Gust of Wind: A Fantasy Adventure: Quest of the Guardians, #3

By S.R. Olson

Lost in the folds of time, Jakin has fallen into a coma

and is wasting away right in front of their eyes—despite

the efforts of the best healers in the realm.

 

Next in line to be the Guardian of the Te'eta, Malakai

Jenks steps up to continue the quest in Jakin's place.

Separated from his friends, he sneaks into the realm of

wind in the midst of the biggest party of the year. But

then, everything goes wrong...

 

Mistaken for the son of a prominent citizen, Malakai

is swept into the great library under the guidance of

the curator, who believes Malakai is there to do

research—but Malakai can barely read. Surrounded

by the knowledge of the ages, Malakai has access to

everything he needs to know—except how to retrieve

the next piece of the Te'eta...or the fact that it will

kill him if he tries...

 

Welcome to the realm of wind, where the High Priest

schemes, the citizens party, and giant bugs hunt

people for food...

 

Gust of Wind is Episode Three in the series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S.R. Olson
• Release date: Feb 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393041870

S.R. Olson

S.R. Olson has traveled throughout most of the lower-48 and has held many job positions including horse trainer, photographer, columnist, teacher, and snow-plow operator. She is an avid student of ancient history and cultures, as well as an armchair philosopher. All of which she injects into her fiction stories. Disabled by a back injury in 2006, she now lives in rural Minnesota with her two Miniature Pinschers, who keep her around because she has opposable thumbs and can open doors and stuff. She’s also a push-over when it comes to handing out doggy-treats.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Preparations

Lord Ansa, High Priest of Dai’awin—the realm of wind—brushed past the guards at the top of the stairs. I don’t want to be disturbed for the next hour or so.

Yessir, they said in unison.

Ansa trotted down the steps into the control room of the Cloud City and strode over to the viewing balcony. The festival grounds outside Koss teemed with peasant militia having their first experiences on horseback. This should be fun. A tingle of excitement ran up his spine as he rubbed his hands together. I still can’t believe King Faeran actually wants me to do this!

Ansa laughed as he took up his diamond-crusted staff and stepped beneath the twister of Dai’awin, pausing to peer up at the spinning funnel above his head that powered the city. We’ll start with some wind… He lifted the staff and began speaking to the ancient artifact tumbling around inside the tornado.

The Cloud City trembled as its rotation accelerated. Flashes of color raced around its exterior walls just beneath the mist that concealed the city within. Muted rumbles echoed inside the chamber above his head. Lord Ansa spoke the commands, smiling up at the twister as it bounced around inside its enclosure. He stepped out of the circle and ran to the balcony to watch.

Far below, wind lifted the soil into swirling dust devils that darted to and fro, spooking horses and sending militia running for cover. Ansa grinned as a horse stood up on its hind legs and then toppled over while two others bolted, unloading their riders. Ansa clapped a hand over his mouth to stop himself from laughing too loudly.

He leaned over the railing and watched the peasants scatter, some chasing uselessly after the frightened horses while others gave up and sought shelter instead. Jax Riders on their giant wasps dodged the miniature tornadoes while shaking their fists at the Cloud City.

Lord Ansa waited with baited breath. Any moment now… he mumbled to himself.

A crash of thunder reverberated around the city as lightning struck the ground, sending the remaining horses scattering. Bolt after bolt flashed from the underbelly of the Cloud City, splintering trees and chasing the peasant militia as they ran toward Koss.

Ansa doubled over, his mirth overwhelming him.

My lord?

Ansa spun around. I said I didn’t want to be disturbed! He scowled at Mihai Dobre, Commander of the Coba Patrol.

Apologies, my lord. Mihai bowed. You said you wanted to know immediately when the new facilities were ready for the Sky Hawks.

Ansa glanced over the balcony rail. The Cloud City had passed over Koss and was now headed out to sea. He’d missed the best part. He frowned at Mihai. I take it that’s what you’ve come to tell me?

