As Aiden stroked a hand down Naia’s hair, he smiled at the boy. He intended to take Le with him to Dorland, if the boy wanted to go. He didn’t want to be separated from his unconventional family again.
Impulsively, he wrapped his arms around Naia. She snuggled into his warmth, resting her head on his shoulder. Placing his lips on her clean hair, Aiden couldn’t believe how physically and emotionally exhausted he was, but he was delighted by Naia’s response. Even if she didn’t feel as strongly as he did, she must feel something or she wouldn’t allow him to hold her so close.
* * *
Naia paused in the trail and pushed the hair from her face. She always wore it braided in Tirsbor to keep it out of the way, but since becoming a captive, she’d worn it loose. When it had been dirty and tangled, it had at least stayed back, but now that it was clean, it kept catching on the branches or blowing in the wind. She wanted to tie it back, but she had nothing to bind it with.
She lifted her eyes to the rocky expanse of mountains in the distance. Tirsbor. Her heart beat faster and she glanced over her shoulder at Aiden. He was helping the boy climb along the rocky bank of the Ethicon and he hadn’t looked at her. She turned back to the mountains. It was so close now. Less than a day away.
She shifted her gaze around them. She might as well start looking for a campsite now. They’d travelled a good distance, but she could see that Le was tiring. She was also tired, but it was a tired of the spirit rather than body. She wanted one last night with Aiden before he went back to being King.
She knew he had a wife, he had an entire life waiting for him, and it didn’t include a Nazarien woman who couldn’t hear. Besides her mother and Shandar waited for her, her brother. She had a life too, or she’d had one – still, after this experience, after these weeks of being captive, the idea of returning to a life in Tirsbor no longer seemed enough. She wanted more. She deserved more. She wanted the happiness she felt when she looked into Aiden’s eyes.
Her gaze narrowed as she took in her surroundings. She’d been this way before, many times when she went with hunting parties. Naia often went with the hunting parties, the single woman who would make their food and lay out their bedding. She’d been chosen because the men could count on her silence. She grimaced in memory of the hard days she’d spent, carrying packs, cleaning kills, cooking, sewing late into the night to repair torn clothing.
Then she remembered where she was. She looked around again. Of course. They’d often come this way, following the river and the game trails that led to it. It had been almost four years ago that one of the men had found the caves. She squinted her eyes in the bright afternoon sun. There to the right was the outcrop of foothills, and somewhere in there were the caves filled with hot springs.
Once discovered, the hunting parties had never failed to spend at least one night in the caves, enjoying the unusual pleasure of the hot springs. Naia didn’t doubt she could find them, if she could find Round Rock to guide her. For the first time in weeks, the three of them would sleep in warmth and shelter.
* * *
Naia motioned when they caught up with her. Aiden followed her hand signs, then automatically looked at Le. The boy was watching her with narrowed eyes, his hands on his thighs as he tried to catch his breath. Then he straightened suddenly and his eyes danced when he looked at Aiden.
“There are caves close by, over there.” He pointed to a small rise of foothills. Aiden’s eyes followed his arm. “Inside the caves are hot springs.”
‘You sure?’ Aiden motioned.
Her face became thoughtful and she glanced around once more, then she nodded. ‘Sure.’
He looked beyond her to the rise that she’d said housed Tirsbor. They’d covered a lot of ground that day. It wouldn’t hurt to stop early. He figured they might make the Nazarien outpost by noon tomorrow if the trail held so smooth. Naia seemed to guess his thoughts.
Her hands were graceful as she spoke to Aiden through Le, like the movement of a butterfly. Aiden studied her, noting the way the sunlight glanced off her black hair.
“Naia says Tirsbor is less than a day away.”
He nodded. It didn’t matter if it was two days. If she wanted to stop early, he’d stop. The pleasure of hot springs wasn’t lost on him either.
‘We follow,’ signed Aiden and he was rewarded by Naia’s smile.
