by Nesa Miller
“Think nothing of it,” Dar said, viewing the map spread before the men. “How long do we have?”
“Not a clue. BadMan and a few of me clansmen have gone to scout the area. Wolfe’s gone into town to see if any chieftains are still kicking around.”
“I could take to the skies. I'd be much faster than BadMan on horseback,” Dar offered.
“No. I need ya here with Linq and me. They left early this morning. We'll know what we face soon enough.”
Inferno put the clan to work, checking the castle walls for weaknesses and making any needed repairs, while he, Linq, and Dar bent over the map. Etain left them to find Spirit and offer her services.
Dar spoke to Linq, watching as she walked away. “It makes no sense. Why would the Bok show themselves in this way?” The missing stones came to mind, but he dismissed the thought. UWS was a strong clan, but too small to be given the responsibility of keeping one of the pieces. “Does this have anything to do with what happened in Deudraeth?” The elf also watched Etain, temporarily lost in thought. “Linq, did you hear me?”
He gave Dar a hard stare. “I heard you. It may have to do with Deudraeth…somewhat.” Linq glanced away. Inferno cleared his throat, turning his attention to the map.
Dar looked from one to the other. “Feel free to explain, elf.”
Linq asked the Krymerian just how much he knew about their trip to Deudraeth, picking up the story with his and Robert’s capture and ending with the decimation of the Bok patrol. “She wasn't aware of what she'd done.” Dar looked at the house, but Linq stepped into his line of sight. “It wasn't her fault.”
His gaze hardened. “Whose fault would it be, Linq? Yours?”
“There's no blame to be cast. She was protecting me and her brother.”
“If this were a new power, I might be more forgiving. But, it isn’t. She will be held accountable, as expected with any other Alamir warrior.”
“Not until you cool down. The last thing we need is a spat between the two of you.”
“A spat isn’t what I had in mind.”
“He's right, Dar,” Inferno said, joining the elf in his blockade. Dar frowned, sensing there was more to the story. “Did she tell ya about the dinner?”
“Aye.”
“Did she mention what happened after the dinner?” At Dar’s lack of response, Inferno continued. “Hmph, thought not. Ya been way too calm.” He filled in the gaps, telling of the barrage of Bok infiltrations into the human realm, plus the attack on COL.
Dar listened, waiting for someone to mention the missing stones. When nothing was said, he considered it could be one of two reasons. Either Savage had lied, which was not outside the realm of conceivability, or Natas had contacted only those clans who held the stones. Dar thought it a sound strategy. No need to alarm the entire Alamir realm. There was one sticking point, though. The LOKI stone had disappeared with no apparent intrusion. Once he dealt with the immediate problem, he must speak with Natas and the other three chieftains.
Several riders pulled up, interrupting his thoughts. “They wear the armor of the Bok and there’s a lot of ‘em,” BadMan said, his feet hitting the ground in a puff of dirt. “Something feels weird, though. I'm not sure what, but I wasn’t hanging around to sort it out.”
“How long do you think we have?” Dar asked.
“Considering the size and the fact it didn't look like they were in any hurry, I would say probably a day, maybe two.”
Inferno whistled at the news. “How do we fight a company of Bok?”
“We don't,” Dar said, his mind already at work. “At least not alone.” He looked at Linq. “Black Blades.”
Linq nodded. “Will you be going then?”
Dar held up a hand at Inferno’s intended objection. “No. Etain will go. I think it would be best if she’s not here.”
“Do you think that's smart?” Inferno blustered. “We need all the fighters we can muster.”
“I will not take a chance with her life. Besides, she could do more harm than good should she light up again. We will all be safer with her tucked away in Nunnehi.”
Linq asked the obvious question. “How do you propose to get her to stay there when she knows what's going on here?”
“Spirit and Swee will go with her. She’ll stay if she thinks it’s to protect them. Then we can concentrate on the battle and not worry about the women.”
Linq snorted. “Please don't put it to her that way.”
