Seeker's Quest Read online

  SEEKER’S

  QUEST

  Book Two of the Seeker’s Trilogy

  Cassandra Boyson

  Copyright © 2015 Cassandra Boyson

  All rights reserved.

  Published by Kingdom House Press

  ISBN 978-0-9906080-6-6

  CassandraBoyson.com

  DEDICATED TO

  CailieEllen

  CONTENTS

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  THE MOMENT IVIANA felt the life pass from the Realm Leader of the Greater Archipelagos, she prepared for Tragor’s arrival. She knew the dragon would come for her within the day. Luckily, she hadn’t unpacked much from her former travels. In fact, she had avoided the travel bag altogether, hesitant to confront any reminders of that world, the land in another universe. She feared the longing to be with the friends she had left behind would be too much if she revisited the things she had brought with her from the Greater Archipelagos.

  As it was, Iviana was happy in Kierelia, something she had not been previously, though she had not known it in the years of her childhood. She had friends in the FairGlenn village now and she had created a simple, peaceful life. It was all she ever wanted, or it had been before she’d befriended a dragon who had taken her to another realm. Furthermore, she’d defeated a sorceress who planned to destroy that land and found its next Realm Leader That leader happened to be her good friend Flynn who, too, had originally lived in Kierelia.

  Iviana realized he would take his place as Realm Leader now Rhimesh had passed. It was foolish she had not anticipated his reign would come so soon, though she had known Rhimesh would not last forever. A sickness had invaded her body that no one had been able to fully heal, not even Iviana, though she had done what she could in an effort to lengthen her life.

  These thoughts plagued her mind for hours as she awaited Tragor’s arrival. But upon first sight of her dragon, the worries and mourning of the day ceased, if only for a short time, as she reacquainted herself with her old friend.

  Iviana met him deep within the forest, for this had been their secret place when Tragor had stayed with her for a time. Dragons were considered an enemy of the land, thanks to the dark dragons created by the late sorceress, Aradia. Those dragons were known for the devastation they left in their wake and, though Tragor was not a dark dragon, the villagers had no way of understanding that. They had no idea dragons originated from another universe and had been tame at one time, before a number of them had been deceived by the sorceress.

  As she entered the large clearing, Iviana looked the dragon over as he did the same with her. It seemed all they desired was to take in the sight of one another, for they had missed each other more than either could have anticipated. Iviana wondered if the strength of their bond was due to the fact that each had been a recluse for years until they had found one another. She, because the world had thought her a witch and he, because he had long ago lost his best friend, Iviana’s great-grandfather, Latos. Iviana supposed this was what had attracted Tragor to her, for he must have noticed some similarity between she and her great-grandfather, some kindred essence, though Iviana had never known the man.

  At last, a smile broke upon Iviana’s face as she raced toward Tragor and threw her arms about his neck. He nuzzled his head against hers and enfolded her in his wings. The tears that sprang to Iviana’s eyes startled her and she quickly brushed them aside before he could see her weakness. Though she knew better than to believe Tragor saw tears as weakness―he had certainly seen her cry before―somehow, after only several months apart from him, sudden timidity overtook her and she was ashamed that he should see her tears.

  As she pulled away, he offered a long, curious look, gazing into her eyes until she allowed a few happy tears to spill from them. It was then he appeared content. It seemed he would allow no bashfulness between his favorite human and himself, for Iviana knew he was a very old dragon, even called ancient, his title being the Great Dragon of the Ages. In his old age, he did not feel the embarrassment that the young so often do. Moreover, he was a dragon and, as far as Iviana understood, dragons did not feel shame as humans do, or at least not often.

  When at last they concluded their greeting, Tragor impatiently gestured to his back and Iviana admitted it was time they were on their way. Her goal was to arrive in the Greater Archipelagos by early morning before anyone was awake. She wanted to take her first steps on the Isle of Dragons privately, as she couldn’t help feeling nervous about meeting her friends again after the way she had left. She would need time to gather herself.

  The flight was even more exhilarating than she had remembered. It had been some time since she had soared through clouds with Tragor. This, she had dreamed of often in the late hours of the night. There was surely no experience to match it that she had yet to discover and, though Tragor proceeded with a little showing off upon noting her excitement, they succeeded in arriving in the Greater Archipelagos just before the first rays of the sun peeked over the horizon.

  They had used the portal in the sky, of course, as it was the portal used only by dragons (the only creatures who had the strength to fly high enough to reach it). Iviana wondered, just as she had previously wondered in times before, just how they were able to reach the twinkling stars in order to enter the swirling vortex that served as a portal between Kaern and the Greater Archipelagos. But this was not something anyone had been able to explain, a mystery yet unsolved. Still, despite its altitude, dragons covered the distance in a matter of minutes due to their unmatchable strength and speed. Indeed, Iviana often found it difficult to breathe during the rushand it was always a relief to arrive on the other side of the vortex.

  As Tragor soared over the Isle of Dragons, Iviana sleepily surveyed the island where her friends lived―the friends she had abandoned some time ago. Gracefully, Tragor rested on a beach further from where she needed to be than was convenient, but he understood her desire for privacy as she reacquainted herself with the place.

