Saressa's Child

By Moss

A warlord orders raiding parties to find and destroy the faithful followers of a goddess. A priest and followers flee and hide in a cave for safety, but the attackers approach their location. A young woman who has just discovered her true identity joins forces with others determined to rescue the trapped group and escort them to anothe

• Language: English
• Publisher: Myrica Moss
• Release date: Feb 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088090510

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Prologue

VALESKAS SWIRLED HIS vast smoke body around in restless circles within the prison that a goddess had cast him into decades ago. He wasn't alone now, though. A small pile of red shards had returned to the Void with him after the defeat of Ramos. His monstrous dragon's head bent low to inspect the red shards closely, and nothing had changed with them since the battle.

His red eyes blazed as he irritably peered closer. Valeska's eyes were the only color amongst the gray smoke flesh of His Blood Dragon's form. His rows of sharp teeth, useless now as smoke, were clearly visible inside the wide dark mouth. Valeskas towered above the red shards, and despite the fact, his body held no substance within the smoke, the many scales that had adorned his flesh body were still evident.

Valeskas's muscular back legs, once crucial for flight, were just an impression now. The large rear talons spread wide as if to support his weight, but Valeskas weighed nothing at all as a smoke dragon. His wings flexed irritably, tired of waiting for something to develop from the red shards. Surprisingly, this movement created a breeze that momentarily stirred the fragments, causing them to rise and float back down again in lazy circles.

He poked at one of the shards with a long sharp talon on one of his front claws to see if he could elicit some response, but nothing happened. In a sudden fit of anger, he turned away from the bright red shining pieces. His long muscular tail accidentally swiped at Ramos's remains, and from the breeze it created, they were dispersed all over their Void prison. They fluttered down again in a sparkling red shower. Useless, he thought angrily to himself and puffed out non-existent flames from his distorted smoke mouth.

Valeskas, a female voice boomed suddenly, the echo of which rumbled around his prison of fog. I command you to appear before me, the voice continued, I invoke you!

The Blood Dragon stopped pacing at the sound of the voice, and a tooth-filled smile spread across his face. What is this unexpected development? He said, his voice almost a hiss.

Valeskas, I command you to appear before me, came the voice again, more forcefully this time. Dra has promised me you will respond to my command, continued the voice.

This statement interested Valeskas. How has this person contacted Dra? Valeskas decided to answer this command, and he allowed himself to transport to the person whose spell called to him.

Hariah raised her arms once more as she chanted the invoke spell designed to summon Valeskas. Her long black hair wore loose, cascaded down her back in spirals of curls. She had braided the hair on either side of her face and tied it back to keep it out of her way. Hariah's pale face glowed red in the humid heat of the tropical forest that surrounded her. A deep frown filled her brow in concentration as a sudden and increasing wind tugged at the floor-length, deep red robe she wore. A black belt fashioned from leather was wrapped around her slender waist and adorned with magical symbols burned into the material.

A wisp of gray smoke formed in the wooden bowl that Hariah stood before, and her deep violet-colored eyes widened in excitement when she saw it. She finished chanting the invocation spell, dropped her hands, and watched as the smoke in the bowl increased and slowly began to take form.

In response to a nod from Hariah, the small group of monks that stood beside her began to sing a melodic chant. The chant rose in strength and rhythm as the smoke pouring from the bowl increased, and a slow rhythmic beat resonated from a large drum that one of the monks pounded with thick rounded sticks.

As Valeskas's smoke head formed, he saw the young magic-user standing before the vessel that contained him. She appeared to be in her twenties, but the Blood dragon detected a much older soul within her. Despite the concentration on her face, he could see the beauty there. Valeskas saw three small tattoos on the right side of the invoker's face beneath the corner of her eye. The tattoos were a half-moon and two stars.

Who has invoked me in the name of Dra? Valeskas asked in a hissing voice once his mouth had formed in the smoke. He suddenly became aware of the rising chants and drumming from the monks that stood beside her.

My name is Hariah, the spell caster answered, the excitement evident in her breathless voice. I serve Dra and lead his faithful monks who chant in praise of your arrival, she raised a hand, and the monks instantly grew silent.

Valeskas smiled at this revelation. This scenario was more like it, he thought. Ramos had just been a foolish magic user. Now this woman seemed a much more likely candidate to free him from his Lunaria prison. He inspected his surroundings and realized the bowl that contained him sat on a stone slab at the center of a large rock. Surprisingly this rock altar that Hariah had used to invoke him appeared to be situated within a dense forest of tall trees at the entrance of a partially ruined building. What once had been towering pillars framing the entrance to the building had fallen long ago. Pieces of which lay broken at their base.

