The Heartstone

by Lisa Finnegan

  “I have a duty to make sure Rhysin is stopped. It was my weakness which brought him here.” He said.

  “What are you talking about?” Ariana asked. She sat down on the bed. Jarod was quiet for so long she thought he hadn’t heard her. He took her hand and kissed it. Putting it aside he turned away.

  “When the ship sank I lost sight of you. Rhysin’s men captured me. I took out a few,” A fierce smile flickered over his face.

  “Not enough, they overwhelmed me by sheer numbers and took me prisoner. I was bound over the back of a horse like a sack of grain and we traveled for three days until we reached Rhysin’s encampment.” He stopped.

  “His forces are vast, a sea of white tents. I was taken before him. When I leapt to attack the murderer his vile magic stopped me. God, such pain…” He shivered his eyes glassy. Ariana took his hand.

  “Don’t… stop. I don’t need to know.”

  “Yes, you do.” He looked at the wall lost in memory. “They tied me like a dog outside. Every day the officers beat me, trying to get information.” He smiled, not a nice smile,”But I held out, they kicked me, broke my fingers, starved me until I was like an animal. But I would not give in to that murdering scum.”

  “Please stop.”

  He ignored her. “Then… Then Rhysin had me brought to him again.” This time he had me bound to a table and…” He stopped. “He forced me to drink a vile potion. All his adepts held me down and… I couldn’t stop them.” His face was gray. “Then he questioned me.” Sweat beaded on his forehead.

  “Jarod stop. I can’t listen to any more.”

  “You have to listen.” His hand gripped hers till it hurt. “Don’t you understand? He knows.” His face was ugly with self-hate and rage. “I betrayed you.”

  Fear shivered through her. Rhysin knew who she was and where she was headed. Numbly she sat as terror threatened to overcome her. She realized Jarod was still talking.

  “I would rather have died. I wanted to kill myself but there was no way. I tried to die before I told him but the magic kept me alive.” He stopped and looked over at her. His eyes were haunted.

  Rhysin would pay for every moment of pain Jarod had suffered. Ariana vowed it. The Heartstone flared blood red. Outside she heard horses snorting in fear. She clamped down on her anger. Not yet but soon she’d have her revenge on the bastard.

  “Then he left me for dead. I dug myself out of the grave he’d thrown me into. I had no memory but gradually it all came back. I wanted to kill myself then I realized the only way I could redeem myself was to warn you.”

  She made him look at her. “Listen to me. You had no choice.”

  “How can you even look at me? I’m a traitor. I betrayed you.” Jarod turned away.

  “You’re not to blame. No one could have withstood Rhysin’s magic. Listen to me.” She said. “I’d rather have you alive, whatever the cost.”

  Jarod looked at her. His eyes filled with shame. “Even at the cost of innocent lives? Rhysin won’t stop. It’s my fault.”

  “Blaming yourself won’t do any good. So stop it. You had no choice. Rhysin will pay. I promise you.”

  Reassured Jarod let Ariana push him back onto the pillows. He was sweaty. She smoothed the hair back from his forehead. Two servants came in and took him to the bathing room. Ariana rose. With the two men supporting him he walked down the short hall to the bathing room. Ariana tidied the chamber. She paused and looked in the mirror. Her face was gaunt with strain and fear but her eyes blazed with banked anger. Rhysin would pay for the pain he’d caused.

  Jarod came back in. Dressed in clean clothes with his hair trimmed and pulled back from his scrubbed face, he made Ariana’s pulses leap. With a smile she took his hand and couldn’t resist rubbing her cheek against his freshly shaved face. Tears started in her eyes again. She helped him sit on the bed. There was a knock at the door. Jarod grabbed her shoulder and rose. She put her arm around his waist careful of his ribs.

  “Are you ready?” she said.

  “Yes.” His face was pale but set.

  “Come in.” She said.

  Lyon came in followed by Tareg and Lorena; behind them were the heads of the clans and the seven sages. When everyone was inside they stood silently looking at the couple. Some were concerned; all were intent on the strangers in their midst.

  Ariana was hyper aware of Jarod standing beside her. The tang of herbal soap, the still damp tendrils of hair curled behind his ears and the feel of his arm trembling distracted her. Jarod stepped forward, looking Lyon in the eye.

  “I am Jarod, Lord of Dun Caer; exiled since Rhysin murdered my family, enslaved my people and destroyed my lands. Now he comes to destroy the Horse Clans. I come to warn you. Rhysin is barely a week away. Secure your herds and hide your people, for he is death.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Pandemonium reigned. For a few moments, all was chaos. Ariana looked at Lyon, only the tightness of his mouth betrayed his strain. Beside him Maeve his wife stood stoic. When she saw Ariana watching her, the fear in her eyes changed to hate. Ariana looked away from the venom in her eyes before the impassive mask came back.

