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.
"He left a clear enough trail," Maric said as the camp roused at daybreak. Kevyn swore softly staring north. CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
"Not much reason to cover it," Maygra said. "He's heading for the same place we are, toward Mikayl's blank spot. He just has a few hour's head start."
"He should have waited," Kevyn said, pulling his pack together and slinging it over his mount's back angrily. The animal shied away and he soothed it.
"I suggest we not keep him waiting any longer. Three days, Maric? Any shortcuts we can take to pare that estimate down a bit?"
"The farther up the Graen you go, the rougher the trails get," Kevyn said, forcing calm into his voice. "Rhys can make it faster alone. With twenty of us," he swept his arm out to indicate the Watch breaking camp. "We'll be lucky if it only takes three days."
"So which is more important to you, First? Catching up with Rhys or all of us arriving at the same time?" Maygra asked.
"Split the patrol up?"
"Maric is your second. You decide. I'm going after your friend."
"That's as idiotic as Rhys going alone."
"Maybe, but if he has any sense left, he won't have pushed too hard during the night and he'll have to rest his mount," she said, tying down her own pack. "We can better his time during the day. Mal can keep an eye out for him and Jael has Voice enough to keep in touch with the rest of the patrol," she added, mounting. Jael and Mikayl scrambled to do the same.
"This isn't working out like we planned, Maygra. What set Rhys off was Laurien summoning us home," Kevyn said loud enough for the rest of the patrol could hear. "If we go on, we're on our own. Without Rhys there isn't any way to contact Ravon. Anyone who wants to return needs to go now."
Twenty-three pairs of eyes stared at Kevyn expectantly. He tried to meet them all, looking for any sign of hesitation. When he met Maric's eyes the older man chuckled.
"You'll not find any takers, Makyeri Gen. Or any surprise that we're on our own. Posted orders or not, we all knew this might be our chance to take the fight to the sorceress. Find the Maen, Kev. We won't be far behind. Just leave us a little bit of Lorisa to chew on if you find her."
"This doesn't sit easy, Maric," Kevyn said softly. "It feels like I'm abandoning command."
"It's no different than a forward scout, First," Maric said in an equally soft voice. "Rhys may be the strength of the Border Watch, but you're its heart. We need both."
Kevyn looked startled until Mikayl handed him the reins of his varin. He bit his lip thoughtfully then mounted, reaching down to grip Maric's shoulder. "We'll make contact at midday, sooner if we find anything."
"We'll be listening, Makyeri. Good hunting."
Kevyn smiled faintly then moved forward to take the lead, Maygra falling in just behind him, letting him set the pace. They moved quickly but steadily, the rest of the patrol fading from sight behind the thick foliage.
"If I pushed too hard, I'm sorry," Maygra said after awhile, drawing up next to him. "Rushing in foolishly has become a bad habit."
"It's contagious," Kevyn replied without smiling. "Drop back a bit, it gets narrow through here," he said, pointing at where the trail began a steep climb upward.
They rode on in silence, the overgrown track making footing treacherous even for their mountain-bred varin. By midday they and their mounts were ready for a rest and Kevyn made them stop at a wider point on the trail where the path they followed switched back on itself.
"I'm going to hold you to your word," he said breaking out trail rations. "Jael contact the patrol. Mikayl, get a Sighting on Rhys if you can," he ordered handing their food. Maygra took hers in silence, ignoring both her brother and Jael when they looked at her for confirmation.
"He's good," Mikayl said after a moment. "He may not have covered his trail, but he's playing hard to See."
"But you found him?" Kevyn asked.
"Yes. He's using something similar to Jael's Shield, but it's not foolproof if you know what to look for."
"Where is he? How far?"
"Three hours. He's moving still, but he's going slowly."
"He must have reached the upper trail then," Kevyn said. "Let me follow."
Mikayl shrugged and touched Kevyn's arm lightly, not familiar with the Border commander's strengths. Maygra reached as well, an internal alarm screaming at her even as Jael yelled sharply.
His concentration broken, Kevyn's Shields shattered like glass. He clutched at Mikayl's arms as the young Rheman's eyes went wide. Maygra was quick enough to stop Jael from entering the link, her fist connecting solidly with his jaw with enough force to stun him but not render him unconscious.
Kevyn dropped to his knees, Mikayl carefully breaking their connection without doing any more damage.
"Shield, Jai, now!" Maygra barked, kneeling beside Kevyn. Ravon's First Sword had gone white, his whole body convulsing as he tried to rid himself of whatever memories had just flooded through him. His trembling stopped suddenly and Maygra held his head gently, waiting for the dry heaving to ease as well.
Jael's passive Shield reasserted itself, although its builder was nearly as white-faced as Kevyn.
"Well, that was a lovely display of stupidity," Maygra said crossly, still rubbing Kevyn's back. "You all right, Mal? Jai?"
"Fine," Mikayl said. "I didn't even think . . . ."
"None of us did," His sister replied, a stunned look on her face.
What happened? Rhys' Voice demanded.
"I'll be dammed," Maygra murmured, then began laughing. "We're all too stupid to meet Lorisa. You have two choices, Rhys, stay where you are or back track and meet us. She choked back another laugh at the expressions on her companion's faces. She tapped her temple. "Guess who just checked in?"
I'm glad you think this is funny, Rhys said angrily. What's happened to Kevyn?
Nothing a little concentration won't fix, she said wryly. If you want to know the rest of it, you'll have to wait for us. I forgot he was there," she added sheepishly. "Get on your feet, Kev. He'll meet us at the high fork. He's not too far past it."
"You could have contacted Rhys any time?" Kevyn asked as she helped him up.
"I guess so. It never occurred to me. I'm not used to having anyone in my head and he wasn't saying much. Jael, did you manage to contact Maric?"
The dark-haired man nodded. "If Rhys stays put, we could all be back together by tonight."
"Good. We may need Maric to baby-sit us until we can think straight, myself included," Maygra said and touched his jaw. "Sorry about that."
Jael moved it gingerly. "Don't be. Your instinct was right even if the method was crude. Kevyn," he went on more solemnly. "Until you can check those memories of mine without thinking, don't split your attention again without warning me."
"Lesson learned," Kevyn said earnestly. "What were those things I saw?" he asked as they mounted.
Jael took a quick glance at the vision Kevyn offered. "Something of Lorisa's. Osra . . . Osra called them vegen. Blind bloodhounds."
"Nasty," Maygra said quietly. "If she sends those against Ravon, there won't be much left. I'm surprised she hasn't already."
"The Web may offer more protection than you realize," Kevyn said thoughtfully. The color had come back to his face, but Maygra noticed his hands were white-knuckled as he clutched the reins. "Gift sensitive, are they?" He commented, carefully examining Jael's thoughts on the creatures. "If that's true, the Web would very likely give them a massive headache. More than their tiny heads could handle."
"I wouldn't want to wager all the lives in Ravon on that assumption," Maygra said shortly. "Mal, give us a check ahead -- especially your blind spot. Kevyn, can you ride?"
"Yes. What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I just don't want to give Rhys a chance to change his mind about waiting," she replied mounting quickly. "He wasn't too forthcoming on what made him take off last night."
"Did you ask?" Kevyn prompted as the four of them moved along the trail.
"No. And I won't. Sometimes it's best to leave things to sort themselves out in time."
"Is this the Maygra I know?" Jael asked raising an eyebrow.
She gave him a sour look. "We all have our own private agendas. Rhys hasn't asked me about mine, so I'll return the courtesy."
"Other than killing Lorisa and rescuing Duran and the children, what do you plan?" Mikayl asked and scowled at her sharp look. "The trail is as it was and I don't have Rhys' diplomacy. What else do you hope to accomplish out here?"
"I want to know why we can find no sign of Raida's patrol," she said after a moment. "It may be the sorceress's doing or misinformation from Ravon. I want to know which."
