Echoes of the Great Song

Chapter Twenty-Five

In a battle, Rael knew, timing was everything. Sofarita had told him that the Crystal Queen could observe and listen to all plans of action. She could then inform her commander Cas-Coatl, and he would take appropriate measures. This required time. It was the only advantage Rael had.

The Almecs had massed their men just over a quarter of a mile from Egaru's walls — just out of range of the zhi-bows. Behind them, even further back, were more than 40 firing tubes of gleaming bronze. Even the Sunfire could not hit them at this distance, and even if it could Rael no longer had the power for 40 charges. With luck he might manage three.

Mejana and Pendar had joined Rael on the battlements. 'Why don't they come?' asked Pendar nervously as the morning wore on.

'They will,' said Rael.

At that moment the bronze tubes loosed their fireballs. They sailed high over the battle lines, curving down to strike the wall at three different places. Stone ramparts were smashed, men hurled to their deaths. A gaping crack appeared and a section of wall fell away some 300 yards to Rael's right. Peering over the battlements Rael saw the Almec engineers re-calibrating their weapons. Now all the fireballs rained down on that one spot. The 40-foot-high wall withstood twelve of the explosions. Then it collapsed, creating a 30-foot gap through which the enemy could invade the city.

Rael shouted instructions down to Goray and Cation below. A wagon was hauled into place and twenty men rushed forward to unload it. The bronze Sunfire from Serpent Seven was carried, in sections, up to the ramparts.

Four soldiers hefted the base and gear wheels and these were set on a platform alongside Rael. Then the barrel was strapped into place, and lastly Rael and Cation connected the golden wires from the power unit. Rael swung the Sunfire to point at the earthworks barrier which preventec the Luan from flooding in the rainy season.

The machine began to vibrate.

Rael glanced nervously at the line of Almec firing tubes. They were silent for the moment, but engineers were recalibrating three of them. Rael knew that within minute; fireballs would be hurled in his direction. 'You'd better get back,' he told Mejana. 'We will be the targets now.'

She shook her head and stayed where she was.

The Almec army was marching forward in a broad line towards the hole in the city wall.

The Sunfire ceased vibrating. Rael sighted the weapon on one section of earthworks and, closing his eyes, pulled the firing lever. The massive bolt struck the earthwork;

For a moment nothing happened. Then, deep within the barrier the bolt exploded. An enormous cloud of dust and earth billowed up. The freed waters of the Luan began to pour through the gap, gushing down over the plain.

The power of the river tore away a 60-foot section of the barrier and the flood began.

The Almecs continued to march. The water flowed over their feet. Holding their fire-clubs high the advancing soldiers came closer and closer to the gap.

Rael swung the Sunnre again. 'Lift the rear,' he called out to Goray and Cation. With the barrel resting on the crenellated battlements the two men, and three other soldiers, grabbed the rear section and lifted it high.

To Mejana their actions seemed almost comical. Thousands of men were about to attack them and the Avatar General was wasting his time with a single weapon. Even if he struck the advancing lines it would kill perhaps twenty men.

Two fireballs were loosed. They sailed high then dropped towards the battlements. The first thundered against the ramparts, sending a tremor along the wall. The second flew over the defenders, crashing against the roof of a warehouse, and setting it ablaze.

Rael put his hand on the lever of the Sunfire and looked down on the men splashing their way towards the city. Mejana came alongside him.

'What is it you are planning?' she asked him.

The vibration in the weapon ceased. 'Close your eyes,' said Rael softly. Then he fired the weapon.

The bolt flashed down, missing the first line of marching soldiers and striking the water behind them. Mejana opened her eyes — and saw the horror that followed. Blue sparks rippled out from the point of impact, dancing across the water. Hundreds of Almecs began to jerk spasmodically. Blue flames spread over them. Their clothing caught fire, their weapons discharged. Everywhere men were dying. The advance faltered.

'Give me one more! Just one!' shouted Rael, gazing up at the skies.

Three more fireballs exploded close by. Mejana was hurled from her feet by the blast. Dazed, she struggled to rise. Two of the Avatars were down, their white cloaks blazing. Pendar, pulling off his own cloak, ran to them, smothering the flames. Rael rose up alongside the Sunfire. The left side of his face was horribly burned. With a grunt of pain and effort he swung the Sunfire. 'Someone lift it!' he shouted. Cation, Pendar and Mejana ran to him. Together they grabbed the rear and hoisted the Sunfire high. Rael pulled the firing lever.

Another bolt struck the water, this time further back.

Once again the blue fire rippled out. Turning, the Almecs started to flee the field. More than 200 died in the second blast.

'There's time for another!' said Rael. His face was horribly disfigured, the flesh stripped away. His left arm was also badly blistered and black.

'No, sir,' said Cation. 'We will die if we stay here.'

'You coward!' shouted Rael.

'He is not a coward,' said Mejana. 'Now do as you are bid!' Taking his right arm she pulled him forward. Rael sagged against her. Together she and Cation carried him to the rampart steps. Behind them Pendar was helping Goray to his feet. The Avatar had been blinded by the last fireball. Pendar got him to the safety of the steps just as the battlements blew apart. The Sunfire was sent spiralling into the air, its power chest destroyed.

Below the wall Cation and Mejana lowered Rael to the ground. Cation produced a green crystal, which he held to the General's burnt face. Mejana watched as the skin began to repair, the inflammation dying down. The swelling around his eye sank back, the blisters on his flesh receding. Rael sighed. Reaching up he took Cation's arm. 'I am sorry for what I called you,' he said.

'It was nothing,' said Cation. 'Lie back. Relax. Let the crystals do their work.'

Just beyond them Pendar was holding a crystal above Goray's ruined eyes. Cation began the healing process on the General's burnt arm, then swung to Goray. He paused as he saw Pendar at work. For a moment there was anger, then it faded. Moving alongside the young Vagar he added his own crystal to the process. 'Try not to think of healing,' he advised him. 'Merely concentrate on what should be. See good, clean skin. Picture him as he was.