  “Silence” roared Lyon. “Rays attend me.”

  Silence fell. ”Well what do you propose?”

  “We should send a scout to locate Rhysin’s army. I volunteer,” said Caroc.

  “We need to gather the herds and the children and elders and take them to safety.” Aethan said.

  “We should take the battle to him. Destroy him before he even gets close.” Rhys said. The younger lords nodded assent; enthusiastically they began boasting about how many of the enemy they’d destroy. The older lords argued against it. The argument grew loud and tempers rose.

  “Listen. I am of the first Ray and you will listen.” The hubbub quieted and everyone turned to Tareg.

  “The dark Lord is too strong. If we go meet him he will destroy us and there will be no one here to defend Heulwen.” He said.

  “Well what do you suggest?” snapped Rhys.

  “I say we take the herds and our families to the summer pastures. Then split our forces between the pass and the plateau. We can hold them off in the narrow pass easier than the plateau. If we use our wits they will fall.” Tareg said.

  Silence, Lyon smiled. ”You crafty silver fox, I put you in charge of the planning. Caroc and Rhys you are both second-in-command, Ser Jarod, you have fought him before. Even here we have heard of Dun Caers' gallant stand.”

  Jarod nodded his thanks,”My lords, I have seen his forces. They are disciplined and outnumber us. We will have the fight of our lives. But they fight from fear not from true loyalty. If we can destroy him they will stop.”

  “And how do you propose to do that?” asked Caroc.

  “I don’t know.” Jarod said.

  “The only way to defeat him is to open the sacred Gate and return the Heartstone to the Web of Stars,” said Vaeryn.

  “Well open it,” ordered Lyon.

  “It cannot be opened until the solstice.” Vaeryn said.

  “Well when is that?” Lyon asked.

  “Two sevendays.” Vaeryn said.

  “How far away is he?” Lyon asked.

  “Ten days,” Jarod said.

  “So we hold him off until the gate is opened.” Lyon said quietly.

  Silence as everyone absorbed what he meant. A chill came over Ariana her as she thought about what Rhysin could do to the Horse Clans. Lyon broke the silence.

  “Liam and Ban are in charge of the move getting supplies together and making sure we can withstand a siege. Tomorrow we begin.” He turned and left. Everyone followed him out to start preparations. Vaeryn stayed behind looking at her, waiting.

  “We can’t wait two weeks.” Ariana said banishing the images of the bodies at Dun Caer from her mind with difficulty.

  “Vaeryn what can we do?”

  “We can’t open the Second gate before time. It could become unstable and destroy you and everyone else.” He said.


  “We can’t just sit here. Is it possible?”

  “I shall study the matter.” Vaeryn left.

  Ariana turned to Jarod. “Finally alone, how do you feel?” Despite her anxiety she couldn’t help her joy at his presence.

  “I should go help.” He said.

  “No, you need to rest.” She said, “There’ll be lots to do tomorrow. Come sit down.”

  He sat down next to her. She snuggled into his arms. They kissed. She clung to him. He winced. “I’m sorry,” she loosened her grip.

  “It’s alright.” He said. She shivered thinking how close he’d come to death.

  “There is much to do tomorrow.” He pulled away for a moment.

  “I just wanted you to myself for a few minutes.”

  “You’re always first in my thoughts and heart.” He kissed her lightly.

  She sighed and clung to him.

  “I missed you so much. I was scared I’d never see you again. Never tell you how much I love you.”

  He kissed her again. “You shouldn’t love me. I failed.”

  “No you didn’t.” She said.

  He stopped her with a gesture. “I couldn’t help anyone in my family, my brother, my father, Cerynus, all dead. Then I betrayed you. You should hate me, instead you love me.”

  “Always and forever,” She reached up and kissed him. He kissed her back gently. She was filled with fear. What if she lost him? This time when she kissed him it was filled with urgency. She wanted him. She needed to be with him. He recognized the change, responded, but hesitated. She looked up at his forest eyes dazed with sudden passion and gave him a moment to think about it.

  Then she pulled him down to her and thought vanished. They were on the bed. Their kisses grew ardent. Eager hands shed clothing. Passion swirled honey sweet up from the tips of her toes through her entire body. Her skin flushed, so sensitive, each kiss he dropped on her body was a flame, each touch a prayer. The scars of his ordeal stood out in livid contrast to the fair skin. With her mouth she traced the marks soothing the pain. He trembled and she knew her power. He groaned and rolled above her. He waited poised above her, mouth tight and eyes green fire. She arched up to meet him.

  When he entered her, her eyes fluttered closed. She clasped him to her and held him inside her. The Heartstone filled with white light as she was filled with him. The Heartstone blazed like a star and she felt energy pulsing out from it in time with their movement. There was an intense almost painful feeling in the base of her spine. The world rocked on its axis. Everything had changed.

