Brian Rathbone - The Dawning of Power

"You could've caught it yourself," Fasha said, "if you hadn't already begun to take a chill. Thought I was going to lose him for a while there, but the saltbark leaf seemed to help a great deal-that and being dry and warm."

"Wood was hard to find," Benjin said, "and neither of us wanted to be without a fire. When I was strong enough, we swam to the Zjhon ship and, each day, we brought back more wood. The Zjhon had fairly well stripped the ship of anything else of use, but we were happy to burn what was left."

"I wanted to build a boat and sail back into trade waters, but Benjin insisted you would come back. Thank the gods he was right. Otherwise, I might've had to feed him to the sharks."

Catrin told the tale of their adventures. Benjin and Fasha listened, obviously having a difficult time believing all they heard. As if he knew when his name was being spoken, Prios joined them, keeping his eyes downcast.

"Do not fear us," Benjin said. "You helped save Catrin, and for that I'll always be grateful."

Prios bowed his head to Benjin and Fasha then slipped into the shadows, seemingly reluctant to be the focus of attention. When Catrin began to tell more of Kyrien, a hush fell over the room, and Benjin looked thoughtful. "You're attached to this dragon in some way?" he asked.

"I won't claim to understand it," Catrin said, "but yes. I think so. He was waiting for us when we reached the Keys of Terhilian, and part of me hopes to see him again, but I don't know if I ever will. He's so regal and beautiful, I find it difficult to describe. Belegra was willing to torture and destroy him… for this." Holding out her hand, she revealed the dragon ore carving.

Even in the dim lamplight, Catrin's panther gleamed, its simplicity making it all the more striking. Smooth lines and subtle curves showed the mighty cat, alert and ready to pounce. So aggressive was its stance that it was uncomfortable to view the carving from the front, yet there was playfulness about it.

"Where did you get that?" Benjin asked, reaching his hand out slowly, seemingly almost afraid to touch it.

"Belegra used Kyrien to create dragon ore. I brought his chunk of ore back with me, but it seemed unbalanced, as if it needed to be in a different form. So I carved it."

"How did you come up with the cat shape?" Osbourne asked.

"It's a panther, I think. I just looked into the stone before I started carving, and I could see the shape of the panther already inside it, waiting."

Waiting for you to set it free.

Catrin gave a start and looked up to meet eyes with Prios.

You set the panther free. Just as you did for me and for Kyrien. You freed the panther from a prison of stone, but you have forgotten something, something special, something important.

"Is something wrong, li'l miss?"

"I'm fine," Catrin said. "Sorry. Prios can speak in my mind, and he was reminding me that I've overlooked something." Looking into the eyes of the carving, Catrin opened herself to it, seeking its name.

Koe.

More a thought than a voice in her mind, the name came to her and she spoke it aloud. It felt powerful and right, and though the panther looked no different than it had before, Catrin found she saw Koe in a new way. The name felt right.

It's a good name, Prios said in her mind.

"Seems quite fitting," Benjin said at almost the same time, and others nodded in agreement.

"I saved all the chunks and slivers of stone that I cut away, and I plan to experiment with them. My gut tells me there is a great deal I can learn from them."

"You must use caution," Benjin said. "You know the power of dragon ore and how devastating a mistake could be."

"I know," Catrin said as she carefully slid Koe back into her pocket.

"Can Prios speak in others' minds?" Fasha asked suddenly. "I mean, other than yours, Catrin?"

I could speak to Belegra and the others in the cadre. I never tried with anyone else except you. It is more difficult over distance. I find it easiest if I can touch the person I wish to speak to.

Catrin relayed his words, and Fasha seemed disappointed, but Benjin looked thoughtful.

"If someone can hear Prios," he said, "then that would mean they almost certainly have access to Istra's power."

Yes, Prios answered in Catrin's mind, and she relayed his answer.

"Prios," Benjin said. "Would you mind trying to talk to those of us on this ship? If we know someone has access to the power, then maybe Catrin can help them develop their abilities."

"I'm not so sure how much help I'll be," Catrin said.

I want to do this. You can free these people too. I want to help you free them all.

His words were an inspiration, but they also brought tremendous responsibility, the weight of which was nearly crushing. It made her feel as if she alone were responsible for the fate of the world. The feeling passed, and she told the rest what Prios said. His words brought tears to Fasha's eyes, and Benjin shook his hand. Prios seemed unsure of how to respond, but then he reached out and laid his hand on Benjin's shoulder. Benjin's eyes showed disappointment when Prios simply shook his head.

Chase and Osbourne were the next to be disappointed, but then Prios laid his hand on Strom's shoulder.

"I heard him! He said, 'Be free'!" Strom cried out and Prios nodded his head. Catrin and the others were stunned, and no one said a word. Prios continued around the room, and when he laid his hand on Fasha, she gasped. In the next moment, she underwent a transformation. First her face flushed, then she smiled, then she cried. Prios simply nodded when Kenward, too, heard his words.

Brother Vaughn and Grubb were the only others among those left on the ship who could hear Prios. Grubb seemed more confused than excited. In contrast, the rest seemed to have nothing but questions, and Catrin sighed, knowing answers were far too rare.

As the hammock cradled Catrin, the motions of the ship lulled her, and she let her mind wander. So much of her world had changed, and she couldn't imagine what would come next. With the help of Prios, she had attempted to teach the others how to access Istra's power, but they had no success. The others simply seemed incapable of connecting themselves with the flow. Maybe someday she would find a way to teach others, but for the moment, she made herself think about other things.

Images of her father and uncle and her home flooded her mind. Tears coursed down tracks that Catrin thought might carve valleys in her flesh if she cried any more, but still the tears came.

You will see your home again. And you will set them all free.

Prios's voice was like a whisper in her mind, and Catrin wondered if she had only dreamed it, but sleep claimed her in the next breath. His voice whispered in her dreams, caressing her, and she wrapped herself in his energy like a warm embrace.

Sleep well.

In the morning light, the lookouts scoured the waters for a safe course. Retracing their route back through the massive fallen columns, they moved into slightly deeper water, and for a while Catrin felt almost safe. With Benjin by her side, the world seemed a brighter place. Sadness still clung to her for the loss of so many others, but at least he had been returned to her, as if the gods had truly shown mercy. Fasha never seemed to be far away, and Catrin wondered at the change in both of them. The looks they exchanged often spoke of more than friendship.

Even in calm waters, there was much work to be done, and most of their time was spent assisting the crew. Weakened repairs were mended, and the Slippery Eel was once again watertight. When the end of the shallows finally came into view, Catrin felt a stirring in her stomach. She was another step closer to home, but no one could know what awaited them in deep water.