“Commander!”
He shoved the two drunkards off him and angrily took back his sword from his subordinate. He turned back to the booth, but the girl along with the man had vanished. “Damn it! Spread out and find them! Find that girl!”
Engram sheathed his sword and stepped outside into the bright sun. There was no sight of them among the bustle of Shee. Were they tipped off? They hadn’t shown any indication that they’d seen him and the other Severon, but perhaps they had and escaped right at the last possible moment when he’d been distracted by the two drunkards. He turned back to the dining room and found two men passed out in the back corner opposite where the girl and man had been. “Wake up!” When neither responded, Engram kicked the smaller of the two men, “I said wake up!”
“Hey! What did you kick me for?” The man rubbed his face and looked up at Engram, his face went deathly white when he realized it was a Severon Commander standing over him. “Oh, begging your pardon, milord,” he said as he stood and brushed off the dirt from his filthy trousers.
Engram stepped closer to the man and whispered in his ear. “Pay attention to what I have to say, I will not ask twice. There was a woman sitting at that booth,” Engram pointed to the booth just across from where he stood, “she had silver eyes. What do you know about her?”
“You lookin’ for Sterling?” There was a puzzled look on the man’s face, “Yeah she shows up here with her uncle on occasion. They deliver vegetables and such to sell here in Shee, but that’s all I know. I swear.”
Engram was losing patience with this backwoods farmer, “Where is their stall?”
The drunkard slurred and tried to cower even more, “As far I know they don’t have one. They deliver to the pubs in and around Shee.”
Engram pushed the man into the wall and drew his dagger. Pressing the blade into the man’s tanned neck he snarled a threat. “You know more than you are saying. Tell me what I want to know.”
The drunkard was on the verge of tears. “I-I don’t know any-anything else, milord. I sw-swear,” he stammered and blubbered out. The man had broken out in a sweat and his face was red with fear. He was grasping at straws, trying to deflect Engram’s anger. With a quick gasp, inspiration finally struck him. “The-the barkeep might know more! They-they deliver here as well.”
“Commander.” Engram released the man and turned. Scout Phayo had returned from tracking. “We lost them in the crowd Commander. We followed them all the way to the market place and they just disappeared.”
Phayo was his best tracker, probably the best in all the Northern Arm. Interesting, in how they had managed to lose him so completely and so… fast. Fleeting thoughts made their way through his mind. Had they seen him? Did this squabble hide their trail? From the best tracker in his unit? No, even though the girl had looked up she never actually glanced his way. One last thought found focus in his mind. The Shard around her neck. Damn it. He had to find that girl. She was too important to his career. He pushed the farmer away and turned his back to Phayo. He had to think. The farmer had said they delivered vegetables to the pubs around Shee, including this one.
A snarl touched his lips as he looked at the barkeep. He would have the information one way or the other. “Get the horses ready. We’ll know where they are soon enough,” he said to Phayo as he started toward the bar.
“Commander!” Engram paused when Kerl, one of his other trackers came to a halt beside him. “We heard back from our informant. A merchant has been found smuggling girls out of Duenin and into Leyene. His last known whereabouts were on the merchant road that connects Shee and New Alden.” Engram nodded and dismissed Kerl.
Engram slid quietly into a seat directly in front of the bartender. Slipping a hand down at his side he drew forth his dagger and laid it gently on the bar top in front of him. Resting his elbows on the counter, he gestured to the barkeep. “Tell me what I want to know, and maybe I’ll leave you with just enough fingers to wipe yourself with…”
3
Lost in the Sarno
Dan’Yin, 25th Ignis, 1021
She was lost. How could she get lost on this day of all days? Hemi was going to kill her if he found out how far she’d ventured from the orphanage. He’d sent her out this morning to hunt rabbit for tonight’s meal, a birthday celebration for her twenty-first. But when she couldn’t find any rabbits in the surrounding forest she’d traveled further south than normal. Now in this unfamiliar area of the large Sarno forest she was completely turned around. Where was that path she’d taken into the forest? She remembered a tree that was split in a fork at the end of the trail, but now she couldn’t find the only land mark she recognized.
