Tears of War

by A. D. Trosper

  Arandrall stopped and pinched the bridge of his nose, his eyes closed. Finally, he dropped his hand and looked at them. “Is there a way one of your dragons can create one of those portals? This place is going to be stirring like a kicked ant hill as it is without leading him all the way to the Council chambers.”

  Mckale shook his head. “A dragon has to come through the Slide at the same time others or things are being transported through. One of them might be able to open one large enough to permit that here in the yard, although I can’t guarantee the Slide won’t cut through one of the yard walls. However, there is not near enough room in the Council chambers for a Slide to open.”

  “What about the roof?”

  “The roof is possible,” Mckale said. “You will have to clear the yard first.”

  As Arandrall barked out orders to clear the yard, Maleena sensed Mckale reaching out to Tellnox. Within moments the massive green hovered above them, the strong strokes of his wings keeping him in place buffeted the air around them. When the yard cleared, Tellnox spun open a Slide. One edge sliced cleanly into one of the training yard’s walls.

  Mckale ushered them all through the Slide as the green entered at a slow and measured pace. It was strange moving through a Slide on foot. This was a first for Maleena. Though she still moved one foot in front of the other, she couldn’t feel anything beneath them.

  It was over quick. In seconds they were standing on the roof of the keep that held the Council chambers. They made their way down the plain wooden stairs to the hall below. Arandrall gathered servants as he went. Cries of fear went up when they saw Hesutu only to be silenced by Arandrall’s sharp voice. He ordered pen and paper brought to him and wrote out notes as he walked. Soon there were servants dashing away with the sealed papers. Maleena wasn’t sure if they were really in such a hurry to follow instructions or if they just desperately wanted away from what they thought was a strangely acting Kojen.

  Arandrall hustled them into the Council chambers when they reached it and shut the door. Arandrall turned to them. “While we wait, why don’t you tell me about the Ke’han.”

  Anevay nodded. “I would like to know too.”

  Maleena smiled and for the next hour she told them about their week spent with Hakan’s camp.

  Lord Frenale was the first of the other Nine to arrive. He yanked open the door, strode through and slammed it behind him. Short and on the heavy side, his dark eyes flashed. Brandishing the note in front of him, he stormed across the chamber to Arandrall. “What is the meaning of this? I needed to visit my estate today and inspect this spring’s crop of foals. Instead I’m running around Marden because you have some great emergency.”

  Arandrall pointed at the Ke’han that Frenale missed in his outrage. Frenale turned and froze, his mouth agape. With a small cry he stumbled back against the wall. “What in the name of the Fates?” He glanced at the Head of the Nine, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. “What is this?” Fear rolled off him and slid around Mckale’s shield. Maleena breathed a sigh of relief, happy the shield seemed to be working much better now.

  Lord Holden strolled through the door, his eyes on the note as if he was reading it yet again. “What has happened, Arandrall? The last time you called one of these we had more dragons in Mar—” He looked up and froze. Unlike Frenale, he noticed the Ke’han standing in the room.

  How Frenale had failed to see him the moment he walked in was beyond Maleena. Like the other Ke’han males she had met, Hesutu stood a full nine paces tall. The curling horns added another half a pace of height. He towered over Mckale and the Calladarans by more than two paces.

  Maleena, at barely five paces tall, was dwarfed by everyone in the room, although she was used to it. The Calladarans weren’t. Hesutu stood straight and proud, though Maleena sensed his discomfort. She locked eyes with him and gave a small smile of encouragement. She knew what it was like to be looked at by everyone as if you were something unnatural.

  One by one the rest of the Nine arrived, all of them reacting to Hesutu the same. Although with the exception of Frenale, all of them kept their emotions under tight control and behind well-constructed mental walls.

  Arandrall waved a hand to the chairs around the table. “Please, Council members, take a seat.”

  The men slowly moved to the chairs, their eyes locked on Hesutu. Maleena, Mckale, and Anevay remained standing next to him. Arandrall remained standing as well though he leaned on the table as he looked at the assembled men. “It has come to my attention that there are a people residing in the desert called the Ke’han. “This,” he motioned toward Hesutu, “is a Ke’han. His name is Hesutu. Apparently the Ke’han are what Galdivan used to create the Kojen.”