Yes, my lord. With a little reorganizing we were able to fit adequate cages on the second level, beside your landing platform. That will keep them separate from the Cobas on the upper levels.

What about my sky-chariot Cobas? Ansa frowned.

They still have their own cage, my lord. We moved it onto the platform since it’s much smaller than the Sky Hawk cages.

I see. Ansa walked over to the circle beneath the twister of Dai’awin, raised the staff and muttered a few quick words. The city slowed and turned toward Queen’s Island in the water realm of Tav’res. He stepped out of the circle and returned to Commander Dobre’s side. Tell your men to stay close to the city tonight. We’ll be providing sailing winds for Lord Saba as he journeys to the Culling and it may get a bit gusty.

My lord?

The Guardian is creating a disruption in the magic, Ansa snapped. I can’t guarantee the city won’t blow your men right out of the sky.

I see. Mihai frowned his concern. I will inform them right away, my lord.

# # #

I just think we should wait for Jakin to wake up, Lord Saba, High Priest of the water realm of Tav’res said. I can go to the Coba Culling alone and bring back whatever information I gather. We can find another way for you to get into the Cloud City, later.

Fifteen year old Malakai Jenks stared out at the glowing jars that lit the jungle of New Peli Haven even in the earliest hours of morning while he considered Lord Saba’s suggestion. He turned away from the window in Jakin’s room, paused a moment, and then strode to Jakin’s bedside. He looked down at his gaunt form. We can’t wait any longer. He tugged the blanket closer to Jakin’s chin. He grows weaker every day while the moons move closer together. We’re running out of time.

Lord Saba joined Malakai beside Jakin’s bed. "I know you’re worried about him and you want to help. But only the Guardian—only Jakin, can retrieve the Trah’ez and reunite the Te’eta. King Faeran has been clear on that point on many occasions. That’s why he’s so determined to find and destroy him."

Malakai reached for the cloth on the nightstand and dunked it in the bowl of herbal water, then reached over to squeeze a few drops between Jakin’s parched lips. He studied the pale face of his King, his mentor…his friend. The dark circles under his eyes, the white hairs along his temples, the sinking of his cheeks emphasizing the steady weight-loss of the past few weeks. He was wasting away right in front of their eyes. Jakin had told him once that with the Te’eta came healing magic. Jakin needs that magic. Now, more than ever.

Malakai shook his head and dropped the cloth back in the bowl. He turned to Saba. Jakin always said if anything happened to him, it would be up to me to get the Trah’ez and reunite the Te’eta.

Saba frowned sympathetically. "Impossible. Jakin is the Guardian—not you."

Malakai took a deep breath, turned back to Jakin, and then exhaled slowly while he wiped a bit of water from Jakin’s cheek with his thumb. I am the heir to the throne of Surot. He lifted his eyes to meet Saba’s. I’m next in line to be the Guardian of the Te’eta.

Saba gasped as his face scrunched in confusion. How can that be?

Malakai half-smiled. I’m his descendant through Galiya. He shook his head. It’s a long story.

Saba turned away and went to sit on the wood chair behind Queen Anthia’s desk. "Well, that would explain why you were able to get through Lord Ansa’s prison cloud."

Malakai nodded.

Saba set his elbows on the desk and began to rub his temples with his fingers while he scowled at the desk top. Then he let out a short laugh and shook his head.

Malakai glanced over at him.

I thought Lord Emas made it all up—about a prince, I mean. Just to save his own skin.

Malakai scowled. Emas?

Saba looked up. He said you told him there was a prince of Surot right before he dropped you in the sea.

Confused, Malakai’s mind raced for a moment, then settled on Luka. Why did Luka tell Emas about me?

There was a tapping at the door and then it opened to reveal fifteen year old Gabriella Wind-Star. She bowed before entering.

Malakai acknowledged her bow and waved her into the room.

I come to care for King, she said, gesturing toward Jakin.

