The Fragmented Vision

Astra could tell that Viani needed a rest. And so she tried to communicate her vision to all those around her.

After Astra had finished, she could overhear murmerings from many separate conversations.

Astra saw Radagaisic quickly mount his horse, with the help of a strong man of the tribe. The chief then whistled loudly and shrilly. His voice boomed, "All right, that is enough! I have a few things to say."

The Duchovians stopped talking amongst themselves and flocked to him.

"Now listen up! We have all seen something just now. And now you all are milling around like a bunch of ants after a horse steps on their anthill. That is not the way we do things!"

Radagaisic continued, "Let me explain what has gone on. Astra here - for Viani has seen that is who she is - has just given us a little taste of the confusion and fear that she will plant in the heads of anyone who will dares resist us when we drive into the dragon's caves. Lift up your heads and be glad. She is on our side."

There was a little murmering, nodding of heads, and calls of "That's right."

Radagaisic continued, "Now I saw the vision. It is such a great and sweeping vision that only a few are able to understand it. The meaning will be revealed to you in good time. All you need to know right now is - that what we do will not be easy, but it is ordained that we do it. For now, we need to prepare for at least three day's journey to the north. It is like preparing for winter camp, but simpler, as you do not have to take as much food. So get ready. You all know what to do."

After the assembly broke up, Radagaisic bent down and said a few words to a man that resembled him. That man then ran toward Viani. Radagaisic rode toward Astra, and spoke to her.

"Lady Astra, forgive their simplicity. Most of them cannot understand your visions, and anything too far from the Great Plains disturbs them. Viani probably will understand them best. Me and my brother can follow them. Perhaps there would be less confusion if you just talked to us."

Astra smirked and nodded her head. Some things never changed. Radagaisic showed many traits that she recognized in certain leaders at the Aqualarian court. They knew how to put on a good show, assured their followers that everything would turn out well --- and tried to limit who knew information that they considered important.

Soon Astra was surrounded by what appeared to be Radagaisic's trusted men and women. Radagaisic asked the first question.

"Brother, Viani, Ravagestra, did you understand the daydream fully?"

"I did not see it at all," said Viani.

"Nor did I," said Ravenestra.

Radagaisic's brother said, "I saw it, but did not fully understand it. The one thing that I did remember seeing was that there were some familiar faces in the host, but there were some strangers as well."

"Yes. I am not sure what that means. Astra, we probably have had enough visions for today, but if you will it, we may be able to see them tomorrow."

Astra wanted to speak very much, but her throat was mute. She now knew that she should have concentrated on one person. She let the conversation continue.

"Yes, I think so. None of us has been north, but we have Astra as a guide."

Radagaisic replied, "Grand! As Astra needs to guide us, and she is too heavy to ride one of our horses, we can plan on three days. Will we have enough food?"

Radagaisic's brother said, "Yes. Even if we do not find anything along the way, we should be able to bring enough to make it there and back."

1. Radagaisic's brother continued, "However, I do not think that she has to walk to the Dragon's Valley at all."
2. Ravagestra whispered to Viani, "Would it be possible to try to get a vision from Astra? I feel like I am missing out, and I am supposed to be learning about this sort of thing."
3. Radagaisic said, "Astra, I have an idea. We do need to see if we can make a flame that will keep you awake in the dark. Tonight we will build a bonfire."

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