Jariel Belldancer ranged ahead of Wizard Sanja and the guardsmen spread out behind him, looking for signs easily missed from horseback. For two days his small band had searched the hills north of Fort Duval for Scholar Tabler and his twelve-year-old apprentice Marian.
Pacer, he subvocalized, have you found anything?
I might have.
Past experience with the camilacat had taught him to trust her hunches. Jariel increased his pace, then half stumbled over a grassy hillock.
"Blast it all to sea!" Behind him he heard the other men laugh. Sanja rode up, the reins of Jariel's horse in his fist. With a grin, he held them out, saying,
"I think it's time you rode for a while. Your feet are objecting to the work you're putting them to."
Jariel laughed, took the reins, and mounted. "To look at the foothills of Bramare Duval all appears smooth grass. What a deception!"
Sanja nodded, hitched his cape back over his shoulders. "By the One, how any could so pursue the study of bats as to get themselves lost is beyond me."
"Quiet!" Jariel held up his hand. "Pacer's talking to me."
I've found them, Minddancer.
Are they alive?
Yes. But they are imprisoned by a magical force. You'll find them behind the hill shaped like a crooked finger.
Jariel shouted to the men behind, "They're found." He glanced at Sanja. "It's a good thing you decided to come along. Pacer says they're trapped by magic."
"Magic? Out here?" With a flick of his fingers Sanja indicated the land about them, the vast dip and roll of the foothills of Bramare Duval. Except for an occasional outcrop of stone and clusters of trees, the land appeared empty of human habitation.
"As Pacer says, 'the unexpected is always found in the least likely places.' " He laughed to himself when Pacer's voice slid into his thoughts.
It's good to hear some of what I taught you has stuck in that selective memory of yours!
The hill shaped like a crooked finger loomed ahead. They slowed their pace, stopped on seeing Pacer. She sat before a ragged opening in the earthen mound. In the cave mouth Tabler and Marian could be seen supporting one another. Apprentice Marian's arm was in a sling. As they all dismounted, Tabler shouted, "Don't come any further!"
Belldancer stopped beside Pacer, lightly touching the cat's head. He could see no barrier preventing their escape, but did not doubt Tabler's warning.
"What happened here, Tabler?"
"We followed the bats to this cave. Once inside we couldn't get out."
Marian interrupted. "Please, have you any food or water?"
Jariel tossed them a water bag and a packet of dried fruit. As they helped one another sit down, Jariel himself matched the wizard's slow approach to the cave mouth. Sanja's hands were stretched forth, eyes closed in concentration. Jariel clasped the seer's elbow to guide him around a large rock. They were both within inches of Marian and Tabler when there came an explosion of light. Akin to lightning, it flashed across the opening.
Dazed, Jariel staggered and rubbed his eyes to rid them of the afterimage seared on his inner eyelids. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he hurried to Sanja. The force had thrown the wizard a good ten feet from the cave. As Jariel knelt down to raise his friend, Pacer said, He's fine, Minddancer. Even so, relief coursed through him when the man moaned. Jariel helped him sit up.
"The power sealing that cave is old," Sanja said, blinking his eyes. "So old it makes my back teeth ache.
Here," he grabbed Jariel's arm. "Help me up." Together they walked back to the cave.
"If it's as old as you say, how can it still retain such force?" asked Jariel.
"If I'm not mistaken, and I doubt that I am, this is the work of the Wizardess Baltaz."
"Baltaz! How can that be possible? She's been dead two hundred years."
"Even so. She was the most powerful mage of her time. Her delight was creating intricate traps and puzzles with spells made to last beyond her lifetime." Sanja turned from him, a look of utmost concentration on his face, and slowly began to pace back and forth before the cave mouth. Jariel left him to join Pacer. She rested, out of the hot sunlight, in the shade of a tree.
What do you make of all this?
She yawned, pink tongue curling up to shield her front teeth. I had removed the bells the Healers placed in your body would you have learned how to dance without making a single bell chime?
No.
Then the answers to the questions you pose you must seek yourself.
With an inner sigh he hoped Pacer did not hear, Jariel examined the area around the hill. Clumps of tough grass thrust up from among the stone riddled ground, still green though it was mid-autumn. He knelt down, fingering the earth. As he wiped the damp soil from his fingers onto the grass, Jariel sniffed the air. Close by, there was a source of water.