Dar smirked, following her footsteps into the house. “I know how to handle my wife.” He walked through the empty kitchen and down the hallway to the front rooms. Finding no one, he bounded up the stairs two at a time. Eyes closed, he reached out, pinpointing her position. She met him on his way up the stairs to Spirit's herb room.
“What do you need me to do?” she asked, anticipation in her eyes.
“Go to Nunnehi and request the services of the Black Blades. Alatariel will gladly lend them to us for a few days.”
“Nunnehi?” She frowned.
He held up a hand. “I want you to take Spirit and Swee with you, for their protection. I will give you the words for the portal.”
“But if I take them with me, it means-”
“Aye, it means you must stay there.” The pretty pout on her face melted his anger. He took her in his arms. “It will give Inferno and the clan peace of mind knowing they’re out of harm’s way, my love. And it’s important to me, knowing you are safe.”
“I’m not helpless.” He heard the steel in her voice, feeling it when she pushed out of his arms. “I know how to fight.”
“You are a fighter, one of the best I’ve seen, but you’ve not been completely honest with me, Etain. In this situation, I think it best you be somewhere else.”
She held his gaze. “I didn’t tell you everything for this very reason. I can hold my own against the Bok.”
What the hell. Let’s go there. “Your blaze of light isn’t going to deter them, no matter how many you turn to dust.” He gained a sense of satisfaction from her attempt to hide her surprise. “Aye. I know. It’s for that very reason I’m sending you to Nunnehi with Spirit and Swee. The Bok have seen enough already.”
“My brother was hurt. I had to protect him! And Linq. If I hadn’t, we’d be in the hands of the Bok and I’m pretty damn sure Linq and Robert would be dead.”
Dar’s voice rose to meet hers. “If you had waited for me to go with you to Deudraeth, all of this could have been avoided.”
“Are you serious?” She stared at him, fisted hands on her hips. “After you called me a whore, the last person I wanted to wait for was you. I was damn happy to have a place to go without any bloody Krymerians.”
“Tartarus,” Dar muttered under his breath, rubbing a hand down his face.
“No! You don’t have the right.” She poked herself in the chest as she spoke. “Only I have the right to say Tartarus right now.” Her voice continued to grow in volume. Dar moved down a step. “It came down to me to save what little family I have, and I did it without you whooshing in to save the day.” Her body trembled. “I did it. Me. I can take care of myself.”
Spirit poked her head out the door at the top of the stairs. “Crikey, lass, what in the world’s gotten into you? Oh, Dar. I didn’t see you. What have you done now?”
Etain huffed and pushed past him. “I’ll let the master of the universe give you his orders,” she said, leaving him to explain their travel plans.
While Spirit and Swee rushed off to pack their bags, Dar went after his wife, hoping she had cooled down. He found her outside with Inferno and Linq. Between her steely-eyed glare and their smirks, he realized his luck remained in a downward spiral. Back straight, he soldiered into the fray. “Etain, may we have a word in private?”
She raised a blonde brow. “A warning to play nice with the elves? I assure you, they’re not in any danger.”
Linq kept his eyes on the map, a grin on his face. Inferno was not so polite, keeping a kee
n eye on the couple.
Dar sighed. “You will need the chant to open the portal.”
Her eyes widened in mock surprise. “You’re going to entrust me with your sacred chant? You do live on the edge, High Lord.”
“As you will find out, High Lady if you keep this up.” Dar motioned toward the back garden. “It must be guarded for the sake of our elven friends.”
“Fine. For the sake of our elven friends.” She looked at the other two. “Linq, Inferno, I’ll see you before I go.” She stalked past Dar.
He ignored the quiet sniggers from Linq and Inferno and caught her up underneath the large tree at the back gate. “Pull down your walls, Etain, so I can transfer the words directly into your memories.”
She crossed her arms and shifted her hips.
Once the sacred words were hers, he attempted a truce. “I need you to understand why I want you away from here. It has nothing to do with your abilities.” His gaze never left her face. “I can’t lose someone else that I love, and I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe, even if it means suffering your wrath.”
“Neither can I,” she quipped in return, but let her arms fall to her sides. “Before I go, let me give you a warning.”
