AESSA'S CHILDREN: BOOK ONE -- THE LAST BORDER
By V. A. Watts (c) 1993
NOTE: This work is under a registered copyright and unauthorized distribution is prohibited and will be prosecuted. All characters are fictional and of my own invention. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
Note on pronunciation: Proper Names and nouns within the language most commonly used on Aessa, Lliyassean, allow that each letter have its own sound. The first vowel in each word is long, the following vowels hold the short sound. Therefore, the name Thana is pronounced: T-HAYN-AH. Maygra is MAY-IH-G-RAH, Kieri is KI-ERR-IH, and Jael is JAY-EL. Diminutives such as Jai and Mag are pronounced as written, so Jai would be Ji (long "I") and Mag would be Mag with a short "a". The use of glottal stops is pervasive. Words ending in "I" are masculine gendered, "a" indicates feminine gender, "n" indicates plurals. Partial Glossary is at the end of each chapter.
Just before dawn Raida informed Rhys that riders were approaching. It took little effort on the Maen's part to identify the riders as Guardsman Narin and the Healer, Kellas, and he idly wondered if the Healer would be able to do anything for Damyn. He had stayed at Damyn's side for the remainder of the night -- Jael's description of what had happened to the Rheman Healer disturbing him more than he wanted to admit. He had a vague idea what had been done, but was at a loss to know how to remedy the situation. His probes into the unconscious man's mind had been useless. CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Despite Rhys' careful Shielding, Damyn was still victim to the emotional and physical pain of those around him. Rhys' skills should have been more than adequate to keep the Healer numb. All he had been able to do was dull the impressions a bit by constantly monitoring the Healer and increasing the strength of his Shields periodically. The efforts left him more fatigued than he anticipated.
He stretched sore muscles, accepted a hot drink from Raida, and glanced around the camp. The patrol was waking and had already begun breaking camp. Kevyn still slept, as exhausted as Jael by their rapport the night before, but Rhys' light mental touch woke him gently.
Kellas is coming, cousin. How are you feeling?
Bruised, Kevyn returned, sitting up stiffly, his gaze drifting to where the Rhemans slept, huddled together beneath their blankets under Maric's watchful eye. How's your patient?
Not good. Do you feel strong enough to manage a light probe on our guests? I'm not sure I can keep Damyn Shielded properly from them.
Kevyn's anxious surprise was as apparent on his face as it was in his mind. Goddess, Rhys! Is it that bad?
Unfortunately, yes. I think I can block the worst of it but I'd like to have Jael's help, if he's up to it. His reserves may be down to nothing after last night.
Mine certainly aren't up to normal yet -- wait a moment, Kevyn returned wryly and dropped the link to focus on the Rhemans.
He was not surprised to find Maygra awake, but that was all he could gain from her. He was at a loss to explain why he found her so difficult to read, she was not purposely blocking him out, but even surface impressions were obscured. Mikayl was still asleep, Kiva curled up in his arms and Renn beyond, his arms around his little sister. All three were in the process of waking, but their bodies had not yet caught up with their minds. Their pre-waking dreams were hurried and confused, shifting between purely unconscious images and incorporating actual impressions of cold and the noises the patrol made as it broke camp. A smile crossed Kevyn's face as he brushed over Kion's sleepy baby thoughts. He hoped Maric was prepared -- the child was very hungry.
His probe of Jael was hesitant. He felt no animosity toward the sleeping man, but there was a vague tickling of fear in the back of his mind. He was sure his near-nightmares in the night -- flickering images of things and events that Kevyn could not identify from his own lifetime -- had been a product of Jael's forced rapport. His awareness of some of the more intimate details of Jael's life left him shy and uncertain and completely at odds with his own outgoing nature.
Jael's response to Kevyn's light touch was immediate. Startled, he pulled back but Jael was as awake as surely as if Kevyn had kicked him.
Kevyn? What's wrong? The Rheman responded, reacting to the youth's anxiety. His fatigue was obvious; his thoughts dulled by pain and exhaustion.
Nothing -- with me -- I mean, Kevyn answered quickly. I'm sorry I disturbed you. You're in no condition to help Rhys.
Help Rhys? What does he need?
It doesn't matter. Go back to sleep if you can. A Healer from Ravon will be here soon.
Kevyn, what is it? Is it Dami? How is he?
No better. Don't worry, Jael, Rhys will handle it until Kellas gets here, Kevyn said soothingly but Jael cut him off and was disentangling himself from his blankets before Kevyn could respond.
Kevyn got to his feet as well, alarmed by the other man's pallor, and the unsteadiness in his stance. He barely had time to get word to Rhys before Jael was stumbling to the Maen's side. As if to alert the rest of the camp that something was going on, Kion suddenly began to cry and Jael hesitated, torn between his son and his friend. Maric solved the dilemma by scooping the babe into his arms and feeding him the porridge Raida provided.
Rhys rose to meet Jael, offering him an arm to steady himself on. "Jael, you're in no condition to do anything for him just now," he said softly.
"What's wrong?" Maygra said coming up behind the pair and slipping her good arm around Jael's waist for support.
"Nothing that can be fixed at the moment, " Rhys repeated. "Your friend is no better, but no worse than he was last night."
Maygra and Jael watched his face expectantly and Rhys smiled faintly. "I should have expected persistence if nothing else from you. I meant what I said. He's no worse--but he is still open to those around him, despite my Shield and I'll be damned if I know why. If you were more recovered, Jael, I might ask for your assistance, but you're not, so the question is moot."
"What do you want me to do?" Jael asked.
"Nothing. Not in your condition. You can barely stand, man!"
"You want a Shield?" Jael persisted. "I don't have to stand to accomplish that."
"Jael, don't be a fool --," Rhys began, but Jael's eyes had already gone slightly vacant.
"Is that what you wanted?" he asked dully, leaning heavily on Maygra.
Rhys swore in frustration but checked his patient. Jael's Shield was a small, tight one, less strenuous for Jael than keeping his friends hidden, but strong enough to keep out a good deal of the mental barrage that attacked the Healer.