On the eastern edge of the hill he discovered a small disturbance in the ground. Circling it, Jariel noted the dried dung, only partially covered in dirt, the freshest about three days old. There was also a tuft of reddish fur snagged on a rock. Near the dung he saw a paw print. Fox. Jariel turned back to Pacer.
A fox has used this cave as a dwelling place. It has not returned because the cave is now occupied by humans. Tabler and Marian could enter but not leave. When the mage tried to walk through, it repulsed him.
And, she prompted.
If this wizardess was as powerful as history tells us, she could have set wards to allow only animals the freedom to come and go.
Why?
Jariel paused to review. I think to hide her real purpose it was necessary that the cave appear normal. That is why ordinary humans cannot leave. They would carry the tale of a strange cave and someone Gifted would eventually investigate.
Very good. But, my heart spirit tells me we only scratch the surface here. Come, let's talk with Tabler.
A chill slipped down Jariel's spine as Pacer mentioned her heart spirit. Over the years she had chosen to become his teacher and friend, he had developed a healthy respect for the times when her inner voice spoke. It usually called them to action, dangerous action.
Sanja met them, shaking his head and saying, "I can't find a weak point anywhere. I even tried to walk through without calling on my powers. It repulsed me, though not as violently. It's as if the barrier can tell I have the gift."
Jariel clasped the wizard's shoulder, turning him. "Let's see what Tabler can tell us."
The scholar looked exhausted. He held a wet cloth above Marian's hand so the moisture dropped gently on her injury. Her fingers were red, puffy, blistered. In several places, cracked skin oozed a bloody pus.
Jariel asked, "How was Marian injured?"
Tabler did not look up. "Foolish curiosity, Belldancer."
Jariel studied the bent head, the muscles across the scholar's shoulders tight with fear. "Tabler, look at me." In the old man's eyes were fear, exhaustion, and guilt. He conveyed all the distress of his position as Belldancer spoke.
"Is Duval in jeopardy?"
"I do not know."
Jariel motioned to the ten guardsmen that accompanied him. "Come forward. You and the Wizard Sanja will bear witness to Tabler's words." When they were settled about him, Jariel said, "Speak with truth before these witnesses."
At Jariel's nod, Tabler continued, grateful Belldancer wore no warrior's knot in his hair. Had that been so, he and Marian would have to face the young man in a judgment dance for bringing either shame or peril upon Duval and its people. Peril they might bring, but only through foolish, not deliberate actions. "We followed the bats into the cave. We used the night lanterns Sanja made us…"
Sanja eagerly interrupted. "Did they work?"
"Very well. Once our eyes were adjusted, we could see just fine. The dim light didn't bother the bats at all. In the course of studying them, we discovered something odd. This cave is quite large, larger than the hill containing it. In fact it seems to lead into a maze of caves and stone grottoes." He shook his head. "Strange, very strange. I'd like to make a study of it."
Jariel commented dryly, "If we can't get you out of there, you might just have the opportunity."
"Sorry, Belldancer." Tabler shook out the cloth he used to wet Marian's arm and laid it again gently over her injury. She moaned. "Does anyone have anything for pain?"
One of the guard leaned forward. "I have some brandy."
"Thank you, Marcan," Jariel said, taking the flask which he tossed to Tabler.
The scholar supported Marian and tipped the flask. She gagged. "I know it's awful, but it will help. There, that's enough. Now, lie down beside me." Tabler covered her with a cloak. "Try to sleep, brave one."
Jariel saw the fatigue on the old man's face. He hated to push Tabler, but he had to have more information. "You were saying?"
"My apprentice and I got turned around in the caves. As we were trying to find our way out, we saw a dim orange light. At first I thought it was moonlight shining in through the cave mouth. I became concerned, though, when the light brightened, stronger than any moon glow, the closer we approached." Excitement tinged his voice. He looked at Sanja. "We found a large cave. The walls were smooth, covered by a strange orange substance that glowed. The place reeked with magic, the very air was tinged with the scent of spent lightning. But the true wonder was the woman. She stood on a plinth in the center of the stone room."