“Damn it. Hemi is going to kill me,” she said as she ducked under a branch and scanned the forest. She knew she was headed north by the location of the sun in the sky, but how far had she traveled away from the path? She continued north knowing eventually she would reach the Merchant Road that connected Shee and New Alden. Sterling paused when a distant rumble of thunder vibrated the silent air of the forest. “Great, just what I need.” The urgency she felt at finding her way out of the southern Sarno increased with the threat of an oncoming storm.
The timber began to thin, and she eventually stepped out of the solitude of the forest and onto the hard packed and rut filled Merchant Road. A signpost pointed west toward New Alden. She heaved a sigh; she had traveled farther west than she had first thought. But the sight of the Merchant Road was a welcome relief. If she hurried she’d make it back to the orphanage before Hemi started missing her and hopefully before the storm got any closer. She glanced to the south and the high clouds of the weather front that rose threateningly to the heavens. Lightning flashed through the clouds as if warning Sterling it was coming for her. She started walking east toward the smaller road that would lead north toward the orphanage and safety.
The Merchant Road was a busy thoroughfare that allowed for safe travel between Shee and New Alden. As she made her way down the deeply rutted road she was passed by merchants and travelers on their way to and from Shee. It was a major commerce center for Duenin due to its location near the border with Leyen. Leyen was within a day’s journey so merchants and farmers from their northern neighbor brought their goods to Shee.
She was cautious when one of the caravans passed by for it wasn’t uncommon for corrupt merchants to kidnap young Dueninian maidens for the purpose of slavery. They’d sell them off to the Menazarin, the rich nobility of Na’Dur where they would live out their lives as captives in their master’s harems. It was good that Hemi had taught her how to wield a knife and how to protect herself. She felt safe enough as she made her way toward home, but it would not hurt to be cautious.
Thunder rolled in the distance, masking the sound of a wagon laden with knickknacks as it rattled to a stop beside her. It was a Leyenese merchant’s wagon. They traveled the countryside selling their wares hoping to entice unsuspecting suckers into buying useless baubles they didn’t need. Sterling continued to walk as the wagon kept pace with her. She glanced sideways and found all manner of wares dangling from hooks and ropes, from cooking utensils to toys for children, and brightly colored scarves to attract the young ladies of Duenin.
“Give you a ride, vishca?” The driver asked as he kept measure with Sterling’s pace.
Vishca was an endearment in Leyen. Hemi had made sure she could speak several languages, especially those of countries that were not always friendly to Duenin. He taught her to always know her enemies and that included their language. Sterling gave a sideways glance at the man driving the wagon and gave a cautious, “No thank you.” Ignoring her he continued to ride alongside of Sterling. She did not look at him, but kept him in her peripheral vision, keeping her body ready in case she needed to run.
“Come vishca, I have plenty room for you. Where you like go?” He patted the empty place beside him.
“I’m fine. Thank you,” she said again.
“I insist, let Motego give you ride. You g
o to Shee? Come, I take you.” His tone had risen as if the excitement of her riding beside him was almost too much.
She could feel her temper rising. She finally lifted her head and looked at the man, “I said I was fine, now please leave me alone.”
She cursed silently when she saw his face light up at her silver eyes. Now I’ve done it, she thought as she continued to walk along the uneven road. She wished Motego would get the hint and leave her be.
“Very well, vishca.” He nodded and jerked the reins veering the horses in front of Sterling, blocking her way. “Now, you come with Motego. Menazarin pay extra for silver-eyed girl.” His face split into a sinister grin. Sterling was startled when Motego jumped to the ground and landed just a foot in front of where she stood. No sooner had the dust settled around his feet then the flap of the covered wagon flew open and another man jumped to the ground eliminating her chance for escape. Sterling dropped the bag of rabbits she’d been carrying and backed away while pulling the knife sheathed at her back.