"Yes," Rhys said with a sigh, for Damyn was now oblivious to everyone around him. "How long can you manage that?"
"It's locked -- until I release it," Jael said, his words hesitant.
"Goddess below, man! I don't want you dead. Let it go, Jael," Rhys said, exasperated.
"Jai, can you link or borrow?" Maygra asked.
"The effort now would cost more than we would gain I think," he said.
"How much worse can Damyn get without Jael?" Maygra asked of Rhys.
"I've no way of telling, " Rhys said honestly. "He shouldn't be picking up anything through my Shielding, but he is. Much will depend on what, if anything, Kellas can do."
Maygra studied the ground at her feet for a long moment, her tangled braid falling across her shoulder. She tossed it out of her way and touched Jael on the arm. "Let it go, kiri'nai. Get some food and try to regain some strength," she said and silenced his protest by laying a finger on his lips. "Eat something, play with your son, but let it go," she said and kissed his forehead.
Wearily, he agreed and Rhys took up the burden once more. He and Maygra watched as Jael stumbled back to his blankets, allowing Maric to settle Kion in his lap and accepting the food the older man brought him.
"How soon before your Healer arrives?" Maygra asked, her eyes still fixed on Jael, her face in profile to the Maen, showing him the worst of the scarring.
"Raida estimated an hour, but she said they were moving quickly. Kellas is very good, Maygra," he added.
Maygra made no comment but turned back to Damyn, dropping to a crouch beside him. She reached out and tried to touch his face but there was a minute distance between her fingertips and his skin.
The sudden, small easing of pressure against his Shield startled Rhys so much he gasped and Maygra whirled on him.
"What did you do?" he demanded.
"Nothing! It was a gesture -- no more," she said, surprised.
"Do it again," he commanded.
Startled, Maygra complied, and again Rhys felt the vague dulling of the assault against the Healer.
"What is it?" Maygra asked as the raven- haired Maen crouched beside her. He laid a hand on her arm, feeling her tense, but she allowed him to probe the connection.
Rhys could identify nothing familiar. Maygra gave no indication of an ability to project an external Shield, nor had she any trace of healing Gift.
"I have no idea," he murmured. "But you may be able to achieve a small portion of what Jael attempted. What is it you're doing?"
"Nothing!" Maygra protested, her eyes narrowing. "My Gift has ever been erratic. I control its coming and going no better now than as a child."
"Nevertheless, something you are doing is working as a Shield of sorts. Can you maintain this?"
"There's nothing to maintain!" Maygra said and started to rise.
The surge against his Shield was stronger than before and he jerked her arm, pulling her back down.
"Listen to me, whether you are aware of it or not, your 'Gift' could make the difference until Kellas arrives. I don't understand what it is you are doing, but he feels it," he said urgently.
Maygra studied Damyn's face. Rhys' Shield distorted his features somewhat, but she could clearly see the lines of pain on the quiet face. She laid her hand on his arm again, nodding at Rhys.
"All right," she said quietly. "If it is as you say, then it is little enough."
He smiled at her, the first genuine smile she had seen. It eased the harsh edges of his face and she chuckled softly.
"If you've found a Gift of use within me, Maen, you'll have done what all the teachers in Rhema could not," she said.
"I'm not sure I have, Maygra. I neither recognize nor understand what you do or how. Perhaps the Masyren at Ravon can identify it better. Get comfortable. I'll bring you some food," he added and left her. A moment later he was back with a hot drink and some bread and porridge. Maygra accepted them awkwardly. Her good arm was extended, maintaining her contact with Damyn and her injured one could not straighten enough to accept the cup.
Abruptly, Rhys sat down beside her, holding the food in his lap as she took the cup. His gaze was drawn to the thin reddish swell of scar tissue around her upper arm, exposed by the sleeveless leather shirt. The scar was interrupted by only half a fingers-length of sun-browned unscarred skin. Maygra followed his gaze, her face impassive, but she raised an eyebrow as his pale eyes met hers.
"Damyn healed that?" he asked casually, offering her the bread in exchange for the cup.
"Yes. Though he only stopped the bleeding at first. There was no time for anything else. It was hours later, but he was afraid the arm would be useless if he didn't reattach it quickly."
"Reattach --?" Rhys almost spilled her drink. "The arm was severed?"
"Close enough. That broken place in the scar -- a little skin and some muscle."
Rhys stared at her, his hand involuntarily moving to touch the scars on her face. Maygra jerked her head away, angry.
"Don't," she snapped. "It's only a scar and it hampers sight or life not at all. We all have scars, Maen," she said, her green eyes narrowing.
Rhys drew his hand back. "So we do. Can you manage?" he asked setting the bowl and cup down beside her.
"Very well," she replied coldly.
Rhys took the dismissal gracefully and sought out Kevyn. The younger man was staring into the fire, his eyes now and then resting thoughtfully on Jael. It took the young captain a moment to realize that Rhys stood beside him and he smiled ruefully and looked up at the still gray sky.
"It will be a wet ride to Ravon," he commented.
"We've ridden through worse," Rhys replied and glanced at Jael as well. "Troubled by your rapport, cousin? I can ease it . . . ," he offered quietly.
"A bit," Kevyn admitted. "More because it was so desperate a solution, rather than the . . . intimacy. They are a remarkable people, Rhys."
"So I'm discovering. Sarai will find them a challenge, if nothing else."
"What do you think of them?"
Rhys rubbed his eyes wearily. "I don't know what to think, Kev. They are Kieri, but there's something very different about them. In some ways they are almost like Haian. None of them Shield themselves on a routine basis as we do. Yet, Jael's ability . . . no, his range of Shielding goes far beyond anything I can do and if even half of what Maygra says is true, our folk have never known a Healer such as Damyn."
"And what about Rhema's destruction? They were attacked on all sides but what if they came from . . . the north?"
"You can say her name, Kev. I promise not to run," Rhys said dryly.
Kevyn smiled faintly. "It would be like Lorisa to pursue survivors for a year in the hope of taking captives," he said, swallowing as the images from Jael's mind washed over him.