He glanced at the now silent monks who had kneeled before him, their shaved heads bowed. They all wore the same gray robes of woven cloth, secured at the waist with black and red braided swatches of fabric. The thick foliage from the tall trees gave the area an odd green glow from the sun or the moon above. It was hard for Valeskas to determine if it was day or night. The only other light in the area was from large torches pushed into the ground around where they were all grouped.

Why have you invoked me? Asked Valeskas, already formulating a plan to use this magic user to help him escape his prison.

Dra needs your assistance, replied Hariah coldly, and you will answer his call.

Valeskas was irritated by Hariah's explanation. Had he been able to blast her with flames, he would have done so without a doubt. Well, as you can see, Valeskas said just as coldly, I am not able to assist anyone trapped in this smoke body.

Dra has found a way to release you, Hariah responded curtly.

Valeskas, surprised by this statement, felt a spark of hope rush through him. And why, and how, exactly are you planning to release me? He asked sarcastically.

I need to find Dra's child, responded Hariah, ignoring his tone of voice, and you can help me locate her. Once I have her, then I plan to trick her into releasing you permanently. Then we can serve Dra together.

Valeskas was stunned by the news that Dra had a child. Locked away for so long had resulted in him losing the communication link to his Lord Dra. The spark of hope that he experienced earlier burst into a flame. Freedom suddenly felt achievable.

This sounds a very ambitious plan, said Valeskas slowly, but one I like. How can I assist you in finding Dra's child? Remember that I am currently trapped with no resources to find anyone.

Ah, but I can release you, Hariah said. 'Not in your natural form, but you will be able to live and walk outside of your prison. It will be a temporary solution, but it serves our purpose to find the child and permanently release you." Hariah looked up at Valeskas to determine how he was receiving this information.

Valeskas's curiosity grew at this revelation. I am intrigued how you plan to accomplish this, he said slowly, but if it frees me from the Void and serves our Lord Dra, then I agree to whatever it is you plan to do.

Excellent, Hariah said. "I will prepare the potions for the chants.

And whose body will I, er, inhabit for this quest? Valeskas inquired with a tooth-filled grin.

In response, Hariah clapped her hands together loudly, and two more monks dressed in the same attire as the ones still kneeling before him stepped from the entrance of the ruined building. Valeskas was impressed with the size and muscular stature of these monks. They held staves for battle in one hand, and their other hand gripped the upper arm of a struggling man in between them.

Their prisoner was also an impressive size but not a match for the two monks who held him. The struggling man was at least 6 feet tall and had a lean and muscular stature. In contrast with the bald monks holding him, he had long dark hair, braided and held back from his face with a swatch of bright red cloth. Although disheveled from his struggles with his captors, his shirt was of fine white material. His black leather pants tucked into black leather knee-length boots spoke of wealth. He obviously had the funds to afford to dress in such fine clothes. The man's features were handsome. His dark complexion suggested he had brown eyes, but currently, a blindfold covered them.

Does this body I am to inhabit have a name? Asked Valeskas, and in response, the prisoner struggled even harder.

He is known as Saygan. He is a pirate, responded Hariah as she gathered items for the transfer spell. The monks no longer kneeling was busy retrieving the items as she called them out.

Valeskas stretched his smoke body as far as possible out of the bowl that contained him and closely looked at Saygan. The struggling man looked to be in his mid-twenties. The gag the two monks had wrapped around his mouth, prevented words but he certainly was making a lot of muffled sounds. The Blood Dragon nodded in approval. He looked forward to inhabiting Saygan's body for a while. Anything to relieve the boredom and frustration of being held where he was now.

Ready? Hariah asked. Valeskas nodded in response and shrank back into the bowl. Hariah had placed several small bottles and pouches on the rock altar.

Hariah began to chant as she poured the contents from the bottles and pouches into a large carved bowl placed in front of her. She picked up a smaller bowl and a curved knife with a carved handle from the collection of items on the altar, and still chanting, Hariah walked over to the prisoner. She nodded to the guards holding Saygan and both of them thrust their battle staves into the ground. Their hands now free, they grabbed and held out the prisoner's arms with one hand, keeping their other hand firmly on his shoulders. As she slashed both Saygan's wrists with the knife, the monks behind her began chanting again, their voices rising in melodious unison in time with the pounding drumbeat.

Hariah caught the rush of blood from Saygan's wounds in the small bowl. Once satisfied that there was sufficient blood for her purpose, she returned to the altar. In response to the attack on his arms, Saygan struggled even more. His muffled protests increased. The guards ignored his struggles and held his arms out while one of the monks rushed forward and quickly wrapped the wounds.

