Misguidance

[Tismri]

Gloriann gazed around at all the people surrounding her. The feeling of being suffocated returned to her; she never was much of one for crowds, at least not when she thought they were looking at her.
She touched Theyna lightly; the sword was still brand new to her, and she was unaccustomed to the added weight. But still--it was hers. Physical proof that she was a Rider in full. Now what she did was up to her.
Glory finally settled her eyes on the Shade in front of her. This was the leader she had been told about. The large yellow dragon was intimidating; he was not as large as Rauthr, but he seemed much more menacing.
That's not the right word, Sundavar put in. He seems...stalwart. And he seems like he may be a good teacher. Ever eager to learn, the prospect of discovering things the masters back in Bromsland wouldn't touch had been a lure to her.
The Shade Rider stood from her seat and took a few long, steady steps toward her. Glory felt a shiver of fear run through her, but also of excitement. The Shade's expression was hard to read. Her eyes seemed to express equal amounts of kindness and severity, of understanding and harshness.
"My dear Gloriann," Katriana said. The sound of her voice was like mead...sweet, but mellow. She was smiling slightly, her lips only lightly upturned. "I am glad you and Sundavar decided to come to us. When I was told of your potential, I could not wait to meet you myself. I am Katriana; this is Vanilor." She gestured to her dragon, and Gloriann could hear a sort of affection in her voice, one that she knew was very well excluded to Riders and dragons. "And these are the true bringers of peace to Alagaesia." Glory looked around at everyone again, and felt her fear of all those staring eyes well up in her again. She leaned back against Sundavar to hide. But when she met Katriana's eyes again, a question formed in her mind.
"But...isn't there peace already?" she asked. "I mean..."
"Ah, no no no," Kat replied, laughing gently. "The peace in Alagaesia right now is but an illusion. It cannot last. I, and everyone here, will bring everlasting peace to the world."
How? Sundavar asked curiously.
"That can't all be explained in a few sentences," Kat replied, turning her eyes to the dragon. "The longer you remain with us, the more you will learn of our ideals. For now, though, my friend here will show you to your new home." She gestured to the person standing beside her, and then turned around and returned to her place next to Vanilor.
This is an interesting new addition, my Sky-King, she commented to him, a devious grin playing on her features.
~~~~~
"What did you just say?!" Marola asked the image in the mirror. She felt as if the room was spinning, the words just said to her echoing in her head without meaning.
"Gloriann and Sundavar did not return after creating her Rider's sword," Tismri stated very calmly. She was concerned for the child as well, but she remained reasonable, knowing she had to give what little they knew to the distressed mother. "Eva and Eos returned alone. I have received confirmation from both of them as well as from Rhunon that Gloriann and Sundavar left with the others after making her blade, but disappeared during the night."
"What are you saying?" Marola asked, sitting back on the bed before she passed out. "Where is my baby?"
"I...cannot say," Tismri replied hesitantly. "She may have returned for some reason to the place where she and Eva had located the brightsteel for their swords. Rest assured, we are doing everything in our power to find her. We are asking Eva and Eos for more details about their trip now, for any clues as to why Gloriann and Sundavar may have left."
"That's not enough," Marola said under her breath. Every motherly instinct within her was on high alert now. She knew she should never have let Glory go to Bromsland on her own. She just knew something bad would end up happening.
"Thank you for informing me," she said to Tismri, standing. "I will let you get back to searching for my child." Tismri started to say something, but Marola cut off the spell abruptly. She had to do something. She'd been to the desert before, and though the sands constantly shifted, she knew the area Glory had gone to well. It was in fact very near the place she had found Gulia, buried and long forgotten.
What can you do, Marola? Rauthr asked. You don't know what happened to Glory anymore than they do.
I can't just sit here! She collected her sword and her father's bow, and nearly charged out the door. As soon as she opened her bedroom door, she spotted Lyta right outside, her eyes wide, and Cortell a little ways down the hall.
"What's wrong, Mama?" Lyta said, obviously scared.
"I'm going to go bring Glory home," she promised her youngest child.