Rhys ignored his friend's hesitancy and kicked at the fire. "I don't know. She certainly has the power to unleash the creatures Jael described -- and ruthlessness is definitely her trademark. But why attack a forgotten outpost? Her goal has always been control of the Iimarin Web nets and Rhema was not a part of that. Had Maygra and her folk been able to restructure it, we would have known. Which brings us to something else altogether. How could Rhema survive -- how could their Gifts survive without the Iimari?" Rhys asked.
"I don't know. Perhaps the influence of the Madrai?"
"It has a reputation for stripping Gifts, not augmenting them."
"I know, but it's also said to have sprung from the same source as the Iimarin."
"No. Somehow Lorisa is at the back of this. Strange Kieri -- strange Kieri children . . . ."
"I know what you're thinking, Rhys," Kevyn warned. "I was there, remember? Jael, Maygra, the babes -- they're not anything like Duran and those . . . children. Their wills were so warped they weren't even human anymore."
"They were unwilling envoys. But what if Maygra and her folk are willing?"
Kevyn drew a sharp breath. "Goddess, Rhys, no wonder you're so edgy! You read Jael's experiences, did you see any duplicity there?"
Rhys rose to his feet stretching cramped limbs. "No, but something isn't right. Damyn's talent to begin with. He's a Healer, or was according to Maygra but to touch his mind you'd never know it. I assume you're aware of what Lorisa thinks of Healers?"
"But doesn't that support their story?"
"It would and might if Damyn lives. And then Maygra, who I can't read at all, is hiding something as is Jael. Where did he get Shields so strong he can hide all of them for months -- alone?"
Kevyn bit his lip and shifted his gaze to where Jael sat with Kion on his lap. Rhys' suspicions had him rethinking his first impression of the Rheman.
"And Mikayl might as well be one of the children," Rhys went on. "He's easy to Read and guileless as a baby. But his Sight is ten times yours, Kev, even Web augmented. He saw us returning in full darkness with no other warning. There is something very odd about our fugitives."
"But you're not sure?"
"No, I'm not. If anyone could detect Lorisa's influence, I could. I'm not quite prepared to deep probe -- not after your little tangle with Jael."
"That was desperation."
"Maybe."
"If what you suppose is true then taking them to Ravon is equivalent to throwing open the gates to Lorisa."
"Right now, kiri, they are exhausted and injured. That much is unarguable. On the outside chance that they are telling the truth a deep probe could do damage that even our beloved Merida could not repair. If they are what they say and have developed their Gifts to such an extent, it's a knowledge our folk need to have access to. If there is something darker hidden, I doubt the seven of them could stand against the combined strength of Ravon. It's a calculated risk."
"Your pardon, Maen, Kev," Raida interrupted them softly, bowing deferentially to Rhys before reporting to Kevyn. "Two riders are approaching, Narin and Masyr Kellas."
"Thank you, Raida," Kevyn replied. "Have Maric see to some food. They'll be hungry and tired from riding all night. Pass the word; we'll be heading for home as soon as Kellas has seen to the Rheman Healer," he added and waited until she was out of ear-shot. "Have you been in contact with Laurien?"
"I had a short exchange this morning," Rhys said. "He knows as much as I could summarize -- which isn't much. He told me to use my best judgment," he sighed and glanced at the refugees. "Just once I would like to use someone else's judgment and avoid the responsibility."
"As long as it isn't mine. I'm inclined to trust them; Jael at least." Kevyn said with a deep breath. "I can't imagine someone being able to fake . . . that. If they are Lorisa's agents, I don't want them near the Web, or Ravon for that matter."
"We could let Kellas do what he can then leave them enough supplies to see them through a month or so," Rhys said idly, "But then we'd never know for sure . . . ."
"And then there's the children," Kevyn said trying to hide a smile.
"Yes, which could be yet another of my loving mother's tricks. Her last attempt was a failure, but she always was quick to learn from her mistakes."
"She almost succeeded. With you and I at least," Kevyn shuddered. "Those children . . . I still have nightmares. Maybe we should have sent for Merida. I love my sister, Rhys. Her dislike of children has always been a joke of sorts . . . but at least she wouldn't be caught in dangerous sentiment."
Rhys chuckled. "True enough. No, actually I think these three little ones are exactly as they appear."
The sound of hoofbeats brought both their heads around to see Narin and a tall, lanky man in a russet tunic dismounting. The Healer was plain looking, his face open and kind, and soft brown eyes greeted the camp with generous good humor.
"Your sister nearly came herself," he said turning the reins of his mount over to Raida and clasping Kevyn's arm.
"Goddess save me!" Kevyn groaned. "You'd think I was still in nursery skirts."
"You always will be to Merida," Rhys said. "Kellas, your patient is there. His name is Damyn," he directed. "This is Maygra, who has some strange way of interfering with whatever afflicts him."
Jael and Mikayl joined the group as Kellas knelt beside the prone man, opposite from Maygra. He glanced up at the solemn faces with a faint smile.
"I'm not used to working with an audience. No, Masyra, stay a moment," he added when Maygra would have pulled away. "I just want to observe for a moment. Rhys, can you open a window?"
Rhys nodded and a moment later Kellas gasped, rocking back on his heels, his face a trifle pale.
"What is it, Kel?" Kevyn demanded.
The Healer drew a deep breath, his brown eyes shadowed by a worried fear.
"Bright lady protect us! What happened to him?" His eyes shifted from Rhys to Kevyn then to Maygra. "I've never seen or felt anything like this in my life. He's wide open . . . a raw wound with a mind. And you're fully Shielding him, Rhys?"
"Almost to my limit."
Kellas drew a steadying breath. "I think I can heal the physical wound, but I'm not sure it would be the kindest thing. His Gift has turned against him -- inside out. It sucks in emotions, feelings, pain -- everything like a whirlpool. I don't know if I can salvage anything from it."
"Can you help him at all?" Maygra asked.