And let the crystal do its work.'

'Thank you,' said Pendar.

Goray groaned and opened his eyes. 'I can see,' he said. Lifting his hand he took hold of Pendar's shoulder.

'You have my gratitude, boy,' he said.

A soldier on the ramparts shouted down. 'Someone is coming. Fetch the Questor General!'

Cation moved back alongside Rael, and helped him rise. Together they climbed the rampart steps, clambering over the fallen masonry.

Cas-Coatl was moving towards the wall, his hands clasped behind his back. He could have been out for a stroll, and showed no tension as he walked closer and closer towards the defenders, ignoring the zhi-bows trained upon him.

'What is it you want, Almec?' shouted Rael.

'We need to talk, Avatar. Do I have your permission to enter the city?'

'You do,' said Rael. He, Cation and Mejana walked along the ramparts, then down the last set of steps before the gaping hole in the wall. Water was ankle-deep here and Cas-Coatl waded through it to stand before the Questor General.

'Can we talk somewhere where it is dry?' he asked.

'Here is fine,' said Rael. 'Have you come to surrender?'

Cas-Coatl smiled with genuine humour. 'We need to talk together, man to man,' he said. 'Just you and I.'

'Very well,' said Rael. 'Follow me.' The two men walked past the ruined wall to a building close by. Pushing open the door Rael entered the guard-house. Three Vagar soldiers were sitting in the narrow room eating a breakfast of flat-baked bread and mutton. They scrambled to their feet as the General strode in. 'My apologies to you,' said Rael. 'But I would be grateful if you would allow us some privacy.' Grabbing their food the men bowed, then left. 'Sit down,' said Rael.

Cas-Coatl did so. Rael stared hard at the man's glass-like brows and cheekbones. 'How is it that you survived being crystal-wed?'

'The Crystal Queen needs me. She saved me, and for that I serve her.'

'My daughter was crystal-wed. For her there was no saviour.'

Cas-Coatl said nothing, and the two men sat in silence for several moments. Then Rael spoke. 'Why are you here, Almec?'

'You were right and I was wrong,' said Cas-Coatl. 'I did underestimate you. You are not merely talented sub-humans. You are, in fact, Almecs. Or perhaps we are Avatars,' he said with a smile. 'My queen believes we should unite. We have much to offer you, and you can enrich us.'

'And, of course, I am to believe this?' said Rael.

'It is the simple truth, Rael. I have the weapons to destroy this city utterly. I do not need to lie to you.'

'Somehow I do not see myself travelling the world merely to rip out people's hearts,' Rael told him.

'Nor I. Some sacrifice is essential, in order to keep the lower orders in their place. But this slaughter does not sit well with me — nor with my queen. It is, sadly, necessary at this time. But once Anu completes his pyramid there will be no need of such mass extermination. We are brothers, you and I. I do not wish to see you Avatars die.'

'And if we agree?'

'My troops will enter the twin cities. No Avatar will be harmed.'

'The Vagars?'

'Anu's pyramid is not yet complete. And my queen is hungry. But do not concern yourself with sub-humans, Rael. If you have favourites among them, take them to your home. They will be spared.'

'This is not a decision I can make alone, Cas-Coatl. I will need to call my people together.'

'Of course. You have until dawn to make a decision. I urge you to make it a wise one.'

Talaban was deeply troubled. Several times now he had gone to Sofarita's cabin. She had ordered him to leave her in peace, and he had heard her groans of pain. Ro had warned him she would not withstand a twenty-day trip, and Talaban now believed this to be true.

There was no way to increase the speed of the Serpent. Talaban sat in his cabin running the problem through his mind again and again, seeking a solution.

Ro came to him, and together they discussed methods of increasing the power, calculating the effect of reducing the weight by throwing overboard every unnecessary item. But even if they emptied the ship of furniture and weaponry, and ordered every crew member over the side they could not decrease the time needed by more than a day.

Touchstone arrived at dusk, but he could offer no solutions, and sat silently as they spoke.

'If Anu were here he could speed the Dance of Time,' said Ro.

'And if the ship had wings we would not be in peril,' snapped Talaban. He was instantly contrite. 'I am sorry, cousin. I am tired and on edge.'

'We bring him,' said Touchstone.

'Bring who?' responded Talaban.

'This Holy One.'

Talaban rubbed at his eyes and fought for calm. 'Are you suggesting that we turn back and ask Anu to travel with us?'

'No,' replied the tribesman. 'Magic not in body. Magic in spirit. We fetch spirit.'

'And how do you intend to achieve this… this miracle?' asked Ro.

'One-Eyed-Fox,' said Touchstone, looking directly at Talaban. 'Like before. We fly.'

'The last time almost killed both of us,' said the warrior. 'But I agree. It is the only way.'

Touchstone moved into the centre of the cabin and sat cross-legged on the rug. Talaban sat opposite him.

Placing their hands on each other's shoulders they lowered their heads until their brows touched.

Relaxing his mind Talaban flowed into the trance state, seeking focus without concentration, the melding of opposites, the closing of the circle. As before, he felt himself moving, spinning. Colours danced in his mind, swirling rainbows passing over, around and through him.

And then again he heard the music, the drumbeat of the universe, the whispering of cosmic winds.

Once more he and Touchstone were as one, and together they called out for the One-Eyed-Fox, chanting his name in time to the drumbeat, creating a song that echoed out across the void.

Time had no meaning now, and the chant continued. The swirling colours brightened, merging into blue — the blue of a summer sky. Talaban gazed down and saw a forest below them. A swirl of grey smoke lifted from the forest, lazily drifting towards them. As it reached the floating figures it coalesced into the shape of a warrior.