Malakai stepped back, still self-conscious since he’d learned of their betrothal at birth. He watched as she slathered a moisturizing balm on Jakin’s dry skin, working it between his fingers and up his arms to his shoulders and neck, and then his face. Malakai blushed and quashed the thought when he caught himself wishing he could trade places with Jakin. Uh, when will we be leaving for the Culling? He looked over at Lord Saba.

As soon as the Cloud City arrives, Saba said. Lord Ansa insisted that we arrive sailing on their winds. It will be here in an hour or so.

Is he always so generous? Malakai asked, frowning.

Saba shrugged. He seems intent on gaining my support lately. I suspect this is one of the ways he hopes to earn it.

Support for what?

Saba rose from his seat and stood at the foot of Jakin’s bed. I’m not sure. Sometimes he talks as if he wants to over-throw King Faeran, and yet…he frequently lunches with the King after our council meetings—Supposedly to discuss matters they claim are of no consequence to Lord Otue and I.

What do you think they talk about? Malakai watched Gabriella run a comb through Jakin’s hair.

As much as the Cloud City intrudes on the other realms, I would guess Ansa is spying for him.

That makes sense. Malakai nodded, then turned to Gabriella. Is there anything you need before we go?

Tav’res people take care of our needs, Gabriella said, tucking Jakin’s blanket around his thin form.

Malakai touched her arm.

She lifted her coffee-brown eyes to meet his gaze.

I feel better knowing you will be here to watch over Jakin, Malakai said. We will return for you both as soon as we can. But we are leaving Mita’s Ba’at here for you—just in case. Uncle Joziah and Kuna are staying here, too.

Gabriella nodded.

The door crashed open and Lord Saba’s bodyguard, Talon, rushed into the room. Jax Riders have landed on the north beach, my lord. He gestured with his arm that wasn’t in a sling.

Malakai’s startled gaze shot to Saba.

They’re bringing wine to the platoon on the Salt Island. Faeran ordered it as a reward, Saba said. He turned to Talon. Send someone to offer them food and water, then send them on their way—quickly.

Talon sprinted away down the hall.

Shouldn’t we stop them? Malakai said. When they get there and realize the Tav’res Trah’ez is gone and all their men are dead—

By the time they find the island and realize what has happened their wasps will be exhausted, Saba said. I sent some Waseekee soldiers ahead to assure that they become stranded there. He winked at Malakai. They won’t be any trouble.

CHAPTER TWO

A stormy departure

Do we have everything we need? Malakai asked his three Maaoteo gypsy protectors.

We’re going to have to find a way to cover those tattoos. Lord Saba gestured to the gold Te’eta symbols on either side of Mita’s head. Or he won’t be able to attend the Culling with us.

Mita scowled. I go. Protect prince. He stepped closer to Malakai where they had gathered on the top deck of Saba’s ship.

Talon stepped forward. "I brought some capes with hoods. I thought we could all wear them."

Malakai glanced at Saba. Will that work? Can we claim it’s a Tav’res custom?

I guess we could pretend it’s something my entourage does on special occasions or something, and just hope Ansa doesn’t think about it too much. Saba shook his head. It’s risky though. He’ll have to keep his hood on all the time…and slick down that hair.

Malakai bit his lower lip as he looked at the tall strip of hair down the center of Mita’s scalp. Maybe you should just stay on the ship, Mita.

Mita frowned.

I’ll have Tao and Luka with me, Malakai added. And Saba, Webb, and Talon, of course.

Not like this plan, Mita said. Tao have bad leg. He pointed. And Talon have broken arm.

A rumble of thunder drew their attention to the southwest. Exposed by the colorful flashes of sheet lightning racing around its exterior, the Cloud City glowed as it raced through the darkness toward Queen’s Island.

Hoist the anchor and unfurl the sails, Captain. And tell the Waseekee to follow. We will need their whales for the return journey. He glanced at Malakai and gestured to the Maaoteo warriors. They better go below and change their clothes.

Malakai nodded. Tao, Luka, show Mita what to wear.