"I honestly don't know," Kellas sighed. "Maybe something can be done at Ravon, but if I don't do something about that hole in his side, he won't make the trip. I can't even conceive of a Healer being in his condition, if he ever was a Healer. There's no trace of any Gift except in his memories and if those are true . . . He was no borderline Healer, Rhys. He had the skills of Merida, myself and a dozen Healers combined."
Renn pushed forward to stand behind Maygra. "He wants to die. My mother . . . she wouldn't let him because of me and Kiva. She said he had to take care of us. I don't want him to die," he added with a little tight sob. "Maygra says we're not safe yet. Damyn can't die until we're safe."
"Oh, kiri," Maygra moaned and pulled him awkwardly into her lap. "I don't want him to die either, but he won't be as he was, will he?" The last she asked of Kellas.
"I can't promise anything, Maygra."
"Can you try?" Renn asked, touching the Healer's robe hesitantly.
Kellas covered the small hand. "I can try. I'm going to need help though. Rhys?"
"Whatever I can spare."
"I hope it's enough, my friend. Kev, I want everyone in this camp Shielded as tight as possible for as long as possible."
"Goddess, Kel! I don't have anyone that strong -- not if you're using Rhys," Kevyn protested.
"I'll do it," Jael said before any argument could erupt.
"Jai, you're in no condition . . . ," Maygra began but Jael cut her off with an expletive so violent she flinched.
"Uhm. I might be able to `loan' you something," Kevyn offered hesitantly, ignoring the sharp look he got from Rhys.
"I won't refuse," Jael said and was startled by the amount of energy Kevyn tossed him as well as the ease of receiving his `loan'. Kevyn shrugged and Jael shook his head, then sent a quick message around the camp to warn the rest of the patrol before closing them off. Kellas tested the Shield then went to work. Rhys laid a slender hand on his shoulder and a moment later Kellas' face lost all expression.
Maygra was out of the loop on all counts. Since Kellas had not asked her to remove her hand, she left it on Damyn's arm, watching as the Ravon Healer started work on the deep wound in Damyn's side. She felt a little queasy as the blood first flowed freely then slowed as Rhys released his controls and Kellas took over. The skin lost some of its angry puffiness then began knitting back together, the wound closing slowly.
And then it all fell apart. Maygra swore and shifted her touch as blood began flowing again, pressing both hands against the wound. Kellas gave a little moan then collapsed, almost knocking Rhys down.
Rhys reacted quickly, trying to resettle his static Shield only to meet active resistance from Damyn. His was not a healing Gift and with Kellas unconscious, Rhys was at a loss to know what to do. His eyes met Maygra's briefly and suddenly his Shield stabilized and the blood slowed beneath Maygra's hands.
The Shield surrounding the camp shattered and Maygra cried out, clutching her head as she tried to get to her feet. Rhys was able to deflect some of the backlash but he went to his knees, trying to keep Maygra from falling.
"Goddess, what was that?" he swore.
As if in answer Jael and Kevyn crumpled silently to the ground as a second lesser Shield seemed to settle around the group.
Maygra lurched to her feet, holding her head and moaning until Mikayl caught her hands, green eyes locking with hers as he forced his way into her mind. They were both crying with pain by the time he withdrew, but the Shields on the camp settled and Rhys was able to think clearly again.
"No Gift?" he said softly.
"It . . . flares sometimes . . . the potential . . . ," Mikayl said. "It hasn't happened like that since she was a teenager."
"Whatever she did, it worked," Kellas said groggily, pulling himself into a sitting position. "He's quiet. His wound won't kill him now but it's still not fully healed. She's better at statics than you are, Rhys," he added.
"Great. Can we move him? We're . . . I'm in over my head, Kel. I need Laurien, you need Merida, and I think Sarai is going to be delighted . . . Maric, Narin, start putting some litters together. Raida, head for Ravon and have them meet us with wagons on the lower trail. We've sent up enough flares to alert the western Keeps and there are less friendly and much closer parties to be worried about. Kellas, see to Kev and Jael, and you . . . ," he added, pointing at Maygra. " . . . get to tell me all about this lack of Gift, you seem to have in such force."
Explanations waited until the group was ready to move. With Kevyn barely able to open his eyes, Maric took charge of breaking down the camp and assigning riders to mounts. The litters bearing the injured, including the guards hurt in the scuffle the night before, had to be rigged to be carried between mounts and while four of the Watch surrendered their mounts for the Rhemans use, it promised to be a slow trip until the wagons from Ravon could meet them.
Maygra doubled up on a mount with Renn, while Mikayl watched over Kiva and Maric rode with Kion against his chest in a makeshift sling. Rhys was torn between riding near Maygra to gain information and a more personal concern for Kevyn. He had tried to aid his friend only to find his probes, no matter how gentle and familiar, set off a headache so painful, Kellas finally barred his access.
Frustrated and fatigued by his efforts, he was reluctant to approach the Rheman commander. His temper was likely to be no better than hers and if he had learned anything about Maygra so far, it was that she would be unlikely to volunteer information if she felt threatened. Still, he found himself drawn to riding near her, not questioning, but observing. She spared him barely a glance, her concentration focused on keeping her mount to the trail. Renn, however, was leaning against her with a casual relaxation that came only from a profound trust. She had laced the fingers of her left hand with his at her waist, using her right to guide her eihn mount. Renn's other hand gripped her belt, his cheek leaning against her back, eyes half-closed.
A light probe revealed the same resistance in Renn as Rhys felt with Maygra, but it was not coming from the boy.
"If you want to Find me, you have to look around me," Maygra said gruffly, not looking at him. "Jael says it's like trying to locate a Shield."
Rhys nodded and tried again. The result was very much like the recognition he had of Jael's Shield the night before, but where a Shield had the tendency to deflect Sight, Maygra's Stillness was more like looking through water in a glass. Things and people around her seemed altered whereas she was completely invisible to his Sight.
"And you have no control over it?" he asked nudging his mount closer. Renn woke, eyeing him warily. Rhys tried to give the boy a reassuring smile. The only response was a burst of short, hard laughter from Maygra.
"You need to practice that more often," she commented, patting Renn's hand encouragingly. "Or spend more time with children."