'What is it that you need, my brothers?' asked the One-Eyed-Fox.

Talaban told him. Reaching out, the figure of smoke took hold of their hands, and again the colours blazed around them. This time when they faded the scene which sprang into life around them was night dark. They were within a small hut, where an old man was kneeling on a prayer mat.

He glanced up as they arrived. Talaban was shocked at his appearance. He was incredibly frail and his hands trembled. A blue aura shimmered around him and the spirit of Anu rose.

'I know what you need,' he said.

'Can you help us?' asked Talaban.

'I can, Talaban, but there is a high price to pay.'

'What price?'

Anu's spirit hand reached out, touching Talaban's brow. The words Anu then spoke were heard by him alone.

'The Music is incredibly powerful, and can be immensely destructive. I learned to control it during a five-hundred-year apprenticeship. I cannot leave here and create a second spell. I do not have the strength. You do and you can. I can implant the knowledge in you, and you can cast the Music into the Serpent. But the price will be your life. I cannot teach you in hours what took me five centuries. And so the Music will eat away at you like a cancer. Your life span will be measured in days. You understand?'

'I do.'

'Are you willing to die, Talaban?'

The warrior thought of the woman in pain on the Serpent, and of the terrible perils facing his people. 'I am,' he said, simply.

'Then let it be so.'

Heat flowed from Anu's spirit fingers, seeping into Talaban's mind. It was as if all the random, brilliant colours of the universe were exploding within his skull. He reeled back. Images flowered in his brain, then the Music began, a majestic symphony that flowed backwards, millions of strands joining together, becoming ever more simple, until, in the end, he could hear only twelve notes, then five, then three and finally one. Anu spoke again. 'When you return to the ship, find a flute. Almost every sailor will have one. Take it to the Heart Room.

And let the Music flow over the chest. You will see the crystals brighten, as if flames had burst into life within them. Then the Dance will begin.'

'How swiftly can we make the crossing?' asked Talaban.

'Two days.'

'And how long will I live after that?'

Anu was silent for a moment. 'Perhaps a week.'

'I thank you, Holy One.'

'We will meet again, Talaban. On the journey beyond life.'

He removed his hand. The world twisted, rainbows blazing in Talaban's mind. He awoke with a start.

Touchstone drew back from him. Questor Ro moved alongside. 'Did you find Anu? Did you bring him back?'

'We found him,' said Talaban, pushing himself to his feet. 'Now I must find a flute,' he said. Slowly he walked across the cabin, opened the door, and left.

Ro swung towards Touchstone. 'What happened?'

'Not know all. Holy One only spoke him.'

'So when will we reach the coast?'

'Two days,' said Touchstone.

'Yes!' shouted Ro, punching the air. Then he looked at Touchstone, and saw that the tribesman did not share his enthusiasm. 'What is wrong?' asked Ro, speaking now in Anajo. 'Is there something else?'

Touchstone shrugged. 'I do not know, but my heart is heavy, my soul burdened.'

Sofarita lay on the floor of her cabin, her knees drawn up, her arms hugging her body. She was trembling uncontrollably, her frame racked by a series of cramps that caused her to jerk spasmodically.

Never in her short life had she suffered such pain or felt such a terrible hunger. It was as if she stood starving at the centre of a feast, fine food all around her, exquisite delicacies to melt with flavour upon the tongue.

Sofarita groaned.

Another cramp struck her belly and she cried out. She felt suddenly cold and began to shiver. Struggling to her knees she crawled to the bed. The blankets were thick but they offered her no respite. Through her pain she recalled the attack by Almeia and how Ro had warmed her with his body.

This was different. Now she was under attack from her own starving system.

Ro had warned her of the dangers of such a journey, separated from the city's crystals, but she had not imagined the symptoms would be so severe. Her mind screamed at her to take just a little energy from the ship's chest. Just a tiny morsel…

She resisted the temptation, knowing that if she allowed herself to follow her desires she would drain the ship in an instant.

When the pain first started she had attempted to flee it by allowing her spirit to soar free. But she could not.

The cramps cut through her concentration, trapping her within this hurting cage of flesh and bone.

Talaban had come to her cabin twice that day but she had refused to open the door. Even through the wood she could feel the sweet pulsing of his life force. Her flaring hunger terrified her.

She found herself thinking about members of the crew and how some of them were unpleasant or dishonest.

As she had come aboard she had felt their thoughts. Base men, cruel to their families. No one would miss them, she thought.

No! Their lives are their own. I have no right!

You have every right. You are a goddess! You are needed. They are not. If their lives are lost so that the Crystal Queen can be destroyed, then they will have served a greater purpose.

The argument was compelling.

Sitting up she wrapped the blanket around her shoulders and began to plan how to reach the worst of the men. Another cramp struck her, this time with needles of fire that made her arch her back and cry out.

She was hot now, burning with fever. Throwing back the blanket she moved to the water jug and filled a goblet, draining it swiftly.

The door opened and Questor Ro stepped inside. 'Go away,' she said. 'I have… work to do.'

'What work, Sofarita?'

'Go away, I said!' Her hand shot up. Ro was lifted from his feet and slammed back into the cabin wall. He slid to the floor. Grabbing the door frame he hauled himself upright.

'I know you are suffering,' he said. 'But it will soon be over. Anu has shown Talaban how to speed the Dance of Time. We will cross the ocean in only two days.'

'I need… to feed!' Walking past him she pictured the faces of the men she would destroy.

'Like Almeia needs to feed,' said Ro. 'Perhaps we should bring a child to you and bury it for you, alive and screaming.'

Sofarita paused in the doorway. 'Do not make me angry, Ro.'

'Even if you drain Almeia and end her evil, it will be as nothing if you become like her,' he said. 'You are better than that, Sofarita. Stronger. But if you need a life, take mine. It is yours. I offer it freely.'

She swung towards him. 'Why? Why would you offer this?'

