A Question of Power (The Fire Chronicles Book 2) by Susi Wright

Author:Susi Wright [Wright, Susi]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: CreateSpace
Published: 2016-03-11T07:00:00+00:00

Why. . .in all their wisdom, and great power. . .did they only send a small one?

CHAPTER 32

Bad Dream

A gentle early summer breeze rustled the leaves in the old oak at the edge of the garden. Orange butterflies were fluttering in and out of its shade; honeybees were busily gathering pollen from the flowering hedges that bordered the lawn and the rows of red lilies along the garden path. A stone bird-bath in the centre of the lawn had attracted a large number of tiny red-and-blue finches to dip in the cool water. They gaily splashed and flitted, enjoying some relief from the afternoon heat.

The day had started warm, had been bright and sunny all morning, perfect for outdoor activities. By midday, it was so unseasonably hot, the only sensible place to be was in the shade under a tree, or, Fralii smiled to herself, bathing like the little birds. She imagined the comical picture of her ponderous self, bathing in a small pond like some enormous sea creature – nothing like the agile finches. She wiped droplets of sweat from her brow. The early afternoon air had become humid and oppressive, though there were a few dark clouds visible on the horizon which promised a storm by evening. That would at least clear the air and give the garden a much needed shower of rain.

Fralii sat in her favourite place in the garden of the family villa, on a wooden bench in the deep shade of the spreading ancient oak, watching the tranquil scene. She wanted to enjoy a few minutes of peace and quiet, while her little daughter, Espira, was napping, weary after a morning’s strenuous training with her Gaian tutors.

Fralii loved to watch those sessions. Espira was developing so quickly in all the academic skills. In addition to the mother tongue, she could already speak two human dialects fluently. With the higher arts, her amazing mental skills had begun to surpass the abilities of some Gaian adults. Espira needed the best tutors available; several had been selected, but none quite matched up to the expert mentoring of her own father, Luminor.

In his absence over the past few days, she had become a little rebellious, even though her character was generally a joy to be around. She tested Fralii at every turn, knowing her mother’s lack of special powers, and it had been exhausting. In her advanced pregnancy, Fralii already felt quite lethargic these days, particularly in this heat. In fact, at this moment, she felt very much like dozing herself, but Espira’s naps were becoming shorter now she approached her third birthday and Fralii did not want to fall asleep when her daughter might wake at any moment. The tutors had left before the midday meal and there were some hours yet, during which Fralii would be alone to deal with Espira’s antics. Later, Aleana was due to join them for the evening meal, staying overnight, as she did every day now the birth was close.

This evening Fralii expected some extra guests for dinner.

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