The Lord of the Clans

by Chris Lange

  Muscles bulging, she closed her eyes, and gave everything she had. The broken slab of stone shifted as a sharp ache tore at her calves, thighs, belly and shoulders. Lids flying open, she uttered raucous grunts as Cameron jerked the thin body toward him, and the boy screamed in agony.

  “Okay. Drop it.”

  She let go. The rock toppled back down with a small thud while she fell on her butt from exhaustion. Her muscles trembled as if she had been captured in ice and defrosted. Her insides hurt with a burning pain. Drawing in long breaths, she cast a glance toward the wounded boy.

  Crushed and mangled, shards of bone sticking out, his right hand and forearm soaked in his own blood. She winced at the sight of his lacerated flesh, shattered bones and flaps of skin hanging at odd angles.

  The pain he must be enduring brought tears to her eyes. Before Cameron could spot her emotion and lecture her on the fact that the Lord of the Clans never cried, she wiped them off and came to kneel beside the boy.

  It was time to heal his injury. Trying to hurt him as little as possible, she placed her hands around his torn limb.

  Nothing happened.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  The child screamed in suffering just from the simple touch of her palms on the part that used to be his forearm. She backed away and shivered as the full meaning of her new existence hit her like the stab of an arrow. Although hurt and frustrated, she knew the boy wouldn’t resist much longer. If the wound didn’t kill him, the pain would. She moved her elbow to nudge Cameron’s ribs.

  “You do it.”

  His surprised look didn’t alleviate the loss of her skills, but she pushed away her bitterness and cocked her head toward the motionless boy.

  “It’s your job now.”

  He stared at her a brief instant before determination crossed his features. He leaned toward the child and placed his hands in the same position he had seen her take. The ravaged limb changed into a healthy body part, without sound or glow. As soon as he moved his hands apart, the boy sat up.

  His expression of pain vanished, replaced by intense relief and happiness. He moved his shoulder before flexing his hand as if he’d never seen it before, a joyful grin spreading across his face. While she carefully stretched her muscles, the child’s gaze went from her to Cameron.

  “How did you do that?”

  His youthful voice quivered a little, yet he appeared to take his miraculous healing pretty well.

  Cameron winked. “It’s magic. What’s your name, boy?”

  “Colin.”

  “Well, Colin, how come you got trapped under that rock? I’d think a boy your age knows what’s dangerous.”

  A reddish tint coloured the child’s brow as he dipped his nose toward the ground and rubbed his thighs with his fists.

  “I didn’t mean to do anything stupid, but it’s because of my baby sister. She cried all night, and I couldn’t sleep.”

  “So?”

  “Mom sent me to the baker’s while she fed my sister, but I came here first. I like this place a lot. It’s always quiet, and I thought I might take a quick nap before going back home. When I lay down, I saw something shiny under the boulder. I just wanted to have a look at it, but the rock went down before I had time to retrieve my arm. It hurt so much, I think I passed out. Then you came along.”

  “I guess this will teach you to be more careful next time.”

  Head bobbing up and down as if taut with springs, Colin touched his healthy hand again. He got to his feet and smiled at Cameron.

  “Thank you, lady. You saved me. Can I do something for you?”

  “As a matter of fact, you can tell me where the nearest village is. We need to buy provisions for a few days.”

  “Follow me, I’ll take you there.”

  Despite his short legs, he strove toward the path while they stood up. She brushed dirt off the back of her pants and quickly let her arms dangle along her body when she caught Cameron’s scowl. On top of never crying and blushing, he probably didn’t dust his clothes either.

  The boy had spotted their horses and was already stroking their muzzles. Gaze alight, he stepped up to address Cameron.

  “Lady, do you mind if I ride with him?” He pointed his thin finger toward her. “If my friends see me with a warrior, they’ll die with envy.”

  “No problem. Go on.”

