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.
Kevyn and Rhys abandoned their scheduled practice early. Both were far too caught up by the ramifications of Maygra's proposal to concentrate and Rhys, especially, had a great deal of preparation to do before Laurien could be approached about the matter. Kevyn left the older man to his thoughts and checked in with his officers, gathering reports on the status of the border patrols and making sure that Laurien was informed on their progress. So far everything along the border was quiet and morale was good. The Web was not sufficiently strengthened to maintain the constant contact Laurien had hoped for but check-ins were made every hour. It was sufficient comfort for Kevyn to know that should one of the patrols run into trouble, help would not be far away. CHAPTER NINETEEN
The faint, constant ache in his head he had experienced over the last three days prompted him toward the Healing rooms only to find Jael visiting Damyn. He was overcome by the same shy awkwardness he experienced whenever he was in the older man's presence. This time it was more intense and he almost withdrew.
If you're going to treat me like a monster, I'd rather you let me or your sister clear your memory, said the now familiar Voice.
Startled, Kevyn acknowledged the contact by approaching. "I don't think you're a monster."
Jael smiled faintly, lifting his dark eyes to Kevyn's face. "That's reassuring. I'm not always quite sure myself," he said softly and went back to the task of gently washing Damyn's face and hands.
"How is your friend?" Kevyn asked.
"Sleeping is the best approximation Kellas can make. He's not really asleep, but it's not a coma either. He could wake up if he wanted to, but he doesn't. Not yet," Jael said and gestured to the chair next to the bed. "You really should let Merida or Rhys clear your memories, Kevyn."
"Does it bother you that I know so much about you?" Kevyn asked softly.
"No. You're a trustworthy man, Kevyn."
"So are you," Kevyn said quickly and Jael glanced up sharply.
"Do you really believe that? I could have Rhys do the same for me if it would make you more comfortable."
"I don't mind," Kevyn said too quickly and Jael put the basin and cloth away, folding his hands between his knees.
"Kevyn, it is not a sign of weakness to prefer to have your own thoughts to yourself and none of your folk will think the less of you for making it so. If anything it will make your life far easier than it has recently become."
"I know you can be trusted," Kevyn said firmly.
"Perhaps you do, but most of your folk do not -- even after the examinations made last night -- and some never will. As long as we are suspect, so are you. Is that really the way you want the rest of your life to be?"
"There has to be a balance," Kevyn said. "You seem far less troubled by what you know of me. I can keep your perceptions and my own separate."
"I have been trained to separate myself from those portions of other people I share. You have not. And I am far more troubled than you think."
"But why? I know this was an accident. It has been my choice not to take you or Merida up on your offers."
"But it was not a choice you should ever have had to make. Kevyn, even without Lorisa's influence, what I did is not so very different than what she has done to Duran. The intent may be different but I doubt the method is dissimilar."
"But you're not trying to force me to do things against my will."
"Perhaps not, but would you know if I were?" Jael said and his eyes went cold and hard. "You know I can Hear you, that I can Speak without effort. Do you really think that if I were to enter your thoughts you would be able to tell the difference between my thoughts and your own? Whose fear are you feeling right now, Kevyn? Your own, or is it me raising that fear for my own purposes?"
Kevyn rose to his feet, suddenly wary of the threat in Jael's voice. "If you're not certain right this moment whose thoughts are motivating you, what will happen should a crisis arise? Will you react as Kevyn of Ravon or Jael of Rhema? Whose instincts are you relying on when you make decisions that affect your people's lives?"
Jael had risen as well, stepping around Damyn's bed and pulling himself to his full height so he was looking down at Kevyn. Ravon's First Sword felt his instincts screaming that this was an attack but he was suddenly unsure. Was it his instincts or Jael's? It took him a moment to realize he had drawn his knife but his mind was clear and the awkwardness was gone, as was the pain in his head.
Jael's expression had not changed but there was something else hiding behind the dark eyes, a sorrowed understanding almost masked by the harsh visage.
Almost but not quite.
"You did that on purpose," Kevyn said, sheathing his knife. Jael said nothing but turned and went back to Damyn's side. "Is that how you keep my memories from interfering with your own -- force them aside by fear?"
"No. There are easier ways, but fear is a great motivator," Jael said. "Unless you learn to identify and suppress my memories without thinking, they will constantly return to interfere with your own. The awkwardness you feel near me is not yours, Kevyn, it's mine."
"Why would you feel uncomfortable if you can sort our thoughts? You said I am trustworthy."
"You are. But I am not."
"That's not true," Kevyn said with a conviction that surprised them both. "What is it about me that would make you uncomfortable?"
Jael paled and shook his head. "Leave it alone, Kevyn. Or better yet, take your sister's advice."
Tell me, Kevyn Said tentatively, startled yet again by the ease by which he and Jael could communicate.
Kevyn, what I did to you, regardless of intention, would be punished severely in Rhema -- it is as much a crime as murder.
Kevyn stared at the older man, suddenly aware that the awkwardness in Jael came as much from self-loathing and shame as from fear. Blindly he reached for the source and felt Jael grab his arm to steady him as he reeled under Jael's perception of what he had done. Kevyn had thought of their rapport neither violent nor defiling. That Jael would think it rape shocked him and he gripped the other man's arm in both sympathy and forgiveness, almost amused at Jael's surprise at his response.
