Standing in front of the entrance to the temple, the Arya soldiers frowned at the approaching Eferyas, and kept a close eye on their every move. Armed and holding torches in their hands, they were tense and in a warlike mood. And some of them, as Raniero had guessed, were guarding someone who was inside the temple. Gesturing a command for the group to land, Raniero was the first to dive down to an open stretch of land in front of the Aryas and he stared at the captive with a gloomy look. Fear was frozen in the coloured eyes of the captive Ena, and his greying hair seemed to have further whitened. At the sight of Raniero, the plump Eferya became nervous and tried to get up from his knees, the position he was placed in anticipation of the group from the fortress, but the Aryas standing on either side prevented him from doing so.
Landing next to Raniero, Alistar looked angrily at the Aryas and then searchingly at Raniero, waiting for his reaction. It seemed that the Aryas were not going to be the first ones to speak about transferring the captive. But for some reason Raniero was silent, too. Alistar was surprised to see the unruffled calm in Ranieros green eyes, though Alistar himself was not so calm. Looking anxiously at the Aryas, Alistar also waited, not daring to utter a single word aloud until suddenly the temple guard parted, and the tallest Arya walked out into the open area in front of the temple.
He had no armour, as if this Arya wanted to show off his powerful physique and to demonstrate his fearlessness, given the number of scars on his dark skin. He wore a long red loincloth covered with a wide belt that was decorated with stones. In his hands the stranger held a heavy, curved sword. Raniero raised his chin proudly, took a few steps forward, and stopped at a respectful distance from the Aryas who had risen their weapons. The soldiers behind Raniero did the same, but they did not have to do anything. Raniero gestured, forbidding any aggressive reaction to the Aryas, and then defiantly and quietly laid his hands behind his back.
Im Commander Raniero. We brought what you asked for, he said in an Arya dialect. Release the captive and you will get the elixirs.
I did not expect to see the commander of the bats who hide in the mountains from us, the tall Arya warrior said in the Eferya language. The soldiers behind Raniero murmured and began to move in anger over the insult. But Raniero, after thinking for a while, grinned unexpectedly at his subordinates. He understood that he was speaking with one of the Arya military leaders and therefore could not allow too much light to be shed, nor could he make fool of himself in front of his opponents and his own soldiers.
Its better than commanding field mice, Raniero continued with a sigh, mockingly glancing around at the Aryas. Its a blessing they are not in our mountain, no matter how hard they try to get in
The Arya warrior appreciated Ranieros words and suddenly laughed loudly.
My name is Abaur! he introduced himself, stuck out his chest and then demanded in a powerful voice, Put the elixirs here! Well release the captive once we see the medicines.
Raniero slowly turned to Alistar and with a single glance requested the box with the elixirs of life and mana, which the guards had brought with them from the Thunder Fort. Alistar responded to the commanders silent order with an angry glance, but he still obeyed, putting the box in front of the captive along with one of the soldiers. After opening the lid, Alistar took his place behind Raniero and found himself staring at the dark-haired female Arya warrior from Abaurs group, who approached the box following his silent order. Upon checking the elixir containers, she nodded to Abaur and looked at Alistar, who had kept close watch on her. Straightening herself, the swarthy-skinned Arya stared threateningly at Alistar with her piercing dark brown eyes, and Alistar suddenly became embarrassed by the fact that he was admiring the stranger.
Release the captive, Raniero demanded sternly. Abaur nodded for his soldiers to release the grey-haired Eferya. The Arya lifted the prisoner to his feet and removed the magic fetters from his hands. Wiping his wrists, the released Ena ran to the Thunder Fort guards. Raniero planned to speak to him after returning to the fortress and so did not even smile in reply to his grateful babble.
Thank you, Commander! the rescued Ena exclaimed in a voice that was husky with excitement.
Raniero said nothing and did not even look at the released captive. Alistars displeased voice came from behind his back.
You always cause problems, Todor! Alistar growled quietly with an evil flicker in his cyan eyes and led Todor a little further from the Aryas towards the Eferya guards awaiting them.
Return to the fort! Raniero ordered, and as his subordinates began to show their wings behind their backs to take off with the ransomed Todor. Suddenly Abaur spoke again.
So, it is you who defeated Izdubar? Abaur asked, examining Raniero with an appraising look.
Raniero instinctively lingered on the spot, turning to Abaur. The battle near the Thunder Fort was a turning point in Ranieros life. The Arya were led by chief Izdubar against the old Eferya commander Ferox, and had nearly captured the fortress. It was then he had taken up Feroxs post and prevented the Aryas from crossing the Basileya border. Despite his victory in that battle and subsequent promotion, Raniero became more serious and even embittered when he heard the old name of his fallen opponent.
I hope this will be our last meeting, Raniero said coldly, nodding to Abaur before soaring up into the sky behind the Eferya soldiers.
Noticing that Raniero was behind the group, Alistar fell back with him in flight, keeping an eye on the Aryas who still guarded the temple. Abaur, looking after the Eferya soldiers, disappeared into the temple with his people including the female Arya warrior. After a moment of thought, Alistar shook his head slightly and looked attentively at Raniero.
What did Abaur say? Alistar asked.
That the Arya have not forgotten their prior grievances and we may soon be attacked again, Raniero replied without looking at Alistar and then flew to the head of the column to lead the procession.
After returning to the Thunder Fort, Raniero decided to deal with Todor first. The scientist-healer had caused them to risk their lives in the enemys territory, and he had nearly died by leaving the fort without permission. So as soon as Todor landed on the observation deck, Raniero went after him, grabbing his mantle by the collar.
When I said I didnt mind your experiments, that didnt mean taking sallies into the southern forest! Raniero fumed, shaking the terrified Todor so that the grey-haired healer nearly fell.
Commander, I was looking for some rare herbs, Todor tried to justify himself. They are the basis for a new potion! I didnt think I could be caught so close to the fort!
No special potions are needed to cure the soldiers! And I dont need any extra problems! Raniero pushed Todor and waved his hand, ordering the guards to grab the healer. Working in the mine will help you gather your thoughts and remind you of your direct responsibilities! You can join those sentinels who let you go without my knowledge!
Watching the guards take Todor away, flying towards the northern part of the fort, Raniero did not immediately notice that Alistar had stopped nearby.
If there is a threat that the fort will be attacked, we must warn the General, Alistar said confidently, but quietly, so that they would not be overheard by the soldiers heading to their posts.