She led them away from the river, back toward the foothills that rose in the distance. Aiden guided Le with one hand on his elbow to steady the weak boy, but a short time later, Naia found the caves with uncanny ease. She did so much without sound that Aiden was truly amazed. He’d heard tales of Talar Eldralin’s skill against the staggering handicap of blindness, but he’d thought most of that myth. He’d had to rethink his ideas since meeting Naia. She was better able to care for herself than most people he’d ever met, and she cared for them as well.
Carona would never have survived her first day in slavery – Carona who had all her senses in tact. Obviously the value of a person didn’t lie in the external or the physical, but then Aiden had always known that. Look at his own brother Alasdair.
Aiden released Le’s arm when he saw Naia peering into one of the caves. He moved to her side and placed himself before her and the dark opening. You never knew what might lurk in caves. As he gazed in at the darkness, he felt Naia’s hand on his arm. Then he became aware of a warmth on his face, and he looked over his shoulder, smiling at the woman who’d led them here. She smiled at him in return.
“Is this it?” asked Le, leaning against the entrance, panting hard.
Aiden nodded. Le needed a warm place to sleep at night and finally they were able to provide it. “This is it, Le,” he said, drawing the damp, moist air into his lungs. His eyes scanned the floor before the cave and he noticed the marks of previous fires. “Ask Naia if the Nazarien often shelter in this cave.”
Le made the necessary hand signals and Aiden was pleased to see he understood most of them. He turned to Naia as she answered and watched her more fluid movements.
“She says they always shelter at least one night here on every hunting trip. They make between three or four hunting trips every month.”
He turned back to the cave, surprised that he could now make out the curving of walls. There was a faint phosphorescent glow coming from deep within the dark recess. Aiden squinted and then felt Naia’s gentle tug on his arm.
He looked at her as she made her hand motions and Le translated, but Aiden picked up most of the conversation on his own. “There’s an inner cave where the hot springs are. The walls are pycantra. She says we shouldn’t be worried about animals in the cave. With the smell of man so regular and heavy, no animal would venture in and if the cave were occupied by Nazarien, a guard would have spotted us down by the river.”
Aiden ruffled Le’s hair. “What do you say to a hot bath? Are you up for it?”
“Aye,” said the boy, “Tis certain I’m ready.”
Aiden laughed. “Then tis certain you shall have one. The longest you can stand.” He slipped an arm around both their shoulders and led them inside.
While Le lavished in his bath, Aiden and Naia explored the outside, searching for something to eat. At one point, Naia caught up his hand, tugging him along behind her. Aiden marveled at his change in fortune. He’d never felt quite so happy and he’d never had so little – material wealth, that is. Even so, the woman walking in the dying sunlight beside him was more than he’d ever dreamed of; he’d never expected to find. Naia had given him life in a very real sense. He’d never known how bereft of it he was until he’d found her. The single bitter feeling to it all was his own uncertainty.
If only he knew how she felt about him.
She knelt and dug with a stick in the dirt, uncovering a few dark roots. She pulled them up and laid them beside her, then probed even further under the dense brush beside the river. Aiden watched her for a moment, then bent and helped her until they’d gathered a dozen or so. He carried them to the wate
r and they washed them in the fast moving stream.
Picking their way back to the cave, they dropped them in the inner room beside the used fire ring. Aiden built a fire, utilizing the flint the Nazarien warriors stored in the cave, along with a little of the tinder. Naia told him they’d replace it the next morning before they left. Warming their hands in the blaze, they looked at each other and smiled.
‘Le bathing?’ motioned Naia, her eyes rolling with amusement.
Aiden laughed and nodded. Le had been wallowing in the warm water for more than an hour. He walked to the entrance of the inner cave and peered inside to make sure the boy was all right. It took awhile for his eyes to adjust to the misty half-light, but then he saw Le stroking from one end of the steaming pool to the other. As Aiden watched, Le lifted his head and started humming. Aiden suppressed his laughter and rejoined Naia.
“Le bathing,” he mouthed, and then he motioned to the entrance of the cave, moving in that direction himself.
