Away back in the village of Xu Gui, Desare was at her window again. The sun was disappearing below the horizon as another uneventful day drew to a close. It seemed as though all the strange adventures of a few weeks back had never happened. Apart from a constant stream of Traders coming and going from the inn, it was beginning to seem as though life had returned to normal in the village. People were back on their farms. There were no Mare Altan to be seen, other than the handful thought necessary to protect the village.
Desare sighed, her chin resting on her hands. Fingers knitted together, elbows resting on the sill. Somewhere out there people were having adventures.
"Antonin." She whispered his name. She didn't hear it, but in that strange half world of the Blue Tower, the great bell rumbled as though struck with a rubber hammer. Mei'An heard it, as did all Wind Readers, but it was not the clear chime of a summoning, so Mei'An made no move to enter the tower. She didn't know what it could mean.
The Keeper of the Blue Tower was sitting by her water garden. She looked up at the towers around her and clicked her tongue. That young girl was becoming a problem.
Desare was not focused on anything in sight, her gaze taking her mind on flights of fancy as she daydreamed.
The Great Seal rested in a velvet lined box on the small table by her bedside. She could not see it of course, being behind her and in a box. Had she been able to see it though, its pulsating blue light would have alarmed her. Slowly the scene before her eyes began to intrude on her daydreams. There were two riders heading directly toward the village. They rode low on the horses backs, and even as she focused on them, she saw they were riding like men possessed. There were maybe a dozen horses strung out behind them linked on a lead rope and the cloud of dust billowed up into the darkening twilight sky. They were coming out of the north east. Desare knew that there was nothing in that direction, not even farms until nearly the border. That was at least a week's hard ride away she thought. The riders were hard to see in the long shadows of the dusk landscape. She should raise the alarm. Obviously no one else could see them yet. They didn't appear to be armed, and two men would be little danger anyway. Desare breathed a sigh of relief as she saw some of the maidens running out to meet the riders head on. Of course they would have kept watch. What had she been worried about. The riders didn't stop. They would have to swing to her right and around onto the bridge to cross the river. As if reading her mind, they suddenly swing in that direction and in moments pounded across the bridge on the approaches to the village common. Desare was still only a your girl though, and the coming and goings of the adults didn't really make an impression on her. She followed the progress of the riders into the village, the Mare Altan running with them now, until they disappeared out of sight behind some buildings. She knew they would either stop at the common, or ride on to the inn. Either way, it was not her concern. Soon her mother would be calling her down stairs to the dining room. She drew a breath and sighed. Her thoughts turned again to Antonin and a dreamy look entered her eyes. He was so handsome, so tall. And so far away. Desare knew there was trouble brewing again and she knew Antonin was at the centre of it. Like the eye of a storm, events were swirling about him.
"Oh Antonin." Said Desare aloud.
The Great Seal actually hummed, causing Desare to look over her shoulder in alarm.
The bell in the Blue Tower tolled loudly, rippling the surface of the garden pond where the Keeper sat. Mei'An, and indeed all of the Wind Readers pressed fingers to temples to ease the pain of the bell that seemed to be peeling inside their heads.
This time, Antonin heard the bell, but underneath the rolling wave of sound came a whisper that carried his name. He could hear Desare's voice in it.
'That girl is certainly drawing attention to herself.' He thought.
Desare of course knew nothing of the disturbance she caused. She had thought she had heard a humming sound a moment ago, but there was nothing to be seen, and the sound had stopped. Desare went to her small dressing table and sat on the ornately carved little stool. Taking up her brush, she began to brush her hair. Blue ribbons would be nice she thought, a pretty contrast to her yellow gold hair.
The velvet lined box containing the Great Seal lay closed beside the various trinkets on the dressing table. Desare lifted the lid idly, humming a tune to herself. The great Seal flared into brilliance, a great blue light filled the room, seeming to engulf Desare. She could not cry out, she could not move. She felt as though she was encased in solid ice. Desare fainted, but still she didn't move a muscle. Not one hair on her head stirred. The light grew in intensity, the blue becoming iridescent like the blue of lightning. Smoke was rising in a wisp up from around the seal itself.
