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  Geriel’s face wore a panicked expression, and she turned to Chimeg, clutching the front of the other woman’s jacket in her agitation. In a low voice, the Healer hissed, “What are we going to do? How can we possibly travel all the distance to wherever Paris is with a bunch of horses?”

  Patting the clutching hands, Chimeg said soothingly, “I am sure it will work out. Why do you not leave the logistics issues to your guards and me? Perhaps you can be the person who does health checks on our travelers so that we make sure we are not overstressing any of them.”

  Slowly the panicked expression evaporated, and the Healer seemed to gather her wits about her. Calming down, Geriel answered competently, “I can do that! I just would not have the faintest clue how to do any of the rest of it.”

  Smiling in wry amusement, Chimeg answered, “That is why we have a team.”

  As Geriel moved more confidently toward her settled mount, the voice in Chimeg’s head commented encouragingly, << Well done, little Seer. You obviously have some of the skills necessary to lead this ragtag adventure. >>

  The young woman answered, << I will do what I can, but I will have to rely on the rest of you who know more than I do on other matters. By the way, my name is Chimeg, and I am a Journeyman Seer. >>

  << I see you, Chimeg. I am placing my herd and that of my Steppe brothers under your direction. My name is Ground Eagle, for I am as fast as a predatory bird. I lead the Mongolian Familiars from the Mongolian aduu or horses. My brother of the Steppe ponies is off organizing his herd. When he returns, I will make formal introductions to him. >>

  Feeling like she was completing a vital ritual, Chimeg said, << I see you, Ground Eagle. I acknowledge your position as the leader of your herd and hope that you will work with me so that our people can survive. >>

  Taking a deep breath, Chimeg turned determinedly back toward her mount, finally ready for their trip to start. Before she could take more than two steps toward her horse, the pounding of horse hooves announced another entry into their drama.

  Chapter 18 – Added Protection

  Dochin’s Camp, Earth

  There was a groan from one of the guards, and a curse from the other one. Grabbing her bow and one of the arrows that lay in a convenient quiver strapped to her saddle, Chimeg turned toward the sound of the threat.

  The young woman had her arrow knocked and her bow ready to fire by the time her body had spun around, but she immediately lowered the bow as she saw two women pulling to a coordinated and controlled stop amid the milling horses. Glancing over at Geriel, Chimeg was not surprised to see the Healer openmouthed with astonishment.

  The two unknown women that sat comfortably on their sturdy horses were very different but equally composed. One was obviously a warrior, dressed in the distinctive metal topped hat, chained protective shirt over a padded undercoat, and bloused trousers tucked into fur-edged boots. A sturdy pack animal stood patiently behind her, with no visible leading rein.

  The other woman was much younger, not much older than a girl. Her hair was caught in braids, and her head topped with a circular fur hat. The young woman wore a horsehide jacket with a broad leather and metal belt. A prominent bag lay against her thigh.

  However, the way the younger girl was dressed was not what drew the eye and made the watchers gape in surprise. It was the huge Black Eagle that sat in upright splendor on the young woman’s right forearm. It had its enormous talons closed around her padded and protected limb, the colossal predator turning bright and knowing eyes to examine each person in the area. Even Chimeg knew that she was looking at one of the rare Eagle Hunters.

  One of the guards was the first to find his voice. Yanking his mount around to confront the woman warrior, he demanded, “What are you doing here, woman? I do not remember inviting you!”

  She replied in a resonant contralto, keeping her voice even although the spark in her eyes warned Chimeg that this was a true warrior and one who would not tolerate disrespect. “I am here, Temujin because this party has two women as leaders. Men cannot guard women as well as we can. If you are going into danger, you need all the help you and Ganhsuk can get.”

  The guard protested again, “You have no right to be here! Return to your family and the village where you belong!”

