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.
Maygra also had a troubled rest and Rhys' presence in the back of her mind was the cause. His Voice was faint as if he were Speaking from the other side of a wall, but the long feared pain was not present. CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
She gave up her pursuit of sleep before dawn, wrapping a thick blanket around her and sitting on the edge of her balcony. There were lights in Ravon, torches at the entrance to the main hall, and more light glimmering from behind the closed shutters of the Web Garden. Closing her eyes she could still make out the faint musical sound of the Web, much muted from when she had first heard it. It sounded more like singing voices and she could hear Aessa's echo in the sound. Since their dramatic summoning in the Garden, the Lady had been silent and Maygra was not quite sure if that meant her old adversary was pleased or not. She shrugged the doubts off, letting her eyes drift beyond Ravon's wall to the soft peaks of Arris Graen, the sculpted silhouette sharp against Ka's small round face and shroud of stars.
The last time she had studied such a sky had not prepared her for what lay ahead and she shivered at the dark sense of foreboding.
You should be asleep, Rhys murmured and she started.
Don't do that! she said peevishly, having to concentrate on making herself clear. I'm not used to this, yet.
Rhys's chuckle was dry and teasing. I thought is what you wanted?
It is, I think but . . . . She closed the thought off quickly.
But you thought it would be with someone you trusted? Someone you love?
Something like that, she mumbled, then had to repeat it when Rhys did not understand.
If it helps, I feel the same way, he said. This casual Voice is new to me.
Did you want something in particular or . . . did I wake you up?
A little of both. I woke up . . . troubled. It took me awhile to realize it was you.
I'm sorry. I'll watch my thoughts more carefully. Who else can you Hear? she asked shyly.
Without trying? No one. he replied and she Felt rather than Heard his sigh. I'm a little leery of making the effort. It feels like eavesdropping.
Maygra grinned, gaining a certain satisfaction in his discomfort. Scruples! I'll have to revise my opinion of you, Maen.
Again? I didn't know I was causing you such trouble.
Maygra laughed. Keeps me on my toes. Go back to sleep, Rhys. I'll keep my thoughts quieter.
Too late. But I will meet you for breakfast. You need to be careful at first, Maygra. This is new and we both may tire more quickly than we think.
Maygra assented, realizing she was already tired and stiff. She took a quick wash, letting the warm water ease the ache in her muscles, then put on the sturdy leathers Sarai had made for her. There were warmer clothes folded into the roll at the end of her bed, but she left them and the ax Maric had given her. She checked on Mikayl but her brother was still sprawled across his bed. She tried to Hear him, gaining only the beginning of a headache and disturbing his sleep.
She paused outside Jael's door as well, cracking it to find him awake, reading one of the tomes Sarai had offered by the light of a small lamp.
"Why aren't you sleeping?" he asked before she could get the question out.
"It's all I've done for two days. Hungry?" She asked. "I'm meeting Rhys in the kitchens."
"Foe to friend, eh? Or do you just want an ally?"
"Both," she said with a smirk.
Rhys had already set out mugs of spiced fruit juice, bread and cheese and the night staff had promised fresh grain porridge if they waited.
"I don't think I can ever eat grain porridge again," Maygra said with a shudder, sipping her drink. "It's all we had in Irrekas. It may have kept us alive, but I'll take my grain in bread from now on."
"You're going to be disappointed in our trail rations then," Rhys said. "Porridge, graincakes, dried meat and whatever we can find on the way. Kevyn's a pretty good cook, though, and Merida made sure he knew what he could and could not eat on the trail."
"Better him than me. I can't boil water," Maygra said pulling off a chunk of dark bread.
"Not true," Jael protested. "She actually is a very good cook, she just hates it."
"How long will it take to reach Maric?" Maygra asked.
"When they set camp last night they had reached the lower fork. The trail branches north and south then north and east higher up," Rhys explained. "We could reach them by dusk if we push and they travel slow, but I'd rather they try to find Raida's guard. We lost track of them a day above the high fork."
"Could we push on through the night? I wouldn't want Maric to find the same trouble Raida may have," Maygra said softly.
"You think the five of us will make that much difference?" Rhys asked.
"That is the point, isn't it? Jael can make us nearly invisible if there's trouble and Mal can certainly give us the extra range we need to spot trouble before it spots us," Maygra said slowly. She sat across from Rhys, the scars on her face painfully visible. She turned her head, meeting his eyes. "I would like to know what you think I'm going to contribute."
"Experience," Rhys said easily. "More specifically, experience in dealing with my mother."
"I should think you would suffice on that point," Jael said, watching Maygra.
"Then you're mistaken. I haven't had a half dozen direct contacts with my mother in fifteen years," Rhys said evenly.
"But that's not the whole reason it's so important that I go along," Maygra said. "I've agreed to this, begged for this opportunity, Rhys. I won't back out now, regardless of your real reasons. But I would like to know them. Jai and Mal would have gone, even if I'd not been able to. So what do you expect from me?"
Rhys studied her expression carefully. The green eyes were fixed on him, the unscarred side of her mouth turned up in a thoughtfully faint smile. "I expect you to be able to distract my mother long enough for me to kill her," he said.
Maygra nodded slowly. "Bait. I can certainly provide that, provided she wants me bad enough."
"Not bait, Maygra. A weakened Web is bait enough, we hope. No, my mother's . . . tricks don't seem to work very well with you, or haven't you noticed?"
Maygra stared at him blankly but Rhys could not tell if it were feigned. He sought along their link, finding only confusion, withdrawing when Maygra's eyes narrowed as she recognized his probe.