"I've had precious little time for that," Rhys said. "There aren't that many children in Ravon -- we're as much of a Border Watch as Rhema was. Most of the children have been sent as far west as possible. Even more so since . . . ," he stopped himself from revealing the incidents at mid-winter. "Since Lorisa has doubled her efforts to capture a working Web."
"What does she want with it? Who is she?"
"She wants the power it stores. Her own powers are formidable but she expends a great deal of energy using them. The Iimarin offer her a power she doesn't need to replenish. As for who she is, that's an explanation better left to someone else."
"She's Kieri, or was," Maygra said slowly as a fragment of memory was uncovered. "Lady's Wounds, that's why we never saw her coming. Only Kieri can Shield," She moaned softly bending over her mounts neck. "Lady, why couldn't I have seen that a year ago," she murmured.
Renn hugged her even as Rhys reached out to touch her arm. "She was Kieri, Maygra," he said softly. "But she isn't any longer -- or not much. Whatever `shield' she used came not from a Gift but from mimicking one. She buys her Gifts in blood and the price is high; far higher than we think she realizes."
"High in lives lost to her sorcery," Maygra sneered, staring at him. "And how do you bargain for your sorcery? What price do you pay?"
Rhys jerked back as if slapped, mouth thinning. "My payment doesn't require the sacrifice of anyone or anything else," he said evenly, though his eyes glittered dangerously. "What little sorcery I employ is augmented by my own Gifts. I have just found a different use for them."
"No doubt," she said coldly turning away. After a moment she dropped her head. "I'm sorry. I have a right to my suspicions, but not to accusations -- not yet. I haven't thanked you for helping Damyn."
"I have done very little," he said taken aback at her change in tone.
"You've kept him alive and right now, that's all we dare hope for. Right, Renn-kiri?"
Renn nodded, and favored Rhys with a hesitant smile, afraid of being rebuffed. Rhys' face relaxed. "You're welcome."
"Now that's a better smile," Maygra observed, the corner of her mouth twitching. Rhys stared at her then burst out laughing. It was hoarse and rough but more than one head turned to stare at the dark haired Maen.
They rested only once, Maric sending another rider forward to see where the wagons were. Kevyn had regained his senses, but neither Rhys nor Kellas were willing to let him ride yet.
"If you bring me into the Keep on this thing, you better enter armed," he warned as Kellas forced him to drink and eat something. "Or lock Merida in the Garden."
"I promise I will get you in the saddle before we enter the gates," Rhys said, observing his friend with barely masked anxiety. "I have enough problems with your sister, not to mention Laurien, berating me. I was supposed to be following your counsel, remember? It's a little hard to do when you can't stay conscious for more than a few minutes," he added, brushing his hand against Kevyn's forehead. Kevyn winced but the previous ache did not return.
"Can you tell me exactly what you and Jael did back there?" he asked when Kellas moved on to check his other patients and the group started moving again.
"I don't think I can, Rhys," Kevyn said leaning back against the pack under his head. "It was mostly Jai . . . Jael. . . and something or someone else intervened. Jael doesn't work his Shields like you or even I do. They are as flexible as fabric, giving here and holding there. Whoever trained him is better than anyone we have. He can tight focus on someone else without being Shielded himself and there's a definite physical edge to his Shield . . . ," Kevyn said then paled as he remembered where he had seen that kind of Shielding before. Wordlessly, he gave Rhys the mental picture of the young boy who had saved his life on Arris.
"Black Maiden," Rhys swore. Kevyn, can you ride? We need to get to Ravon and warn Laurien. I don't know what their story is, but I don't want to learn it too late to have prevented a disaster.
If you can get me on a mount, I can ride. But if both of us leave, our own folk will need explanations. One of us needs to stay and you're about as taxed as I've seen you, kiri. Warn Maric then go.
Do you promise to be careful? I know what you think of Jael, Kev, but my mother can be very deceptive. We didn't suspect those other children until after it was too late. I don't want you to be a victim of the same trick.
I promise. If this is a trick, their goal seems to be to get to Ravon. And if it's not a trick, well, certain precautions need to be taken anyway.
I'll bet you a bottle of the best wine from Esta that those children on Arris were from Rhema.
I won't take that bet, nor would I wager the same that these folk have Lorisa's mark on them. I don't know what to think.
"Don't think, kinai. Just rest. I'll meet you at the gates," Rhys promised and urged his mount ahead.
"Where's he going?" Kellas asked.
Kevyn shifted on the litter, staring at the litter bearing Jael's still unconscious body. "He's going to make sure we're ready for guests and to report to Laurien," he said, not straying from the truth. Kellas shrugged and Kevyn turned away only to find Maygra watching him thoughtfully, the scarred side of her face tensed in an expression that made Kevyn very uncomfortable and not a little afraid.
Maygra said nothing. Whatever had sent Rhys riding ahead had nothing to do with preparing accommodations for the Rhemans, of that she was sure. Nor would she have done anything different, had their positions been reversed. She was also certain that Rhys knew a great deal more about Lorisa than he had told her. She agreed with him on one point -- neither of them trusted the other. She was not even certain they had found the Kieri of the Crossing. They were as different from her people as the Rhemans were from the Haian. Even if they did turn out to be odd allies, she was not sure the differences between the two clans could be overcome and if they could not find refuge among their distant kin, where could they go?
She worried that thought for the rest of the afternoon, stopping only when they finally met up with the wagons sent from Ravon. The children were put in the wagon with Damyn and Jael, the latter finally conscious but weak and muddled. Kevyn abandoned his litter for a mount amid some good-natured teasing that Maygra did not understand and then the group moved again.
The trail began climbing and only the angle obscured the Keep's walls. When they finally came into view, Maygra nearly fell off her mount. Ravon was easily three times as large as Rhema. The walls were so high she had to tip her head back to see the top. The gate they entered rose only a fraction of the wall's height, not opening inward as Rhema's had but sliding back into the walls by some mechanism she could hear but not explain.
They were met by an armed but relaxed guard who provided them with fresh mounts -- an exchange that Maygra did not understand until she was well within the walls.