The trio disappeared down the ladder steps as Malakai joined Lord Saba along the rail. The Cloud City sped up as it approached Queen’s Island. The base of the towering cloud began to spread, sending dark wisps outward as if it was preparing to water crops. A cool breeze reached Malakai, tousling his hair moments before becoming a strong wind. The thunder rumbled louder and then cracked like a whip as a deluge of rain and then hail burst from its underside.

What’s he doing? Malakai shouted over the howling wind.

Trees bent under the onslaught of the storm as the Cloud City crossed directly over New Peli Haven.

I don’t know! Saba shouted back, gripping the railing.

The gale filled the sails and began to push the ship northward over the churning waves as lightning struck the island, causing trees to splinter and sending sparks flying.

Mita, Tao, and Luka scrambled up the lurching ladder steps and returned to Malakai’s side, only half-dressed in their Tav’res clothes.

Moments later, as the Cloud City left the island behind, the black clouds dissipated and the wind settled into a steady breeze. The ship ceased its violent rocking and sailed north toward Wind Drifter Island.

Malakai looked over at Saba who was glaring up at the Cloud City. Why did he do that? he asked.

Saba shook his head, scowling. I don’t know... But I intend to find out!

CHAPTER THREE

Scattered

Pyet, Maaoteo Elder of Ba’aco, shuffled through the tunnels of the underground city muttering to himself. It’d been months since they’d had any news of King Jakin or Prince Malakai. Even Mita, the Elder of the Ba’at warriors hadn’t returned. His people were becoming anxious and there’d been whispers speculating about the possible demise of the Guardian. More than once, Pyet had pushed away his own fearful thoughts, even as he reassured the others.

He paused beside a group of old men putting shafts on the iron tips that Levi labored day and night to make for them. They’d been working for months and the arrows, spears, and knives numbered in the thousands. But will it be enough?

Pyet continued along the tunnel, past women sewing leather quivers and men stringing bows. Children played around them as they always had: warrior games, mimicking their favorite heroes. But now they took turns playing the part of King Jakin—Guardian of the Te’eta—or Prince Malakai, his heir.

Pyet chuckled as a little girl leapt across his path, holding up her toy bow and declaring herself to be Gabriella: protector of the prince. He watched their play for a moment, then continued down the narrow tunnel that led to the Ba’at cavern. There, the Ba’at warriors toiled to train as many of the giant bats as possible before the return of the King.

Master Pyet?

Pyet turned toward the voice. Master Alastair, how many trained gazelles do we have now?

One thousand, seven hundred and twelve—loose on the cliffs, Alastair replied in the staccato of the Maaoteo language. We’ve marked their ears to identify them. Plus those already here in Ba’aco.

Good, good. Pyet nodded. And our food stores?

The women have been smoking the fish the Ba’at warriors have been netting for us at night, but I fear we will run short of vegetables and wheat if we don’t find a way to trade in Koss.

Pyet nodded. I’ve been studying on this problem for some time. I don’t think we can risk sending any of our people to trade with the peasants.

I agree, Alastair said. But the harvest will start soon. Perhaps we could send out raiding parties at night?

That may be our only choice.

They turned to walk back into the city together. Has there been any word? Alastair asked when they paused to wait for some women to come down a stairway cut into the stone.

Pyet shook his head. Not one, I’m afraid. But I think we should assume the flooding we experienced in the Ba’at cavern was the result of Jakin acquiring the Tav’res Trah’ez.

When the stairs were clear, they climbed to the next level of Ba’aco and continued along a wide tunnel.

Alastair stepped over some children playing marbles on the tunnel floor. The cave where we were training the gazelles flooded, as well.

How is Master Zaigo? Pyet asked.

His wounds have healed, but I fear his wrist will never regain its old strength. Alastair held up his hand. The bones healed crooked and he’s lost some use of his fingers.

Pyet pursed his lips and frowned. Faeran’s men can be so cruel. Zaigo was lucky to have escaped his dungeon during the earthquake.

