The Champion's Ruin

by Kristen Banet

  “We had to rotate people who could carry everything,” she finished, laughing. “We took all of their swords and daggers to be brought home and reforged into weapons we can use. The iron shortage was something Nevyn thought about the entire time we were gone. Every time space was freed up, we put more spoils into the carts. We had to dull the edges to keep the horses from accidentally hurting themselves, but I promise you, every Andinna here will have their own blade by the end of summer. If Gentrin can work that fast.”

  “He has a number of Andinna and a couple of the Hornbuckles forging competently enough they can work alone. We’ve built a second smithy just for them to keep production up,” Luykas explained, smiling. “I’m sorry I missed it. I wish I could have gone.” He closed his eyes, and she could tell he imagined himself in those fields.

  “You all had work to do here,” she reminded him with a smile. “Now, let me get cleaned, then we’ll go home, and you can tell me everything I’ve missed.”

  They helped her with weeks of dust and dirt from the road, which had gotten into places Mave preferred it wouldn’t have. There was no judgment from her males. As a family of warriors, they all knew the reality of being on the road, roaming battle to battle with little time to attend to personal needs. Rinsing off in streams only went so far.

  As they made their way down the trail to their home, Mave in a fresh pair of breeches and a soft silk wrap for a top, she was surprised to see Senri land in front of her, a smile on her mother’s face that lit up the world like the sun. She kept a hand over her stomach, where a noticeable baby bump stood out. She wore a simple dress, something Mave wasn’t used to seeing.

  “You are not going to hide away the first day you get back!” Senri called out, laughing. “You are going to go into the village and get drunk.”

  “Am I?” Mave laughed as she walked up to her mother and hugged her. They weren’t biologically related. Senri hadn’t carried Mave in her womb and brought her into the world, but she had done something equally important. She was the female who met Mave and gave her a home where she could just be. She gave her guidance and taught her lessons Mave should have had as a young child, growing up immersed in Andinna culture. She was the person who let Mave cry when her heart was bruised by a male, and stood up for her when others wouldn’t. And they loved each other. Senri loved Mave with the passion only a mother could, and Mave loved her in return with all the admiration a daughter could give a wonderful mother.

  “You are.” Senri’s tone tried to convey the message Mave shouldn’t argue, but Mave tried, anyway.

  “I have four husbands who are very ready to…perform,” Mave said devilishly. “Do I have to?”

  “It’s in your honor, yours and the rest of the warriors of the campaign. Kian is going to find Nevyn and Varon and steal them away from Alchan for this one evening. You can have your husbands later. Tonight, there needs to be dancing, drinking, and fun. This isn’t an option.”

  “I’m amazed Kian is okay with this,” Mave said, looking back at her husbands, who didn’t look like they liked Senri’s orders.

  “He’s not, but he doesn’t have a choice, either.”

  Mave continued to look at her husbands. “What do you think? Should we go enjoy the celebration before we lock ourselves away?”

  “We’ll tolerate it,” Zayden answered, obviously annoyed with Senri’s intrusion to their plan.

  “Let’s go. And while we walk,”—Mave hooked her arm with Senri’s—“you can tell me about everything I’ve missed. How has the village been?”

  “Wonderful. There’s been no trouble here. Oh, here’s the best news. Sen got back with his second load of Andinna and allies from Olost.” Senri chuckled. “Kerit is fully operational now. There’s no way Shadra will take it from us, not with the thriving community there. Alchan is still trying to pick the right general for the area, but they’re doing well just on his orders so far. Sen isn’t just running Andinna here from Olost, either. He brought supplies and spread the word in Olost that Kerit is opening as a trade city once more. Everyone in the Free Cities is scrambling to begin their own businesses there.”

  “I knew half of that,” Mave said, giving her mother a bored look. Sen had taken his sweet time with his first trip between Kerit and Olost, but he had come back with news and more than they could have bargained for. Much of Alchan’s wealth was still in the Free Cities and was being used to fund many of Sen’s purchases. He had to hire two other captains to support the ones the rebellion already had. “How many Andinna did he bring, though?”

