Earon was the one who responded. “Pledge? Are you kidding me? You’re going to throw that in his face?”
Tyla shifted her attention to him in confusion.
“Really, Your Highness, you are a piece of work. This whole thing’s your fault. If anyone’s to blame, it’s you.”
Muzik rounded on him with clenched fists, but Tyla put a restraining hand on his arm. “My fault? What do you mean?”
Earon snorted in derision. “You are something, you know that. You wouldn’t make a decision. You kept both of them dangling on your every whim. You let him believe he had a chance. Then when you were done trifling with him, you cast him away. Just like you did your people. You and Rarick are more alike than you think. You toy with people. Both of you, manipulators and users…”
“That’s enough!” growled Muzik, his hand shooting out and catching Earon by the throat. He slammed him into the wall.
Tyla was so stunned, she didn’t react for a moment, then she grabbed Muzik’s arm and tried to pull it away. “Let him go.”
Muzik slammed Earon into the wall again, then released him. Still he presented an intimidating bulk.
“Let him go, Muzik,” Tyla repeated. She replayed Earon’s words in her mind and a sick feeling rose inside of her. He was right.
“Your Majesty…” began the captain.
“No, he’s right.”
“What?”
Tyla stared into Earon’s dark eyes and felt a chill snake its way through her body. Everything he said was right. She was no better than Rarick; she’d left her people to fight the battle for themselves, while she luxuriated in Temeron.
“He’s right. I caused it.” She turned to Farad. “Please release the Nazarien.”
“Release him? Tyla, we don’t take assault lightly in this city.”
She studied Kendrick’s bowed head. “In all the time we’ve traveled together, Kendrick has tried to preserve life. I know he wouldn’t have done this without strong provocation. I caused it, Stravad Leader, and I take responsibility. Earon’s right. I played lightly with his feelings.”
Kendrick met her look, his own expression confused.
“I don’t know if you can ever forgive me, Kendrick. I was selfish and thoughtless. I didn’t realize what I was taking from you when I made my decision.”
“Tyla, don’t…”
She moved in front of him and knelt, taking his hands in hers. “I have always admired your gentleness and careful consideration. Whenever I’ve been impulsive, you’ve reacted with deliberation. I know you wouldn’t have harmed Jarrett otherwise. I want you to make peace with this whatever way you can, but don’t shoulder this blame. It’s mine.”
“Tyla…” He started to say something, but he didn’t seem able to find the words. Closing his eyes, he bowed his head again.
She rose and turned toward Farad. “I want to see Jarrett now,” she said.
* * *
Jarrett rested easily. Tyla smoothed the covers and took his hand. It was warm, a good sign considering how much blood the healers said he’d lost. Although the sword had missed vital organs, it had severed an artery. Tyla was impressed with the skill displayed by the healers. They had reacted quickly and expertly, stopping the blood and repairing the damage.
“Tyla, are you coming home?” asked Tash at her back.
“Later, Grandfather,” she said, turning to give him a tired smile.
“It’s late, dear.”
“Just little more.”
Tash nodded. “I’ll ask Allistar to escort you.”
“Thank you. Good night, Grandfather.”
Tash moved into the room and kissed her on the top of the head. “Good night, little one. Don’t stay too much longer.”
Tyla waited until his footsteps died down the hallway. She hadn’t had time to tell either her grandfather or Thalandar about her marriage during breakfast this morning, but Tash had accepted the information this afternoon when he’d arrived. He liked Jarrett and didn’t object to Tyla’s decision.
Tyla pressed the back of Jarrett’s hand to her lips. Her eyes burned with fatigue, but she wasn’t going to give in to weakness, not now, not ever again. “We never had a chance, did we?” she said. “I should have taken the lessons of my father to heart. He tried to run from his future for so long, but it got him in the end.” She pressed her forehead to his hand. “Just like me.”
“Are you all right?” came a feminine voice at her back.
Tyla straightened. One of the healers moved around the bed, reaching out to take Jarrett’s pulse.