"From Ravon?" Kevyn said. "You sound as if you think it might be deliberate."
"I don't know what it is, Kevyn. I do know that the feeling that we are being driven toward something grows stronger each day. Unless we have severely underestimated Lorisa, I can't believe she wants a confrontation right now. With your precious Web in it's depleted condition, she should have been on us the moment she realized it wasn't a momentary failure. Tactically, she could have no better opportunity to take Ravon -- if that's her plan. Of course, we're assuming a great deal at every juncture of this expedition."
"Why do I feel as though I've missed something?" Mikayl asked of no one in particular. "I thought the whole idea was to take her by surprise."
"It is. But we're not exactly backed by an overwhelming force. With barely a score of us, the most we could hope to accomplish is a little scouting or maybe the window of opportunity to open and get a clear strike at Lorisa. I know that, so does Rhys, and so did Laurien when he agreed to this patrol."
"Laurien wasn't exactly enthusiastic," Jael observed.
"No. But he did agree. Why now when every other plea for action has gone unheeded?"
"I don't like where this conversation is going," Kevyn said. "My father is a cautious man. He would not authorize this patrol unless he had some degree of faith in its success."
"He called us back, didn't he? A call we ignored. Dammit, Kevyn, think! Use your brain and not your heart. Your folk have no idea how far Lorisa's influence can reach," she said urgently, stopping their progress as she reached for his reins. "Since we arrived I have heard accusations fly from us to your folk and back again about who is the most likely to be that she-snake's agent. Not if, but who. The suspicion is already there, you just can't bring yourself to face it. And since we're not sure of her abilities or strengths, then no one in Ravon can be free of that suspicion. If you were to set a spy in Lorisa's camp -- if it were possible -- where would you put your eyes?"
Kevyn's jaw was tensed, his eyes flashing in anger, but Maygra would not break their gaze. "I would place them as close to her as possible," he said finally.
"Exactly. On our side we have Laurien and the Elder Council who are representative to the First Council. So where would be the best place to watch their decisions?"
"From within the Elder Council or from someone close to it."
"That narrows the field a bit, doesn't it?"
"But if Rhys is Lorisa's agent, then why would he leave us? Wouldn't she be better served if he stayed close?"
"I don't think it is Rhys."
Kevyn started, jerking the reins from her hands. "My father is not a traitor," he said dangerously.
"Maybe not willingly and maybe not him at all. How many sit on your Council? And if Rhys is not a traitor who is most frequently at odds with him?"
"Fayr," Kevyn breathed. "Oh, the Lady . . . but father didn't tell the Council of our plan."
"It wouldn't take any great effort to figure it out," Jael said softly. "Rhys' intentions have been obvious since I met him, as have Maygra's. And even if Laurien didn't tell Fayr of our plans, he knows what our combined skills can do -- Rhys' included."
"We have to warn Laurien."
"Of what? We have only suspicions and no proof. Even confronting Fayr might not produce results, if it is Fayr," Maygra said. "You keep looking for the obvious because that has been Lorisa's tactic so far. Her assault on Rhema was obvious because she needed no subtlety, only stealth. You assume that because she has not assaulted Ravon directly that she is not prepared to, but if she works from within, she has no need."
"You think we are walking into a trap."
Maygra smiled coldly, an unpleasant sneer in her features. "I think the trap has already been sprung. Raida's patrol was the bait."
"But what has she gained?" Mikayl asked. "Ravon is still protected, the Web intact."
"She has gained us and her son. For the past year we have thought she pursued us because of the children and Damyn. That may have been her intent at first, but she must have known we would never have let her take Renn or Kiva alive," she said to her brother, then met Kevyn's stare. "From what I've heard of your encounter last winter, she could have killed Rhys then, but she didn't. She wants him alive and us too if she can manage it."
"You still haven't told us why," Mikayl said. "Do you think she can force us to do her will?"
"She can if she holds Ravon and her Web hostage. The Web is connected to all the other Keeps. If Fayr is her agent, how much damage could he do through that connection and what would you and Rhys do to prevent it?"
"Anything," Kevyn said quietly. "Our only other alternative would be to destroy the Web Net -- which would cause at least as much damage. But if she already has access, why not use it?"
Maygra sighed. "Even were her spy able to gain control of the Web, he could not hold it for long, not alone."
"Then what use are we to her?" Kevyn asked. "Rhys won't submit to her, not to save his life."
"But to save yours? Or Laurien's? What price would he pay? I know what she offered Duran," Maygra said grimly. "I have no doubt he took what she offered blindly, without knowing her for what she is. She may not control the Web but she may be able to destroy it."
"Then she would lose her goal as well," Jael said.
"No," Maygra said, her face paling. "We've assumed she wanted the Web for the power it offers -- power only the Kieri can access. She's been denied that access because of the Kieri. If we fall -- as a people -- there's nothing to stop her from building a Web of her own."
"She can't use it!" Kevyn said.
"Why? She's Kieri, or so you say," Jael said. "She was able to destroy Rhema because there was no Web."
"Rhys cannot use his Gift and his sorcery together but he can use each separately. His mother is more adept. Lady below, she is being obvious!" Maygra snarled. "She wants this confrontation because of the outcome. Without the Web she will take each Keep as she did Rhema. She told me so the other night and I was too busy trying to hurt her to pay attention. If we fail, and we will, Laurien will take down the Web. She'll use us to delay him, to trick him into thinking it's the Web she wants. Once she has Ravon she'll take each of the Keeps in turn until she has what she needs to build her own and enough prisoners to experiment with accessing the Iimarin."
"That's a pretty long jump, Mag," Jael said cautioning her. "What makes you so certain?"
"I'm not, but I am certain our presence on this bloody grae will come as no surprise to her."
"We should go back," Kevyn said, "Or at least warn my father. He told Rhys they could have the Web restored in two days."
"We need Rhys for that," Maygra said and reached out along the link. It's a trap within a trap, Maen, she said urgently. And we damn well nearly walked right into it, she added, relaying the discussion.
Rhys's response was a burst of angry skepticism that made Maygra wince. It doesn't matter if you agree with me or not, she snapped. We're already here, so what harm will come of restoring the Web now?
You're assuming she doesn't already have a way in, Rhys replied agitatedly. If Fayr is available to her, she could still take the Web.
But for how long? Especially if Laurien is watching for her? Dammit, Rhys, I want her as badly as you do, and let that desire cloud my judgment because I don't have the responsibility of Ravon on my shoulders. Laurien assented to this because he and you believe I have some sort of resistance to Lorisa and don't try to deny it. But it's a slim hope to lay the lives of all our people on.
He doesn't lay much hope in it. His hope is that you will be ruthless enough not to let her take prisoners if we fail, Rhys returned coldly. He has been against this from the start -- still is as of last night,
But he agreed!
Only because he sees no other options open to us. Without knowing at least some of her strengths and weaknesses, he can't see Ravon holding out much longer. Nor can I.
Holding out against what? She's made no assault against Ravon. Only against the patrols already outside the Webs influence. Maiden's Wings, Rhys! She destroyed Rhema for two reasons -- one to get the children who might be able to gain her access to the iimarin. The second was far more sure, to prove to your folk that the Kieri are no match for her. We brought the message! It's what you feared -- we have been her allies, but she didn't need to influence our minds or souls to wreak havoc. She had only to be sure we reached Ravon.
The silence that greeted her made her heart pound and she gripped Mikayl's arm fiercely when he touched her arm in concern.
I'll tell Laurien. Maybe he'll get some satisfaction after all. Stay where you are. I'll find you.
She sighed and released Mikayl's arm, smiling apologetically. "Tell Maric to wait for us where he is, Jai. Mikayl, scout our trail. We're going back."
"I was right in thinking you would be a good commander," Kevyn said quietly as the two men undertook their tasks.
"I'm not trying to usurp your command, Kevyn," Maygra said awkwardly.