The wedge that came suddenly between them was violent and frightened; its edge aimed primarily at Jael. Recognizing the source, Kevyn deflected the worst of it but Jael still cried out in pain, releasing Kevyn's arm. The younger man almost fell over Damyn's bed trying to catch the Rheman, turning to glare at his sister as he steadied Jael in the chair.
"Get away from him, Kevyn," Merida hissed, her face white with concentration. Kevyn increased his Shield, using Jael's memories inexpertly to create a flexible Shield around the Rheman.
"Have you lost your mind?" He said sharply as Merida once more tried to sever the connection between the two men.
"I won't let him harm you again, Kev. I don't know what influence he has over you, but you need to fight it. If you won't, I will," she said fiercely and Kevyn felt his anger fade as he saw Merida's true fear. It was the same kind of fear Jael had forced him to face. Abruptly he dropped the connection with Jael, wincing at the suddenness of it and flinching as he caught an echo from Jael. Finding the link he and his twin had always shared he opened himself wide, catching Merida off guard by the tactic. He gripped her arms gently, letting her examine every thought -- Jael's memories and influences carefully, but securely, barricaded.
I am neither influenced nor changed by Jael, kira, he Said calmly. I need only learn better control. There is nothing for you to fear.
Merida's blue eyes widened at the silent message. "You have changed," she stammered but the assault on Jael stopped. "You just can't see it! Please, Kev, let me free you of him. Why is it so important that you hold onto his thoughts?" she demanded when he refused her gently and silently.
"I don't have an answer you would understand, Meri. But it is my choice, not Jael's."
"What could be the benefit of having another man's presence in your mind? He is a stranger -- a dangerous stranger. He killed a Healer, Kev! And the children at Rhema -- his hand brought death there as well. Is that the company you wish to keep?" she snapped, new anger flashing in her eyes as she pulled away from him.
"Don't judge so quickly, Merida. You weren't there."
"Neither were you! That's the point!" She gripped his hands, pleading. "Don't you see? If not for his influence, you would view him as I do -- as the Council does, he and his kin."
"She's right," Jael said, ignoring the glare Merida cast him. "Kevyn, you are interpreting events based on what I witnessed and participated in. That luxury is not afforded to your sister."
"I know that. I have had to settle disputes knowing only one side. Merida, what I have learned from Jael and about Jael and his people could very well give us the edge in our battle against Lorisa. I am unsure of some things but only because I have had so little time to assimilate what I've learned. The training, the life in Rhema was so different than Ravon. What I know now, I know but don't know how to use. That will take time and practice. Without Jael's memories it could take years, but with his memories I have the lessons in context, as if I experienced them."
"But you didn't and that makes a difference, Kevyn," Jael said. "The same choices would not necessarily work for you even if you understand my motivations. Do as she asks."
Merida stared at the Rheman, not sure whether to thank him or suspect him but Kevyn shook his head.
"No. I need to know what you know, Jael. That was not your intention but since this . . . merging . . . has occurred, I intend to use it to our advantage. I will do this with or without help from either of you."
"Why?" Merida demanded. "Because you're Makyeri Gen? I can fix that. If I can't convince you of the danger, I'm sure Rhys will listen."
Kevyn stared at her. "You would really try to have me stripped of my rank?"
"I don't care about rank. I want my brother back," she whispered fiercely and whirled on Jael. "You are barred from the Healing rooms. Cross me again and I'll have the Council confine you to your rooms."
"That's in direct violation of Laurien's orders," Kevyn warned.
"Then Ravon can find itself another First Healer. Until I know what he is, I don't want his random thoughts interfering with the treatment of my patients. Do you understand me, Rheman?"
"Far better than you think," Jael said civilly and left the chamber without a word.
Kevyn stared after him, torn between following and trying to reason with his sister. Merida solved the dilemma by leaving as well, her path taking her toward Rhys' chambers. Kevyn started to follow her only to be stopped when he saw Renn hovering at the entrance, his eyes on Merida's retreating back and his face troubled. When the boy finally noticed Kevyn he took a half-step toward his brother then hesitated.
"Will the Masyra help my brother, even though she's mad at Jai?" he asked.
"Yes, she will," Kevyn reassured him, dropping to one knee in front of him. "And she's very good, Renn. If anyone can help Damyn, Merida can."
"But she's angry," Renn observed. "My mother always said anger makes bad healing."
"Merida knows that too," Kevyn said, not sure if she really did. "You can visit Damyn if you want. He's sleeping."
Renn shook his head. "No, he's not. I can Hear him and he's not dreaming. He's afraid. Is that why the Masyra is angry, because she's afraid?"
Kevyn smiled faintly. "Partly. She thinks Jael has done me harm. She's my sister and she's more afraid for me."
"Because you have Jael in your head? But that's not scary."
"Not to you or your kin, but here at Ravon we don't have people in our heads like you did at Rhema. One head, one person."
"Doesn't that make you feel alone? I have Damyn and Mal and Jai and Kiva in my head all the time -- sometimes even Kion but he doesn't make any sense and he's almost always with Jai. Even if I have a bad . . . if I wake up at night, they're there. It makes it easier to go back to sleep."
"What about Maygra?"
"I can't find her. Kiva can, sometimes, but Kiva has lots of people in her head. More than anyone I know. I wish I could have Maygra too. Mal says he'll teach me when I'm older. It makes Maygra sad that none of us are in her head. Damyn wanted to try to fix it for her but, he got . . . sick."
Kevyn started and rose escorting Renn to the Healer's bedside. "Did Damyn know how to fix Maygra?"