The walls behind her had only hinted at Ravon's size. A barrack the size of the hall at Rhema stood within the main gate with its own stable and armory, flanked by residences and gardens to support those that served the Watch. She followed the line of the wall, noting that similar structures edged the wall at all four compass points, with smaller structures between. Ahead of her at the end of a well kept track was the central hall and living quarters, kitchens, training yards, library and gardens that were the focus of life. In the midst of that rose the Web Tower, an airy open-sided structure that rivaled the walls in height. The whole central complex was nearly an hour's ride away yet, Maric informed her.
"How many Keeps are there?" she asked after awhile, her keen eyes making note of the fortifications along the perimeter of the enclosed stronghold.
"Five, Makyera," Maric replied.
"All this size?"
He laughed. "Lady, no! Ravon's tiny compared to the others. Esta, especially," he said with a chuckle at her expression. "We house only about a thousand. Esta has close to two thousand and the best orchards in Estanis."
"Two hundred and fifty in the Watch?"
"About that, although right now it's closer to three hundred. We split between the Border Watch, of which Kevyn is Makyeri Gen, and the Keep Watch which is under Brevad. Thirty per rotation in the Keep. Twenty in the Border, depending on where we're going and why."
"Your patrols are always out?"
"No. The Web monitors let us know where we're needed. Kevyn does keep a half rotation out along the Graen -- a week in and a week out, just in case Lorisa sends something nasty and unseen at us. They observe only, no engagements. We're almost to the yard, Maygra," he said pointing ahead to where a group of people waited for them.
"Why only along Arris?"
"Because that's where she is, lass. Three weeks north in Morvan."
Maygra swore and jerked her mount sideways, urging it forward before Maric could stop her. One of the Watch cried warning as she reined in next to Kevyn, grabbing his reins and almost unseating him. Mikayl tried to follow her only to be restrained by a half-dozen swords. From the group ahead a rider broke free, rushing to meet them.
Kevyn grabbed his mount's mane to steady himself. He made no effort to protect himself when Maygra grabbed his shirt-front.
"You bloody well know where that she-demon is, and you sit here behind your walls and do nothing?" she demanded.
Kevyn waved Raida off, who was angling in, her bow drawn to kill Maygra at the slightest provocation.
"We do what we can, Makyera," he said calmly, covering her hand with his. "What she did to your folk at Rhema, unprepared, she can as easily do to a well- armed army. Force alone can't stop her."
"It bloody well could keep her busy," she snapped. "Oh, put that bow down, you idiot," she snarled at Raida. "I'm not going to hurt him. I just want some answers."
"You might learn to ask them more reasonably," Rhys said, stopping next to her. At Kevyn's signal, Raida dropped her bow, watching the other woman carefully.
"We have that in common as well," Maygra said flatly. "But that is all. You sat here in this monster of a fortress and let her wreak havoc wherever she pleases as long as it's not here. How long have you known of her presence? Tell me it was less than a year, or only a little more and maybe I won't cut your heart out. Goddess' Blood, tell me you didn't know she was a danger before my people were slaughtered?" she said choking the last out with a sob.
"We didn't know there was anyone in Rhema," Kevyn said.
"But you did know she was a threat! How long?" she demanded.
Rhys hesitated, staring at Kevyn, not sure he should answer. Before he could say yea or nay, however, Laurien joined them leaning heavily on the arm of a tall, dark woman, her hair streaked with silver.
"Over a hundred years, Maygra," Laurien said. "For a hundred years we have been holding our own against her and her power. We did not know you existed, or that she had turned her eyes elsewhere. There is no apology deep enough for what happened to your kin, Maygra. No way to make amends. We have not the strength to defeat her. We can barely hold her back from our own walls. I am sorry if you thought our numbers would be enough -- they are not. She cares nothing for lives lost. This is a stronger haven than you have known, but it is not an absolute promise of safety."
Maygra stared at the elderly man, his face etched by time and a sorrow she felt as deeply as her own. Laurien held his hand out and reluctantly she took it, allowing the woman beside him to help her dismount.
"I am Sarai, Makyera Gen Maygra," the woman said. She studied Maygra's face carefully, not touching physically but Maygra had the impression of a soft caress along her cheek. "Were Masyr-Maen Laurien a foolish man," she said gently, "he might have offered you comfort instead of truth. The truth can offer you no solace, but hopefully it can get us all past this impasse of trust we are in," she said and pressed her palms against Maygra's. "I had planned a better welcome than this, but it will suffice. There was no malice on our part, Maygra, only a lack of knowledge which you may well be able to rectify. Now, your folk are weary and hurt as are some of ours. I have beds ready for the sick and food and baths for the rest. Will you enter our home, Makyera Gen, Masyra Maygra of Rhema?"
Maygra nodded, still in shock. "Maygra ka'kiira Ila ki'ta Makaen," she murmured. "Not Masyra, not Makyera, just Maygra."
Sarai tilted her head in acquiescence, smiling a little sadly. When Maygra continued to stare at nothing, she put an arm around her shoulders. Kellas directed Jael's litter toward the hall and then knelt beside Kiva.
"Will you come with me, little one?" he asked. "I am going to take your friend to a nice bed and some good food and I think he would be pleased to find you and his son with him."
Kiva stared at Renn first then Mikayl, who both nodded. She stared at Kellas solemnly then held her arms out. Kellas gave her a broad smile and lifted her, motioning Maric to follow with Kion. "You may come as well, lad," he said to Renn. "They will be taking your brother to the Healing rooms, but I do not think you need go with him."
"I will stay with Maygra and Mikayl," Renn said staring anxiously at Maygra. Mikayl slipped his arm around the boy's shoulders.
"So be it," the Healer said and joined Maric.
Renn watched two men carry Damyn to the Healing rooms on the sunrise side of the Hall before staring at Maygra again. The swordswoman said nothing, not even noticing Sarai still held her in a loose embrace. Sarai met Laurien's eyes with a shake of her head then turned Maygra toward the hall, Mikayl and Renn behind her. "Kevyn, why don't you come along? If Merida sees you as you are now, we'll all be in trouble," Sarai invited, holding out her free hand. Kevyn clasped it with a tired smile.