  Thus enticed, Colin approached her with a sudden shy and apprehensive look on his face. Although itching to unfasten the sword across her back and to take her coat off, she figured he’d feel prouder if she kept it on to parade through the village. She sighed, but mounted her horse before hauling him up in front of her. He fidgeted most of the way, excited about the adventure.

  The landscape appealed to her as the three of them trotted along the path and soon reached the outskirts of the settlement. Much bigger than a village, the place appeared to be a town thriving with activity. Yet people clearly weren’t used to seeing strangers, because they stared at them with surprised expressions. While they paced along a cobbled street, Cameron leaned toward the boy.

  “What’s this place called?”

  “Rangers’ Fall.”

  When he nodded as if the name meant something to him, she wished she had taken a more thorough look at the map displayed by the leader of the resistance. Too late now. She’d have to rely on his sense of direction once more. They turned into another street as Colin pointed left.

  “This leads to the big marketplace. You’ll be able to buy everything you need for your trip up there.”

  She straightened him up with one hand and flattened him against her chest when he almost slid off the horse. Worked up like an untamed critter, he waved at small groups of boys along the street. Their eyes widened as they recognised their friend atop a tall mount ridden by a real warrior. They nudged each other in the ribs, slapped their shoulders and started chatting in an excited manner.

  She couldn’t see the boy’s face, but she felt sure he beamed with joy and pride. Although his morning started with terror and pain, he was making up for it now. In all likelihood, he’d tell of this encounter with strangers for years to come, and so would his companions.

  Colin gestured toward a wooden edifice off one side of the market. They advanced slowly toward it, careful to avoid trampling people in this busy street. Haggling shouts and food smells accompanied them all the way to the stables. Once inside, they dismounted and tied the horses to metal rings on the walls.

  Cameron came up to her to slide his hand into the pocket of her sheepskin coat. Holding out a coin, he turned to the boy.

  “Listen, Colin, we won’t stay long at the market, but I need you to do me a favour. What do you say?”

  The child strutted around like a stallion before a vast, grassy plain. Shoulders straight, eyes aglow with importance, he jerked his head.

  “Whatever you want, lady.”

  “We have a rough ride ahead of us. This coin is yours if you keep an eye on our belongings and horses.”

  “I won’t let anybody get near them.”

  Given the serious and resolute air on his face, she doubted anyone would try to steal their property. The boy took a quick step back and shook his hands in a negative gesture when Cameron handed him the coin.

  “Thank you, but no. You’ve already saved my life.”

  Cameron nodded before dropping the coin into the pocket of his pants. Yet he must have caught the puzzled expression changing the child’s countenance, because he cocked his head in an inquiring manner.

  “Is there something you want to ask me?”

  “Yes, lady.” Looking sheepish, but intent on getting an answer, Colin glanced up at her before staring back at the face she didn’t own anymore. “Why did you call the warrior Ariana?”

  Cameron’s features iced over. She chuckled. A grin stretched her lips while she recalled him shouting her name as she pushed the rock. Although in horrible pain at the time, the boy had heard his slip-up. She drilled her gaze into his and mustered
her most gravelly voice to scare him a little.

  “Think nothing of it, Colin. The lady enjoys kidding, that’s all.”

  Whether due to her rough manner of speaking, or to the intensity of the gray eyes she already missed watching, the child flinched. His spontaneous reaction told her he’d let the matter go. Reluctant to frighten him too much, she reached out without hurry to ruffle his tousled hair.

  “Thanks for your help, boy. We’ll be back soon.”

  She grabbed Cameron’s arm to lead him out of the stables. Bright sunshine caressed her face as they walked toward the marketplace. She hoped they wouldn’t tarry long as the sheepskin coat still kept her too warm. Before they got to the nearest stalls, he loosened her hand on him.

  “Smooth cover up.”

  “I know. But remember I am the Lord of the Clans now. We can’t have you making this kind of mistake.”

  “All right, I get it.”