"He and mother talked about it a lot. He promised Maygra -- he took the Oath -- that he would find a way. That's why Maygra was so angry when he wanted to die, because he would have broken his Oath." He touched his brother's hand, wrapping his small fingers around Damyn's and pressing his forehead to his brother's.
"Can you Speak to him, Renn?" Kevyn asked quietly, not wanting to disturb the boy.
"A little but it's hard -- I don't know how much he can Hear."
"That you can Speak to him at all at your age is remarkable," Kevyn said with a smile. "I was older than you before I could Hear anyone but my sister."
"Not even your mother?" Renn asked, wide-eyed.
Seeing alarm in the boy's face Kevyn made his grin broader. "Oh, no! I could Hear adults, but I couldn't really Speak until I was older. And I always knew when my parents or my sister or my friends were nearby."
Relaxing, Renn nodded. "Me, too." His face went still and he clutched Damyn's hands tighter. "I used to have more people in my head, but they're gone now," he said and drew a sharp breath.
Kevyn fought the urge to touch the boy, his own eyes burning as Renn fought back tears. He wanted to say something but had no idea how to comfort a child who watched his entire Keep slaughtered.
"Kiva says that they're not really gone," Renn said at last studying Damyn's face.
Kevyn started, realizing it was the second time the boy had mentioned his mute adopted sister. "You can Hear Kiva?"
"When she wants me too. She mostly Listens to the stories in her head but sometimes she'll tell me some of them. She told me Damyn wasn't sleeping and that I could Hear him if I tried. But I'm not very good at distance, so I came here."
"I'm sure he's glad you're with him, Renn. Even if he can't say it," Sarai said joining the pair. "Would you like to spend some time with him by yourself? I think Jurrana has something planned for you later, but I can tell her where you are," she added with just a hint of scolding.
Renn blushed. "I meant to tell her but she was busy with the babies."
Sarai smiled. "I know. Ravon is a big place. We just don't want you to get lost."
"I'll tell her next time. I promise," he said.
"All right. I'll tell her to come get you. If you need anything, you just ask one of the Healers."
"Yes, Maena," he said and turned his attention back to Damyn. Sarai took Kevyn's arm and led him outside.
"Did you hear any of that?" Kevyn asked, glancing back at the boy.
"Only the last. Who is Kiva Hearing?"
"I don't know. `Lots of people in her head' he said earlier. Including those that died at Rhema and Maygra."
"Now that is interesting," Sarai said. "Lady, I wish we were in a better position with Maygra. There has to be a way to convince them to stay."
"I think they're already half-way there but it's not going to be easy. I don't suppose you've talked to your youngest daughter this morning?"
"No," Sarai said her eyes narrowing. "What's she done this time?"
"Nothing much. Attacked Jael and then barred him from the Healing rooms. Right now she's trying to convince Rhys that I should be stripped of rank."
Sarai's mouth thinned as Kevyn related the confrontation between Merida and Jael.
"Before you go after my loving sister," Kevyn cautioned when he was finished. "Tell me why you think it so important they stay."
"I'm not sure we can stand to lose what the Rhemans have to offer," Sarai said after a moment. "That may be callous, even selfish, but after Council last night I began wondering if Maygra wasn't right after all," She held up her hand to forestall Kevyn's question. "I do not agree that stopping Lorisa at any cost in life is the answer. But I don't think she's going to wait until we find a way to defeat her before she makes her next move. I don't think anyone does -- except possibly Fayr, and his solution is to ignore the situation entirely. Good for the Web, not good for Ravon."
Kevyn shook his head. "That's not what I wanted to know. What do we have to offer them?"
"That's harder and on the surface, we can't offer much. Certainly not safety. Maybe some hope for Damyn. Training for the children."
"And for the others?" Kevyn asked, glancing up toward Rhys' chambers his plan half-formed. "Mother, what if Maygra were Makyera Gen of Ravon?"
Sarai stared at him. "The Council would never accept it! Neither would the Watch -- what would we gain?"
"The Rhemans. Listen to me, mother, because to make this work, I'm going to need your help. Maygra has two conflicting goals -- she wants to keep her kin safe and she wants to destroy Lorisa. Both of them are tied into her Oath. She already is Makyera Gen and Maena of Rhema. But if we could convince her that Ravon was already tied into her Oath, how could she leave?"
"That's a gross manipulation of her character, Kevyn," Sarai said quietly. "She's already watched her world destroyed once. What makes you think she'd be so eager to place herself in the same position again? And if she's in that position, are you willing to pay the price she might ask?"
"More willing to pay Maygra's price than Lorisa's."
"I'm starting to have my own suspicions about you. Are you sure this is your idea or is this something you picked up from Jael?"
Kevyn shook his head. "No. Believe it or not, I think Jael will fight me on this because it is manipulating Maygra. But I'm not talking about stepping down, and despite Merida's threat, I don't think Rhys is going to ask. What I mean is split the Border Watch between myself and Maygra. I think there's enough in the Watch who would approve both of her and her plans. I have a tough time reining my guard in when we encounter Lorisa's patrols. Most want to pursue -- take the fight to her door. As ruthless as Father thinks Maygra might be, he cannot accuse her of being reckless. The Council has already accorded them the rights and privileges given to everyone else. If it were presented the right way, they would have no choice but to accept or they would be false to their own directive."
"And you need me to help win them over," she said thoughtfully.