"How, Mother?" Cortell asked in a firm voice, reasonable. "You'll just be going on a wild goose chase." He put his hands on her shoulders and gazed into his mother's eyes with love and reassurance. "Wait until we hear back from Bromsland with more news. Then we can group together and find her. Glory's a smart girl. She doesn't do anything without a reason."

[Max452]

Seth sat on a bench in their meeting spot. He felt empty inside. Glory promised she would be back. What had happened to have delayed her? He heard Hyperion whine as the young dragon laid in the courtyard, his head on his paws. Something must have had happened. Glory wouldn't have left Eva and Eos to return home alone. Hyperion told his Rider. Seth said nothing, trying to figure out the endless possibilities that would have happened to his Glory. She'll be back...she promised. Seth tried to reassure his dragon even though he wasn't convinced that she was all right.
We should look for them. No one here seems to acknowledge she left...its like they're keeping something from us... Hyerion whined and Seth agreed. The Masters seemed very quiet after Eva and Eos told them that Glory and Sundavar didn't return with them. Yes, they seemed worried, but some of them glanced at one another with some weird knowing look. Well, that's what Hyperion told Seth. This frustrated the young Rider.
Let's go!
Where? Hyperion asked, lifting his head and staring at his Rider with a confused look.
To find Glory. We'll take the route to Du Weldenvarden and even to where they found the brightsteel. Seth told his dragon as they both rose to head back to their quarters to pack and grab the necessary items. He would find her.

[Tismri]

Glory sat just outside the tent given to her, leaning against Sundavar.
Do you really think this is a good idea? she asked the dragon quietly in her mind as she gazed up at the faint stars in the sky that were becoming more distinct as the moments passed and the sun fell off the edge of the horizon.
There is a lot they could teach us, Sundavar stated. And I think we should at least hear their ideas, rather than rigidly following whatever we are told.
I know; I don't disagree with you. But, it's just...some of the people here scare me a little. And...I feel bad. Seth came to her mind, and she imagined him and Hyperion sitting alone at their usual place, waiting for her.
We'll see them again, Sundavar tried to assure her, although there was a hint of doubt in her voice as well. Glory shivered and looked around, wondering what all these people thought of her. She was obviously one of the youngest here.

[Trinn]

"My my, you are a young one!" The shade said, seemingly to appear next to Glory. Morna let her eyes rove over the young girl, before moving to examine her dragon. "Well, a welcome is in order, I suppose. Greetings!" Morna moved in front of Glory in a blur. Holding out a hand, she took Glory's and gave it a good shake. "The pleasure is all mine, I'm sure, Dragon Rider." Her crimson eyes locked onto the beautiful new rider's sword. "What's this? A rider's sword? Wielded by your young self? This is most astonishing. Aren't you just a little achiever!?" And in a flash, Morna reached out and ruffled Glory's hair. "The Riders in Bromsland really aren't trying very hard over there, are they? I'm sure you know, but back before the fall, little children like you wouldn't have been let out into the big wide world of Alagaesia until you were at least a hundred!" She laughed, a tinkling, odd sound. "Dragon riders are supposed to be hard to kill! But you, so young... so inexperienced... ah, well, you would be no threat at all. Even an urgal could kill you. Well... don't expect anyone to watch your back here, honey. It's survival of the fittest."

"Watch your tongue, Morna." Nethia said, stepping up behind the shade. Morna turned sharply, so fast the turn was hardly seen.

"Oh, the Fox! I beg your pardon." She exaggerated looking around. "Where is your mighty dragon? Napping?"

"He is hunting, if you must know. Now begone and stop trying to scare our new comrade." Morna glared at Nethia, fingers twitching. Leaning in close to the dragon rider, she whispered in her ear.

"I'm not afraid of you, Fox. This little girl could beat you in a spar before you even got a sword in your hand." Nethia sneered at the comment. It was true, though. Nethia lacked proper training in weapons. Her only real skills were sneaking around, throwing knives, and thievery. Thinking of knives... In a flash, Nethia had a throwing star out and embedded in the shades shoulder.

Morna looked down at her injury, as if hardly feeling it. "Ha! Good one! You are getting quicker! Well, I'll take that as my not being welcome." Ripping the blade out of her shoulder, she tossed it to the ground, gave a light laugh, and ran off. Nethia sighed.

