Southern Alliance: Vastus, #3

By Jaron Osiar

The telepaths are teetering between fighting with the Northern cities and forming an alliance with Bern Village in the South. Unicorns refuse to work with telepaths and are recovering from their own, devastating battle. Dragons still fear the telepaths, even though they depend upon them to remain sane. Elaina is trying to keep her world from tearing itself apart. Cities across Vastus are in turmoil as truces going back generations unravel.

 

Rada, a shapeshifter, arrives on the space station orbiting Vastus. The desperate residents on Vastus Station are busy, trying to maintain life support and replenish dwindling food supplies. Meanwhile, rumors of dragons on a small, forgotten world are spreading among the races who have been fighting a war that has brought everyone near extinction. Now battleships are searching for Vastus…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jaron Osiar
• Release date: Sep 17, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201679552

Jaron Osiar

Vastus is a four-book series that is told from multiple perspectives. The series follows a small group of Peace Bringers on an old, crumbling space station who are trying to stop a war by proving peace among their species is possible. They observe dragons, elves, humans, unicorns, and telepaths on a large island. A teen who is part elf, human, and telepath catches the Peace Bringers attention. Unfortunately, conflicts among the cities on Vastus make even desperate Peace Bringers skeptical.

Book preview

Southern Alliance

Jaron Osiar

Southern Alliance: Vastus Book 3

Copyright 2021 Jaron Osiar

All rights reserved.

Cover by: Harkalé Linaï

Map by: Justin Donaldson

Contents

Chapter 1: Bern Village

Chapter 2: Bern Village

Chapter 3: Raialdt

Chapter 4: Raialdt

Chapter 5: Forest

Chapter 6: Vastus Station

Chapter 7: Bern Village

Chapter 8: Bern Village

Chapter 9: Endre

Chapter 10: Endre

Chapter 11: Raialdt

Chapter 12: Forest

Chapter 13: Forest

Chapter 14: Forest

Chapter 15: Forest

Chapter 16: Forest

Chapter 17: Forest

Chapter 18: Bern Village

Chapter 19: Forest

Chapter 20: Forest

Chapter 21: South of Bern Village, by the Avar Sea

Chapter 22: South of Bern Village, by the Avar Sea

Chapter 23: Bern City

Chapter 24: Forest

Chapter 25: Bern City

Chapter 26: Bern City

Chapter 27: Bern City

Chapter 28: Bern City

Chapter 29: Clarus

Chapter 30: Vastus Station

Chapter 31: Bern City

Chapter 32: Bern City

Chapter 33: Bern City

Chapter 34: Clarus

Glossary

Map

Chapter 1:  Bern Village

With effort, Wyain pushed aside the deep feelings of sorrow and victory wafting around the battlefield. Human emotions were strong and frequently unchecked. Wyain knelt on the dusty ground with his head in his hands, controlling his mind, preventing himself from hurting others. The swelling in his brain from the telepath attack was gone. A miracle had occurred that day. Never before had a healer tried to cure a telepath following a telepath attack. Would he make a full recovery? Wyain wouldn’t know for certain until after he had rested.

Slowly, as Wyain’s head cleared, the battlefield turned from blurred colors to shapes. His smooth, black and orange pants were covered in dirt, like his hands that were pressed in the soil, helping Wyain remain upright.

A master with two swords in a weapon pack and ruffled, dusty, black hair approached Wyain. Master Lang’s voice was low and cautious, Thanks for your help. Is there anything we can do for you?

Wyain recalled the cave he had been sleeping in. His supplies were gone, and he was left with nothing but a blanket, worn enough it wasn’t worth returning to retrieve it. I would appreciate a place to stay for a few days.

Kijani has a guest room available. If you spoke with us beforehand, we would have given you a place to stay.

The humans probably would have taken him in, but Wyain wasn’t ready to trust them before the battle. He wanted to study them, to determine if they should be assisted or if he should wait and attack the criminals later, when he could place himself in an ideal location and prevent himself from harm. Now that he had studied the masters, he was confident they wouldn’t attack him. I will remember that for future situations.

The tallest master, who must have overheard, waved toward his house. We have a room available. Would you like to rest now?

Wyain cautiously responded, Yes, thank you.

This way.

Doctor Noland and his apprentice, Jason, were struggling to help a curly-haired dragon warrior into Master Kijani’s house. One of Dragon Warrior Louie’s legs fell from Doctor Noland’s grasp. Dragon Warrior Khalom rushed over and picked him up, I’ll take him in.

Doctor Noland breathed out with visible relief. Thank you Khalom.