"What makes you think I have any more immunity than anyone else?"
"Our contact with her the other night. Surely you recognized her spell-set?"
"I knew it wasn't a Gift, but I didn't do anything. I was too busy trying to keep her attention away from Damyn."
"Who do you think turned the spell back?"
She shrugged. "I thought it was you or maybe Jai's Shield. Finish your probe, Rhys. If you can't believe my words, then take what proof you need."
"I don't need to . . . remember what you said to me about willing or unwilling? There's no conscious deception on your part, Maygra, but you have Gifts I don't understand -- or I do, but I don't know what to make of them."
"This isn't going to end is it?" Jael asked quietly. "There's no way you will ever trust us completely, is there?"
Rhys frowned. "I wish I had an answer for you, Jael, and I wish it could be the one you're looking for, but what I want and what I will do to protect my people are two different things."
"That's honest enough," Maygra said with a faint smile. "Don't worry over it, Jai. I don't think Rhys is going to slit our throats in the middle of the night. More likely it will be in broad daylight with dramatic regrets."
"I don't find it funny," Jael said coolly.
"Neither do I, really," she said and touched his arm lightly. "But I can't prove what can't be proven, unless I do it by dying nobly, eh, Rhys? Of course, I'd have to take Jael and Mikayl with me, for you to really trust us."
Rhys shifted uncomfortably. Maygra's eyes widened. "Lady below, it may come to that!" She stared at Rhys and burst out laughing. The two men watched her warily. "Maiden's Wings! It won't do you much good to trust us after we're dead, Rhys. I think you need to come up with a better plan."
"I wish I could," Rhys murmured.
"You're serious!" Jael said, pushing his food aside. Maygra pulled on his arm but he ignored her, getting to his feet. Rhys rose as well, his chin coming up and his hands loosely at his side as if he expected Jael to attack. "And you expect us to aid you in this? Exactly who is our enemy, you or Lorisa?"
"Shut up, Jai and sit down," Maygra said sharply. "It's not you he doesn't trust, or Mikayl. It's me he's not so sure about."
"And you're willing to die to prove it?"
"Not quite, but you and I have an advantage over the Maen. We do know who our enemy is, and it isn't he," she added more softly. "Trust me if you don't trust Rhys, Jael."
"I trust you, it's your judgment that's gone a little awry," Jael said but let her draw him back down beside her.
"I'm none too sure of my own judgment, right now," Rhys said. "I didn't mean for this to turn into an argument. I'll go check our mounts. Kevyn and I will leave at first light. I'll leave it up to you whether or not you still want to join us."
"We'll be there," Maygra reassured him as he left.
"You can't be serious," Jael said.
"Never more. I don't care what his motives are, Jael. I want my turn at that sorceress and if the opportunity arises I want Duran and the children back as well, or had you forgotten about them?" she said fiercely. "I kept this bloody link open to Rhys for one reason, so I would know when he comes to a decision about me and I expect you to do the same with Kevyn, damn your conscience. They know where Lorisa is and for whatever reason they've agreed to try and lure her here. Now, if you still plan to ride with me, wake Mikayl and get our things. I'll meet you at the stable at first light."
"Where are you going?"
"To see Damyn. Don't worry it too much, Jai. The three of us are better at watching each other's back than I think Rhys realizes," she said, leaving him before her own doubts could creep over her again.
The Healing rooms were dark and quiet, and Maygra exchanged only a nod with the Healer on duty before making her way silently to Damyn's side. She did not intend to wake him, only to reassure herself that he really was alive and on his way to recovery. She smoothed the blanket gently and sat back watching him sleep.
"Wake him," a voice whispered. "Don't make him regret he didn't say good-bye," Merida said gently. The woman's face was obscured by shadows and her voice was hoarse. "Trust me, Maygra. It's what he'd want."
"Trust is in short supply, right now, Masyra. Don't!" She started to say but Merida had already lit the small lamp by the bed and touched Damyn lightly, a Healer's touch.
Damyn woke instantly, Merida's touch easing both the confusion of sleep and any lingering discomfort.
"Maygra's here, Damyn. They'll be leaving soon," Merida said reassuringly and left them.
"Mag?" Damyn said and reached for her. Maygra caught his hand in hers and shifted to the edge of his bed. "I'm glad you came."
"Me too," she murmured against his hair. "I just wanted you to know that I plan on coming back."
Damyn sighed. "Alive preferably."
Maygra chuckled. "I've gotten good at it over the past year. Staying alive, anyway. The rest is still a little murky."
"I hoped gaining your Voice would help," Damyn said softly.
"It does although I can't say I'm too pleased with my `companion'. I'd rather have you," she added and kissed him gently on the lips.
"So would I. I wish I could return the favor."
"You'll get your chance, ki'ta. I expect you healthy and whole when I return."
"I expect the same," he said and pulled her close. "I didn't come out of that darkness to face this new world without you," he said fiercely. "I mean it, Maygra. No one wants the sorceress to pay more than I do, but it's not worth losing you."
"It's worth anything, Damyn. No, listen to me," she said just as fiercely. "I'm not going to throw my life away easily, but if it comes to that, I'll take her with me. Your Oath is fulfilled, I have my Voice and I'm not alone. But mine isn't. I may be fulfilling my Oath to protect Aessa, but it's the Oath I took when I took command at Rhema that I still have to satisfy, for myself if not for the Lady. She may still judge me an Oathbreaker, but it won't be on that count."