Next, Hariah dug into the bowl that contained Valeskas and scooped out something that looked like ashes. A shudder went through him as she dropped them into the bowl with Saygan's blood. He was surprised that he felt anything as he was just smoke.

Hariah held the small bowl high before her and closed her eyes, chanting faster. A wind suddenly rose and blew her hair wildly behind her, her robe fluttered against her legs, but she paid no attention to it.

Suddenly her chanting stopped. She poured the blood and ash mixture into the large bowl and commanded Valeskas to leave his body and enter Saygan's. Hariah's voice boomed loudly in the small clearing where they all stood. Over and over again, she repeated the command, leave your body and enter Saygan's body.

Valeskas realized that he could no longer see anything. He became aware of firm grips on his shoulders and stinging pain in his arms. Hariah saw that the prisoner had stopped struggling, and the dragon's head in the bowl containing him turned around wildly, his eyes confused. What is this? Sangay hissed. What have you done to me?

The transfer is complete, she said, and the chanting, drumbeat, and wind stopped instantly.

In response to her statement, the guards released their grip on the pirate and quickly removed the gag and blindfold.

Valeskas swayed for a moment and then dropped to his knees, falling forward onto his hands. On all fours, he felt comfortable. Valeskas found that it was challenging to balance on the two strange legs that were now his. Valeskas blinked his new eyes and looked over at Hariah, who appeared to tower above him.

What's wrong? She asked with concern.

How do you balance in these bodies? Valeskas asked, trying to stand again with the help of the guard monks. I don't know how to walk, he exclaimed, falling back down to his knees.

This is unexpected, commented Hariah, a little irritated that she had not realized the dragon might find his new body challenging to handle. Teach him the ways of this body he is as a child, treat him as such and then bring him back to me. She commanded the monks in attendance

Yes, my lady, they responded in unison as they assisted Valeskas back upon his jelly-like legs and then escorted him into the ruined building.

Hariah waved her hand over the confused smoke body that now held the real Saygan, and the dragon disappeared into the bowl in a final wisp of smoke.

CHAPTER TWO

Darma

SHAYLA LED FEN down the long passageway leading to the cellar of her uncle's inn, The Cart and Horse. The passage was narrow but well-lit by flaming torches attached at strategic intervals on the walls. Her long dark hair secured in a loose braid hung down her back. Some strands of hair had escaped and framed her determined face. Her dark brown eyes stayed alert for any sudden movement as the passageway curved to the left. Shayla's dress consisted of a brown suede leather tunic fringed at the bottom, leggings, and boots, more befitting a man. Her stature was petite, but she was quick and accurate with a dagger when necessary.

Raven followed closely behind her, leading his horse Daybreak, and Motomo, their wolf friend, followed at the rear. His eyes were blue but with rings of brown and green within their depths. Depending on the light from the torches, they changed colors. Raven was solidly built but not exceptionally tall. His long dark wavy hair was pulled off his face and tied back neatly. He wore a loose gray shirt tucked into his leather pants. His leather boots, blood-stained from their earlier battle with Ramos and his undead army, completed the outfit.

Daybreak, Raven's female horse, was prattling on about how exciting this adventure was and how much she was looking forward to seeing this world of Shayla's. She was a large white horse with a long white mane and tail.

What is the name of your world, Shayla? Daybreak said into her thoughts.

Darma, Shayla answered as she moved closer towards what appeared to be a gated door ahead. I think we are approaching the doorway, she said, squinting into the shadows beyond the last pair of torches.

Raven couldn't see much past the rump of Fen, Shayla's horse, and he asked her to stop so he could move in front of them. Shayla stopped and waited for him to squeeze between the horse and the wall to reach her. Fen was a male mid-brown colored horse with a shaggy white mane and tail. Raven took a few steps forward and analyzed the massive ornate metal gate before them. Motomo, followed by Shayla, joined him and looked at the formidable barrier they needed to go through.

Motomo was a large, young gray wolf that had agreed to accompany them on their quest to rescue the goddess Saressa's faithful followers.

The dark metal gate blocking their way was in the shape of two bears standing on their rear legs facing each other. The paws on their front legs touched, pad to pad. The bears' eyes, made from crystals, shone red in the dim light from the closest torches.

There is some type of lock on the carved bears up there, exclaimed Motomo, his wolf eyes much sharper than the two humans he stood beside. In between their mouths, he further clarified.

Raven peered further up the gate and saw what appeared to be a massive fish in the center of the bears. The head of the fish held in the mouth of one bear, the tail in the other bear's mouth. Where the fin of the fish should be was an indentation. The indentation was unmistakably the shape of a dragon about to take off in flight.