Zaigo hasn’t given up, Alastair said. He’s been doing puzzles with the children to exercise his hand.

Puzzles?

Those wood ones that require agile fingers, Alastair said, smiling.

Pyet stopped walking and stared at a tunnel wall for a moment. Alastair…

Alastair raised his brows quizzically.

I have a puzzle for Zaigo and the children to work on. Send them to the council chamber. I’ll meet them there.

Right away, Alastair said, then he strode away.

Pyet looked around. Atza, Riat, come with me.

The young warriors put down the weapons they were making and followed Pyet to Jakin’s quarters.

Gather these and bring them to the council chamber. Pyet pointed at the broken pillar pieces Jakin had piled on the shelves behind his desk.

Yes, sir, Atza and Riat replied.

Pyet made his way to the council chamber and cleared off the table.

Put them here. Pyet gestured as the young warriors entered with buckets filled with the pieces of stone. Is that all of them?

One more bucket, Riat said, setting his buckets on the table. I’ll get it.

Pyet started arranging the pieces on the table.

Zaigo and Alastair entered, with three children following behind.

Ah, Master Zaigo, Pyet said, waving them in. I have a project for you and the children.

The pillar pieces? Zaigo said, picking one up.

If you can put them together, it may help King Jakin when he returns.

We will work until it is done, Zaigo said, nodding at the children.

# # #

Malakai stood on the top deck with Lord Saba and watched as the sailors pulled up the sails and deployed the long oars that would carry them the final distance into the bay along the south end of Wind Drifter Island. The Cloud City had stopped its winds and gone on without them, taking its place above a tall mountain at the center of the island. Colorful Coba dragonflies flitted in the air above and around the island and—for the first time—Malakai wondered if they were dangerous. His thoughts drifted to the way the Jax wasps had swooped down to snatch up and murder his friends and neighbors in Hornberry Draw. A shiver went down his spine. He pushed the memory away.

Looks like we’re right on time, Saba said, pointing across the bay. Lord Otue’s sky carriage was landing on the beach. It was smaller than King Faeran’s, but just as black and shiny. The red symbol of Z’lea shone on its doors.

Will Faeran be attending, too? Malakai asked.

Saba shrugged. I don’t know. This is the first time I’ve attended one of these events. The High Priests have never been invited before.

"What is the Culling, anyway?" Malakai asked.

I think it’s when the Dai’awin people choose the best Cobas from this year’s crop.

Oh. Malakai watched the sailors pull in their oars and drop the anchor. I better make sure the others are ready.

Saba nodded.

Malakai made his way below and found his friends in the galley. What are you doing? he asked.

We find way to hide Mita’s tattoos, Luka said, holding up a bowl with some kind of concoction in it.

Malakai looked up at Mita’s head where Tao was putting the finishing touches on their cover-up job. What is it?

Luka shrugged. Saba’s cook say he make it to cover skin, protect sailors from sunburn. He added cocoa to get color right. He say it not wash off without soap and hard scrubbing.

Malakai nodded at the cook who was washing some pans. The cook smiled and nodded back at him. Well okay, but wear the hoods too, just to be safe. He reached over to take one of the capes for himself. Better come topside, it’s almost time to go. He paused. And remember to slick down his hair, somehow.

Returning to the main deck, they found Saba waiting beside the rail, ready to descend to the row boat that would take them ashore. Saba’s gaze drifted from Malakai to Mita and back again. Are you sure about this? He kind of stands out—as tall as he is, I mean.

Malakai glanced at Mita, who towered above the others, his muscular physique stretching the cape taut across his shoulders.

Mita spread his feet apart and slouched, making himself less tall, but still towering over teen-aged Luka beside him.

Malakai chuckled. Yes, I’m sure. We’ll be glad to have him if we find ourselves in trouble.

Very well, then. Saba shrugged. Let’s go. He slid his leg over the railing and then climbed down to the rowboat. Malakai followed, and then the others.