"Welcome, truly." Nethia said to Glory, giving her a nod of the head. "Morna's odd, even for a shade. I'm Nethia, sometimes called the Fox. I'm bonded to a dragon, named Nefrox. He's out hunting at the moment, but I'm sure he'd love to say hello later. Especially to your dragon. He does not have many dragon friends." She eyed Glory, curious. The girl really was young. No older than fifteen.

"Why did you come here, though?" She asked, not able to think of an answer herself.

[Tismri]

Gloriann sat still as the Shade came to speak with her. She seemed genuine in everything she said, and though her voice was friendly, her words left Glory feeling cold. She gripped Theyna protectively when she noticed the Shade staring at it. It was her blade--she'd made it herself, and named it. Called it Be Silent. A fitting name for a sword, she thought. The Shade's continual quick movements startled Glory, though she did her best to not react to it. She did not want to show fear to this creature. Sundavar growled at Morna with the perceived threat against her Rider. She knew Glory was able to take care of herself well enough, whatever anyone might say.
Glory stood back as another woman approached and rebuked the Shade. When the woman unexpectedly attacked Morna, Glory did jump slightly. What sorts of people were these? Finally the Shade left, leaving Glory and Sundavar with the woman who introduced herself as Nethia.
"Elrun ono," she thanked her for the welcome. "I'm Gloriann...Glory."
I am Sundavar, the dragon put in, being much more talkative than her Rider. It is a pleasure to meet you, and I look forward to meeting Nefrox. If you won't consider it prying, can I ask why we've never seen you two in Bromsland before? I'm just surprised to see someone fairly near our ages who hasn't been trained there. Glory thought over Nethia's question for a few moments, trying to consider how best to answer.
"To see a different perspective," she finally replied. She would have added more details if she felt more comfortable, but she was still meeting new people. And just like her time in Bromsland, she was not intent on going out of her way to meet new friends.
We're here to learn, too, Sundavar stated. There are things we can be taught here that they can't teach us in Bromsland. And I am determined to learn everything I can in life.

[Trinn]

Nethia listened to both rider and dragon, and answered the dragon first. "I stole Nefrox's egg from two carriers. I had been in a town at the same time as they, and I felt a connection to the egg which held Nefrox. During the night, I stole it away. That was a year ago." She trained her hazel eyes on Glory then. "I admire your thirst for knowledge. Perhaps you can teach me more of the ancient language and swordplay. In turn, I will watch your back and show you how to survive here. Our great leader will find the freedom we all desire, but it will come at a price." She frowned then, thinking there was something strange in Glory's answer. "You cannot escape, you know. There is no defecting from our order. Once you're in, you're in for life. While I'm sure you will gain more wisdom here, do not think you can simply leave when you have fulfilled your desire. You're in it for the long road now, sister."

[Tismri]

Glory considered Nethia's words with care, staring down at the shifting sand beneath her feet. She made no comment to the woman's statements of her being stuck here for life, but a part of her hoped it wasn't true. She wanted to be able to make her own decisions.
"Okay," she said, in reply to Nethia's requested exchange. "I'll teach magic, too." She glanced around at the people surrounding her. There were so many; it was like a sprawling city without buildings. Or else it reminded her of the war camps described to her by her mother and Uncle Einar.
~~~~~
Tismri backed away from the scrying mirror and had a quill in her hand in an instant, trying to think through what they could do. What she hadn't told Marola, and what most instructors were keeping from the students, was that there was the possiblity, however slim it may be, that Gloriann and Sundavar might have gone to the Shade Rider. Tismri had held a bad feeling about sending the students to retrieve the brightsteel at the edge of the desert, so close to where the abomination was gathering her army.
She wrote down theories about what they should do, at least to locate the girl and dragon, and rescue them if they were in danger. If they had gone willingly, however...Tismri simply wrote that she would cross that bridge if she came to it. Coming up with an idea, she returned to the scrying mirror.
"Show me Sidhion," she commanded. It had been some months since she'd last seen him. He had faded from the minds of many by this point. She felt certain he would be able to get some information on what had happened. He was much closer and had fewer constraints that she had at the moment.