  Arandrall related all that had occurred in the training pit and then with the help of Maleena and Mckale, told the Council everything he had learned.

  “This is preposterous!” Frenale slammed his fist onto the table. “Galdivan turned wild beasts into the Kojen. Everyone knows this.”

  Lord Haden rubbed his chin, his eyes on Hesutu. “It does sound rather outrageous. However, how do you explain this?” He motioned at the Ke’han.

  Frenale snorted. “Isn’t it obvious?” He jabbed a finger in Maleena’s direction. “She uses Spirit magic. She probably has it under some kind of mind control.”

  “You are out of line.” Arandrall drew himself up to his full height and glared at Frenale.

  Mckale leaned his fists on the table, the silver in his eyes fading to iron gray. “Are you suggesting my bondmate lies?” Frenale shrank back slightly.

  Lord Sarrandrall ran his hand through his light-brown hair, his pale gray eyes on Arandrall. “You have to admit, it could be a possibility.”

  Arandrall shifted his glare to Sarrandrall. “Dragon Riders of Galdrilene do not lie.”

  Lord Yennale shifted, his discomfort breaking through his mental shield. “As unlikely as this sounds, I don’t doubt the word of Galdrilene. Like Arandrall, I have been there.” He rubbed the graying goatee on his chin and shook his bald head. “This presents a whole host of issues.”

  Frenale puffed up like an indignant rooster. “What issues?”

  Lord Holden leaned back in his chair. “Issues of inhumane treatment.”

  “Inhumane? Have you lost your mind?” Frenale scowled at him. “The Kojen are animals. Most likely these Ke’han are animals too.”

  A flush of anger rushed through Maleena and it radiated off Hesutu. “They are not animals.”

  “Even animals,” Lord Arandrall held up his hand when she opened her mouth to protest, “I’m not saying they are or that I think they are. However, for those in the room that insist on this thinking,” he looked pointedly at Frenale, “even animals deserve a certain degree of treatment.”

  Lord Holden shook his head and looked at Arandrall with sad silver eyes. “Do you realize how indiscriminate we have been with killing Kojen? How many of them have been these Ke’han? When we have found groups with females and young, we have slaughtered them all in our fear. Even when a few pleaded for mercy, we just assumed the Kojen were learning to speak or that it was a trick of some kind.”

  Lord Clayden rubbed his forehead. “How were we to know? Even now, how are we to know the difference?” He glanced at Hesutu. “With no offense intended, you look so much like a Kojen, I would not be able to tell you apart.”

  “For one,” Mckale said standing straight but keeping his glare on Frenale. “Kojen never have females or young with them. Those are kept strictly in the Kormai. If you come across a group with women and children, you have found Ke’han.”

  “Is there a way the males could mark themselves so we don’t accidentally engage them?” Arandrall asked.

  Maleena looked at Hesutu who seemed to be thinking it over. He reached his hand, palm up to her. She instantly placed her hand on his. Thoughts, though difficult to hear, flowed into her. Thankfully, they weren’t overpowering like his memories had been. She turned to Arandrall
. “Hesutu says he can’t make such a decision. He is barely old enough to be considered a grown man. The elders of the tribes will have to convene in order for a decision like this to be made.”

  Frenale waved his hand toward Hesutu. “If he isn’t an animal, why doesn’t he speak for himself? You could probably tell me what a horse thinks.” He snorted again, “Elders. Please, are the rest of you actually believing this drivel?”

  Being bound by the laws of Galdrilene was a heavy weight. Maleena reached for Nydara, needing the connection to keep her rising temper in check before she did something she would regret. Nydara’s love and patience flowed into her like a healing balm. She closed her eyes and drank it in for a brief moment. When Maleena opened her eyes again, her serenity had returned. “He can’t speak because the Border Guards who captured him crushed his vocal chords—after they killed his younger brother.”

  Anevay glared at Frenale. “No wonder the downlands are such a mess with people like you in charge. Even when the proof is standing in front of you in the flesh, you refuse to believe. Perhaps it’s time the dragons searched for your replacement.”

