Tovan considered, but finally he gave a sharp nod.
“You have our father’s curse,” said Kalas with a smile.
Amaroq frowned at him.
“Followers, Wolf. Loyal followers who will trail you to the ends of Samar.”
Zander made the Nazarien bow and walked to the door, holding it open for his commander. Tovan shot a final look at Amaroq, then followed him. He’d just reached the threshold when Kalas called on him to stop.
“I also release the Nazarien to the Nazar’s command, Tovan.”
“As you will, Your Majesty.” Then the two of them stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind them.
Amaroq took his seat once more.
Kalas studied him, picking up his teacup and taking a sip. “I thought you’d come back to Adishian with me after Temeron. I’d like to appoint you as one of my advisors.”
Amaroq gave him an uncomfortable smile. “I wish I could accept, but just being here, among all these people is fraying my nerves, Kalas. The only peace I’ve found is in Alasdair’s library.”
“But if Tyla teaches you…”
“I hope that she can, but even if she does, even if I learn to control it, there’s so much of the world I want to see.” He shifted and leaned on the table. “Alasdair said there’s an island off the coast where there are aliens. He said you’ve seen them yourself.”
Kalas laughed. “I have and they sent me into a seizure, Wolf. You don’t want to tangle with them.”
“But there’s all this unexplored land beyond the Madronic Mountains, where no one has been before. I saw it on Alasdair’s map.”
“If no one’s been there, how can there be a map?”
“I don’t know, but I want to find out.”
“You’re going to live in isolation?”
“No, Nakoda’s coming with me and apparently, Zander…” He held out a hand toward the door. “We’ll begin a new settlement, a new world.”
“There’s a flaw in your plan.”
Amaroq gave him a puzzled look.
Kalas felt a punch of disappointment, but he couldn’t deny the enthusiasm in his brother’s eyes. “How are you going to start this new world with three men?”
Amaroq’s lips lifted in a crafty smile. “Why do you think I’m stopping in Temeron first?”
“You’re going to convince Temerian women to follow you into the wilderness?”
Amaroq flashed a toothy grin. Damn if he didn’t look identical to their father. “I can be very persuasive, brother, very persuasive.”
Kalas exhaled and chuckled in amusement. “Spoken like a true Eldralin.”
* * *
Parish arrived a few days later with the bulk of Kalas’ men. He swept into the Audience Chamber where Aiden was once again giving hearings and presented his report. Duard’s homestead had been razed to the ground – the buildings burnt beyond repair and the fences torn down. Lawyan had ordered the tunnel be boarded up and the pit where he’d kept the slaves filled with rocks and soil. The slaves were then loaded into wagons and taken to Terra Antiguo for rehabilitation. The slavers would be arriving in Dorland to face charges for their actions in the next few days.
Aiden listened to the report, his hands gripping the arms of his throne, a sheen of perspiration on his brow. His stomach roiled and he sucked in fresh air to still the rise of nausea.
“Your Majesty, are you unwell?” asked the Baron.
Lyell came to his side, resting a hand on his shoulder. “Get the King a glass of water.”
A guard hurried to obey.
Kalas stepped up beside his captain. “Perhaps His Majesty has given enough audiences for one day.”
Lyell nodded, motioning for the guards to close the Audience Chamber doors. “Tell the people His Majesty will give more hearings tomorrow. He needs rest now.”
The guards bowed out of the room.
Aiden fought the panic under control, then he tilted up his head. “I appreciate the report, Baron, but I’d hoped the trials would be conducted in Terra Antiguo. That said, the council can preside over them here.”
“Lawyan Haldane felt you deserved to see justice served, Your Majesty. He’s agreed to come and conduct the trials himself, should you so wish.”
Aiden wiped the sweat from his upper lip with the back of his hand. “He’s right. The trials should be conducted here.” A guard approached with the water and Lyell took it, placing it in Aiden’s hand and steadying him as he took a gulp.
He drained the glass, then passed it back to his advisor. “I think I will rest.”