[Max452]

Are you sure this is a good idea, Seth? Hyperion asked his rider as he was saddled and packed up.
Yes. Seth replied as he tightened the saddle a bit more. He would not abandon Glory and Sundavar to some enemy or threat! He wasn't sure if the Masters were sending out a rescue/search party, but Seth didn't want to wait. They wasted too much time already. Glory and Sundavar could be hurt!
You don't think the Masters will find us before we leave, do you? Hyperion asked, glancing around, paranoid that they would be caught.
I don't know and I don't care. We're going and that's final. Seth finished the preparations and with practiced ease, he climbed up into the saddle. Let's go and found our friends. Seth closed his eyes as Hyperion launched upward. He would find her.

***
Sidhion was in his kitchen, drinking his tea and listening to the chilled winds knock against his home. The season was changing rapidly; it was becoming colder each day. The secluded elf walked over to his study, where a book was ready for him, when he felt himself being watched. Sidhion tensed, trying to locate the presence and then realized that it was coming from his scrying mirror. The elf turned to the mirror that was latched to the opposite side of the den. He smiled pleasantly when he easily recognized the woman staring back at him. "Tismri." He missed her terribly and on occassin was tempted to visit her, but knew that that would mean death. "How are you, my love?" He asked her, sensing something distraught emmitting from her.

[Tismri]

Tismri felt the worries of her heart lighten the slightest bit at the sight of Sidhion. Seeing him again brought her more joy than life otherwise offered her. However, she was sure the distress was still plain on her face.
"One of my students has gone missing," she informed him. "A girl about thirteen years of age, along with her bond. They were sent with another young Rider to create their blades and therefore be recognized as Riders in full. Gloriann and Sundavar did not return, and I am afraid..." She glanced out a nearby window for a moment, collecting her thoughts again. "The darkness we both felt approaching has gathered within the Haddarac Desert, and I am afraid this is where our young pair has gone. Whether by force or by choice, I know not. My love, you are much closer to them than I at the moment. I would ask that you and Locien search for any news of her."

[Trinn]

Nethia felt relieved when Glory agreed to help teach her. She had always considered asking Selena, but that woman scared her almost as much as Kat did. Selena was too severe, and being taught by such a woman would make Nethia too focused on her fear to really learn anything. Glory, on the other hand, seemed like a baby puppy in comparison. But something told Nethia that behind those young, rather innocent eyes was a warrior waiting to be awakened. "Excellent. I'm ready to begin whenever you are, Glory. I'm eager to make up for lost time."

[Max452]

Sidhion's eyes darkened to a deep blue as he listened to Tismri's dilemna. This missing rider was caught in the snare of something dark; whether intentionally or not. Sidhion had desired to allow the new generation to handle this, but it seemed grave if Tismri called upon him. A flair of his old self crossed his thoughts, desiring to purge this new threat and take over to bring order, but Sidhion casted it aside quickly. He would not entertain such thoughts any more. He stared at Tismri, finding strength in her visage. "Aye. I will find her for you." He went straight to business. "Where was she last seen?" He asked his mate.

[Tismri]