A sailor manned the oars and rowed them across the bay while the rest looked up at the steep mountainous island. Grey granite sand covered the beach up to a narrow strip of trees that gave way to the almost vertical rugged peaks. Malakai looked left and right, trying to find the spot where they would make their way into the interior, but the terrain was the same as far as he could see—which wasn’t far on such a jagged coastline.

The sailor brought their boat to shore near where the sky carriage had landed. Nearby, Lord Otue and his entourage stood with a tall slender man clad in white and gold.

Saba turned to speak to the group. Now remember, you’re all my servants and bodyguards. Don’t speak unless I speak to you first.

Malakai nodded, then turned to Mita, Tao, and Luka. If Lord Saba tells you to do something, just do it, as if the command came from me. He ignored the frowns that appeared on their faces. He was confident they would obey.

The boat slid onto the sand at the shore and a man ran forward to tug them onto the beach. Welcome, my lord, he said. The others await you.

Thank you, Saba said, taking his offered hand and climbing out of the boat.

Malakai and the others followed Saba along the beach to join Lord Otue.

Welcome, my lords, I am Sava-Rusa, the tall slender man said. I am the Governor of Wind Drifter Island. Lord Ansa instructed me to escort you into our beautiful island. He turned and led them into the trees along the beach, following a wide trail. But first, I must ask you to instruct your escorts to await you here. He gestured to an alcove where food and pitchers of wine had been set out on tables. You may select one servant to accompany you into the interior, but the rest must remain here.

Lord Otue scowled and cleared his throat. "Is he mad? He can’t expect us to be without our bodyguards! Especially now, with the Coward King wandering around!"

Sava-Rusa turned to Lord Otue. That is exactly why Lord Ansa is limiting you to one servant each, my lord. It will be much easier to protect four people than…. He did a quick head count. Fifteen. He turned to Saba. I assure you, my lords, you will be quite safe and your needs will be seen to. Our people know that you are Lord Ansa’s special guests. They will be at your service for the duration of your visit.

This is most unusual! Lord Otue gruffed. Most unusual, indeed!

My lord, Sava-Rusa said, lifting his chin. Our island has never been opened to visitors before. To be invited now is a privilege. But if you are unwilling to follow Lord Ansa’s…uh...guidelines, you are welcome to return to your home in Z’lea, instead.

Lord Otue’s face turned beet-red as he huffed and puffed.

You’ll accompany me, Lord Saba said, looking at Malakai. The rest of you…wait here or return to the ship…do as you like. He shrugged.

Malakai nodded, glancing at the others. I’ll be fine, he mouthed.

Lord Otue, still muttering, selected a servant and sent the rest of his entourage—a mix of servants and the Jax Riders who had delivered his carriage—to wait in the alcove.

Luka hovered beside Malakai for a moment before turning to follow Mita, Tao, Webb, and Talon.

Very good, Sava-Rusa said. He turned to those who were staying behind. Feel free to enjoy the beach. There’s a rather nice swimming lagoon around the east side of the island…if you wish. He gestured along the beach, then returned his attention to the High Priests. Now then, if you’ll follow me, my lords.

CHAPTER FOUR

Wind Drifter Island

Malakai tried to mimic the subservient bearing of Lord Otue’s servant as they followed Sava-Rusa through the trees and back out to the beach. Submissive was easy after growing up as a peasant in Hornberry Draw. But he knew next to nothing about being a foot servant to a High Priest. He noted Lord Otue’s servant carried a jug of wine and wished Lord Saba had given him a similar task to perform.

A Coba buzzed by overhead, its wings just a blur. Malakai resisted the urge to duck and instead looked up as the joyful shrieks of a little girl reached his ears. She was clinging to the back of the patrolman who guided the dragonfly as it darted up and down, backwards and forwards, and then turned so sharply its wings pointed at the ground as it careened around the jagged cliffs of the island mountains and then disappeared.

My lords, if you please, Sava-Rusa said, gesturing to a glass box with gold trim and reinforced gold corners. The symbol of Dai’awin graced each corner, etched in the gold plating and adorned with diamonds. Two teenage boys wearing bland gray tunics sat astride the lime-green Cobas perched on top of the box.