“Fine,” said Tyla, rising to her feet. “Tired.”
The healer checked the bandages and felt Jarrett’s head for fever. “He seems to be resting well.”
Tyla nodded. “Why he not wake?”
“We give accident victims a sedative that keeps them under for a while longer. We find that a short sedation quickens the healing process and helps with pain management.”
“Ah.” Tyla immediately saw many uses for such a practice. Especially now.
The healer continued, “We can’t keep them under too long, but a day or so helps. Pain can make accident victims restless, and movement isn’t always good for new wounds.”
Tyla stroked Jarrett’s hand. She felt guilty taking advantage of the situation, but she couldn’t risk Jarrett harming himself further. “Jarrett is bad. He bad…” She searched for the word, motioning at his bandages.
“Patient?” offered the healer with a smile.
Tyla forced her voice to be normal. “Yes, patient. Safe to keep him…sedation longer?”
“It wouldn’t hurt. And with his blood loss, it would give him more time to build it back.”
“You watch him?”
“Of course, but don’t worry. He’s going to be fine. There’s no sign of fever or infection and the worst is past us now. Why don’t you get some rest? He isn’t going anywhere.”
“Thank you,” Tyla said, then leaned over and kissed Jarrett’s lips. She lingered for a moment, wanting to hold him, but fearing she would hurt him. “I love you,” she whispered, then drew away. She felt like she was severing a physical connection as she turned and headed for the door. And she knew she didn’t dare look back.
* * *
She didn’t feel like talking as she rode behind Allistar through the streets of Temeron. A few Stravad meandered along the walkways, talking in hushed voices. She could see people having dinner in their cottages, sitting with family, laughing and sharing. She longed for the same thing and for a night, it had been hers. She turned away.
The Stravad Leader’s house came into view. A number of heavily laden horses were tied to the post before the gate. Tyla had noticed the same thing on many occasions, all at different times of the day. Another idea formed in her mind.
“Allistar?”
“Hmm.” She knew he was tired. He’d been on patrol all night, then he’d spent the day in the healing house with her.
She tried to think up the words she wanted in Lodenian. “Why horse at Stravad Leader house?”
“The stable’s down there,” he said, pointing to a cross street perpendicular to Farad’s house. “All patrols stop for orders before leaving.”
“There group going tonight?”
“Yes, they’re heading out to patrol the road to Denortosal.”
“How long be gone?”
“Only overnight. They’ll be back tomorrow afternoon.”
“Patrols leave all times?”
“Yes. The longer the patrol, the earlier the start. For instance, tomorrow a patrol heads toward Zelan. They’ll leave early.”
Tyla fell silent, her eyes on the horses. Allistar pulled his mount to a halt at Farad’s gate. She swung down before he could help her. “Thank you,” she said and turned toward the gate.
“Tyla?”
She looked up at him in the darkness. Exhaustion weighed heavily on her.
“Jarrett will be well in no time. If you want, you both
can stay at my place until you have enough for your own home.”
Tears blinded her for a moment, but she blinked them away. Oh, how she wished she could accept his offer. “Thank you, Allistar. You are friend.”
He shrugged. “It’s nothing. I can come by tomorrow and take you to see him if you want.”
Tyla went still. She forced the panic away. “It all right. I get there. You need rest.”
Allistar laughed and ran a hand through his white blond hair. “You have a point. Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will,” she said and watched him ride away. As she turned, her eyes fell on the horses again. She moved to the nearest one, soothing it with her power and reaching out to catch the bridle. She pulled its head to her and pressed her cheek to its neck. The horse nuzzled her hair.
She released it and opened the gate, striding up the walk. Farad’s chamberlain, Inze, opened the front door. “Good evening,” he said with a slight bow. “I’ll be happy to serve you supper in the dining room, if you wish?”
Tyla realized she hadn’t eaten anything since the breakfast at her grandfather’s. “Can you bring to room?”