"You're not an Oathbreaker!" Damyn said urgently. "Laric was wrong, Maygra, we all were whether we agreed with you or not. There's nothing in our Oaths to the Goddess that forbids our killing of one another. Those are our laws. The sorceress is Kieri too, or was, remember? We will all die serving Aessa, but if you must die for that Oath, then know that's why, not to atone for those who died at Rhema, or after."
He was trembling and Maygra held him, trying to resist his words and finding she could not. It took her a moment to realize that Damyn was comforting her, brushing tears from her face and his own.
"I'll try not to be foolish," she said at last, realizing the room was growing brighter. "I have to go. Be well, ki'ta. That's all the reason I need to return."
"Then expect me to meet you on the way back," he said and pulled her face to his. There was more passion behind the touch of lips than Maygra had expected and she left him with fresh tears in her eyes.
When Merida returned to check on him, any lingering anger she may have felt disappeared as she held Damyn against her, soothing his sobs as she would a child whose heart had been broken.
They rode out of the Keep in near silence. Mikayl was still half asleep, but his mount was well trained and Maygra gave him a couple of sharp nudges with her elbow when he seemed about to fall asleep again.
"You'd think you'd taken Merida's tea instead of me," she teased, but there was a hard edge to her voice. Mikayl stiffened at her tone and glanced at Jael, but his dark-haired friend was busy with his own thoughts.
Kevyn had taken the lead, Rhys a half pace behind him. Unnerved by the silence, Mikayl drew away from his sister and moved up beside the Watch Commander, questioning Kevyn about the trail they followed and the geography of the area.
"Further north we cut new trails every year," Kevyn said as the group worked their way around a fallen tree.
"The whole mountain is like a hulden," Mikayl said staring up at the tree covered slopes ahead of them. "Irreshon is all rock and low scrub. We never made the trails, the grae did it for us. There were only so many ways up and if a rock slide blocked the way, we found a new way around it."
Kevyn smiled. "Arris doesn't much care for us on her slopes. The trails grow over as fast as we cut them."
"Your main trails stay clear?" Maygra asked.
"We have to clear away some debris every spring and fall, depending on how the weather was the season before, but the main trails are as old as Ravon."
"Nothing like having a neat path to your gates."
Kevyn glanced at her. "We're not the only ones who use them. The Haian use them for trade. Past the lower fork, this one branches again and leads to Esta. Even if they didn't, once you reach the upper slopes, Ravon isn't exactly hidden."
Ravon isn't alone as Rhema was, Rhys Said softly.
"Don't!" she hissed, pulling her mount up. "Don't Speak to me again without warning."
"Different rules, Maygra?" Rhys said with a snort. "It's all right for Jael to go probing our minds, but the reverse isn't true?"
"Surface Listening and directed Speech are different," Jael said icily. "It's a fine distinction, but you should be able to figure it out."
Mikayl and Kevyn turned back. "Is there a problem?" Kevyn kept his voice carefully neutral.
"Not one you've been made aware of, I hope," Jael said.
"What does that mean?" Kevyn asked laying his hand on Jael's reins.
"I suggest you ask your friend," Jael replied, jerking his mount away, but Kevyn was the more adept rider and kept Jael from escaping.
"I intend to, but I plan to hear both sides," he said firmly. "And I don't care who starts. I assume we are all agreed on why we are taking this little tour of Arris."
"It rather depends on who you talk to," Maygra said. "I'm after Lorisa and my hostage kin, if they're still alive," she said.
"I intend to find Raida's patrol and then my mother," Rhys said with a humorless smile, nodding at Maygra as he offered her the same courtesy.
"Jai?"
Jael jerked at Kevyn's use of his nickname, relaxing only slightly as he felt Kevyn's tentative probe along their link. "All of the above and to protect Maygra's back."
"From Rhys?" Kevyn asked staring at his friend. Rhys was barely able to meet the shock in Kevyn's eyes and the stunned look on Mikayl's face furthered his discomfort. "Why?"
Rhys did not even pretend to act as if the question were not directed at him. "There's a threat among us yet, Kev," he said cautiously. "Maygra seems to have at least some of my . . . more esoteric skills," he finished and relayed his confrontation with Lorisa.
Kevyn dropped Jael's reins. "Merida was right. How can we possibly think we can take on Lorisa in a face to face confrontation? We'll be too busy fighting among ourselves," he said in disgust and urged his mount forward, not even glancing back to see if the others followed.
Rhys started after him but Mikayl blocked his path. "I don't know Kevyn very well," he said. "But I would make peace here before you try to make peace with him. You too, Jai. Maygra?"
"I've made my peace, little brother," Maygra said. "I can't fault Rhys too much for his suspicions. I have a few of my own. I know I'm no threat to him or Ravon but I can't force him to see that," she said and nudged her beast past Mikayl, following Kevyn.
Rhys made a move to do the same but Mikayl shook his head. "You've Read Jael, maybe it's time to extend the same courtesy."
"That sounds like a threat," Rhys said, his voice dangerously calm.
"It's not," Mikayl said. "It may be part of the solution, unless you want this friction to continue?"
"Leave it, Mal," Jael said. "I'll control my temper."
"It's not your temper I'm worried about," Mal said coldly. "It's your divided attention. You can't protect both Maygra and Kevyn."
"Why does Kevyn need your protection?" Rhys demanded.
Jael flushed, glaring at Mikayl. "Because Kevyn is not nearly as adept at keeping Jael's memories separated as he appears," Mikayl explained when Jael remained silent. "Jael has been doing most of the work and Kevyn doesn't know it."