"No, I need you to win father over. First I need to talk to Rhys and see what he thinks, then, if we can convince Laurien, the rest of the Council will be easy," Kevyn said, then held his breath until Sarai began to nod.
"You are far more deceitful that I thought," she said at last, taking his arm again as they headed toward Laurien's chambers.
"Not really," he said seriously, squeezing her hand. "I just don't want everyone I care about to become only voices in Kiva's head."
After Maygra's foray, the Rhemans kept to their apartments as much as possible, venturing down only for the midday meal with the rest of the Keep or to spend time with Damyn. After three days of rest and regular food they were all ready for a change of view and allowed Renn and Kiva to join the other children whenever there was a break in lessons. Maygra was not quite ready to allow her two young charges to join Ravon's classes, preferring to wait until Jael could tell her more about what was taught in Ravon. She had encouraged him to spend time with Sarai whenever possible, knowing the Maena was sympathetic to their awkward position. She was also a valuable source of information and Maygra was more than willing to let she and Jael compare notes on their respective cultures.
Maygra exercised restraint over the next few days, not pressing Rhys for an answer and keeping a low profile. She did agree to give Maric the requested lessons in close combat and found the older man to be a quick student. Their practices were first observed by a few of the Watch, then more as word got around that the Makyera Gen of Rhema had some new tricks to show.
Maygra felt uncomfortable at first. She had been an active part of the combat training staff in Rhema but she had known her students all of their or her life. Teaching strangers was disconcerting, even with Maric's frank admiration, and she found there was some resentment that she was able to better all of her students with her unpredictable moves. It was not until Mikayl joined their pre-lunch sessions that she actually began to enjoy herself. He had long been her sparring partner and could often match her to a stand-off which encouraged others to improvise as he did.
Kevyn joined the practices irregularly but proved to be quicker at learning Rheman style than Maric. She wondered how much was natural talent and how much was Jael's influence but kept her suspicions to herself. Kevyn's nightmares had faded but Jael's had become increasingly more frequent as Jael tried to quietly intervene on Kevyn's behalf. After three nights of intervention, Jael was beginning to look as haggard and weary as when they first arrived.
He had said nothing to her or anyone at first but Mikayl had quickly picked up on his friend's distress. Jael refused his aid until Mikayl woke Maygra on the third successive night of disturbances. They found Jael awake and sweating, wrapped in a blanket by his window. He had the same strained look on his face when he was at the limit of his Shielding gift and it took Mikayl and Maygra both shaking him to get him to focus on them.
"I didn't mean to wake you . . . ," he apologized. Maygra snorted and sat down beside him taking his cold hands in her and rubbing them while Mikayl built up the fires.
"Whatever you're doing you have to stop," she said crossly. "You are hardly any better now than you were a week ago."
"It was only a dream," he protested.
"Maybe, but not yours," Mikayl said.
"What?" Maygra asked staring at her brother but Mikayl was watching Jael. "If not his, then whose? The children's?"
"No," Mikayl said firmly.
"They are mine," Jael shot back, his face flushing. "Or they should be."
"You two speak in more riddles than Rhys," Maygra said. "Who's dreams should be yours . . . ? Kevyn." She said with flat finality when no answer was forthcoming. "You're interrupting his nightmares, aren't you? Dammit, Jai, that's dangerous and stupid. Does he know?"
Jael looked away. He had adamantly refused to discuss the link between he and the young Border commander since the disastrous exchange that had prompted the Council. That he would surreptitiously try to correct the problem worried Maygra more than his silence.
"It's a fine line you're walking, my friend," she said evenly. "Your first encounter with Kevyn was an accident, but this is deliberate."
"The nightmares are not his," Jael insisted.
"Oh, but they are," Maygra said. "I don't need a gift to know that. The memories triggering his nightmares may be yours but the nightmares are his interpretations, not yours. Or are you tampering with his memory as well?"
"No!" Jael snapped. "But he won't let his sister or anyone else help! I don't know why."
"Then he's made his choice, Jai, and you have no right to interfere without his permission. He's not a child. Whatever his reasons, unless you think yourself threatened, he will learn to deal with it in his own way."
"He hasn't the training or the experience."
"Then he'll either learn or will seek his own solution, perhaps even getting the help from his sister. In the meantime, your interference may be giving him the impression that he knows more about isolating those memories than he does. You cannot keep this up forever, Jai."
"This is easier than being awakened by his fear," Jael said softly.
"You have the training to shut down that part of the link, Jael," Mikayl said. "I know you think to help Kevyn, but are you really? Ravon wants to learn about our Gift-use, but from what you've said and we've observed, it won't be an easy process. Our own training was often uncomfortable and we knew what to expect. Kevyn may be able to learn how to sort your memories from his thoughts, but he won't if you're doing it for him."
"And being secretive about it may cause real harm," Maygra said. "If you lose control and anyone discovers what you're doing, Merida especially, you'll have undermined whatever trust we are beginning to build with these people."
"Kevyn's state of mind is one of the reasons for that mistrust."
"Then teach him what he needs to know. You've been working with Sarai, make Kevyn part of that work."
"We've tried. He won't make the time. His Guard are on alert, remember?"
"Black Wings! If he's as distracted as you say, he's no good to them. Make him see that, or have Sarai do it."
"He won't discuss it with her. Or with me."
"Then you bloody well discuss it with him. You were a teacher once, Jael. Reluctant students are not a new experience."
"This is different."
