ECHOES OF THE GREAT SONG by David A. Gemmell

‘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.