'To prevent you from murder.'

She looked at him then and, for a moment, the pain eased.

'Evil is like a poison,' he said. 'That is why we cannot use it. To defeat evil with its own weapons, only replaces one evil with another. I believe the Source has blessed you with power. It must not be stained or sullied.'

'What can I do? The yearning is tearing at me.'

'We will be there soon. You need to be strong.'

'And what happens when — and if — I drain Almeia's power? What will become of me then?'

'Anu's pyramid will be complete. That will feed you.'

She laughed at him, the sound bitter and derisive. 'Anu's pyramid will kill me!' she shouted. 'It will rip my soul from me.' As soon as she had spoken the words she blanched. 'No!' she whispered. 'What have I done?'

Ro stood by silently, staring at her stricken face.

'I have doomed them all,' she whispered. 'Almeia was here. She heard me! Oh sweet Heaven!'

'She knows what?' asked Ro.

'Anu's pyramid is not intended to feed the crystals but to drain them utterly. He is building a weapon against Almeia. This journey was merely a distraction, to keep her energies focused on me.' Suddenly she cried out, as another spasm of pain tore into her. 'I cannot… survive… without feeding, Ro!'

Tenderly he took her hand. 'Sit with me on the floor. Link with me as I move through the Six Rituals. We will find calm. We will win, Sofarita. Let your pain and your need flow into me and we will fight it together.'

'It will destroy you,' she whispered.

'We will see,' he said.

They sat together on the rug, hand in hand.

The Great Hall of the Questors was rarely used, save for ceremonial functions or the funeral orations — thankfully rare — of those Avatars who died after centuries of service. Situated beneath the Great Library the vast circular hall had high arched windows and banks of seats around the walls. It had been built to stage plays for guests of the ambassador to the Avatar Prime and could accommodate 800 people.

Now it was scarcely half-full as all of the surviving Avatars and their families gathered to listen to the words of the Questor General. Rael stood in the centre of the hall, gazing at the people as they took up their seats.

Rarely were all of the Avatars gathered together, and only at times like this did it come home to him how few they were. Six of the women held newborn babes. A mere six. Elsewhere the younger children were playing in the high gallery watched over by two of the mothers.

When at last all were gathered — save the twenty men sailing with the Serpent — Rael called for silence. Then he told them all of the offer made by Cas-Coatl. Unity with the Almecs. A new life with a brother race. He made it clear to them that he believed the assurances given by the Almec. Then he fell silent for a moment.

'I shall speak again at the close of the debate,' he said. 'But now I shall take questions.'

'What changed their minds, Rael?' asked Niclin.

'I believe the most significant factor is the work of Anu. The Crystal Queen learned of his talents and knows that by absorbing his wisdom and his knowledge she can assure herself of life eternal.'

'What was it that stopped you agreeing at once?' asked Caprishan.

'As I said, I shall speak later.'

High at the back of the hall Mirani raised her hand.

'I recognize the Lady Mirani,' said Rael.

'What are the Almecs' intentions towards the peoples of the twin cities? It is my understanding that these killers leave' only destruction in their wake.'

'They intend to kill all of the Vagars,' said Rael, his voice even. 'Cas-Coatl maintains that the Crystal Queen needs this sustenance until such time as Anu's pyramid begins to generate power.'

'So they are offering us our lives in return for utter betrayal?'

'Indeed they are,' said Rael. Mirani met his gaze, and fell silent.

'Has Anu been apprised of the situation?' asked another man, sitting close to the front.

'We have no way to contact him,' said Rael.

The blue-bearded Goray raised his hand. Rael gestured for him to speak. 'As you know,' he began, 'I am one of the oldest here. I have seen many wars and a host of battles. My question is this: do you, Questor General, believe this war can be won?'

'I believe it can be won,' said Rael.

'Then I have a second question. What becomes of us if we do win? Where do we go?'

'I cannot say, Goray. For I do not know. Are there any other questions?'

Niclin rose. 'Can we win back power once Anu's work is completed?'

'I do not believe that we can,' admitted Rael. 'Our days of pre-eminence here are over. Worse still, I do not believe the Vagars will allow us to merely go on as immortals in their midst. There will be those who seek revenge against us for what they perceive as past wrongs. There will be others who envy our immortality. No. If we do win this war we must make our home elsewhere.'

'Unless we join with the Almecs,' said Caprishan.

'Indeed so,' agreed Rael.

No-one spoke, and Rael waited for several heartbeats. 'Now,' he said, 'it is time to debate the question facing us. As is our custom I shall ask two of our number to address us, one in favour of joining with the Almecs, one against. I will ask Questor Caprishan to put forward reasons in favour of accepting Cas-Coatl's offer.'

Caprishan stood, walked out to the centre of the floor and turned to face his fellow Avatars.

'It seems to me,' he said, 'that there is little need to debate this issue. We are no longer fighting for our homes and our land, for we have no land and our homes and possessions will be forfeit should we succeed against the Almecs.

'But let us put aside thoughts of the war and the loved ones we have lost since it began. Let us look instead at our first thoughts concerning the Almecs. Since we first learned of them we knew they were Avatars like ourselves. We hoped that they would accept us as brothers and join with us in maintaining control of this savage world. That was our hope then. Why should that be changed? What prospects have we if the war goes on? To become an exiled people — if indeed the Vagars do not seek to murder us when the war is won? To sail the seas and set up dirt camps on some foreign shore? To grub in the earth like farmers? How many of us know how to plant crops and gather them? How many can raise cattle, and butcher them? Does anyone here know how to build a house, or weave a cloth, or make a chair?

'We are gods, my friends. Gods do not have to concern themselves with such grubby detail. We have servants to minister to us and serfs to farm the land.

'So, the Almecs need to kill a few Vagars. Why should that concern us? Their lives are measured in a few heartbeats. Ours are almost eternal.