"Different enough to put your health at jeopardy? Or Kevyn's sanity?" She asked impatiently. "You've built some kind of ethics around this situation, Jai, and I'll be damned if I can figure it out. Do what you want. A few more nights of this and you won't be in any condition to help anyone."
Jael did not look up as she left the room. He closed his eyes, leaning his head against the wall. It took him a few moments to realize Mikayl was still present. The younger man was watching the fire, seemingly oblivious to the anger Maygra left behind.
"No kind reiteration of her lecture?" Jael asked when Mikayl finally looked up.
"No. Kindness isn't necessary. Common sense is. But since very little of this makes any sense at all, I suppose you'll figure it out for yourself."
"That's profound for you, Mal."
His kinsman chuckled. "Yes, it is. Of course, I've had a lot of time to think over the last few days."
"About what? Other than the girls in the kitchen," Jael teased with a faint smile.
Mikayl grinned in return. "That's a different kind of thought entirely. No, I've been watching our hosts mostly. They have certain strengths and weaknesses, use different methods, but their goals are the same. They feel guilt and anger, want a good, safe life for their children, and worry about people they love. They find something they're good at and pretty much settle into that niche with no regrets. They do have something we never had, however."
"The Web?"
"That, too. But they have the responsibility of keeping all the other Kieri safe as well as those in Ravon. Life for life; the stakes are higher. Not that the lives of our people weren't worth the same, but when Rhema fell, Rhema fell. If Ravon falls it won't end here. If all of the Kieri Keeps in Estanis fall, there won't be anywhere for survivors to go."
"You sound as if you think that's what will happen."
"I think it might if Ravon relaxes her vigilance."
"Kevyn has patrols out. They have people keeping in touch with the patrols day and night through the Iimarin. Brevad has doubled the rotations on the walls. Other than Maygra's plan, what else can they do?"
"I don't know, but doesn't it seem odd that no one has bothered to question us on how Lorisa took Rhema?"
"Kevyn knows, as does Rhys."
"And Rhys is in command of all defenses. We know what happened to Kevyn's patrol at mid-winter, but few others in the Keep do."
"Most of the folk here are support for the Border Watch and the Web Guardians. They're not fighters."
"I know that, but we might have had a better chance at Rhema had more of us been trained to fight. Rhys and Kevyn should have learned that if nothing else."
"They are letting Maygra teach her close combat techniques."
"To the Watch and only to those that have no other duties in the morning and who want to learn."
"Mikayl, I'm too tired to debate the motives and methods of Ravon."
"You asked me why I thought they might fail to protect Estanis."
"And I don't understand your answer."
Mikayl leaned forward and patted Jael's knee conspiratorially. "They will fail or succeed for the same reason you will. They don't recognize the danger within," he said.
It wasn't until Mikayl was gone that Jael realized his friend hadn't been talking about Ravon at all.
Maygra offered no further comment on Jael's actions. She was angry and worried but knew that to try to force Jael to go against his own conscience would do little good. Hopefully she had tweaked that conscience just enough to make him think. She found herself looking forward to the practice session the next morning if only to work out the tension that had built in her during the night. Maric had asked if she would expand their session to include sword work and she had agreed, although not entirely certain how well she would manage. She had been competent with a sword at Rhema although she preferred her ax and, since the injury to her arm, she had barely worked with a sword at all.
Still, her own instructor, Thana, had drilled it into her students heads that a guard who could use a weapon only with one hand or the other was of little use to anyone.
She arrived at their makeshift practice field before anyone else, borrowing Mikayl's blade and working with it in an improvised warm up. Maric arrived promptly with a small cart loaded with wooden crosses, his own sword and several other bundles wrapped in oiled cloth. He pulled out two of the wooden flats, offering it to Maygra.
"What's that for?"
"It's a practice sword," Maric said with a lifted eyebrow. "You don't intend to practice with live steel?"
"It's the only practice I know," she said, taking the wooden blade. "How can you practice with this? There's no weight and the balance is wrong."
"It's enough to work the basics and keep you from injuring a friend."
"If I can't control my blade enough to keep from injuring someone, I don't need to be using one."
Maric raised his other eyebrow then shrugged. "As you like, Masyra. Ehm, you won't mind if I put a Healer on notice will you?"
Maygra shook her head and took her position. Mikayl's blade felt awkward, lighter than her ax but that weapon had been damaged beyond repair and she did not yet dare ask for a replacement. Maric finished his message, indicating where Kellas was approaching from the Healing rooms.
"I hope we won't need you, lad," the older man said. "At your leisure, Masyra."
Maygra made a wry face but she had given up trying to get Maric to drop the title days ago. She moved first, testing Maric and her own skill and found her opponent responding in kind. They found a rhythm in their styles and more than one person was attracted by the sound of metal on metal ringing through the courtyard. By the time she and Maric were sufficiently comfortable with the basics of each other's style, they had quite an audience, including Rhys and Laurien.
Maygra signaled Maric and at his acknowledgment, attacked with more force. Maric dropped back a few paces not nearly as comfortable as his teacher with the idea of "practicing" with an edged blade. It did not take long for him to realize that Maygra did indeed have as much control over her blade to prevent injury as she did to cause it. She knew precisely where and how her blade would fall and on the few thrusts and moves he was unable to parry, she would withdraw with the same control and repeat the maneuver until he was able counter it without thinking.
As with her in-fighting instruction, she said little save a word of approval or to say, "No," then repeat the same move until he caught on. They worked in silence until Maric was certain she would wear him down on energy alone.
