Season Of The Blue Star: Landscapes Of Beyond, #1

By Gary Kealy

Season Of The Blue Star takes place in the land of Calbura, a diverse landscape, rich in traditions, legends and vibrant with the energies of nature. It is a world where dragons are the ultimate symbol of spiritual development and are able to manifest on earth as spirit-guides. Ephemeral and rare, to witness one is an extraordinary gift. Affected by this energy, a select number of animals - Hybridia - and their human companions - Amalgams - use these enhanced abilities to improve the world around them.

 

The ancient order of the Scouts act as guardians of the land, protecting the wilderness however they can, endeavouring to reach a harmonious equilibrium with their environment and striving to prevent its exploitation. Gifted with the ability to perceive nature with astonishing clarity, Kyy transcends to a new level of awareness and skill when the dragons imbue his foal with the power of lightning. His path is that of the truth-seeker, a spiritual warrior destined to face an evil he cannot comprehend. He becomes a guiding force for Mother Earth and a power that, with his horse Shadow Star, cannot be contained.

 

Talim is beautiful girl with a mysterious past. Hailing from a lost civilization, she emerges into the world as a force for good but with a secret to hide. Bound in spirit to a great wind eagle, Arckea, she must balance allegiances, become a Storm Scout and confront the most powerful threat her land has ever encountered.

 

Ealdar Thoria is Kyy's grandfather and a renowned horse trainer. He has lived an eventful life, one that has given him incredible joy but also brought him to the depths of sadness. Now, with the emergence of his grandson as an extreme power in the world, he must do all he can to aid his kin while facing the demons of his past and present head-on. An evil that spans generations, in the form of a warrior known as the Phantom, now threatens peace. His power is frightening and diverse and his influence challenges Calbura's defenders in ways they cannot imagine. His appearance sets in motion a deadly chain of events that leads them to question everything, from their own beliefs to the very land they call home.

 

This is a journey of discovery of both the physical and metaphysical.  The story unfurls into a rich tapestry of rugged wilderness and complex mindscapes. Separated by great distances, the characters in this story are drawn irrevocably together. They must explore their land and question current paradigms if they are to succeed in their quest; but in the dualistic nature of the world, the lines between good and evil are obliterated and they must adjust and act in unexpected ways. Nascent powers must emerge and evil must be overcome but is it impossible to defeat something that exists within?

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gary Kealy
• Release date: Nov 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393865339

Book preview

Chapter 1

Journey

"The past has flown away.

The coming month and year do not exist;

Ours only is the present's tiny point."

-Shabistari

FOR A MOMENT KYY WAS between two worlds, the seen and the unseen and lay for a time in natural great peace. Then his thoughts returned, rushing in like leaves being blown in a strong breeze, swirling and dancing in every direction. He was aware of them, yet they were out of focus and he was unable for the briefest moment to think clearly. Emerging from that dream state with a lattice of thoughts and images arranging themselves he grasped at one, catching it, feeling its shape and texture and at once his day began. The wait was over; he would be leaving shortly. He swung round so that his feet touched the rug by his bed. His toes scratched and slid over the texture of the fabric and the sensation brought his body further awake. It was also more reassurance that he was no longer dreaming. He lit a candle, sending shapes and shadows to play on the walls.  Now his eyes opened fully.  They were the drivers in a kinetic process so beautifully complex that Kyy seldom considered it. Awake now, his attention turned to packing the last of his things for the journey ahead.

Kyy had been raised at the stables by his grandparents and with them he was much loved and cared for, and despite having lost both parents at the age of five, he wanted for nothing. Life at the stables showed him a world outside the forest and gave him a set of skills not available to the other children of Greywood. He learned much under the tutelage of his grandparents, but his focus was always guided towards the horses - how to ride and care for these noble animals of superlative grace and condition. Horses were his grandfather's passion and this passion was passed down to Kyy. For most of his life Ealdar had lived on his stables where he bred and trained horses. These animals were highly sought after as they were regarded as the most finely trained horses in Calbura.

Under the guidance of his grandmother, who had a great affinity for nature, Kyy came to look upon the natural world as an entity unto itself, something to be treated with respect. It is the essence of everything we see and touch. To be detached from it, as so many are, is to be detached from one's self. Narua always believed that life within the natural world should not be a struggle, but a harmonious existence of balance and joy. The people of Greywood Forest treated their home well, but also, often took it for granted. Narua never grew negligent in that respect and always reminded Kyy of the wonders that constantly surrounded him. Kyy and his grandmother would stay in the cottage during much of the Summer so that Kyy could play and form connections with the local children and be a more integral part of Greywood Village. Ealdar would visit often as the distance between the cottage and the stables was only a morning's ride away. The life of a horseman was a full time job however, so he could not remain with them for too long at any one time. Kyy had spent the last year predominantly in the cottage as he completed an apprenticeship with the resident woodsman and spent time in the local foundry where he learned basic metal work. Now his time there was finished.

As Kyy pondered what else he would need to bring with him, he knew that he would miss the forest immensely. Equally, the thought of what he would experience at the stables this time gave him a real sense of excitement. With an energized flourish he flung the last of his things into his rucksack.

