droplets on its hide turned to steam. Its wings caught alight and it tried to escape, but was trapped within a vortex of flame.

Tynan bit his lip, trying desperately to hold onto the spell.

Ty? Tasya screamed in his head. What is that thing? What’s happening?

Tynan shuddered, his legs giving way. When the cloud of smoke settled, there was nothing left of the demon but a charred husk and the boy lay unmoving on his bed of pebbles.

* * *

Is he...? Mikael murmured.

Maat shook her head. He’s just unconscious, but that was powerful magic. This is not good…

Mikael frowned. Really? I thought you would be happy he didn’t get mauled by a demon?

Maat grimaced. Tynan is a boy…

Mikael nodded slowly, clearly he was missing something in this statement of fact.

Maat realized he was completely clueless. The Priestesses have a mandate to eliminate all male magicians—ever since the war.

Oh. Of course. Mikael studied the sleeping child. Even at such a young age, Tynan was already capable of reducing an enemy to cinders. It was no wonder the priestesses feared such destructive male powers. He’s alone in the wilderness though, how will they find out?

They can sense it. Maat added a filter to the holographic settings, showing the residual magic surrounding Tynan. It flowed out in bright ripples through the forest, a beacon to any who might be watching.

I would have thought you knew the physics of all this, Maat chided. It was covered in the mission briefing.

I sort of… skimmed it, Mikael admitted. Physics is your subject.

* * *

Tynan! Elaine scrambled down the muddy slope towards her son. Behind her, men with bows spread out to guard her position.

She reached the small cliff and leaped, landing softly beside the unconscious child. She barely had time to take in the charred demon or imagine what must have transpired, before the world around her shifted. Where there had been empty beach, six priestesses stood, surrounding her. They wore dark robes with monstrous masks designed to intimidate their enemies.

Elaine reacted immediately, dipping and weaving to spin herself a shield of pure energy. In the forest above, the men dispersed, sinking back into the shadows. Their bows were no match for the power of these women.

They waited, eerily still, watching Elaine and her unmoving child. Elaine continued to pour herself into the shield, knowing the moment she dropped it, her life and Tynan’s would be forfeit. Their stand-off lasted until a seventh priestess stepped through an unseen doorway to join them on the beach. She was different from the others, with robes of white and a billowing mantle so light it seemed to be made of smoke. Her green eyes took in everything with a single glance and, even in the failing light, she clearly recognized Elaine.

Hello, sister, the woman kept her voice neutral.

Still, none of the others made a move.

Andrea, Elaine murmured. It’s been too long.

Andrea lips curved into a wicked grin. Hiding the demon-god’s spawn in the Black Forest... how original.

* * *

Spawn! Mikael spluttered. They might have some of my DNA, but I would hardly call them …

Maat’s look silenced him.

* * *

It has taken you this long to find us, Elaine said softly. I would say I chose well.

And now I am here. Andrea held a hand out, as if in friendship. It does not have to go badly for you, sister. I know you were scared... In the confusion you made a poor decision, but that can be undone. Give up the child and all will be forgiven.

You are the one who is confused. Elaine never let go of her sister’s gaze. Don’t you remember? The Order killed our parents. They have twisted your mind into believing their lies. I will not let them murder my son too.

Andrea’s eyes narrowed sharply. I have no mother but the Goddess, and your son, she spat, is a demon. I wanted to believe you were a victim. Raped by darkness and forced to bear its fruits, but you lay down willingly. You are no sister of mine.

Her hands ignited and she began to weave a death blow, but before she could strike, an arrow sped past her face. She spun to hurl her pillar of flame up into the forest. The damp undergrowth caught light and a man’s scream confirmed that she had hit her mark.

The Guild men responded with a storm of arrows raining down on the priestesses from all directions. Unfazed, the judges slipped into a synchronized dance, shielding each other from the iron-tipped barbs even as they lifted pebbles from the beach and sent them hurtling back into the forest. The Guild men sped, fleet-footed, from shadow to shadow, using the trees as protection, loosing arrows when they could, but to no avail.

Andrea, meanwhile, had turned to deal with her sister.

You disgust me, she breathed, pressing one hand against the bright shield. I will cut the nose and lips from your dead body so none will say I share the face of a demon’s whore.

Elaine flinched, but her shield remained strong. By her feet, Tynan let out a soft sigh, his eyelids fluttering open.

Mama? he murmured.

Andrea immediately focused on the child.

Stay behind me, Elaine commanded, eyes never leaving her sister. Tynan stared in horror at the scene before him. Up on the bank, Guild women, young and old, had joined the fight. They cast shields to protect their men and enchanted arrows to fly fast and true. One priestess fell, an arrow through her neck, and the others closed ranks.

Seeing a sister fall, Andrea flew into a rage. Roots came to life, wrapping around a man’s ankles. Then the ground gave way, swallowing him up completely. The woman beside him screamed, stumbling backwards to avoid the same fate.

Further along the hill, a tall woman with raven hair and an old crone led the others in building a vast shield between the beach and the forest.

Elaine, a man cried, running to the edge of the boundary. Come on!

For the briefest moment, she caught his gaze and mouthed, I love you. Then she dropped her defenses.

It’s me you want, Elaine said, catching Andrea off guard. Let my son return to his people and we’ll settle this between ourselves.

He’s the evil I have come to extinguish, Andrea hissed.

Mama, Tynan murmured. What’s happening?

Shh… A tear slid down Elaine’s cheek as she whispered, You have to be brave now, my darling.

He nodded, slipping his small hand into hers.

I’m sorry Tas, he thought.

I don’t understand, Tasya replied.

I hate to interrupt this nauseating charade... Andrea’s eyes hardened. But it’s time for you to die now.

* * *

We have to stop this, Maat protested.

Don't even think about it, Mikael growled. If we keep breaking the rules, the Board will banish us.

Maat scoffed. How is helping Elaine now any worse than what you have been doing? We’re going to get banished eventually, why not save a life before it happens…

We can't.

* * *

There was crack of power, a clatter of stones, and then Tynan began to scream.

Mama, Tasya cried. You’ve got to help her. Stop them. Make them hurt.

One of the priestesses wrestled the hysterical boy away from his dead mother. He tried to call on his magic, but he was still too exhausted. Andrea barely spared him a glance, more concerned with the Guild mages looking on.

Do not think your wall is any match for us, she challenged.

Neither of the Guild women spoke a word, though the men they were protecting shifted nervously.

Then without warning, Andrea crumpled to her knees beside her sister’s body. The priestesses rushed to her side but could do nothing as lines cracks spread across her face and arms, staining her dress with blood.

* *