"What was it you said about trust?" Rhys said tersely. "What else have you done to him?"
"Nothing," Mikayl said, laying his arm over Rhys'. "I didn't give you that information so you could use it as a weapon, Maen. Whether you believe it or not, what Jael has been doing has been for Kevyn's benefit and not his own. It's a passive interference. Or hadn't you noticed that Kevyn's nightmares have stopped?"
"You did that? Why?" Rhys asked looking at Jael.
"Because I caused it and because Kevyn is too stubborn to get help."
"But if Jael is protecting Maygra from you, he may well lose his ability to Shield Kevyn. Not a good situation if we're in the middle of a fight."
"What would happen to Kevyn?"
"He wouldn't be able to tell the difference between my memories and his own thoughts," Jael said wearily. "He handles it all right when he concentrates, but when his concentration slips -."
"And it does when he's sleeping and will if he's fighting for his life," Mikayl said grimly.
"Then Kevyn's Hearing Damyn scream the other night --."
"Was because Jael lost his concentration. So you see, Maen, if Jai can't trust you, at some point he's may have to choose between Maygra and Kevyn. Which do you want it to be?"
"And I thought you were naive," Rhys said with a faint smile. "Point taken, but Kevyn has to be told. Can he learn to separate your memories from his own?"
Jael shook his head. "I honestly don't know. It's not a difficult technique but it requires practice and that requires time."
"Which we don't have," Rhys said resignedly. "I could send him back but I need you almost more than I need him and he needs you to teach him. Dark Maiden! I'd kill you right now if I thought it would solve anything," he said only half in jest. "All right. You can probe as deep as you like, Jael. If this resolves our . . . disagreement. How much protection can you offer Kevyn and to what limit?"
"I can teach him the basics, quickly, if he'll allow it. It will require deep contact, again. More controlled than our first. After that, how much assistance he'll need will depend on how quickly he learns."
"He'll allow it or I will strip him of rank and send him home to Merida. Find out what you need, Jael, before they get too far ahead of us."
Mikayl was not privy to the exchange, growing nervous when it took longer than he expected. Rhys' expression did not change but Jael gripped his varin's mane fiercely, the beast shaking its slender head in irritation until the grip was eased. Mikayl reached out to steady his friend, edging his own mount between the two older men.
Expressing a wary respect, Jael extended his arm and Rhys gripped it. "You're quite the negotiator, Mikayl," Rhys said. "I believe we have a truce, of sorts."
"Of sorts. I'll speak to Kevyn when we camp," Jael agreed, turning his mount up the trail. Mikayl lingered, pacing Rhys.
"You can ask," Rhys said after a few moments of silence.
"I'm not sure I want to know," Mikayl said ruefully. "In fact, I'm sure I don't."
"Blessed ignorance," Rhys said dryly.
"Cowardice. I prefer my life simple."
"There's not much chance of that any longer, Mikayl, if there ever was. You seem to be very accepting of this situation."
Mikayl laughed. "Accepting is only another way of saying I don't have any better solutions. I'll leave that to Maygra."
"Always the follower?"
Mikayl looked away, not sure how to take the comment. Rhys swallowed a sigh, wondering why he seemed to alienate the people who would best serve him as allies.
"I'm sorry," he said roughly. "It's easy to forget what you've been through."
"I wish it were," Mikayl said quietly. "And I do follow, when I believe in who is leading. I'm not completely blind to my sister's faults, Maen, nor my own. But I try not to judge people on their failings, only on their merits."
"That gives a rather slanted view, don't you think?" Rhys asked trying to keep the sarcasm out of his voice.
"I was raised to see the best in people, what they can be -- what I could be."
"Your parents were wiser than mine," Rhys said softly. "Lorisa sees deceit because its all she knows. Practice makes perfect," he added more harshly.
"And children learn by example, but Lorisa didn't raise you. I thought Laurien did?"
"I was ten when Laurien . . . found me. That's a long time to be my mother's student," he smiled grimly when he caught Mikayl staring. "I look older, do I? I am older, Mikayl. Another gift from my mother."
Mikayl shook his head, "But your loyalty is with Ravon, with Laurien. You chose that. Why did you leave Lorisa?"
It was Rhys' turn to stare. "I don't think anyone's ever asked me that before. I don't remember the details. I was hysterical with fear when I was found. It took days before I could speak and nearly a year before I could remember anything before being brought to Ravon. There are still gaps. I was in worse shape than your Healer friend."
"But you did remember some things, some of what your mother taught you?"
"Not consciously. The sorcery, the basic of spell-sets and casting, were more instinctual than using my Gifts. The arrival of your kin is not the first time Ravon has been turned inside out by suspicion. I wreaked a fair amount of damage when I first arrived -- more than your folk have," he added with a chuckle. "Nightmares, uncontrollable rages, all broadcast on a Voice I couldn't control. Laurien took responsibility for me, still does to some extent. My taking command of Ravon's defense received far more resistance than . . . your presence. I still make some of our folk uncomfortable."
"So did Maygra," Mikayl said. "I think she's got use to it, but I never could. Had she had her Gift in full, she might not have been treated so harshly."
"By your folk?"
"By Aessa," Mikayl laughed at Rhys' expression. "My sister's not very fond of the Goddess she serves and has none of the reverence. I can't help but feel awed when Aessa is present. To Maygra it's an annoyance. But she's had more contact than I have."
"You make it sound commonplace."
"It's not unusual. I know it was a shock for your people to Hear her -- as much a shock as it was when we realized you never had. But Aessa has always preferred my sister, even before Rhema was attacked."