It would be a long walk to his Grandfather's farm on the upper plains, north-east of Greywood forest. Kyy packed some food, enough for two or three meals and then sat down to his final breakfast at the cottage. Afterwards, he took a last look around the small house, ensuring all the windows were tightly closed and the latches fastened on the doors. He then gathered up his rucksack and stepped out into the fresh air. It was late spring and the day would be bright and pleasant. As yet the sun had barely awoken, but overhead in this small clearing the first hazy tendrils of light stretched across the sky, softening the ultra-marine morning as they reflected off the light, wispy clouds. A lone hawk sailed quietly above; its view of the sunrise was not obscured by the high trees and in the distance the sun had just begun to rise from the dusky red horizon. The thin semicircle of intense crimson illuminated the ambient atmosphere in shades of orange and yellow. In the small clearing where the house stood, the light had not yet penetrated fully. The morning was suffused with a blue-grey hue, mirroring the sky. All the flowers and trees reflected the morning's mood, the atmosphere was tinged in half-light, and everything was still. Kyy felt calm and peaceful and so at first was reluctant to set off along the forest path. He took one last look back at the house he had grown up in. The small cottage looked serene and beautiful as it welcomed in the dawn. The thatched roof was in slight disrepair and dwarfed completely by the massive grey trees which rose up behind it for over a hundred feet to the canopies covered with leaves. The walls were partially covered in ivy, which grew up to, and between the windows. The long flowerpots on the windowsills that once had been so beautifully filled now sat empty. Kyy had not wanted to fill them since his grandmother had died.

Kyy turned back to the path and carried on. Although he was a little uneasy about leaving the familiarity and security of the forest he was very much looking forward to seeing his grandfather again. It had been several months since Ealdar had last visited, at which time he had only stayed for three days, most of which was spent travelling to and from the forest village as he always had much business to attend to with the Forest Council. Kyy, apart from his Grandfather's position, had little interest in the politics and for the most part Ealdar never troubled him with such issues. Kyy's main interests were forged out of his experiences growing up and through the influence of his grandparents. His grandmother especially had instilled a love of nature in him and always favoured a more holistic approach to education, choosing not to cloud Kyy's mind with the current politics of Calbura. The history and geography of the world, however, did spark Kyy's enthusiasm for learning and he had many books detailing the history and legends of Calbura and many other lands. He also had a large number of maps and although he had never travelled past Oggia, a fortified town about a league from his Grandfather's farm, Kyy thought that maybe on this visit he would get the opportunity to venture further.

The day drew on, bright but temperate at first, especially within the forest. The huge silver trunks held abundant canopies in a hundred shades of green. This multitude of colour was made even more dazzling by the sunlight, which affected the surface of every leaf. Some were illuminated and others partially shaded, but each one contributed to the sea of green that swayed and rustled gently overhead and kept the heat of the sun at bay. Columns of light pierced through all around as if Kyy were walking in a giant spider's web constructed of sunshine.

The old forest road was well worn and kept in relatively good condition. Woodsmen regularly cleared the fallen trees and cut branches which encroached too far onto the road and might cause problems for passing wagons and coaches. Many small flowers and shrubs flourished by the roadside as much more light filtered down there than in the deeper forest. An aisle of colour and vibrancy guided travellers through Greywood. The procession of flowers was rich and diverse and was in constant flux depending on the season. Now wild tulip, bluebells and poppies were but a few of the many flowers present. By the road-side was a wilderness just under control; wild flowers abounded as if nature's imagination overpowered man's attempt to constrain it.

Kyy enjoyed walking this road by the flowers in the sunshine but he preferred to wander off the path and follow it roughly from inside the forest where he would half lose himself in fantasy and daydream. He would pass trees quietly, step over rotting logs trying to disturb nothing and leaving as few tracks as he knew how. Kyy would imagine himself on some great journey or important task doing his best to remain concealed within the forest. Staying in the shade, he sometimes let his fingers pass slowly through beams of light as they shone through the dense forest, watching as in the haze the particles of dust and light swirled perfectly around his fingers. The slight breeze made by his hand would create beautiful tiny whirlwinds and he would be lost for moments and eternities in their splendour, then he would close his hand and move on. He had played these games of imaginary adventures with his friends when he was younger, pretending to be Forest Scouts patrolling for wolves, enemy soldiers or goblins. It had always been Kyy's ambition to join the Forest Scouts and to maybe one day become a Wind Scout, or even a Storm Scout like his father Quaid. However, as one needed to be an Amalgam in order to be chosen as a Storm Scout, that was an almost impossible feat to emulate. He often thought of his father and his mother as he ventured through the forest.

Kyy was very young when his parents left. He was told later, when he was old enough to understand such things, that Quaid and Ori had left during the Iron Wars and had never returned. Anything Kyy remembered about his parents seemed to have faded, leaving a vague shadow of a memory. From his grandparents' descriptions he felt he had an accurate impression of them, but it was not the same as a memory, which troubled him occasionally. All the information he had about his mother was that her name was Ori and that she was a beautiful and kind person. She hailed from the land of Nemuria, a country that lay far to the east. According to his grandfather it was one of the great kingdoms as Kyy subsequently learned from books. Narua was always upfront and open with him and even though Kyy was a small child he knew his mother had died. His grandmother's love lessened the negative effect of his mother's absence. With regards Quaid he did, however, have one overriding memory that had stayed with him from his time with his father. He remembered walking in the forest with him when he was very small, slowly exploring his surroundings with the energy and tenacity of a small child, struggling over the vegetation and completely absorbed in everything he saw and touched. It was during these excursions, when they would try to keep as quiet as possible, that Kyy would hear his father's voice, 'Every step a whisper.'