"Enough. Let's take a break and then you can be the attacker," she said when nearly an hour had passed.
Maric bowed in deference, trying to control his breathing. One of the other guards brought them both something to drink.
Maygra took only tiny sips of water, walking the perimeter of the practice field until her own breathing had become normal and she was no longer sweating. A scrap of cloth was offered and she took it glancing up at the familiar pale-eyed face.
"That was quite an impressive demonstration," Rhys said as she wiped her face.
"Maric's good. One of the best I've ever taught," she replied, continuing to walk. Rhys fell in step beside her.
"He says you're a patient teacher. And a good one."
"He's kind. He had bruises enough last week."
"So I heard, but fewer toward the end of the week, asa?"
She chuckled. "Yes. He got better. They all did. I got a few more -- which is as it should be."
"Would you allow me to join your classes?"
"Anyone's welcome. I hadn't really thought of them as classes. I need the exercise."
"Now, Maen Rhys has a neat style with a blade," Maric commented for they had completed their circuit of the field. Maric was sitting on the edge of the cart. "You've worn me out, Masyra. I don't think I could attack a mouse right now."
"Walk it off, Maric. I can wait."
"I would like to take his place, if you don't mind," Rhys said with a glint in his eye. Maygra licked her lips, the corner of her mouth twitching.
"Think to take me down a notch, Maen?"
"No. But I like a skilled opponent."
"As you like," she agreed and stepped back.
"You might want something you're more accustomed to," Maric commented, offering her one of the wrapped bundles. He too had a glint in his eye and a barely suppressed grin and he suddenly looked far less tired than he had a moment ago.
Maygra unwrapped the bundle to expose a beautifully wrought double-edged ax, the near-twin of her own. She stared at the blade, then at Maric.
"I think I've been set up," she said dryly, hefting the weapon.
"I think we both have," Rhys said, staring at her ax then at his own heavy sword.
"Fall in, Maen?"
"As you will, Maena," he said politely.
"I offered Maric the first strike," she said, balancing the ax across both hands.
"If that's an offer, I'll take it," Rhys said and nodded.
He came at her fast, with no preliminary testing of skill. Not quite prepared, Maygra nevertheless managed to deflect the blade, sliding it along the handle with a deft twist that made her left arm ache. The move kept her from losing her knuckles but threw her off balance. Rhys' follow-through swing nearly scored her face but he pulled back at the last second, showing the same minute control of his blade that Maygra had learned.
She acknowledged his mastery with a grin. She felt far more comfortable with the ax than she had with her brother's sword and tested the balance and weight of it with a great deal of enthusiasm during the next few parries. Rhys also tested her abilities, switching the blade from hand to hand to deflect her swings.
The only drawback to the ax was that its weight was more than a sword's and its wielder put more force behind the swing. Retaining control over that swing was equally as difficult and Maygra soon began to feel the strain of holding back. One of Rhys' thrusts caught her off-guard and she stumbled, going down to one knee. Rhys stepped in close, his blade lowering, but Maygra was not anticipating the session to be over until one of them called halt. She hooked the curve of her ax around his boot and pulled throwing him off balance, his sword between them. Almost too late she realized he was bending down to help her, and with an curse wedged the ax between his body and his sword, rolling over him to keep him from impaling himself on his own blade. She misjudged his weight, however, and felt the sharp down-turned edge of her ax raked her thigh. The damage was slight but she came to a sitting position with both hands pressed against the wound, Rhys sprawled at her side.
Maric and Kellas were next to her instantly, the Healer pushing her hands away so he could examine the cut.
"That is why I practice with weapons, not toys," she said, wincing as the pain in her leg increased then faded under Kellas' skilled touch. "It reminds you why control is so important the way bruises can't. And you," she added glancing at Rhys, who sat beside her examining the tear in his tunic his sword had caused, "need to understand that practice remains practice until it's over."
"You went down. I thought it was."
"Down isn't over, just like down isn't dead," she said evenly. "Maybe you should come to our practices more often."
"I may just do that. How is it, Kel?"
"Good as new," the Healer said lifting his hand and exposing a thin white line along Maygra's thigh. A damp cloth washed away the rest of the blood and Kellas offered her his hand, pulling her to her feet.
"Feels fine," she said with a smile of thanks. Kellas still held onto her hand.
"This isn't," he said examining her fingers. They were faintly tinged with blue and her wrist was swollen.
"Overworked it," she said with a grin, pulling the hand away. "Blade work's different than rough and tumble."
"It's more than that, Maygra. The circulation's gone bad. You've been exercising. It should be getting better, not worse."
"I'll soak it. That usually works."
"When did you first notice this?"
"After the first few sessions, then it seemed fine. This is just a different kind of work-out, Healer. It will be fine."
"Maygra, please let Merida look at it. You could lose your arm to an infection if the circulation fails."
Maygra's smile faded. "I should have lost it a year ago. Merida saw it when we first arrived. She couldn't do anything then, I doubt she can now -- even if she wanted to. Excuse me. Thanks for the ax, Maric," she said, kissing the older man on the cheek and making him blush and several others laugh. "And for the practice, Maen," she added saluting Rhys with her weapon. "Sorry about the shirt."
Rhys shook his head at her retreating back.
"She really should let Merida take a look at that arm," Kellas remarked.
"I have a feeling you would have to drag them both kicking and screaming to any such meeting, Kel," Laurien said.