Lyell nodded and watched protectively as Aiden climbed to his feet.
“If you’ll excuse me, Your Majesty,” Aiden said to Kalas, stepping off the dais. “Baron.”
They both inclined their heads as he walked toward the door leading to the private wing of the castle. He went in search of Naia and Le, and found them some minutes later in the paddock, exercising Dancing Thunder.
He stood in the doorway and watched them. Naia’s hair gleamed blue/black in the sunlight and she made graceful motions with her hands to the boy. Le suddenly seemed taller, no heavier true, but he might have grown a full inch in the last few weeks. His gangly arms hung past the sleeves on his shirt. Aiden was going to have to get Everard to make him some new clothes.
He stepped down the stairs and walked to the paddock fence, ducking between the crossbars. Le smiled at his approach and Naia turned, crossing to his side and wrapping her arms around his waist. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head and looked up at Le.
“What’s wrong?” asked Le, signing at the same time for Naia.
Aiden eased her away from him and signed in return. With Alasdair and Amaroq’s help, he was becoming proficient at it. “The Baron returned. Lawyan Haldane’s sending the slavers here.”
Le’s face blanched of color and Naia’s expression grew grim.
“The trials will be conducted in Dorland.”
Le closed his eyes and looked away. “They’re here, in the castle right now?”
“Soon, Le.”
“Why do they have to have trials? Why can’t they just be executed?”
“Because we live in a civilized world.”
Le’s face scrunched up and he kicked at the dirt, turning his back on them and walking away. Aiden let him go, shifting his focus to Naia. She drew a deep breath, then slowly released it, her chin tilting up.
‘So they’re coming here.’ She gave a shrug. ‘The worst is behind us. We survived them already.’
Aiden nodded.
‘Who will conduct the trials?’
‘The council. That’s the only fair thing to do.’
She considered that. ‘Then make sure they know I will testify. Le can translate for me.’
Aiden shook his head. ‘That’s too hard, Naia. I can’t ask that of you.’
‘I’m not asking, Aiden. I will face those men and I will tell the council what they did. I will tell them about the women who died.’ She moved closer to him. ‘I am not going to be afraid of them anymore. They will not cow me, they will not silence me, but they will hear me!’ Her motions were sharp and expressive.
Aiden felt a swell of pride and he clutched her to him, holding her tight. Never had he dreamed he’d find such a love. Looking up, he noticed Le had returned.
“She’s right!” he said with a clenched jaw. “I’ll testify too, and tis certain I will be heard!”
Aiden smiled and held out his arm, pulling the boy into their hug. “You’re damn right you will,” he said, drawing strength from them as he had so many times in the past.
* * *
Standing with Alasdair on the front steps of the castle, Aiden watched Naia and her mother say their goodbyes. Both of them had tears streaming down their faces. Shandar shared a look with him, then offered his hand. Aiden took it between both of his own.
“You have a home here when you return,” he told the older man.
“Thank you,” said Shan
dar, “but we’re thinking we might go on this adventure with Wolf. You will take care of our girl, though, right?”
“With my life.”
Shandar nodded and offered his hand to Alasdair. They shook and then he joined Naia and Kaelene, pulling the two of them into an embrace.
Kalas and Amaroq approached then. “Be well, King of Dorland,” said Kalas.
Aiden clapped a hand to his shoulder. “And you, Your Majesty. My castle is always open to the sons of Talar Eldralin.”
“Thank you.”
Amaroq shook his hand, then reached for Alasdair’s hand, but Alasdair slapped a rolled cylinder into his palm.
“What’s this?” asked Amaroq.
“The map. Use it wisely.”
Amaroq’s face lit with a smile. “Thank you. I will.” He ducked his head and backed up, moving toward his sister.
Aiden watched them signing to each other, then Naia threw herself into her brother’s arms, hugging him tight.
“Aiden!” came a sharp voice.