It was these words now which echoed in Kyy's mind as he continued his journey. Quaid had lived much the same lifestyle as Kyy, spending his youth between the forest and his father's farm. Ealdar had told Kyy many stories of Quaid's upbringing and it was clear that he missed his son very much.  It was Quaid's skill as a tracker, hunter and woodsman that made him a perfect candidate for the Forest Scouts. Once he joined, he rose quickly in rank, becoming the youngest Wind Scout ever in Greywood. Growing up on the farm had made Quaid an excellent rider and horse trainer and it was these skills which allowed him to become the only Storm Scout ever to have come from Greywood. The story of how Quaid chanced upon his Hybridia and so became a Storm Scout had always been Kyy's favourite. His grandfather had told it many times and Kyy never tired of hearing it, apart from the end. As he walked steadily onwards Kyy imagined himself sitting by the fireside at his grandfather's farm listening to Ealdar recount the tale once more.

To become a Storm Scout you must have been a Scout of some description first. In these parts there are forests and plains and three major ranks of Scout exist: Wood, Forest and Wind Scouts. The lower the rank the less area one is responsible for and the fewer duties one has. It is the responsibility of all Scouts to protect their patrol area and to educate the people about the conservation of the land. When a Wood Scout progresses to the Forest rank he can then be called upon to aid neighbouring areas and even be recruited by the army if needed. With training, a Forest Scout can become a Wind Scout, at which point his patrol area is greatly extended to cover the whole forest and also the Lundar Plains. These Wind Scouts also serve as envoys between all lands, ensuring communication is maintained and the spirit of friendship and peace upheld. They are held in high regard and admired in their respective communities but no amount of training can earn the title of Storm Scout.

That only happens when one joins with a Hybridia, an animal who has the mark of dragons. The Storm Scouts are the Scout elite, highly trained and powerful; they are the pride of Calbura and have shaped this land positively for centuries. It is widely acknowledged that if an animal such as this accepts you, it is then your responsibility to use this gift to serve your people and land. This is not always the case but for your father there was no other thought.

Quaid had been a Wind Scout for three years; he was much loved in Greywood and a favourite among the younger and older Scouts alike. Usually it takes at least five years to even be considered for the rank of Wind Scout but Quaid's skill was such, that within two years of forest duty he was promoted. One evening a message was sent to your father concerning a number of traders who had been bringing supplies from Arapallo, a mining town on the other side of the Crystal Mountains to Greywood. It was roughly a four day journey from Greywood and the traders reported strange activity on the plains. They were lodging at the tavern in Greywood village and Quaid went to meet with them at once. They told of unusual rock and soil formations that seemed to have appeared from nowhere. They also reported hearing loud noises, like explosions, in the distance. They explained where they had encountered these phenomena, an area Quaid knew to be a popular grazing area for wild horses. 

These were not the first stories Quaid had heard about such things. There had been rumours weeks before that these horses were acting strangely. At first he did not take them too seriously, but given the traders' most recent accounts he had no choice but to investigate. The Lundar Plains were also an important trail for traders and it was part of a Wind Scout's duty to ensure safe passage for all travellers. It was a two-day ride to the Crystal Mountains and Quaid set out from Greywood the following morning.

The forest road that leads north out of Greywood eventually gives way to farmland and more open countryside. On the road north the Crystal Mountains begin to grow continually in stature until they dominate the horizon; they are the first mountain range of many that exist in North Calbura. The rich farmlands after one leaves Greywood in turn give way to the grassland plains of the Lundar. My land is the only territory in this area that still has natural grassland and so in this way the Lundar Plains still reach Greywood Forest.

Quaid made good time and had travelled further than he had anticipated by the end of the first day. That night he stayed with a family who lived on a farm that lay right on the edge of the vast Lundar grassland. They too had heard of the rumours and reported some strange happenings when out tending their livestock, much as the traders had done. One story from a young shepherd in particular intrigued Quaid.  The boy had witnessed a horse moving incredibly fast over the plains. It was a white horse, the boy said, with a dark brown mane.  Any other details were impossible to make out due to the speed it was moving at and its distance from him. When it disappeared from view he heard a massive blast, as if he was in a thunderstorm, yet the skies were clear.

On the beginning of the second day Quaid began to see signs that a large number of horses had passed through. Some of the taller grass had been trodden down and the tracks were very clear. He followed the tracks for the rest of the day as they led him closer to the Crystal Mountains. By the end of the second day the huge mountains dominated the landscape so absolutely that even their shadows felt oppressive. Quaid made camp at an abandoned hut used occasionally for shelter by farmers tending their herds and traders to escape the elements.

Kyy was always fascinated by this image. His mind painted a picture of the scene and he imagined the solitary figure of Quaid travelling beneath the huge mountains, examining tracks while leading his horse on foot. In his mind both were cast in silhouette, even the thin reins all black, as they neared the little hut that seemed completely insignificant, set against the majesty of the giant rock extending thousands of feet to the snow-capped peaks that scraped the sky.

It was on the third day that your father found what he was seeking. Close to the mountains the land becomes less flat as the ground naturally undulates, creating long shallow valleys rising to narrow hilltops. On foot now, Quaid led his horse up one of the hills, and from the ridgeline he spotted about forty horses peacefully grazing below. Quaid, ensuring he was down-wind so as not to give himself away, moved in for a closer look. He would not usually have been so cautious around wild horses, especially as he recognised this herd, but there was something different here. He felt it deep within, a nervousness he could not explain.