The two riders had come clattering into the inn, calling for the Trader with the Great Seal. Calling for help. Desare's father was attending to these wild eyed strangers. They claimed to have ridden from the border lands in only two days and two nights. It didn't seem possible, but it certainly looked as though they might have. The Mare Altan who had escorted them in crowded into the common room. Suddenly everyone went deathly quiet. A strange blue haze was filling the room. It seemed to be appearing out of the thin air like mist above a marsh.
The Trader, Anan Hamar leapt to his feet and with feet pounding on the stairs, took them three at a time as he dashed upwards. He headed for Desare's room and crashed his shoulder against the door. With a grunt the wind was driven from him and he bounced back. His left arm was numb, and he thought he had broken his shoulder. The door had not yielded a fraction. It should have splintered. The Trader felt as though he had slammed into a rock face. More cautiously this time he tried the door handle. It could not be budged. The blue haze was filling the entire inn.
"Anan," called the innkeeper as he laboured up the steps, the Mare Altan all trying to get up with him. "What is happening? Is my daughter safe?"
The Trader could only shrug. "I cannot enter. The Great Seal truly must have the room sealed. I do not know what takes place within."
Inside the room, Desare felt herself returning to consciousness. Strangely, she found herself standing by the dresser, yet she could clearly see herself still sitting in the chair. Hair brush in one hand, and the Great Seal of the Creator in her left hand.
'This is very strange.' She thought. Desare also noticed that, although she should be in a panic, she was quite calm. 'Perhaps this is just a dream.' She thought. 'Perhaps, in this dream I can go to Antonin.'
The sound of the tolling bell was very loud. Desare could hear it plainly, and gasped at the discomfit. Those in the hall could also hear it. Anyone within miles of the village could hear it, yet while to Desare it had been loud enough to be uncomfortable, to those outside it was as though they were inside the bell itself as it tolled.
It brought people to their knees in the street, clutching their heads. Desare looked around in some confusion. There beside her was the girl from the Blue tower. Desare felt herself close to tears. She was becoming a little afraid.
"Desare," said the Keeper. "You must not be afraid. But also you must not say the name of your friend Antonin. It is that which causes the bell to toll."
Desare opened her mouth to repeat his name automatically, but even quicker the girl facing her laid a pretty finger across her lips.
"Shush Desare, remember now. Do not use his name." She smiled and Desare was reassured.
Those outside the room could do nothing. The door could not be forced, and no one had any idea what to do. Dagar Domain the innkeeper wrung his hands and cast worried looks at the door to his daughters room.
Within, the Keeper of the Blue tower took the hands of the image of the girl who stood beside the seated version of herself.
"Desare, the forces are gathering. You are very much a part of events. With the aid of the Great Seal, you have summoned me from The Blue Tower. For the first time since the Seal was last used in the defences against the Dark One."
"But I did not call you," said Desare plaintively. "I only wanted to see An...ar, er, my friend."
"And so you shall. We must ensure this. There are those outside who need our help. I will guide you now."
Coming faintly through the door, the cries of Desare's father could be heard. Her mother was beating at the door and wailing in fear for her daughters safety. Desare seemed to hear this for the first time.
"You must let my mother and father in." She said to the Keeper.
"It is not I, but The Great Seal that holds you in this dream world Desare. You must appeal to it for help. I don't know what you did to summon forth it's power, but you must reverse it. I cannot be away from the Blue Tower longer than moments, or it will crumble to dust. You must return to your body, or be forever trapped in this dream state."
Desare looked around. All she had done was open the box in which The Great Seal rested. Without a thought she turned and dropped the Seal from her hand into the box and snapped the lid shut. Instantly, the blue haze was gone, the Keeper of the Blue Tower was gone, Desare nearly fell off the stool in front of her mirror, and at the same time her father crashed through the door in a shower of splinters as he tried again to force it. He had hardly cleared the door frame as half a dozen maidens spilled into the room to battle whatever might be there. Everyone pulled up short in surprise as Desare sat before them, hair brush in hand. Only one Mare Altan noticed the faint reflection a beautiful, strangely clad woman in the mirror. The image slowly faded before her eyes. But the warrior maiden knew what she had seen. She was well aware of the powers, almost like those of a Wind Reader. Desare had been in the company of that strange young woman.
