They waitedsome five minutes until a guard entered stating that they wereready. Bengorrin gave the signal to proceed and a strange moaningscream began first from the lower tier then progressively gainedvolume as the higher tiers joined in until it took on a wail offterrifying proportions. Navarro and Gizel awoke. Aquitain created azone of silence within the room blocking the din as he could hearMiranda’s heart beat increase and was worried about its effect onTigerlilly.
‘By the gods, what are they doing.’ said Miranda through themindlink.
‘Bengorrin gave us the clue. The settlement is called Banshee.They are using those cone shaped things in their dwellings tosimulate the wail of a banshee, a terribly violent ghost. Its wailcan kill. Now I understand the choice of this cliff. Can youimagine an army facing that sound? Even if they survived they’d runso fast that it would take a week to catch them again.’
Bengorrinturned to Miranda and Aquitain and indicated with his hands that ithad stopped so Aquitain eliminated the zone of silence.
‘I see you know how to counter our trick. The sound travels agood half a league. Fortunately it deters most unwanted visitorsbefore they get close enough to be a nuisance. In this case thepatrol has beat a hasty retreat. We also have other surprises ifthey don’t heed the warning.’
‘We will have to go.’ said Aquitain suddenly.
‘You may or may not be aware that you have a new neighbour nottoo far from here. I suspect that patrol was to test out what youwould do if they approached. Since you have kindly told them, I hadbetter stop them from suddenly dropping in and a lot of peoplegetting killed for no particular reason.’
‘What are you talking about?’ asked Bengorrin.
‘Gemelica has defected to the Mentarin. Miranda is the onlyother candidate for Queen and she already has a small army at herdisposal. I suspect it won’t take more than a week for many moreLords to come around to accepting her as Queen. You don’t thinkthat they will let her wander around the country without keeping aclose watch on her, do you? I suspect that they’re worried now thatyou’ve signalled that you don’t welcome them here.’
‘I told you this meeting would lead to no good.’ saidRosanllea.
‘On the contrary.’ said Bengorrin.
‘It has been most productive. You no doubt expected us toconsider your proposal. My people have been shunned by the ElendariLords for decades because they are not perfect in body or mind. Wedo wish to see true unity. If you can convince the Elendari Lordsto accept the Hidden Ones as equals then you will have youralliance Warden and we will help you defeat theMentarin.’
‘It will be difficult, but we will try.’ saidAquitain.
‘Perhaps if one of your people were prepared to accompany usit would help.’ suggested Miranda.
‘That might be difficult as they have all had unfortunateexperiences with the Elendari I’m afraid.’ repliedBengorrin.
‘I would be prepared to go with them if it would help bringabout unity between us, my Lord. They seem honourable people andtheir task is great.’ said Gizel suddenly.
‘Hmm. An interesting thought. Can you guarantee her safety?’asked Bengorrin.
‘I will personally guarantee her safety.’ repliedAquitain.
‘Then I have no objection but it is up to Rosanllea as Gizelis bound to her.’ He replied and turned to Rosanllea for ananswer.
Gizel droppedto her knees in front of Rosanllea and said.
‘I humbly wish to be discharged from my apprenticeshipMistress. I truly believe that I might be of greater service to ourpeople by helping the Warden arrange an alliance between us.Unified we might be able to defeat the Mentarin and create a betterfuture for us all.’
Everyone waitedfor Rosanllea’s reply and she dragged it out mercilessly.
‘Go! I no longer need you. I have plenty of apprentices thatare prepared to work and not waste their time dreaming about mythsand legends and alliances. You are discharged! May Pellum watchover you.’
‘Thank you mistress.’ she said then turned to theWarden.
‘Thank you Warden. I would be honoured to accompany you andassist in any possible way to create an alliance between my peopleand yours.’
‘Then it is agreed. Gizel take this ring of communication ofmine and use it if you wish to arrange further talks between us.’said Bengorrin.
‘We will have to fly, if we are to catch that patrol.’ saidMiranda.
’I hope you have got a brave heart and a strong stomachbecause you’ll need it.’
Miranda pickedup Tigerlilly and beckoned them all to come.
One of theguards suddenly mentioned something to Bengorrin.
‘Perhaps it would be safer to stay on the ground rather thanflying Your Highness.’ he said.
‘Why?’ asked Miranda.
‘There are large bat like creatures we call narrowbills thatfly along the mountain range around here that attack anythingmoving. You have already encountered one so I need not convince youthat they are dangerous.’
‘Thank you for the warning we will watch out for them and dealwith them if necessary.’ said Miranda.
She could seethat they were not happy about her flying and suspected that therewas another reason but they said no more.
‘Gizel you have chosen to be a part of my family. Miranda,Tigerlilly and I are normally mind linked together while we travel.May I create a mindlink with you? I cannot read your thoughts andit will enable us to converse which may be important in dangeroussituations.’ said Aquitain using mindspeak.
‘I would be honoured Warden.’ she replied.
‘Welcome to the family.’ said Miranda.
‘I’m going to turn into a whirlwind and lift you up Gizel. Youneed to hold onto Tigerlilly and the warden tightly. I’m not verygood at this yet but I’m hoping it will work.’ saidMiranda.
‘Miranda you’re scaring Gizel.’ said Aquitain.
‘Well it’s scaring me too Tain. I’m not good at this yet. I’mhoping that I don’t drop you all.’ replied Miranda.
Miranda beganspinning and turned into a whirlwind and then picked up Gizel whoclosed her eyes tightly hoping and praying that she would surviveand off they flew in the direction of the patrol.
‘Oh it’s so lovely to be free again, flying in the sky, highabove all our worries.’ said Miranda through themindlink.
‘Let’s sing some songs.’ suggested Tigerlilly.
‘Okay.’ replied Miranda and she started