Quaid lay close to the ground, concealed in the tall grasses, watching for a long time as the herd grazed contentedly, unaware of his presence. After a time Quaid began to doubt himself and wondered if his reservations were misplaced. He could see nothing out of the ordinary and began to see no reason why he should not ride down for a closer look, when suddenly he heard a thunderous boom, which froze him where he lay and sent his horse fleeing in the opposite direction. The sound wave echoed off the mountains and resonated in his ears. To his complete surprise, however, the herd seemed untroubled by the noise and continued to graze.

Then in the distance Quaid saw the unmistakable figure of a horse galloping in his direction. He immediately saw how fast the animal moved and it quickly covered a huge distance. As it reached the herd the stallion pounded its front legs into the ground, sending jagged columns of rock jutting out of the soil. A huge bang, louder than before, followed instantaneously. The sound wave echoed again off the mountains and Quaid felt as though thunder was exploding all around him. This time the herd was noticeably disturbed but it was clear the horses were used to this behaviour. Quaid knew at once he was witnessing a Hybridia.

He felt an overwhelming urge to approach this animal, as if his thoughts and movements were not under his control. He slowly stood up and began to walk down the gentle slope. When the herd saw him they began to move away, yet the grey stood firm. Quaid kept his head lowered and eyes away from the horse, as he knew looking at the horse was threatening behaviour. As he got closer he sensed the tremendous power of the animal. The air around seemed charged with energy and every fibre of his being felt as though it were on fire. Your father was skilled in the art of horse husbandry, and had trained wild horses from that very herd before. He spent most of the day there, employing all of his skills to build trust with the animal. Finally the horse lowered his head and approached him. Quaid placed his hand on the horse and a surge of energy passed through him, creating an immediate and permanent bond between the two.

Quaid spent another two days and nights on the Lundar Plains training the Hybridia he had named Tremor. The young horse had supreme intelligence, and training him was not a difficult task, except when Tremor would occasionally unleash his considerable powers.

When Quaid returned he was tired but extremely pleased with his achievement. I had never before seen such a creature. No more than a year old, he was more powerfully built than any horse of similar breed. His coat was the brightest grey, almost white, and from a distance that is how he appeared. What was astonishing for a horse of that colour was his dark brown mane and jade-coloured eyes. The horse was infused with the power of the earth and it was as if his body shimmered with that energy. His eyes, especially, told of his uniqueness. They were bright green, full of life, and these, more than anything else gave a sense of the spirit within. Tremor had the ability to shatter rock and stone with a touch. By pounding his feet he could create localised earthquakes that would knock a man off his feet. He was considerably faster than even the quickest horse in my stables and Quaid learned new skills and discovered new talents every day.

Word spread quickly and within a month your father was made a Storm Scout, the first ever from Greywood. I saw Tremor develop into an incredible horse but Quaid's Storm Scout duties meant that they were often away, so I did not see them as much I would have liked. It is something I always regret, for a little over three years later the Iron Wars took them both away for good.

The wind rose up and set the arbour alive as the immense canopies rocked to and fro, returning Kyy to his senses. He did not feel the gale directly as he was protected by the vast forest and he stood amidst the undergrowth, suddenly absorbed by the rustling of leaves overhead. It sounded as if an ocean was sending its waves crashing in around him. Kyy revelled in this sensation. He loved when nature sparked his senses so much that he was overcome and lost in the moment. This sensation lasted only a few seconds and soon the wind died down, bringing with it the stillness and peace of an ancient wilderness. The winds that seemed to signal change faded out. Now the only noises, apart from his own gentle footfalls, were the calls of insects and birds which blended and faded into the background helping to create the ambiance of the forest. Kyy realized that he had allowed himself to stray considerably from the forest road.

Ever since he was a child he had been drawn to the forest lake which now lay just beyond the tightly packed trees ahead. Wildflowers carpeted the forest floor until they melted into the trees that ringed the lake. He hadn't planned to visit the lake on this journey but knew that this diversion would not cost him too much time. He would still be able to reach the stables by nightfall. Akura Lake was a beautiful secluded area that Kyy visited often throughout his life. He had a deep reverence for this place and had spent much time staring into the cool waters that reflected the colours of the world so perfectly. The trees of Greywood grew right up to the edge of the lake, and surrounded it, creating a natural amphitheatre of wood and water. The lake was fed by an underground spring and was on high ground compared to the majority of Greywood. The river that carried the water away from the Akura Lake was born out of a waterfall narrow and high, a hundred feet above the lower forest.  From this gap where the river began Kyy could see over the treetops of Greywood once he arrived at Akura Lake. An ocean of leaves and life flowed and interacted with effortless complexity and almost infinite abundance. Such a huge ecosystem exalted nature's brilliance. Animal and plant life synced so closely that their energies merged, separated and merged again just out of the eyes' comprehension.  The creatures of Greywood thrived in the dense forest; their range and diversity was quite staggering and the complexity of their interdependence astonishing. Some of the grey leviathans seem to touch the sky and the sea of patchwork green stretched to the horizon. All this splendour welcomed Kyy as he sat by the lake, took off his boots and bathed his feet in the waters. Dragonflies zoomed and darted across the clear water chasing down prey, as the sunlight reflected off their slim bodies in deep greens and blues. All along the edge overhanging branches reached out to the water, touching it in places. The forest was also reflected in the lake and at times the surface would resemble a giant mirror until it was disturbed briefly by the fish coming to the surface. Here the sun was free to shine, no longer obscured by the dense forest all around and it felt warm and pleasant on Kyy's face. The lakeside was alive with the energy of so many living things and vibrant with colour and spirit. In this setting Kyy could easily imagine that a dragon could appear again from the lake as it had done when he was a young boy. It had been this experience that drew him now to this place and had done throughout his life. As he sat touching the crystal blue water, gently letting the ripples emanate from his fingers. This place, now more than ever, felt like home and it was here more than anywhere else that his spirit could rest. He took deep cleansing breaths and like the gentle waves of a calm ocean, with each breath peace washed over him.