"A woman!" Sanja leaned forward. "Is she alive? Where is she?" Not waiting for an answer he turned to Jariel.
"By the One! What if she is from Baltaz's time? What I-we could learn from her."
Tabler shook his head sadly. "Don't hold any hopes, Wizard. We ruined all."
"What do you mean," asked Jariel.
"She stood encased in a substance that rose up from the edges of the plinth. It had the appearance of flames carved from ice." Tabler cleared his throat, shifted on the ground. "Marian reached through a gap between the flames, to touch the woman's hand. At that moment, the woman opened her eyes. When she tried to speak to us, the flames burst into life, whipping to strike Marian." Tabler shuddered. "I can't get out of my mind the look in the woman's eyes and…"
"What?" urged Jariel when Tabler did not continue.
Horror tinged the scholar's voice. "The flames began to consume the woman, though she tried to keep out of their reach. She screamed. Screamed for such a long time." Tabler covered his face with his hands. "We were responsible. Our presence had broken some balance of power. We could do nothing to save her. Unable to watch her destruction, we ran. Eventually we found our way back here, only to discover we couldn't leave." Exhausted, Tabler leaned back on his elbows. "Since then we've waited, hoping for rescue."
Minddancer, we must go see for ourselves.
Heart spirit calls?
Come, she commanded, in a voice he knew full well not to question. Jariel obediently moved with Pacer. Just before they passed the unseen barrier, Sanja grabbed his arm.
"By the One! What do you think you're doing?"
Jariel looked from the wizard's hand to his eyes. When Sanja released him, he said, "I am doing my job. You forget I represent Duval's Honor. What threatens our homeland must be faced by the current Belldancer. I must see if the magic centered here poses threat to our people."
Sanja released Jariel. "I'm sorry. You're my friend. Sometimes I forget you are more. What would you have us do?" He gestured to the guardsmen.
Belldancer thought a moment. "Send a messenger back to tell Lord Davan what has occurred. Have him bring supplies and a Healer for Marian. On the chance Pacer and I can win them free, have them bring a Utter also. There's no way they could ride."
Minddancer!
"I come," he said aloud so all could hear. Just as he crossed the barrier, Sanja called,
"Take one of the lanterns. It'll be dark in those caves."
Jariel nodded, picked one up, and followed Pacer into the dim interior. Pacer caught the scent of Marian and Tabler. It seemed that hours passed as they moved from one cave to the next, often having to backtrack. From above came a constant scraping of wings and claws. Once the lantern light struck just right and Jariel saw a mother bat cradling her young while it nursed at her breast. He found it odd that such an alien beast cared for its young as humans did. No wonder Scholar Tabler studied them.
Minddancer, I smell burnt flesh.
Though he strained to catch the odor, they had to walk several paces more before he picked it up. In the distance the dim orange light Tabler had described broke the darkness. Jariel wanted his hands free to meet any danger, so outside the chamber he set down the lantern. As they crossed into the cave, Pacer murmured, her mind voice a whisper,
My heart spirit pounds with the residue of power just released here. She padded over to the plinth and sniffed at its base.
Beware! She turned suddenly and leaped, knocking Jariel to the stone floor.
The walls flared with orange light. Whiplike flames of icy white curled up from the edges of the plinth. Behind the white fire the ashes of the dead woman stirred and became a miniature whirlwind.
About them sounded a hum, a deep bass note that vibrated through Jariel. Through his touch on Pacer's body he could feel that thrumming. The light flaked away from walls and ceiling. Each sun-tinged mote spun in independent motion, casting its own light. Those gathered above the plinth formed an orange whirlwind. The tip of that sparkling mass spun down into the swirling body ashes, merging with them. Now the white-ice flames, edging the plinth, curved back from the magic storm, arching down like petals to almost touch the floor.
Jariel was aware of Pacer's claws piercing his leather breeks, but the pain did not distract him from what he saw forming from the mixture of body ashes and orange sparks.
Bones. With each rotation of the magic force, muscles, organs, breasts, then skin were layered on that skeletal foundation.
The sound changed, turned into the pulsating beat of a heart. Now the chest wall of the re-formed woman heaved, then the rhythm grew steady. The last of the sparks and ashes drifted down over her, leaving behind sun-silver body hair. Her eyes opened and focused on him.