Of all the young warriors, Dragon Warrior Khalom was physically the strongest. Wyain courteously waited for them to bring Dragon Warrior Louie inside.

From the bottom of the steps, Master Kijani called, Put him in Darian’s room on the spare bed.

Deep concern drifted from Doctor Noland as he followed Dragon Warrior Khalom into the house.

Master Kijani led Wyain to a bedroom on the right side of the living room. Aside from simple sheets that had been hurriedly placed on the mattress, the bed was bare. It was a medium-sized room with an oval rug in the center and a small vanity. Master Kijani peered over his shoulder at his wife who was rushing about the house, gathering bandages and fetching fresh water to help dress the battle wounds. Master Kijani hesitantly glanced at the bed. Do you want your bedding now?

Wyain’s comforts were not urgent, yet Master Kijani was trying to accommodate his needs. Humans at Bern Village were good people. The sheets are fine for this afternoon. Tend the wounded, including yourself. Wyain pointed out a long laceration on Master Kijani’s shoulder that was still bleeding through a cut on his leather jacket.

I’ll get around to it eventually. Master Kijani rushed away.

Wyain closed the door behind him and tentatively relaxed in a wooden chair that clunked back and forth on the floor near a small, polished table. He tried to contact his leader, Svilgt Tydun, but his mind was still struggling from the attack. Wyain retrieved some salty, dried venison from his pocket then lay down on the bare bed, wondering if he should wander into the forest, where he was less likely to accidentally kill his allies through inadequate control over any erratic telepathic spikes he might experience. Did he dare rest? Wyain carefully studied his mind. For now, he could control his telepathic spikes. Wyain would stay a little longer.

Wyain rubbed his calves, along the center groove of his muscle. The past two months had been difficult for him physically. He spent most of his days dodging villagers and dragons while searching for meat he could cook over a fire small enough to not be noticed. He was exhausted!

Though many telepath attacks resulted in almost immediate death, Wyain had heard of the intense pain from an attack that meant a telepath would not recover; when a defender almost fought off the attack but couldn’t fully protect their mind. After the attack on Master Kijani’s training field, Wyain concluded he would suffer the slow, excruciating death other svilg he knew had experienced. As a powerful telepath with a brain injury, he would have to wander far into the forest where he wouldn’t hurt anyone while his life slipped away. Now he rested in a comfortable room with his mind quickly recovering. The news would be received well by Tydun.

The criminals who attacked Bern Village and created the wraiths were known for doing anything for more power. Though they had far more experience and were older than Wyain, they had never encountered a svilg like Wyain. Decades earlier, criminal telepaths had fled Raialdt to work for royalty, only returning to recruit more telepaths and steal supplies. Wyain was feared by all telepath criminals and known for his ability to conquer even small groups of telepath attackers on his own. With Tydun’s help, they could conquer large groups, watching criminals drop like flies. That is why the criminal telepaths fled Raialdt.

Before the attack began, Wyain knew his chances of survival were low, mainly because of the years of experience he was against. He requested an additional svilg to help him, but the four criminals Wyain and Dragon Warrior Elaina conquered were not the only telepath criminals working in the northern cities. With many criminals allying themselves with the northern cities, it was a prime opportunity to become a petty criminal.

Though Tydun tried, almost desperately, to send another svilg with Wyain, svilg forces were stretched thin, leaving no one to come with Wyain.

Tydun wanted to come to Bern Village and leave Wyain in charge at Raialdt, but Tydun was concerned Raialdt would fall apart during his absence. As the svilgt, Raialdt was Tydun’s priority. Instead, Tydun sent his second-in-command, Wyain.

Wyain knew humans would want directions on what to do with the criminal’s bodies. After resting for a while, he tried contacting Tydun once more before going back outside. Can you hear me, Tydun?

Tydun responded immediately. Wyain!

Even though Tydun was far away, Wyain could sense his relief, pride, and concern, as though Tydun had spent the morning pacing the mossy streets in Raialdt, hoping to hear more news, despite knowing all along that Wyain could defeat the criminals.

The criminals had one more telepath than we anticipated.

Immediately, Tydun responded, Yes. I am glad you are okay.

Wyain closed his eyes, picturing himself at Raialdt. I thought I was at the beginning of death. A dragon warrior with healing abilities tried curing me.

Dragon Warrior Elaina?

Yes.

Is she well?

She looked tired, but seemed okay. From my observations, she must be careful about how much she heals. I presume she overexerted herself when healing the injured warriors. She’s resting now. Are the other svilg well?

Wyain could sense dread from Tydun as he spoke, I believe we are suffering from a coordinated attack. Three criminals attacked Breul.

