The World of Samar Box Set 3

by M. L. Hamilton

  Another acolyte guarded the door, giving her a confused look. She could hear raised voices behind the portal, causing Amaroq to press close against her side.

  “Anger,” he whispered.

  Before the acolyte could stop her, Kaelene grabbed the door handle and thrust the door open, stepping inside. The acolyte followed her, reaching for her shoulder.

  “I’m sorry, Dryden. She got past me.”

  Kaelene shook him off and set her bag on the floor, then she looked up at Shandar. He stood on the other side of the desk from Dryden, his face flushed with anger. “I need your help,” she told him.

  He straightened and gave her a half-smile. “I’m at your service.”

  “I want to go home to Tirsbor. Will you take me and the children?”

  “Tirsbor?” said Dryden. “You ran from there. What makes you think they’ll take you back?”

  “Because I have Talar Eldralin’s son with me.”

  “He’s not leaving here.”

  Shandar turned to face him. “We may have a problem then.”

  “Shandar, I respect you and who you are, and I don’t want to oppose you, but the boy stays here.”

  Naia started to fuss, squirming in the pouch Kaelene had made to hold her. Kaelene bounced her, trying to soothe her, but she grew more agitated, kicking her feet and banging her tiny fist against Kaelene’s breast.

  “Kazden’s becoming a problem for Amaroq. He’s inundated with people’s emotions and sometimes I can’t move him. He wakes in the night, crying out. You’ve heard him yourself, Dryden!” she said, swaying to soothe the baby.

  Shandar noticed her struggle and reached for the child. “Let me.”

  Kaelene unhooked the pouch and lifted Naia free. Shandar took the baby and pulled her close, pressing his lips to the top of her head and crooning under his breath. Naia went still in his arms, looking up at him with her big, blue eyes.

  “How are you doing that?” Kaelene asked, smiling despite her worry.

  Shandar shrugged. “I thought that if she can’t hear, maybe she can feel the vibration.” He faced Dryden again. “You need to consider something else, Dryden. Talar lived in Kazden a good portion of his life. People remember him here. The boy looks like his father. What happens as he ages and he grows to look even more like him?”

  “I don’t follow.”

  “People were drawn to Talar. They flocked to him. Do you think this boy will be any different? How will you protect him?”

  Dryden’s expression shifted.

  “Does the Nazar know you have Talar Eldralin’s son in Kazden?”

  “No.”

  “What happens when word gets to him that you kept him here? This child needs to be protected. If he has the gifts his mother claims, how is that going to work here in this city as he gets older?”

  Kaelene’s attention was torn between watching her daughter calm in the large man’s arms and watching Dryden.

  “I’ll escort them to Tirsbor. The valley’s protected. He can learn to control his gifts there. They can help him. And you, you will gain in the eyes of the Nazarien, you who gave refuge to Talar Eldralin’s son.” Shandar leaned close, keeping his voice level so he didn’t disturb Naia. “Otherwise, Dryden, I walk out of here and go straight to Chernow. Either way, you lose the boy and his mother.”

  “I don’t like threats, Shandar.”

  “I don’t like making them.”

  “And if we don’t let you leave.”

  “Is that what the Kazden Cult has been reduced to, Dryden? You would kill Talar Eldralin’s brother to keep his son captive? Is that the legacy you leave to your followers? Is that the honor you pay my brother?”

  Dryden dropped his gaze. “I do not want war with you.”

  “Good, then we’re agreed.”

  Dryden nodded reluctantly. “I’ll give you escort to Tirsbor.”

  “Not necessary. I can manage on my own, but I’d like a wagon and supplies. A wagon would make things easier with the babe.”

  Dryden met his gaze. “You’ll have what you need.”

  “Excellent.” He turned and smiled at Kaelene. Naia had fallen asleep against his shoulder. Glancing down at her bag, he shook his head. “Surely there’s more you’ll want to bring. Let me help you get packed.”

  Kaelene felt her heart soar, staring at the man with the sleeping babe on his shoulder. Shandar could have done many things to earn her respect, but cradling Naia as if she were precious was enough.