  Frenale jumped to his feet, his face beet-red again. “How dare you insinuate I am unfit to lead.” His voice shook with the anger that radiated from him. “You have no right—”

  Mckale leveled a piercing look at him. “Actually, we do. You agreed to Dragon Law when you accepted Galdrilene’s protection. If you insist on persecuting a people because they look like Kojen, the dragons will replace you. This isn’t even a decision of riders; it’s the decision of the dragons.”

  Frenale glared at all of them. None of the other Nine raised a voice in his defense. None of them even looked at him except Sarrandrall who gazed at Frenale with cool, calculating eyes. Frenale threw his hands in the air and sat with a thump in the chair. He crossed his arms over his chest and slouched down. “To the depths of the Kormai with all of you.”

  Arandrall let out a weary sigh. “If the Ke’han decide they aren’t willing to mark themselves, we will have to figure out another way to identify them so they aren’t inadvertently harmed in our search for Kojen.”

  Lord Sarrandrall cleared his throat. “Not to rain on your dance here, Arandrall, but how do you even know how the Ke’han feel about the Kojen? They are some sort of distant relation, how do we know they aren’t in league with them.”

  Frenale brightened and sat up straighter in his chair.

  Maleena laughed softly. “You are truly reaching, Lord Sarrandrall. However, I can answer that question. The Ke’han view the Kojen as an abomination that should be destroyed. They have tried to capture their own Kojen and show them the proper way to behave. Their Shamas were unable to reach through the blood lust and chaos in the minds of Kojen to find any thoughts. The Kojen will kill Ke’han as quickly as they will a human.”

  Arandrall nodded. “There is your answer, Sarrandrall.”

  Lord Sarrandrall leaned back in his chair and nodded, silently watching the others at the table. His mental walls were strong, still Maleena sensed something wasn’t quite right. She considered touching his mind but decided against it. It would be rude to do so. In all likelihood, he was just processing all of the new information thrown at him.

  “Each of you,” Arandrall looked at all of the men at the table, his eyes lingering longest on Frenale, “will draft an explanation of this new information for your lower ranks along with orders to refrain from engaging any Kojen seen with women and children for now. As for the men who are alone, Border Guards are to attempt communication before entering into battle with them until we have time to investigate this further.”

  Lord Holden nodded, his face pensive. “Hopefully, the Ke’han will pause to listen.”

  “Also,” Arandrall turned his gaze on Maleena and Mckale. “I need to meet with some of these people. I need more than just Hesutu to go on. I will accompany you when you return him to his people.” He glanced around the table. “As will Lords Holden, Yennale, and Sarrandrall so that several of us may witness the differences between Kojen and Ke’han.”

  “Why not me?” Frenale leaned forward angrily.

  Arandrall sent him an icy look. “This is to be a learning and peacemaking visit. I don’t need anyone along who can’t control their emotions. You have the skill of a trainee when it comes to that.”

  Frenale leaped from his chair again, this time sending it clattering to the floor. “You can’t speak to me that way.”

  Arandrall stood as well, locking eyes with Frenale. The tension in the room soared. Mckale’s shield kept most of Frenale’s anger at bay though some still leaked through, enough to cause a dull ache to start behind Maleena’s eyes. The baby kicked and she absently stroked her belly, sending soothing thoughts to the little one.

  The silence in the room stretched and thickened. None of the other men in the room moved as they watched the silent battle of wills. Mckale often reminded Maleena of a half-tamed wolf and after spending time in Calladar, she knew why. Arandrall was the head of the Nine not just by birthright but also by strength of will. In a sense, he was the alpha of Calladar.

  Finally, Frenale dropped his eyes and backed up a step. Arandrall kept his cold, intense stare fixed on the man. “I can speak to you that way. You may be a member of the Council of the Nine; however, I am the Head of the Nine. You will do well to remember that Frenale. You are ill-suited to a meeting with the Ke’han and so you will remain behind. You are new to the Council so I will excuse your behavior this time. Your father was a good and steady man. It would do you well to honor his memory by emulating him.” He glanced around at the other men. “The others I didn’t choose, it has no bearing on your abilities.”