"I'll try not to drown in the bath," he promised. "Raida, give me an hour. Get the Watch bedded then have Brevad, Maric and yourself meet me in my rooms. I want to make sure we did not attract anything with our little show in Nessa."
"Do you want a half rotation in the west wing?" she asked, eyeing Maygra and Mikayl.
"I don't think that will be necessary," Kevyn said, glancing at his father. "I'll see you in an hour, Second. Laurien, Rhys, I'll check with you before I go to bed," he added and let Sarai lead him and his companions toward the hall.
Laurien remained with Rhys, watching the group disappear into the hall and sickrooms even as the sun faded from the horizon.
"She blames us," Rhys said incredulously. "Even had we known, what could we have done?"
"Prevented it," Laurien said sadly. "I may well have been wrong, Rhys. Perhaps we should have been more direct with Lorisa all these years. We have no idea how far her influence extends because we have been so careful to make sure it does not cross our border. For all we know, this may be the last border she has left to cross and that is why she takes her time. Blessed Lady, our Oaths bind us to protect Aessa and all her children. Not just those we know about. Chaos has been at our gate for a century and we did not know it. How could we have been so blind," he murmured, and as if in answer, rain started to fall as tears from Aessa's eyes.
Maygra barely remembered the walk from the yard to the large baths housed behind the kitchens, caught in a confused chock that ranged from despair to rage. Sarai stayed with her, Kevyn, Mikayl and Renn a half step behind. Only when Sarai directed Mikayl to a different door did she realize only the three of them had made the walk.
"Where are Jai and the children?" she asked before Mikayl could leave her.
"They are being tended, Maygra," Sarai said soothingly. "They needed food and rest more than a bath, but I think the three of you would find that more comforting right now. I'll have someone bring you clothes and take you to your rooms. Kellas has ordered only a light meal and Merida will be along directly to take care of any hurts you might have. Renn, Mikayl, Kevyn will help you find what you need," she added touching her son's face lightly, a slight frown on her face.
"Sarai, I'm fine," he reassured her.
"You are worn out. Please, Kev. For once let me be a mother and do as I ask. When you have settled the Watch and reported to Laurien, get some rest."
"Aye, kisan," he said with a grin and pushed the door open, leading Mikayl and Renn inside the chamber.
Sarai did the same, leading Maygra into a large chamber warmed by the kitchen ovens, with great stone pools built into the floor, steam rising from two of them.
"The water will seem too warm at first," Sarai said briskly, gathering towels and a robe from the shelf behind the door. "But it will ease the aches I know you have, if only from riding up the trail. The third pool is cooler if you prefer. Do you need help, Maygra?"
"No. If you can trust me that far, I would rather be alone," Maygra said quietly. "You have been very kind, Masyra, and I thank you."
"You are welcome, child. I can give you some time to yourself, but Merida will be here shortly. Speak generally, if you need something," she said and left.
Maygra almost told her she could not Speak, then let the moment pass. Instead she pulled off her leathers, ignoring the soreness of her muscles and climbed into the nearest pool, gasping a little as the hot water first touched her skin. As Sarai had promised, she soon became accustomed to it and began bathing, using the cloths and bowl of soft soap the older woman had left for her. She scrubbed at her skin and her hair, ignoring the pain a thousand unnoticed tiny scratches caused. At the top of her emotions was the anger that the Kieri had allowed the sorceress to destroy her people but hard on its heels was a despair that even their vast numbers had not been able to bring the sorceress down. She was not even aware there were tears falling from her eyes that had nothing to do with physical pain.
When she felt clean and raw she climbed out of the pool, her body still aching and tense despite the heated water.
There was a knock on the wooden door and she called out, toweling her hair partially dry before wrapping the robe around her. It was too short, but she ignored it, glancing up at the woman who entered.
She was a tiny thing, coming only to Maygra's chest, her hair pulled back severely but the same red-gold of Kevyn's. Their features were similar as well.
"I have seen naked bodies before. You did not need to keep me standing in the hall," she said, her tone snappish but it was a pleasantly timbered voice.
"I did not hear you knock until just now," Maygra said. "Are you Merida?"
"I am. I have been Calling for a good five minutes."
"I cannot Hear you, Masyra," Maygra said evenly, but with some humor.
"Oh, so you're the one . . . very well. I misunderstood Rhys," she said hastily. "Well, I can see the scars on your face. They are probably too far healed for there to be any improvement. Do they still pain you?"
"Only sometimes," Maygra said then pulled back as Merida reached out to touch her.
"I only need to see if there is anything dangerous. For the most part we let wounds heal themselves here. Now, if you will allow?" It was more a command than a request, but Maygra did not protest.
Despite her tone and manner, Merida had a surprisingly gentle touch, sure and quick and barely intrusive. The aches in Maygra's back and shoulders eased appreciably and even the tiny cuts faded under Merida's touch. The woman hesitated briefly over her face then again at her arm.
"Can you straighten this?" she asked, holding Maygra's wrist and touching her at the shoulder.
"No further than this," Maygra said demonstrating. "I've adjusted to it. If there is something you can do to restore the feeling in my hand, I would be grateful."
"How much feeling do you have?"
"Enough to grip, but there was no time to test all the nerves when it was severed, and later Damyn was in no condition . . . ."
"Severed? The arm was severed?" Merida asked, her brisk tone replaced by open-mouthed astonishment.
Despite herself, Maygra chuckled. "Aye, Masyra. Did you misunderstand Rhys over that as well? Damyn was able to restore the bone, muscles and veins but he needed time for the rest -- we didn't have any. We were in the middle of a battle."
Merida touched the scar on her arm lightly, the arrogance in her face vanishing. "My apologies, Maygra," she said releasing her arm. "Rhys did say you were wounded badly, but I had no idea. Your Damyn, the Healer they brought to me, did this? And he was on the battlefield?"
"Of course. Where else would a Healer be when there are people injured? We had already lost Sylan. Only Damyn and his mother were available. How is he?"