  CHAPTER 25

  Kaelene leaned on the railing, looking out toward the river. The moon was beginning to wax, but it was still full enough to illuminate the water. Amaroq let the door flap fall closed behind him and stepped up to her side, putting his arm around her shoulders.

  “Why did you want me to tell that story?”

  “It’s a good story.”

  She looked up at him. “That’s not the reason.”

  “Why did Dryden let us go? I can’t believe he gave up that easily.”

  Kaelene shrugged. “He was beginning to realize he couldn’t handle your power. There were times you shut down, curled into yourself, muttering and rocking, trying to control the flood of emotions. It scared Dryden. Then too, I found out later that Shandar paid him a large sum of money for our freedom.”

  Amaroq laughed.

  “Why did you want me to tell the story, Wolf?”

  Amaroq released her and crossed his arms on the rail. “Kalas Eldralin asked me to go to Temeron with him to meet our sister, Tyla. After Aiden Cerik’s restored to his throne, of course.”

  Kaelene faced him. “And you want to do this?”

  Amaroq met her gaze. “I do.”

  “Why?”

  “He’s my brother.”

  “But you’d leave Tirsbor?”

  “Yes.”

  “This is your home.”

  “I’m not sure it is anymore.”

  “Tovan will never let you leave.”

  Amaroq faced her. “Kalas and I will take control of the Nazarien then. We’ll command our birthright. He cannot deny us.”

  She searched his face. “Why are you doing this?”

  He gave her a grim smile. “Tirsbor isn’t enough anymore, Mama. I thought it was, but then Naia went missing. I saw what’s beyond these walls, and I want to see more.” He held up a hand. “Kalas believes Tyla can teach me to control the emotional flood. She’s done it herself. There’s a chance I might have peace… finally. I need to try.”

  She took his hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. “You deserve peace, son. I would never deny you that.”

  “Then you understand?”

  She nodded. “And I understand why you made me tell you that story. Naia needs more too.”

  “She does, Mama.”

  “But what if he abandons her? What if he hurts her?”

  “You took that risk when you left Kazden with Shandar, didn’t you?”

  “That wasn’t a risk,” came Shandar’s voice and he stepped out onto the walkway with them.

  Kaelene slipped under his arm, hugging him. “No, it was the best decision I ever made.”

  He kissed the top of her head. “So how are we getting Aiden Cerik his kingdom back?”

  Amaroq laughed. “You plan to go with us for that?”

  “I’m the one who started this adventure. You think I’m not going to see it through.”

  “Kalas plans to talk to the council tomorrow.”

  “And if they won’t listen?”

  “We exercise our birthright.”

  “Take command of the Nazarien,” said Shandar with a wicked grin. “I like it. I saw it done once before and it was magnificent.” He clapped a hand on Amaroq’s shoulder. “You’re getting to be more and more like your old man, Wolf.”

  For the first time, Amaroq felt a flush of pleasure at his words.

  * * *

  Kalas led the way into the council chamber. He ducked his head in greeting as Amaroq moved up on one side, Ai
den on the other. Behind them stood Dolan, Shandar, Nakoda, and Kaelene. Naia had taken a spot on Aiden’s other side, their hands clasped.

  “Women are not allowed in council,” said Tovan, narrowing his eyes.

  “Make an exception,” said Kalas blandly. “We need to plan and we don’t have time for Nazarien histrionics.”

  “Histrionics? The King of Dorland flaunts our ways, and now you’re going to insult us yourself, Eladrasen.”

  “In his time, my father gave far more offense and yet, he was your leader, your purpose, your reason for being. I know my history well, Tovan. My uncle taught me.”

  Shandar made a grunt of agreement.

  “I also know the Nazar well.”

  Tovan straightened at that. “The current Nazar is but a puppet to your ambitions, Eladrasen.”

  A murmur of discontent went through the assembly.

  Kalas marked it. “That opinion doesn’t sit well with your people, Tovan. Pray I forget it.”