Panic swept through Wyain. Is she alright?

She is suffering a slow death.

Sorrow filled Wyain’s heart. How long can she survive?

Maybe three weeks.

Keep her alive as long as you can.

Of course. I will stay here and block her telepathic spikes.

Wyain cringed as he recalled his pain after the attack. His daughter was experiencing the same pain, but Raialdt didn’t have a healer to take it away. Still, Wyain doubted that he was completely healed. He would analyze his telepathy and the pain in his head before believing Dragon Leader Elaina had cured him. Wyain rested his hands behind his head, considering the possibilities. There is strength in numbers, Tydun.

Please elaborate.

Perhaps telepaths who are loyal to the gyev should relocate. We are too close to the northern cities. I have told you of the warriors at Bern Village. You know what they are capable of.

Relay your suggestion to the gyev later. Rest your mind Wyain. Contact me tomorrow when you are feeling well enough and have more information.

Though exhausted, Wyain left the peaceful bedroom to help on the training field, flooded with people. Guards kept a close eye on Bern Village, searching for wraiths and criminal telepaths they may have missed. Other guards cleaned the battlefield and carried bodies away. Doctor Noland and Jason were still bandaging warriors. A man who looked important was talking to Master Kijani. When they saw Wyain, Master Kijani waved. Svilg Wyain, would you like to speak with us?

A stubby man’s eyes wandered up and down Wyain, You’re a telepath.

Wyain wanted to burst with laughter. What else could he be? Well noticed. I’m Svilg Wyain.

Mayor Gradin. The human confidently reached his hand out to shake Wyain’s, but Wyain saluted his hand to the side then let it drop.

Mayor Gradin lowered his hand and narrowed his eyes. Wyain expected humans to be cautious and suspicious around him. Tydun assured Wyain that humans at Bern Village would be reasonable if he was straight-forward and polite. Mayor Gradin was about Wyain’s height and was bald except for stray hairs on the back of his head. His back was stiff, his jaw tense. Wyain could sense his anxiety over having a telepath at Bern Village who wasn’t willing to even shake hands.

Wyain explained, My apologies for not shaking hands. Physical contact augments our ability to understand others telepathically. It is customary when greeting another for us to hold our hand to the side, thus avoiding physical contact. I also must apologize for the criminal's behavior. They broke our laws and were punished accordingly.

Hmm.

Wyain brushed off the mayor’s skepticism and scanned the field, wondering if the telepaths remained where they fell because the humans were afraid of offending him. A warrior guarded the bodies, brushing aside others who approached. Wyain turned back to the mayor. It is our culture to burn a telepath following their death.

Really! The mayor’s eyes widened.

We consider it symbolic.

Oh?

I have already informed Svilgt Tydun of the outcome. I would appreciate some help with the bodies.

Mayor Gradin was deeply concerned. Tell me, Svilg Wyain, why do you burn the bodies?

We have a strong belief in life after death. When a fire burns it changes but is not really gone.

What?

Wyain thought he was straight-forward enough. Surely Mayor Gradin would figure it out if he thought about what Wyain said long enough.

Master Kijani studied Wyain, towering over him, yet Wyain experienced no anxiety near him. Though Wyain hadn’t fully recovered from the battle, he could easily defeat the Master, despite the telepath blocker Master Kijani had snuck off Master Crevan’s hand. It was a fascinating blocker, with a green stone set in the middle, making it look like a valuable piece of jewelry.

Master Kijani scanned the field. Khalom is in good shape. He can help you with the criminals if you would like.

Thank you Master Kijani. I need to converse with several people after Dragon Warrior Elaina is available.

Why Elaina?

Master Kijani was suspicious, but Wyain wasn’t yet ready to reveal his plans. He wanted to determine if Dragon Leader Elaina healed him, or if she simply relieved his pain. Wyain wasn’t certain she had the information he needed. If Dragon Leader Elaina did heal Wyain, could she heal Breul? I would rather explain when everyone is available.

Elaina needs to rest. I’m not even sure we can wake her now.

I will wait here to speak with her. Meantime, I will work on the criminals. Waiting for Dragon Warrior Elaina was going to be difficult. To save Breul, they must travel through the forest at a grueling pace. They likely wouldn’t make it in time, but he had to try.

Master Lang led Wyain to where Dragon Warrior Khalom was helping clean the field. A bandage around Khalom’s leg informed Wyain that, though Dragon Warrior Khalom was in good shape, he did not walk away from the battle unscathed.