  “That is enough!” The words ripped through the air, freezing everyone in place, including the young Journeyman Seer that had uttered the words without thinking. Carried by a rush of anger that felt like fire along her nerves, Chimeg stalked over to the suddenly pale-faced guard and demanded, “Who are you to give orders for this party? The Healer asked you to accompany us. She did not tell you to try to boss everyone around, did she?”

  When the man opened and closed his mouth several times without uttering any words, Chimeg reached up and grabbed his belt, yanking him off his horse to clatter onto the ground. Leaning over him to demand an answer, she ground out, “Did she?”

  “No, no.”

  “No, what?” snapped Chimeg, letting the fury she felt show in her face. The other male guard had dismounted and walked over to Chimeg with a rolling gait of a born horseman. “What Temujin would say if you had not just scared him out of ten years growth is that we understand that you and the Healer are in charge of this journey. I am hopeful that he will not make this mistake again.”

  Chimeg asked, “And what about you, Ganhsuk? Will you willingly obey a female leader?”

  Offering her a formal salute of a warrior to the Khan, the ax-bearing fighter said with a contented smile, “I am Batsorig and very pleased to serve you.”

  Turning her back on the two men to stalk over to where the two women waited warily, Chimeg looked at the female warrior and demanded, “Are you here just to provoke Temujin, or are you sincere in your desire to come with us? Do you realize what it is we are going to do, and the dangers that are associated with it, or are you so anxious to prove yourself in a battle that you will take any opportunity without considering the risk?”

  The warrior clad woman broke into a broad smile, cheerfully saying, “I have considered the risks, and I had a long talk with Ganbold yesterday about what it entailed. Although he is more than a little frightened of what you have to do, I would like to be part of the effort to save at least a portion of our heritage. It matters not to me where we go or who we fight. Instead, I look for someone to take my allegiance, a person who is worthy of my honor. Someone who will lead and understands the responsibility of that leadership.”

  Tilting her head to the side, Chimeg stared at her and asked, “What makes you think that I am such a person?”

  Smiling so broadly that it looked like her face was going to split in two, Batsorig answered, saying, “You came back and stopped Temujin in his unthinking male attempt to take over. Then you were equally willing to kick my butt if necessary. There was no condescending behavior from you directed toward either one of us. Your questions were strong, and I can tell that you have fire in your soul, Yes, I believe you are that person.”

  Very clearly from behind her, Chimeg heard Geriel mutter, “Crazy people! I am surrounded by crazy people!”

  Grinning in sudden amusement, the Journeymen Seer turned her attention to the other woman sitting quietly on her horse, asking, “Why are you here?”

  The Eagle Hunter answered in the pleasant, light voice of a very young woman, “My name is Gan Gerel, and I am honored to be bonded with the Black Eagle Familiar, Khan Oktai. Another of the air Familiars, he who is bonded to the Witch Henley, sent news to fly through the air and reach all of those that sail the wind. He sent warnings of the Blood Mages that will seek to enslave.”

  The Seer asked urgently, “Do you know where Glenfrey is at this time?”

  To Chimeg’s surprise, it was the Eagle Familiar that answered her with a calm assurance, << He is on a different world and sends his thoughts through the air that flows across dimensions. Knowing that he was communicating with one of his brothers, the Great one has sent a mental map for us to follow. >>

  Responding with her own telepathic comment, Chimeg said, << We will not be coming back to this world. My Mistress and I both have Seen that this trip will be the last possible opportunity for us before the Blood Mages rise. Are you both willing to leave everything you have known for a new world? >>

  << Both my Mage and I are in agreement. We are with you. >>

  Shrugging her shoulders in acceptance, Chimeg turned back toward the group waiting to say goodbye, only to intercept a proud smile from Dochin. Moving at not quite a run, the young woman threw her arms around the old woman who had been her mistress for many years, whispering in a broken voice audible only to her, “I will miss you, my second Mother.”

  Dochin patted the young woman’s back and said lovingly, “We will always be in each other’s hearts. At least grant me the comfort of knowing that another one of my daughters is safe.”

