The World of Samar Box Set 3

by M. L. Hamilton

  She stopped in the doorway, her eyes coming to rest on Muzik and his mother huddled together over the sink boards. Muzik had his arm around the older woman’s shoulder as she wept into a dishtowel.

  Tyla sank into her seat beside Kendrick. The Nazarien gave her a sympathetic smile. Tyla didn’t have the will to return the gesture. After a moment, Sonyan wiped her eyes and straightened, turning back to her guests. She seemed surprised to see that Tyla had returned.

  “Well, was he able to eat?” she said with forced brightness.

  “No, he’s sleeping and I didn’t want to disturb him.” She clasped her hands in her lap and fixed Muzik with a look. “You don’t have to accompany us any farther. I release you...”

  Muzik’s eyes went wide and he dropped to his knees in front of Tyla, taking her hands. “Don’t finish that sentence, Your Majesty. I don’t want to be released.”

  “Muzik...” she began.

  “No, Your Majesty, please, please don’t say those words. My purpose is with you.”

  Tyla squeezed his hands and leaned closer to him. “You are sacrificing a great deal.”

  “Not in my eyes,” he answered.

  Tyla’s gaze lifted to Sonyan. “What about your family?”

  Sonyan’s jaw firmed. “His family’s prouder of him than words can express. We support his decision.” She reached for Tyla’s hand and pressed it between both of her own, bending to kiss the back of it. “Don’t mistake a mother’s grief. I wouldn’t change my son nor the path he’s chosen, even when it takes him far from me.”

  “You honor me,” said Tyla, glancing between the two of them. “I can never repay your loyalty.”

  “You already have, Your Majesty,” said Muzik.

  At that moment, Gaff returned, his large face brimming with a smile. “Stroke of fortune,” he said, then returned to the living room, dragging a large, heavy pack with him. Muzik went to help him and they lifted it onto a chair.

  Gaff undid the straps and spilled the contents of the sack onto the table. Swords, short blades, a bow, a quiver of arrows, and uniforms fell into a pile. Tyla reached out and pulled free one of the uniforms, a black uniform made of heavy, coarse material to ward off the chill of winter. As she shifted it in her hands, the red emblem of a panther sprang into view. Her eyes shot up to Gaff's face and he smiled.

  “Yes, Your Majesty, official Sarkisian Front Guard uniforms.” He pulled forth one of the swords, silver blade and hilt instantly recognized by all. “And official swords. It sometimes pays to know people in the Revolt movement, eh? A lot of Guardsmen die at the front lines. A good cleaning, a few small repairs, and you have a perfectly good uniform once again. And I think you’ll find they’ll fit fairly well with a few alterations or two.”

  Tyla smiled and her eyes gleamed mischievously. “So we’ll go out the front gates,” she said.

  “My thoughts exactly. Safest way, really,” said Gaff.

  Kendrick rose to his feet, his expression alarmed. “Are you crazy?” he said, looking first at Tyla, then at Gaff.

  Tyla’s eyes shifted to him. “Certainly not. I’m sure you know the entire city of Adishian’s ringed in by the outer wall. The wall, itself, is three feet thick and ten feet tall. Ramparts run the entire length of it and are by now heavily guarded with Sarkisian soldiers. This is a city under occupation, Kendrick,” she said sharply. “The only way in or out, without being detected, and we are trying to achieve just this, is to go through the front gates and these uniforms will get us through. No one in the regular reserves would dare to question a Guardsman or a squad of them when they’re going about their business of patrolling the outer lands.” She turned to Gaff then. “Can you get us horses, the white ones, to complete the disguise?”

  “I’ve already made inquiries and by nightfall, we should have our answer. You understand, Your Majesty, that these horses are bred exclusively for the Guard. A Guardsman takes better care of his horse than his wife.” He cut an amused glance at his wife and she gave him a glare.

  “I know about Sarkisian Guardsmen horses,” Tyla said, and then looked down at her hands. “I also know they must cost a great deal.” She twisted her wedding ring around her finger, a band of gold inlaid with pycantra. It was the only piece of jewelry she wore. She sighed heavily and removed it, pushing it across the table toward Gaff. “Take this to help with the costs.”

  “It’s your wedding ring, Your Majesty,” said Gaff in shock and he pushed it back. “I can’t take this.”