'The simple truth is that if we defeat the Almecs we defeat ourselves. Therefore we should join with them.'

He was widely applauded as he strode to his seat. Rael moved back to the centre. 'I ask Viruk to speak in rebuttal,' he said.

Viruk, sitting two rows back, looked startled. He rose and walked down the steps to where Rael waited. 'But I agree with Caprishan,' he whispered. 'Why choose me?'

'Because you are a gardener,' said Rael, moving away.

Viruk stood in the centre of the hall looking at the silent Avatars in the bank of seats before him. He had sat listening to Caprishan and had agreed with every word. Debating the issue seemed pointless. And yet Rael had asked him to speak in rebuttal. The Questor General had chosen him. Viruk felt honoured, for Rael was the one man he respected above all others. In many ways he loved him as he had never loved his own father. And it was important to Viruk that he did not let him down.

They were waiting for him to speak and he had no idea what he was going to say. Rael's words meant nothing to him. What did gardening have to do with an Almec-Avatar alliance?

'I think our cousin is a little tongue-tied,' said Caprishan. Nervous laughter rippled out. Viruk gave a wide smile. And in that moment he knew what Rael required of him.

'I was thinking of my garden,' he said. 'Of all the plants and shrubs and insects and worms. Did you know that the humble worm is vital, for its tunnels allow air to penetrate and feed the earth? The flying insects which plague us in the city during the heat of summer pollinate the plants, allowing them to seed and enchant future generations. Everything in my garden speaks of harmony and of continued life and growth. Each has its purpose in the great scheme. But I am a ruthless gardener. Those plants which fail to flower are ripped out with the weeds. Thus my garden thrives.

'Every plant has its role to play, a scent to draw butterflies and aid pollination, a wide leaf to gather moisture and provide shade for the earth. And when their leaves and petals wither, they go down to the earth to feed the ground for future generations of blooms.'

His voice rang out. 'This land, this planet, is a garden. We are like plants upon it. But what kind of plants are we? Two thousand years ago an Avatar developed a script through which people could communicate without speech. Fifteen hundred years ago another Avatar discovered the link between certain crystals and sunlight.

Twelve hundred years ago three mathematicians, seeking the secrets of the stars, discovered the Great Song. Its music helped build the wonders of the lost continent. We were valued plants in the garden then, my friends. We taught the world to write and farmers how to feed the land and grow better crops. We conquered disease and finally death itself. We were like fruit trees growing from naked rock. We fed the world with our knowledge.' He paused, and scanned his audience.

'But that was then. What are we now, we innovators, we inventors, we Questors? For what do we quest?

What do we offer this garden? We stand facing annihilation, and the only argument that my cousin Caprishan can offer for joining with the enemy is that we are now so useless that we cannot possibly survive alone. We, who gave the world its civilization, cannot make a chair. We, who clothed the tribes with knowledge, cannot weave a cloth. What then is our purpose in this garden land? We are no longer fruit, nor even flowers. We are straw, long dead and dried out.

'And make no mistake, Avatars. The Almecs are the same. They do not give to the world. They take. They do not feed, they hunger. Yes, they are like us, and like us the Gardener will weed them, casting them out.

'And I have an answer to Caprishan's questions. Yes, I can grow crops, and yes, I can raise and butcher cattle.

And I have made chairs and tables and even a bed to sleep upon. No, I cannot weave cloth. But if I need to I will learn.

'I put it to this gathering that we reject the Almecs' offer.'

The audience sat in stunned silence as he returned to his seat.

Rael returned to his place in the centre. 'My thanks to my esteemed cousins. It is left now for me to speak as the Questor General. We have, through these past decades, managed to convince ourselves that the Vagars are sub-humans and natural slaves for us. We have seen ourselves as benevolent parents, overseeing a land peopled by unruly children. The first point, as I have come to realize during these past days, is a fallacy. The second is a conceit. But it is that second point on which I would like to dwell. If we are, indeed, benevolent parents, then do we allow our children to be slaughtered? I think not.

'Despite their knowledge and their advanced civilization the Almecs have descended into evil. They do not see themselves in this light, I am sure. But that is what they are, nonetheless. To join with them would be to embrace that evil, to accept its validity in our lives. I cannot in all conscience consider such an action. It is my intention to fight them, and to defeat them. If this gathering votes to join with the Almecs I shall renounce my Avatar heritage, surrender my crystals and fight alongside the Vagars.' He fell silent for a moment, then took a deep breath. 'This gathering is suspended for three hours to allow you all to discuss the matter among yourselves.

We will assemble again at midnight and a vote will be taken.

'In the meantime would those among you who remain soldiers of the empire walk with me to the Museum armoury.

One hundred and twelve Avatars rose from their seats. Mirani moved to stand beside him. Taking his arm she said, 'I am so proud of you, Rael. I have never loved you more than I do at this moment.'

Leaning down he kissed her. 'As long as you are beside me I fear nothing,' he said.

'Then that is where I will always be,' she promised.

The armoury was a dank cold place, windowless and deserted. Dust-laden cobwebs hung on the arches and upon the suits of armour flanking the grey walls. Dust was also heavy in the air as Rael led his soldiers down into the depths of the building. Lanterns had been lit in the stairwells and in the armoury itself, and the silver armour on display glittered in the dull red light.

'These battle suits were once worn by the royal guards of the Avatar Prime,' said the Questor General. 'They were crafted two thousand years ago and last used in the Crystal Wars.' Viruk strode to the nearest suit of armour. It had been set upon a wooden frame, the silver-winged helm perched on the top. Lifting the helm clear he brushed away the webs and examined it. It was lighter than he expected and crafted from a metal unknown to him. It had a curved visor that slid down to shield a warrior's face and a long, curved neck guard at the base. The breastplate was created using bands of silver over a leather undershirt, and thigh guards and greaves were fashioned over leather leggings.