Desare glanced at the Maiden in the mirror. Their eyes held for a moment in understanding, then Desare stood and turned.
"Mother, Father. I must accompany these men who have just arrived, back to the border. My help is needed."
She held up her hand to silence the instant protests. In that moment her mother knew that her little girl had grown up. Jolin Domain rested her fingers on her husband's arm. He was protesting volubly about foolish girls and men's errands.
"Dagar." Said his wife. "Our Desare is growing up, and she is needed. Let us give her our support and blessing."
The innkeeper ceased his protests, but he didn't look any too happy.
He shouted to his stable hand, out in the hallway. "Go, find Gaul. He will protect my daughter." The Trader, Anan Hama nodded.
"A wise decision innkeeper," He said. "For it is destined that Gaul, Rees and Antonin can only win this battle together." He nodded as in agreement with his own words and stomped back down the stairs.
Desare smiled. She was going to help Antonin. Finally, her dreams were coming true. She turned around to the mirror. She could see the Mare Altan girl still watching her, and as she whispered "Keeper, are you well?" The faintest image of the Keeper flashed in the silver surface. The Keeper was smiling back at Desare from her seat by her garden pool. The Keeper was safe.
The warrior maiden stepped up to Desare. Putting a hand on her shoulder she said. "Desare, I am Nina. I will be with you to guide you back."
Desare's mother smiled and patted the warriors arm. "Thank you Nina. I know you will watch her well." She turned to the innkeeper.
"Quickly now Dagar. The riders must return. There is great danger in that far off village."
The others in the room began to crowd out down the hallway and down the stairs. Only Jolin, Desare and Nina remained.
"Mother," said Desare. "Something has changed. I feel different." The hesitation in Desare's voice was noticeable. Jolin looked at her daughter, then at the box holding the Seal of the Creator. She said nothing, as she hugged her daughter to her bosom.
Finally she stood back. "Come Desare, Nina. Prepare for your journey."
Nina was ready. The Maidens carried no baggage. Desare looked about her. She had never travelled alone. Where did she start. She needn't have worried. Her mother had dragged out a fairly large leather script and in this she folded extra underclothes and toiletries. Into a soft shoulder pack she folded Desare's riding skirts, shirts and a travelling blanket. The pack was bulky but light. Even without a horse the script and the pack could easily be managed. Desare looked at the meagre collection. She looked from her pack to the Warrior Maiden Nina. Nina stood quietly waiting, watching with interest. She was packed - her weapons were all she needed. Her clothes would wash, as she would, in mountain streams and pools and rivers.
Desare was not quite ready for that, but with a shrug, she accepted that life might get a little difficult from now on. Soon she was ready. Changed into a riding dress, the skirt divided into two half's, sewn into two legs, so that when she stood it appeared as a normal skirt. Her long sleeved cotton blouse as white as new snow. Little yellow flowers stitched into the fabric, looking for all the world like spring flowers on a melting snow field. Desare tied her hair back, gave her head a shake and declared herself ready to travel. The three women stood looking at each other for a moment. The spell was broken as the Trader, Anan Hamar knocked heavily on the door. Jolin opened the door. "We are just about ready, Master Trader." She said.
"It is not that, Mistress. I must ask that Desare leave the Great Seal with me."
"But of course Master Hamar." Said Desare, "It is yours. It is yours to guard. I would not dream of keeping it with me." Desare was a little surprised that the Trader had thought she might think otherwise. Desare turned to the dressing table and picked up the small box containing the Great Seal of the Creator.
As she took it into her hands, a low hum again filled the room. The Trader took a step forward.
"Truly, the Seal knows who you are." He said to Desare.
Desare's mother and Nina looked on wide eyed.