"Then it may take that. Merida's the best at deep, delicate work, Laurien, and I wasn't joking when I said she could lose the arm."
"She seemed to handle herself well enough," Rhys said.
"Aye, but Kel is right," Maric interjected. "She did have some problems with it earlier last week, sore and stiff like. Bruised easily. By the end of the week, it seemed better, but she took a hard crack across the forearm. Should have left a pretty mark."
"I didn't see anything," Kellas said. "On the other arm, yes, but not on the left."
"What I meant," Maric said. "Not enough blood under the surface to bruise. I've seen it before. Asa, Maen Laurien?"
"I'll have a talk with Merida," Laurien said soberly. "Getting Maygra to agree may take some doing."
"Less than you may think," Kellas said with a glance at Maric.
"What have you two been up to?" Laurien asked.
"Trust me, Maen, you don't want to know." Kellas said hurriedly and left quickly, Maric in tow.
"There are suddenly a great many secrets in Ravon," Laurien said. "And very few of them are mine."
"I wouldn't worry too much, Lauri. I have an idea what they're up to and who their allies are."
"And you approve?"
"Of the results, if not the methods," Rhys said. "Speaking of which, what do you think of my plan?"
Laurien sighed. "I think it risky, but no more risky than our present state. Fayr has requested the other Keeps to supply us with whatever spare Iimari they may have to replace those we can't repair but it's slow work. The patrols seem to be doing well enough, but it makes me nervous keeping them out so long," he said and began walking back to the main hall.
"What do you think of Kevyn's plan?" Rhys asked, accompanying him.
"I don't much care for it, but it comes down to a matter of trust. I can think of nothing better to convince Maygra we trust her than by placing the safety of our folk into her hands. That is Sarai's argument, and I haven't been able to find a counter, although I've tried," Laurien said ruefully. "He did concede that Maygra needs to ride with a few patrols as a guard first before turning any command over to her."
"There's a rotation due in the day after tomorrow," Rhys said. "It's one of the upper trails; she's used to mountain work."
"You seem to be taking this all very calmly. Change of heart?"
"Change of tactics. Whatever else it may do, Maygra's observations have made very clear how fragile our position is."
"But not desperate. At least I hope it is not. Has is it occurred to you what will happen if this offensive fails?"
"To some degree, but I would rather move now and fail than fail when Lorisa is at our gates. We won't have time to discuss options then. What is your real objection, Laurien?"
The older man paused, his eyes fixed on the activity surrounding the main hall. "If we bring the battle to Lorisa's door, we will be no better than she is -- seeking conflict. There is little difference between the conquered and the conqueror, Rhys," he said quietly.
"She seeks to take what we have, what we are. I don't think any Kieri wants what she has in return."
"Perhaps not. Not her source of power, certainly. Not the fear by which she rules her allies."
"Then what?" Rhys asked impatiently. "What is it you fear we will gain by Lorisa's defeat?"
"Not her defeat, Rhys, her destruction. I know what the outcome of your proposal is to be. If we win, we will gain exactly what Lorisa hopes to gain if she has not already -- freedom from Aessa."
Rhys stared at him, shocked and confused. "How could defeating Lorisa provide that? And why would it?"
"You need to reexamine your Oaths, kiri," Laurien said. "The Kieri exist to protect Aessa. What will happen when that protection is ended? What will become of our people?"
"We'll be released from our Oaths. That is Her promise."
"I know you have studied history. Even before she Spoke, you knew the promise she made to the first of our race. `I made you and you are mine, I will unmake and you will be mine.' When we fulfill our Oath, we will be no more, Rhys."
"You think we will just cease to exist? That's a cruel payment for our service."
Laurien shook his head. "You misunderstand what your Oath to Aessa means. We are not to be rewarded for our service, the payment has already been made. She gave life to our race, Rhys. Our Oath is payment for that service, not the other way around."
"That interpretation is not in any training I received," Rhys said, chilled.
"It is, but it is difficult to Hear, just as Aessa is difficult to hear. We cannot fail in our service. We are bound by that one Oath and in the face of that Oath can serve no one else. Lorisa knows that. She will not be able to subjugate us, Rhys. Aessa will not allow it. If we fail and are destroyed, our promise will still stand to be fulfilled."
"All the more reason not to fail."
"Perhaps. But it is possible that by destroying Lorisa we will seal our own fate. The Rhemans deny that the Madrai still exists. That enemy has hounded us for a thousand generations. We build our homes now on the ruins built by ancestors so distant we barely remember them. If the Madrai is no more, it may be that Lorisa is the last menace our people will ever face."
"Are you suggesting we wait and let her kill us one by one, Keep by Keep?"
"I don't want any of us to die. Not by Lorisa's hand and not by Aessa's will," Laurien said tiredly. "But I can't see a way to prevent either."
"And that's what holds you back? The fear that we are doomed regardless of what we do?"
"We are doomed, Rhys. We always have been. It doesn't make living any less sweet. It has never been a case of `if' the Kieri will cease to exist, only a matter of `when'. If you don't mind, I would prefer it not be in my lifetime."
"Maygra was right. You do want Lorisa defeated, not destroyed. You think this may be our last battle."
"It may be, for some."
"And if you're wrong, if Lorisa is not the last opponent of the Kieri and we let her destroy us, what of our Oaths then, Maen?"
"The physical destruction of the Kieri won't stop Aessa from demanding payment. Just the method by which payment is made."