The Dragon key pendant around Raven's neck suddenly became warm against his chest, and it seemed to pulse beneath his fingertips as he clutched his shirt in surprise. He took the key from around his neck and saw that it was glowing in a greenish hue.

Raven smiled at the others. Are we ready for this? He asked.

Ready for what? Wailed Daybreak. I can't see a thing back here stuck behind Fen.

Raven stopped when he heard his horse's voice. What about the horses and Motomo? He asked Shayla. I know this gate leads to the cellar of your uncle's inn, but should you and I go alone and see what lies ahead first?

Yes, you are correct, Raven. It has been three weeks or so since Saressa transported me to the world of Sheukhawn, and I hid one of her priests in my uncle's cellar before I left. If the priest survived the invading Easterners, then he might not appreciate us just appearing in the cellar with a wolf and two horses.

As much as Motomo wanted to be out of this narrow passage, he agreed with his companions. I agree, said Motomo. I will stay and guard the horses, he said.

I don't need guarding, wolf, Daybreak said to Motomo. I can guard all of us well enough, she snorted haughtily. Raven grinned at Motomo, whose tongue lolled out the side of his mouth in response.

Don't worry, Daybreak, Shayla called back to the horse, I have seen you in battle, my friend, and you are a powerful ally.

Exactly, snorted Daybreak, "at least Shayla recognizes my skills.

We will be back for you soon, said Raven, as he stretched up to press his dragon-shaped pendant in the recess on the gate.

The pendant's green glow grew brighter, and with a sudden flash, there was the unmistakable sound of a lock turning. Raven hung the Dragon key once more around his neck, tucking it beneath his shirt as he stepped back from the gate.

Look at the eyes on the bears, whispered Shayla, they are now a green color.

Raven and Motomo looked, and Shayla was correct. The edges of the gate sprung apart and slowly opened, revealing a wooden door with a handle.

Ready? Asked Raven grabbing the door handle.

Yes, confirmed Shayla.

Raven opened the door to the cellar of The Cart and Horse Inn and stepped into another narrow passage that opened up into a cold, damp side room. As Shayla followed him and closed the door, the gate behind them closed with a resounding clunk.

Kaida peered into the flowing stream, choosing the exact moment to drop her hands into the water and stroke the belly of the closest fish. She spotted the perfect one and swiftly slipped her hands into the water. Then with skillful fingers, Kaida quickly seduced her catch into a trance. Once assured the fish was still, Kaida flipped him up onto the bank of the stream, well away from the edge so he could not slide back in.

Kaida nodded approvingly at the size of the fish and scrambled across the grassy bank to grab it and put it in the basket she had brought with her. Something caught her eye amongst the trees a little further up the bank. She stopped for a moment peering into the shadows of the trees and bushes.

Suddenly an enormous bear scampered out of the bushes and grabbed her fish before she could reach it.

Hey! Kaida yelled, give that back. She chased after the bear as it ran back into the woods with her supper.

Without thinking, she touched her hand to her head for a moment. Then Kaida pointed in the direction of the fleeing bear, and a blinding flash of yellow light arced towards it from her outstretched fingers. The light surrounded the bear, securing it in place, the fish still in its mouth.

The sudden realization of what she had just done sent an icy shiver down her spine. Kaida looked around quickly and breathed a sigh of relief when she saw no one close to her. I need to use more caution, she admonished, I am going to get caught.

The use of magic was forbidden and would likely lead to her death had Kaida been seen using it. She ran forward to the bear, which was still struggling against her binding spell. Kaida glanced cautiously around her before waving her arm in the bear's direction to release it.

When the bear realized it was free, it turned for a moment to face her, fish still in its mouth. The bear's eyes were wide with surprise, and it stared quietly at Kaida until she grew alarmed that it might be intending to attack her.

Thank you, the bear's melodic deep voice filtered into her mind, and thank you for the fish. It turned and ran off into the woods, taking her fish with it.

Kaida shook her head in astonishment and laughed. I hope he enjoys it, she said and headed back to the stream. I need to pay more attention all around me today, she thought.

As she was leaving the edge of the forest, a figure stepped out in front of her. Kaida stopped, and her hand reached for a knife hidden in the pocket of her tunic. She favored the hunter's type of clothing as skirts and dresses got in her way. Her pants, long tunic, and the soft boots she wore suited her purposes much better. Kaida's mother relied on her to bring food home to the table. Although fussing at Kaida for the outfits she typically wore, her mother understood the rationale behind the choice.

Can I help you? Kaida asked the strange-looking figure. You are blocking my way.

The figure stepped to one side, and Kaida got a better look at him, A Tree Realmer! She declared with surprise.

Yes, said the creature in a soft, whispery voice. You are Kaida, are you not?