Jariel leapt to his feet and raced toward her. For perhaps a count of three breaths no flames showed and she was free. She ventured to move, to speak. Like striking snakes the petals of flame curled back into place, fire dancing about her. She screamed.
Pacer! We must do something. Jariel stretched his hands out to wrench her from the plinth.
With a leap Pacer grabbed the back of the man's leather vest and jerked. No! Don't touch her. Pacer reared to set both paws on Jariel's chest, knocking him from his feet. Grief tinged her mind voice. There is nothing we can do. The cycle has begun again.
Dazed, Jariel asked, Cycle?
She'll be consumed, then reformed repeatedly. Pacer sat back, tail flicking back and forth. Her gray-gold eyes met his. There is more at stake here than just the woman.
Jariel tried to concentrate, but the woman's screams ripped through him. More important than preventing the death of a human being?
Pacer touched his face with her nose. That rare sign of affection comforted him. He breathed deeply and rolled on his side away from the plinth, refusing to look up. What are you trying to tell me? What did she say before the fire struck? Jariel suppressed the urge to wring Pacer's neck. How could she answer him with a question now? It didn't make much sense. She said to bring her her shadow. Pacer turned. Look behind you. He stood. Turned. Then froze. A shadow had formed on the wall, but not a human one. Across the rough stone the shadow's contortions were painful to behold. A great rack of antlers nearly touched its back and dark wings fought to fly from the torment consuming it. What's the shadow of an immortal Pierdon doing here? Memory stirred-what did he know-not enough! Jariel all but growled when Pacer spoke. What is its source?
Belldancer studied it. The Pierdon reared, shadow hooves slashing. From its back legs a fainter streak of darkness crossed the cave floor, flowed up the plinth to the woman! He cringed at the sight of her blackened flesh. Pacer, isn't there anything we can do? At this moment, no. Now, what is the shadow's source? She is. But why doesn't she cast her own? At that moment memory clicked in and he knew.
No. It's not possible. He knelt down, eyes level with Pacer's. Is this the lost one the Pierdon have searched forall these years?
It is. One of their own has carried the burden of the woman's shadow all this time. Now that the balance of power is broken Baltaz's doom is upon them both. Their eyes met with perfect understanding. Jariel quoted one of her teachings back to her. The one who sees a problem is responsible for its solution. Pacer butted his shoulder,
Come on, let's go.
Wait. I want to check something. Jariel walked over to the wall where the Pierdon's shadow crawled. This whole thing is odd, but should a shadow be so thick?
Don't touch it! Pacer sniffed the wall, nose almost touching the shadow. She growled. This is the outer shell of an evil more foul than you can imagine. Look at the hind legs.
A wave rippled up the shadow legs and on throughout the dark body. Where it moved, the shadow thickened. The wave then reversed its course, traveling back to the ashy remains from which it came. What does it mean?
It's her life force. Now let's get out of here.
Jariel paused long enough to pick up Tabler's lantern. Quickly he followed Pacer. She was difficult to see in this light. Because she was a camilacat, Pacer's fur took on the coloration of the objects nearest her. Now she was all shades of gray. Tiny threads of red coursed up and down her guard hairs where the lantern light touched her.
Jariel came to a complete stop. By the great sea, Pacer, how am I to get past the barrier?
Pacer slowed, looked at him over her shoulder. It's not as difficult a problem as you think.
I don't understand, he said, walking beside her. There's no difficulty in your passing through, but like Tabler and Marian, I won't make it.
They hold no magic in their bones. That is why they're bound.
Pacer, you're not implying I'm like Wizard Sanja, are you? I cannot perform feats of power. He flinched at the tone of her reply.
No. But you are more like him than the Tablers of this world. Think, Jariel. What are you?
I am Duval's Belldancer. I represent the honor of all her people, her justice and pride.
I am relieved to know your brain still works, she said dryly. Pacer let a few heartbeats pass, then said with a sigh. Haven't you realized, yet, that as you move through the phases of the dance you bring to it what no other Belldancer in Duval's history has?