  Tovan exhaled in frustration. “Sit,” he said in defeat, “and we’ll begin.”

  Kalas shared a look with Amaroq. They moved forward, taking seats at the table. Acolytes brought forward two more chairs for Aiden and Naia. The rest of the party sat around the periphery.

  “The King of Dorland was betrayed by his brother, Adison,” began Kalas, “who is currently acting as king.”

  “I’m aware of that development.”

  “I was recently in Dorland. The people suffer under his rule and he must be taken out of power. The security of the entire region demands this.”

  “Having the real King returned should affect that end,” said Tovan with a negligent wave of his hand.

  Aiden drew a breath and exhaled. “That man had me attacked in my own chamber, dragged from my castle, and sold into slavery. He isn’t going to turn over the crown because I show up at his front door.”

  “We need troops and Chernow is days away from arriving. My own troops are embroiled in another matter and won’t arrive in time either. I need you to give us men, Tovan,” said Kalas.

  Tovan ran a hand over his chin. “The Tirsbor Nazarien have little trade with Dorland. I’m not seeing a benefit to this action.”

  Kalas gave him a slow smile. “I thought you might say that.” He glanced at Amaroq. “If you won’t give us troops, Tovan, my brother and I will have no choice but to invoke our birthright.”

  “What?”

  “We’ll take control of the Nazarien.”

  The murmurs grew.

  Tovan studied Kalas, then his gaze fixed on Amaroq. “You would side with strangers over your own people? Men who have no respect for our ways?”

  Amaroq tilted up his head. “I would side with the side of justice. I would side with my brother. I accept the legacy of my father, therefore, I accept all that comes with it. I will command the Nazarien.”

  Tovan visibly dismissed him. “Be careful of your demands, Kalas Eldralin. Commanding the Nazarien is a heavy responsibility and one that you have not been prepared to undertake. You have little knowledge of our ways, our culture, and you have no training.”

  “But I do,” said Amaroq. “I have trained all my life for this.”

  Tovan made a derisive motion. “And in the first wave of battle, what will you do? When the fear and the rage and the panic of all the men wash over you?”

  Shandar shifted angrily and Kaelene made a mew of protest. Kalas wanted to come to Amaroq’s defense, but he knew he needed to face this challenge on his own.

  “Tell us, boy. How will you handle the feeling of men dying around you? The regret, the terror, the anguish. I’ll tell you. It will cripple you, make you curl into a fetal position, unable to defend yourself. And the men you think you command will lose faith in you. You will lead them to their deaths and you will watch them be slaughtered in your name.”

  “Enough!” shouted Amaroq, surging to his feet and banging his fist on the council table. The council members reared back and Tovan flinched. Amaroq’s eyes glowed as Kalas remembered his father’s eyes glowing. “I am the reason for the Nazarien. I am your purpose, your reason for being. I command you, Tovan, from this day forward!”

  Tovan opened his mouth to respond, but nothing came out. Beck, his second, glanced at him, then bowed his head, touching his fist to his chest. The rest of the council made the same motion.

  “Amaroq Taheny, son of Talar Eldralin, you command the Nazarien,” said Beck. “Tell us what you want, the number of troops and the supplies.”

  Aiden let out a relieved sigh.

  Amaroq swallowed hard and looked down at his brother. Kalas gave him a proud nod.

  Amaroq turned back to the council. “My brother will give you our demands,” he said, sinking into his chair again.

  “Eladrasen?” said Beck.

  Kalas gave the council a slow smile. “We need enough men to fill out an army. I’ve sent word to my man, Halish, in Terra Antiguo to send troops as well, but they’ll be days behind us.”

  Tovan frowned, tilting his head.

  “I also have a large force at a homestead between Tirsbor and Dorland. This is the same homestead where His Majesty was held captive. My captain of the guard has secured a group of slavers there and is offering medical aid to the slaves. We’ve asked for healers from Terra Antiguo to see to their needs, but it would be beneficial if you could send any healers you can spare and supplies. As soon as reinforcements arrive, my troops will return to Dorland.”