I am, replied Kaida, amazed at seeing a Tree Realmer. She thought they were just myths. Who might you be? She asked.

I am Noda, said the Tree Realmer and bowed his head respectfully. It is an honor to meet Saressa's child, he said warmly.

Hush, hissed Kaida quickly, you can't speak that name in these parts. She glanced around the area, terrified. And you are mistaken. I am not her child, she said quickly, afraid to speak the goddess's name out loud. My mother's name is Freyer, she finished.

Noda smiled at her. He wore a long flowing robe of the darkest forest green that Kaida had ever seen. His eyes were set wide apart in his pale green face and were a brilliant gold color. His hair was long and white and flowed around his head in the breeze. If he wore boots or any type of footwear, Kaida couldn't see them because his robe was too long.

Come with me, he said softly, extending a hand to her, it's not safe to talk here in the open.

Kaida felt no threat from Noda and was curious to learn more about him. She extended her hand, and he took it as they walked back into the forest together.

Shayla opened the side room door that led into the cellar. As expected, the massive basement had solidly built wooden racks lining the walls filled with casks of wine and ale. Her uncle didn't brew any alcoholic drinks himself. Traders delivered it to him every week. The air was chilly and damp as Shayla led the way to the far end of the cellar. There was a stack of sacks piled up on one side of the room containing flour, meal, and in some cases, vegetables.

Shayla pressed herself in between the wall and the sacks. She then squeezed around the back of the sacks that effectively hid another door. Raven saw the small gap and decided to wait for her to come back out. His stocky build would likely knock the sacks over if he tried to squeeze past them.

She knocked gently on the door, opened it, and stepped into a relatively cozy room. There was a small cot on one side and a table and chair on the other side. A bowl for washing and a pitcher for water was on a bench in the corner. The remnants of breakfast were on top of the table.

A tall, slender man stepped out of the shadows from behind the open door. Shayla, he said, obviously relieved it was her. I trust you slept well.

Shayla was puzzled by this statement because she had been gone for more than three weeks. Er, yes, thank you, she said, deciding not to question the timeline further. I bring good news, Hesson, she whispered excitedly. I have a safe place to take you to, but first, I need to get you some supplies.

Thank you, my friend, he said gratefully, I know you risked your life to bring and hide me here.

Shayla frowned sadly at the clothes Hesson was wearing. During the attack on him and the other priest who had sadly died from his wounds. She could not take him anywhere with a torn shirt and blood-stained pants. His long dark hair was tangled and well past his shoulders. His dark brown complexion had an unnatural paleness about it, but his brown eyes filled with hope as Shayla spoke of an escape plan.

I will be back later, she said with a smile. Hesson nodded in response.

Shayla squeezed her way to where Raven patiently waited. I need to speak with my uncle first before I bring you into the inn, she whispered. It seems like no time has passed since I left here, she said thoughtfully, the priest is behaving as if he just saw me last night.

Time paused, perhaps? Raven asked.

I suppose so, Shayla responded. This won't take long, but I need to talk to him about you and our friends back there before I bring everyone into the inn. There is a nice big stable here, not sure how Motomo will go over, though, there are no wolves in Darma. She laughed and headed up a slight slope leading to a door at the top.

Shayla opened the door leading into the hallway. Beyond the hallway lay the main lounge and kitchen areas of the inn. The smell of freshly baked bread greeted her, and in response, Shayla's stomach growled. She headed towards the lounge and stepped through the door into the bar, looking for her uncle Sanz.

Sanz was collecting the mugs of late-night revelers that had been finishing their drinks long after the serving staff had retired. He was not a tall man, and his dark hair formed wild curls around his head no matter how many times he ran a comb through it. Sanz had a long nose and close-set eyes that never missed a thing. Although his stature was skinny, he had a firm grip and muscular shoulders. Age had brought along with it a little podge to his stomach, currently hidden by the leather apron he always wore when working in the bar. Sanz noticed Shayla and beamed her a smile that lit up the whole room. He was a charmer Sanz was. Although his wife died years ago, Sanz had not been short of suitors wanting to take her place. He had many of them jostling for position at any given day of the week.

Sanz's charming persona also worked very nicely when negotiating with the merchants who frequented the area. He always got himself a bargain. Everyone said Sanz was a gentleman, and no one had a bad thing to say about him, except perhaps some of his lady friends he had left behind.

There was another side to Sanz though, if you ever crossed him, then watch out. He had a quick temper if roused, and Shayla had witnessed many occasions where Sanz had wrestled someone to the ground and then quickly thrown them out of the inn.

Good morning, uncle, Shayla smiled, helping him to collect the remaining mugs. I need to talk to you quickly if you can spare the time.