Because it had happened so early in his development it was now difficult for Kyy to remember what he was like before he had encountered the dragon. The abilities he acquired felt as if they had always been part of him and it troubled him sometimes that people did not see things as he did. This resulted in Kyy feeling isolated and slightly out of place in his community. He possessed a heightened sense of nature, an ability to perceive the energy that flows freely and constantly through the natural world with a fluency and complexity that was quite staggering. The spirits' influence bound him to the earth in such a tangible way that he felt it like a second skin. His experience with the dragon had shown to him an alternate reality, a world of pure love and energy as valid and real as the one he lived in. Kyy could not immerse himself fully in this world for long, but it seemed that when he faded back from the Realm of the Spirit many bridges of light stretched out to bind one world to the next, creating a permanent link between them. Now when Kyy experienced things in the physical world he also gained a strong sense of their spirit and energy. His body felt more connected to the earth; he was a direct extension of it and moving through the forest and even through the water became much easier after his encounter with the dragon. He wondered if the dragon had awoken an inherent ability in him, or if it had bestowed it fully as a gift. As Kyy sat there contemplating such things he became conscious of the sun's course through the sky. He was behind schedule and the need to get moving was made even more pressing due to the change he could see in the weather. From his vantage point he could see the clouds gathering on the horizon, a tempestuous mass growing in shade and vigour. Already the distant trees were consumed in darkness and the plains and entire forest would soon be under a heavy shadow. The temperature had dropped slightly and the wind picked up. It was still pleasant by the lake but Kyy knew he would be lucky to reach his grandfather's house before the storm that was now brewing and had seemed to come out of nowhere reached him. He did not mind being out in such conditions for a short time but he was aware that his grandfather would be worried and he had enough to concern him without adding a lost grandson to the list. Kyy, continued his journey in haste.

Chapter 2

Storms

It is in the darkness that one finds the light.

-Meister Eckhart

A BRILLIANT FLASH OF sheet lightning cast the darkening forest in brilliant light for an instant. Massive trunks and abundant scrub reflected the storm's first volley so briefly that it seemed unreal. Kyy, still making his way through the giant trees, was almost at the forest's edge and would soon be out and exposed on the upper plains beyond Greywood. The sun had at last fallen from its golden throne to the west, and the evening was darker than normal. The atmosphere was now governed by the storm that was sweeping in from the mountains. 

Kyy loved watching storms. He loved their power and mystery and how the world changed so completely when they occurred. Kyy focused on one of nature's most dazzling displays, as the forest fell away to fully reveal the spectacular sky over the Lundar Plains. It was if a great battle was being fought in the sky, the dark vanguard of the storm probing the still bright sky of the west for weakness.  Twisted black shapes extended like sky bound blades, cutting into the lighter clouds. They in turn would fight against the encroaching storm. The retreating sun's last defenses swirled around the dark clouds, diluting their intensity so that at the battle's edge the distinction between dark and light was no longer apparent. All shades intertwined in a beautiful dance indistinguishable from one another, creating patterns so varied and spectacular that one could stare at the scene for a hundred years and still see new and wonderful images.

Having such a view made the distance underfoot melt away, and without realizing it, Kyy had covered a large amount of ground. With the evening dew now heavy on the grass, the tall stems shimmered in silver and in many shades of green. The grasses moved like an ocean in the ever-increasing breeze, catching the last of the light as mesmerizing wave patterns danced across the plains. Kyy's summer boots and trousers quickly became soaked by the knee-length grass.  The road would have been a more comfortable path, but a longer one, and Kyy was eager to reach the stables. As he reached the top of a small hill, the Thoria Stables came into view.

The roof of the large barn appeared first; it would be empty now, awaiting the hay that would be stored there over the winter. The stables stood to the right of the barn and housed the horses which had made Ealdar so well respected. The farmhouse was of similar height to the stables and stood across the courtyard. It was the oldest building on the farm, having stood for over a hundred years, but the craftsmanship was such that the house showed no signs of disrepair. The lantern on the porch was lit, as were the ones in the yard and stables.  It was comforting for Kyy to look upon this place. On his return a warm sense of happiness spread through him like the heat from a fire.

The lights from the farmyard shone in complete contrast to the sky. The darkness now prevailed entirely and the storm hung above the farm like an ominous beast waiting to unleash its fury upon the land. As Kyy climbed the wooden fence and touched softly down on the other side the rain began. It was as if a key which opened the dark clouds had been turned, and sheets of heavy rain cascaded down.  Within seconds Kyy was utterly soaked, despite running the remaining distance to the house. He bounded up the steps to the shelter of the porch and turned to look out into the midst of the storm. This was only the edge of the weather front and already the rain was torrential. The wind had picked up considerably, racking the buildings and sending the mist from the rain swirling so that visibility was quite poor.  Kyy composed himself before knocking gently and entering.

Ealdar stood by the stove and smiled as his weather-beaten grandson entered. His wolfhound, Rumble, lay by the fire and pricked his ears as the heavy wooden door creaked open. He had been restrained up until this point by his master but when Kyy entered, the shaggy grey dog bounded over to him.