  Aiden cleared his throat. “Dorland has a large army, but whether they’ll be willing to stand with my brother over me remains to be seen. We won’t know until we arrive, but my youngest brother is on the inside and could rally the troops to him if it becomes strategic to do so.”

  Tovan held up a hand. “You mentioned a name, Eladrasen. What was it?”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “The name of your man? The one you sent to Terra Antiguo?”

  “Halish. He’s Nazarien from Chernow. He came in search of Amaroq when he heard he’d gone missing.”

  “Halish?”

  A murmur went through the council.

  Kalas frowned. “What is it, Commander? Do you recognize the name?”

  “When Jarrett Trauner was Nazar, he enacted changes, the largest of which was the elimination of the Procreation Ceremonies.”

  “I’m aware of Jarrett’s actions.”

  “A group of Nazarien felt this was a violation of all we stood for. They broke from the order and founded their own assassin’s guild.”

  Kalas felt something go cold inside of him.

  “Halish Raesler was one of them.”

  * * *

  “Where did this man come from?” asked Tovan.

  The council had broken for the day, but Tovan had come to Kalas’ quarter to talk with him, bringing his second. Kalas had already drawn together his own team – his brother, Dolan, Shandar, and Aiden. Amaroq’s mother had gone back to her quarters, but Naia remained beside Aiden.

  The slave boy Le sat on the floor, watching them, his green eyes looking enormous in his gaunt face. Nakoda stood guard at the door. Kalas could see him from his spot at the head of the table since the door flap had been pinned open to allow a breeze to blow through.

  “Eladrasen? This Halish? Where did he come from?”

  “I don’t know. He said he was from Chernow, that he’d come to Dorland looking for Amaroq and his sister. He offered his assistance, but he told me Amaroq would be his first priority.”

  “How did you meet him? Did he present himself in the audience room?” asked Aiden.

  Kalas considered that. “He came in with Adison, I think.” He looked over his shoulder at Dolan. “Right?”

  “Right,” said the Nazarien.

  “We were meeting in the library with Alasdair and Adison arrived with him.”

  “How did Adison know him?”

  “I can’t remember. He brought him to the library, but he said…” Kalas’ brow knit as he concentrated.
“He said he was an advisor. One of his advisors.”

  “We have no Nazarien advisors,” said Aiden.

  “That’s how he presented him...and he said he had skill at tracking.”

  “And he traveled with you?” asked Beck.

  “As far as Duard’s homestead.”

  “How was he during your travels?”

  Kalas shrugged. “I never had reason to doubt him...well, until the end.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “When we reached Duard’s homestead, he disappeared. Later he claimed to have gone in search of the slaves, but I still felt his disappearance was troubling.”

  “But you sent him to Terra Antiguo for help?”

  “I didn’t want him traveling with us. Sending him to Terra Antiguo seemed the lesser of the two.”

  “Why didn’t you want him traveling with you?”

  “He was oddly fixated on Amaroq, and I still had a weak explanation of why he disappeared that night at Duard’s homestead.”

  “Something must have sent up warnings inside of you?”

  Kalas grimaced in frustration. “I found it odd that he appeared in Dorland so suddenly, but then things in Dorland were very odd. The King had been abducted by slavers in his own bed.” He gave Aiden a sympathetic look. “Honestly, I suspected your brother from the start, Your Majesty.”

  Aiden looked down, nodding. Naia reached over to take his hand and he clasped hers, giving her a weary smile.

  “The Nazarien are now fully embroiled in this situation. We have no choice but to give you the aid you demand,” said Tovan. “We’ll need a day to provision our warriors, then we’ll depart.”

  Kalas nodded. “It’s good to have you at our backs.”

  Tovan made the Nazarien motion, then he and Beck left Kalas’ cavern.

  After they were gone, Kalas looked over at Amaroq. He seemed troubled.

  “What is it, Wolf?”

  “He made it sound as if what happened in the council chamber had no meaning, as if I had no meaning.”