I always have time for the prettiest woman for miles around, Sanz said, with some conviction.

Shayla laughed at the compliment. Let's sit here for a minute, she said, heading for a table in the corner. I have quite a lot to tell you.

Kaida and Noda walked hand in hand back into the forest. She noticed that his hand was soft and cold to the touch. Kaida barely reached the height of his chest. Noda occasionally smiled down at her, his eyes glowing with warmth. She felt nothing but peace and love from him.

There was nothing to fear from Noda's kin. Tree Realmers practiced strange druid rituals and believed in the oneness with the plants and trees. In the past, as a result, they were persecuted and forced to live in the shadows. Now they just chose to stay there. Kaida had thought them to be just a myth.

Noda suddenly stopped, smiled down at Kaida once more. He made an odd circular movement with his hand, and a shimmering light appeared in front of them.

Come, he said as the two of them stepped through the curtain of light.

Kaida felt a brief tingle all over her skin as they stepped through and gasped when she saw the new area around them. Tall Trees pushed up towards the heavens, the tops of which she could not see. Shafts of light burst down amongst the trees lighting the area with a silvery purplish glow. Groups of flowers and colorful plants broke up the soft moss and grasses on the floor. They seemed to bob and sway in a plant type of welcome as the two of them walked by. Finally, they reached a small wooden bridge over a trickling stream that led to what Kaida assumed was Noda's home. She could see a small cottage on the other side of the bridge. Wafts of smoke drifted up out of the chimney and trailed from sight above.

Tea? Noda asked with a smile.

Yes, please, responded Kaida, that would be lovely.

Noda entered the cottage, and Kaida followed in behind him. He directed her to a chair positioned on one side of a small table against the left wall underneath the window. Kaida nodded and headed over there and sat down. The window overlooked the bridge and stream, and she noticed that plants and flowers were growing in neat little rows in his garden.

The house itself was a single story, and in the main room where she sat, there were two rocking chairs on either side of a large fireplace. The fireplace had a dual purpose. It provided warmth on cold days or nights and a place to cook meals. An iron bar ran over the grate, and a large cooking pot was attached with something delicious cooking in it because Kaida could smell it. Two more rooms led off this one, and suddenly another Tree Realmer stepped out from the doorway on the right side of the room.

Oh, you found her, the newcomer announced. He hugged Noda, and the love between them was apparent in their eyes.

Welcome, Kaida, the newcomer said, turning to face her, and bowed his head respectfully as Noda had done earlier. My name is Ludon.

Ludon dressed in the same type of green robe and wore his hair tied back in complex braids. His eyes were bright, and a gold color like Noda's, but his facial features were a bit fuller. He smiled warmly at Kaida.

Tea? He asked cheerfully. I make it myself from hazelnut and berries.

It sounds delicious, she responded.

Once everyone was seated around the table, sipping the most delicious tea Kaida had ever tasted, Noda began to speak in his soft lilting voice.

Kaida, this will come as a big surprise to you, and I ask you to wait until I have finished telling you all this before you respond, Noda began. Kaida nodded her head in agreement.

You will have heard of the Great War between Goddess Saressa and the war God Dra, Noda said. Kaida nodded. "When Dra invaded her universe to take it for himself, Saressa asked the gods and goddesses to intervene on her behalf. They created a pact between Saressa and Dra. The gods and goddesses agreed that Saressa could cast the Dark Ones, Dra's blood-drinking demons, into an unfinished world of her's named Lunaria.

In addition, Saressa's name, now forbidden to be mentioned again, resulted in most of her worshippers feeling that she had abandoned them. However, some of Saressa's most faithful continued to worship her secretly. They communicated with her from here, Noda said, touching his temple, she visited them in their dream times. It resulted in their persecution for continuing to worship Saressa and practice her earth magic Ogham." Kaida nodded again, remembering the story.

Saressa and Dra agreed as part of the pact never to step foot on any of her worlds again. If either of them broke that pact, then Juno, the mightiest god of all, would deal with them, continued Noda.

Kaida's eyes grew wide with interest at this last statement. She had not heard this before.

Two decades ago, in response to an urgent cry for help, Saressa broke her word and came to Darma to rescue Ludon here, that had been captured and tortured by a tyrant named Ransted. Saressa's heart broke because she knew how peaceful our people were. We are immortal too, so no matter how many weeks and months Ransted tortured him, he still lived to suffer another day. Noda's eyes grew bright with tears for a moment, and Ludon placed his hand gently on his partner's hand to comfort him.