Aiden turned and held out a hand for Carona as she tottered down the stairs on ridiculously high heels, Lyell Vito behind her. “My Queen?”
“I will have the architect send you the drawings as soon as I reach Kazden. See that you have them approved and send the money post haste. I don’t want to be living on other people’s charity for ages.”
Kalas shared a smile with him, then moved off to check the multitude of wagons that were waiting in the bailey.
“I’ll approve them as quickly as I can and Lyell will make sure to send the payments without delay.”
Carona waved a gloved hand over her shoulder at the First Advisor. “I’ll need you to increase the wardrobe budget, Lyell. There’s sure to be a whole new set of clothes for wearing on the beach.”
“I’ll review it again, Your Majesty,” he said with a sigh.
Carona moved in front of Alasdair and lifted up to kiss his cheek. Alasdair squeezed her elbows and smiled at her fondly. “We had us some adventures, didn’t we?”
“We did.”
“Take care of him,” she said, pointing at Aiden.
“I will.”
Holding out her arm to Aiden, she jerked her head toward her own personal carriage. Maren waited at the steps for her. “Walk me to the carriage.”
Aiden took her arm and supported her as she worked her way down in the ridiculous heels. “I’m half-afraid I’m going to miss you,” he said.
“You aren’t going to miss me at all, and we both know it.” They stopped before the carriage and Carona turned to face him. “Do take care of yourself, Aiden.”
“I will. And you do the same.”
She smiled. “I can’t wait for this adventure to begin. A whole new place, a whole new life, and no more responsibility.”
Aiden lifted a brow at that. Not that Carona had ever been particularly worried about responsibility.
“I’ll give you a divorce if you wish, so you can marry your Nazarien savior, as long as we work out a proper support settlement.”
Aiden looked over his shoulder at Naia. “We can talk about that later. I thought I might come to Adishian and visit with Kalas when he returns from Temeron.”
“That sounds like a plan.” She glanced over at Amaroq, smoothing down the lines of her travel suit. “Now, go away. I don’t want him to see me talking to you. He might get the wrong idea.”
Aiden frowned. “What wrong idea?”
“That I’m attached. I figure there are going to be many long, cold nights on our journey and I might entice him to keep me warm.”
Aiden gave a bark of laughter. “You’re going to do just fine, Carona.”
“Of course I am. Here’s how I figure it. I’ve spent a lot of years being a dutiful wife and Queen, never thinking of myself.”
Aiden started to answer, then decided it wasn’t worth it.
“Now, it’s my turn to play, and…” She leaned closer to him, dropping her voice. “...he’s the perfect toy.”
Aiden dropped his gaze, hiding his smile.
“My dear Queen,” called Kalas, walking among the wagons, “do we really need seven wagons just to transport your wardrobe?”
“Your Majesty, do we really need so many soldiers to guard your luscious backside?”
Kalas’ gaze snapped to Aiden. “Seven?” he mouthed.
Aiden shrugged sheepishly.
“Seven,” he grumbled.
“Hand me up,” Carona said, waving a hand at Aiden. He helped her into the carriage and shut the door. She leaned out the window. “Have a good life, Aiden.”
He nodded, feeling a lump in his throat. “Have a good life, Carona,” he said.
* * *
Naia pulled Amaroq to the side. Reaching into her pocket, she drew out two amulets hanging from silver chains, placing one in Amaroq’s hand and holding onto the other. Carved into the surface of each silver amulet was a hand and in the middle of the palm a piece of blue pycantra.
Amaroq unhooked the clasp and placed it around his neck, watching as she did the same. She reached out and touched the amulet in the middle of his chest, then smiled up at him through her tears.
‘Until recently, we’ve never been apart.’
He nodded. ‘You will always be with me.’ He touched his heart. ‘I will never forget the mischievous sister who got me in trouble so often, and never, ever got punished for it.’
Her smile was brilliant. ‘You found your own trouble, Wolf. I saved you so many times.’
