Free The Demon Horsemen by Tony Shillitoe Page A

unfortunately the Ranu have collaborated with uson aspects of the airbird’s construction. The drivers, for example, are Ranu inventions. We lacked the expertise to construct such a light mechanism. They also advised us on how to shape the windwheels for better effect.’
    ‘And now they will benefit from our risk,’ Shadow argued.
    ‘It could not be helped, Your Highness,’ Word said apologetically as they entered the pavilion to join Scripture.
    Seated with Word and Scripture, Shadow watched the proceedings unfold as the westerly wind strengthened, but he remained conscious of the irritating Ranu presence outside the pavilion. Protocol demanded that he should invite the ambassadors to sit with him to watch the event, but he wanted to make it obvious that their attendance was under sufferance.
    An acolyte, wrapped in his yellow robe and attended by other acolytes, emerged from a small tent nearby and headed towards the airbird. Seer Creator spoke to him briefly then led him to the airbird where he directed the strapping of the acolyte into position.
    ‘The acolyte’s name is Hope. He has been selected for election to the Seers, and if he is able to fulfil Jarudha’s promise of flight this morning then he will be installed immediately,’ Word explained.
    ‘And if he fails?’ Shadow asked.
    ‘Then Jarudha has spoken,’ Word replied.
    The attendants busied themselves around the airbird, then formed two lines bordering the take-off path. Seer Creator inspected the machine and made some small adjustments as the wind gathered momentum. He squatted beside Hope and gave him final instructions, then stood aside and waved to the two acolytes tending the horses. The acolytes mounted the outer animals, took up tension on the guide ropes attached to the airbird and awaited the next signal. Creator held up hishand and several tense moments passed. Then his hand dropped and the acolytes spurred their horses into action. The ropes wrenched the airbird forward and it trundled noisily and awkwardly down the rough slope, its wings and body shaking violently as the horses accelerated.
    Word began a prayer, but Shadow stayed focussed on the unfolding drama. The horses were galloping at full tilt now, levelling out onto the plain, heading towards the rocks and cliffs, and the airbird showed every possibility of rattling apart as it sped down the slope on its hopelessly inadequate wheels. The acolyte rider was probably praying with greater ferocity than Word, Shadow thought. The airbird reached the base of the slope without any sign of taking to the air and Shadow was surprised at how disappointed he felt. He’d doubted the machine would actually fly, especially once he’d inspected it, but had subconsciously hoped for a miracle.
    Then, to his astonishment, the airbird leapt off the ground. Like a kite, its nose rose and it climbed rapidly. The guide ropes dropped away. There was a popping noise as the drivers ignited, then a rapid clattering as the windwheels started spinning. The airbird’s nose dipped until the machine levelled out and it headed out to sea, wobbling erratically.
    ‘It is a miracle!’ Word cried, grabbing Shadow’s arm in his rapture. ‘A Blessing!’
    The awe of the acolytes and Shadow’s soldiers melted into realisation, and they cheered wildly, their voices carrying to the pavilion in the steady breeze.
    Shadow watched the airbird battle to stay on a steady path, slowly diminishing in size. He wondered if the rider could turn the machine. Almost in answer to his thought, the airbird tipped to the left, losing height as it swept in a long arc to the south towards Port ofJoy. The men’s cheering faded as the machine vanished below the cliff. The sudden silence seeped into Shadow’s heart, whispering to his earlier disappointment. He stepped out of the pavilion, straining to hear anything that might give cause for hope. He glanced at the Ranu ambassadors who were staring west. What are they thinking? he