“Do not compare Nazarien warriors to women, especially women of inferior breeding,” said the second.
Naia’s mother flinched and dropped her eyes.
Aiden tensed. “I wasn’t comparing Naia to a Nazarien warrior. I think what she did proves her superiority.”
The second narrowed his eyes. Tovan’s hand curled into a fist. Aiden knew this wasn’t the way to win their support, but if they thought he’d sit here and let them degrade Naia.
“Perhaps it would be best to get back to your story,” said Tovan.
Le tugged on Aiden’s arm in warning. Aiden gave the boy a comforting smile, then he drew a breath, glanced at Naia, and launched back into the tale. When he finished, the cavern fell silent.
Finally, Tovan shook his head in amazement. “A remarkable story.”
Aiden nudged Le, motioning for him to translate, so Naia could understand. Le’s hands lifted and Naia looked up, focusing on them.
“Yes, well, I can promise you I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Naia and Le. They saved my life.”
“As you saved theirs, it would seem.”
Aiden leaned forward, the fire flickering in the hollows of his face. “How is my kingdom? Have you heard anything?”
“Very little. Just that your brother Adison rules. The King of Eastern Nevaisser passed this way, headed for Dorland when news of your disappearance reached Chernow. Kalas Eldralin was in Chernow at the time, meeting with the Nazar.”
That was good news. He was glad someone had foresight to oversee his kingdom, and he couldn’t think of anyone more qualified than Kalas Eldralin. “Is there anyway to contact Kalas?”
“We’ll send riders to intercept him. We can also send word to Dorland.”
Aiden considered that. “Hold off on that.”
Tovan’s brows rose in question. “You don’t want us to inform your family that you’re alive?”
“Someone attacked me in my own chambers, disposed of my guards, and sold me into slavery. I think it’s safe to say I was betrayed by someone in my inner circle.”
“I can’t say as I completely understand, since such machinations are the purview of Human nobility, but I agree that caution is probably warranted. We’ll do our best to find Kalas Eldralin instead.”
Aiden glanced at Naia once more. “Zander told me Naia’s brother had gone looking for her.”
Tovan’s head tilted back and tension snaked around the room. “That is a Nazarien problem and we are working on it.”
“Right now, Tovan, our problems appear to be linked, so I think we might be a bit more open about things,” said Aiden, not trying to hide the edge to his voice. “The slavers had at least thirty Stravad women and children. Only a handful were Human and I was one. They operate with impunity right under both our noses, selling people as if they were a commodity.” He cast his gaze around the room. “Now, I understand I don’t fully comprehend Nazarien ways, but I’ve been on the inside of this slave trade and I know how it works. These men won’t hesitate to kill, so you might just want to listen when I tell you no one is safe.”
Tovan leaned against his backrest, curling a hand over his chin. “Amaroq Taheny is not open for discussion.”
“Then the information I have isn’t either.”
“You came to us for help!”
“And you’ll give it.” Le made a strangled sound, but Aiden laid his hand on the boy’s head. “Dorland’s the closest Human settlement to both Chernow and Tirsbor. A weak Dorland creates difficulties for the Nazarien. My father worked hard to establish a treaty between the Nazarien and my people, signed by Talar Eldralin himself. I don’t believe you would dare presume to dishonor that bond, would you, Tovan?”
A slight smile curved the lines of Naia’s lips, but the rest of the council moved restlessly. Tovan’s gaze never wavered.
He considered for a moment, glancing at his second, then he lowered his hand. “Well played, King of Dorland. Obviously, we’d be foolish to turn down the information you have.” He gave a tense jerk of his chin. “Amaroq Taheny is the single most important person living in this canyon. We will go to any lengths to recover him safe and sound.”
“Then it seems we have a basis for negotiating this relationship,” said Aiden. “I can show you on the map where we went and you can search those locations for signs of your missing brethren. I’ll also give you all of the information I have on how the slavers operate. In exchange, I get your help discovering who betrayed me.”