Three human guards with simple weapon packs approached at Dragon Warrior Khalom’s command. Together Wyain, Dragon Warrior Khalom, and the guards gathered wood from the forest to burn the bodies. It was obvious even to the other humans that Dragon Warrior Khalom was not comfortable around Wyain. He fidgeted and remained a few strides further away than he would around a friend. Still, he helped without complaint. The guards unhesitatingly obeyed Dragon Warrior Khalom’s orders.

Wyain brought four orange bags out of a large, black bag that was slung across his chest. Together they emptied the pockets of each deceased telepath into separate bags; several coins and a few notes. Wyain dropped the last coin in a mostly empty bag. I am sure they left some belongings outside Bern Village, but I’m not going to search for them. If you see anything that belongs to the criminals, set it aside and we will take care of it eventually. Wyain tied the bags then set them aside.

What are you going to do with their things? Dragon Warrior Khalom asked.

I will turn them over to Tydun who will return it to their nearest kin, after he checks the belongings to make sure the telepath was not carrying anything illegal. All these telepaths were living in the northern cities, but they still have some family in Raialdt.

Wyain noted Dragon Warrior Khalom’s approval.

Guards carried the telepath bodies, one at a time, to rows of wood that Wyain and Dragon Warrior Khalom stacked in layers perpendicular to each other. Wyain placed his hand on the forehead of each telepath to ensure they were deceased, then struck a flint stone on his vrynth, a sharp boomerang that he had used during the battle. A tiny spark spread across dried grass and moss, gathered from the field. Kindling crackled. Soon, the flames roared, pluming dark smoke above the trees. Wyain, Khalom, and the guards backed away.

As the fire crackled, Master Kijani waited nearby. Wyain knew the humans were being cautious around him. They obviously didn’t trust him completely, but they were more nervous about offending him. The warriors didn’t want more enemies, especially after suffering their devastating losses.

The human bodies were already gone, but the deceased wraiths were still on the field. Wyain guessed the humans wanted to ask about them but were trying to be patient. Wyain recalled humans who had died during the attack and asked, When will the funerals be? I understand your customs are different.

Master Kijani’s shoulder slumped. Tomorrow.

The wraiths may be buried per human customs.

Master Kijani ordered the guards to take care of the wraith’s remains.

It was an exhausting day of work while also being cautious around leery humans. Wyain slept in a bed that was now covered with fresh, warm blankets. It wasn’t until the next morning that Wyain saw Dragon Warrior Elaina awake. A trickle of blood oozed from a wound on her shoulder, visible from a large cut in her shirt sleeve. Wyain wasn’t sure she noticed. He watched her eat enough food for five telepaths, filling her plate three times and gulping water and milk.

Wyain continued waiting in the living room, trying to be patient, despite the urgency of his desired conversation with Dragon Warrior Elaina. Tvuna brought a pile of clothes to the bathing room then spoke in low tones to Dragon Warrior Elaina. She was delirious and barely understood what Tvuna said.

Dragon Warrior Elaina made her way to the bathing room while Tvuna went into Dragon Warrior Elaina’s room. Tvuna soon came out, hauling a mound of bedding. She brought the pile somewhere in the hallway, returned with a neatly folded pile of sheets and blankets, then slipped into Dragon Warrior Elaina’s room again.

Eventually, Dragon Warrior Elaina came out of the bathing room with dripping hair and enormous, dark sacks under her eyes. She was in a clean set of warrior clothes and must have healed her wounds because the bleeding had stopped. As she brushed her hair Wyain wondered why Dragon warrior Elaina didn’t shave it off. Hair was an oddity that collected dust. Telepaths didn’t have any.

Tvuna held a polished pair of scissors by her side. Dragon Warrior Elaina stumbled onto a wooden chair then Tvuna trimmed her hair, making it straight but still long. Wyain was confused. Was it not normal to have jagged hair? Perhaps an even line at the bottom was customary for humans. Wyain recalled the field and a bunch of black hair that was pinned underneath a wraith. Perhaps some of Dragon Warrior Elaina’s hair was cut off during the battle.

As Dragon Warrior Elaina turned her glazed eyes toward Wyain he noticed a bruise on her cheek. She looked numb, as though the world wasn’t entirely real to her. Overwhelmed with deep sorrow and fatigue, Dragon Warrior Elaina walked into the bedroom next to hers where Dragon Warrior Louie was resting. Wyain knew Dragon Warrior Louie was injured but wasn’t aware of the severity of his injuries. He didn’t want to ask questions, rather he used the telepathic connection he created when he and Dragon Warrior Elaina attacked the criminal telepaths to understand more clearly what was happening when she healed others.