  She had to refrain from giggling at the dark look he shot her. Too bad he didn’t find her lectures as funny as his.

  They mostly bought food for the journey north, along with two blankets. She noticed the way people stared at her while they went from stall to stall. Although well aware they actually gawked at the giant warrior she had become, she got another taste of his everyday life. Of the reverence and fear his size and stance instilled in them, even though they didn’t know who he was.

  Yet this outlandish feeling soon passed to be replaced by apprehension. Why had her shaman swapped their bodies? As Cameron paid for some bread, she ambled toward the next vendor. Tea leaves from all corners of the Four Kingdoms were on display. While she lost her gaze in the various colours and shapes, a gruesome thought suddenly struck her.

  What if her mentor simply granted their secret wishes? The recollection fresh in her mind, she pictured the moment when the three of them shared his tea in her aunt's house. Hadn’t she revealed she wanted to be strong like the Lord of the Clans? Hadn’t Cameron expressed his admiration at her healing skills? In a sick way, they now both possessed what they'd wished for.

  “Are you going to stare into space all day? We’re done here.”

  His musical voice brought her out of the frightening contemplation. Yet she must have looked aghast because he took her arm in a protective gesture before spinning her toward him.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “He switched us because we asked him to.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Come with me.”

  She headed back toward the stables and away from the crowd. She strode ahead, Cameron in tow, until she found a secluded spot at the farthest corner of the market. Once satisfied they wouldn’t be overheard, she passed one hand over the light stubble on her cheeks.

  “Do you remember our conversation last night while we drank the tea he prepared for us? Do you recall my shaman’s specific enquiries about strengths and weaknesses? And how you regretted not being able to heal people? This may sound odd, yet I believe he used his magic to grant our wishes.”

  “Dear Creators!”

  His face paled as he realised the consequences of their desires, as well as the responsibility they both shared in the body swap. While she was at it, she blurted out the last part of her deduction.

  “He said my training would start in the morning, and it did. I’m strong now. I have to learn to use this advantage.”

  “But it doesn’t make sense. The leader of the resistance spoke of a great power, the only force able to destroy the Darkening. I’m fairly certain he wasn’t referring to my sword, but to your magic.”

  “I know that doesn’t add up. Unless...”

  He tightened his hold on the bundle of purchases as he waited her out. Lips pursed, she brought a hand over her heart.

  “Unless having your physical strength is supposed to teach me something. Once I’ve learned it, we’ll get back to our bodies.”

  “How? Your shaman is gone, Ariana.”

  “But he might reappear when we least expect him.”

  “Sure. Except that he has no idea where we’re going.”

  His tone made her shiver. The familiar sarcasm was gone, supplanted by a loss of confidence she didn’t want to consider. She needed him to have faith. If he gave up hope, she wouldn’t succeed.

  Sunrays lightened the marketplace. Children ran around, yelling and catching each other. People chatted and smiled, happy to live in relative safety now that the war seemed to be over.

  All this couldn’t be annihilated by a nameless, intangible darkness, and she’d do anything in her power to fight it. Whatever trials loomed ahead, she was determined to have him by her side.

  “We’ll find a way.”

  He nodded as a brighter light already sparkled in his eyes. Although he might have low-spirited moments, his inner strength combined with his will to prevail against the enemy and to set things right never ceased to amaze her. Maybe she’d do well to remember that. As a lesson. As part of her training.

  She followed him back to the stables. The clamour of animated voices hit them even before they entered the shady place. A dozen boys formed a circle around their horses and Colin, most of them taunting him for details about the strangers, but they quickly quietened down when they saw a huge warrior and a tall woman walking toward them.

  Remembering Cameron’s money was in her pockets, she took out enough coins to satisfy all the children.

  “Thank you for watching over our horses.”

  Although awed by her size and deep voice, they managed to grab a coin each. She felt like grinning as their gazes glittered with wonder. Before they scattered out, she turned to the special child who shouldn’t have seen the light of the next day.

