Eon: Dragoneye Reborn

His body shifted, the weight moving from the left foot to the right. Everything as slow as the sun moving across the sky There was something familiar about it. I squinted, trying to imagine how it would look if each movement was faster. His left arm floated downwards, his body turning with the flow, and it was then I recognised the Rat Dragon Second from the ceremonial sequence. As soon as I made that

connection, I saw each of the animal forms in Tellon's graceful positions. They were not exactly the same, but the essence of each was present. He finished with the pressing motion of the Pig Dragon Third and stood for a moment, the long angles of his face softened.

'So,' he said, his voice deeper, 'Lin and Gan are balanced, the body is energised yet relaxed.

This is called the state of Huan-Lo.' He smiled and his eyes focused back onto us. Apprentice Dillon, tell me what you saw.'

'It was slow,' Dillon said, glancing at me for help. And it was…'

He trailed off. Couldn't he see the forms?

Tellon grunted. 'And you, Lord Eon? Did you observe anything?'

'I saw some of the animal forms from the ceremonial approach sequence.'

Tellon stared at me thoughtfully. 'Well, that is interesting. Most of my students don't see that until they are well into their studies.' He rubbed his hands together again. All right. Stand up and we will make a start.'

For the next two hours we learned the parts of the first posture. I'd smugly assumed that since I already knew the approach sequence it would be easy to slow it down into the Staminata. I was wrong. My movements were too fast, I was holding my breath, the angles of my feet were wrong, one arm was too high, the other too wide, my weight was on the wrong side, or the right side but too heavy Beside me, Dillon was experiencing similar problems, his new shortened temper flashing into moments of stamping frustration.

And then, for one glorious moment, I felt the change of Lin and Gan flow through my body It was a gentle rocking that moved from my crown to my toes as though my whole body was one deep sigh. All the pain and stiffness was gone. And underneath it all was the faint whispering presence, the shadow heartbeat that I could not quite reach. Within the harmony of my slow movements, I knew I could bring that presence into me. I started to draw it closer, but then I thought of the Rat Dragon, of its rearing power. If I reached into my Hua, would he rise again? Hurl me against the wall? As soon as the fear touched my mind, the flow of the form twisted and broke. I was once again stiff and awkward. A cripple.

Despair hollowed me. I had to find my dragon's name soon — I no longer dared even to slip into mind-sight in case the Rat Dragon overwhelmed me. The folio must hold the key to my power. I had to get it back. A tiny barb pierced my certainty: what if the folio held no answers? I pushed the fear down; the folio was my only chance.

Tellon clapped his hands.

All right, that will do for now I could see you had it there for a moment, Lord Eon. A good start. Do not be disheartened because it slipped away.' He gave me an encouraging smile.

'You will probably find that you feel heavy. Try not to make sudden movements.' He patted Dillon's shoulder, walking between us to the door. A valiant attempt, Apprentice. Now, both of you, go and sleep. I have made it clear to Lord Brannon and Lord Ido that you are to rest after our classes.'

Outside, two guides waited to lead us back to our quarters. The Prince's entourage had left and only a lone servant was on the practice sand, raking down the churns. Dillon and I followed our guides through the large deserted square in silence. Halfway across, I grabbed his arm and stopped him.

'I want to get into your hall tonight,' I whispered.

'What?' He tried to pull away but I did not let go.

'I want to go into Lord Ido's library and look for that folio. Will you help me?'

'Why?'

Out of the corner of my eye I saw the guides turning back to us. I raised my hand to stop them.

'The folio is part of the Mirror Dragon treasures.'

I watched Dillon's face change as he made the connection.

'He stole it?'

'Yes. And I've got to get it back.'

Dillon was already shaking his head. 'No. No. I can't help you. He'll hurt me if he finds out.'

'You don't have to come into the library with me. Just let me into the hall and show me where it is.'

'You don't understand.' Dillon rocked on his feet, his hands twisting together. 'It's not only locked. There's this feeling around it that stops you from even getting to the door. It's like every bad thing you've ever felt.'

I let go of his arm. 'I thought you said you weren't his slave? But that was just talk, wasn't it?

You don't have the courage to go against him. You can't even open a gate without his permission.'

'You don't understand what he's like,' he whispered.

I had expected him to come at me with quick fury, not this helpless terror.

'Dillon, I need your help. How many times did I save you from Ranne? How many kickings did I take for you?' It was a low strategy, but I had to get that folio.

'Can you save me again?' he asked bitterly

'What?'

'Ranne got thrown out of the school and Lord Ido has hired him as a guard.'

I stared at him. 'That's awful.'

Dillon nodded.

I grabbed at a straw. 'If I steal the folio back, maybe he'll get into trouble. Lose his job.'

Dillon gave a wan smile. 'Maybe.'

'What do you say?' I tried to keep the desperation out of my voice. 'For our friendship?'

He looked down at his feet. 'I won't go into the library'

'You don't have to,' I said quickly

'Just the gate?'

'Just let me in and point me in the right direction.'

He looked at me, swallowing hard. 'I'm not his slave.'

I gripped his shoulder. 'I know.'

Under my hand, his body was trembling.

'What kind of lock is it?' I asked.

CHAPTER 11

Unlike the buildings in the first three sections of the harem, the ladies' apartments were not set around a square. Instead, they were built along small paved streets, like a miniature town.

Most of the houses had two levels and, although every one of them was in good repair, most had shuttered windows and an aura of abandonment. There had been a time when the Imperial harem had numbered over five hundred concubines. Now, no more than fifty women and children lived in the compound.

The porter led me through the eerily quiet streets. Apparently Lady Dela's house was not part of the main community near the section gate. It was her choice, the porter had said quickly.

He had also told me that she was out making a visit in the palace precinct, but I had waved away his suggestion of leaving a message. I would wait at her residence.

A deep lethargy was making every step an effort. I had ignored Master Tellon's orders to rest after our class. As soon as Dillon and I had agreed that he would let me into the Rat 1)ragon Hall on the midnight bell, I had directed my guide to take me to the harem. Now I understood why Tellon had insisted

we sleep. I felt as though there was a space in my head where I was floating, as though I was in a warm enclosed bath.

We finally stopped outside a small wooden house. It was on one level and stood at the end of a small cul-de-sac that was collecting the energy flow from a large communal garden at the top of a narrow laneway. The red door and shutters were open, letting the cooler afternoon breeze into the shadowy interior.

'Lady Dela's residence, my lord,' the porter said, bowing.

Announce me.'

He clapped and called, 'Lord Eon, for Lady Dela.'

There was the sound of footsteps and a figure in a long brown tunic emerged from the gloom: a girl with her hair braided into the neat crown-knot of a lady's maid. The light caught three silver tassels hanging from a New 'Year hairpin thrust through the centre of her bun. A costly possession for a servant; probably a gift from Lady Dela. The girl squinted into the light, her nose wrinkling at my exercise garb. Then her eyes focused on my face. Gasping, she dropped to her knees.