  “But you must. It’s all I have to give you, and...” She hesitated a moment. “I think Tarnow would want me to do this in order to leave Adishian safely.” She picked up the ring and closed it in Gaff’s hand. Then she looked across the table at Kendrick. “To ease your mind a little,” she said, “I can shield us with my power, make the guards on duty think that nothing unusual is happening, as long as there aren’t too many.” Her eyes grew distant. “And as long as Rarick isn’t among them.”

  “Then we’ll wait until he isn’t,” said Kendrick.

  * * *

  They spent the rest of the day talking about the way they’d proceed if they were able to get the horses, and trying on their uniforms. Sonyan made some last minute alterations and pressed them. They napped, rising at dusk to help Sonyan and Gaff prepare a meal of fresh bread and butter, sweet ham, potatoes and dried fruits from the cold storage. Tyla cleaned Jarrett’s wounds once again and noticed that they had already begun to close over. This day’s rest would do him good, she decided, and refused to let him do much of anything but sleep, which he seemed to need. They were afraid to go out into the yard so their day became confined to the house. Sonyan even kept the drapes pulled, lest her neighbors should think to look inside.

  The snow fell steadily all day. Tyla was tired of the snow and wished spring would show, if only for a while, but by dusk the storm hadn’t lessened a bit. She stopped looking outside, so dreary and unchanging was the landscape. Sitting herself before the fireplace in the living room, she brushed Kian’s heavy coat with her fingers and worried about their plans.

  Kendrick joined her. “In a few weeks, we might be in Temeron,” he said.

  “I’ve never given it much thought, but it does seem like a haven to me now.”

  “I’m anxious to see the city. I’ve heard stories of its beauty. I can’t imagine what it will feel like to be in the birthplace of Eldon. Humbling, I’m sure.”

  Tyla smiled at him. The oppressiveness of Rarick’s control had begun to slip from her and she could almost believe in a future without his shadow looming over everything. “I didn’t think Nazarien could be any more humble.” When he gave her a bewildered look, she changed the subject. “I want to see the people too.” Her eyes grew distant. “I can’t wait to meet my grandfather and ask him about my mother.”

  “Soon, Tyla,” he answered. “Soon.”

  She nodded. “It’d be nice to have a family and not breathe my father’s name in a whisper.” Her eyes met his. “Kalas is the only family I’ve ever known.”

  “You’ll miss him, won’t you?”

  Tyla thought for a moment. “Yes,” she said finally, stroking Kian’s muzzle. “Lately, I’ve thought I could see a spark of the old Kalas in him, but then...”

  “He’s not like Rarick, Tyla. He’s confused sometimes, but I think you’re the only thing he’s ever loved and I think he’d even challenge Rarick for you, if it came down to it.”

  She looked at Kendrick for a long time. The fire cracked at her back and a log broke in two, sending up a shower of sparks. The wind whistled mournfully down the chimney. They were alone in the living room. Jarrett was asleep in the small room, and they could hear Muzik and his parents talking in the kitchen as they cleaned the dishes from the evening meal.

  Kendrick leaned forward. “You’re beautiful in the firelight.”

  Tyla’s eyes widened in surprise and then she smiled. “I didn’t know Nazarien were such good liars. I need a bath and a full night’s sl
eep, but I thank you for your compliment.”

  Kian shifted and lifted his head to yawn. He blinked his sleepy eyes and regarded Kendrick, then his head turned toward the door. Rising to his feet, he growled. Both Tyla and Kendrick looked at it. A knock came then, quick and loud three times, followed by silence.

  Gaff appeared from the kitchen, trailed closely by Muzik and Sonyan. The elder Andrada moved to the door and opened it only a crack, peering out. Then he stepped back and a dark cloaked figure entered. The door closed behind him and Gaff extended his hand, which was taken by the gloved hand of the visitor. Then the visitor threw back his hood and removed his cloak, shaking the snow from it.

  He was a young man, around Tyla’s age, with dusky blonde hair and large, brown eyes. A white scar ran from just below his left eye to his chin. He was tall and broad about the shoulders. As he removed his gloves, Tyla noticed that his hands were huge and covered with rings on each finger. In his left ear, he wore three gold hoop earrings and a medallion around his neck. His eyes made the circuit of the room and fell on Tyla. His upper lip lifted in a crooked smile.