Saressa came to Darma and successfully rescued Ludon, but Dra learned that she had broken her pact. She had arrived here in a human form, so her powers were limited. Saressa was unable to protect herself. Dra chose a human form too and came upon Saressa as she was making her way back to the gateway that brought her here. Noda stopped for a moment, getting control of his emotions. The memory of the event was excruciating for him to retell the story.

Dra attacked Saressa on the road, Noda blurted out, and raped her.

Kaida gasped in shock at this last statement. She started to speak but then remembered her agreement to wait until Noda had finished.

"Saressa became pregnant from that attack, and when the God Juno learned of what Dra had done, he cast him once more into the Great Barrier and trapped him there. Juno felt that Saressa had been punished enough by what had happened, but he ruled that she had to stay in human form on Darma until after the baby's birth.

The baby was a girl, and Saressa left her with a local woman who was childless. The woman was a believer in Saressa and practiced Ogham. Before Saressa returned to the heavens, she visited Ludon and asked him to watch over her child. Saressa asked Ludon to seek out the girl when the time was right and tell her the truth, Noda finished. He looked across at Kaida, assessing how she had received all this information.

Last night, Saressa visited him in his dream time, Noda glanced over at Ludon, who nodded in agreement. Saressa told him that Raiders are hunting down her followers in the southeast. Now the time had come for her daughter to lead them to a new home of safety, a haven. Noda returned his attention to Kaida and waited for her to process all this.

Kaida sat there for a moment, half-formed thoughts swirling around her head.

Earlier, she finally said, you referred to me as Saressa's child. Kaida hesitated for a moment and then asked, am I her child?

The two Tree Realmers nodded solemnly in response. Kaida had no reason to disbelieve them because she felt they had spoken the truth. As a child, many strange things had happened to her that her mother could not explain. The event with the bear earlier, she knew from past experience that no one else could hear the animals speak. Not all of the animals could talk, but many did.

Is there a reason that you have found me and told me this? Kaida asked, knowing the answer already.

Yes, Noda and Ludon said together. You need to journey to the far southwest to a place called The Cart and Horse Inn. A young woman and a warrior are waiting for you there. They hold the key to a place of safety for the remainder of Saressa's faithful followers.

Kaida sat thoughtfully for a long time. I have always known this somehow, she thought to herself, this is not such a surprise.

How will I get there? She asked, suddenly concerned. Kaida had never traveled out of her local area before. She knew nothing of what lay beyond it.

We will accompany you, said Noda. Ludon nodded in agreement.

I need to speak with my mother, I mean Freyer, said Kaida, a sudden sadness washed over her.

She will always be your mother, Kaida, Noda said kindly, and she has expected this day to come since she agreed to care for you.

But she relies on me to hunt and fish for us. She is not as young and fit as she used to be, Kaida said quietly. How will she manage?

Ludon smiled kindly at Kaida. Our kin agreed many years ago to help Saressa after the sacrifice she made to rescue me, he said softly. Tell your mother to come to the edge of the forest where Noda found you, every morning, and there will be the supplies that she needs.

Kaida nodded and took a deep breath. Lead me back to where I was fishing, please, she said. Then tomorrow morning, after I have gathered my things and said goodbye…. Kaida's voice broke off for a moment. I will come back to the edge of the forest to find you.

Noda and Ludon nodded in unison.

CHAPTER THREE

Kaida

SHAYLA CLOSELY WATCHED Sanz's expression as she briefly explained Raven and the two horses to him. A shadow crossed his face for a moment, but he caught it and beamed another of his charming smiles.

Is this man a handsome fellow then? He teased.

No, she said abruptly, it's nothing like that. I know the Raiders are getting closer. Raven is a formidable mercenary, and I did him a favor of sorts. Then she realized how that sounded and corrected her statement. I helped him fight off a group of bandits that sought to relieve him of his gold, she stated firmly, purposely ignoring Sanz's grinning face.

We can put the horses in the stable out back, and he has agreed to help you out here in between his contracts, Shayla said convincingly.

And what type of contracts are these? Sanz asked slowly, his voice taking on his usual salesman pitch.

Shayla smiled at Sanz's question. Without saying so precisely, he had just agreed to her proposition. I will go fetch him, and you can ask him yourself, she said, heading for the cellar door.

Sanz's eyes widened with surprise as he saw Raven following Shayla into the lounge area. His niece had not been exaggerating when she said he was a formidable mercenary. Where on Darma did she manage to find this man?

Raven touched his head in the customary greeting of respect. Thank you for allowing me to stay here. In between contracts, he hastily added, remembering Shayla's hurried description of what she had told her uncle about him.