He smiled faintly. "You should be in command. Whether Lorisa drove you to our doors or not, she has a better adversary than I think she realizes. I've never seen anyone admit to being wrong so decisively."
Maygra chuckled. "Decisively, but not gracefully. I don't like being bested and I don't believe in fighting when nothing's to be gained. I still want my chance at her, Kevyn, but I want it on my terms."
It's done. Laurien was . . . surprised, Rhys spoke softly, his Voice weary. I'll be with you shortly.
"They're less than an hour behind us," Jael reported. "But Maric says there's a switchback trail not far from us. He'll meet us there."
"I know which one he means," Kevyn said. "We can ride ahead and meet Rhys there."
Lightly, Maygra touched Mikayl's arm. "Anything?"
He shook his head. "Clear. What about Raida?"
"If they're still alive, we can use the Web to search for them when it's restored," Kevyn said grimly. "I get the impression we won't find anything."
"I'm sorry, Kevyn," Mikayl said. "I wish I could find some trace of them."
"It's not your fault, Mikayl. It isn't the first patrol we've lost to Lorisa. I can only hope it's the last," the Border Commander said and nudged his mount forward.
The trail widened again less than a half hour's ride later, expanding into an open space shaped like a basin. Bare stone edged the high sides, fading away into underbrush as the trail branched up and down.
"There was a rock slide here a few years ago. The rains keep the area clear -- nothing can gain a toe hold," Kevyn said dismounting. "The down side is a gully, really. Steep and a little tricky, but it dumps onto the main trail about an hour below."
"Not a good place to be caught without cover," Maygra commented, remaining on her beast. Except where the trails met, the sides of the basin were too steep to climb, the sheer rock climbing upward until the trees took over again.
Rhys arrived first, his mount picking its way carefully among the loose rock. He looked haggard and his varin was sweat dampened. When he dismounted, Jael offered to walk the animal and Rhys did not protest, sitting beside Kevyn and accepting water and food.
Kevyn said nothing, watching the lower trail with hawkish interest until Rhys Spoke silently. I'm sorry, Kevyn, for last night. I thought I had caused enough harm.
Harm to who? Kevyn responded slowly. "It's bad enough you don't trust yourself, Rhys," Kevyn said and touched his arm lightly. "If you can't trust your own judgment, at least put some faith in those that do."
"Now it's Maygra's influence that's showing," Rhys said dryly.
Kevyn shrugged. "Maybe. I wish I was as sure of myself as she is."
"It's an illusion, Kevyn," Maygra said overhearing the comment. "A useful one, but an illusion nonetheless. The only thing I'm sure of is that we are walking into Lorisa's trap as surely as she is walking into ours. It's anybody's guess whose is better."
"We wait then?" Mikayl asked.
"Until the rest of the patrol catches up, yes," Kevyn said. "It shouldn't be too long. I'm going to check along the high trial."
"I'll come with you," Mikayl said, remounting, following Kevyn's lead along the steep path. They disappeared from sight quickly and Maygra chewed on her lower lip nervously, removing her ax from its case and checking the edges.
"Something bothering you?" Jael queried quietly, scanning the trail behind them.
"Yes and no. No premonition -- at least I don't think it is. How's your strength?"
"I can lift my own weight," he said with a faint smile. "But that's not what you want is it?"
"No. Do you think you could Shield the whole patrol long enough for us to get back to Ravon?"
Jael drew a deep breath, his eyes worried. "That's a lot of people and the trails not wide enough to ride close together. I don't know, Mag. I could probably manage for awhile, but I'll be pretty worthless at the end of it."
"You kept your Shield up all the way across Irrekas," Rhys said, raising an eyebrow.
Jael paled. "I had some help and it was a tight Shield, Rhys. Usually less than the length of a man across. With twenty of us strung along a trail -- I can't promise it would be as effective. Now, a small rear-guard I could probably manage."
"Hang on to that thought," Maygra said turning her head at the sound of hoofbeats.
Kevyn and Mikayl came pelting back along the trail at a dangerous pace. Mikayl's mount sliding on the loose ground enough to dismount him. Maygra ran to him, pulling him to his feet in alarm, but her brother was talking quickly.
"My Void's gone. There's nothing but rock and underbrush."
"Dammit! You couldn't find it again? There's nothing moving?" Maygra asked.
"No. Nothing but there's a large disturbance along the trail below us -- moving this way. I can't get a clear sighting. It . . . changes."
"Not Maric?" Rhys demanded.
"No. I found them. They're less than a quarter hour from us."
"Maiden's Wing's how did she get in front of us!" Jael asked.
"She's probably been there all along, hoping our search for Raida or her would draw us further away from Ravon," Kevyn said grimly.
"But why come after us?" Mikayl asked. "If it's Ravon she wants?"
"Because she's got a listening post in Ravon," Rhys said. "She may already know the other patrols have been recalled and that the Web will be gaining strength rapidly," he turned suddenly and mounted Jael's varin. Maygra grabbed at the reins.
"Let me go, Rheman," Rhys said dangerously, his eyes narrowed.
"What do you think you can do, alone?"
"Delay her."
"With what? Sorcery? She won't want to go back empty handed, Rhys. You'd be a fair consolation prize."
"If I intended to let myself be captured," Rhys said.
"Rhys, no!" Kevyn snapped, adding his strength to Maygra's. "There are other lives at stake and other considerations. If we lose you, we won't have any way to warn Ravon."
"Jael's Voice is strong enough, once you get closer."
"If we get closer," Maygra said. "But it won't be strong enough if he has to Shield as well."
"Rider coming, from below," Mikayl warned, pulling his bow from his saddle and sighting along the washed out trail.
"Alone?" Kevyn asked.
Mikayl shook his head. "I don't know -- it looks like one but there's so much distortion around him I can't be sure of what I see."
Maygra and Kevyn retained their grips on Rhys' mount, the five them waiting tensely as the rider came into view. A little moan of despair escaped Maygra as she recognized the fair-haired man.
"I'm a messenger only," Duran said quietly, reining in at the base of the wash. "For Shadrai. Keep your aim steady, Mal, for if you have any mercy in you at all, you'll kill me when I've delivered her message."
"Duran, how much control does she have of you?" Jael asked, taking a few steps forward.
The youth smiled grimly. "Total. She hears every word I'm saying, and your words as well. She knows your patrol is close by, and that Ravon has been warned. She sent me to offer you a bargain."
"What kind of bargain?" Rhys asked.
"She'll release Tysa and Nian in exchange for you and Maygra."
"Me?" Maygra said. "What use could she possibly think I could be?"
"She wants to know how you disrupt her spells," Duran said. "It's the only chance the children have, Maygra. She has them at the front of her force -- their Gifts hers to command. They won't last long if this comes to a fight. Either your folk will have to kill them, or she'll use up what little strength they have left."
"You said you're hers to control," Rhys said. "Why should we believe you? The children could be dead already."
"I don't expect you to believe me, nor does Shadrai. But there's a chance that I'm telling the truth."
"And what of you, Duran? What do you get?" Jael asked.
"The tip of Mal's arrow, if I'm lucky," Duran said with a sob. Maygra released Rhys' reins and took a step forward but Duran backed away. "Don't, Commander. You saved my life once, but there's no rescue this time. Even if you could capture me, without Shadrai, I'm as paralyzed and helpless as I was in Rhema. Death is my brightest hope, preferably at the hands of a friend, but I'm not sure I want to add another debt to my soul. Damyn's pain was enough."
"Damyn is alive and healing, Duran," Maygra said. "And you owe him no debt -- he'd tell you that himself if he could."
"He probably would," Duran said, his eyes tearing. "But I drew him into Shadrai's reach. What should have been a mercy stroke for turned him into her tool."
"She has no control over him now," Maygra said.