Inze gave her a sympathetic smile. “Of course. I’ll do that straight away.” He turned smartly and headed down the hallway toward the kitchen. Tyla headed for the stairs, but paused when she heard the door to Farad’s study open.
Male laughter flowed down the hallway and many feet could be heard moving in her direction. She hurried up the stairs to the landing, then pressed her back to the wall and peered over. The patrol was leaving, escorted by Farad.
“Have a safe journey, men. Captain, I’ll hear your report the same time tomorrow.”
“Of course, Stravad Leader,” replied one of the men and they filed out.
Tyla waited until Farad shut the door and returned to his study before she moved down the hallway to her room. As she opened the door, Kian rose from the hearth and stretched, his tongue curling in a yawn. Muzik must have left him there after he went down to dinner.
She sank her fingers in the dog’s coat and bent to embrace him. She held him tightly for a moment, pressing her face into his fur. Tears started in her eyes, but she forced them back. Going to the wardrobe, she opened it and reached for the travel garb folded neatly in the bottom. She carried it to the bed, along with her pack. Pulling open the drawers, she filled the pack with a change of clothes, her hairbrush, and other essentials that she’d accumulated on the journey to Temeron.
Just as she was closing it, Inze knocked on the door. She opened it, but didn’t admit him. She didn’t want him to see what she was doing. He gave her a bewildered look as she reached for the tray.
“I can set it out for you,” he said.
“No. Thank you.”
He released the tray and backed from the room, continuing to eye her with confusion.
“Thank you,” she repeated. She didn’t wait for his response, but shut the door, then for added measure, threw the bolt. Carrying the tray to the bedside table, she pulled back the curtains and looked down at the Stravad Leader’s gate. The horses were gone.
She lifted the cover on the meal, but she wasn’t really hungry. Leaving it where it lay, she returned to the bed and slipped out of her day dress. Then she pulled on the travel gear. It was worn, but clean and the rents had been patched. She opened the drawer in the bedside table.
A black box lay in the drawer and she lifted it out, settling it on the bed. Carefully, she opened the lid. The emerald pulsated with green light in its bed of black velvet. She ran her fingers over its surface, feeling the answering kick as she touched it.
Here lay the answer to her problems. With the emerald, she had to be invincible. No one could possibly thwart her. She curled her fingers in the chain and lifted it, undoing the clasp and slipping it around her neck. As she drew her hands away, the emerald came to rest just below the hollow of her throat. She cushioned its warmth against the fabric of her travel shirt.
Picking up the plate, she returned to the window and pulled back the curtains, crawling onto the sill and tucking her legs under her. Kian came over and rested his head against her thigh. She gave him a piece of roast chicken and then picked up her fork. Even though she didn’t have an appetite, she knew she had to eat.
* * *
Sunlight peeked over the tips of the mountains, casting a rainbow of colors on the door to Tyla’s room. She picked up the collar one of the merchants had given her and called Kian to her. Bending, she hooked the collar around his neck and hugged him tightly. He shook his head in annoyance. He’d never worn a collar in his life.
Lifting the belt from one of her frocks, she looped it through the collar, then tied the ends around the foot of her bed. “Lay down,” she ordered. Kian complied, but cocked his head at her as if he was confused by her actions. She folded her hand around his muzzle and pressed her forehead to his. “Forgive me,” she whispered, then pressed a kiss between his eyes and reached for her pack.
Slinging it over her shoulder, she stroked the dog a final time. “Stay,” she commanded, then moved to the door. He gave a whimper, but obeyed.
She eased the door open and looked into the hallway. It was empty. Stretching forth her power, she slipped out the door and shut it behind her. Creeping to the edge of the stairs, she looked down at the landing. She didn’t want to use her power on Stravad. She feared they might know it. She sensed a number of people gathered at the back of the house. She knew it had to be the patrol that had arrived just a few moments before.
Drawing a deep breath, she hurried down the stairs and grabbed the knob on the front door. She’d just pulled it open when she heard a door open behind her. Ducking outside, she pulled the door closed, but it didn’t catch. She dropped to a crouch beside it and held her breath. Slowly the door swung inward, allowing sunlight to sneak into the house. Footsteps in the hallway approached the door and Tyla held her breath. If anyone decided to look out, they would find her.