  The other men nodded. None appeared ruffled by Arandrall’s decision. Frenale glared at each of them for a moment before striding from the room, slamming the door behind him. Arandrall took his seat again. “Draft your explanations and orders. I will speak with the Sword Masters. The sooner we can get Hesutu home, the better. This meeting is adjourned. I expect those accompanying me to return within the hour. I trust that is long enough.”

  Sarrandrall nodded. “More than long enough to make arrangements.” His gaze flickered across Mckale and Maleena as he stood.

  After the men filed out of the room, Arandrall turned to Mckale and Maleena. “If you don’t mind, I ask you to remain here until we assemble to leave.”

  Maleena nodded. “Of course.”

  “As long as you send someone with the mid-day meal,” Mckale said. “Maleena needs to eat and so do I.”

  Arandrall inclined his head. “I will have it sent up immediately.” He hesitated at the door. “Hesutu, is there anything in particular you would like to eat or drink?”

  Hesutu seemed surprised by the question. Until a couple of hours ago he’d been chained and caged like an animal. After a moment’s pause, the Ke’han shook his head.

  As Arandrall closed the door behind him, Maleena sank into one of the chairs with a soft sigh. Mckale sat next to her and she sensed his concern. Anevay sat as well.

  “Maleena?” He took her hand in his.

  She smiled wearily at him. “I’m fine, just a little tired. I’ll feel better after I eat and drink.”

  Hesutu seemed agitated and she turned to him. “What’s wrong?”

  He held out his massive hand to her and she placed her palm on his. The thought came through clearly; he must be really worried. “Can you find them?”

  Maleena smiled at him and shook her head. “I can’t find them. However,” she hastened to add when his shoulders slumped, “my dragon Nydara should be able to. She may not be able to locate your exact family, but she should be able to find the Nagi of the camp we met.”

  She reached out to Nydara, “You can find them right?”

  “Now you ask.” The sending was accompanied by a mental snort.

  “Can you or not?”

  “Of course I can. Dragons can always find each other. It will be more difficult because o
f our differences, somewhat like you and the Ke’han, but I can do it. I will start searching now for Amara.”

  Maleena sent a wave of love to the dragon. “Thank you.” She turned her attention back to Hesutu. “The headman of the camp was named Hakan, do you know him?”

  Hesutu nodded eagerly, a smile spreading across his face, revealing his fangs. He held his hand out. Again, Maleena placed her palm on his. “My headman’s cousin and my uncle.”

  Mckale cleared his throat. “Anevay, can you heal the damage to his vocal chords?”

  “I don’t know.” Anevay hesitated. “I can try though I’m not sure my weaves will work on him.”

  She stood and walked up to the Ke’han that towered over her. The several inches she had on Maleena didn’t make her look any taller next to Hesutu. Anevay placed her hands on his arm and closed her eyes. Maleena watched the magic threads of healing weave together and flow up his arm to his throat. Anevay stood like that for several minutes before pulling the weave back and releasing it.

  “Well?” Mckale leaned forward, an expectant look on his face.

  Hesutu looked down at the dark-skinned healer. “Thank you.” His voice was raspy, with little more sound than a whisper, but it was a voice.

  Anevay shook her head. “I wish I could do more. The damage was done quite some time ago. Perhaps a year?” She looked at him questioningly. When he nodded she continued, “I thought so. Injuries left too long don’t heal right. Couple that with our obvious differences and it’s the best I can do. I’m sorry.”

  “There is nothing to apologize for,” Hesutu rasped.

  Maleena smiled at Anevay. “You are just as good at healing as Serena.”

  Her friend sent her a mock glare. “You aren’t supposed to go poking around in my head.”

  “I didn’t.” Maleena laughed softly. “When you broadcast your thoughts like that though, I can’t help hearing them.”

  Someone knocked at the door to the room. Before any of them could move to stand up, it swung open and a line of servants carried platters of food and pitchers of drink. Maleena drew in the wonderful smells filling the Council chamber and her stomach growled in approval.