That’s odd, Malakai mused. I thought all the Dai’awin people wore white and gold.

The Cobas curled their tails and chirped as they approached. Lords in the bottom level where the view is better. Servants in the top, Sava-Rusa said.

Saba nodded to Malakai and then stepped inside the box. Malakai followed Otue’s servant into the top level where there wasn’t any seats.

Servants don’t ride with citizens in Dai’awin. Malakai heard Sava-Rusa explain in the lower level of the box. He glanced over at Otue’s black and red clad servant who stood at attention near the steps that led to the lower level, apparently ready to rush down and fill Otue’s goblet—should his master beckon. Malakai went and stood beside him and tried to look like he had a purpose.

Sava-Rusa pulled the door closed and latched it, then rang a bell. Above the box, the Cobas’ wings began to whirr. The box shuddered as it left the ground. Malakai placed a steadying hand on the gold bars between the sheets of glass and looked out at the rocky face of the mountain as they rose beside it. Greenery clung to the surface of the stone, filling every sharp crag and crack with a leafy blanket between barren areas of granite, creating long vertical stripes of gray and green.

The island has an outer ring of these steep mountains and an inner ring that forms a bowl-like ridge around the habitable area in the center, Sava-Rusa said. The area between the two rings is all swamplands. That’s where the Cobas breed and lay their eggs.

The box rocked and swayed as the Cobas carried them up to and then over the peak of the mountain. Malakai’s jaw dropped as he stared out over hundreds of swamps separated by narrow strips of foliage-covered land. Around them, Coba patrolmen were giving rides to people of all ages who grinned from ear to ear as the Cobas darted from one side of the island to the other.

Malakai spread his feet out to steady himself as the Cobas sped up, causing the box to tip and sway as they zoomed toward the interior of the island. Moments later, the box tipped the other direction as the Cobas stopped and hovered along the top of a ridge. Below them, more of the glass boxes moved up and down the steep ridge that encircled the interior of the island, towed along cables by Cobas of more colors than Malakai could have ever imagined. Each was guided by a rider who was dressed in a bland gray tunic that appeared to have been cut from sack-cloth instead of the fine white silk that the Dai’awin people normally wore.

At the center of the valley inside the somewhat circular ridge a tall mountain reached upwards toward the Cloud City, which hovered above it rotating slowly and emitting an occasional low rumble of thunder. The mist that usually swirled around the city’s exterior had dissipated to expose hundreds of balconies along each level of the inner city. Massive tunnels opened into the interior at regular intervals between them. Thousands of Dai’awin citizens lined the balconies, looking out at the island below. Sky-chariots and large coaches darted away from the tunnels and landing platforms, carrying citizens to the ground below.

With a gentle thud, the glass box landed on a platform at the top of the ridge. Malakai turned to follow Otue’s servant down the steps and out the door, shadowing the two High Priests and Sava-Rusa. He went and stood behind Lord Saba.

We’ll ride the cable carriage down to the valley floor, Sava-Rusa said, gesturing to the glass box that was just arriving at the top of the ridge. It was towed by a dark blue Coba that glimmered like a sapphire. There you’ll have some time to enjoy the festivities before Lord Ansa joins you for the midday games.

Excellent! Lord Otue said.

"If you will, my lords?’ Sava-Rusa gestured toward the cable carriage.

Malakai followed and once again found himself in a standing area in the upper level of the cable carriage while Lord Saba sat on a cushioned bench in the lower level where a glass floor allowed passengers to see below them. Through the glass ceiling above Malakai watched the blue Coba turn on its swiveling harness, this time resisting the weight of the carriage as it slid down the cable toward the valley floor. The young man astride the Coba held back the reins, cuing the Coba to regulate the speed of their descent. Malakai stared at the slender cable that was all that held the Coba to the carriage and hoped it wouldn’t break, leaving them to careen down the mountain and crash in a pile of shattered glass. He shivered and then forced his gaze to the polished granite terraces that passed beneath them.

