“Skies,” Cadr breathed.
“I can see it too,” Rhys said softly.
Lightning Strike came over, Sidion close behind. “Is that a wyvern?”
Cadr nodded. “The one that was killed, when Simus and the gathered warriors rescued the Elders.”
Sidion whistled, peering down. “That is some creature,” he said. “Is that a stinger on the end of that tail?”
“It’s vivid and detailed.” Rhys crouched for a better look. “I might be able to portal—”
“No,” Cadr interrupted. “Night Clouds, can you change it? Show us the shore?”
Night Clouds said nothing, just turned his head slightly. The image fluttered and moved. The shore appeared, seething with wyverns. They were all tearing prey, and feeding young in rocky nests. The young ones had their wings spread, and Cadr could almost hear their cries for food.
“So many,” Lightning Strike breathed. “I didn’t realize.”
“And vicious,” Cadr said. “That sting is a deadly poison that eats flesh.”
“No portal,” Sidian said.
“No portal,” the others agreed.
“Night Clouds,” Sidian continued. “Does there need to be water in the bowl? To Scry?”
The image faltered and then disappeared. Night Clouds looked up, eyes wide. “I don’t know,” he said.
“Try it,” Sidian suggested.
This gained them more attention as other warrior-priests gathered. Cadr gave way his place, more interested in making sure the roots got roasted. Gilla also backed away. But those not on watch gathered around, all talking as Night Clouds dumped the water from the bowl, and dried it.
It must have worked, from the soft exclamations that came after a while. Next thing Cadr knew, everyone was trying it, pulling out their own bowls. Then those with metal shields were using those, clearly pleased with the results.
It was only at Cadr’s second call that they stopped and started eating.
“It takes more power,” Night Clouds said as he blew on his ogden root to cool. “And it’s harder to keep the image stable.”
“I wonder,” Sidian said. “Can you do it while moving?”
Night Clouds looked at him with wide eyes, and then jumped up.
Sidian laughed. “Finish your food, then try.”
“Why do you ask?” Lightning Strike asked.
“For the next spike of power,” Sidian said. “If they can get an image…”
“I could portal,” Rhys continued. “Might link us to your Hanstau.”
Cadr brightened.
“Might get us in more trouble,” Lightning Strike countered then he shrugged. “Still, a good skill to learn while we continue on.”
“To Xy?” Gilla asked.
“To Xy,” Lightning Strike confirmed.
Hanstau lay backon the bedding, staring at the tent over him, safe and warm and toes well and truly curled.