'They are too bulky for the men to wear,' Viruk said.

T was not intending them for use in defence,' Rael told him. The Questor General climbed to a table and turned back towards the gathered men. 'The Almecs' superiority rests in their thunder clubs and the tubes which unleash the fireballs. We know that they are powered by black dust. Great amounts of it. If we can destroy that power source then the Vagars will merely be facing eight thousand warriors with swords.'

'Merely?' put in Viruk. 'And you say the Vagars will be facing. What is it you are suggesting, cousin?'

'I intend to repeat the strategy used by Banel in the last battle of the Crystal Wars.' A murmur started up among the soldiers. 'Do not speak of it aloud,' he warned them. 'We cannot know whether the Crystal Queen is observing us.'

Goray stepped forward. 'You say you intend to repeat the strategy, Rael. But what if our people vote to join the Almecs?'

'Do you think they will?' countered Rael. Goray was silent.

'Of course they will,' said Viruk. 'You think the fatted calf would vote for slaughter?'

'I am hoping that my people will act with honour,' said the Questor General.

Viruk laughed. 'I love you, cousin,' he said, 'but you have become a romantic. Fear not, I will follow you on Banel's path.'

'And I,' said Goray.

No-one else spoke. Rael looked at his soldiers' faces in the lantern light and realized that Viruk had accurately gauged the feeling of the Avatars. None of them was willing to continue the battle. Fat Caprishan stood silently at the back. 'I will not need the armour,' he said.

'None of the suits would fit you, you fat bastard,' said Viruk.

At that moment the sound of thunder echoed high above them, followed by a series of explosions that caused huge cracks to appear in the ceiling of the armoury.

'Sweet Heaven, we are under attack!' shouted Goray.

'Stand fast!' bellowed Rael. 'We are under the building here. Nothing can reach us!'

Scores of explosions sounded, one after the other, as if the world were ending above them in fire and death.

After what seemed an age the noise subsided.

Rael led his men up the stairs. They were blocked by fallen masonry. Working steadily the Avatars dragged clear the stones. Above them they could see moonlight. Rael was the first to push himself out into the ruins of what had once been the Great Library. The statue of the Avatar Prime had fallen, the head smashed into a dozen pieces. Fires were burning all around and bodies were scattered among the broken rocks.

Vagar troops appeared, led by Mejana and Pendar. Rael walked out to meet them.

'It was so sudden,' said Mejana. 'The Almecs began to move their fire tubes about two hours ago. They concentrated them then began loosing their fireballs. We thought they were attacking the walls, but every missile was aimed at the Library. There was nothing we could do.'

'Did anyone get out?' he asked her.

'Three children were carried clear. One died, the others are only shocked.' Rael said no more, but ran into the ruins with the other Avatars, and began tearing at the fallen rocks.

As the night wore on more and more bodies were pulled from the wreckage. By dawn the scale of the massacre became known. Two hundred and seventeen Avatars had died, or were still missing. Only four of the women and two of the children had escaped.

Rael found Mirani just before dawn. She had tried to shield two children from falling masonry. Their bodies were beneath hers, her arms around them. Avatars and

Vagars worked together to clear away the stones. Rael lifted her body clear and sat back on the rubble, cradling her to him. He did not speak, and his soul was too heavy for weeping. He just held her close and rocked to and fro.

Some distance away, exhausted, Mejana sat and watched his silent grief.

Two stretcher bearers stood by nervously, afraid to approach Rael. Mejana walked across to the Questor General. 'It is time to let her go,' she said. Rael looked up at her. He did not speak. Then he kissed Mirani one last time and carried her to the stretcher.

With the rising of the morning sun Rael gathered his last soldiers, and together — all save Caprishan — they returned to the armoury and clothed themselves in the silver armour of the Crystal Wars.

For Ro it was a different kind of pain. There was no longing involved in it, no yearning to draw the life from others. For him it was the pain of despair, of bereavement and loss, allied to an aching of the limbs that made him feel his muscles were slowly tearing themselves apart.

He sat cross-legged upon the rug holding onto Sofarita's hands. His fingers were numb now, his thoughts almost desolate. Tears fell from his eyes and he would have welcomed death like an old friend. She sensed his increasing despair and allowed the pain to flow back inside her. Ro sighed with the release from agony.

And so, locked into the rituals of the Avatar Prime, they endured the journey, sharing the pain, each holding to it for as long as possible, then allowing the other to take up the burden.

On the evening of the third day, as the Serpent approached the land mass of the western continent, Sofarita felt the power returning to her. It came like a breath of sweet breeze, faint crystal energies flowing over her. She drank them in. They tasted of life.

Drawing in a deep breath she released Ro's hands. He opened his eyes, smiled at her, then slumped to the floor, exhausted. Reaching forward she tenderly stroked his cheek, then she rose and stretched. Moving from the cabin to the central deck she stood in the last light of sunset and watched the gulls wheel and dive over the ship.

Talaban saw her there and moved alongside her. 'How are you faring, lady?' he asked her.

'Ro saved me,' she said.

'I know. I came to your cabin many times and saw the two of you sitting there. He is a good man.'

'The very best,' she said.

Without another word she moved away and sat on a coil of rope by the port deck rail. Releasing her spirit she soared high over the distant bay, across the darkening land and its forests and plains, seeking out the One-Eyed-Fox. The encampment she had first encountered was in ruins now. Blackened tent poles flanked the river and several bodies lay on the ground. But there had been no wholesale massacre. The Anajo had largely escaped the attack. She searched the area, and found a mass grave near the tree line. Allowing her spirit to sink beneath the earth she found the grave contained around forty bodies of Almec warriors.

The Anajo had not only survived, but had inflicted heavy losses upon the enemy.