Motego laughed, then lunged for Sterling, but she quickly jumped back, avoiding his grasp. He was a grisly old man and when he smiled Sterling could see the gap where two front teeth should have been. Deep lines creased his forehead and the lines around his mouth cut deep into his cheeks. Skin weathered by the sun hid dark brown eyes beneath sagging eyelids. What hair he had left had gone pure white, a testament to his age or the time spent in the sun? He was a smallish man, not much taller than Sterling’s slight frame. But where Motego was small his companion was his exact opposite. Tall and built like a bull, but despite his size he had a pudgy face almost akin to a baby. There was no malice in this man’s eyes like there was in Motego’s. Despite Motego’s sinister appearance, Sterling was more concerned with the large man than she was with Motego.
“Such a pretty vishca, don’t you think Franto? Such pretty eyes.”
Sterling was angry at herself for not having worn her hood. She was never without it, but today she thought there no need.
Franto giggled and covered his mouth as if hiding the childish smile, “Pretty. Franto want pretty.” Sterling eased away from the childish giant, trying to put as much distance as she could between her and his club-like arms. She held her knife in a loose grip as she took another step off the road toward the safety of the forest. Sterling jumped when Franto lunged for her. She was ready for the attack, landing on her toes as she sprung back from his meaty fist. Knees bent, she was ready for his next attempt to grab her, but he was faster than she anticipated. His vice like fingers latched on to her free arm and she tried to pull away, but his grip was too strong. He squeezed his muscular hand until she winced in pain. Gaining control of her senses she slashed her blade across his knuckles, forcing him to release her.
“Hurt!” Franto pulled his hand away and sucked on his bleeding knuckles. He looked at her over his bloody fingers. Anger, pure and unstoppable anger, slowly began to show in his childlike eyes. He lowered his hand leaving blood smeared across his face and teeth. With a roar that rattled her teeth, Franto swung his uninjured arm at Sterling, but she ducked and slashed her knife along the soft flesh of his arm. Blood immediately darkened his brown shirt. Franto began to howl in pain, outrage and frustration that tugged at the simple-minded man child.
“Hold it.” Sterling froze when she felt the steel tip of Motego’s blade pressing into her back. He took her own knife out of her hand and shoved it into his waistband. “You’ve caused us too much trouble, vishca. Now get in the back of the wagon.” Franto kept howling, which immediately caused Motego to pick up a nearby stone and plink it at Franto’s head. “Hush ye fool! She barely scratched you! Quit your crying or I’ll give you something to cry about!” Franto immediately stopped, albeit with a few broken sobs and a small groan of displeasure. “Now that’s a good boy.” Motego slipped his dagger back into the sheath. “Now be an even better boy and put the pretty into the wagon, yes?” Franto nodded and started pushing Sterling toward the rear of the wagon.
“Let me go.” She struggled to free herself, but his grip was too powerful. How could this be happening to me? Hemi was going to be furious if she got herself kidnapped. Sterling did not stop struggling, using every technique Hemi had taught her in self-defense, but to no avail. Franto pulled open the rear door of the wagon and pushed Sterling into the darkened interior. She fell to her knees as she struggled to free herself.
Sterling came to her senses when Franto wrenched her arm behind her back and she felt the rough fibers of a rope being wrapped around her arm. She reared back hitting Franto in the nose with the back of her head. He yowled in pain releasing her to grab his broken nose. Sterling jumped out of the wagon, but Motego was there waiting. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“Motego! Look!” Franto yelled, still holding his nose with one hand pointed down the road toward Shee, a dust cloud plumed into the still air behind a troop of soldiers on horses.