  “Since we opened Kerit and the ships have started returning, we’ve seen two-thousand Andinna come back to Anden,” Luykas answered from behind her. “We’ve also seen a thousand Andinna escape the Empire over the spring and make it here, with more probably to come.”

  “Three thousand?” Mave’s heart skipped a beat. “That…that’s amazing.”

  “You’ve been off campaigning for a long time,” Senri said with a laugh. “There are old friends, too. Everyone from our village. They’re all here now, spreading out all over Anden, between us and Leria’s community. Some are settling areas between Kerit and us, trying to keep the roads open and begin homesteads for their families and others who want something safer, away from the fighting.”

  “What else?” Mave wanted to know everything she’d missed.

  “Luykas is taking over as spymaster for Leshaun,” Mat said, and Mave heard a thump, looking back to see that Mat had hit Luykas in the arm. “My uncle has decided it’s time to retire fully.”

  “That’s good!” Mave smiled. “He deserves time to focus on things he wants to do.” Over the winter, Leshaun had slowed down considerably, and it was hard to get time to see him anymore as he spent most of his days training novice Blackbloods in the arts of blood magic. It exhausted him, which normally meant he wasn’t up for company.

  If he retires, I can see him more. That would be nice.

  “He does,” Mat agreed.

  Mave listened to the many changes made since she had left when the winter snow had melted, small things. No one was living in tents in the main village anymore, and a third village was established for the fighting force of the rebellion.

  As they entered the village, Mave took in the new sights and smells. An entire market was now established. There was no money being exchanged, everything done off bartering or for free. Someone handed her a loaf of bread to nibble on, and another Andinna gave her a drink. By the time their group had made it halfway through, Mave had to pass off gifts from the Andinna to her husbands, who only laughed as someone offered a basket for them to carry everything.

  “It’s like there isn’t a war,” she whispered as she took in the goods being thrust on her.

  “Everyone here knows exactly what is happening outside of this village,” Senri said softly. “But with so many Andinna here again, there’s renewed hope. While you’ve been away fighting, we decided it was time to bring life back to Anden. Not just have homes here, but really live here. Do you like it?”

  “I love it.”

  “Good.” Her mother kissed her cheek. “I was excited to show you this. Now…” Senri turned and looked over the crowd. “Does anyone know where the king is?”

  Half of the crowd pointed toward a new, huge community dining hall. Mave and Senri laughed as they started walking again, abandoning Mave’s husbands to fend off the Andinna trying to give their wares away.

  “They’re going to be upset we’ve left them there,” Mave said, glancing back once to see their arms full of breads, meats, and fabrics.

  “No, they won’t. They’ll be glad the world is starting to feel right again,” Senri said, grinning. “You’re home. I don’t think anything could really upset them right now.”

  They skipped the line into the dining hall, people moving out of their way. It wasn’t just Mave’s status that allowed it. Senri was still the leader of the guard, even halfway through her pregnancy. The safety of the village rested on
her mother’s shoulders and garnered her a level of respect as well.

  When they entered, the first person Mave saw was Nevyn, standing on a table, a drink in his hand.

  “And when dawn came, the only ones standing were Andinna!” he roared for the crowd.

  Everyone cheered. It was so loud, Senri said something, but Mave missed it. The walls shook, the ground shook.

  Behind Nevyn, sitting on a raised area in the main hall, Alchan was laughing, Rain draped over him with a smile. They had become official to the public in a beautiful and small ceremony run by Varon, shortly after Lothen’s execution. The news had traveled quickly that the king was in love with his nemari. Leria had a couple of smart comments about it, but the general public had fallen for the romantic story of a lonely king and a young warrior.

  Mave was happy for them. They were strong together and madly in love. When they looked at each other, the adoration in their eyes was so clear, no one could ever believe there was something improper happening. It was just love and so much of it.