“Please, Etain...” This was not how he wanted them to part.
“Listen to me, Lord VonNeshta.” She reached out, gripping the front of his shirt, bringing his face to hers. “If any harm comes to you, no matter how insignificant, no matter how slight, I will be here. No one, not even you, will keep me away. You are the most important person to me.”
His shoulders relaxed, relieved to hear her words. His hands trailed down to her hips. “Fair enough. You make sure to behave yourself.”
Her lips crushed his in a powerful kiss. She leaned back with a face of pure innocence. “Like a saint, a chuisle.”
Commander Crom stood at the main gates to the elven palace, patiently waiting for the “oohs” and “aahs” of Spirit and Swee to subside. Etain admired the city, as well, thinking it more beautiful than the last time she had been there.
“A single tree, you say?” Spirit looked straight up.
“It is,” Etain answered. Funny the things you remember.
“Blimey. A city in a tree.” Spirit laughed, her eyes twinkling. “These elves must be a friendly lot.”
“Most of the time.” A smiling Alatariel joined them in the courtyard. “But every family has a tiff now and then. Wouldn’t you agree?” Her small entourage of elven women fanned out at the main doors.
“Your Highness.” The mage dipped into a curtsy. “Thank you for your kindness.”
The queen went to Spirit, giving her a warm embrace. “Welcome to Nunnehi, milady.”
She turned to Swee, who followed Spirit’s lead with a curtsy of her own. “Yes, thank you, Y-Your Highness.”
“It’s good to see you again, Swee. How have you been?”
A pink blush colored her cheeks. “Quite well, thank you.”
Alatariel turned to her third guest. “Not quite the reunion we had hoped for.” She welcomed the High Lady with a hug. “But it’s always a pleasure to see you, Etain. Dar has filled me in on what’s happening at Laugharne.”
“Of course…” Why trust the little woman to deliver your bloody message? She smiled. “It’s good to see you, too, Rie. Thank you for taking us in on such short notice.”
“I couldn’t turn down an opportunity to spend time with you and get to know these lovely women better. It’s been too quiet around here as of late, hasn’t it, ladies?” Titters and giggles from the small entourage affirmed that it had. “We could use a touch of livening up.” Alatariel waved a hand. One young lady with white hair worn in a plait down her back, dressed in an iridescent gown of pink, broke from the group. “Erudessa, please show Ms. Spirit and Ms. Swee to my apartments. The High Lady and I will be along shortly.”
“Yes, milady.” Erudessa curtsied with a shy smile. The pink of her gown set off her deep blue eyes. “If ye will come with me, mistresses.” Spirit and Swee followed the elf maiden into the palace. The other maidens filed in after them, leaving Alatariel and Etain alone with Commander Crom.
Once the courtyard had cleared, the commander said, “We will be at Laugharne within minutes of stepping through the portal, High Lady. Our Black Blades are accomplished warriors and will help even the odds.”
“Thank you, Commander Crom,” Etain said. “Please be safe and, please, keep him safe.”
“Always, milady.” Crom saluted the women and swung up into the saddle.
“The Blades are already at the portal,” Alatariel said as he rode off through the city. “Commander Crom wanted to reassure you himself.”
“How thoughtful.” Etain smiled, touched by the gesture. “Thank you, Rie, for taking us in, and for helping Dar.” She shrugged a shoulder. “For everything.”
“It is small repayment for what your generous husband has already done for us, Etain.” She linked an arm through hers. “Shall we join your friends and get to know one another better?”
Sequestered in the queen’s private apartments, Alatariel asked Spirit how she determined trouble was on the way. The mage took on a serious air. “I was in me herb room with Swee, working on strengthening the protection spell around the house. Inferno had asked I do it quick as a whip so we set to work. It was a good thing I did too.” The rush hit her in the same way as when she had made the discovery. On the edge of her chair, her hands waved through the air. “I was barely able to get it to take. The one I cast earlier was nearly gone, hanging by a thread. It's scary to think, but if it hadn't been there, I wouldn't have been able to cast at all. Something incredibly evil was eatin' up me spell.”