  Exchanging one last embrace with Ganbold, Chimeg and Geriel mounted their patient horses, and the strangely mixed cavalcade left Dochin’s camp for the very last time. Straining her ears for any last sound of home, Chimeg heard the song of the Palla’s leaf warbler, marking her departure from her home.

  Burning the musical notes into her memory, Chimeg whispered to the air, “Goodbye, my beloved land. May the gods of this world keep you safe and free. I will forever hold the smell of the sweeping breezes, and hear the songs of the birds and the murmur of blowing grass in my memory.”

  Chapter 19 – Not According to Plan

  On the Route to Paris, Earth

  Chimeg was lost in her thoughts for quite a while, moving automatically to the gait of her horse and trusting the others to watch around her. Methodically, she went through her farewells in her head, accepting the pain of each one and looking for a joyous memory or fond thought to retain.

  The young Seer felt caught in the middle of twisting currents of air that kept reminding her that this was the last time she would see that particular river or the glade where she had picked flowers. She did not resist the thoughts and feelings but allowed the pain to wash over her yet refusing to let it stain her soul. Finally, the storm had passed, and she could take a deep breath, knowing that her focus would now be on their next step.

  Giving herself a little bit of a shake, Chimeg turned to Geriel and asked, “I know that Ganbold gave you the map. He was supposed to mark possible stopping places along our trip. Can you tell me about how far it is to the first one?”

  Before the Healer could respond, Temujin rushed into speech, “According to the copy I have, we are about three hours from the first recommended waystation. I think we should move as quickly as we can to get there so that everyone gets a good night's rest.”

  Their eyes cold, both women turned to stare at the brash young warrior. Under the dual lances of their glares, he shrank in his saddle and stumbled out an apology, “I thought I could save you some time if I told you what we should do. I am sorry, but it is obvious that neither one of you has traveled much.”

  Raising her hand up in a commanding fashion, Chimeg brought their small cavalcade to a halt. Controlling her horse with shifting balance and heel pressure, the Journeymen Seer moved directly next to Temujin, and snarled, “Apparently, you are not a single experience learner. How did you decide that Geriel and I had not traveled very much? Did you ask people? Did you ask us? Did you volunteer to provide information and wait until we answered you?”

  Temujin paled, and answered quickly, “I did not need to ask anyone. I have been one of Geriel’s guards for over four months. The Healer very seldom goes out, and she has never traveled anywhere. As for you, the old Seer is slowed by age and stayed primarily in one camp. Dochin was not well enough to take you on trips, and you are always with her.”

  Chimeg heard Ganhsuk groan and spared a quick sideways glance to see the older warrior holding his hand over his eyes and shaking his head. Both the Hunter and the female warrior had disgusted looks on their faces and were staring at Temujin just as fiercely as Geriel and the Seer.

  “Temujin, I have already told you that you are not leading this journey. I am the expedition head with Geriel providing support in the areas that she does well. For your information, I come from a family of horse folk. We traveled all the time to acquire horses and to trade them at fairs. I have camped out more nights than you have been alive. Your attitude is insulting, and your failure to learn from the first reprimand is unacceptable. If either the Healer or I want your opinion, we will ask for it. Until that happens, you should be silent.”

  “But, but… You are all just women! How can you know about warfare and raiding, making camp and all the rest of the things that have to be done on this journey?” the young man asked plaintively.

  Chimeg would have been angrier, except that she heard the honest bewilderment in the young man’s voice. Softening her expression just a small amount, the woman asked him, “What was your mother like? Was she helpless?”

  Confused at the change in subject, but quick to respond, Temujin said hotly, “My mother died while I was small. But she was a warrior, a great warrior. She fought during the last attempted invasion and was awarded honors by the great Khan himself!”

  Zeroing in for the kill, Chimeg raised her voice slightly to make her point, “Then why would you assume that none of the women in this party are competent? You insult us and will cause a problem when we have to fight. Your assumptions that you know more when you are obviously not very experienced will put the whole party in danger.”