Naia walked beside him, then stopped and clutched his arm. He followed her pointing finger and drew in his breath. Sunset was spreading out over the river in rosy pink hues. He swallowed hard, surprised by the sudden rush of tears in his eyes. He was suddenly and profoundly happy to be alive.
He turned to Naia and found her looking at him. A single tear slipped off her eyelashes and ran down her cheek. Aiden caught it and then smoothed it away with his thumb. She blinked at him and lifted her hand, covering the back of his, guiding his palm across her face in a caress. Aiden could only watch as her eyes closed with emotion and she leaned into his hand. Suddenly he had to know exactly what she felt for him or he’d die.
He eased his hand into her hair, passing the strands through his fingers, stroking his fingertips across her scalp. She half-opened her eyes and glanced at him, then closed them again, leaning her head back, exposing the flawless expanse of her throat. Aiden curved his hand around the back of her head and drew her closer to him, bending at the same time and brushing his lips across her throat.
He heard her quick intake of air and looked up at her. She stepped away from him and regarded him with an expression he couldn’t judge. Then she reached for his hand and drew him up to her until they were standing toe to toe. He looked down and twined his fingers through hers, exhaling slowly. Her eyes shifted from his eyes to his lips.
Aiden took it as the invitation he wanted and bent, brushing his own lips over hers. He’d expected some response, but not the immediate one he got. Her arms came around his neck and she lifted into his kiss, covering his mouth with her own. Aiden ran his hands up her sides over her back and sank his fingers into her hair, bringing her closer.
“Aiden.” He heard Le’s voice in the cave and he broke away from Naia. They both stared at each other, panting.
‘Le?’ Naia motioned.
Aiden nodded and drew a deep breath, releasing her.
Later, they ate the roots they’d found and enjoyed the warmth of the fire. Aiden had even found a few rough hewn cups and they shared a toast of water, laughing at the wealth they’d discovered in so unlikely a place. Leaning back, Aiden watched Naia and Le conversing back and forth.
Who would have thought that he could have been content with so little just a few months before? But as he watched Naia reach over to ruffle Le’s hair, he didn’t think it was so little. He’d found a family with these two that he’d never had with his brothers. Le had become like a son and Naia...no words could describe what Naia had become to him. For so long, he’d accepted a loveless marriage and days filled with menial tasks. Now he was glad to be alive, enjoying the warmth of a fire. He remembered a saying he’d once heard – how the mighty have fallen. Funny how much more mighty he felt, basking in the warmth of his small, makeshift family.
Naia looked up and caught his gaze. Le looked at him too, his eyes heavy. The boy glanced between his two companions and then gave a sleepy smile.
“That water in there feels so wonderful. Tis true that nothing’s felt so good before.” He stretched languidly. “Made me so tired, I’ll probably sleep like a bear in the winter, straight through ‘til morning.”
He gave each of his companions a meaningful look and then rolled onto his side and purposefully closed his eyes. It was a dramatic display, but Aiden got the meaning and he was grateful for Le’s adult understanding. In fact, although Le had always been protective of Naia, wanting to keep her unnoticed by the slavers, he’d never seemed the least bit jealous of Aiden’s obvious interest. He seemed to approve.
Aiden chuckled at the boy, added a few more sticks to the fire, and then gave his complete attention to the woman sitting across from him. Holding out his hand, he rose to his feet. She rose with him, their eyes locked on one another. He shot Le one last look, but the boy’s breathing had smoothed out and deepened. Aiden suspected he was already asleep, as good as his word.
CHAPTER 16
Kalas and his men reined into the open area before the buildings. A group of men lounged around the periphery, some playing horseshoes, some at a table with a deck of cards, some sitting on the steps of a large two-story house.
A man with a dark moustache came down the stairs into the yard, giving Kalas a short bow of obeisance. “Your Majesty, I am beyond honored to have you at my humble homestead. What brings you so far from your realm?”
Kalas glanced at Dolan. He knew his second took everything in, never missing anything. He could feel Parish on alert to his right as well. They’d discussed what to say when they approached the homestead. Halish, the Nazarien Adison had sent with them, recommended discretion, but the Baron felt they ought to just come out with it and see what reaction they got.