Ealdar was wearing a long leather coat speckled with raindrops and quickly drying rivulets; his grandfather had no doubt been out checking the horses. The coat sat upon broad shoulders and he exuded a strength and confidence that immediately reassured Kyy. His complexion and dark hair defied his years. His face appeared chiseled rather than wrinkled, and although he was fairer than Kyy, an active lifetime working outdoors with horses certainly contributed to his comparatively youthful yet rugged appearance.

'So you finally made it. I suppose you stopped off at the lake?'  asked Ealdar rhetorically.

Kyy nodded, wondering for a moment if his grandfather was annoyed with his diversion. He petted the dog roughly.

'Ah, I knew you would. That place is a part of you, but you needn't have jumped in.'

Kyy looked at himself and they both started to laugh.

'How are you my boy? I've missed you.'

'Me too.' Kyy answered as his grandfather embraced him.

'We have a busy time ahead and the storm will do us no favours this night.'

'How is Ashka?' asked Kyy.

'The storm has made her a little nervous but she is strong. Your foal will arrive shortly. Let us go to her.'

Kyy quickly changed into a long coat and new waterproof boots that Ealdar gave him and they went out to the stables. Rumble, content in the heat of the kitchen, remained by the fire.

One of the reasons Kyy had made this journey at this time was to be at the farm for the arrival of the new foal that would be his. Ealdar wanted him to be involved from the beginning and to be present for all aspects of the horse's upbringing. It was both the quality of horse and Ealdar's training that made his horses among the very best in Calbura. Ashka was the only foal sired by Tremor before Quaid left Greywood.

Ealdar and Kyy made their way quickly across the yard to the stables. All the horses were housed comfortably but, despite this, they were all agitated by the sounds of the storm. Ashka was in the largest stall. She was at the end of the stables, beside the back entrance that opened into the paddock. Past the paddock was the large grassland area where the horses could graze and be trained. A high wooden fence surrounded the entire grazing area. It protected the horses from thieves, wolves, or any other predator that occasionally would pass close to the stables.

To Kyy, Ashka looked in excellent condition. She had inherited the colouration of her father; a beautiful light grey coat with dark brown mane and tail. Kyy very much liked the idea of having his own white horse just like his father. It would be somehow comforting to create another common bond between them.

Kyy had first learned to ride on Ashka. Unlike Tremor, she was of a calm and gentle temperament. She possessed none of Tremor's powers, as is the way with all Hybridia offspring. The legacy of the chosen is that they fortify their species with intelligence and strength which is passed down from one generation to another, but their powers are an anomaly entirely restricted to Hybridia themselves.

It was raining as heavily as ever outside; the rain pounded the stable roof and the lightning was flashing even more frequently. Ashka was uneasy at first, but Kyy sensed her become calmer once Ealdar entered the stall. Just then a massive crash of thunder exploded all around. The deafening noise shook the air and seemed to resonate within every worldly particle. Kyy's ears rang and the horses were spooked and distressed. But in the chaos Kyy felt something calling out, a presence that lingered within the thunder's aftermath. It faded as the thunder clap rolled away, but left a strangely familiar sensation in Kyy. An inexplicable warmness occupied his core, but at the same time left him feeling utterly dazed.

Ashka reared up with the initial blast and before the sound died away was pounding her feet on the stable floor, disturbing the freshly laid hay. Ealdar immediately placed his hands on her forehead and began to stroke her side gently to calm her down. Kyy, who was standing with a look of wonderment on his face, quickly came to his senses and joined his grandfather in calming the agitated mare. Kyy's touch seemed to have a positive effect on Ashka. The tension in her muscles eased and, despite the ever-present storm, she was eminently more relaxed. The other horses, however, were very distressed as the frequency of the lightning increased. Although not as powerful as the initial strike, the thunder was a constant threat to their wellbeing, as it caused them to buck and kick out. Ealdar left the stall to tend the other animals and his voice and touch began to soothe the restless horses. Kyy stood with Ashka, communicating his feelings to her and strengthening the bond of spirit between them.

'The time is upon us,' Ealdar said as he returned to the stall and almost immediately Kyy could feel the energy in the room change. He focused his mind, and used his gift to communicate silently with Ashka. He sensed both the mare and the new life about to be born. Kyy tried his best to send calming, reassuring energy to Ashka, as the storm's intensity escalated to a higher level. Lightning flashed incessantly outside, illuminating the gaps in the shutters and between the cracks in the wooden walls. The storm sent thunder rolling across the plains and into the ears of every living animal, for miles around. All creatures great and small took cover from the storm's might. In this they were equal. The rain poured down, pounding on the stable's roof and adding ferocity to the storm's fervour.

The event was an emotional one for Kyy. The violent weather seemed to augment his senses so that the world took on a surreal quality, where form and light merged. Yet again, he sensed another presence. It was then, as the storm reached its zenith, that the foal was born.

Quiet suddenly descended as if to emphasize the new arrival. The storm's intensity ceased incredibly quickly and now all was blanketed in silence. The lightning no longer flashed and the thunder was only heard as a faint rumble. The tension that had been building in Kyy eased. He breathed deeply and a measure of calm prevailed in the Thoria Stables. Reality returned for Kyy. He stood with his grandfather and watched as the newborn foal gathered its strength and tried to stand for the first time.

'Born of storms, this foal will be strong,' said Ealdar and he seemed very pleased when the young horse managed on its first attempt.

'It is clear he is from a Hybridia line, and you have yourself a colt.' The foal was very alert, watching everything through bright green eyes. 'He is the image of his grandfather,' said Ealdar proudly, 'as expected'.