“Damn it! It’s the Severon!” Motego abandoned his quest to steal Sterling away and jumped into the driver’s seat, slapping the reins hard against the horse’s back. The wagon sped crazily down the road, its wheels bouncing on the uneven ground. The Severon galloped past her in pursuit of Motego. Sterling watched in horror as Motego lost control of the wagon and it skidded sideways and then toppled over, throwing Franto from the back.
What were the Severon doing this far north? Sterling picked up the bag of rabbits she had abandoned and quickly crossed the road hoping the Severon had not noticed her. She tried to even her pace so as not to look suspicious. She felt as if her heart were going to pound out of her chest. She was nearly to the path that led to the road that would take her to the orphanage. She hazarded a look over her shoulder and nearly tripped when she realized one of the Severon had broken away from the rest and was riding toward her. Why had she not worn her hood today? Of all days, why today?
“Hold there, miss,” the soldier called out to her with a smooth aristocratic voice, but she pretended not to hear him and continued at the same pace. “Stop there miss, I have some questions for you.” If she didn’t stop he would become suspicious, but if she turned and faced him he would see her eyes. What should she do? Her heart painfully thumped in her chest.
She stopped as he ordered, but without turning she held up the sack of rabbits she caught earlier. “Please, milord, if I don’t get these rabbits home soon they will go bad.” Hoping her words would satisfy him she continued edging closer to the tree line. If she had to, she could make a break for it into the forest. The trees were thicker on this side of the road.
“Stop there and turn around.” She could tell by his voice that his orders were not often questioned. But if she stopped he would see her eyes and the Severon were not ones to pass on any such abnormality. “Either you stop here, or I’ll have you taken to Sionaad and I’ll question you there.”
She’d heard rumors of Sionaad and the torturous acts the Severon committed within its walls. She stopped for fear of angering him, but she kept her back to him. The leather of his saddle creaked as he started to dismount. This was it; this was the end of her. All he would have to do is look at her face and see the legacy of her mother looking back at him.
“Commander Engram!” one of the soldiers called out from the wrecked wagon. The other soldiers were trying to wrestle Franto to the ground. His enormous size seemed to be too much for them. It was then that Sterling realized Engram’s attention was no longer on her. She quickly darted into the cover of the forest and ducked behind one of the trees as the Severon Commander returned to his men. Without a thought, he drew his sword and drove the steel through Franto’s heart. The giant’s struggles ceased immediately. She could hear Motego cry out in agony as his friend collapsed, but even his cries were cut short by the same blade that had taken Franto’s life.
Sterling’s breath left her lungs when the Commander turned back to where she had disappeared into the forest. His dark eyes had an evil behind them she’d not seen before. There w
as such malice in their depths that it was palpable. She fell backward away from the tree as if the force of his gaze had physically pushed her. She gathered the rabbits and her bow and ran as fast as she could toward home. The sound of ominous thunder followed her through the forest.
4
Storm Front
He hadn’t seen her.
Sterling was thankful for that small favor as she walked through the Sarno toward home. Sterling hurried her pace, she had to be back before Hemi started missing her. She’d already been away far longer than what was normal. If Hemi found out about the Severon she was sure to be in trouble. He’d warned her dozens of times to be careful and avoid the Orom’s personal army. They were known for their brutality toward prisoners. There were rumors they were just as brutal toward people they considered allies. Hemi had always been careful of this, having hidden her in the cellar of the orphanage every time the Severon had paid a visit to Mother Anwell. At her young age she thought it was merely a game, but as she grew older she understood the risk Mother Anwell was taking by allowing her and Hemi to stay at the Orphanage.
Sterling pulled herself back from her musings when a rumble of thunder reminded her of the pending storm. She looked up through the soft green canopy and could see the black and silver tinted clouds looming dangerously close. The storm was moving faster than she had expected. She quickened her pace, wanting not to be outside when the storm unleashed its wrath upon the earth. As she ran she dodged limbs and clambered over felled trees, something she had learned to do all too well considering how primal the forest around her could get at times.
The Elemental Union: Book One Devian Page 3