The falcon's daughters

Chapter 17

Beneath a glistening nightsky Sol sat with her back against a tree stump. Absent, her hand ran over Deó's back as she looked up at the stars.

- What's the matter?

Y’zora could feel the girl's unrest and she sat down next to her. Sol sighed and leaned her head on Y’zora’s shoulder.

- Something isn’t right Yzza.

- What do you mean?

- I don't know. But I can feel it in my soul. Deó feels it too.

- Do you think it might have something to do with Kit and Dorcha?

- Perhaps. Do you think I made a mistake by sending after her?

- In many ways it might have been. It took both yours and Deó's combined mental strength to reach her. If the council knew about what you did, you could lose everything.

- I know. If I made the wrong choice, I will lose my abilities but it doesn't feel like the wrong choice Yzza. I need my sister with me. I can only hope that they understand why I had to do what I did.

- Let's hope so, my child. But try to get some sleep now. We still have a long way to go before reaching Laniro.

Sol pulled the cape tightly around her and lay down next to Deó's warm body.

The dungeon was dark and damp. The air was full of the smell of decaying bodies. Slowly Kit opened her eyes. The cold from the stone floor she was lying on had chilled her body and with a moan she managed to sit up. She lifted a hand and rubbed it lightly over her jaw that was tender from the guards hit. Her muscles ached as she got up on her feet and looked around. The walls of the cell were whole without even a window sill. At one wall, she noticed a small streak of light. The light from the underside of the door did very little to light up the darkness. She walked forward with her hands outstretched until she reached the cold stone wall. Slowly she followed it around and a curse left her lips when her knees hit something sticking out of the wall. She followed the object with her hands and smiled lightly.

- At least there is something to sit on.

She sat down on the simple bunk and its straw mattress and leaned her back against the wall. A few sounds outside the cell caused her to rise quickly when the door was opened. The guards let a woman into the cell and when they closed the door behind her they pulled away a small hatch in the door and a dim light lit up the darkness.

- So you finally woke up.

The woman’s voice was kind and she stopped in front of her and smiled weakly. Her long dark hair was messy and a big bruise appeared on her cheek.

- Who are you?

- My name is Lesia. Just like you, I'm a prisoner here. What's your name?

- Kit.

- Well Kit. Let’s clean that wound in your face.

She fetched some water from a bucket in a corner of the cell. Over the bucket hung a piece of cloth that she dipped into the water and sat down next to Kit. Gently she washed the scraped skin on Kit’s jaw.

- You’re gonna get a big bruise on your chin.

- It’s ok. What happened to your face?

- Oh. You mean this

She lifted a hand and placed over a giant bruise on her cheek. 

- It's better that you don't know. Soon enough you will understand what it means to be a prisoner here. But for the moment, you are safe.

“Her thoughts traveled through the dark night and endless time. Over forests and seas to the far seas. In the darkness she could see light from the castle that rose from the depths of the sea. She stood in the silvery courtyard and walked toward the large white gate. Quietly she raised her hand and took a deep breath as the doors in front of her opened. She stepped into the light corridors. A heavy door at the end of the corridor opened as she approached. The hall that was shown was hidden in the shade and without hesitation she stepped into the room. In the far part of the hall stood a table in the shape of a crescent moon. Slowly, she walked closer to the table and stopped in front of it in a circle of light. A woman with silver white hair came to her. Her melodious voice echoed in the hall as she spoke.

- Sol. You have been called before the counsel of the seers.

She made a sweeping motion towards the five men and women who were sitting at the table. One of the women began to talk.

- You have broken one of our rules.

- You are aware of the punishment.

One of the men looked at her and she lowered her eyes.

- Yes. I know the punishment.

- Then tell us why you broke the rule.

- I am not sure I can give you a satisfactory answer. All I can say is that I had to make a choice and it was important that I made the right one.

The counsel exchanged a few looks and then they all began to speak.

- We understand.

- Your choice was of the utmost importance.

- You're forgiven.

- No penalty will be awarded.

Sol smiled gratefully at them.

- Thank you for your understanding honored ones.

- We have a mission for you.

- A mission?

- A very important assignment so listen carefully.

- In nine lunar orbits, you must be on dragon island.

- There you will meet the oracle.

- What she says to you is of the utmost importance.

- The mission must be completed when the moons are full.

- Only then can it succeed.

- Failure to do so will have fatal consequences.

- I understand exalted ones. I'm not going to let you down.

One of the women smiled at her.

- Good child. Now go and know that you have our blessing.

- Make your choices carefully Sol and remember this. If you break the rules again we will have no choice but to carry out the punishment and take away your gifts.

- I understand.

- Then return and perform your mission.

The room was illuminated by a strong glow and when the light faded the hall was again empty. She closed her eyes and let her thoughts wander back to her body. "

Sol opened her eyes to find that the morning sun had already risen. Y’zora smiled and reached for a cup of hot tea. 

- Good morning dear.  Are you ready for a new day? 

She poured tea into another cup and handed it to Sol when she sat up. 

- Is everything alright? You look a little tired.

- I was called to the council last night.

- What did they say?

- They forgave me for breaking the rules

She inhaled the sweet lemony scent of the tea before she took a sip. 

- Being forgiven by the Council is not something that happens very often. I advise you not to take it lightly. Did they say anything more?

- They gave me a mission.

- It must be important if they called you in the middle of the night.

- In nine months, I must be on dragon island and meet the oracle.

- Then it is best that we make sure you are there on time.

- I wonder how Kit and Lace are doing. It's been a month now since we parted ways.

She took a piece of bread and put it in her mouth.

- You will see them soon. As soon as you have eaten, we will move on. We should reach Laniro in just under a month

Sol moaned loudly and stretched her aching body.

- I hope that month goes by quickly. I didn’t know that the body could hurt in so many places at the same time.

Y’zora laughed and they finished their breakfast.