  When the young warrior would have protested, Geriel overrode him, stating in a hard voice, “I know exactly how little experience you have. Unlike you, I spoke to people about you before I hired you. I know your reputation for reckless behavior, but also that you are well-meaning and require more training. Knowing what our tribes face, your father asked me if I would please take you with me. He hopes that escaping from the upcoming battlefield will allow you to mature and live a better life.”

  Chimeg took over, saying, “However, we will not keep you on this journey if you cannot learn your place. Until both of us are confident that you have, you are walking on the edge of being sent home.”

  Face ashen, Temujin shrank back into his saddle and closed his mouth. Looking around at the faces of the rest of the party, he saw that they were all in agreement. Chimeg could almost see the rosy picture he had planted in his mind of how he was going to be a great leader for this expedition and the acclaim that he would get for it. In some ways, she felt as if she had kicked a puppy.

  << Yes, it is similar to my taking a bite out of the haunches of one of our colts when they have decided that they are full-grown and capable. I always feel a little guilty, but it is far better to teach them before their mistakes can be fatal. >> The mental voice of the stallion was a strange mixture of sad and amused.

  Under it all, though, Chimeg could hear Ground Eagle’s wholehearted approval of her actions. A part of her welcomed that feeling, but she had other things to focus on. The Seer responded to the stallion, << That is true, but I am worried that his bullheaded attitude is going to lead to massive problems. >>

  Another voice joined the conversation, and after a startled split second, Chimeg realized it was the Black Eagle that was talking. << Then it is the responsibility of the entire team to shut it down as quickly as possible. However, each subsequent stupidity must be dealt with increasingly severe consequences. Agreed? >>

  << Agreed! >> contributed the stallion.

  << Totally agree! >> came from Chimeg.

  At that point, the young Seer decided to leave Temujin to stew in the aftermath of his lesson. Turning to Ganhsuk and the two women, she stated, “I would like to set up a standard scouting pattern that will help protect us.”

  Immediately, Gan Gerel offered, “Khan Oktai can fly aerial searches and let me know what he sees. That will allow us to get a view all around us instead of just in one direction.”

  Ganhsuk said, “I would be more comfortable if we had both a vanguard and a rearguard. I realize that we do not have enough people to do this terribly effectively, but if we rotate the assignment, it will get us all familiar with how the other members of our party work.”

  Chimeg immediately agreed, saying calmly, “Ganhsuk, you take care of the rotation and the scheduling, please? Just keep Geriel and me informed so that we can consider any other aspects that we see as necessary.”

  Nodding his head wordlessly, the older warrior immediately pulled his mount over by the Eagle Hunter and the female warrior. When Temujin did not automatically join them, Ganhsuk looked up and made a sharp gesture that yanked the younger warrior nervously over next to the older man as if he were on a string.

  After a brief conversation, Temujin moved to the rearguard position, while the older warrior took point. The Eagle Hunter and the female warrior took positions on either side of the central column that consisted of the pack horses, Chimeg, and Geriel. The horse herd stretched out, further guarding either side of the column. Ground Eagle acted like a rover, moving up and down the column and adding his own level of scrutiny to their progress.

  Chapter 20 – Ordered Movement

  On the Route to Paris, Earth

  Smiling in pleased satisfaction, Chimeg motioned for the column to start forward again. Watching the giant Eagle quickly ascend to a vantage point that would see for miles in all directions, the young Seer knew that they were making the most of their resources. She thought to herself, I wish I knew why I have this sense of foreboding and nervousness. It makes me feel like there is something I overlooked, and so I worry.

  The party traveled for several hours without stopping and without further conversation. Chimeg was conscious of the rotation of their guards and was pleased that Temujin remained silent when he was patrolling the sides of the column.

  The Journeyman Seer was conscious of the environment around her. It was if she were imprinting this journey in every cell of her memories, treasuring the feelings and sensory input for the long years ahead. The blowing breeze and the freshness of the air brought a lightness to her spirit and joy to her heart.