He exhaled against the tightness in his chest and looked out at the city spreading around them. ‘You did save me. I would never have left Tirsbor without you. You gave me the world.’
She threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. He held her in return, closing his eyes and fighting against the pain of leaving. Looking up, he met Aiden’s gaze. The King of Dorland remained at a respectful distance, but he was there just the same, waiting to offer Naia his support.
Holding her off, he brushed the tears from her cheeks, then signed. ‘He is a good man, your King.’
She nodded through her tears. ‘He is.’
Etching her face in his memory, he touched the amulet. ‘Never forget.’
‘Never forget,’ she signed in return.
He lifted a hand for Aiden, then he kissed his sister on the forehead. He couldn’t tell her goodbye. He just couldn’t say that word. Releasing her, he walked toward the caravan, meeting Kalas at his horse.
“You okay?”
Amaroq couldn’t speak, but he nodded. Then he permitted himself one last look. Naia stood with the King of Dorland, his arm about her waist. On her other side stood the boy, Le. Naia had found her family, her home, her future.
Lifting a hand, Amaroq exhaled his held breath.
Now it was time for him to find his own.
EPILOGUE
“Temeron,” said Shandar, staring at the walls of the city gleaming like spun gold in the late morning sunlight. “I’ve always wanted to see her famed beauty.” He reached over and clasped Kaelene’s hand, then urged his horse forward.
Kalas and Amaroq rode after them, followed by their entourage. A few moments later, the gates swung outward to trumpet fanfare and a stream of Stravad spilled out of the opening, lining the road into the city.
Amaroq craned his neck as the group parted and a woman glided through the center of them, causing the Stravad to bow their heads in obeisance. At her side strode a tall man with jet black hair and a sleek, pantherish stride. Amaroq recognized him at once.
Jarrett Trauner, the past Nazar.
Kalas brought his horse to halt and swung out of the saddle, passing the reins to a waiting Stravad. Then he hurried forward and caught the woman in an embrace, lifting her off her feet and swinging her around.
Ellette, Kalas’ wife, shifted the child in her arms and rolled her eyes. “Humans and their emotions,” she said, but a faint smile touched her lips.
A moment later, Shandar was hugging th
e woman as well, crushing her in his massive embrace, while Kalas motioned for Amaroq to descend. Amaroq swung out of the saddle and moved toward the group.
He was surprised at how anxious he felt, how worried he was by her reaction. She was laughing, hugging Shandar, but her expression sobered the moment she laid eyes on him. Disengaging herself from her uncle, she stepped away from the gathering, moving toward him.
She had to be the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, but immediately he couldn’t deny there was a similarity about their features, their hair color, their noses, the shape of their faces. She marked it as well, drawing in a breath and reaching for Kalas’ hand.
He moved to her side, supporting her. “Tyla, meet our brother, Amaroq.”
She swallowed hard. “Amaroq?” she said, then she held out her free hand.
He took it and let her pull him close, her green eyes searching his face. He could feel the force of her power, the conflict of emotions as she studied him. “You have it too,” she whispered.
He blinked, his eyes suddenly damp. He didn’t know how to respond. No one had ever understood before. No one had ever been able to share the burden of his gifts. For once someone noticed something about him besides his appearance.
He nodded.
Then she stepped forward and drew him into her arms, holding him tight. “I’m so happy to know you, brother,” she said against the side of his face.
* * *
“Tyla, what is this about? I promised our girls I’d take them swimming in the lake,” said Kalas, stepping into Tash and Thalandar’s parlor.
Jarrett sat on the divan beside Tash and across from them were the old Stravad Leader, Thalandar, and Amaroq. Tyla stood at the opposite end of the coffee table, a black box resting on it.
“I thought you and Thalandar were giving Wolf another lesson,” he said.
“We are, but first I wanted to share something with all of you.”
Kalas rolled his eyes, then focused on Tash. “Haldane, good afternoon.”
“It was better before everyone invaded my home,” he grumbled.
The World of Samar Box Set 3 Page 133