Shaken by what she implied, Jariel paused. He rested his hand on her shoulder until she faced him. No. How could I? My training differed in no respect with those others who competed for Cavis Belldancer's place when she retired.
Jariel, your lack of knowledge is the fault of this teacher. Forgive me. I assumed you knew.
Knew what? he asked, and sighed when Pacer cocked her head quizzically. No. Not another question.
In dance practice you only reach Warrior level by first moving through all the phases which come before it. Why?
You know all that, he said in exasperation.
Even so, repeat it.
If I didn't, I would injure my body. But more importantly, my mind wouldn't be prepared. Each movement, from first to last, has a corresponding mental and emotional exercise. If I've done it correctly, my body, mind and emotions function as one-in tune with and an extension of my surroundings. I am unified, whole. Only when I reach that state can I function as Belldancer, make the judgments so Duval's Honor is maintained.
Pacer reared up, hooking her claws over the edge of his sword belt. Why else do I call you Minddancer, been willing to teach you the movements and thought patterns of the camilacats? No other Belldancer has reached this state of oneness with self and the world around you.
But we all were taught from childhood the dance would bring us to that point.
She freed him. Yes. A goal of perfection which broke the hearts of many who reached for it and found themselves lacking. Now, come. Begin such exercises as you can do walking. It's late and the doom Baltaz placed on the Pierdon and the woman will not wait for us.
Pacer passed through the barrier. The setting sun etched her body with gold-red light. She turned to face him. Dance.
Jariel nodded. Needing room to dance he motioned Tabler, Marian, and the Healer now with them aside. Beyond the barrier he saw Lord Davan, Sanja, and several guardsmen. On the way back he had done the mental exercises, increased his pace to the point his muscles were loosened. Hands at his sides, he bowed his head, honoring the One. Slow in the beginning, he directed the muscles along his spine to move. Then he flexed the large muscles in first one leg, opposite arm, then the other leg and arm. The pattern must be whole.
In a distant part of his mind, Jariel monitored each flowing movement as if he still wore bells. Not a one must chime. Defeat was not an option.
He tested finger tendons, let the horror of the burning woman slide out of his mind onto the slick bones forming his hands. With slow grace he released that painful memory through fingertips. Relief, in the form of increased energy, suffused him.
The welcome voice/presence of Pacer intertwined with the flow of mind and body patterns he was creating.
Good. Will you join with me and dance the dance of mind and body?
Jariel merged with the wild, arrogant, yet loving personality of the camilacat. In his mind came the mental image he had of her, a spiral of brightness, awe inspiring in its grace and power. He followed-joining body, mind, and emotions in the pattern she created until he mirrored each movement.
All unknowing he surpassed her, became in truth Belldancer and led the way.
Pain! He staggered. The unity of the dance shattered. Jariel moaned at the loss. Pacer's voice broke through the agony. Open your eyes. Immediately following her words, hands gripped his shoulders, then he was embraced.
"By the One," shouted Sanja, "I'd like to know how you did that!"
Jariel leaned heavily on his friend, then pushed away. "Oh, it was just something my teacher suggested I try." He was surprised to see full darkness, relieved only by firelight and the rising moons. The aroma of stew was like a lance point in his belly. "My lord," he said, ignoring his hunger. He bowed to Davan standing a little beyond the wizard. "We have a problem." In a few words he told what they had learned in the cave.
Awe tinged Davan's voice, "All these many years the lost pair were only a two-day ride from Fort Duval." He shook his head, then turned, calling out in his usual crisp, decisive manner,
"Marcan, bring our horses. Belldancer and I ride to the Pierdon's valley."
A beautiful voice interrupted. "That won't be necessary, my lord. We are here." Three Pierdon came into the firelight, two supporting a third between them. None were amazed they had not heard the Pierdon's approaching hoof beats or sensed their presence. These immortals were the embodiment of pure magic and could pass unseen among a crowd. Their deer-shaped bodies bore the wings and tails of great birds and were as beautiful as their voices.
Pacer, why didn't you warn me they were near? he asked, hurrying to meet them.
She laughed. I do not hold the power to know when they are near. I'm as head blind as the rest of you two-footers where the Pierdon are concerned.