Tovan placed his fist against his breast and inclined his head. “We have a deal, Your Majesty.”
* * *
“You take risks, Aiden Cerik,” said Zander when they returned to their cave.
Le glanced up from his pallet on the shelf and gave the two men worried looks. Aiden stretched the kinks out of his back. Weariness pressed on him now that the immediate needs for food and cleanliness had been met. He wanted to go to sleep, but he also wanted to see Naia.
“You don’t know where I’ve been, Zander. From now on, I’m playing by a different set of rules. Tell me about Naia’s brother. Why is he so special?”
Zander shook his head. “That is not something I will divulge. I’m already in trouble for saying anything to start with. Now, I must go back on patrol.” He took a step closer to the King. “Tovan is a fair leader, Aiden Cerik, but he doesn’t suffer fools.”
“Neither do I, Zander.”
Zander gave a brief nod, then walked to the door flap and ducked outside. Le collapsed back on the shelf.
“I thought they were going to toss us out, I did,” he said, stretching languidly. “You shouldn’t provoke them, Aiden.”
Aiden moved closer to the pallet and looked down at the boy. “I intend to do more provoking. I’m not leaving Naia here when we go.”
Le sat up. “What? You can’t do that. She belongs here. These are her people.”
“People who call her inferior?”
“He meant because she can’t hear.”
Aiden hunkered down before the boy. “Do you really think Naia’s inferior in anyway, Le?”
Le dropped his gaze. “No, we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her.”
“Exactly.”
Le lifted his head and pierced Aiden with his green eyes. “But she isn’t going to leave her people, especially not if her brother returns. She talked about him a lot, Aiden. She adores him. Why would she leave this place when everyone she loves is here?”
Aiden rubbed his forehead. He hadn’t wanted to divulge this to Le, not this way, but there didn’t seem to be a better time. “Because I love her and I think she loves me.”
“You have a wife, Aiden.”
Aiden waved that off. “Our marriage is a sham. It was never real. We were forced into it and neither of us wanted it.”
“What makes you think Naia feels the same way?”
Aiden didn’t want to explain things about men and women to this boy, not this way. “I just feel it, Le. Besides, do you really want to come to Dorland without her?”
“Me?” The boy touched his chest. “You want me to come with you?”
“Of course. I thought we’d make it formal. How would you like to be my son?”
Le sat up straighter. “Are you serious?”
“Yeah. What do you think?”
“I think when do we leave.”
Aiden laughed. “As soon as I’m sure I have Nazarien support when we get to Dorland. I’m not going back unless I know exactly who had me attacked in the first place.” He smiled at the boy. “But I promise you, as soon as things are sorted, we’re going to be a family – you, me, and Naia.”
Le’s expression fell. “I hope you’re right, Aiden. I really do.”
Soon after Le fell asleep. Aiden tried to sleep, but all he could think about was Naia. Finally he gave up and walked to the door flap, pulling it open. Ducking outside, he walked to the railing and leaned over, looking up at the cave that Zander had indicated was Naia’s.
&nb
sp; The night was clear and thousands of stars shown in the sky. He could smell food cooking in one of the caves and hear the sounds of quiet conversation coming from another. A few tiers above, someone moved along the walkway to the end. A voice called out and was answered, then the flap parted and Naia stepped out, the glow from inside the cave illuminating her.
Aiden frowned and strained to hear who’d come to visit her, but he couldn’t tell from this distance. He eased down to the end of his level, directly below hers, and slipped back into the shadows so they couldn’t see him.
“I’ll ask Tovan for permission to search for your brother,” said a voice Aiden recognized. Zander. Clenching his jaw, Aiden felt a rush of anger. So much for going on patrol.
“She wants to know why you think he’ll grant such a request,” came another voice. Naia’s mother, Kaelene.
“Because I believe he will. He’s as concerned about Amaroq as the rest of us.”
