Catfantastic II

barrier?

Pacer slowed, looked at him over her shoulder. It's not as difficult a problem as you think.

I don't understand, he said, walking beside her. There's no difficulty in your passing through, but like Tabler and Marian, I won't make it.

They hold no magic in their bones. That is why they're bound.

Pacer, you're not implying I'm like Wizard Sanja, are you? I cannot perform feats of power. He flinched at the tone of her reply.

No. But you are more like him than the Tablers of this world. Think, Jariel. What are you?

I am Duval's Belldancer. I represent the honor of all her people, her justice and pride.

I am relieved to know your brain still works, she said dryly. Pacer let a few heartbeats pass, then said with a sigh. Haven't you realized, yet, that as you move through the phases of the dance you bring to it what no other Belldancer in Duval's history has?

Shaken by what she implied, Jariel paused. He rested his hand on her shoulder until she faced him. No. How could I? My training differed in no respect with those others who competed for Cavis Belldancer's place when she retired.

Jariel, your lack of knowledge is the fault of this teacher. Forgive me. I assumed you knew.

Knew what? he asked, and sighed when Pacer cocked her head quizzically. No. Not another question.

In dance practice you only reach Warrior level by first moving through all the phases which come before it. Why?

You know all that, he said in exasperation.

Even so, repeat it.

If I didn't, I would injure my body. But more importantly, my mind wouldn't be prepared. Each movement, from first to last, has a corresponding mental and emotional exercise. If I've done it correctly, my body, mind and emotions function as one-in tune with and an extension of my surroundings. I am unified, whole. Only when I reach that state can I function as Belldancer, make the judgments so Duval's Honor is maintained.

Pacer reared up, hooking her claws over the edge of his sword belt. Why else do I call you Minddancer, been willing to teach you the movements and thought patterns of the camilacats? No other Belldancer has reached this state of oneness with self and the world around you.

But we all were taught from childhood the dance would bring us to that point.

She freed him. Yes. A goal of perfection which broke the hearts of many who reached for it and found themselves lacking. Now, come. Begin such exercises as you can do walking. It's late and the doom Baltaz placed on the Pierdon and the woman will not wait for us.

Pacer passed through the barrier. The setting sun etched her body with gold-red light. She turned to face him. Dance.

Jariel nodded. Needing room to dance he motioned Tabler, Marian, and the Healer now with them aside. Beyond the barrier he saw Lord Davan, Sanja, and several guardsmen. On the way back he had done the mental exercises, increased his pace to the point his muscles were loosened. Hands at his sides, he bowed his head, honoring the One. Slow in the beginning, he directed the muscles along his spine to move. Then he flexed the large muscles in first one leg, opposite arm, then the other leg and arm. The pattern must be whole.

In a distant part of his mind, Jariel monitored each flowing movement as if he still wore bells. Not a one must chime. Defeat was not an option.

He tested finger tendons, let the horror of the burning woman slide out of his mind onto the slick bones forming his hands. With slow grace he released that painful memory through fingertips. Relief, in the form of increased energy, suffused him.

The welcome voice/presence of Pacer intertwined with the flow of mind and body patterns he was creating.

Good. Will you join with me and dance the dance of mind and body?

Jariel merged with the wild, arrogant, yet loving personality of the camilacat. In his mind came the mental image he had of her, a spiral of brightness, awe inspiring in its grace and power. He followed-joining body, mind, and emotions in the pattern she created until he mirrored each movement.

All unknowing he surpassed her, became in truth Belldancer and led the way.

Pain! He staggered. The unity of the dance shattered. Jariel moaned at the loss. Pacer's voice broke through the agony. Open your eyes. Immediately following her words, hands gripped his shoulders, then he was embraced.

'By the One,' shouted Sanja, 'I'd like to know how you did that!'

Jariel leaned heavily on his friend, then pushed away. 'Oh, it was just something my teacher suggested I try.' He was surprised to see full darkness, relieved only by firelight and the rising moons. The aroma of stew was like a lance point in his belly. 'My lord,' he said, ignoring his hunger. He bowed to Davan standing a little beyond the wizard. 'We have a problem.' In a few words he told what they had learned in the cave.

Awe tinged Davan's voice, 'All these many years the lost pair were only a two-day ride from Fort Duval.' He shook his head, then turned, calling out in his usual crisp, decisive manner,

'Marcan, bring our horses. Belldancer and I ride to the Pierdon's valley.'

A beautiful voice interrupted. 'That won't be necessary, my lord. We are here.' Three Pierdon came into the firelight, two supporting a third between them. None were amazed they had not heard the Pierdon's approaching hoof beats or sensed their presence. These immortals were the embodiment of pure magic and could pass unseen among a crowd. Their deer-shaped bodies bore the wings and tails of great birds and were as beautiful as their voices.

Pacer, why didn't you warn me they were near? he asked, hurrying to meet them.

She laughed. I do not hold the power to know when they are near. I'm as head blind as the rest of you two-footers where the Pierdon are concerned.

Jariel bowed deeply before the trio. He had no idea that the color brown came in so many shades. Some of their feathers were even tinged with a bronzy green-brown. But when he met their eyes, he faltered. They were a blue so bright that it seemed to him he was pierced by three pairs of swords.

'Belldancer, I am the speaker Myatin. Indeed, you can help us, but for now may we bring our companion to the fire? Nytira needs warmth.'

Jariel stepped aside, gestured for them to precede him and saw on the ground three shadows, one a woman writhing in torment. Instinctively he called to Pacer. Look, the shadow.

I see, Minddancer.

It's thick, the weight's so great the Pierdon can hardly walk.

And it will grow heaver, gaining more substance until…

Jariel was surprised to hear hesitancy in her voice. He had never known her to be unsure about anything. Until? Instead of answering him, she headed toward the fire. Not pushing the issue, he followed her.

Lord Davan crouched down by Nytira, who lay near the fire. 'Is there anything we can do for him?' he asked.

'Yes. You can lend us your Belldancer.' said Myatin.

Davan met Jariel's eyes and at the slight nod said, 'He's yours.'

Myatin asked, 'Jariel, would you introduce me to your teacher?'

Jariel touched the big cat lightly, wondering how the Pierdon knew. 'This is Pacer, much more than teacher.'

'It is good you know that.' Myatin touched noses with the camilacat, then reached out and nuzzled Jariel's forehead. 'Pacer agrees to help us, too. But you are both tired. Eat while we tell you what we know.'