“We’re searching for the King of Dorland.”
The moustached man blinked. “The King of Dorland? Your Majesty, you’re a good deal too far south for Dorland.”
Some of the men on the porch laughed. Kalas didn’t.
“The King of Dorland was abducted from his bed,” he said. “I’m sorry, but I didn’t catch your name.”
“Duard, sir, humble servant of the realm.” He gave a grim shake of his head. “What’s the world coming to when the King of Dorland can be abducted?”
“It is a wonder.” Kalas gave him a searching look. “I don’t suppose you’d mind if my men search your lands.”
Duard held out his hands. “What’s mine is yours, Your Majesty. Please, make yourself at home. The honor you do me is beyond all reckoning. Since Dorland is many leagues from here, I insist you treat my home as your own.” He bowed his head, touching his fist to his breast. “I’d be honored if you’d grant me your presence for the night as well.”
Kalas frowned. Interesting move. Invite your enemy to stay the night. He shared a look with Parish, then he gave Duard a cunning smile. “I have many men with me and I’m not certain your hospitality can extend to so many. We’ll move on after we’ve searched for the King.”
Duard straightened, motioning expansively. “Your men are welcome to bivouac right here, while you and your retinue will be granted the finest accommodations I can provide. Honor me with your presence, Your Majesty, please.”
Kalas ran his tongue along his teeth. Trail dust lay in a thin coat over him and he wouldn’t mind sleeping in a bed. He didn’t think this Duard would be so foolish as to try anything with so many soldiers right outside his home. Besides that, he knew Parish and Dolan would be on high alert all night. It gave them more time to search the homestead. Clearly, Duard had hidden his slaves. Otherwise he wouldn’t be so cavalier about them staying with him.
“We’d be honored to accept your hospitality. Sleeping on a camp cot lost its appeal years ago, I’m afraid.”
Duard inclined his head and motioned toward the porch. “Come take refreshments with me, Your Majesty, while your men set camp and…” He hesitated, giving Kalas an oily smile. “...begin your search for the unfortunate King of Dorland.”
Kalas’ men spent the day searching the homestead and into the cany
on beyond for the slaves, but they found no trace except for a large number of well-tended fields and one round patch of dried blood in a storage shed. When Kalas questioned Duard about the fields, he said his men worked them. Kalas held back the information about the blood.
Watching the men lounge about the homestead all day, Kalas didn’t buy they were farm workers, but as proof of anything else wasn’t visible, he began to lose faith in their venture. In order to operate a homestead of this size, Duard had to have access to a significant amount of labor, but where that labor was remained a mystery.
Daylight faded to night. Kalas and his companions were treated to a fine meal in the dining room of the house, while Kalas’ soldiers dined in the camp they set up in the courtyard. Duard talked of his business. He grew grains that he shipped to Terra Antiguo for the market.
“My ultimate goal is to plant grapes. I’ve been told they require much less maintenance and the profit is higher. I’m a simple man, Your Majesty, and I’m not as young as I once was. I’d like to turn enough profit here, so that I can retire to Terra Antiguo, maybe find a wife, get me some kids.” He sipped at his wine. “I’ve made an oasis out of the wilderness, but it’s a constant struggle.”
Kalas picked up his own glass and leaned back in his chair. The dining room windows looked over the yard. He watched his soldiers set up a perimeter, effectively encircling Duard’s men, but he still felt tense. Somewhere on this homestead he knew this man held slaves.
“I can imagine it takes an enormous workforce to maintain so much land.”
Duard shrugged. “My men are efficient and I spare nothing to keep them in the latest equipment. You’d be surprised how well they work.”
Kalas sipped at his wine, watching some of these men clear the table. They’d served them their meal as well, but the way they handled the fine china with over-exaggerated care rang suspicious with the King. He’d wanted Halish in on this supper, but the Nazarien had begged off, saying he wanted to continue exploring the grounds under cover of dark. Kalas didn’t completely trust the man, but he figured if anyone could find the missing slaves it ought to be a Nazarien.
The World of Samar Box Set 3 Page 117