Rhys shook his head. "This riddle box is too complex for me, Laurien. If we succeed we fail, if we fail we might yet succeed. What's the answer?"
"The answer is we use our Gifts as they were designed to be used. We protect the Lady Below. The Web is weak but building strength. We will maintain it at it's present level. If Maygra agrees, put her on patrol."
"You can persuade the Council to agree?"
"I don't intend to ask them. It will take a week at least for Fayr and his Guardians to restore the Web. On authority alone I can delay the repairs, but it will not take long for Fayr to protest my stalling. He will contact the First Council of the Kieri. I will not make him a prisoner."
"Kidan," Rhys murmured, "the Elder Council of Ravon will call you to account for these actions -- they'll make you step down."
"They can't. I was appointed Makyeri Maen of Ravon by the First Council. Unless I step down voluntarily, the Elder Council can do nothing but report my actions. That will take another week or ten days, longer if I can stall the First Council. By then, the Border Watch will have reached Lorisa's stronghold. There will be no way to reach you, or to stop you."
"They could strip you of rank."
"Probably, but they can't convict me of Oathbreaking, only a little judicious bending. The worst that could happen is that I be exiled to an outpost or small station. Don't look so stricken, Rhys. They can't kill me or cast me out from my people. What you do is far riskier."
"But why do this if you don't believe in my plan?"
Laurien chuckled. "You're a hard man to please, kiri'nai. I thought you wanted my approval?" He gripped Rhys' arm tightly. "I do this because I believe in you, Rhys. And in Kevyn and especially in Maygra. Don't think I don't know who presented this idea in the first place, even if you and Kevyn had something similar in mind," he laughed and released the younger man's arm. "What you and Kevyn have been practicing may come in handy, and you may progress more quickly with Jael along. You don't really think he and Mikayl will let Maygra go with you to face Lorisa alone?"
"I hadn't thought of it."
"Neither had Kevyn. Get your patrol ready, Rhys, but quietly. I have to find a few allies of my own," he said.
"Laurien, if we . . . if we fail, what will you do?"
Laurien hesitated, not turning around. "Dismantle the Web and retreat. For if you fail, there won't be any other options, Rhys."
"You sound very sure."
"I am," Laurien said firmly. "If you succeed, we will see what the fate of the Kieri will be. If you fail, the Web will be too weak to repel her and we will not be strong enough to keep out her new allies."
"What new allies?"
Laurien sighed and turned around. "Perhaps I was too hasty in agreeing for you have not thought what failure will mean to you and to those who go with you. Lorisa doesn't want the Web alone, she wants access to the power. The only way she can have that is to control Kieri who can control that power. If you fail, you won't all die, Rhys. Or hadn't you noticed that your mother has started taking captives?" he added softly.
"It won't happen that way, Maen! We will destroy her or die in the attempt."
"I know you think that, kiri, but could you put your sword to Kevyn's throat and kill him?"
Rhys did not answer, his face paling.
"I thought not," Laurien said gently. "And that is why I agreed to Kevyn's plan as well. What you can barely contemplate, Maygra can do and has. I can only hope that if you fail, Lorisa won't recognize the kind of destruction Maygra represents."
Rhys stared at him, unable to put words to his anger before Laurien walked away. "Dammit, Laurien, you expect us to fail!" Rhys yelled. "Why? What makes you so damn sure we can't win?"
The Maen stopped, his back stiffening under the accusation. "Because Lorisa will know you are coming. She may not be able to find you under Jael's Shield, but she'll know. Just as she knew you would be on the high trail last winter. She has her spies, Rhys, here in Ravon. She has had them since you were brought here," he said turning to face his son.
"I am not her spy," Rhys said with more conviction than he felt.
"I never thought you were," Laurien said earnestly. "I am not sure who her agent is but we can only keep this plan a secret for so long, Rhys. Once you are ready to move, it will be known and Lorisa will know then if she does not already."
"Why have you not told the Council this, or me at least? Unless you think me her ally."
"I think you the least likely. You are too obvious a choice."
"And you will let Kevyn undertake this mission believing we will fail?"
"You, Kevyn, anyone who wants to go. I fear more for you than Kevyn. Lorisa let you escape once, I don't think the second time will be as easy. What I believe is unimportant. I am allowing . . . no . . . approving this plan because there is no other. This confrontation was never in question, only the when and the where. I don't have to like the method by which we force her hand, but I can and do recognize the need for it." He shook his head. "You go with my blessings, Rhys, and all the support I can provide. Don't let an old man's anxieties lessen your confidence in yourself. This is not to be a battle of wills between you and your mother, but a battle of wits and tactics. Use all that is available to you, my son, not just what is within yourself."
"You make it seem as if there isn't much available, not even the element of surprise."
Laurien smiled faintly. "The surprise is not that you are coming, but who and what you are bringing with you."
Rhys nodded, not sure he agreed, and watched Laurien walk slowly to the hall. His eyes drifted over the structure until it settled on the balcony that fronted Maygra's rooms. Not surprisingly he found her eyes upon him. She jerked her head toward Laurien's retreating figure in question. He lifted his clasped hands over his head and she responded in kind then vanished into her rooms.
He waited for her, debating how much if any of his conversation with Laurien should be revealed. He was still contemplating the answer when Maygra reached him.
"Nice argument," she said with a grim smile. "On our own are we?"
Rhys shook his head, returning her smile and wondering why he was not surprised that she already understood the realities of their situation more than he did.
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)