  “And here she is, the Champion of King Alchan Andini and the greatest warrior the Andinna has to offer! Mave!” Nevyn roared over the crowd. She laughed as Senri pushed her forward, and Nevyn yanked her up onto the table. “Get up here. Someone get her a drink!”

  Mave grabbed the mug thrust at her only a moment later. People began to chant for her to drink, so she did.

  “I wish there were words to tell you about the way she fights, on the ground and in the sky,” Nevyn said, walking around her, up and down the table, trying to connect with everyone around them. Mave stood patiently, looking at her drink with a smile as he continued. “When we saw her execute the vile Prince Lothen, we thought we had seen greatness, but let me promise you, there are no boundaries to how great this warrior can become. Every day, she fights with new ferocity, new passion. Her swords are faster than the enemy they cut down. They are sharper than a wyvern’s talons, and her cries of victory make the Elvasi tremble in fear.”

  “You exaggerate,” Mave said, grabbing his arm. “We should talk about you, General Nevyn of the Andinna, member of the Ivory Shadows. Without you, my sword work would be amateur. Without your leadership, our campaign would have faltered before we entered our first battle. You inspire warriors to go beyond what they have ever dreamed and fight for ideals forgotten to time.” She lifted her drink and looked at the crowd. “Am I right?”

  The deafening response was enough. Pride filled her as she looked at Nevyn again and raised her mug in a more personal toast.

  “To my friend,” she said softly, close enough for him to hear. “I know we have our many differences, but I do love fighting beside you.”

  “And I you,” he agreed, lifting his drink.

  A small toast to each other and they both drank, then Mave jumped down and let the party really get started. She hugged Alchan, kissed Rain’s forehead, and found her seat. Her drink was refilled without needing to ask.

  It was good to be home. Mave felt like she was on top of the world.

  2

  Mave

  Mave woke up, hungover but happy. For the first time in months, she was waking up in her own bed, curled into a male, and cocooned by wings and furs. Tails were wrapped with hers, and hands found ways to touch her, even if it was just her feet—a pile of Andinna, all feeling the same way she was.

  She broke her tail free of the tangled mess that held it and began to run it up and down a leg, teasing. The emotional wave that came from the touch, the sudden awareness, made her realize who it was. She went further up and touched more, bringing a groan from her male’s lips.

  “That’s cruel,” Luykas mumbled behind her. She laughed softly, causing the male she was pressed into to move.

  “Is it really time to get up?” Mat asked, his emerald green eyes opening slowly. His yawn exposed Andinna fangs, looking more like a roar than an innocent yawn. “Do we have to?”

  “I’ll start breakfast,” Zayden said, trying to sit up. Mave felt something pull, and Zayden cursed. “Can the three of you get off my fucking wing?”

  There was laughter all around them as Bryn revealed himself to be the Andinna at her feet, sitting up as well.

  “I’ll help ya with breakfast,” her rogue said. He didn’t stand, though, crawling across the room and up Mave’s body. “Good morning, love.”

  “Good morning,” she replied, kissing him.

  Luykas growled softly, prompting her to hit him with her tail, a warning that his possessive and dominant side wasn’t welcome on her first morning home. Bryn only chuckled against her lips and got up, leaving the room naked with Zayden following him, still yawning.

  “Luykas,” she chided, looking over her shoulder.

  “Sorry. First time back in the house since you left,” he said, pushing up and leaving the bed. Now, it was just her and Matesh. “Didn’t want to live with a bunch of cocks while you were gone.”

  “He had dinner with us every night, then went to sleep in his own house,” Mat explained, yawning a second time. “So, what are your plans for the day?”

  “To do little or nothing,” she answered as they finally got out of bed as well. She found pants, something none of her males were bothering with. She even put on a top, wrapping herself in thin cotton to keep the heat from becoming unbearable. Mat chuckled as she looked down at her armor and wrinkled her nose before leaving her alone in their bedroom.