Jariel bowed deeply before the trio. He had no idea that the color brown came in so many shades. Some of their feathers were even tinged with a bronzy green-brown. But when he met their eyes, he faltered. They were a blue so bright that it seemed to him he was pierced by three pairs of swords.
"Belldancer, I am the speaker Myatin. Indeed, you can help us, but for now may we bring our companion to the fire? Nytira needs warmth."
Jariel stepped aside, gestured for them to precede him and saw on the ground three shadows, one a woman writhing in torment. Instinctively he called to Pacer. Look, the shadow.
I see, Minddancer.
It's thick, the weight's so great the Pierdon can hardly walk.
And it will grow heaver, gaining more substance until…
Jariel was surprised to hear hesitancy in her voice. He had never known her to be unsure about anything. Until? Instead of answering him, she headed toward the fire. Not pushing the issue, he followed her.
Lord Davan crouched down by Nytira, who lay near the fire. "Is there anything we can do for him?" he asked.
"Yes. You can lend us your Belldancer." said Myatin.
Davan met Jariel's eyes and at the slight nod said, "He's yours."
Myatin asked, "Jariel, would you introduce me to your teacher?"
Jariel touched the big cat lightly, wondering how the Pierdon knew. "This is Pacer, much more than teacher."
"It is good you know that." Myatin touched noses with the camilacat, then reached out and nuzzled Jariel's forehead. "Pacer agrees to help us, too. But you are both tired. Eat while we tell you what we know."
Sanja brought them both food and drink, then sat down beside them. He leaned over and whispered, "Why do you get all the excitement?"
"Its my nose." Jariel said, pulling on it. "It's so long, it's always getting me into things."
You can say that again, said Pacer.
It's my no…
Enough! The Pierdon waits.
Jariel apologized, "I'm sorry, Myatin."
"No, do not. Laughter causes even fear to flee for a space of time."
"Please," said Lord Davan, "We'd like to hear what you can tell us of the problem facing us."
"When Baltaz was defeated in the War of Sorrows, she was forced to free the Pierdon she had imprisoned along with their human counterparts. It was not until too late that we realized one of our kind was still missing. Many years after the war we found him wandering in the Hills of Bramare Duval. He had lost all memory of where he had been and only knew his shadow-mate was somewhere here in the North." Myatin nodded in Davan's direction. "The lord of that time gave us Blue Valley for our own. The Pierdon who made their home there continued the search. For two hundred years Nytira's human shadow remained a light burden."
"Until," Sanja exclaimed, "Tabler and Marian broke the balance of power."
"You are correct, Wizard."
"Will you," Sanja asked with great humility, "allow me to watch you unravel Baltaz's spell?"
"I am sorry, that will not be possible. We cannot break it, for it is warded against us. If we should get too close to the barrier, the spell will unleash its full doom. Look at it. See, it already knows we are near."
With the rest of the group, Jariel looked. The barrier now glowed with a nacreous yellow light. He subvocalized to Pacer, Who sees the problem gets it. Shall we?
Yes.
"Myatin, what would you have us do?"
"First tell me all you know." The Pierdon listened intently to all Jariel said. "The wave you saw travel both ways was not just her life force, but Nytira's as well. Her rebirth is at the price of his life. When she burns, he suffers. When she dies, Nytira learns of death. If she and his shadow are ever retrieved, the human and the Pierdon will be forever changed. She will experience a touch of immortality, he humanity, and ultimately death.
"But that is not what is important here and now. If they are not rescued and soon, there will be let loose on this land indestructible entities."
Lord Davan leaned forward. "Just what threatens my land."
"Baltaz's doom." Myatin looked at each of them in turn. "Pierdon are immortal. We are a living form of pure magic. Baltaz wanted this for herself. When she could not get it, she set this trap. The power in the woman, the Pierdon, and that which Baltaz bound into the spell, will bleed into the shadows until they take on life themselves. Soon it will reach a saturation point and they will break free of their hosts. These shadow entities will not have the ability to reason, they will experience only one thing, hunger. And to live they must feed. Their food is the life energy given off by all creatures. Even the earth itself will be stripped. There is no known power that can defeat them once they are free."
"How can Pacer and I stop this?"