It was strange that Wyain’s headache was improving, rather than getting worse. Perhaps she really did heal him. Wyain carefully and delicately monitored Dragon Leader Elaina.

Do you have the note from Noland? Dragon Warrior Elaina’s voice barely rose above a mumble that required effort and concentration. She was exhausted!

It’s here.

Dragon Warrior Elaina read:

Louie is suffering from internal bleeding and possibly other damage around his kidneys. I believe his condition is life-threatening and should be taken care of as soon as possible. All other injuries can wait until after you have fully recovered.

Dragon Warrior Elaina stumbled over to Louie and placed her hand on his back, healing him. Wyain would have interrupted her, but he couldn’t ask her to let a warrior die to spare a svilg pain and death. Intrigued, Wyain continued monitoring Dragon Warrior Elaina. Her skills were certainly useful. While monitoring Dragon Warrior Louie, Wyain could feel his pain dissipate, like rain washing away dirt and filth from a battlefield.

Before the battle Wyain had to avoid reading Dragon Warrior Elaina’s mind. Her telepathic abilities were strong enough she would have noticed the moment he began monitoring her. Instead Wyain used the people around her to learn more about the dragon warriors. Now Dragon Warrior Elaina might be sufficiently exhausted not to notice the subtle observations of an experienced svilg who shared a telepathic connection with her. Wyain was unusually good at monitoring people, but Dragon Warrior Elaina was a strong telepath. Wyain wondered how much a telepath like her could learn without an appropriate guardian or teacher to help her with telepathy.

Wyain understood how Dragon Warrior Elaina felt and exactly what she was thinking. He felt sorry for the child mourning Master Crevan’s loss, a man she saw as a father. Wyain was not sure he should talk to Dragon Warrior Elaina before the funeral. He waited as she became increasingly exhausted from healing Dragon Warrior Louie, then she stumbled to her room and collapsed on her bed to rest.

Time passed. Tvuna offered Wyain plenty of food. Wyain nibbled on the meat that Tvuna cooked then left the rest of the offered food on a plate. He waited for the funeral and wondered what he should do while everyone was out of the house. He considered going for a walk around Bern Village or in the woods. His concern was unnecessary because Master Kijani invited him to attend. Curious about human funerals, Wyain followed the group to a graveyard, full of carved stones that were surrounded by bushes and trees on the outskirts of Bern Village.

A simple, wooden box rested in a deep hole, underneath the thick branches of a large oak tree, laden with growing leaves. Master Crevan’s children spoke of what a remarkable man he was, but Wyain wasn’t listening to their eulogy. Telepaths didn’t give a speech after someone died. They shared their fondest memory of the person who passed on as a way of celebrating their life.

From near the back of the crowd, Dragon Warrior Elaina and Dragon Warrior Ranvir listened, tears pouring down their cheeks. Suddenly Dragon Leader Elaina looked at the outside of the crowd, staring at the air. Dragon Warrior Ranvir took Dragon Warrior Elaina’s hand and followed her gaze. Telepaths could sense deceased people sometimes, particularly when life was difficult. It was common to sense the deceased when family and friends gathered to share memories of their life. On rare occasions, they could sense emotions from the deceased person.

Wyain didn’t want to interrupt the eulogy, but Elaina’s status as a strong telepath made Wyain feel obligated to explain telepath culture. He spoke to Dragon Warrior Elaina telepathically, When a person dies, they are not gone forever, a concept that strong telepaths comprehend when they first lose someone close to them. It does not make living without them less difficult, but it does make it easier to say goodbye.

Dragon Warrior Elaina’s tears slowed. Dragon Warrior Ranvir glanced over the crowd at Wyain. It was clear that Dragon Warrior Ranvir heard what Wyain said through Dragon Warrior Elaina, but that didn’t bother Wyain. Hope took the place of deep sorrow on Dragon Warrior Ranvir’s face.

In front of the crowd, Dalton haltingly continued his speech, My father may be gone, but the life he lived still affects us all. He will never be forgotten. He left a will which I would like to read.

Dalton unfolded an off-white paper, then held it in front of him.

If this is being read it means I am no longer alive. I suspect I will be a prime target in the attack the northern cities have planned for Bern Village. If my suspicions are correct, there will be little anyone can do to save me.

Living among you has been a privilege. Training and fighting beside upstanding, powerful warriors has been an honor. I would not trade all the gold in the northern cities for my years at Bern Village. Please protect and help each other.

I have few valuables to leave behind. Louie and Ranvir shall each have one of my swords once they have completed the master levels. Mehdi and Elaina shall each have one of my aurium daggers. When Darian is ready, he may have my aurium bow. The aurium arrows shall be divided among Elaina, Louie, Ranvir, Khalom and Mehdi.