Glory watched Nethia momentarily. She considered for a moment; evening had come, but she felt it would be a while before she would be able to sleep in this new place.
"What first?" she asked, standing. She was able to do any of the things Nethia had stated she wanted, so decided that the student should choose the first subject.
~~~~~
Tismri's smile relaxed a bit as Sidhion agreed to assist her. She had a feeling he would, but she knew to search in the open would be dangerous for him.
"Thank you, Sidhion," she said softly. She recalled the details given to her by Eva and Eos. "Gloriann and Sundavar travelled to the edge of the desert with Eva and Eos to find the brightsteel; there, young Glory claimed she was going to go for a walk, but was gone long enough to cause Eva some concern. She came back seemingly unharmed, however. They then went to Du Weldenvarden and had Rhunon assist them in the creation of their Riders' blades. They travelled together out of the forest and back toward Bromsland. However, at the corner where the eastern edge of the desert meets the treeline of the forest, they stopped for the night. It was while Eva and Eos were sleeping that Gloriann and Sundavar vanished."
Tismri's eyes expressed her concern, and she touched the mirror surface. "Sidhion...please find out what happened. I could not bear it if one of my dear students was being harmed."

[Trinn]

Nethia considered Glory's question. She could use weapons, although she wasn't exactly a master. Magic, on the other hand, she was completely oblivious about. As a rider, it was one of the skills she should possess, and wield well. "Magic." Nethia said, a bit hungrily. "That first. Come on, let's go somewhere private." Gesturing for Glory to follow her, Nethia led the way through the sprawling camp. They passed an assortment of people and creatures on the way out of camp. It was really rather surprising how large the army had grown, and the types of people who filled it. Urgals, dwarves, shades, a werecat or two, even elfs. It took them at least twenty minutes to leave the main hub of the war camp. They now stood in a less populated area, where more shady characters lurked. Nethia passed these, until they were out in by themselves away from camp. It was there that Nefrox waited.

He arched his neck as he scented the new dragon. Hello, friends. He said, particularly to Sundavar. I am Nefrox, and I am pleased to meet you. Nethia frowned a little when he said friends. They were acquaintances, at best. In war, friends were dangerous to have.

[Tismri]

Glory followed Nethia through the encampment with Sundavar flying above them. Before too long, they arrived at the place where the fair-sized indigo dragon awaited.
Nice to meet you, too! Sundavar greeted Nefrox as she landed beside the humans. I am Sundavar, and this is Glory. Glory smiled and nodded to the dragon, giving a small, "Hello." Then she turned to Nethia.
"Magic is a rather simple concept once you've managed to grasp it," she said. "Spells take energy from your body to fuel them on. Like, say, if your were going to lift a rock in the air, it would take the same amount of energy as if you were to pick it up with your hand." Then she demonstrated, glancing at a pebble on the ground next to her feet. "Stenr," she said, lifting it so that it fell into her hand. "You also need to know the words in the ancient language to correspond with the spell, so that it will do exactly what you want. After a while, with a lot of pracitce, you'll be able to say just one word and have it do whatever you want." She held the rock out to Nethia. "It may take you a while to understand it at first. There is a place inside your mind where your ability to use magic resides. You have to find and access it before your magic will work, and then learn to control it. For now, let's just practice with this rock. When you feel like you've found your magic, I want you to tell this rock, 'Stenr, risa,' which means 'Stone, rise,' in the ancient language." It was a rather simple spell, she knew, and good practice to grasp the concept and learn control. She had seen other students in Bromsland, and even her own siblings, sometimes struggle to use magic effectively, although for herself it seemed to come as natural as breathing.

[Max452]

Daeron leaned against the wall adjacent to where his mother was as she spoke to someone in the scrying mirror. He could hear that she was talking about Glory. His ears strained and he wondered briefly if he should use magic. And then, he heard it. Glory was gone! His eyes went wide. He knew it! Those stupid Riders lost Glory! It was probably that blind boy's fault too! He knew he couldn't trust him! He felt anger that the Riders weren't doing anything! Clenching his fists he decided he would do something. His mother wouldn't do this alone. This was his chance to prove to her that he was worthy to be her son. As his mother talked to Cortell, Daeron appeared at the door. "I'm coming!" He announced to his Mother, eyes burning with determination.

***
"Then I will start at the edge of the desert near the tree line." Sidhion told his mate softely. His eyes softened as she expressed her concern. "Worry not, my love. I will find her." He touched the mirror gently. "I will update you once I discover something." He assured her, wishing he was there to comfort her physically. "May the stars watch over you." He whispered to her, knowing there was no time to waste in his search.

***
The long waters was all Seth and Hyperion were able to look forward to as they journeyed to Alagaesia. It would be a few hours before they reached the border of Surda, and then, Seth and his companion would start their search. He would find Glory. He would find her and never let her go.