Almost completely white, apart from his dark brown mane, the foal was truly beautiful. Within a few moments the young horse was walking confidently around the stable, the strength in his body evident, while Ealdar tended to Ashka, ensuring she was in good health.

Kyy stared at the foal in admiration. He wanted nothing more than to move closer and touch him but he knew it was better to let the foal's mother fully bond with him first. Ashka began to nuzzle close, learning the foal's scent. The feeling of owning his own horse had not yet sunk in and the whole experience of the birth and the storm had left him a little bewildered. As Kyy stood in a state of silence, watching the foal and his mother in his first moments of life away from the safety and comfort of the womb, Kyy's mind wandered back to the events of the storm. It had been so powerful and then had ended so abruptly with the arrival of his foal. He wondered about the being he was sure he had sensed in the midst of the thunder, a soul's whisper that seemed calm yet forceful.

It was then that Kyy became aware of a low-pitched rumble from outside, like the final sound made by a thunderclap before it died away. This sound, however, was continuous and lingered subtly in the air. Kyy wasn't sure if it had been there all along and had simply gone unnoticed, or had only recently begun. He was drawn to the sound and found himself moving outside. Kyy glanced around the stables but his grandfather seemed not to have noticed the noise. He was tending the other horses with a delighted expression on his face. Ashka and her newborn were standing side by side at the far end of the stall.

Kyy stared at the foal and was caught in the gaze of green eyes; they burrowed deep within him and Kyy immediately sensed wisdom through those young eyes. He smiled as a million thoughts rushed through his mind like a great waterfall. Every drop of water was a premonition of his life with his new friend. Training to ride, galloping through forests and hills and summer meadows, walking on dusty roads, riding into fierce battles, seeing him grow from colt to stallion and stroking his head as he passed from this world. He watched him in bright blue days, rain-soaked nights under the silver moonlight running like the wind. He saw summer, winter, autumn and spring all in a moment.

How can one feel nostalgic about things that have not yet transpired? Kyy wondered momentarily but soon the specific details faded to warm vague feelings, and Kyy focused again on the low-pitched rumble from outside. He turned to the door and lifted the large beam that sat on two metal arms on either side of it, holding the door secure. Placing the beam on the ground he undid the bolts and opened the large wooden door. 

Kyy slid through the gap he had made and walked out into the night, leaving the stable door slightly ajar. The rain had turned to steady drizzle, but Kyy barely noticed. His attention was wholly focused on something incredible. The cause of the noise was immediately apparent, yet completely inexplicable. In the sky filled with storm clouds was a huge sphere of light. The energy inside seemed to swirl and move constantly and was more concentrated toward the centre. About the edges, the dark clouds reflected the light as if reflecting a perpetual lightning flash. The clouds shimmered all around the huge sphere, creating a magical effect that Kyy could only stare at, completely awe-struck.

Kyy realized that it must be lightning energy making up this swirling vortex but had never even heard of anything like it before. He was unsure of how long he stood there before he sensed a presence behind him. As he slowly and reluctantly moved his gaze away from the phenomenon in the sky he was surprised to see the foal standing behind him. His natural instinct was to pick him up and bring him back into the stables, yet the urge to remain was somehow overpowering. Ealdar and Ashka both came only a few feet outside the stable door before they too were frozen to the spot. The young foal, however, was walking and even starting to run in short bursts around the yard. Kyy now stood about twenty paces from the stable with Ealdar and Ashka at the door.

Kyy returned his gaze to the vortex. As he did, a huge flash of lightning exploded from the core, as loud and powerful as the strike had been in the stables. Kyy was forced to turn away and he held his hand over his eyes. The flash drowned out the world in white light and noise. Then the strange feeling returned; that of an ageless wisdom, everywhere and nowhere at once. This feeling lingered, as the light faded. Kyy was once again able to focus on the spiraling sphere above, which revealed a more wondrous spectacle than he could have ever dreamed. Within the vortex three forms flew and interacted with astonishing speed and grace. Kyy immediately understood what he was seeing. After a few moments two of the shapes seemed to merge back into the light, while the remaining figure glided majestically down to earth.

The world had gone still and was completely quiet as the dragon descended gracefully and landed in the yard. The dragon was enormous, as big as ten horses; its immense muscled frame glistened in the light from the vortex. It seemed as black as pitch until its whole body would shimmer in a wave of electric blue energy, illuminating subtle blues, indigos and violets, within a scaled skin like black polished marble. The dragon's head, like the rest of its body, was sleek and powerful. His electric blue eyes were incandescent and mesmerizing. The dragon folded its huge dark wings elegantly by its side. The calming whispers that had existed within Kyy since the first lightning blast were energies from the dragon and all the sensations that had been so familiar, yet indefinable, were the same feelings he had experienced at the lake. A mixture of doubt, disbelief and shock had obscured the truth until now, but he knew that once more, he was in the presence of pure spirit, manifested in its earthly form.

Kyy watched, oblivious to the dragon's intentions. It slowly turned to the foal. The young horse was still moving around the yard, seemingly unaware of what now stood only a few feet away. It turned to face the dragon a hundred times its size, yet did not seem frightened. The dragon's head was inches from that of the foal now, who stood like a solitary star against the blackest of nights. The eyes of the great being grew even brighter as it focused on the foal. Then the dragon breathed in, a massive inhalation that captured the energy from all around so that the world just faded away. It held its breath before opening its jaws. As the dragon exhaled it began to slowly fade into an intense blue mist. As it disappeared completely the cloud of blue lingered, hovering in the dragon's place. The young horse then noticeably began to inhale, and as it did the intense mist passed first into the body of the foal then surrounded the animal so he was obscured from view.