"And since then?"
"You would have to ask Mag."
"I'm not sure I'd get a civil answer," Rhys observed, inclining his head. They had caught up to the others taking a midday break. Maygra was perched on top of a fallen tree that lay to the side of the trail. Jael and Kevyn were on the opposite side of the trail, Kevyn with their mounts and Jael leaning against a rock outcropping. It was obvious that the three of them had no desire to talk to each other or anyone else. "Check the trail, would you, Mikayl?," Rhys asked and urged his mount forward.
Kevyn met Rhys in silence but handed him a wrapped package of bread and meat. He pulled out a second for Mikayl who was still mounted, eyes fixed beyond the horizon. "If you can tell me in what general direction Maric might be, I can probably get his location."
"He's a day ahead of us," Kevyn said, then smiled ruefully. "Try north and east. The trail switches back after the fork. Raida's patrol disappeared north and west."
Maygra stepped forward, laying her hand on Mikayl's leg, her other calming the varin. She almost tried to follow then pulled back, not wanting to distract her brother.
"They're almost directly east of us," Mikayl said finally. " Is there any way we can cut directly across this area?"
Kevyn studied the slope. "It would be slow and we'd have to walk the varin. Can you describe the area? If I knew more I . . . ," Kevyn swore as Mikayl's Sight obscured his own. Startled, Rhys moved to interfere only to find Jael blocking his path.
"Sorry, Kev," Mikayl said, his face red. "I didn't even think about it."
"It's all right," Kevyn said, pressing a hand against his forehead. "It just takes some getting used to. They're below the old rift, where the fire was last year, Rhys. We won't gain much time cutting across from here, Mikayl, but when this trail switches back there's a side trail that's straighter, if steeper. We might be able to reach them by dusk."
"Good enough," Rhys agreed. "However, I think we'd better establish some courtesies."
"It won't happen again," Mikayl said sheepishly. "Border instinct."
"And effective. Let it go, Rhys," Kevyn said. "He caught me off guard but there was no harm done. It may be worth investigating, in the future," he added with a broad grin at Mikayl and passed the younger man his lunch.
Jael raised both hands to Rhys in a mute apology. "Think first, we agreed," he said softly.
Rhys nodded and found a spot on Maygra's tree trunk to eat his meal.
"Not exactly trail rations," she said casually.
"Those start tomorrow," Rhys acknowledged. "Sarai can usually be counted on to send something edible on the first day. Still angry?"
"I wasn't. Exasperated, yes, and," she chuckled, "amused. I won't fault Jael for his loyalty, Rhys, so don't expect it. Not to me and not to Kevyn," she added with a sidelong glance.
"He's to tell Kevyn," Rhys said.
"I know and I'm glad. I don't like Jael's way of handling their situation any better than you do, Rhys, and not for entirely different reasons. Not the least of which that it wears him down. But Kevyn has the right to choose, for good or ill."
"You seem to think he might not be able to learn your techniques."
"He might not. I'm having trouble and I know the techniques, in theory, just as Kevyn does."
"You wanted our link open," he reminded her.
"I still do," she said quietly. "But I can't pretend I'm comfortable with you in my mind -- I don't know that I would be with anyone."
"It might be easier if it were someone you knew."
"It might. It might be worse, too. I'll be careful what I wish for next time," she said with a touch of sarcasm and pushed off the log, remounting. "I'm going ahead."
"You're running away," he teased.
"Wouldn't you?" She shot back and disappeared around the curve of the trail.
By the time they reached Kevyn's shortcut, the tension in the group had begun to grow again, but it had far less to do with each other than it did their mission. Kevyn led the way up the steeper trail with Jael bringing up the rear and the others spread out between them. They were able to ride for the most part, but the more overgrown section required they lead their mounts around fallen trees and tangled growth. They were all sweat drenched and filthy by the time the trail began evening out again.
"Anyone close enough to get a message to Maric?" Kevyn gasped, watering his mount. The shadows were deepening and he wanted to make sure they did not miss his Second in the dark.
Rhys nodded, his own breathing calming as he focused his Voice on the party ahead of them. "They're no more than an hour ahead. He's sending someone to meet us."
"Any sign of Raida?"
"Not yet but he thinks we're still a few hours from her point of contact."
"Tell him to push on then, Rhys," Kevyn said. "We can catch up as long as he doesn't get too far off the main trail. How's your night vision, Mal?"
"As good as his day," Maygra said. "Mal, see if you can Sight above Maric. We may be able to find Raida before he does."
"That's going to take some time," Mikayl warned.
"Go to it, I'll lead your animal," Jael said, catching up the reins. "Detail, newie," he warned.
Mikayl grinned at the jibe and let his eyes go unfocused. It was harder Seeing on Arris than Irreshon. The foliage and the darkening shadows made his task harder. He found and used Maric's patrol as his starting point, moving his Vision in an ever-widening arc northward. He was unaware of Jael's careful guidance or the fact that Maygra stayed close at his side.
His head was beginning to ache when he felt Jael nudge him.
Take a rest, Mal.
Mikayl refocused on his immediate surroundings, accepting the water Maygra offered. It was fully dark, but Rhys had kindled one of his odd, blue flames to illuminate the trail.
"We're not far from Maric's camp," Maygra said. "When we get there, rest for awhile and we'll get some food, then you can try again."
"I'll try but I'm not sure there's anything to find, Mag," Mikayl said. "I don't know these paths as well as I knew Irreshon's, but I can't see any sign that anyone has passed along the route ahead in a long time."