  “Welcome, Earon,” said Gaff, “we’ve been anxiously awaiting your arrival. Do you have news?”

  Earon’s brow lifted. “Anxious, I’d say so. You haven’t even offered me anything to drink or made introductions,” he said, winking in Tyla’s direction.

  Tyla rose to her feet, Kendrick with her. She approached Earon and extended her hand. “I’m Tyla Eldralin, and you?”

  The visitor smiled his crooked smile again and took Tyla’s hand, bending to kiss it. “I’m Earon, a Revolt runner, Your Majesty,” he answered, then turned to Gaff. “A glass of whiskey, perhaps?”

  Sonyan hurried off to the kitchen to fill his request and Gaff cleared his throat. “This is my son Muzik and this gentleman’s Kendrick Andel from Chernow.”

  Earon ignored Muzik, but he looked Kendrick up and down, his left brow lifted in interest. “A Nazarien, alive in Adishian? Now this is proving to be interesting.”

  Muzik pushed forward, his face showing his irritation. “Who is this man, Father, and how do you know him?”

  Earon turned to him and licked his bottom lip. “As I said, I’m a Revolt runner and your father said you might be in need of horses, Sarkisian Guardsmen horses.”

  Tyla glanced at both Kendrick and Muzik. “And do you have horses for us?”

  He looked her over again and smiled. “That depends on what you have for me.”

  Muzik gave a low growl. “Do you realize who you’re talking to, man?”

  Earon’s laughing eyes shifted to him. “Tyla Eldralin – be assured I’m not hard of hearing.”

  “I’m not certain of that,” answered Muzik. “Have you forgotten who she is?”

  “Certainly not. She’s the deposed Queen of Adishian and a very beautiful widow into the bargain.” He cast his smile on her again and winked. “Talar Eldralin’s unfortunate daughter.”

  “Why you bastard!” cried Muzik, but Tyla lifted her hand.

  “Enough, Muzik, most of everything he’s said is correct. What do you require in payment?”

  “What do you have to give me?”

  “Show us what you’ve got first,” came Jarrett’s voice.

  Tyla turned to see him leaning against the door jam. He stepped into the room and crossed to stand before Earon, extending his hand. Earon accepted it and they measured each other silently. Then Jarrett’s blue eyes fixed on the Revolt runner’s. “I’m Jarrett Murata. Before we discuss payment, I think we should know exactly what we’re getting.”

  Sonyan returned with a tray of glasses filled with whiskey. She set it down on a table in the middle of the room and motioned for everyone to take a seat. They did so and she distributed the glasses.

  Earon sipped for a while, then lifted his eyes and fixed them on Jarrett. “I have six of the finest Guardsmen horses available. They come fresh from the front lines, their riders having been dispatched by Dorland. I brought them from the border myself at a very high cost.”

  Jarrett regarded him a moment, his eyes narrowing. “We only need four horses.”

  Earon drained his glass. “These are the finest horses to be found in all of Nevaisser. They’re snow white, will blend well with the landscape, and will aid you in fooling the guards at the gate. A squad of Sarkisian Guardsmen usually take a few extra horses with them just for safe measure.”

  “How much will you sell them for?” asked Kendrick.

  Earon laughed a deep throaty laugh. “Sell them? I won’t sell them. They’re the most valuable equipment I’ve ever laid my hands on.” He leaned forward and his eyes glistened mischievously. “But I’ll lend them to you for a nice little sum.”

  “Lend them?” said Tyla, shaking her head. “We won’t be returning to Nevaisser.”

  Earon’s eyes bore into her. “And where would you be taking them?”

  Muzik and Kendrick started to protest the question, but Tyla lifted her hand again and they fell silent. “That’s no business of yours, just know we won’t be returning them.”

  Earon laughed. “Aren’t you a gem,” he said. “Beautiful and sharp tongued, my kind of woman.”

  Jarrett exhaled in annoyance. “Enough of the game playing. Will you sell us the horses and if so, what’s your price?”