Well, it seems you owe her a debt of sorts for assisting you with the bandits, and she is a hard taskmaster. I would not like to be in her debt. Sanz burst out laughing when he saw Raven's surprised face as he heard this. He laughed even harder at the hurried exchange of glances between his niece and this mercenary.

Shayla, he said in a mock stern voice, you know better than to try and fool your uncle. He has far more tricks up his sleeve than meets the eye. He grinned at the two of them, who now was looking very uncomfortable indeed.

I don't need to hear the details, Sanz said, you are welcome to stay here, and I assume that you are assisting my niece with her little side business. His face grew serious for a moment. Just keep that head-strung niece of mine safe on her little adventures, and that will be worth its weight in gold to me. I just don't want to hear any of the details. It's safer that way, Sanz said firmly.

Shayla moved forward and hugged her uncle firmly, and reached up to place a kiss on his cheek. Thank you, uncle S. Shayla said truthfully using the nickname she had given him as a child, and thank you for understanding my need to do this.

Sanz hugged his niece back, a flood of emotions rushing through him. Many of Shayla's mannerisms reminded him of his younger sister, murdered in a raid on her village years ago. The child had been hidden in the root cellar and not found during the rampage. A priestess of Saressa's had found the child wandering around the ruins of her burnt-out village, crying out for her mother. The priestess discovered from the child about her uncle S, who lived in Meadowbank, and she brought her to him.

Sit over there. I will get Merry to bring you breakfast, he said, his voice tinged with emotion.

Let's get the horses settled first, said Shayla, oh, and I have a dog named Motomo now, she added quickly."

Dog? Blurted out Raven, unable to stop himself.

Sanz was surprised at Raven's reaction. If they had arrived together, how did he not know that Shayla had a dog with her. He pondered this as he waited to see this dog.

Yes, dog, lied Shayla, a large one, she added quickly.

Kaida and the Tree Realmers reached the forest's edge, where Noda had first found her. It seemed like days ago to Kaida, but it was perhaps just an hour since she had agreed to follow him. They had discussed plans for the journey as she walked alongside her new companions.

The sun will go down soon, Noda had cautioned, Ludon and I believe that we should plan to leave at first light tomorrow.

Yes, Kaida said, I need to catch supper again since the bear ran off with it. She laughed at the earlier memory. I also need to prepare some things for the journey and say goodbye to my mother. She didn't stumble over the word mother this time.

Will we be walking out on the roads? She asked. It suddenly occurred to her that no one ever saw Tree Realmers on the roads.

Ludon chuckled. No, we travel by our own paths, he said.

Kaida smiled up at her new friend, I am looking forward to this new adventure, she said.

As she exited the forest, Kaida noticed her basket in front of her. Not down by the stream where she had left it. She saw it now had a piece of woven linen over the top of it. Kaida pulled back the material, and inside the basket was a fish, a round of dark-colored bread, a chunk of something wrapped in more linen cloth, and a pot. Once again, on the jar's lid was a piece of linen cloth secured with a length of braided dried reeds used as a string.

Kaida turned back to the forest and saw Noda and Ludon smiling at her from the shadows of the tree. Tell your mother to return here each morning to collect what we will leave behind this bush for her, Noda called out.

Thank you, Kaida called back, grabbing the basket as she headed home.

As Kaida walked the short distance from the edge of the forest to the humble cottage where she lived, she wondered how to explain all this to her mother. She stopped for a moment and, with her free hand, clutched the familiar pendant through her tunic. Kaida knew better than to bring the carved figure of Saressa out into the open here, but she needed to gain some comfort from the feel of it.

Help me do this, please, Saressa, she thought, and if you indeed are my mother, then I will try with all my heart to make you proud of me.

Shifting the basket's weight a little, she continued down the final sandy path that led to the log fence surrounding the cottage.

The rest of the dwellings in the small village of Brushweed were grouped a little further down the main track. Kaida's home was situated on the very outskirts, closer to the stream and the forest. There was a Trader's market once a month held on the common ground located in the center. Her mother would set up a table and sell the garments she made from materials purchased the previous month. Kaida fashioned pendants and wrist wraps from woven strands of leather derived from the pelts of the small animals she snared for food. The two of them made enough coinage to purchase any supplies they could not grow, hunt, or create.

Kaida was relieved that Noda and Ludon would provide food for her mother. It made what Kaida was about to tell her a little easier.

She opened the gate and latched it again, then walked up to the door of their cottage. With a deep breath, she pushed open the door and went inside.

Raven followed Shayla into the cellar and down the passageway to the Two Bears Gate. Dog? he chuckled, your uncle will never go for that.

Yes, Shayla said with a smile, a big one.

They reached the gate, and Raven stretched up to rest his Dragon key against the recess at the top. The key glowed momentarily, and