"They were up here for nearly a week before we lost contact," Kevyn said. "There should be signs of camps."
"That's what I was looking for but there's nothing, Kevyn," Mikayl said apologetically. "I'll try again later and maybe you or someone else can Follow. You might pick up something I missed."
The less ghostly light of a fire interrupted their discussion as they reached the Border camp. Gratefully, they turned their mounts over to one of the Watch and let Maric lead them to where hot food and drink waited.
"I had relay riders out most of the afternoon, First," Maric said. "With nothing to report. Raida couldn't have been that much further out. She was on her way back."
"Mikayl isn't sure she came this way at all," Kevyn said. "As much as I hate to ask it, Rhys, can you check with the Guardians at Ravon and make sure we're looking in the right place?"
"You don't want me to be much use tomorrow, do you?" Rhys said dryly. "Let the camp settle a bit and I will. Anything else you want to send back? I don't want to do this twice."
"Not that I can think of, except to make sure the other patrols have checked in. Are you ready, Mikayl? I'll follow your lead," Kevyn asked, shifting so that he sat next to the young Rheman.
"That may not be wise," Jael said, glancing at Rhys. "You need to be able to concentrate without my interference."
"It's gotten better."
"No, it hasn't. Not really," Jael said. "You've been getting some assistance."
"From you. I should have known," Kevyn said softly. "It got easier so quickly. I thought I'd gotten a good grasp of the basics after our . . . discussion."
"You do have a grasp, but it takes practice," Rhys said.
"Just how much of a grasp?" Kevyn asked.
"I'm not sure. If Rhys will agree, I can find out."
"If Rhys agrees?"
"This isn't going to be very comfortable," Jael said. "I'd like to make sure he isn't going think you're under attack."
"You said your interference was minimal," Rhys snapped, pale eyes glinting dangerously.
"It is, for me, but it's been fairly constant. When I release control, he's going to be about where he was a few days after our initial meeting."
"I was pretty useless, then, as I recall," Kevyn said ruefully.
"You were also exhausted," Maygra said and offered her hand. "We need privacy for this. Take a walk, Rhys? Maric, we have a little experiment to conduct, can you see we're not disturbed?"
"As you will, Masyra. What about Mikayl's search?"
"We'll get back to it which is why he isn't invited. I don't know who else here has strong enough Sight to help, but a map might, even a rough one. It would help Mal to know if there's any landmarks he can identify."
Her hand was still outstretched and Rhys grasped her hand, letting her pull him to his feet. "Are you sure you want me along?"
"No, but I do want you to be sure we don't mean Kevyn any more harm than has already been done," she said and accepted a folded blanket from Jael while he and Kevyn gathered up torches and led the way to a relatively flat area below the camp.
Maygra spread the blanket down, then took the torches from Jael, building a small fire a short distance away for warmth and illumination. "We might as well be comfortable," she said easily, occupying one corner of the blanket. "Your turn, Jai."
Jael did nothing, but Rhys grasped Kevyn's shoulders as the younger man's face went white and he reached blindly out. Jael caught his hand. "Don't fight the perceptions, Kevyn," he said in a low steady voice. "This is a panic reaction only. Relax."
Kevyn gasped, trying to focus on Jael's face, letting Rhys take his weight. Maygra sat tensely behind and to Jael's right, her arms clasped around her knees so she would not interfere.
So much for minimal interference, Rhys Said coldly and without warning. Maygra glared but made no response. His reaction was angry but he let Jael continue, the only support he offered Kevyn was physical.
"Just breathe, Kevyn," Jael was saying., "And focus on being right here and right now."
It took a few moments for Kevyn to comply, and his grip on Jael's arm remained fierce. When he started to relax, Jael grinned. "Better than I thought," he said more for Rhys' benefit than Kevyn's. "He can sort his thoughts from mine if he's concentrating. Let's see if how well he can maintain it. Kevyn, I want you to relax and sleep."
"You're not serious," Kevyn said swallowing.
"I promise I won't let it get too bad but this is where you're having trouble. Concentration works and we know fear does, but unless you think you can go without sleep for the rest of your life, I don't know any other way."
"Who needs sleep?" Kevyn said weakly but closed his eyes. A moment later he opened them again and shook his head. "Not on my own. I'm too tense. Rhys?" he asked leaning his head back against Rhys' shoulder.
"I should send you both back to Ravon and let Sarai handle this," Rhys said gruffly but laid his hand on Kevyn's forehead. A moment later Kevyn's eyelids fluttered and he relaxed into his friend's arms.
"Gift or Sorcery?" Maygra asked.
"Sorcery. A trance. It works the same as a meditative trigger, it just takes less time. Kevyn and I set it up when we began our practice sessions."
"Is it sleep?" Jael asked.
"Close enough. What are you trying to accomplish?"
"He needs to be able to mark my memories without thinking, awake or asleep. Once he can do that, they won't intrude on his own."
"Can you just remove them entirely?"
Jael hesitated, "Yes," he said slowly. "But without his permission . . . ."
"You didn't ask him for permission when it happened," Rhys said.
"No, but he doesn't want to lose them. Right or wrong, they are a part of him, now. Just as his are a part of me. If I take them out, there will be gaps he won't be able to explain. The same kind of gaps you and Damyn have."
Rhys stared at Jael. "They're not his memories," he protested.
"Memories aren't like books on a shelf. If you take one out, you can't push the others together like it was never there. It's more like a stone wall. You can remove a stone and the wall will stand, but the gap exists."