"You're wrong," Duran said. "He opened the door for her at Ravon," He gasped, his face going ashen as he slumped over his mount's neck. "A warning. I'm running out of time for your answer."
Maygra swallowed, her eyes meeting Duran's evenly. "The answer is no," she said and pulled Mikayl's bow down. "No to both requests. Lorisa...Shadrai -- that witch -- will have to fight for everything she wants."
"Maygra, you have no right to decide for me," Rhys said, leaning down to grip her shoulder.
"Yes, I have. These are my people, my kin," she snapped. "Duran is one of my Guardsmen still. Tysa and Nian, they took their child's Oaths in Rhema, acknowledging the Goddess's right to their lives."
"Maygra, there's a chance for them," Duran said.
"Is that your opinion, Duran, or Lorisa's? If she wants to bargain, she'll have to release them to me first. I won't deal in the unknown."
"You're more stubborn than I thought," Duran said, straightening up in his saddle, his voice oddly timbered. "No sentiment at all to cloud your judgment, is there, Maygra of Rhema? Very well, you want your brats, you shall have them, at the end of a spear!" Duran snarled and whirled his mount quickly, heading back down the trail.
Maygra stared after him, her cheeks wet and her mouth set in a thin line. She said nothing as she remounted, jerking the reins sharply and heading slowly down the trail.
"What are you doing?" Kevyn demanded.
"Forcing this confrontation. If it's me and Rhys she wants, then she'll have to fight -- for me at least."
"Wait for the patrol," Jael cautioned.
"Tell the bloody patrol to hurry," Rhys said, drawing abreast of Maygra. Kevyn ran ahead of them, blocking the trail and grabbing the reins of both mounts. "It's up to you, Kev," Rhys said. "They are your Watch to command. I won't override your decision, regardless of what it is, but I have a long overdue reunion with my mother."
"We'll be behind you," Kevyn said. "All I ask is that you give me a few minutes. Lorisa is not the only one who can play hide the prize. Please, Rhys, Maygra, let Jael go with a half dozen of the patrol and try to flank her. Maric can find his way down to the lower trail."
"And then what?" Maygra asked, her green eyes glittering.
"Mikayl, how far away is Lorisa?"
"Assuming my Sight is worth anything, less than half an hour."
"If we wait much longer she'll catch us here," Jael said, staring up at the steep walls.
Kevyn smiled and Maygra chuckled softly. "All the better," Kevyn said. "Ride back, Jai. Have Maric work his way down the slope behind them. She may be blocking our way home, but we are also keeping her from the trail to Morvan. She has a week's ride east to avoid us if she can't take this trail."
"We're only guessing that Lorisa is with the war party," Jael said, mounting Rhys' varin. "For all we know, she could be safely in Morvan."
"No, she's here," Rhys said confidently. "She wouldn't have offered that outrageous bargain if she weren't. It's not likely her warriors could hold me long. Not alive anyway. I may not be her match, but I'm more than a match for them."
"Arrogance," Maygra said without acid. "I agree. Move out, Jai. The upper trail, Kev?"
Ravon's First Sword nodded and grabbed his own mount, leading it up the trail while the others followed. The rest of his patrol he ranged along the upper trail as well when they arrived, minus Jael and Maric and four others. Using the back trail they picketed half their mounts, the other half of the patrol remaining mounted and ranging along the upper trail, completely hidden from the now deserted basin.
"She'll know we're up here," Rhys whispered.
"Hopefully she'll be expecting it and the others below," Kevyn replied softly. "Jael and Maric have the worst of it. If she Sights them, they won't stand a chance."
"Then let's see what I can do to better their odds," Rhys said, crawling to the edge of the trail so he could see the basin below. Kevyn followed, grabbing at his ankle.
"Don't be a fool!" He hissed.
"Trust me in this, Kev. I just want to make sure that she has something at her rear to look at other than our surprise," he said and gripped his friend's arm. "No unnecessary risks, kiri, I promise."
Kevyn looked doubtful but released him, watching anxiously as Rhys disappeared among the rocks.
Maygra's jaw twitched as they waited, the annoying tic increasing when they heard the unmistakable sound of riders entering the basin. She touched Mikayl's arms lightly and her brother nodded, his eyes going vacant as he Sighted beyond the ledge. His voice was strained as he whispered.
"Three score. Fewer than I thought, more than I like. There's twenty riding fore-guard, half mounted. Duran . . . Duran and the children are in the center with . . . it has to be Lorisa, flanked by a dozen. She's not taking any chances. The rest are bring up the rear, most on foot with wagons . . . three of them and . . . aaagh," Mikayl's scream was cut off as Maygra covered his mouth with her hand. Her brother pressed his hands to his eyes, but clamped his jaw shut. Maygra pulled him against her, meeting Kevyn's eyes over his head.
I need your help, Rhys said suddenly and it was Maygra's turn to gasp as Rhys rifled through her memories coming up with an image that made her shudder. Kevyn looked startled as well, but signaled his patrol to move.
A screech overhead caught all their attentions and Maygra swore as the familiar nightmare shape swooped low. She ducked instinctively, flinging herself over Mikayl.
Mikayl pushed against her and she released him as shouts came from below. Mikayl's eyes were reddened and filled, but they focused on her face and she fought back a sigh of relief, touching his cheek before joining Kevyn on the edge of the basin. Another screech from above dragged her eyes upward and she watched the vegen swoop down over the rear of Lorisa's caravan, the last of the wagon's bursting into flame as the creature targeted its prey. The image wavered, shifting slightly before disappearing altogether. A few seconds later it reappeared, tracking the same path.
"What's made it turn against her?" Maygra asked. "Can Rhys control those creatures?"
"These ones he can," Kevyn said, "They're not real -- it's a trick."
"But the fire!"
"Is real enough. That is one of Rhys' skills. Very helpful in a wet camp," Kevyn replied. "Where is he?"
Maygra stared at the confusion below, tracking the vegen as it passed below, suddenly aware that she could see through the creature. "There," she pointed, and Kevyn saw his friend as well, crouched well out of sight just below them.
Now! Rhys' command cracked through both their minds and Kevyn pushed himself away, signaling the patrol to mount and move.
Very nasty creatures, Rhys murmured in Maygra's mind as she mounted.
Oh, I think they're cute, when they're fighting for us, she returned. Half her men are running away.
Good, Rhys said, his Voice strained. Hopefully, they won't look back, because my mother just realized what and who they are. She's looking for me, kira'ki'ta. This is your best chance . . . . his Voice vanished with a suddenness that made Maygra's blood run cold. She tried to find him, but only her own thoughts echoed in her head. "Not alone," she moaned, a little seed of fear sprouting, then felt Mikayl press against her. She could not understand what he Said, but Felt him nonetheless. With an oath, she urged her mount forward, following the Watch down the trail, her ax ready and Mikayl just behind her. She pulled up just as the battle was joined, cutting sharply left, under the ledge, trying to bypass the fight and get to the tightly defended central group. She was almost clear, Mikayl still behind her when she was met by a mounted Hai'Karin.
"Shadrai wants you alive, if possible," the raider snapped and rushed her.
"To bad she didn't offer you the same grace," Maygra snarled, letting out a cry that echoed against the stone. She and Mikayl kept their mounts close together, Mikayl abandoning his bow for his sword as guarded his sister's flank.
"Maygra, there!" Kevyn screamed from behind her, almost losing his grip on his mount. Just beyond the battle, a clear space had opened, Lorisa's forces opening a path for the sorceress and her small guard to get through. Spotting her prey so close, Maygra swung at her opponent wildly, the ax catching him on the shoulder. It was not fatal, but the rider fell, and the sharp hooves of her mount finished what her ax had started.
For a brief moment, Lorisa looked up, her silver eyes locking with Maygra's. Maygra met the stare without flinching, but she was surprised at her first clear view of her enemy.