  “And thanks to you, Colin. It will not go untold that the Lord of the Clans met a very brave boy today.”

  Jaws dropped. Astonished eyes and gasps met her words as she revealed her identity. Oh, she loved acting this way! Judging by the stunned look on their faces, she felt certain Colin had just become the group’s new leader and hero. He deserved this compensation after the pain and terror he’d gone through.

  Quick to recover from the honour she bestowed upon him, Colin came to stand in front of her and bowed.

  “I won’t forget you, my lord.”

  His young face displaying his emotion, he then turned toward Cameron and took hold of his hand.

  “Nor you, my lady.”

  Trying not to smile at the children’s awestruck expressions, she got on her horse before waving them away.

  “Off you go now. Go home and be good.”

  With a last look at the strangers they ran outside, Colin in the lead. Cameron mounted his steed before winking at her.

  “Nice work. I can’t think of anyone better suited than you to be me.”

  She appreciated his praise. Coming from him, the compliment had to be cherished and remembered, especially since he let her lead the way out of the town. He came abreast by the time they skirted the settlement and started riding along a beaten path. The glare of the sun made her squint.

  “Do you know where we are?”

  “Yes. Hang on, the place I’m thinking of is close by.”

  A short while later, he directed the horses through a thick set range of trees. She ducked to avoid a low branch. On the other side, she discovered with delight a beautiful lake bordered by dense vegetation.

  They paced along the pebbled shore to one end of the lake until the bank diminished to the size of a narrow trail. Following his lead, she dismounted and used the bridle to pull her horse.

  They didn’t walk long through the underbrush, and when they emerged, she marvelled at the beauty of the landscape. Branching off from the main pond, a stream flowed into a shallow body of water. She felt like diving right into its blue depths as she stared at the glittering lagoon bathed in sunshine.

  “It’s marvellous. I love this place.”

  “It’s called the Dormant Lagoon. I heard about this lake a long time ag
o, but with the war going on, I never had the opportunity to come this far north.”

  He went to tie the horses to the nearest trees behind her while she finally flung off her sword and heavy coat before enjoying the wonderful scenery. Vaguely listening to the sounds he made, she let her gaze wander over the smooth, blue waters mirroring the surrounding vegetation.

  When he didn’t join her, she glanced over her shoulder to find him standing behind her, a grin on his face, fists on his hips, and completely naked.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  The unexpected vision of her bare body made her stumble. She wasn’t yet used to looking at her own face whenever he spoke but this... Why, dear Gods, why, did he have to strip at every turn? Granted, he could do whatever he well pleased with his manly body, but not so with hers. What about modesty? Before she could open her mouth, his soft chuckle derailed her irritated train of thought.

  “Oh, don’t give me this shocked look. You’ve seen yourself naked before.”

  He really had no clue as to the workings of a woman's mind. She took a step toward him, finger raised.

  “I will not tolerate this kind of behaviour. How can you disgrace me so?”

  Taking on a feigned shameful expression, he glanced around as if they were surrounded by a large crowd of observers.

  “Hail, all of you good people. Look at me, I’m all naked.”

  Then he extended his arms and quickly swayed his shoulders forward and backward to shake his breasts. Open-mouthed, she watched his boobs wriggle and twist from the motion he had set. The fun light in his eyes ticked her off even more than his ridiculous, un-comely behaviour.

  “Stop this.”

  “Why? You have such beautiful, exciting breasts. It would be a waste not to show them, or touch them. Like so...”

  He ceased his bouncing. Air left her lungs as he cupped his mounds to take hold of his nipples. He began twirling them and, just by watching the slow rotations, she could feel the gentleness of his fingers. Despite the strange sensation falling over her, she had no intention of letting him fiddle with what belonged to her. Her boots scrunched on the pebbles as she narrowed her eyes.