While they enjoyed the closeness, Tei spotted the white-haired Assemblyman, Luth, excuse himself from the head table and walk towards them.
Brogan stood up to embrace the old man and then they made room for him on their blanket.
‘I still don’t know how you managed to hide your true self for all those years on the Assembly. I never would’ve suspected you were an ally to the exiles, much less a mystic,’ Brogan said.
Luth looked at the ground, embarrassed. ‘I hardly have any skill, just a little empathy with the magic. That’s why no one ever found me out. I kept messages going to the exiles when I could and did my best to protect the people from the Assembly’s hatred. It was a difficult game, dangerous at times. I watched better men than me die at Rathnor’s request. I thought you were a victim too when you disappeared. It was such a relief to see you with the exiles.’
Luth turned to Tei. ‘I was sorry to hear about Migil’s death.’
She smiled sadly, her fingers kneading the soft fabric of her cloak. ‘I miss him so much.’
Brogan squeezed her hand in reassurance and the three of them sat in thoughtful silence. Tei found her thoughts drifting back to that night, seeing her father with a sword strapped at his hip had been the first time she realised she didn’t truly know him. ‘I’ve always wanted to ask what you told my father when you visited us in Seatown.’
Luth nodded grimly. ‘There were rumours about a woman being hunted - a young woman with hidden powers. Looking back, I suppose they must have had an inkling of the Sentinel’s identity, but we thought the Masked Riders were hunting you. I warned Migil and he said it was time to stop hiding from destiny, that it was time you joined your people and learnt the truth.’
She saw the regret in his old eyes and realised she was not the only one who felt responsible for Migil’s death. ‘Don’t feel guilty about his passing. He did what he had to do, I see that now.’
‘There are more deaths on my head than just Migil. If only I’d realised Rathnor was the one behind everything, but I didn’t even know he had magic. I didn’t suspect it until the day the old Sentinel died.’
Tei patted his hand, not knowing what to say.
‘He was so good at portraying his hatred for the exiles and their magic, who would ever have suspected he was a mystic himself.’ Luth shook his head.
Brogan stared into the darkness. ‘He deceived everyone. Those he couldn’t turn, he murdered... like my father.’
Tei put her arm around Brogan’s shoulders. ‘Rathnor’s hold over the Assembly is gone and soon enough he’ll get what he deserves.’
‘I know and I’ll be there to see it happen.’ Brogan stood reluctantly and thrust a hand towards the old man. ‘I have to go take my watch now.’
Brogan planted a kiss on Tei’s lips and then left the celebrations. Tei watched after him, wishing she could have given him a proper goodbye kiss.
Luth nodded in the direction Brogan had taken. ‘He’s a fine young man.’
‘I know.’
‘The Assembly needs men like him,’ Luth said. ‘It’s a shame he doesn’t realise that yet.’
‘I don’t know what he plans when this is over. He was happy on his farm, but Rathnor stole it away from him and murdered his friends.’
‘He’s suffered a lot and he deserves the chance to settle down and raise a family of his own. But Kalaya is a long way from being saved.’
Tei thought of the raiders and the battle to come.
‘Sorry to spoil the mood,’ Luth said and struggled to his feet. ‘I better go and check on the rest of the Assembly, make sure they’re not over doing it with the festivities.’ With a wave, Luth wandered off. Tei watched him join Ellas and a group of assemblymen, noticing how the other men looked upon Luth with obvious reverence.
Tei remained in the background as the celebrations took place around her. She watched Hafender sitting at Callisa’s side; he was laughing and seemed relaxed, but his shoulders were squared and his hand never strayed far from his dagger.
Thal sat to Callisa’s right and the three of them were chatting animatedly. Tei could have joined them, but the talk of Rathnor and memories of her father hadn’t put her in the best frame of mind for light-hearted conversation. Instead, she sat and watched the dancing, feeling suddenly alone.
‘Can I join you?’
Tei spun to see Hilda standing behind her. ‘Of course.’ She moved over so Hilda could join her on the blanket. ‘It’s not the most comfortable seat though.’
