Without explaining further, she shifted to her regal tone, one that blended the authority of command with the gravitas and intimacy of a more personal speech, then called out to those in attendance. “Behold, the elders have been returned, and after our feast is commenced, we shall brood the first clutch of eggs in over a century!”
The wyverns gave an uproar of approval, stamping their feet or shaking their necks side to side.
Teldaine continued, “And we have two warriors to thank, one especially so. Hana Kotoba and Pachi of the vardeen, will you please stand before the delegation?” More applause exploded from the gathered masses.
The queen’s speech quieted the room once more. “The wyverns will be engaged in the renewal of our society for some time. We have much… work to do to repopulate our people.”
Chortles passed around the room as I realized what she’d hinted at. Ew!
The queen’s voice rose higher yet as she vowed, “The first thing we shall do is renew our pact to any and all races who decide to fight together against this new evil. Our claws and fangs shall join the swords and hammers of men, elves, and dwarves… and any others who should choose the side of righteousness!” As loud as the room had been before, it was now quiet, heavy with solemn contemplation.
Though the almost reckless celebration displayed before was gone, the wyverns all began pounding the ground with foot and tail, shaking the palace’s foundation. The resolve in their eyes was enough to make me shiver.
I thought the speech was over. But after the rumbling subsided, Teldaine added, “That will account for duty. Yet we also must show our appreciation to those who aided us when all was dark and hopeless. Harnoth, if you will.”
I turned to see the guard striding toward us, a small chest in his mouth. He set it down before my feet. When he did, it was clear the chest was much larger than it had looked in Harnoth’s teeth. It was bound in brass, the case itself made of a black, scaled leather.
The old soldier reached down with one nimble talon and flicked the latch that held the lid in place, then said, “Please behold your prize, champions.”
I bowed to the wyvern but did not feel I could respond. Pachi came to my aid. She projected her Mind Speech, and as she spoke, many of the wyverns turned to look at her.
And thank you, guardsman, for showing us the honorable heart of the Sirrushi wyverns. My den mother, Zentandra, used to tell many stories when I was a pup of the might and glory of the Sirrushi tribe. You have the respect and thanks of the vardeen. When I face her again someday and account for my journey, she will hear of your people’s kindness, and yours, dear Harnoth, by name.
When she finished, the enfield walked forward and pressed her nose into Harnoth’s snout.
“If we’d have known that a daughter of Zentandra Seven Tails was with us, our gift would have been more generous,” the queen said in a low voice. “Your queen is as beautiful as she is wise.”
I stared at my companion, who was conveniently studying the ground. Pachi was a freaking princess? Why the hardtack and spilled lembas wouldn’t she tell me?
But the queen urged us to open the chest again, so I stepped forward, threw a glare at Pachi, and lifted the lid.
Inside were two glowing rubies, each the size of a robin’s egg, bound to silver chains. When I stroked the metal, it was smooth and, though light, gave me the impression of unending strength.
But to either side of the necklaces sat items worthy of legend.
The one that caught my eye immediately was a long, ornate bow made of a polished wood that shone a reddish gold in the light of the chamber. Along its length, leaves were carved, and at each end was fixed a dagger-like point, a sharp of obsidian. Even the string seemed odd, black and shimmering with energy. Three gemstones were set into the bow, two above and one below the handle.
The queen explained, “The bow has been in our vaults for over two hundred years. It was the prized weapon of an elven warrior of great skill. We hope it will serve you well.”
The other item, or rather items, sat cushioned in velvet: two bands of mithril with a large, clear gem set in the center of each. If giants wore bangle bracelets, these wouldn’t be far off, but along one end, holes had been carved into them, looking almost like sockets. Each had five of the depressions.
I looked up for some explanation from the queen. She saw my confusion and lifted one of the circlets up. It shone dainty and bright upon her talon. “These are for the vardeen warrior. But before I explain, let us put them on.”
She instructed me and I placed the bracelets around Pachi’s foreleg, just above the paw. They hung there awkwardly, loose and seemingly useless.
“Now for the amulet. Please, place hers over her neck.” The queen waited for me to comply.
As soon as the clasp was in place, the ruby flashed bright. Then each of the bracelets shrank, conforming to Pachi’s flesh. She growled but didn’t otherwise complain.
Does it hurt? I asked.
No, not at all. But did you see that? I thought they were going to eat my paws!
“The amulet powers the bangles,” the queen said. “Did you see the crystal embedded in each of them?” I nodded. “Chiani, our healer, told me that Pachi is a follower of Citlali, so she has the affinity of celestial light. Pachi can channel her affinity through the bangles. Don’t just stand there and look confused. Pachi, lift your paw into the air, well away from the ground or yourself.” When