  Mave took a moment to just enjoy the space around her. She had spent all winter in this room with at least two of them every night. Then she had spent all of spring without any of them. She had been jubilant on the battlefield, but she had privately missed the special moments that often unfolded in this room. If war called to her soul, this room and the males she shared it with called to her heart.

  She left the room to find her four males working in an intricate dance around the kitchen and dining table. Sitting at the table, looking a little annoyed, was Alchan.

  “Can you tell your males to put on clothing?” he asked softly as she sat down.

  “They will when they want to. Why are you here? How long have you been here?”

  “I came in and made coffee,” he said politely. “And made myself comfortable while I awaited any of you to wake up.”

  “Well, that’s…” Mave couldn’t think of the proper thing to say. “Just make yourself at home…”

  “I already have,” he said with a smile. “I mean, you wouldn’t turn your brother away, would you?”

  “Ha.” Mave rolled her eyes. “Really, what do you need? I’ve got a splitting headache from last night, so make it quick.”

  “I wanted to tell you last night, but you kept drinking whatever people put in your hands,” Alchan teased, sipping his coffee, then holding it out to her. She took it and tasted, trying not to moan at the rich flavor. She took two more swallows of his drink before handing it back.

  “That’s good,” she complimented. She was used to cheap, stale coffee on the road. The coffee reminded her that her king had hidden talents. He was one of the best cooks she had ever met.

  “I’ll teach one of them how to make it,” he promised. “It’s a blend of two varieties. Sen brought my favorites over from Olost, and I’ve been hoarding it.”

  “Why? Bribery?” Mave laughed, trying to reach for his coffee again.

  “Yes, I brought a bag this morning. It’s in the kitchen. It comes with a cost, though. Or maybe it’s an apology for what I’m about to say.”

  That made Mave pause. “What?”

  “Now that you’re back, I’m not letting you go anywhere until autumn. You’re going to take the summer—”

  “Really? I’m the best warrior you have,” she huffed, shaking her head. She was even better than Nevyn now, not just when she was angry but consistently. Fighting him was like fighting any other warrior. There was no comparison. “You can’t be serious.”

  “I am. You missed all of spring here, and every warrior needs to take time off between l
ong campaigns. But that’s not the important news.”

  Mave looked at her males, who all kept their heads down, a troubling sign.

  “I got back yesterday, and you’re going to dump bad news on my head?” She narrowed her eyes at her king and adopted brother. “Really?”

  “Seanev is coming. He’ll be here at some point in the next week, depending on how fast he can keep his caravan moving.” Alchan put his coffee down in front of her again. This time, the bribe was obvious. He was helping her hangover in exchange for less of her anger.

  “He’s supposed to stay…stay with his wife,” Mave said softly, leaving the drink on the table. “That’s what they both wanted.”

  “He’s coming down to head out for the summer campaign. He is one of my generals, Mave. I can’t have him training warriors but unable to lead. He’s a good commander and holds the respect of the Andinna who remained free in Anden, regardless of his…decisions concerning you and Leria.” Alchan was trying to be pragmatic, but she saw the flash of anger in his eyes.

  None of them had agreed with Seanev’s decision made centuries ago to blood bond with Leria, instead of looking for Mave in the Empire. The males in the Ivory Shadows disliked Seanev, some downright hated him, but Mave’s feelings were different. She was hurt by Seanev, but she was pissed at Leria. She preferred to keep a lot of distance from both of them.

  “Thank you for telling me,” she said finally, taking the offered coffee and finishing it. “Now, make more of this.”

  “You know, I’m the one who is supposed to give the orders,” he said with a fair dose of chagrin.

  “My house,” she pointed out. “Teach Zayden while you’re at it.”

  Alchan chuckled and stood, looking into the kitchen.

  “If they put on clothing. I’m not going in there if they’re all going to be naked. It’s ridiculous.”

  Mave sighed, nodding at her males, who disappeared for only a moment, then came back wearing pants.