As high as a hunting eagle Sofarita flew in a wide circle over the land seeking sign of movement. She saw an Almec column of close to 500 men.moving towards the east. As she flew towards it she saw a second, smaller force running through the trees two miles ahead. Sofarita sped over them. They were Anajo, seventeen men and three women. Their faces were smeared red and blue and they carried short hunting bows and quivers. In their belts were battleaxes made of flint.

As she came closer the first of the twenty runners paused and looked up. He was a middle-aged man, with deeply tanned skin and deep-set brown eyes. He raised his hand, palm outwards towards her, and smiled. Then he knelt, folded his arms across his chest, his spirit rising from his body.

'It is good to see you, my sister,' he said.

'Your enemies are close behind,' she told him.

'They will not catch us until we wish them to. Is Touch-the-Moon with you?'

'Yes. And Talaban.'

'Aiya!' he said, his tone triumphant. 'That is good. I have my wolf soldiers with me. Come ashore in the bay and head south-west towards the highest mountain. We will meet you there. We will fight the last battle, yes?'

'There is no need,' she told him. 'The Crystal Queen knows about Anu and his pyramid. My journey here is now futile.'

'Not so, my sister. I have walked the Grey Road. I have seen. She is trying to pierce the magic around his encampment. She seeks to stop him before he completes his work. You can drain her power. You can give Anu time. Nothing is futile. Go to the mountain. We will draw the Almecs away from you.' He paused and sorrow touched his face. 'First, though, fly to your city of stone. Much has happened there. The Spirits of Death fly over it and the Ravens wait for the heroes to ride. I will see you on the mountain.' Fading back into his body he waved a farewell, then led his runners away to the north.

Sofarita returned to the ship, told Talaban to head for the bay, then journeyed again to Egaru.

When she returned less than half an hour later she found Ro and Talaban and Touchstone waiting. The Serpent was at anchor in the bay, and from here she could see the tall mountains to the south-west. 'That is where we must go,' she said. 'The One-Eyed-Fox awaits us there.'

'How many warriors does he have?' asked Talaban.

'Twenty.'

'Did you see any Almecs?'

'Hundreds,' she said. Talaban swore softly.

'I promised Rael to send the ship and its crew back to Egaru. But we will sorely need the ship's twenty Avatar bowmen. Is there time for you to contact him and request them?'

'No,' she said, her voice hard. 'But they will be neither needed, nor welcome, at Egaru. Use them as you will.'

'What does that mean?' he asked her.

'I do not wish to speak of it yet. Let us get ashore.'

'You think they are going to betray us?' asked Pendar, as the 112 Avatars rode through the southern gates heading along the coastal road. Mejana leaned on the parapet and watched the riders. She did not answer. How fine they look in their silver armour, she thought, like heroes of legend. It was confusing to see them like this.

These were the evil men who had dominated her people, extending their own lives by draining the life force of others. The same men who had taken her daughter, leaving her senile and spent. Yet now the sun glittered upon them, and they were riding to their deaths to save the cities. Mejana no longer knew what to think or feel. She had plotted their downfall for so long, so many lonely bitter years.

And here was the day.

There was no feeling of triumph in the air, no heady joy. This was not as she had imagined it.

'They'll make a pact with the Almecs,' said Boru. 'They cannot be trusted. We will all go to our deaths.'

'You may be right,' said Mejana, at last. 'But I do not think so. Their wives and their children are dead, their power almost gone, their day over. We will follow the last orders of the Questor General.'

The area to the east of the city was still flooded, but to the south the ground rose and she could see Rael in his silver armour leading his riders up a low hill. Glancing back she looked down at the hundreds of militia men waiting nervously behind the gates. Some were armed with swords and spears, but most carried knives or rough-made clubs. They had no armour and there were few bowmen among them. She swung to Pendar.

'Go now to the Third Gate. When Rael attacks lead out the army. The militia will follow.'

'There will be fearful losses, grandmother,' he warned her.

'Try not to be among them,' she said. Pendar bowed, then ran along the ramparts to where the Vagar soldiers were waiting. Turning to Boru she looked into his hard blue eyes. 'You may stay here with me, or fight alongside the militia. Your choice,' she told him.

'Do you hate me?' he asked her.

'This is not a day for hate,' she said. 'This is a day for regret.'

Drawing his sword he gave a cold smile and walked back down the rampart steps to stand with the men there.

Out on the battlefield the Almecs had seen Rael's troop moving across the hills and a column of soldiers marched out to intercept them.

Mejana was weary. She had spent the night helping to search for survivors in the ruined Library. They had found two people alive. One died as she was being lifted clear, the other had lost both legs and bled to death as they lifted the roof beam that had crushed her. The rescuers had removed scores of corpses.

Through that long night Mejana found her hatred of the Avatar evaporating. Whatever revenge she had planned seemed small and petty compared to the grand tragedy all around her. And she had wept when they discovered the children, their tiny bodies broken by falling rocks, their lives extinguished by fire and death from the skies.

But the last of her hate had vanished as she saw Rael holding the broken body of the wife he loved.

Yes, the Avatars had been evil, and the Great God had punished them. It was not for Mejana to harbour further thoughts of revenge.

Rael had come to her before the last ride. He had stood silently for a moment, then he had offered his hand.

She took it. 'I wish you well,' he said. 'You Vagars are now the guardians of the twin cities. You will write the histories. It may be that you cannot speak well of us and our rule, but I urge you to remember the manner of our passing.'

'You do not have to do this, Rael,' she said.

He shrugged. 'I do if we want to win.'

He had turned away then and mounted a huge grey war-horse.

Pulling her cloak tightly about her she transferred her gaze to the distant hills. The Avatars had formed into a fighting wedge, like a great silver spearhead.

Then they charged.

Rael had not looked back once since he left the city. In all his long life, he realized, he had spent too long doing just that, staring back into the past, fighting a vain battle to keep it alive. The city would survive or it would not. It was no longer his duty to guarantee its future.