All my guides, and all my strategy books shall be divided among Kijani, Hagan, and Elaina. Havard may have his pick of my horses and shall give or sell any he does not want to whomever he chooses. All my money shall be divided evenly among Dalton, Noria, and Havard. Dalton shall have my law books. Noria shall have the house and will divide anything I have not mentioned among whomever she likes.

I hope my family will be safe. They have always stood by me. My family did their best to push through my plans, despite the hardships we suffered. They have been my strength, my reason for going on when life was discouraging.

May you all live a good life in peace. My love to you all,

Crevan

The crowd began moving. The warriors mentioned in the will went to Dalton for the small belongings Master Crevan had left them. Dragon Warrior Elaina gingerly reached for a dagger and her share of Master Crevan’s arrows. Dalton handed them to her with an encouraging, though shaky smile.

After studying Dragon Warrior Elaina, and considering his own recovery, Wyain was anxious to see if Dragon Warrior Elaina could heal his daughter, Breul. Wyain seized the opportunity to speak with Master Kijani. May I speak with the masters, the Mayor, and Dragon Warrior Elaina now? I understand my timing could be better; however, I must be on my way soon. I have urgent matters to attend to.

Master Kijani nodded. We will meet at Mayor Gradin’s house. Thank you for your patience.

The message was soon passed along, and the group departed for the mayor’s house. Curious eyes peered through windows at the group walking down the street. Dragon Warrior Elaina turned her new dagger around in her hands, admiring a symbol on the handle. A blue tint to the dark metal seemed brighter in the sunlight. She placed the dagger securely in her weapon pack. Wyain paid close attention to her. She was flattered and melancholy, surprised that she was included in Master Crevan’s will.

The group gathered in a small parlor without enough room to comfortably move around. Wyain scooted his chair back to the wall, preventing his knees from accidentally bumping someone else’s. "I apologize for pulling you away from your families. I need to explain a few things to all of you. Though I did come with approval from the gyev, it was only by one vote. Because the telepath criminals in the northern cities are ruled by royalty, we weren’t sure if they should be tried according to Raialdt telepath laws. The gyev wanted more information before voting on whether I should assist you when the wraiths and telepaths attacked. That is why I have been studying Bern Village. Many gyev members opted not to vote on whether the criminals should be charged for turning humans into wraiths. Criminal telepaths have been attacking svilg in Raialdt as well. We are divided between holding to our laws and being ruled by royalty.

I have discussed with Svilgt Tydun and Gyev Jiunl the possibility of bringing our people closer to Bern Village. If we are assured of an alliance with Bern Village, it is likely the gyev will agree it is our best option. As a part telepath, Dragon Warrior Elaina is the most suitable person to send to the gyev because it will be easier for her to communicate with us. As the dragon leader, she can assure the gyev that Bern Village is capable of assisting us.

Dragon Warrior Elaina cast a sharp glimpse at Svilg Wyain, wondering why he thought she was the dragon leader.

Wyain didn’t stop. Svilg have been fighting telepath criminals and some of us have been injured. I must confess an additional reason for my desire to bring Dragon Warrior Elaina with me. A daughter of mine is also a svilg and was injured in a telepath attack. Within the next few weeks she will die if she is not healed.

For a moment, Wyain’s sorrow over Breul’s fading life filled the room. Though humans couldn’t sense his emotions, any telepath could. Dragon Warrior Elaina’s shock and sorrow over the magnitude of his emotions reminded Wyain of her minimal telepathy training. She was young, and clearly found it difficult to separate her emotions from others. Quickly Wyain blocked his emotions.

Never in our history has a healer cured a telepath following a telepath attack. Until yesterday we were certain injuries equivalent to what I sustained were incurable. I am asking Dragon Warrior Elaina to try healing my daughter before it is too late.

The dragon leader? Mayor Gradin’s double chin wobbled while he spoke. How did you arrive at that conclusion?

The other Dragon Warriors have agreed Dragon Warrior Elaina is their leader. She has been trained to coordinate attacks. During battle, she gives orders which the dragons and the warriors follow. She also trains the dragon warriors and the dragons. Wyain knew from his days of spying that officially she was a dragon warrior, but he also knew her skills and her job were more demanding than the other dragon warriors at Bern Village. In Wyain’s opinion, Dragon Warrior Elaina was acting as a leader.