Citizens of Dai’awin sat at glass-topped tables or strolled along intricately carved balconies and walk-ways between lush trees and flowering bushes while they sipped purple Hornberry wine from delicate gold-rimmed goblets. The entire perimeter of the bowl-like ridge around the valley was riddled with residences carved into the granite that were connected by the long granite walkways. Each residence had its own round landing platform extending from the balcony. Sky-chariots landed on the platforms to unload passengers from the Cloud City above.

The cable carriage passed between flat platforms where clusters of citizens turned to look at the carriage as it passed, as if they were expecting it to stop and take on more passengers. Confusion washed across their faces but was quickly replaced by acceptance when they noted the status of the current passengers in their High Priest attire.

For your convenience, my lords, Sava-Rusa said, his voice drifting up to Malakai through the floor. We’ve brought you to this end of the valley so that you can enjoy the various activities as you make your way toward the Coliseum for the midday games.

What type of activities? Lord Saba asked.

As you travel along the path, you will learn how Cobas are bred and what traits we look for. Then you will see how they are inspected and selected. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to observe the judging where the best Cobas are chosen to become part of the Coba Patrol or perhaps returned to the breeding program. You may even go for a Coba ride, if you wish. And of course, there will be food and wine gardens where you may stop, as well.

What happens to the Cobas that aren’t chosen? Lord Otue asked.

The Culls must be destroyed to assure that they don’t reproduce, Sava-Rusa replied. Many of them will join the show in the Coliseum this afternoon.

Perhaps we could arrange to send some to the Jax training grounds in Z’lea, Lord Otue said. The Jax Riders are always in need of live targets to practice on.

Given the fact that the Cobas and the Jax are supposed to be allies despite their natural tendencies, I hardly think it would be advisable to teach the Jax how to kill them more efficiently.

Malakai chuckled at Sava-Rusa’s tone.

Lord Otue harrumphed.

Perhaps you could tell us a bit about the Sky Hawks? Lord Saba said.

Lord Ansa would be most displeased with me if I ruined his presentation by telling you about them, Sava-Rusa replied.

I see, Lord Saba said. Will you be escorting us through the festivities?

Lord Ansa felt you could be trusted to guide yourselves through the activities. But if you lose your way, ask any citizen of Dai’awin and they will assist you.

Very well, Saba said.

But don’t waste your time asking the skrunts. They are scarcely smart enough to be servants, let alone guides.

Skrunts?

The workers dressed in gray. They lacked the intellectual ability to advance through our schools, but as sons and daughters of Dai’awin we were loathe to make them slaves. So, we gave them simple jobs to do so that they can still be a contributing part of our society. Most work with the Cobas, or in the breeding swamps, or operate these carriages. But the more socially capable among them act as house servants, cooks, and cleaning staff.

Malakai looked up at the sharp-eyed young man riding the blue Coba above them. There wasn’t anything about him that gave Malakai the impression that he was not smart, especially given the way he guided the Coba to bring the carriage to a gentle halt at the base of the ridge without tipping it.

Will there be a place for my servant to replenish my wine? Lord Otue asked, his words already beginning to slur.

Of course. Sava-Rusa sniffed.

Malakai smiled to himself.

Sava-Rusa unlatched the door. Malakai turned to follow Otue’s servant down the steps.

Please, my lords. Enjoy your time with us here on Wind Drifter Island, Sava-Rusa said as he led them out of the carriage. Just be sure that you reach the Coliseum by midday. Bells will sound about an hour before the show starts. He pointed toward the massive stone structure with its arched entrances and glass-less windows.

# # #

What are we going to do? Luka Three-Feathers whispered in Maaoteo, glancing at Tao and Mita.

Prince Malakai said to obey Lord Saba’s orders as if they came from him, Tao replied, scowling.

Luka’s eyes widened. We can’t just sit here and do nothing! He glanced over his shoulder at