"I am sorry, Belldancer, I do not know. But if you can bring the woman to us, whole, I think we can return to them their own shadows. In the process we hope to dissipate Baltaz's spell causing the life force exchange happening between them."
Jariel knelt down before Nytira, Pacer sat so close to his side he could feel her side rise and fall with her breathing. It was even, strong, just the opposite of the spellbound Pierdon's. The velvet skin around the creature's mouth was turning gray. Jariel leaned forward and spoke softly. "May I touch the shadow?" then he nearly wept when he heard the Pierdon's broken whisper in reply. The beauty was destroyed, he was sure, by screaming.
"Yes. It is safe at this moment."
Jariel gently laid his hand on the woman's shadow. It felt sticky, and icy-hot, both at the same time. The fine hairs on his body rose in response. Pacer?
No use waiting. Let's go. No one stopped them.
This time it did not take so long to reach the orange cave. Jariel paused, Pacer, I'll wager anything you want that Baltaz bespelled the plinth. The moment I pull the woman off, poof! goes Baltaz's Doom.
What are you going to put in her place?
If I thought I could get away with using a rock I'd do it. There's too much at stake to make the wrong choice and Baltaz loved traps. It'll have to be flesh-mine.
The silence between them was filled with unspoken thoughts and feelings. Finally Pacer said,
So, it is to be the Warrior's dance.
In answer Jariel loosened his hair, pulled a bone comb and a leather thong from his belt pouch. He combed bis hair, making sure each strand was free of tangles, then bent over. The silky mass nearly swept the floor. Deftly he smoothed it from nape to ends. He gathered it up, twisting it into a warrior's knot, tying it off with the thong. Friend. Teacher. Be with me in my mind as I prepare.
I am here, Pacer reassured.
Jariel moved through the phases of the dance. The disciplined action merged into grim joy as fatigue gave way and strength sang along tendons, bones, and muscles. He shook from his fingers the anger he felt for Nytira's broken voice, the woman's pain, the need to save his world.
He felt Pacer's love, her total acceptance of him and all. But he could not give up the thought of the real possibility his own blackened flesh might adorn the plinth. He cried out.
Help me. I can't let go of my fear!
Minddancer, give it to me. Let me carry it for awhile.
With a sob he let go, felt her draw his imprisoning emotion into herself. He danced lighter, faster. Jariel had no idea what a heavy burden his fear had been until he gave it away. Then, with a last movement, he flicked even that relief away. The Warrior state settled deep into his mind. Purpose and calm assurance and clarity of mind filled him. Jariel whirled on into the orange cave, now his battleground.
Though he kept close to the inner wall he was careful to let no part of his body touch it. You keep an eye on the body ashes. I have an idea I want to check out. He touched the shadow. It felt the same as the one weighing down Nytira. He pulled out his comb and lightly touched the orange wall. When nothing happened, he pressed harder.
What are you doing? Pacer demanded. Trying to get snarls out of stone?
Are you asking ME questions? He reached down and scratched behind her ears, knowing she spoke as she did to hide the fear she felt for him. You know the fruit jerky the cooks make at harvest time?
Now's a fine time to be talking about food. She glanced up at him. Wait. Isn't that the stuff you peel off oiled paper? Jariel, you can't mean to…
He nodded, slowly sliding the comb beneath the thickened shadow. Are the ashes moving?
No.
Good. He continued to move the comb under the shadow until he reached its highest point; the antlers. He lifted the comb. The shadow peeled away from the wall, curling down upon itself.
His hands were shaking so much his knuckles had almost touched the wall. Frightened that an inadvertent action would trigger Baltaz's Doom, Jariel minddanced until thinking and body responses were again calm. Pretending the shadow was nothing more than a large piece of fruit jerky, he pulled the last remnants of Nytira's shadow from the wall. Pacer stayed close by his side as he rolled it toward the plinth. Two feet away he stopped.
Do you think you and the woman can drag it out of the cave?
Pacer nudged it with her nose. It did not budge. We will just have to. She reared up, putting her paws on his shoulders, Minddancer. Look at the flames. There are spaces between them. When you dance, think of them as bells that must not chime. Then she did something she had never done before. With the tip of her tongue, she kissed him.