‘I don’t mind.’ Hilda leant against a plain walking staff, nothing like the ornate wooden one she’d passed to Callisa, and used it to help her struggle down onto her knees. Then she sat beside Tei and huffed with the effort. ‘Aren’t you going to join in the dancing?’
Tei shrugged. ‘I’m not in the mood.’
‘Me neither.’ Hilda sighed heavily and watched the revelries go on around them. ‘Tonight marks a change for the people of Kalaya, a turning point in our history. I only hope we Elders and the Assembly are able to keep up.’
Tei considered the statement for a few moments, unsure whether Hilda expected her to comment. ‘I’m sure the Sentinel will know what to do to make this work.’
Hilda shook her head. ‘She may be the Sentinel, but she still needs guidance from people like you and Hafender.’ Hilda glanced over at the head table as she spoke, but Tei thought the old woman’s gaze seemed to linger on Thal.
She wondered again what she’d sensed between the pair and what history was between them.
‘Relationships are difficult at the best of times, but for people in positions like ours, they can be impossible. The Sentinel needs to know she has your unwavering support and dedication, Tei.’
‘I want to follow her with blind obedience, but I can’t agree with every choice she makes.’ The old resentment resurfaced and Tei struggled to control her emotions.
‘Sending the young Assemblyman against Rathnor was short-sighted, but had it worked it could have stopped so much death.’
‘She didn’t ask me and she knew how I felt about Brogan.’ Tei clammed up, wondering if she’d made a mistake blurting out her feelings, but Hilda merely smiled knowingly at her.
‘I hear the Sentinel gave you and Brogan her blessing, I believe that’s her way of saying sorry.’
Tei blushed, glad for the darkness.
Hilda sighed, looking discreetly at Thal again. There was a wistful look in her eyes, but an instant later, it was gone. ‘Well, it’s getting late.’
Tei jumped up and offered Hilda her hand, gently pulling the old woman to her feet.
Hilda stretched her back, looking pained. ‘More marching tomorrow, so I suggest we both get some rest.’
Tei watched Hilda shuffle off alone and then picked up her blanket and flicked off the dewy grass, realising that she wasn’t that different to the old lady. It was a sobering thought to take to her bed.
***
Tei rode at the helm of Kalaya’s war party alongside Callisa. She was tired, they all were. The column of islanders behind them were subdued with the prospect of a battle the following day filling everyone with dread.
Tei glanced across at Callisa, seeing the lines etched on her brow already jading the youth she’d regained.
Hafender and his group of scouts came into view and immediately headed towards them. He dismissed his men and reined in alongside Callisa.
‘Sentinel.’ He bowed slightly in the saddle.
‘General.’ Callisa nodded and smiled at him, her expression relaxing in his company.
Tei grinned as Hafender cringed at the formal title, though he was quick to cover his slip and return to business.
‘Sentinel, there is open ground not half an hour’s ride from here. I suggest we make camp there and take advantage of the daylight we have left to prepare ourselves.’
Callisa looked thoughtful. ‘What of the enemy advance?’
‘One of my scouts reported the enemy were already making camp
. We estimate maybe half a day’s walk between us.’
The news did little to ease Tei’s spirit, but she held her tongue and listened to her companions make their plans.
While they talked, she twisted in the saddle to look back along the column of Kalaya’s army. Brogan rode with the Assembly. He glanced up and caught her gaze, smiling briefly.
Callisa handed the reins of her horse to Tei. ‘Hold her steady, I’ll only be a moment.’
Tei looked nervously at Hafender, but it was too late to intervene, Callisa had already slipped into a trance.
‘This is stupid,’ Tei said through clenched teeth.
She could see Hafender wanted to agree but his loyalty to the Sentinel forced him to keep silent.
‘Rathnor could be waiting,’ Tei continued. ‘Maybe I should go after her.’
Callisa’s eyes blinked open, and it took a moment for her dazed look to pass. ‘I like your choice of ground.’ She took back the reins of her horse. ‘Considering the surrounding terrain, it may prove best to camp there indefinitely and make the enemy come to us. But have your men continually scout the area so we don’t get any surprises.’