Mayor Gradin’s eyes rested on Masters Kijani and Lang who were talking on one side of the room. Dragon Warrior Elaina groggily moved her eyes from one person to another. Finally, Master Kijani spoke, Despite her young age, it was necessary that Elaina act as a leader because she is the only person capable of telepathically coordinating attacks and she is the most advanced dragon warrior. Unless Gradin orders Elaina otherwise, Elaina may decide if she would like to heal Svilg Wyain’s daughter. We agree an alliance would be beneficial; however, the final decision is Gradin’s.

You agree with Svilg Wyain about an alliance Kijani? I wish no offense to the telepaths, Mayor Gradin nodded at Wyain, but they have not been interested in working with us before.

Master Kijani leaned back in his chair. Forming an alliance with the Raialdt telepaths will help us all defend against the northern cities attacks. Telepaths only need to live within fifty to one hundred kilometers of us. Elaina and Davu can fly that distance in less than an hour. Other warriors can travel that distance in a few days once we establish a traveling path. With surveillance provided by the dragons, we should have at least that much time to prepare for battle should the telepaths be attacked.

Mayor Gradin grunted. You have discussed this before?

We analyzed tactics last night. I was going to approach you with the possibility of an alliance today. We weren’t aware that Svilg Wyain wanted to bring Elaina with him to Raialdt. I understand this is a decision you cannot make lightly Gradin. Svilg Wyain needs to leave, and this war is escalating. I recommend we form an alliance with Raialdt telepaths.

Mayor Gradin paced the room for what seemed like hours. Breul’s life was being decided. It took restraint for Wyain not to read Mayor Gradin’s mind, but he did not want humans to distrust him, and masters were known for finding logical flaws. Before Wyain left Raialdt, Tydun explained human culture. Humans valued privacy. If Wyain accidentally revealed information he could only discover through monitoring Mayor Gradin, would they reject Wyain’s request? Humans were unpredictable.

Finally, Mayor Gradin spoke, We are willing to discuss an alliance with Raialdt telepaths. What will you do, Dragon Warrior Elaina? I won’t make you go to Raialdt if you don’t want to. You’re young for an assignment of this sort.

Thick silence blanketed the room. Dragon Warrior Elaina walked to the window, staring at the cloudless sky. Wyain stiffened as he watched. Why should his daughter’s fate be decided by a child who happened to be the right combination of the races? Dragon Warrior Elaina had sympathy for others, but would she show that sympathy to a telepath and stranger? Dragons hated telepaths, and Dragon Warrior Elaina was companion to a dragon. Wyain desperately tried to remain silent while he awaited Dragon Warrior Elaina’s answer.

Chapter 2:  Bern Village

Outside Mayor Gradin’s house a green dragon with orange wing tips lingered. Davu’s black horns were barely visible when he flew past the parlor window. Elaina gazed at Davu as he restlessly circled Bern Village.

The idea of going to a city full of telepaths terrified Elaina, but without Svilg Wyain’s help, more warriors would have died. In fact, Bern Village may have lost. Knowing Davu’s animosity toward telepaths, Elaina hesitated to discuss the matter with him, but going to Raialdt required his help. What do you think, Davu? Should I go to Raialdt?

We can’t trust telepaths.

Carefully, Elaina considered Svilg Wyain’s request from a strategic point of view. We can’t fight the northern cities and Raialdt telepaths. I have healed the critical wounds warriors suffered and can leave for a few days. Elaina gulped. I don’t know if Svilg Wyain has an ulterior motive, but I think it is worth the risk.

I would rather they send someone else.

Who can replace us? You can fly us to Raialdt, saving weeks from anyone else’s journey. I’m the strongest telepath and therefore more capable of communicating and defending myself. I’m the only person at Bern Village who can heal Svilg Wyain’s daughter. Who would you send? Svilg Wyain gave solid reasons for his request.

Elaina shuddered over recalling Svilg Wyain’s sorrow for his daughter. His comforting voice helped her through Master Crevan’s funeral. Despite Davu’s misgivings, Elaina was curious about telepath culture and what she was capable of as a telepath. Svilg Wyain seemed like a good person, not domineering as Davu feared.

Davu’s urge to release a ferocious roar over their dilemma sent a chill down Elaina’s spine. He was not keen on the idea of her meeting with telepaths, but Elaina’s reasons for wanting to go were valid. Okay, but I want you to be careful.

Agreed. Elaina slowly turned away from the window to face Wyain. We can leave tomorrow at dawn. Is this meeting over?

Master Kijani hesitated. Your part is done. Get some rest Elaina.

Elaina wobbled out of Mayor Gradin’s house while talking to Davu. With two of us it will take longer for you to fly.