Kevyn gave a faint moan, his body trembling. Jael gripped his arm and closed his own eyes. After a moment the trembling stopped again as Jael began working, comparing what he saw in Kevyn's dreams with his own experiences. He tried to keep some distance, attempting to see his own memories as if they belonged to someone else, but it was difficult. Some of the memories surrounding Rhema's fall and the loss of Sura, Laric and then Maia, he had barely begun to deal with.
That's enough, Jai, a gentle voice murmured in his mind. You can't do it all tonight. Let it go. You've eased the worse, Maygra said and Jael could hear Rhys' echo. The sorcerer had opened the path for Maygra's Voice. He barely recognized his own sob as he pulled away from Kevyn's mind. Maygra was at his side instantly, not really understanding why he was crying, her eyes meeting Rhys' over the top of Jael's head.
Rhys shook his head, shifting his position so that Kevyn was more comfortable and laying his hand on the younger man's forehead.
"Don't bring him out of it just yet," Jael said softly. "Most of what I was able to give him isn't on the conscious level. It will take some time for him to get the knack of doing it unconsciously," he warned and took a deep, shuddering breath. He patted Maygra's hand absently and pulled away, getting to his feet. Maygra started to rise as well but Jael shook his head.
"Leave me awhile, kira. I won't go far," he murmured and walked off into the darkness.
"Now what?" Rhys asked, glancing down at Kevyn's sleeping form.
"Now you tell me who besides Kevyn or yourself is familiar enough with the terrain and has good enough sight to help Mikayl," she said briskly. "They can be scanning while we wait for Jael to let us wake Kevyn."
"Maric would probably be the best choice. His sight is not extraordinary but it's clear and he knows these trails better than most," Rhys said. "What happened to Jael, just now?"
Maygra shrugged. "Ask him yourself, Rhys. He'll either tell you or he won't. It may depend on why he thinks you want to know," she said cryptically and made her way back to the camp.
"Lady's Wings! That was quite a ride, lad," Maric said in open astonishment as he and Mikayl completed their joint survey. Mikayl was rubbing his eyes, weary lines at his mouth but he grinned at Maric's obvious glee.
The others had rejoined the group while Mikayl and Maric were out. Jael and Maygra sat near the fire, taking turns rebraiding each other's hair while they waited. Kevyn was making a silent round of the camp, checking on supplies and the rest of the patrol and not in the mood for conversation. Rhys had remained quietly thoughtful, not quite following Mikayl's sight, but catching the peripheral impressions.
"What was that bit of swirly shimmer at the top of the Grae?" Maric asked.
"Warm air curling over the top. It'll cool down again, maybe bring some light rain," Mikayl said.
"It's like riding on the back of a bird," Maric said in wonder, catching Rhys watching him. "That's a right rare Gift, you've got, lad," he said, slapping Mikayl on the back.
"I'm glad it was such fun," Rhys said dryly, "But what did you find?"
Maric's smile faded as he shook his head. "Nothing, Maen. Leastwise no sign of Raida's patrol. There's a bit of . . . what'd you call it lad?"
"There's a blank spot about three days out," Mikayl said, yawning. It's not what I remember Sighting when Rhema was attacked. It's a Shield of sorts, but it's not the same as Lorisa used before -- if it's she and if it's not something natural."
"How could it be natural?" Rhys asked.
"Certain areas distort Sight," Mikayl said. "Or mine, at least. There was a place in A'Denna Gul," he began and glanced at his sister. Maygra had stiffened but she nodded. "A cave imbedded with Iimarin. Outside of the cave, I could See nothing, and I was only a few feet a way. I'm not saying it isn't Lorisa behind the blankness, but I can't be sure."
"I've never heard of Iimarin being found on Arris," Maric said thoughtfully, "But Estanis is full of old ruins. The Kieri aren't the only ones who value the iimarin. It's possible that there's a cache nearby. Unless we knew to look for it, we'd never know it was there. The other thing is, Maen," he went on, "That blank spot the lad's talking about isn't north of us, it's east, almost at the crown of the pass. That's a long way around for the sorceress. The trails on the east side of Arris aren't easy and they're not unbroken."
"If she came across the plains and then cut west she could make it. It would take less time than following the Graen," Rhys said, staring toward the shadowy ridge of mountain above them. "Three days out? That's too far for Raida to have tangled with her."
"Unless she sent some advance scouts," Kevyn said rejoining the group. "Maric, I want a double watch set tonight. Just because we can't find them doesn't mean Raida or Lorisa aren't nearby. Was there anything else, Mikayl?"
The younger man shook his head. "Not that I could See and that bothers me. If your patrol was out here, we should be able to detect some sign."
"They've been out over a week," Rhys agreed. "I think it's my turn. I'll check with Ravon and see if they have anything to report."
"Need help, Rhys?" Kevyn asked quietly as the rest of the group began bedding down.
"Are you sure you're up to it, Kev?"
Kevyn squatted down next to him, his face troubled. "No, but I won't be treated like an invalid. I'm not going to get any better at this by practicing under optimum conditions. If I'm going to lose my . . . control . . . over my mind, I'd rather find out before we meet up with Lorisa."
Rhys bit his lip and nodded slightly. "I'll take the help, Kev. This is a stretch for me. But if you overreach . . . ."
Kevyn smiled ruefully. "Jael is nothing if not cautious. He's set a safeguard. He'll know if I'm in trouble and rush in to the rescue," the last was said so harshly, Rhys drew away a little, glancing with narrowed eyes at Jael.