‘As you wish, Sentinel,’ Hafender said solemnly.
‘And you should inform the Elders and the Assembly of the plan. We don’t want them to complain they aren’t being involved.’
Hafender turned his horse and then grinned at Callisa with a wicked glint in his eye. ‘Leave it to me, I’ll ensure there are no objections.’ He trotted down the line, leaving the two of them alone at the helm of their army.
Tei was still surprised and amused by Hafender’s relationship with the Sentinel. He was a giant among men who commanded respect from all and bowed to no man, yet around Callisa he was as soppy as a puppy.
Callisa picked up the pace, and the army behind her followed suit.
‘I wish you wouldn’t take such risks,’ Tei said, knowing she sounded sulky.
‘You don’t win wars without taking risks.’
For the rest of the short journey they fell into sullen silence. Then the clearing opened out and word spread amongst the ranks that this was to be their base. Everyone set to work erecting tents, marking out the horse pens and setting up cooking fires and supply tents.
Tei and Callisa sat on their horses on a hillock at the centre of their encampment and watched the frenzied activity below. Things came together quickly as the people worked as a team - people who days before had fought against each other, but were now unified against a more deadly threat.
The sun was slowly setting, filling the sky with glorious reds that reminded Tei of another sunset a lifetime ago, a time at the beginning of the madness. She remembered her father sitting watching the sunset with her, not admitting to her he was dying, and then meeting Garrick and Rike. The bittersweet memories brought a painful lump to her throat.
Callisa reached over and squeezed Tei’s hand.
‘So we’ll live to see another sunrise,’ Tei said, her voice gruff, rather than the light-hearted delivery she’d intended.
Callisa nodded unhappily. ‘Maybe our last… make the most of tonight, Tei. Take what pleasure you can now.’
Tei gulped down her fear. ‘If you thought like that, why did you make us leave Turrak? Why come all this way to die when we could have lived those extra days in the mountains with friends and loved ones?’
Callisa shook her head, her eyes glistening. ‘This is not the time or place for such talk.’ She jumped down from her horse and handed the reins up to Tei. As she did so, she grasped Tei’s hand and met her eye. ‘I’m sorry for laying my gloomy thoughts on you. Come to my tent later, maybe there is something we can still do.’
Without offering an explanation, Callisa walked towards the fast growing encampment, heading straight for the ranks of arguing Elders and Assembly members.
Tei sighed, glad for the respite; she didn’t have the energy to deal with the conflicting egos of the two groups of stubborn old men.
From her vantage point on the small rise, she scanned around her to see where to take the horses. ‘Come on, girl.’ She patted Starflower. ‘Time to get you fed and rested.’
As she set off, she saw Brogan amongst the grooms and her heart leapt. She hurried over to him, putting on her best smile as she dismounted from the horse.
He caught her as she landed. The feel of his strong hands on her waist flooded her with warmth. Amid the sweaty bodies of the horses, she kissed Brogan long and hard, a kiss that spoke all they didn’t have time to say.
Then, together, they tended the horses. ‘I see you managed to escape the Assembly.’
‘I don’t want them getting too used to having me around.’
‘So I get you all to myself.’
A horsetail swished between them and the beast snorted as if it took offence at her words.
They spotted Gamel and helped the horse master settle all the horses, ensuring they were fed and comfortable for the night.
‘I’m surprised you’re here, Gamel,’ she said.
‘My horses are here, where else would I be? Besides, I’ve left my stables in the care of two very capable young mystics. Conall and Beliss will do a fine job while I’m away.’
They nodded, all of them relieved to know the youngsters were safe in Turrak.
Tei took Brogan’s hand and led him to the cook fire. They waited in line, the aroma of meaty broth reaching out into the now dark night.
Brogan sniffed the air. ‘That smells delicious.’
She watched how the cooking fires illuminated Brogan’s face. His eyes were soft and glinting, and his mouth curved into a smile. Tei’s heart lurched with happiness and pain. She felt so happy and yet the battle loomed over her. Tomorrow they could both be dead.