Lorisa looked to be barely more than a child. Long hair, full of curls like her son's, fell across her thin shoulders in a cascade of raven's wing black. Her face was small and delicate, the skin pale and unblemished. As Maygra watched, she dismounted, a graceful petite woman-child, catching the sleeve of her companion's tunic -- a hawk-faced Hai'Karin in captain's colors. The captain glared at Maygra and moved forward as Lorisa slipped behind him, angling toward the rocks at the edge of the basin.
Maygra kept her eyes on Lorisa as the captain and two others ran forward. "He's yours, Mal," she warned and then started as she saw Rhys step out of the rocks in front of his mother. Lorisa stopped, then drew herself up to her full height, looking up at her son, although Maygra got the feeling the sorceress did not feel in the least disadvantaged.
"You're a worthy opponent. You should know the name of the man who will kill you," Mek'Ain said.
"You're not so worthy, and your people talk too much!" Maygra snapped and jerked the reins of her mount sharply, almost forcing the varin to its knees. She let the animal's weight knock Mek'Ain off balance, sliding off its back and rolling free of the tangle of men and animals. She regained her feet with her ax ready, a clear space between her and Lorisa. A glance back brought a grim smile to her face as Mikayl withdrew his sword from the captain's stomach, moving forward and turning to guard her flank once again.
She did not try to analyze the battle Lorisa and Rhys were fighting; there were no weapons drawn nor any sound. Even with Mikayl watching her back she would have only once chance at the sorceress -- now, while the two antagonists were oblivious to the chaos around them.
That's right, Rhys Maen, Maygra murmured to herself. You keep your Kairos-spawned bitch of a parent busy and I'll take care of the rest.
She moved toward the pair, almost reaching striking distance when Kevyn Screamed a warning. Startled at hearing his cry above all others she sought him only to find Ravon's First Sword fighting desperately to reach her.
"Maygra! Don't kill her!" he screamed, barely dodging a sword swing aimed at his head. "She has Rhys! He's lost!"
Not understanding, Maygra turned back to her target, cursing as she realized the tableau had changed. Lorisa was still staring at her son, a faint smile on her lips. The sorceress reached out, turning the dark-haired man around to face the battle. Rhys was still struggling but his expression was a desperate one.
"K'sai," Mikayl gasped, pressing his back to Maygra's. "Jai says Lorisa has tangled her thoughts with Rhys . . . She is using him as she used the children. If you kill her, you'll have to kill him too."
"It may come to that," she murmured her attention once more caught by Kevyn. Jael and his group had already overtaken the guards at the rear, barely noticed by those ahead of them. Jael was moving closer to Kevyn, trying to aid him in fending off Lorisa's protectors. If Lorisa was aware of the danger, she gave no sign. She had her hands on Rhys' shoulders, scanning the battle field as Maygra had done until she also saw Kevyn. Realizing his friend's danger Rhys produced a surge of resistance, his eyes locking with Maygra's.
KILL US BOTH! he commanded, ignoring the pain that shot through both of them at the force of his command. Lorisa swore, staring at Maygra, then sneered as her son's face went lax and vacant. Maygra's stomach lurched in fear as she recognized the blank expression. The same expression she had seen on Tannis a year before, when Lorisa captured the boy.
"Not this time!" She snarled and ran forward before Mikayl could stop her. Whatever Lorisa had expected, it was not the tackle Maygra launched. Maygra took an invisible hit on the shoulder, slowing her momentum but it was not enough for Lorisa to recover immediately. Both women went sprawling. Maygra recovered first, rolling to her feet between Rhys and Lorisa.
The sorceress was equally as quick, coming to her knees, both hands moving in a pattern before her opponent. Maygra felt the strength leaving her limbs before Lorisa had completed her spell. With a snarl, she jammed the ax into the ground, head first, using the haft to bear her weight.
"I see you treat your own children no better than you treat the children of others. It's nice to know you're consistent," she gasped, feeling the spell falter.
Lorisa said nothing, only jerked the spell tighter, like a noose. Maygra staggered but held her ground, gaining some satisfaction from the surprise on her enemy's face.
"You're too far from your source, Lorisa. And Ravon's Web is closed to you," Maygra taunted. The spell draining her strength seemed to increase then withdraw as if uncertain how to grab onto her. Maygra planted her feet, pulling the ax up in front of her. She was covered in sweat, her weapon weighing five times its normal weight, but she bore it. Lorisa's spell was working around her, unable to get as close as the sorceress desired. Eyes narrowed, Lorisa murmured something, using her right hand to command a new spell. The old one fell away but before Maygra could react, she was grabbed from behind.
Rhys had grabbed either end of the ax, pulling it upward, the handle pressing against Maygra's neck. Maygra dropped her own hands, stepping backward to throw the Maen off balance. Rhys may have been trained to fight but Lorisa was not so familiar with close combat. Her control over Rhys was a fraction of a second off of Maygra's reaction time. It was all Maygra needed to drive her left elbow into Rhys' stomach, twisting as she did so to shove the flat edge of her ax into his forehead. He staggered, losing his grip on her and the weapon, unable to recover as she drove the handle into his jaw. He dropped, unconscious before he hit the ground.
Maygra staggered as well, another of Lorisa's spells muddling her vision and her thoughts. She fought her way forward, shrugging off the spell slowly but steadily. Lorisa was dismayed as Maygra continued to advance. With a snarl, she jerked a bow and arrow free from the mount behind her, drawing the arrow expertly and aiming it.
The arrow flew toward Maygra, then past her as it subtly altered course, the familiar interference of Jael's Shield settling around Maygra. The Shield held only for a moment, just long enough to deflect the barb. It was enough time for Lorisa to mount the varin, pulling the beast around toward the clear escape route of the trail above. Cursing, Maygra sprinted forward, leaping at the woman. All she caught was the edge of the saddle blanket and she held onto that grimly. Lorisa struck out with her foot, connecting painfully with Maygra's shoulder and the ax fell to the ground. Grasping the sorceress's arm, Maygra was almost able to dislodge her only to lose her grip as Lorisa scored her across the chest with a dagger. Her eyes glowing with triumph, Lorisa tried for a second, more fatal strike, screaming as Maygra intercepted the blow and drove the knife deep into the sorceress's thigh.
The blow that finally sent Maygra sprawling had nothing physical behind it and she could not be sure that Lorisa actually had any control over her reaction. Maygra struggled to her feet, grabbing her ax and wincing as her right ankle refused to take her weight. White-faced and glaring, Lorisa wheeled her mount toward her opponent, planning to trample her. She pulled up as if she had encountered a wall, frustration and pain marring her face as Jael's Shield once more thwarted her. With one last glare at Maygra she kicked her beast, urging it past Maygra and up the trail.
Maygra could not follow her. Jael came to her aid, putting his shoulder under hers, Kevyn and Mikayl behind them. Alerted by Lorisa's silent command, her warriors were withdrawing, covering her escape. Lorisa paused, waiting for her men to gather and cover her flank only to find her son between her and her protectors, the forgotten bow in his hands.
"You should not be so hasty, my son," she snapped, flexing the fingers of her right hand. "You never know what you might lose." Her fingers went taut and Rhys turned, the arrow he had meant for his mother aimed at the woman behind him.
Maygra shoved Jael out of the way, falling to the ground heavily as the arrow flew by her ear. Rhys and Jael cried out simultaneously as Lorisa urged her mount on, a small satisfied smile on her face. Twisting on her side Maygra blanched as Mikayl eased Kevyn to the ground, the shaft protruding from his neck.
"Healer!" Maygra screamed at the top of her lungs, remembering too late that Ravon did not send its Healers into the field. She and Jael reached Kevyn at the same time, Jael grabbing for the shaft to pull it free. Maygra knocked his hand away.