Kyy stood, astonished and helpless. All he could do was to stare in wonder at what was happening. The blue cloud flickered and flashed; a miniature thunderstorm only a few feet away. Time became distorted as the cloud continued to pulsate with surreal intensity. Kyy never knew how long he stood there for. Eventually the blue mist contracted, and disappeared into the foal. The newborn horse then exhaled the electric plume, which flashed and crackled as the form of the dragon again emerged casting the foal in a dark shadow. As the great being fully reformed, the foal seemed to lose his balance and collapsed to his knees. Kyy tried to step forward, but his stride was checked as the dragon spread its massive wings and with one huge beat took to the air. Again the world froze, this time leaving only Kyy and the dragon. The reassuring sense that he remembered from before filled Kyy as an indistinguishable energy suddenly took voice.

'I know you, as you know me. We exist together on a level of consciousness that you can touch, but not fully inhabit. This is where we belong, but for now we are apart. I am in the land, the skies, the distant stars and the unending ocean. Your gift of spirit is strong, but one more gift I shall give you - a star to help light your path. True power, comes always from within. It is a light that can never dwindle once ignited. Remember that.'

In an instant the world rushed back and time resumed. Blue light burned behind the dragon's eyes as it soared into the night, returning to the vortex that still blazed in the sky. The black form lingered for a brief moment then merged with the light, and both vanished. Seconds later the low rumble faded, leaving the world in silence.

Kyy regained his composure, and was released from the dragon's hold. He ran to the foal, who still lay unmoving on the ground. Ealdar was by his side almost instantly. Ashka now trotted to her foal and nuzzled close to the newborn. The contrast of the horses was now as vivid as night and day. Where before the foal had shared the white colouration of Ashka, he now lay as black as shadow stone. With encouragement from his mother the young colt stirred and raised his head. It was the most striking sight. The head was completely black save for a three-pointed star of white. It ran in a thin line from his forehead and split beneath his eyes, then stretched to either side of his face. Then there were those remarkable eyes. Before they had been green; now two electric blue lights stared back, bright and alive with energy.

'He has the eyes of the dragon,' Kyy said, and in that moment realized the foal was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

Within seconds the foal gathered his strength and stood effortlessly, revealing the rest of his body which was now completely black, except for the white star on his forehead. It was as if the blackness had washed over him, leaving only a remnant of his former colour.

'I never believed I would witness such a thing.' Ealdar's bemused whisper barely escaped his lips as he led Ashka toward the stable. The foal followed behind, as did Kyy.

'He spoke to me, Grandfather... before he flew away... he... he told me things. I heard a voice during the storm and it became clear after...'

'After he bestowed your horse with his power,' said Ealdar.

Kyy had not yet considered the true implications of what he had just witnessed, but his grandfather's words made it clear. His foal was a Hybridia. He looked upon the colt, which happily made his way into the stables. The power of the dragon had dwelt for a time in every fibre of the foal's being and it was this abundance of energy that transformed the horse's appearance to more accurately reflect that of the dragon.

'We have much to discuss,' Ealdar said, 'but first we must tend to the horses.'

These simple routine tasks helped to ground Kyy as he worked laying fresh hay, refilling water troughs and putting food out before returning to the end of the stables. There in the lantern light they could see the beauty of the foal more clearly. From a distance he appeared jet black; it was only up very close that the subtlety of his coat became apparent. When the light caught the coat it shimmered, revealing deep shades of many colours. Then they vanished as quickly as they had come. It was as if the coat was alive and the colours were not permanent, but energies dancing across a black canvas. This, combined with his blue eyes, made him look like a truly magical creature.

Kyy described his experience to Ealdar as they both stared at the young horse, who was now relaxed and comfortable beside his mother.

'I was aware of a presence once I entered the stables, but because so much was happening I was not sure exactly what it was I was sensing.'

'You are privileged indeed to have encountered such beings on more than one occasion' said Ealdar. 'You say the dragon spoke to you. What did he say?'

'The dragon told me that he was giving me a gift, a star to help guide the way.'

'Clearly you both will have a journey to make,' remarked Ealdar.

'He also told me that true power comes from within.'

'An eloquent statement. There is no doubt the dragons are astounding beings and there is now much for us to consider, Kyy. At this time, however, we are in no hurry; it will be months before your horse can be ridden, even though I expect his strength will be great. I am intrigued as to what abilities he will possess once he has matured, for I've never heard of a Lightning Hybridia. This is truly a wonder.

'There will be much more training to challenge you now. You intended to join the Scouts, and that, I am sure, is still your goal. Like your father you will become a Storm Scout, for you, more than any other, are suited, and it would appear destined, to such things. Your Hybridia is born of storms, and you must learn all the skills that enhance your gifts and his. Whatever path fate intends for you, I promise that you will receive every advantage I can offer, and be more than adequately equipped in every way possible, before leaving here.'

Calm descended at last on the Thoria Stables, and the sky was now clear and silent.

'Everything is done here and we must leave. It is time for us to retire for the night,' said Ealdar as he looked around the stables.

Kyy was reluctant to go, and could not take his eyes off the colt; his mind was a haze with everything he had experienced and thoughts of the future. Ealdar noticed his grandson's unease and spoke lovingly. 

'Whatever is to come, will be, for now though there is only