They took their food and ate the warm broth as they wandered around the camp, seeing how efficiently the people had worked to organise their base.
‘The enemy will be here tomorrow,’ Tei said quietly.
‘I know, Hafender’s been keeping me informed.’ He took her hand and led her away from the lights.
They found a secluded spot several hundred yards from the camp boundaries and lay together beneath the shadow of a lone tree. Brogan kissed her, his stubble tickling her chin. She tried to look into his eyes, but his face was only an outline in the darkness. He lay on top of her and kissed her urgently, while his hands roamed her body and loosened her clothes. Tei gave into his passion, matching it with her own.
Afterwards, she lay in Brogan’s arms. She locked every detail in her memory, praying it wouldn’t be the end, not when Callisa had given her hope of a future with Brogan. She snuggled into his embrace, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
‘I have to go soon; I’m on the next watch duty.’
She embraced him, never wanting to let go. ‘Be careful,’ she whispered against his lips.
They moved apart and adjusted their clothes. Then Brogan took her hand and led her back to camp.
They slipped back into the main camp near the horse pens. Brogan pulled her into his arms and kissed her, a long lingering kiss that stole her breath.
Swallowing tears, Tei waved him off into the darkness and then stayed with the horses. She looked up at the clear night sky where the stars shimmered eternally and the crescent moon was the only witness to her tears.
***
Tei headed for the centre of the encampment where the Sentinel’s tent stood. She detected the presence of guards watching her from the shadows and smiled at Hafender’s forethought, before shifting the food parcel in her hand to prove her intention.
Light from several lanterns cast shadows of the many figures gathered inside the tent though, as Tei approached, she saw they were preparing to leave. Not in the mood to face conversation, Tei hung back and watched the Elders shuffle out.
The last to leave were Thal and Hilda; she saw a quick heated exchange and then Hilda stormed off in the direction the other Elders had taken.
Thal paus
ed to run a hand through his hair and glanced over at Tei’s hiding place. She could just pick out his features in the gloom. He gave her a nod of acknowledgement and then walked after the others.
Tei stepped forward, watching the shadows in the Sentinel’s tent, ensuring there was no one else inside. She pulled back the tent flap and saw Callisa sitting crossed-legged on the rug, meditating. Laying the food down, Tei sat opposite her but was too anxious to join in the meditation.
Eventually, Callisa opened her eyes. She smiled wearily and then unwrapped the food. Tei noticed the tremor in her friend’s hand as she picked through the parcel of cheese, dried berries and bread.
She found Callisa’s supply of herbs and prepared them both a warming tea.
When there were no further excuses to avoid conversation, Callisa looked up and met Tei’s eye. ‘Rathnor won’t let anything go wrong this time. He needs to destroy me to realise his plans; if the battle goes ahead I won’t last the day.’
Tei watched Callisa’s face as she spoke the brutal truth.
‘You said there was something we could do.’
‘Maybe.’ Callisa looked thoughtfully into her cup. ‘Farrell is our biggest hope now; if we could get him to stop his men fighting against us, it would be enough.’
‘Then let’s do it.’ Tei reached her hands out to Callisa.
‘It takes planning, Tei. Rathnor will be expecting us to try something. And it may take sacrifice…’
Tei snatched back her hands, the sombre words hanging in the silence between them. She remembered the serious faces of the Elders as they filed from Callisa’s tent.
‘We need to create a diversion that will distract Rathnor long enough to contact Farrell.’
‘You mean someone is going to die.’
‘Not if we do it right, no. The Elders have gone to decide who amongst them is willing to take the risk. Then we’ll need Rike and Garrick to aid us in the Astral Plane by keeping the Soul Eater at bay. And I’ll need your help to reach through to Farrell.’ Callisa spoke quietly, her eyes apologetic.
Tei shuddered, remembering how much it had hurt the last time. She swallowed hard and nodded.
‘The Elders will be with us, shrouding us from Rathnor…’
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