Anan Hamar held out his huge hand to receive the small box from Desare. As their hands touched, it seemed as though time stopped. The tableau in the room appeared as an ornamental display. Nothing moved. The very motes of dust hung motionless. Everything outside the room continued as normal. The sounds echoed up from the common room below.
——
Far away near the border of the Star Field Plain, just short of a day's easy ride from it, Rees sat at a table tapping the hilt of his knife on the table top. He had one foot placed protectively on the wooden chest that they had carried from its resting place in the Inn of Ha Hu. He was lost in thought. Daydreaming. Slowly it dawned on him that his foot, the one resting on the box, was hot. He glanced down and saw to his utter amazement that the box was glowing. He leapt to his feet with a yell. He was on his own, but still looked about sheepishly.
What was going on? Cautiously he opened the lid. The glow was brighter, but not much above that of hot coals. A warm red haze surrounded the contents of the box. Rees lifted out the large bound book and placed it on the table. Resting in their places, the other objects had not been moved in their journey. Only the smooth orb, The key to the Moon Gate appeared different. Luminous colours swirled just below its surface. Without thinking what it could mean, Rees reached in and lifted it out, cradling it in his hands. The glistening sphere immediately flashed into a brilliant light source. It was blinding, and he squinted his eyes shut. He dared not drop the orb for fear it would shatter. Slowly the light faded and Rees peeped carefully at it. His jaw dropped open. There in the centre of the room in a cone of light shining out of the orb in his hands, stood four people. He knew them. They were from his village. Desare, her mother, a Maiden of the Mare Altan he knew from the village, and The Trader. Then he noticed the partially exchanged box in the hands of Desare and the Trader. Rees slowly reached out his right hand, the orb held in his left. He touched Desare on the shoulder to see if she was real, or if this was some sort of dream. Perhaps he had drunk too much ale. With a natural flow of motion, a very much alive Desare broke from her frozen stance and stepped out of the light and stood facing Rees. She looked a little surprised. As did Rees. In only a moment, Desare reached back and touched Nina. Nothing happened. Silent still, Desare looked at Rees. He understood, and reached into the light touching Nina on her brown arm. She stepped out into the room, touching Desare and looking about her. The others in the light, Desare's mother and The Trader still stood motionless and unaware.
The light winked out. One moment there, the next gone. Rees looked at the small glass sphere in his hand. That's all it looked like now. A glass ball. Desare reached up and with a delicate touch of one finger lifted Rees' jaw to shut his mouth. She giggled.
"You look like a fish gasping for air Master Rees." She said.
Rees held his jaw shut. He looked at the two girls, then at the now lifeless orb.
'I won't ask.' He thought. 'I simply won't ask.'
He looked again at the two girls.
"Of course." He said aloud. "Moon Gate."
He put the orb back in the box, returned the book and relocked the box.
Desare noticed that she seemed to have handed the Great Seal to The Trader after all. She had a vague idea that she should have kept it. She remembered that as they had touched, she had caught a flash of light and stepped into this rather strange looking room. Face to face with a very surprised looking Rees.
"What do you mean? 'Of course, the Moon Gate.' She asked Rees.
Rees replied. "The Moon Gate. It is for women only. Just as the moon is the eternal symbol of women, then the disk is the sun, for the man. The gateway. Desare," Rees almost jumped up and down in excitement. "We have it. I know what all the pieces are." He stopped, looking at Desare again. "But how did you ..." He stopped again, lost for words.
"It is something to do with the Seal of the Creator," replied Desare. "It has somehow brought me into your circle. It relates me to The Blue Tower and the Keeper. It was the Seal that activated the Moon Gate. Here, let me see. Let me try." Desare indicated the locked box. Rees was a little sceptical, and Nina, still silent, only raised an eyebrow.
Rees opened the box again and handed the orb to Desare. Immediately its colours came alive, swirling across the surface, coming suddenly into the bright flaring light again. In a flash, the still immovable figures of her mother and The Trader appeared before them. Desare reached out and pushed the small rectangular box of the Seal all the way into the Traders hand. He moved his eyes and looked at Desare. Quickly she withdrew her hand from the light and it winked out.