I am stronger now and the telepath is lighter than most human adults. I’ll need to rest on occasion, but I can make the journey.

After healing others, Elaina was exhausted. She heeded Master Kijani’s advice and rested.

The next morning Elaina ate a hearty breakfast then coated her sword with aurium cleaner, feeling guilty for not cleaning it earlier. A pale stream of light cascaded down a corner of the brown sofa in the living room where Svilg Wyain was waiting for her. Elaina wiped off the excess cleaner, then sheathed her sword.

Master Kijani rested a hand on Elaina’s shoulder. You don’t have to go, Elaina.

I know. Elaina touched Master Crevan’s dagger but left it in her weapon pack. No, she didn’t have to go, but if she stayed at Bern Village a telepath svilg would die. Telepaths may side with the northern cities. The telepath who saved Bern Village might be offended. Someone else would have to go in her place . . . the list went on. Mayor Gradin gave Elaina a choice, but how could she refuse the assignment?

Tvuna handed Elaina a bag of food. This is for your journey. Be careful.

Thanks. Elaina waved goodbye then left the house to climb on Davu.

As Elaina brought her hand down to help Svilg Wyain onto Davu’s back, his forehead scrunched in surprise. You want me to ride?

An amused smile formed about Elaina’s lips. Would you rather walk? It would be slower.

Awkwardly, Svilg Wyain grabbed Elaina’s thick, leather glove then climbed behind Her. Svilg Wyain fought off fear as they rose above trees. Svilg Wyain grasped Elaina’s weapon pack because there was nothing else for him to hold on to. Elaina used an invisible elf shield to help Svilg Wyain stay on while Davu flew for hours, straining his wings and trying to build a little more strength before they landed to rest.

On the forest floor, Elaina pulled some food out of the leather bag Tvuna gave her. Davu curled up beside her, quietly snoring.

Elaina hesitated. A svilg is considered a strong telepath, right?

Svilg Wyain munched on a piece of dried meat. Gyev and Svilg are the strongest telepaths.

I hope this isn’t a rude question, but how powerful are you as a telepath?

I am one of the most powerful telepaths in Raialdt. Svilg Wyain tapped his seven, right fingers on a rock. You are concerned about meeting with the gyev.

I know how much stronger you are than me.

I have decades of experience as a svilg. For a telepath your age you are quite powerful. Fighting the four criminals would have been a close match without your help. They were older than I am and had more time to gain telepathic strength. We were also outnumbered. Wyain chuckled. You want to know how old I am.

Elaina talked through a mouth full of jerky. I wasn’t going to ask.

I’m ninety-eight.

And telepaths can live for hundreds of years?

Yes. The criminals were all close to the end of their lives. That is why they seemed strong to you. Svilg Wyain cleared his throat. Dragon Warrior Elaina, I should probably explain a few things to you.

Elaina stiffened. I’m listening.

Where to begin? Your telepathic abilities are much stronger than they should be, considering your only telepath ancestor was Queen Grayl. You are capable of things only full telepaths can do. A telepathic connection is usually strongest among family, particularly between joined telepaths.

I am aware of the concept.

When we battled the criminals, it was necessary for me to create a telepathic connection with you, enabling us to battle them together. This means it will be easier for you to speak with me telepathically than with other telepaths. The connection I created is called a svilg connection. It takes time for a telepathic connection to go away, and it takes time to build one. Powerful telepathic experiences, like battling criminals, make our connections significantly stronger. Every time you read a dragon warrior’s mind it makes the telepathic connection between you and them stronger.

Is that a good thing?

Usually. Unicorns cannot withstand a telepathic connection. If you try to read the mind of a unicorn, it will likely kill them because you don’t have enough control over your telepathic abilities to interrogate a unicorn.

What about elves?

Tydun believes they will respond as unicorns do.

Elaina paused, stunned by the overwhelming power radiating from the name, Tydun. Who?

Svilgt Tydun.

Elaina instantly understood who Svilg Wyain was referring to. The svilgt was equal to the gyevt and was the leader of all the svilg. He enforced the laws that gyev made. The gyev were judges and lawmakers. Elaina shifted on a rock with her water bag on her knees, absorbing the information Svilg Wyain gave her.

Though Master Crevan taught Elaina about telepaths, she wasn’t confident in her abilities. Was Svilg Wyain monitoring her every thought? Elaina bit her lip. Have you monitored me?

Only after you awoke to heal Dragon Warrior Louie. It was too risky for me to monitor you before then.

Elaina stared at her fingers. I knew you were monitoring me, but I was too tired to care.

"I wasn’t sure you would notice, but I suppose you have learned to be cautious. I used people around you