"Not well. He is holding his own, but I need time to trace the source of his ailment. I have two Healers watching him now. Three Healers only. How did they cope? I have twenty and eight in training," she sighed. "You are not what I expected. I can give you a salve to help fade the scars on your face and I may yet be able to repair some of the muscle damage. As for your hands, I will see what I can do. There may be nothing. The nerves may have already made their own new paths. Have you any other ills I can ease?"
"No, Masyra. Some rest will set me right and unless you are very different from my own kin, real sleep is better than Healer induced."
"I agree. I will send the salve to you tomorrow. Now, Sarai is coming and I need to tend to the others. Pleasant rest, Maygra," she added and touched her lightly, rising as Sarai entered. The two woman exchanged glances, Merida flushing slightly as she left, while Sarai smiled indulgently.
"Now, how did I know you would not let her intimidate you?" Sarai commented and held out a longer robe for Maygra. "I was afraid you would be too tall, child."
Maygra slipped into the garment as Sarai picked up her leathers. "She is very good."
"She is. She is also an unrepentant bully at times. Most of our own folk stay out of her way when she is in a rage. Unfortunately, Kevyn got the gentler disposition of the two. Never have twins, Maygra," she added.
"She and Kevyn are twins -- your children?"
"Two of them, the only two by Laurien. I have another son, Derrys. He works the Web and is a good ten years older than my others. I will salvage these if I can but I don't give them much hope," she said examining the leather. "I've had some soup sent up to your rooms and your brother is waiting. Renn had to be carried to his bed. He didn't even make it into the bath. He fell asleep getting undressed. Don't worry, Maygra," she reassured the younger woman at the anxiety on Maygra's face. "He is exhausted, as you all are. Another night without a bath will not harm him, and a good night's sleep will do him a world of good. You are not in pain are you?" she asked as Maygra walked stiffly to the door.
"No, Masyra. Forgive me if I do not relax immediately beneath your kindness. The last year has been hard on all of us."
Sarai had no reply, only nodded and opened the door, leading her into the hallway and toward the stairs to the second level. She led Maygra to a suite of rooms where food had been laid out and a bed prepared. Mikayl was in a chair by the table half asleep but he woke when the two women entered.
"I think I am dreaming," he said catching his sister's hand.
"If you're lucky you won't wake up."
"Mikayl's room is next to yours and the children and Jael are across the hall," Sarai said pulling back the bedcovers. "There is no one else in this wing although Maric and his wife have temporarily taken rooms here so Jurrana can help with the children. The stairs lead to the hall and to the kitchens. There is always someone in the hall so feel free to call if you need something. Try to relax, Maygra, if only for tonight," she said and left them.
"You are tense," Mikayl said touching her shoulders. "I heard what Laurien said, Maygra, but this Lorisa will not attack tonight. Despite what you think, they do watch her."
"Aye. They watch. But so did we, Mal, with more diligence from what I can gather. Vigilance did not save Rhema. It will not save Ravon."
"Then the Web . . . ?"
Maygra sighed and pulled away walking to the broad balcony that faced the courtyard. "The Web means nothing to me, Mal. If it is as powerful as they say then why not use it to destroy that witch? No. They haven't used it because they can't or are too afraid. Lady's Blood, Mikayl, had I strength or means I would run from this place as fast as I could."
"We're safe here, at least temporarily," Mikayl said hugging her from behind. She pulled away staring out over the darkening Keep.
"No, we're not. We have been driven here. Driven like the Haian drive their flocks to the slaughter pens. This isn't a refuge. It's a trap. Why didn't my brilliant insight warn me of that?" she asked scornfully.
"Perhaps because it's not true," Mikayl said softly. "I don't have an answer for you, kira'sai. But we are not alone anymore."
Maygra studied his face for a long moment then forced a smile. "Perhaps you're right, little brother. I'm tired and in a foul mood and you are exhausted. Go to bed and dream sweet," she said and kissed him lightly.
Mikayl returned the smile and the kiss and left the room. Maygra waited until he was gone before turning to stare out over Ravon. She stood on the balcony, listening, straining to hear even the faintest echo of the Voice that had haunted her for over a year. The Voice was silent. It had been silent since she had stepped foot into the forest at the base of the Grae.
She had wanted that Voice to hush for as long as she could remember. Now she wished with all her heart that it would return. At least then she would know she was still in the middle of something and not at a silent, lonely end.
GLOSSARY
A'del'eva:..............Literally: "By your oaths to Aessa" A war cry and a summons. (think au seccors)asa:........................Literally: Truth. an affirmative as in, "yes" or "is it not so?"
Graen:....................pl. Mountains, (also Grae; Mountain)
hait:........................ "To Me" or "Here", imperative, a summons.
kira'sai:...................f. sister, little sister, beloved sister, [familial]
kira:........................f. little one, child (diminutive)
kiri:........................m.little one, child (diminutive)
kiri'nai:...................m.brother, little brother, beloved brother [familial]
Makyera:................f. First, as in a title.
Makyera Gen:........as in First Sword a title, overall commander of the Watch (also: gen... sword, shield, defense)
Masyra-Maena:......f. title of rank for females, equivalent of Lord-Master, title for a member of the Elder Council (or Lady-Master)
n'gari:.......................large lizards, desert scavengers, about the size of a rhinoceros, but looking more like komodo dragons.
Shadrai:...................Literally, Shadow Speaker.
shan'nai:.................m.Wise man or brother, an affectionate term of respect. Used between equals.
shan'sai:..................f.Wise woman or sister, an affectionate term of respect. Used between equals.
theris:.......................fruit bearing tree native to Elerak and the Eastern Plains, rather like a pulpy pomegranate
uralen:.....................pl. Ural; a large cliff dwelling bird, average wingspan is about 20 feet, scavengers mostly.
varin:........................a breed of extremely stocky, sure-footed horses, powerful bodies but small heads. (pl. varinen)
vegen:........................historically they were small leather-winged creatures, not unlike bats, but with elongated snouts and long flattened tails used as messengers for the gods. (pl. vegenen)