"Leave it unless you want him to bleed to death," she snapped. "He's still alive. Jai, make sure Rhys is secure and give the order not to pursue," she said the last harshly, hating the command. She nudged him again when he did not immediately respond. "Do it before we lose anyone else. I'll take care of Kevyn. Find Maric if he's alive and get me a count, Mal," she urged her brother. Mikayl reacted more quickly, pulling Jael along with him as they sought Kevyn's second.
YOU SHOULD LEARN TO PRESS YOUR ADVANTAGE, Lorisa's voice ripped through Maygra's mind, sending her sprawling into her brother's arms. I wish I could make this last, but you've annoyed me tremendously. Lorisa's tone was contemptuous. You have my son to thank for showing me this path into your mind, you Giftless freak. The sorceress snarled, wrenching Maygra's focus back to her Voice. Maygra tried to close the link, but Lorisa thwarted her, deftly warding off Maygra's clumsy attempts at control.
Suddenly sight and sound were lost to her. Maygra recoiled, blindly reaching for Mikayl's hand but even her sense of touch failed her. Panic overwhelmed her as she realized she could no longer feel her own limbs or hear her heartbeat.
NO! NOT ALONE!!
The scream came from Maygra and Rhys' throats simultaneously, a third voice echoing close by. Maygra's hearing returned as suddenly as it had gone and her sight, but it was not the battle engaged basin she saw nor Lorisa, but a face as familiar as it was alien, a touch on her cheek as cold as it was comforting.
Not alone, kira'sai, the strange, green-eyed woman said.
"No," Maygra whimpered as she recognized the mirror of her own features on a body that was no longer mortal.
I made a promise, little sister, The Not-Maia form said. I will not break it.
M . . . Maia, what have you done?
I serve the Lady and the Maiden, but in this, I serve you as well. Come with me, sister, and you will not be alone. Quickly, there are others of our folk I must tend.
"N . . . no . . . no . . . NO!" Maygra screamed and choked on a sob as her once-sister recoiled from her.
NOT ALONE!a new voice broke in and the Maia-creature turned, her silver wings spreading like a protective shield over her sister.
Not alone, Dark One, Rhys' voice trembled, near to breaking, but Maygra clung to the link like a drowning woman.
You are not for me, nor the she-snake that birthed you. The winged creature hissed, it's resemblance to Maia melting away. Cold silver eyes replaced the green, and the silver wings darkened to black.
You have come too soon, Rhys said humbly.
Too soon or not at all! the creature wailed. If she comes now, I can fulfill my promise! If she waits, neither I or my mistress will come at all, and she will be alone.
Not as long as I draw breath, I swear, Maiden's Child.
Your Oath means nothing . . . less than the strength it cost you to speak it. Maygra, kira'sai, let me do this for you at least, the creature whispered, the features changing back again, the face as sorrow filled as Maygra remembered.
There was no touch between them, but the creature bowed her head sadly. Other deaths call me, kira. I must go. I may not be allowed to come again. She turned on Rhys. Mind your Oaths, mortal. I will not forget you, she hissed and was gone, leaving Maygra once more in a silent darkness.
No, Rhys' voice was faint and weary, fading as something else enveloped Maygra. "Ease off, Jael," Rhys said. "She's gone."
"I can track her, Rhys," Mikayl's voice spoke, close to her ear.
"You can't track an immortal," Maygra murmured and opened her eyes.
"Lady Below," Mikayl said and hugged her. "Lorisa's not immortal. She's lost half her force and she's wounded."
"And we've wounded of our own," Rhys said sharply but his eyes met and held Maygra's. "I need to get a message to Ravon. They're going to have to meet us halfway."
Maygra pried herself from Mikayl's possessive grip, patting his arm mindlessly. "Kevyn?"
"Alive still," Maric said. He had his hand pressed against Kevyn's throat as Jael secured the arrow with a rough bandage. "Muscle deep and missed the bloodline, but it needs a Healer's touch to remove and he best keep still."
"That I can arrange," Rhys said touching Kevyn's forehead lightly. Maygra stared, but he looked away, a flush spreading over his cheeks. Mikayl helped her to her feet, taking her weight across his shoulders.
"It's a sprain only, Mal," she said absently.
"I'm not worried about your leg," he said softly. "What happened? You were -- gone," he said, confusion in his green eyes. She laid a thumb along the edge of his face, staring at those green eyes.
"A parting shot from Lorisa, Mal. Scrambled my senses -- and yours too, no doubt. It's all right."
He watched her worriedly but she shook her head. "Don't press me now, kiri."
He left her reluctantly and she fought against the panic that rose within her.
You're not alone, Maygra, Rhys Said quietly. She closed her eyes, holding back tears of relief and fear. I meant what I said.
Why did Lorisa leave? She had me.
She made you believe she did. It's not the same.
It feels the same. I was alone, Goddess help me, Rhys. I wanted to take the Dark Child's offer.
But you didn't. It's not in you to give up so easily. All Lorisa did was play on your fear. With practice, you can overcome that fear.
I can't. Without your help . . .
How do you think I knew? You called me, Maygra. Called me with enough force to snap me out of Lorisa's control. That's why she released you, you'd already beaten her.
"But I didn't call you," she said and opened her eyes to find Rhys in front of her.
"I'm not sure you knew you had," he said and touched her face lightly, not dropping his hand when she flinched. "She had me at her mercy. I had no will, no strength left to fight her and when Kevyn . . . ."
She caught his hand in hers. "Her will, not yours, Rhys. She wanted to hurt you -- to cause you pain. And she has. Add it to the debt she owes," she said and shuddered as Rhys remained silent.
"You won't be alone, Maygra of Rhema, we need you to settle that debt," he said, echoing his words with his Voice. "I have to contact Ravon."
Maygra nodded then leaned forward to kiss his cheek. He looked startled then grinned when she raised an eyebrow. Maric approached them, a gash along one cheek and a bloodied nose but he wore a grim smile.
"Of those of hers that stayed, we took our share," he said, glancing worriedly at Kevyn.
"He'll be all right," Rhys said. "How many did we lose?"
"Seven, and six other wounded besides the Makyeri," Maric replied.
"Can we salvage one of Lorisa's wagons for the wounded?" Maygra asked.
"Asa. The Maen singed them all, but there's one sturdy enough. I've four of the Watch ready to back-trail the sorceress."
Rhys shook his head. "Let her go, Maric. She can only go home or turn back and the Web can tell us that much. I'll let Laurien know we've no one following her."
"I wouldn't trust the Web that far," Maygra said, shifting her weight. "I don't know how much strength she has left, but if it's enough to distort Mal's Sight, it may be enough to do the same for the Web. Jael and Mikayl could go with them and track only, a day or so maybe."
"If she makes the High Pass it's unlikely she'll turn back," Rhys agreed. "All right. See to the wounded and set your patrol, Maric. Report back to Maygra for orders."
Maric bobbed his head quickly, leaving Maygra and Rhys alone.
"Report to me?"
Rhys nodded, running a bloodied hand through his dark hair. "I'm spent, Maygra. I can get a brief message to Laurien, but I won't be good for much after that. Even were Kevyn conscious, I wouldn't be too sure of his judgment. You have the experience."
"Maric knows the your Watch better than I do."
"And will serve as your Second. I'm not offering you a choice, Makyera," he said, his voice hardening. "You're still under my command and I'm giving that command over temporarily. Just get us back to Ravon."
"As you will, Maen," she said stiffly.
Rhys turned away from her quickly, hiding the smile that came unbidden to his lips. He found Maric, speaking quietly to the man before finding a quiet place to send his message. He kept it short, fighting off the wave of fatigue and nausea that overcame him. When he was done, he found Maric at his back supporting him anxiously.
"That's it, Maen," the older man said soothingly.
"Ravon is sending a patrol. It'll take a day or more. . . ," Rhys said fighting a wave of dizziness.
"You've done enough. Rest quiet, lad," Maric said.