Moved, he grabbed her ears and rested his head against hers before he stepped back. Without another word Pacer touched the plinth. From the walls came the hum and orange sparks flaked away, reforming above the now spinning body ashes.
Jariel crouched, ready to leap. He watched flesh encase the woman's bones. When the last of the ashes drifted down over her, he grabbed her hand and jerked. He leapt as she passed him. He heard her cry out when she slammed onto the stone floor. As the white petals of fire curled up to surround him, Jariel yelled, "Grab your shadow and run."
Pacer's voice came to him as if from a great distance. We have the shadow. Remember… bells…
The flames were like ice. So cold they burned. Jariel danced. Flowed in a counter movement to the magic. A touch, akin to boiling ice, skimmed his back. He wanted to scream but contained the cry and thrust the pain out through the soles of his feet. Nothing must break the Warrior state of mind.
In the corner of his mind he heard a single bell chime when the flame touched him again. No! There will be no more! I am Duval's Belldancer. Baltaz's wizardry will not take that from me. I dance and no bells chime.
Jariel reached within himself, called up the memory of Pacer leading him through the barrier. He had followed her. What if he followed the flames?
With renewed determination he slowed the dance to observe the flames. Sanja had taught him that all magic, high or low, had to have a pattern or it did not work. Then he saw it. Every fourth flame moved widdershins, the two in between arched outward, then in a one count of his breathing, they moved inward, but with a drift to the left.
Keeping the pattern fixed in his mind, Jariel danced. Danced till the sweat so burned his eyes that he closed them only to discover the same pattern in his mind, but clearer. In between the flames were gaps, ragged about their edges. Instinctively he knew it was caused by the fraying of a spell two hundred years old. He wondered if he could widen the gaps. Keeping his eyes tightly closed, concentrating only on the image in his mind, Jariel danced into a gap.
Pain lashed him. He pulled back, stifling a moan. Then he wanted to shout in joy. There, the space where he danced was now wider, more frayed. For a moment he faltered, knowing full well when he danced into each gap, the flames would reach him. By the One, he did not want to die like the woman.
Pacer, he cried out, but there was no reply. For the first time in their relationship she was not there, a secure presence in his mind. But just the thought of her calmed him. He remembered who he was and who he represented. He was a Belldancer in the service of the people of Duval. Committed to them and to the land, he accepted that he must face this danger alone.
He danced. Ice-fire etched his body. Still Jariel Belldancer moved in a rhythm counter to the magic, turning pain into power.
In and out of the spaces between the flames he dipped, turned, retreated only to repeat the dance in a new place. The gaps widened. Beneath his feet the plinth trembled as if shaken by a giant fist. Heartened, he increased speed. The flames were shoulder high, then waist high. They whipped about his legs and feet and his clothing burst into flame, then whirled into ashes. Jariel danced, though he could no longer rise above the pain. The leather soles of his shoes began to smolder when the plinth violently shook, knocking him to his knees. The icy flames grew smaller, flickering like a candle flame in a draft, then died. Huge cracks formed in the plinth. Jariel rolled off, only to be struck on the head. He looked up. Fissures were forming in the ceiling and walls of the cave as parts of the stone fell. He had to get out of here!
Jariel struggled to stand, caught a glimpse of his legs, and was sickened. In places he could see bone. The ground shook. He fell. Agony. A wall of blackness threatened to engulf him. At the last moment he cried out.
Pacer! She answered with her body as well as her mind voice. He tried to speak as she ran toward him.
Hush. Be still. She nuzzled him. All is well.
He felt her mental touch course over his mind, then press hard. Pain faded-was gone. Over her head he saw Sanja and Duval.
There, she said with satisfaction, that should hold you until we get you to the healers.
Lord Davan crouched down, covering him with his cape. "It's over, Belldancer. No. Don't try to talk. The woman and Nytira are recovering. The shadows are bound. More can wait. I want to get you out of here." Jariel knew better than to argue when his lord spoke in that tone of voice. Carefully Davan and Sanja rolled him over, then lifted him by the edges of the cape.
Sanja grasped the improvised Utter at Jariel's shoulders. "Next time," he leaned down to half-whisper, "let me have some of the fun."
Jariel answered from the very edge of consciousness, "Your nose isn't long enough."