"Don't," Kevyn hissed, grabbing his arm. "I'm not angry with Jael. Maybe I should be, but this only became necessary because I was too stupid to listen to what he and you and Merida were trying to say. I'm angry with myself for letting my pride put us all in jeopardy."
"Kevyn, you didn't know," Rhys said calmly. "I don't agree with Jael's choices, not when it puts your life in danger, and that's what he's done, regardless of his intentions."
"The reverse is also true," Kevyn said sourly. "I've put his life in jeopardy too, and Maygra's apparently," he added but refused to look at Rhys. "It can't be undone right at this second, Rhys. Let's contact Ravon."
Rhys took the hint and eased Kevyn into the trance that would allow him access to the controls he and Kevyn had been practicing over the last few months, feeling the extra strength work through him as Kevyn gave willingly. He had never been able to explain exactly how the spell that emulated a Kieri Voice worked. In some ways it was better than a Gift, the contact was clear and open without the overtones of emotion. Unlike his mother, or in spite of her, Rhys did not use the complicated combination of gestures and words to set his spells. The patterns he set were mental ones, only occasionally triggered by a touch or word.
He was aware of the energy surrounding him as he sent his presence across the miles that separated him from Ravon. He could See it traced along the ground like thin blue threads and in the hazy glow of green-white that surrounded living things in his path. His thoughts moved past the ghostly images, disturbing them as little as possible while using them to augment his abilities. He was careful never to draw too much from any one source, including Kevyn, intimately aware of how easy it would be to permanently disrupt the balance between the delicate energies.
Laurien was neither surprised nor alarmed by his contact, his replies as terse as Rhys' and as devoid of emotion.
It disturbs me that there is no sign of Raida, Laurien said. We are not the only ones planning a trap. I'm calling the patrols in, including yours. We can have the Web at full strength in two days. It's time the rest of the Keeps were involved in our efforts. We will not underestimate Lorisa again.
We may not get another chance. Call in the patrols, but we won't be returning. Not yet. If nothing else, we can divert her attention while Ravon prepares.
This is not an exercise in tactics, Rhys. If Lorisa is able to deceive us about the location of our own patrols, there won't be much you can do to keep her from our gates.
We may be able to do more than you think. We can also warn you. Our original reasoning still holds, Laurien. I don't intend to meet her head on, if that's your concern. I plan to nip at her heels and see just where her strength is. She may have diverted or taken Raida's patrol, but she can't be doing it alone. We need to know who and what allies she has. No matter what she did to Rhema or to Damyn, she can't be controlling all of Raida's patrol and if they're dead, you can bet it was at the hands of mundane, not sorcerous, forces.
Are you willing to gamble with the lives of your patrol?
I didn't set the stakes; my mother did.
What you intend on buying isn't worth the lives it may cost. I want you back by dusk tomorrow.
You can't enforce that demand, Laurien. I'm asking you not to try. You said yourself, our choices will be very limited if my mother reaches Ravon's gates. Let us give you time for those choices.
Short of sending the other patrols after you, there isn't much I can do. But I won't give my consent, Rhys. If you succeed, I'll gladly admit I was wrong. But if you fail, I won't gain any satisfaction. What you want and what is best for our people may not be the same thing. Don't waste lives proving to yourself that you are your mother's match. You may not be pleased with the results, even if you win.
There was no emotional shading to Laurien's comment but the phrasing disturbed Rhys more than he could admit and he broke the contact without answering. Easing Kevyn out of his trance diverted his attention for a moment but Laurien's accusation left him uneasy.
"You don't look pleased," Kevyn commented, stretching stiff muscles.
"The Guardians are certain this area is where they lost contact with Raida. Neither Laurien nor I are pleased with the implications. He's calling the patrols home."
"But not ours?"
"Ours, too. I had every intention of disobeying him."
"But you don't now?" Kevyn asked. "I thought that decision was already made."
"So did I. He made a good argument. If Lorisa can mask or fake contact from our own people, it may be arrogance to think we can have any affect on her plans at all."
Kevyn ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head. When he looked up again there was anger in his expression. "Arrogance would be to think that we can stop her if she makes it as far as Ravon. It's arrogance to think we could have any hope of defeating her without knowing her strengths. Rhys," he said earnestly, gripping the older man's forearms. "I know my father thinks you have made this into a personal battle of wills between you and Lorisa. That may be true to some extent. But if it is, you're not alone. Unfortunate as it may be, I know what happened at Rhema. Keeping my father's respect and trust is not worth watching it happen to Ravon. It may be arrogance for me to think that I can prevent it, but I know damn well I won't be able to live with myself if I don't try."
"You do sound like Jael," Rhys said with a humorless smile. "But my doubts are a little closer to home. If any of us is an unwitting allies to Lorisa, I'd rather find out here than within Ravon's walls. It will be too late then."
Kevyn drew back, confusion replacing the anger. "Can you really believe that?"
"I don't want to and the Lady knows your father doesn't believe it. But the truth is, Kevyn, I don't know. And I don't know any other way to find out."
"Rhys, you've worked harder and more diligently to protect Ravon than anyone, including my father. How could she possibly exert such a control and us be unaware of it?"
Rhys held his hand up and spoke a single syllable. Kevyn's eyes went unfocused then closed as Rhys lightly touched his forehead. "With the snap of her fingers, kiri," he murmured, aware Kevyn could still hear him. "That's all it might take."
When the controls were released, Kevyn's eyes opened to see Ka slipping below the horizon. Rhys had vanished into the darkness.
To chapter 22
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)