Rhys nodded and tried to get to his feet. His will could not overrule his body or mind and vision left him only a fraction of second before consciousness. Maric's startled yelp caught Maygra's attention and she limped over to him as the older man eased Rhys to the ground.
"He's all right, Masyra," Maric said signaling two of the Watch to carry the Maen to the wagon. "It will take a couple of days for the patrol from Ravon to reach us but we should be all right if we take the trail slow."
Maygra nodded absently, a worried frown on her face as Rhys was settled onto the wagon with the wounded.
"I've seen him at his limit before. More often than I'd like in the last few months," Maric said quietly, claiming a bandage from his pack and motioning Maygra to sit down so he could wrap her ankle. "He and Kevyn are two sides to the same seal -- pushing themselves too far when less among more would be better."
Maygra chuckled. "I think that's the first time I've heard you speak out against anyone, Maric."
The older man grinned. "Those two are as much mine as Makyer-Maen Laurien's. Trained both to sword when they were boys."
A woman of Maric's age approached them, followed by another woman and four men, the last of the group Jael and Mikayl.
"We're ready, Masyra, Maric," she said. Her dark hair was brushed with silver and she was wiry and tall, bruised but otherwise unhurt from the battle.
"This is Vaena, Maygra," Maric said. "Senior Guard. She'll lead the patrol."
"Well enough, Vaena," Maygra said, standing up with Maric's assistance. "You understand track and trail?"
"Track 'em quiet. Mark the trail and leave reports. No confrontation."
"Track 'em quiet and distant, Second," Maygra said with a thin smile. "We just want to make sure she goes home. How far to the High Pass, Maric?"
"Three days. Five if you travel slow."
"No more than five then, Vaena. If you're not back to Ravon in ten, we'll have to send someone after you."
"I understand, Masyra."
"Good. Use Mikayl and Jael. That's why I'm sending them. Who's your Voice?"
"Thenic and I've some Sight of my own," Vaena replied, indicating the gray-haired man next to her.
"My range is about a day's travel -- tight. But I've more if there's a Guardian available," Thenic said.
"Better. Jael's Shield is stronger than his Voice. I'll let you all get acquainted on the trail," Maygra said and offered her hand to Vaena. The other woman took it without hesitation, clasping Maygra's forearm firmly. "Good hunting, Vaena."
Vaena gave her a quick smile and turned back to the patrol, ordering them to mount. Maygra paused between Mikayl and Jael, clasping hands with both.
"Be careful. Just make sure the witch is gone, then come back. Keep them sharp, Mal. Don't get caught off guard," she said softly, hugging him tightly before turning to Jael. The older man's expression was carefully controlled. "Speak it now, Jai," she said quietly.
"I don't like this," he murmured, his eyes moving to where four of the Watch were carefully lifting Kevyn into the salvaged wagon. "Not for what I know needs to be done, but this is dangerous for Kev."
Maygra swore softly. "I didn't even think of that. Lady be damned! They need you, Jael. We know the sorceress can't see through your Shield and if she has other tricks up her sleeve, we need to know."
"Without Rhys to help him and injured as he is, this might be more than he can survive," Jael said.
"What do you suggest? I can't balance his life against all of Ravon, Jael."
"It's not your decision."
She sighed. "Yes, it is. Rhys gave me command. I don't like it, but he didn't give me much choice and I can't provide for the patrol what you can. Hopefully, there will be Healers meeting us. They'll have to handle Kevyn's memory problem."
Jael pulled away from her touch. "What's one more life, eh? Your orders, Makyera Gen," he said stiffly.
Maygra returned his gaze, tears burning behind her eyes, but Jael's cold expression did not change.
After a moment she forced the hurt away, her own expression going stolid. "My orders, Second," she said evenly and turned, walking awkwardly toward the wagon. Her expression remained hard when she heard the click of varin hooves against the stone, echoing hollowly in the basin.
"We can move out now, Masyra," Maric said. "You want to ride in the wagon or take a mount?"
"I'll take a mount," she said calmly. "Have someone keep a close eye on Kevyn, Maric."
"Janda's our field surgeon -- she's riding with the wounded."
"Just have her keep an eye on him. If he gets restless, I want to know. How long before Rhys recovers?"
"A day, maybe less. He's fair spent. Something wrong, Masyra?"
"Everything's gone wrong, or did you think we won today?" she said icily, ignoring the startled look in her Second's face as she mounted. "Let's move," she ordered and pushed toward the front of the ragged patrol.
Maric issued the order, watching Maygra's back in bewilderment. He mounted and moved to catch up to her, but she seemed disinclined to talk and so he dropped back, checking on the patrol to make sure there were no stragglers.
Maygra came close to apologizing to him, but chose instead to let him think what he wanted, concentrating her attention on the unfamiliar trail and the even less familiar feeling of abandonment. She did not fault Jael for his concern or his anger, but his cold behavior had caught her off guard and unprepared. His concern for Kevyn was laudable and she knew it sprang from guilt as well as honest admiration and liking for the young Border commander. She held Kevyn in the same regard, but Kevyn himself would have seen the necessity of her decision.
Or would he? She knew her opinions and judgment were sometimes thought harsh. In Rhema harsh conditions often prompted harsh reactions. But they were not in Rhema anymore, and the same rules certainly did not seem to apply in all cases. Day to day survival had demanded different things of the Rhemans, survival of the group rather than individuals.
Ravon's group was larger, she realized with sudden clarity. Ravon as a settlement was only a part of a larger community -- of all the Kieri, where those that heard Aessa's voice were protected because they were so precious and so few, and where the loss of a patrol prompted a rescue attempt that was viewed as drastic and dangerous.
She had wanted to save Duran and the children, but not as badly as she wanted to kill Lorisa. She could remember seeing no sign of her lost kinsmen during the battle and their bodies had not been among the dead -- or she supposed. She had not thought to ask, nor even thought of them again since Duran had returned to Lorisa.
"Maric!" she called, managing to keep the panic out of her voice. Her Second rode up to meet her, watching her warily and she had to work to keep her voice reasonable. "After the battle, did you see any children or a fair-haired man among the dead?"
He shook his head after thinking a moment. "No, Masyra. Lorisa's warriors were all dark. The only fair-haired wounded and dead were our own and I'd have remembered if there had been children."
"Damn," she swore softly. "She has them still, then. Who can contact the back-trail patrol?"
"Kelek. They should still be in his range."
"Have him Speak to Thenic or Vaena then. Relay to my brother that Lorisa still has Duran and the children."
"And do what?"
"Nothing. They need to know, that's all," she said. "They're my folk, Maric. Unwilling but dangerous allies for the sorceress."
Maric reined in, bespeaking Kelek before moving to ride beside Maygra again.
"You're carrying heavy thoughts, Masyra," he said quietly. "Can I help?"
"I think too much," she said crossly. "Have you ever felt you were right and wrong at the same time?"
"Asa. Usually when I have to decide between two things I'm not sure of. I can only make one choice at a time and hope it's the right one."
"What if it's not?"
"I go on from there and hope the next choice works out better."
"You make it sound easier than it is."
"I don't mean too, Masyra, but I've lived a long life. There are choices I've regretted, others that worked out better than I hoped. Having children was one of them."
"How so? I can't think of any choice that would be so right."
"Right in spirit, but to have children here? At the front line of a battle I'm not sure we can win?" He shook his head, whistling softly. "Jurrana and I had many dawn discussions about that choice. Children we wanted, but I wanted her to leave Ravon and she wouldn't. Said what would be the use of having children that never saw their father? So she stayed and we had babies. Two of them, best things in our lives, save each other, and they wouldn't be if she'd left me."
"I suppose. My parents died when I was young."
"Your sister and Jael made the same choice. Rhema was not the safest place to raise young."
"No, but there wasn't much choice. For Rhema to survive, there had to be children. Ironic that the children caused her downfall," she said then flushed at Maric's silence. "I don't mean that the way it sounded -- it was not the children's fault that Rhema fell, they were victims of Lorisa's. Still are."