Sofarita had come to him and told him exactly where the Almec supplies were based, and how strong the defences around them. The chances of the Avatars fighting their way through were slim. But Rael no longer cared. Mirani was dead, his dreams buried with her. If his death could cause the fall of the Almecs it would be a small price to pay.

There was no need now to give orders. Every man riding with him knew the objective, and knew further that this was to be the last ride of the Avatars. No-one spoke, each lost in his own thoughts, remembering families and loved ones.

Rael led his silver-clad riders up the eastern slope. To his left he could see a regiment of Almecs moving to intercept. 'Fighting wedge!' he yelled, galloping forward to create the spear point. His riders closed in around and behind him.

'Forward!' he bellowed. Pulling down his visor he urged his grey war-horse, Pakal, into a run. Rael's zhi-bow was in his hands and he sent a bolt flashing into the advancing Almec foot soldiers. They were still just out of range of the fire-clubs and the Avatars unleashed a deadly volley of light bolts into the massed infantry. Scores of men were hurled from their feet. The horses were at full gallop now, the thunder of hooves filling the air.

Again and again the zhi-bows loosed their deadly shafts, and a gaping hole showed in the ranks of the Almecs.

Yet they did not break. The fire-clubs came up — and thundered. Lead shot smashed into the advancing horsemen.

Twelve horses went down, ten more were hit, but kept on running. Rael was leading a charmed life at the point of the wedge as shots hissed by him.

Just behind him Cation's horse tumbled, throwing the officer to the ground. He rolled to his knees and calmly sent bolt after bolt into the defensive line. A shot took him in the cheekbone, smashing up into his left eye socket and into the brain.

Still the charge continued.

The lead riders struck the line. The Almecs scattered before them. Shots were more sporadic now as the Avatars clove on, shooting as they rode. Rael was hit in the shoulder and hip. He swayed in the saddle, but did not fall. Another murderous volley struck the Avatar left flank, and a score more horses fell.

Rael rode on, shooting to left and right. Beside him now Goray's horse was shot in the head. As it fell Goray leapt from the saddle, killing four Almecs before they struck him down with swords and daggers.

The Avatars had advanced more than a hundred yards into the mass of the enemy.

Rael cast a swift glance back towards Egaru. The gates were open and Vagar soldiers were streaming out over the flooded fields, followed by a swarming mass of militia men.

Something struck Rael in the side of the head. He toppled from the saddle. Three Almecs ran at him. The great grey, Pakal, reared up over them, lashing out with his hooves. Two men fell. Rael rolled to his feet. He was still holding his zhi-bow. His fingers flickered on the light strings. One after another six bolts flashed into the Almec line, blasting men from their feet. Rael grabbed at the saddle pommel and got his foot into the stirrup. A lead ball smashed into his helm, tearing it from his head. A second shot struck his face, snapping back his head.

In agony now he hauled himself into the saddle and fired four more bolts. Some of his riders were milling around him, but at least thirty more had continued their charge deep into the enemy ranks. Rael spurred the grey after them, shooting as he rode. There was no need to aim now. The enemy was all around him.

A man rushed forward, thrusting his fire-club up at Rael. The explosion was deafening. Smoke and flame belched out, the shot punching a hole through Rael's armour and ripping into his belly. His zhi-bow spent, he hurled it aside and drew his sabre, slashing it down into the man's head. The Almec jumped back, his face streaming blood. A fusillade of shots tore into Pakal. The great horse reared and fell. Rael struggled to rise. Two shots spun him and he fell onto his back.

The noise of the battle receded from him. Struggling to his knees he tried to focus. But all he could see was a distant bright light at the end of a long dark tunnel. The light beckoned him and he recalled a time when he had, as a child, been lost in a forest. Night had come on swiftly and Rael had blundered through the trees in growing panic. Then he saw a golden light, like a candle in the distance. It was the lantern-lit window of a crofter's cottage. His young heart had soared then, for the light meant safety and life.

It was soaring now — and his spirit soared with it.

From the rear of his force Cas-Coatl watched the last ride of the Avatars with a sense of foreboding and deep regret. He had been honest with Rael. Cas-Coatl sincerely wished for union with the Avatar. He felt a kinship with them and, in a strange way, wished that he too could be a part of that glorious death ride.

But Almeia had come to him last night and told him of the reality of Anu's pyramid, and of the decision by Rael to fight to the last. She had ordered the destruction of the Great Library and with it the annihilation of the Avatar families. As always, Cas-Coatl had obeyed.

Now he watched as the Avatars thundered on. Half their force down, their leader dead, the riders were hurtling towards the hidden trip wires and spiked trenches prepared by his men under cover of darkness. It would be an ignoble end to such a valiant effort, but Cas-Coatl could not allow the destruction of his powder supplies.

Without powder the mortar tubes and guns of his men would be useless.

The huge emerald on his belt began to vibrate. Touching his hand to it he heard the voice of Almeia. 'Your men have almost broken through the mist. Go and join them. Take Anu alive. What he has done, he can undo.

He knows the Music.'

Cas-Coatl transferred his gaze to the battlefield. The front lines were under heavy attack from the Vagars and city dwellers, the Avatars were still riding hard, and inflicting murderous losses on his troops. 'We could still lose here, my lady,' he said.

'We are lost anyway if Anu completes his pyramid. The woman Sofarita is drawing on my power. Our defences are weak. Anu must be taken. Go now!'

Cas-Coatl turned to his aide. 'Maintain our position here, and when the Avatars are all dead lead a counterattack from the left flank. The city should be ours by nightfall.' The man saluted and Cas-Coatl threw one last glance at the charging Avatars, then made his way down the slope to where the three golden ships were anchored.

As he moved away he realized he was glad to be avoiding the moment the charge ended, as the horses struck the trip wires, their riders hurled into the sharpened spikes dug into the hillside.