  Bidding Tragor a reluctant farewell, Iviana made her way inland until she had reached the village. Silently, she tip-toed through a series of huts, praying no one would stir. But as a long whistle sounded from a nearby window, she winced. Looking to where she had heard it resound, she realized it had come from the hut assigned to the leader of the realm.

  Before she had time to fully register this, a familiar face popped up from beneath the windowsill. “If it isn’t the mysterious dragon savior, come to grace us with her long-awaited presence,” Flynn said happily, leaping through his first floor window.

  “You really shouldn’t be whistling at strange women,” Iviana scolded, reaching to embrace him. At least with Flynn, she did not have much guilt over the way she had left, for he had been the only one to whom she had informed of her leaving for Kaern.

  “Oh, you’re not so strange,” he replied.

  “That’s not what I hear. Last time I spoke with Leilyn, I was told I needed to work on myself or I’d never catch a man.”

  Flynn bellowed a hardy laugh. “Well, I say we leave the Seeker as is. I wouldn’t have anyone to tease otherwise.”

  Before Iviana could warn him she did not want her presence made known yet, Flynn caught another early riser passing and asked him to inform Nimua and Naii that Iviana had arrived. Immediately the islander set off.

  “He’s obeying you?” Iviana questioned as they walked.

  Flynn immediately sobered, his face grim. “What brought you here, Ivi?”

  “Something’s wrong. Something is wrong with Rhimesh?”

  “Not ‘wrong.’ She is with the Great One and, according to the beliefs of our people, I believe that must be more than pleasant. I’m afraid the realm is left unsteady in the hands of its current leader, however.”

  “I disagree,” Iviana said with meaning.

  “Thank you. I wish I felt as confident, but I’m glad you’re back. I could use your input.”

  “My input? I’m just—”

  Flynn chuckled halfheartedly. “Just what? The woman who defeated Aradia? The one who recognized my call and brought me here in the first place? I hope you’re not ‘just’ or I may have made a mistake in coming.”

  His words filled Iviana with inexplicable confidence, almost more than was natural. “Fine. But as I recall, I didn’t face Aradia alone. There was an ornery fellow with me. Oh, and I had a dragon...and the Great One really did most of it...How’s your gift coming along, by the way? Shouldn’t you be using it to speak life over yourself?”

  “Eh, being a Speaker isn’t as easy as it sounds...it’s complicated. You have to believe what you speak for your words to have power. Also, you have to be very, very careful what you say...”

  “I’ve thought of that. It’s a huge responsibility.”

  “No more than anyone else, I suppose...just different.”

  They walked quietly for a time before Flynn asked, “You know how Rhimesh passed?”

  “I believe so. I think she wanted to go, though. She was ready. I mean, she’s had the responsibility of Realm Leader for a long time. I know it wasn’t as long as some of the
past Realm Leaders, but the job must have been terribly tiring, nonetheless.”

  “Yes,” Flynn agreed, turning a shade paler.

  “She believed in you, Flynn. She didn’t have to, but she did. You are chosen by the Great One for this position and you should ask Him what He would like you to do with it.”

  “Ask Him? I don’t think it’s that easy. I’m not a Seer; I don’t know how to hear His voice.”

  As they approached Iviana’s old hut, she took hold of Flynn’s hand. “As you say, I am here to help. Perhaps we can discover the voice of the Great One together.”

  Flynn tightened his grip on Iviana’s hand as if it was a lifeline, then dropped it. “I’ll let you head in. I’m sure you’ll want to freshen up before seeing everyone.”

  “Is that a hint? Have I got dirt smeared across my face or something?”

  Flynn laughed. “No, but you looked alarmed when I asked that boy to tell Nimua you were here. I assume you’ll want a moment to yourself.”

  Iviana smiled. “You know me well. I’ll see you soon?”

  Flynn nodded and went on his way.

  Surveying the building that had previously been like a home to her, Iviana breathed deeply, readying herself for what she would find within. Since Flynn hadn’t said anything, she gathered no one was livng in it at present, but that didn’t mean it had not been used in all the time she had been away. Throwing the door open, she expected to find it transformed back into the guest house it had once been, but was astonished to discover everything was just as she had left it. The only indication anyone had been in was the lack of dust and cobwebs. Iviana raced to her bedroom and was pleased to find it still decorated in hues of green and brown and flourishing with plant life. It appeared someone had taken care of the plants, even replaced a few, and her tody bird remained where she had left him, obviously taken care of with a clean cage and fresh food.

  The little table in the corner of the room held an unfamiliar sheet of paper. Dated the day she had left for Kaern, it was proof of her ownership of the hut. Someone had pulled some strings and given her the property...on the very day she had left. Falling into the nearest chair, Iviana released a sigh. She did not regret having left, but wished she hadn’t done so without saying goodbye.

  Suddenly, a face she knew well appeared in the doorway, looking upon her with joy written on his face.

  “You’re back,” Darist said with quiet relief.