  Earon shifted his gaze to the Terrian and he eyed him as if he wasn’t sure whether he was bluffing or not. Then he leaned back in his seat. “I told you I wouldn’t sell the horses, but I will lend them to you.” When the group started to protest again, he held up his hands. “Hear me out. I intend to come with you, wherever you’re going, to protect my investment. When we reach your destination, I’ll leave with my horses.”

  The room erupted in shouts of protest. Tyla leaned back against the fireplace and watched in silence. It was a curious offer, but as her thoughts slipped into the runner’s mind, she realized he wasn’t speaking with guile. He was a greedy man, who truly believed these six horses were his richest investment. He had no alliance to anyone or anything, except this greed and he wasn’t afraid of going to the ends of Samar to protect his own interests. Suddenly he looked at Tyla and their eyes fastened on one another.

  “I’ve also got a little interest in this affair. You should know, Rarick’s having each and every house systematically searched for the four of you.” He fingered the scar down his left cheek. “I have no love of the Sarkisian King. You might even say I enjoy thwarting his efforts once in a while and helping Tyla Eldralin to escape his grasp seems to be a pretty good way to do so.” He fell silent, surprised he had suddenly said so much. Tyla gave him a slow smile. The revolt runner fingered his scar again. “He gave this to me as a gift. He’s quite fond of such gifts.”

  Jarrett had been watching Tyla, but he shifted and regarded Earon now. “Very well, another person on this expedition’s welcome.”

  Kendrick started to his feet. “Are you mad?”

  Jarrett’s eyes shifted to him. “Not entirely.” He looked again at Earon. “We won’t be giving you our destination. You’ll have to figure it out yourself...and you’ll have to stay here, under our surveillance, until we attempt our escape tomorrow afternoon. Gaff, can you get him another of the Guardsmen uniforms in the morning?”

  “Where do you think I got them in the first place?” said Gaff.

  Jarrett nodded in understanding. “Does this arrangement suit you, Earon?”

  Earon smiled and glanced between Tyla and Jarrett. “Stay here until tomorrow afternoon? The Sarkisian army may descend upon us tonight, but I’ll stay.” He scratched his chin. “But there’s still the matter of my payment?”

  “Yes, your payment for borrowing horses we haven’t yet seen.” Tyla’s eyes narrowed once again imperceptibly. “You’ll receive that once we reach our destination safe and sound.”

  Earon swallowed. “Very well,” he said, clearly surprised that he’d agreed so readily.

  Tyla lifted the decanter and refilled his glass. “Drin
k up,” she said. Her gaze rose to Kendrick’s outraged expression. “My companions and I are going to remove ourselves to discuss your offer.”

  “Certainly,” remarked the runner, lifting his glass.

  Nodding toward the kitchen, Tyla turned her back on Earon and Muzik’s parents. She entered the kitchen and faced her companions.

  “I don’t like this, Tyla,” said Kendrick at once.

  “I know, but it couldn’t be helped. Until we can get the horses, we have to agree to his plan.”

  “We can’t trust him.”

  Tyla glanced into the other room. “I think we can. He wasn’t lying when he told us of his run-in with Rarick.”

  Kendrick frowned, but Muzik’s face lit up. “You read his mind?”

  Tyla didn’t answer, simply gave him a wry look.

  “She also exerted a bit of control over him,” added Jarrett.

  “A bit,” she said.

  “Then make him think he doesn’t want to come,” said Kendrick.

  “That’s harder to do. He really believes these horses are his sole capital. A simple suggestion isn’t going to change that. I think he’s a bit more complicated than the average person, Kendrick.”

  “I don’t want him going with us.”

  “Let’s see the horses first, then we’ll deal with him. All right?”

  Kendrick opened his mouth as if he would protest further; instead, he sighed and nodded.

  Tyla’s eyes rose to meet Jarrett’s and he gave her a conspiratorial smile.

  CHAPTER 13

  Tyla woke suddenly and forced her eyes open. Daylight had not yet come and another storm shook the small cottage, the wind whipping across the roof and shaking the shuttered windows. She lifted to a sitting position and glanced around the room. Jarrett slept on the bed and through the half open door, the rest of the cottage was dark and silent. She listened in the silence for a moment, then pushed back the blankets and rose to her feet. The cottage was cold, so she reached for her Guardsman parka and pulled it about her shoulders, slipping her feet into her boots at the same time.