They fell silent for a moment, then Aiden heard the walkway creak. “Naia, now that you’ve returned, I was hoping…”
Aiden tensed. Zander’s voice had taken on a tender quality.
“It’s late, so I’ll be brief. I’m willing to swear my allegiance to you in the name of Talar Eldralin.”
Aiden realized he was grinding his teeth. He knew what that meant. It was the strongest commitment a Nazarien could make, nearly a marriage.
Naia’s mother gave a gasp of delight.
“I can provide for you and make sure that nothing ever happens to you again. I think it is a good arrangement. Tell her that for me. Tell her I would protect her from everything.”
“This is a generous offer, Zander,” said Kaelene. “A very generous offer.”
The warrior didn’t answer.
Aiden held his breath, afraid to hear Naia’s response, afraid not to know. The sound of frogs reached him from the river, mingling with the pounding of blood in his ears. Why would she want to leave this protected canyon? Her people? Le was right. He was a fool.
“What does she say?” asked Zander.
Naia’s mother did not immediately answer.
“Kaelene, please. What does she say?”
Kaelene sighed. “She asks for time, Zander. She’s only just returned and her thoughts are with her brother. She says she can’t think of anything else at this moment.”
The walkway creaked again. “I understand,” said Zander. “She has as long as she wants. Tell her that for me.”
“I will.”
“I need to go on patrol,” he said. “I’ll call on her tomorrow.”
“We’ll be here.”
Footsteps moved down the walkway.
“Zander?” called Kaelene and the footsteps stopped. “It is a good match. Give me time to talk to her.”
“I appreciate it,” he answered, then his footsteps continued.
Aiden stayed where he was, fighting for composure. She hadn’t accepted. She hadn’t turned him down either, but she hadn’t accepted. What did that mean? Did she not want a match with the Nazarien warrior or did she just not want a match at all?
He stood in the shadows and listened for a long time. Zander descended without seeing him and walked off across the meadow on his patrol and still Aiden waited. Finally, he eased to the edge of the walkway and looked up.
He could just make out Naia’s form, bathed in moonlight as she gazed down toward the river. He smiled at the way the moonlight caressed her features, drew highlights in her dark hair. Gods, he loved her.
He went to the closest ladder and began climbing. Looking up, he marked that she’d spotted him and was moving toward him along the narrow catwalk. He stepped off the ladder and faced her. It was darker here, so communication would be difficult.
She stopped in front of him and smiled. He felt as if his heart would explode with pleasure. He reached out and brushed back a strand of her hair. She caught his hand and pressed it to her cheek. Swallowing hard, he disengaged himself and made his halting motions.
‘I heard what he said.’
She followed his motions, then lifted her eyes.
‘I know he’s your people.’ He shook his head in frustration, holding out his empty hands. He just didn’t have enough words yet.
She caught his hand and drew him down the walkway before her cave. Slipping inside, she retrieved a lantern and settled it on a hook outside her door. Aiden smiled at her ingenuity.
‘Tell me,’ she motioned, pointing at her mouth.
“Your mother?”
She waved that off.
He brushed the strand of hair back again. He couldn’t resist touching her. “I heard Zander’s offer. I was listening.” He pointed over the edge of the walkway.
Her eyes widened.
“I know he’s your people. I know this is your home, but I feel like you and me...like we have something special.”
She cocked her head at him, then she made motions with her hands. He tried to follow them, but he caught only about every other word. People? Woman or wife? He wasn’t sure. And home?
Aiden released his breath in a frustrated laugh and scratched the back of his neck. Lord, he needed a haircut. “This is so much easier with Le.”
She gave him a sympathetic look, then she reached for his hand and laid her fingers on the mark where his wedding band had once been. The slavers had removed it from him the first day in their hold. He’d only half known it was gone.
“Right. I’m married, but that marriage isn’t real. Neither of us want it. We don’t love each other.”