With a snick, the door shut and the latch fell into place. Tyla released her held breath and rose to her feet. Hurrying down the walkway, she searched both ends of the streets. The horses nickered at her approach, but she used a touch of her power to soothe them. No one was about this early. Her luck was holding.
She chose the last horse in the line, a small mare with sturdy legs. Unwinding the bridle, she led the animal to the side of the Stravad Leader’s porch, where the house met forest. Following the gravel path, Tyla led the horse into Farad’s back garden.
Now she had a quandary. She intended to walk the horse through the stream behind the Stravad Leader’s house, into the forest, and past the wall, but she knew Farad would be able to see her from his office. She had to wait until he escorted the patrol out again, but that left her with very little time to slip away before they noticed a horse was missing. She’d been careful to lead the horse across the gravel near the road to hide its hoof prints, but the mud along the edge of the stream couldn’t be avoided.
The only way to know if they left the study was to use her power. She felt forward with it, searching for bodies, but she didn’t dare connect with any of them. Hours seemed to pass as she waited and she cursed the overly talkative Stravad. Finally, she sensed them moving. She inched out from the edge of the house and peered up at the study. They were filing through the door, their backs to her.
As soon as they disappeared from view, she tugged the horse and hurried across the open expanse of the grounds, taking the animal right into the stream. She knew she had at best a minute to get beyond Farad’s land before he returned to his study. However, the rocks in the stream bed were unstable and she couldn’t run for fear of hurting her ankle or the horse.
As soon as she made it to the edge of Farad’s land, she brought the horse out of the stream and onto the opposite bank. She couldn’t help the hoof prints now. She only hoped she had enough of a start on them that they wouldn’t be able to overtake her.
Slipping the reins over the animal
’s head, she mounted, then glanced back. No one was in pursuit. Drawing a deep breath, her thoughts shifted to Jarrett. Forcing all hesitation out of her mind, she kicked the mare in the sides and set her at a canter.
* * *
“Temerian law is clear. An assault is punishable by imprisonment, whether intended or not.”
“I understand,” said Kendrick. He stared at his clasped hands, noting how white his knuckles were. He forced himself to ease his grip and smoothed his hands out on his trouser legs. “I accept whatever punishment the council gives.”
Farad leaned back in his chair. Kendrick could hear the leather creak. “And that’s the problem. Without Tyla’s consent, they’re reluctant to pursue the case. They’re waiting for word from Jarrett.”
Kendrick studied the graining on the desk, anything to avoid making eye contact with the Stravad Leader. “No one disputes what I did, not even me. In Chernow, if I had wounded one of my comrades, the punishment would have been swift.”
“Why do you want punishment, Kendrick? What’s in your head?”
“I struck down a man I was pledged to protect. I failed in a pledge I made the King of Adishian.” His voice trembled and he fought for composure. No respectable Nazarien would dare betray such emotion. “The only honor I can claim is to face my punishment without protest.” He looked up at Farad. “I beg you. Do not listen to the Queen of Adishian. She is speaking out of her own guilt.”
Farad started to speak, but the door opened and Muzik loomed in the entrance. “Where’s Tyla?”
“What do you mean?” demanded the Stravad Leader.
Muzik stepped into the room. He held a collar in his hand. “This was around Kian’s neck and he was tied to the bedpost.” His gaze shifted and fixed on Kendrick. “Her things are gone.”
Kendrick rose.
“What?” said Farad.
“Are you sure?”
“Plenty. I went to her room earlier and knocked at the door. I wanted to know if she needed an escort to the healing house. When she didn’t answer, I went there myself. Jarrett’s still under sedation and none of the healers have seen Tyla today. So I came back here. When I knocked on her door again, Kian whimpered.” He held up the collar. “This is how I found him.”
The World of Samar Box Set 3 Page 43