The Turquoise Queen

optimism and looked up at the sun, to feel a little of its gratifying touch on his face. It was a feeling that always comforted him. He smiled as soon as he felt the golden star’s caress and let it penetrate his face, torso and arms. He even had the feeling that his arms were weightless. He shut his eyes and smiled, and for a long moment felt so good that he could not stop smiling. His soul regained the peace he had lost when his two comrades had been injured. He sighed deeply, grateful that everything had come out well and they were going back alive. He promised himself to be more careful next time, for the sake of all three of them. They had come too close to a tragedy. Feeling his heart skip a beat, he put his hand to his chest, but the bad moment passed and he thanked the Ice Gods that everything had come out well in the end.

Suddenly a shadow passed in front of his face. Although it was only for a moment, it interrupted the feeling of pleasure and made him open his eyes. It was a bird, flying high, which had just passed over him. He put his hand to his eyes and identified it as a raven, flying in wide circles. This was surprising, since it was not the usual behavior of a raven. Or at least not in a normal one, but of course this one might not be a wild bird.

He put two fingers to his lips and whistled several times. This was a call to make the bird come down, if it was one of the Rangers’, which he suspected it might be. He watched with his eyebrows raised. The raven began to circle down, making it clear that it was coming toward him.

Ona, Camu, don’t frighten it. It could be one of ours.

They were both watching the raven’s flight intently.

No trying to catch it. Seriously. I mean it. Both of you.

Ona moaned unhappily.

I very well-behaved.

Lasgol stretched out his arm and waited. The bird flew down and in a low swoop landed on his arm with amazing coordination. He nodded. There was no doubt about it, this was one of the Rangers’ messenger birds. He took the message tied to its leg and saw, written on the back of the note: Lasgol Eklund.

He opened the note and read:

Message for Ranger Lasgol Eklund.

Present yourself at the capital within a week.

Lasgol was surprised that the Rangers should have known where he was and traced him. Then he thought of their leader Gondabar and the control system he had set up in the capital, in the Rangers’ tower, and was not surprised. His assistants knew their job perfectly well, and were aware of where most of the Rangers were at any given moment.

He was wanted in the capital. He gave a deep sigh. This was never good news. The situation might have improved as far as the war and the risks it posed for the Snow Panthers, but as far as the Dark Rangers were concerned it was not the same. The last time he had been in the capital they had tried to kill him, and nearly succeeded. He bit his lip, feeling troubled. He could not disobey the order. The only cheering thing about that order was that it gave him the chance to see Nilsa again, because she was still acting as messenger and liaison for Gondabar. Seeing Nilsa always cheered him up. The freckled redhead was capable of raising the dead. He smiled at the thought.

Mission? Camu asked.

Yes, pal, in the capital.

Capital fun.

Ona protested with a long whine. She did not like the capital. She was always left outside, just in case.

He smiled at each of them in turn. I knew you’d be delighted at the news – and you wouldn’t.

He would have to go to the capital and face whatever was awaiting him there, but before that he was going to make a quick stop at a particular place on his way. He did not know when he would be able to do so again, so he would take advantage of the opportunity.

Chapter 7

A few days later Lasgol was able to see the spot where he had decided to stop before he went on to the capital. It was ahead of him, at the end of the road. He took a deep breath and filled his lungs with the characteristic wild scents of the region. They were fragrances he knew well, which made him recall moments from his childhood. Memories he had buried in the attic of his mind suddenly burst forth, painting images which were distant, blurred and yet at the same time familiar. He smiled, happy to be back.

Happy? he asked Camu.

Very happy.

Ona, you’ve never been here before, but I can assure you you’ll love it. You’ll see. For me this is a very special place.

The panther chirped as if saying she hoped she would.

He stroked the faithful pony’s mane. Trotter loves this place, don’t you, old friend?

Trotter moved his head up and down.

Trotter like farm stable.

And you like the farm.

I like attic.

Lasgol smiled. I dare say you do like the attic. It’s full of things to play with and places to hide. I thought you were too old for that sort of thing.

I not old, Camu transmitted, sounding offended.

Lasgol burst out laughing. The usual thing would be for you to want to grow up. Being young isn’t something that’s considered desirable. All youngsters want to grow up, and they take offense if they’re not treated as grownups, not the other way around.

I not old. I happy, Camu transmitted proudly.

Ona chirped and puffed herself up to show that she was older.

See? Ona wants to be