Her eyes searched his face.
He looked down, shifting his feet. “Naia, after what we’ve been through…”
Her fingers touched his chin, forcing him to lift his head. He gave a tense laugh.
“Right. You can’t read my lips when I’m looking down.” Scrubbing his hands against his pants, he drew a deep breath. “Here goes. I love you.”
She blinked at him.
“I know you might not feel the same, and I know we have obstacles between us…big obstacles. I know it’ll be hard for you to leave your people and I know that it’ll be hard for my people to accept a Nazarien, but we almost died. So many times, and when I think of a life without you in it...I know it’ll be no life at all.”
She hadn’t moved and her stillness scared him.
“Naia, please. Whatever it is, we can work it out. I know we can. Look what we’ve already been through, look at what’s already happened to us. If we survived that, we can bridge any gap, do whatever it takes to be together. If you accept me, if you say you love me, then I will do everything to make your life filled with bliss. I will…”
She pressed her fingers against his lips, stopping him. He clenched his hands into fists, afraid of what she might say. Afraid of being rejected by her. Of course, his logical mind understood why she wouldn’t accept him. He was married, he was Human, he lived in Dorland. The obstacles between them were enormous, but the thought of leaving here without her felt impossible.
‘I love you.’
Le had taught him the motions when they’d first gotten free, but he wasn’t sure he remembered them right. He searched her face, trying to read her emotions there. His mouth opened but no sound came out.
She made the motion again, then she stepped up to him, grabbed the lapels on the uniform jacket Zander had lent him and pulled him down into a kiss. At first Aiden was too surprised to respond, then he was kissing her back, his hands lifting to crush her against him, and inside, he felt his heart soar..
CHAPTER 21
Kalas proved to be a good horseman. He rode better than Amaroq, but then Amaroq figured he probably had more experience. Often when he and Nakoda went exploring in Tirsbor, they didn’t take horses. Some of the deeper canyons were too narrow or treacherous, and they often went on foot.
The horse Kalas rode was a beautiful animal, black as night, tall and well muscled. Kalas told him the animal belonged to the King of Dorland. Needing exercise and purpose, he’d
been given into Kalas’ service because he was grieving the loss of his master. Amaroq wasn’t one to doubt such a claim.
They’d left Duard’s homestead early that morning, Halish toward Terra Antiguo and the rest toward Tirsbor. Amaroq felt relieved once the homestead disappeared behind them. A blanket of grief and suffering lay over that land and as soon as it was lost to sight, Amaroq felt the tension of it lift from him.
He glanced at Kalas as his brother rode beside him. “Your people are very loyal to you.”
Kalas gave a half-smile. “Very, but it wasn’t always like that.”
“How so?”
“I had to earn their loyalty. In fact, for a long time, I was afraid Dolan would murder me in my sleep. Right, Dolan?” he called to the Nazarien riding next to Shandar.
“The thought still sometimes crosses my mind, Your Majesty,” said Dolan without turning around.
Kalas laughed.
“They want to protect you.”
“Yes, but sometimes I have to exert my will when our purposes oppose each other.”
“You married a Nazarien?”
“A Nazarien assassin.”
“I don’t know what that means.”
“Neither does she. She’s a terrible assassin and not the best Nazarien either.”
“Would she object to what you’re doing now?”
“Oh, without doubt. In fact, she’d threaten to gut me for it.”
Amaroq frowned. “The people who care for you threaten to kill you when you go against their wishes?”
“All in the name of love, brother dear, all in the name of love.”
“That doesn’t make sense either.”
“Well, when you allowed yourself to be captured by the slavers, Nakoda was angry with you, wasn’t he?”
“Very.”
“But he still saved your life.”
“He killed for me.”
“And that’s the point. You have the same thing I do – loyalty in the face of foolishness. Foolishness on our parts, by the way. It’s an Eldralin thing.”
The World of Samar Box Set 3 Page 123