Maric nodded. "The children she still holds and your three at Ravon," he said then hesitated. "I've a question for you, Maygra of Ravon, and you need not answer for I don't mean to cause you pain."
She smiled grimly, fingering her reins. "How could I give such an order?" she guessed, glancing at him as he nodded. "I'll answer. No action should be taken that won't be answered for. We were losing, were already lost, Maric. I saw her, saw the children she did take robbed of their lives and their wills. In that, I couldn't let her win. It was easier for me, I suppose. I never Heard them die."
"Yes, I suppose it was," he said and drew away from her. She felt her spine stiffen, almost spoke the words of her own defense to find they failed her. Angrily, she wiped at the tears that came to her eyes, nudging her mount to a brisker pace, ahead of the others though she felt every eye of the patrol fixed on her back. She did not draw too far away, unwilling to abandon the command given to her although her deepest soul voice urged her to run. She fought it back, keeping her head up and maintaining her distance even when they stopped for the night. She let Maric set the camp, taking his suggestions for who should set watch and only briefly making a round of the camp to assure herself it was secure. She also paused by each of the wounded, checking to be sure they were as comfortable as they could be made and speaking quietly to Janda, the field surgeon, receiving an update on their conditions. Kevyn was the worst, still unconscious due to a double dose of one of Merida's field preparations. The other six were also dosed for pain and to help them rest, but Kevyn had Janda worried for fear any movement would cause more damage. Rhys had slipped into a more normal sleep during the afternoon and they both agreed to let the sorcerer wake on his own. Certain she could be of no assistance, Maygra set her own blankets away from the central fire, maintaining her distance from the others.
Janda came to her later, rewrapping the ankle bandage and warning her to not over-strain it. When Maygra did not come to the fire for her rations, Maric brought them to her.
"I'm not hungry."
"No, but you're fatigued. You're warrior enough to know that food is as important as rest, Masyra," he scolded gently.
"Leave it then," she said curtly. He did so, then sat down in front of her, cross-legged, to eat his own meal.
She picked at her food, not sure she wanted to start another conversation with him.
"That was no judgment I passed on you this afternoon," Maric said finally, his back to the fire, his expression hidden in the shadows.
"Don't let it worry you," she replied, staring off into the darkness. "It's a decision I made knowing few would agree. I can't and won't regret it now. It would accomplish nothing."
"But you do regret it," he said. "Maybe not the decision, but the fact that you had to make it."
"Are you Laurien's proxy as well as Kevyn's Second?" she snapped.
"Right now, I'm your Second, Masyra, and I'd be failing in my duty if I let you continue distancing yourself like this."
"I'll move closer to the fire, then. Good enough?"
"No. A'Ka'Kiira, Daughter of Rhema, you have been fighting so long, have you forgotten why and for whom?"
"No! I'll kill Lorisa, yet, or die trying. I won't let her do to Ravon what she did to Rhema!"
He grabbed and handful of loose dirt and held it up to her. "Not for us, Maygra, but for She Who Gave us Life. There," he said, pointing to the trees and the sky barely glimpsed through the branches. "She is there and here, all around us. You gave your Oath to her, Masyra, not to us. We are a whole creature to her, the Kieri. We are her eyes and ears and hands."
"And Aessa's heart? I have not your faith in Aessa, Maric. Nor am I Masyra. I have not taken that Oath, though she asks it," she said, unable to keep the bitterness out of her voice.
"Then how can you or we win? How can you deny her what is rightfully hers? Not the blind faith the Haian place in the Goddess they call Esk, the one they leave offerings for and pray to when bad times come. She is not a myth, an unknown thing to you -- or to me. She speaks and we answer, as we answer to hungry stomachs or tired muscles," he said in a voice that seemed strange. "The Oaths your people take have promises in return, Manai, promises that will be kept. You cannot break one side of a bargain."
Her eyes narrowed, Maygra studied Maric's face. Though she heard his words it was the tone that forced her to take a deep breath, the subtle altering of Maric's weathered face and the darkening of his graying hair that she could not attribute to the shadows.
"I have not taken the Oath. I have not spoken the Ien Ki'Ka," she said haltingly.
"Did you not? What words did you speak at A'denna Gul, then?"
"I spoke that to Damyn. I made my Oath to him," she said in a breathless whisper as the face before her turned toward the fire. It was not Maric's face, but earthier, rougher features that were highlighted.
"You cannot take such an Oath to a mortal; or, if you do, be sure Aessa will take it as her own." Black eyes locked with hers. "She has been patient, but the time for your decision can no longer wait. Death was your only escape, offered to you out of love by one who can no longer feel love. You denied her. You cannot deny The Lady Below. It is time you learned why."
Maygra reached out to touch the folded arm, freezing when Maric turned to her with faint smile.
"There are times when we don't know what is right, Masyra, but to answer the Lady's call, what could be more right for any Kieri?" he said and patted her hand. "Rest, Makyera Gen. Things will be more clear in the light," he promised and left her.
After a moment, Maygra rose as well, pulling her blankets closer to the fire and acknowledging the shy and uncertain smiles that greeted her. To the Watch it was a gesture of companionship, but in her heart she knew it was fear of what lay beyond the light and the living.
She tried to rest, gradually becoming aware that there were impressions tickling the edge of her perceptions. She opened her eyes to stare at Maric, reclining on the opposite side of the fire, talking quietly to companions. He caught her gaze, returning it with a faint smile, one eyebrow raised in question. She shook her head, not sure she was ready to acknowledge what she was feeling.
The perceptions grew stronger. She became aware of each of the Watch in turn, suddenly more insight into them than she had in days of travel. Her hand went to her throat as she was suddenly with Kevyn's drugged sleep, an ache at her throat and a cloudy sense of fatigue and pain. She started when Janda's cool hand touched her forehead only to realize it was Kevyn the surgeon tended to, Maygra's eyes confirming the truth.
Frightened and awed by the subtle onset of her Gift, Maygra tested its limits, not invading but observing those nearest her, withdrawing when Rhys responded wearily, answering before he really knew who it was that called.
She soothed him, drawing away and then out farther, east and north until she received a familiar acknowledgment, Mikayl's sleeping mind responding as if she were a dream. Jael was harder, remote and unaware, his own thoughts turning inward on his anger and grief. She lingered, wanting to ease his pain, but a still voice called her farther and she answered, unable to deny the Voice.
In a span of heartbeats she suddenly found others, familiar and strange, sharing her bloodline, but unaware of her or her people as individuals and she was overcome by the sheer number of Voices that she could Hear.
Her soft cry did not go unnoticed in the camp. Janda and Maric responded quickly, Maric touching her arm and speaking, but she could not hear him for the Voices in her head. She stared blindly ahead, the murmuring voices fading away till only one Spoke.
You cannot deny the Lady Below. It is time you knew why, the memory/Voice spoke. This is what you are, not one but many. Not you, but Me. Mine. Deny this and you deny yourself and all that the Kieri are or were meant to be. Break this Oath and you break it for all.
But Lorisa broke . . . .
That one is none of mine. She did not break her Oath, it was taken from her. I have not done the same for you. I will not speak again until you acknowledge that which is mine.
Maygra clutched at Maric's hand, her face white and frightened as the Voice stopped. Gone was the subtle echo that she had felt for most of her life, gone was the presence she had never been willing to wholly acknowledge. The other Voices still murmured, not loud enough to drive her mad, but their presence felt as clearly as the concern of the people near her trembling body.
"Masyra," Maric demanded, clutching her shoulders. "What is it? What is wrong?"
She could only stare at him, unable to tell him of the stark fear that now gripped her. She had feared being alone her entire life, but the fear was nothing compared to the truth, even with a thousand Voices in her head.
She could not tell him that her Goddess had abandoned her.
to chapter 23
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)