"I think," Hesitated Desare. "That they will be alright now. I needed to complete my action of handing back the Seal. I think." She held up the swirling sphere to eye level. The colours steadied and they could all see the scene displayed within the sphere. The Trader was looking around Desare's bedroom and her mother was sitting on the bed weeping.
"Weep not mother, I am safe and on my journey." Whispered Desare. To her surprise her mother's image in the sphere looked up. She looked about as though listening for something. She stood, wiped her eyes and lead the Trader from the room. The scene faded, the sphere returned to its normal opaque state.
"Rees," Said Desare. "You say you have the Disk of the Sun? The male gateway. Shouldn't we get that to Antonin ... ahhh noooo." Too late Desare realized her mistake. Rees found himself brushing plaster from his hair as he picked himself up. The two girls likewise.
"What was that!" Groaned Rees.
"Sorry." Said Desare to Rees and Nina both. "It sees that if I say his name, the signal bell of the Blue Tower will be struck. Sometimes I forget. I hope there are no Wind Readers nearby. It really hurts them." Desare could not know that right at that moment Mei'An, only a couple of rooms away was almost blindly groping for her herbs to find one to ease the headache she now had. 'It's that girl again.' She groaned.
"Desare." Said Rees. "Please don't do that again unless you must." He dug some plaster chips out of one ear. "In fact, Mei'An is here with us. Tell me though, how do you come to be here?"
Quickly Desare told her strange tale to Rees. Nina added "And I am Desare's protection. She is yet young and no warrior. The Trader has charged me with her care. You know what that means Rees." She was in fact not much older than Desare, but her training and background gave her years in skill and confidence. Rees knew well what she had taken on. Desare's care meant her safety even at the cost of Nina's life. This thought brought everything back into focus with a jolt. So they had another ally. She would be needed. The battle with the Dahar would almost certainly be enjoined in a few hours now at most, then they must get to Antonin with all speed. The Key to the Moon Gate was Desare's gateway. The Sun Disk was Antonin's. Who was meant for the statue of The Keeper of the Blue Tower? No doubt they would find out.
"We must find Mei'An Desare. Yes, she is close by, and no doubt awake." Rees smiled at his own joke. He added more seriously, "she is expecting the Trader to return with the Great Seal."
Nina went to the door and stepped into the hallway, almost impaling herself on the razor sharp spear of one of her warrior sisters. She let out a screech then a cry of delight. "Elsa, Elsa. Oh this is so wonderful. I though you to be far away over the Dragon Spine in Ha Hu." Entangled in her words, Elsa was almost babbling. "But Nina, how came you here. you were left in the village. My Nina. My sister. Oh! Sorry!" As Elsa realized she still had her spear point prickling blood from her sisters throat. The girls were true sisters, not only warrior sisters. Rare for two girls of the same family to be warriors. The death of their parents at the hands of the Tharsians just after the birth of Nana saw them taken in by the Mare Altan. Only two years separated them. The two girls hugged each other in open affection.
Mei'An, a damp cloth held to her forehead came out of her room.
"What is all the noise here. I cannot think straight. Where is that wretched girl who keeps calling Antonin's name and trying to split our skulls with that bell?" She felt her way along the wall, eyes half shut. Rees and Desare came out into the hallway. Desare had heard Mei'An's words and was looking a little sheepish.
"Please forgive me Lady Wind Reader. I forget sometimes." She said softly.
Mei'An tried to draw herself up to reflect the title used by Desare. She failed.
"Never mind," said Mei'An "Just don't do it again. Or unless you really have to."
That left Desare wondering, but she replied meekly. "Yes my lady, as you say." And tried to curtsy. She had never curtsied to anyone in her life, but that's what village girls did for the Ladies she had read about in her novels. So she tried. A little unsteadily. Mei'An hid her smile behind the damp cloth in her hand and beckoned them all back to her room. She had to discover how Desare came to be here and not the Trader with the Great Seal. And why. Night was approaching fast across the plains .