“Do you know if it’s the Bok’Na’Ra?” the queen asked.
Etain coughed and the others turned with concerned eyes. “Sorry,” she said, sheepishly.
Spirit dismissed the girl with a turn of her head. “Me husband wouldn’t say. I doubt it could be anything but the Bok.”
Alatariel leaned forward in her chair. “But why?”
Etain broke into a coughing fit. Alatariel snapped orders for a drink as Spirit went to pat her on the back. When an assistant appeared with a glass of cool water, the queen shoved it into Etain’s hand.
“Are you okay, lass?” Spirit asked.
Etain took a drink, eyes red from the exertion. “Thank you.” She took another sip. “It is the Bok, and I may know why they ride on Laugharne.”
“How could you be knowing that?” Spirit asked.
“I guess no one told you what happened during my trip to Deudraeth.”
“Something else me husband failed to share.”
Alatariel put a gentle hand on Etain’s arm. “Perhaps you should tell us, Etain. How could a visit to your brother cause such havoc?”
“On my first visit to Deudraeth, I went to the apothecary shop to pick up a few herbs for Spirit.” She turned to the mage. “That reminds me. I have the damiana you requested. I’d forgotten about it until now.” Spirit nodded impatiently and motioned for her to continue. She explained how the clerk she spoke to had been new to the town and of his claim of amnesia. She went on to tell of their return to Deudraeth the next day and of the inopportune appearance of the Bok.
“Is the clerk your brother?” Alatariel asked, coming out of her seat.
“No. It turns out he’s the owner of the shop.” Etain ran a hand through her hair. “My brother, not the clerk.”
“Could Linq have done something that tipped them off?” Swee asked.
“He wouldn't be that careless,” Alatariel said, circling the seated group.
“Very true,” Etain agreed, keeping her eyes on her clasped hands. “Linq doesn't make those kinds of mistakes.”
“Well, someone betrayed you to the Bok,” Swee stated.
Alatariel stopped. “What about your brother?”
Etain was quick to his defense. “He’s the one who warned me.” He told me to run, like the night our parents
died. “It wasn’t him.”
“It was merely a question, Etain,” Alatariel said. Her eyes swept over to Spirit. “We must explore every angle to learn what we can.”
“We’d just found each other. Besides, they chased after him and Linq, too.”
The queen laid her hands on Etain’s shoulders in a show of support. “If it were my brother, I’m sure I would react the same way.” Her voice was comforting and sincere. “I cannot imagine how you must feel right now.”
A thoughtful Swee tapped a finger against her cheek. “Okay, but is that enough reason to march on Laugharne? Is it worth the effort just to capture a couple Alamir on the run?”
Etain stared at the three women.
Spirit knew the girl all too well. “What is it, lass?”
She came to her feet, walking toward the door. “I have to go back.”
“Wait, Etain,” Alatariel called out. Dar had been adamant in his insistence that his wife stay in Nunnehi until the fighting was over. Swee and Spirit exchanged a concerned look.
“No. Besides not telling my brother where I was going, I can’t sit here while Dar and the others fight on my behalf.” Knowing the sacrifices they would make because of her spontaneous combustion would drive her crazy, and she had no idea if her brother could defend himself against a force as evil as the Bok. She opened the door. “It’s my fault they ride on Laugharne.” She turned, running into a tall elf, well over six feet, dressed in a dark blue uniform, its edges trimmed in silver.
Etain looked up into eyes the color of amethyst, which underwent a transformation from surprise to speculation, framed by silky black hair. Full, rosy lips added a touch of whimsy to otherwise elegant features.
His speculation turned to amusement. “Surely this can’t be the Lady Etain VonNeshta,” he said.
Etain opened her mouth and closed it, speechless by his unexpected appearance. Interpreting his amusement as mockery, she stepped back, lifting her chin. “I am.”
He raised a dark brow. “A VonNeshta admitting responsibility?” He held her intent gaze as he entered the room. “I’ve always heard the family motto to be ‘I didn’t do it’.”