  Iviana smiled. “I am.” Her smile faded, “I’m sorry I—”

  “Don’t feel badly, Ivi,” he interrupted. “We knew you would return eventually. We’re far too charming to abandon forever.”

  Iviana laughed and made her way across the room to embrace him. “Thank you, Darist. It’s good to know you kept faith in me.”

  He nodded. “That paper on the table states this place is yours now. It belongs to you alone.”

  Iviana nodded. “I gathered that. Who—”

  “Naii, Nimua and I. We spoke with the council, requesting they award the property to the girl who had brought the one chosen by the Great One to become the next Realm Leader of the Greater Archipelagos. You hadn’t any home to officially call your own and we thought you would be remaining with us. Even so, it is yours.”

  Iviana made ready to begin another apology, another declaration of regret, but Darist grinned and spoke before she could continue, “I hope you don’t mind, but I sort of managed the place while you were away. Kept it clean...kept that poor bird alive.”

  A blush flooded Iviana’s cheeks. “I guess I hadn’t thought about him when I left...it’s a wretched thing to have done.”

  “Not as wretched as leaving without saying goodbye, you horrid girl,” Nimua interrupted, surprising the two with her sudden appearance in the doorway.

  Iviana looked at her friend in shame. “Oh, Nimua, I’m so sorry! I was stupid and—”

  “Never-mind all that. Just get over here and let me hug you.”

  Iviana couldn’t fathom how forgiving they were, but as warm as their mercy made her feel, she couldn’t help wishing she could go back and leave the right way. At the time, she’d been afraid they would try and stop her. Moreover, she had been fearful their efforts would prove successful. She had been determined to leave before her fear of returning to a life that had formerly been painful consumed her. At any rate, there was nothing she could do to change it now.

  The three caught up on all that had happened in while they had been apart. Iviana shared how the Great One had changed the way the FairGlenn villagers saw her and all the various ways life in Kierelia had changed. They, in turn, filled her in on the details of Rhimesh’s cremation and burial the evening before, the traditional treatment for those who had passed on. It seemed it had been a beautiful ceremony, as Rhimesh had been well-loved by all. The law stated that the realm should be in mourning for the two months following the death of a Realm Leader, but they were sure to mourn her loss for years longer. In truth, the three sitting in Iviana’s hut were certain the woman would never be forgotten.

  Iviana grieved she had not been there for the burial service. She had hoped the proceedings following her death would not be so swift, but deaths were handled just as swiftly in Kierelia, so she was not surprised. Still, she planned to visit the burial site and honor the woman who had been a friend to her. Even when most of the islanders had not trusted her, Rhimesh had offered her a chance and that was all she had needed.

  Iviana was thinking on this while Nimua and Darist discussed the funeral, when Nimua suddenly turned to her with an intrigued expression, asking, “So, Ivi...you know how Marquen never comes down from his hill to be with our people?”

  Iviana looked at her with new interest and nodded.

  “Well...he finally did.”

  “Really?” Iviana queried.

  “It seems, just before her death, Rhimesh told the Healers she needed to see him...and he actually went. Well, really, how could he not? I mean, she was so ill. Anyway, he won’t tell anyone why she wanted to see him and it’s made the council very upset. They’re threatening to banish him.”

  “There have been no threats,” Flynn stated as he strolled through the patio door.

  “Oh, but I heard—”

  “Rumors. There have been no threats. Nor are there going to be. Yes, some are extremely angry with him, but it makes no difference. There are enough of us on the council who want him left alone.”

  The four spent hours catching up until Flynn was forced to return to the council hall for a session and Nimua insisted they go with him so Iviana could catch Naii before she entered the meeting. Iviana did not hesitate to consent, for Nimua’s mother had been something like a mother figure or aunt to her and Iviana wished to see her as soon as possible, though she was nervous concerning what Naii would say about the way she had left.

  There was no need for anxiety, however. Naii approached her with teary eyes and contented heart, simply pleased she had returned. There was no mention of Iviana’s abrupt and unannounced departure—not even the smallest scolding—and Iviana could not imagine ever leaving them again. Even if the rest of the island was not pleased by her arrival, she had wonderful friends to support her.

  After Naii was forced to enter the council hall, Iviana asked that Darist and Nimua allow her a little time apart from them before the evening banquet so she could visit Marquen and see if she could wriggle the story about his meeting with Rhimesh. Nimua had consented more than graciously, for she was even more curious than Iviana.

  When at last Iviana had completed her trek up the mountain that led to Marquen’s cabin, she found him relaxing against the door-frame with arms crossed contentedly over his chest.

  “I hoped you would come sooner than later,” he said with a welcoming grin. Then, as she crossed the threshold of his home, he added, “You look stronger.”

  Iviana looked up at him as she took a seat inside. “What do you mean?”

  “The first time you came to see me, you were like a frail bird. The last time, you were a lost sheep. This time...well, I suppose you’re ‘found.’“

  “No animal parallel for the current me?”

  “Mmm...” He thought a moment. “You’re a lioness.”

  Iviana raised an eyebrow. “I’ll accept that.”