  The world was still. Jarod rested above her. She held him against her breast. After a few minutes he lifted himself and looked down at her. His eyes were lazy and sated. Gently he nibbled at her breast and up the side of her neck. She reached up and kissed him. He smiled and untangled himself. He hissed a little as his ribs protested.

  “I forgot about your ribs.” She said.

  “So did I.” He grinned. She laughed.

  “We should go to sleep,” She said.

  “Yes we should, but not yet.” He said. She smiled. Eventually they slept entwined in each other’s arms.

  The sun slanted through the window. There was the sound of movement outside. Jarod’s body was warm against her back and his hand cradled her breast. They fit together perfectly holding each other even in sleep. His breath was warm against the back of her neck. Ariana kept her eyes closed trying to stay asleep. She heard a bird’s sleepy chirp and a hungry whinny, time to wake up. Regretfully she opened her eyes. Gently she turned. His lashes made vulnerable black crescents on his cheeks. An ache shot through her. This was where she was meant to be.

  He opened his eyes and smiled, “I thought you were a dream. You’re like sunlight in the trees.” He raised her hand and kissed it. She felt the kiss thrum through her. She smiled pushing back his hair with a tender hand. After a few minutes, he pulled away.

  “We must get up, dearest.” He said.

  “I know,” With a sigh she left his arms.

  They dressed; a slow process. Every few minutes they’d stop and kiss. Ariana found herself just staring at him, forgetting what she was doing. Eventually they were ready. There was a soft tap at the door. It was Lorena with Geneth behind her carrying a pile of clothing.

  “Good Morn children,” Lorena smiled pretending she didn’t see the rumpled bed.

  “I’ve brought some more clothes for Ser Jarod.”

  “Thank you.” Ariana’s face flamed.

  “Thanks for your courtesy, Lady” Jarod bowed deeply to her. She nodded approval.

  “You look better today, sir.” Lorena said with a look at Ariana. Ariana blushed.

  “Please call me Jarod lady.” He said.

  “Very well Ser Jarod.” She said.

  “Good Morning, Geneth.” Ariana said.

  “Good Morn, Ariana.” Geneth blushed. Ariana took the clothes from her and put them away in the chest.

  “Would you break your fast with us, Ser Jarod?” Geneth asked.

  “Certainly, lady” Jarod bowed with a smile. Geneth blushed. Ariana smiled. He’d have them eating out of his hands in no time, she thought.

  “Will you tell us of your adventures, Ser Jarod?” Geneth asked eyes shining. Caroc was going to have some competition Ariana thought smugly.

  “It would be my pleasure.” He said.

  “Come child let them prepare. We shall see you soon.” Lorena ushered Geneth out and closed the door behind her. Ariana and Jarod laughed. They followed their hostess. After breakfast Ariana took Jarod on a tour.

  They walked together around the plateau. Already the work was starting. The men of the Donnray were gathering the herds and the women were preparing provisions. Everywhere was activity and action. Instead of the fear Ariana expected she saw resolve. She realized Rhysin wouldn’t win until the last clansman was dead. She introduced Jarod to everyone.

  Caroc and Tareg were waiting to discuss fortifications with Jarod. Lorena needed help in the kitchen. With a smile and a kiss on the cheek Ariana let Jarod go. Then she followed Lorena into the kitchens. After a short time a child came to fetch Ariana to Vaeryn.

  “Well?” she demanded when she got there.

  “I haven’t been able to find anything about opening the gate at different times. It won’t open until the Sun is in the proper position. We must work hard to make up for the past three days.” He said.

  The day sped everyone was harried and busy but no one lost heart. At dinner Ariana sat between Jarod and Geneth at the table. As the meal went on she found her anxiety easing. She hadn’t been able to relax much in the last weeks. Knowing Jarod was safe was a balm to her soul. Her hand slipped into his as she chatted with Geneth. He squeezed it gently. Jarod was deep in a discussion of their plans with Caroc. His green eyes were intent as he sketched battle plans in wine on the tabletop.

  They danced late into the night. This would be the last feast for a long time. Everyone wanted to wring the last drop of gaiety and courage from the evening. Ariana danced among the women like a swan. Jarod was never far from her side. They’d never been able to just enjoy themselves. She intended to take advantage of it. The dancing ended.

  The torches were guttering and everyone made their way back home. They were alone. Ariana didn’t want the night to end. She looked up into the star filled sky, peaceful for the first time since the shipwreck.

  “I want to stay like this forever.” She said. Jarod smiled and drew her closer to him. They kissed. The moonlight caressed them and the warm breeze shivered through her unbound hair. Held close in Jarod’s arms Ariana was filled with drowsy happiness. Taking his hand she led him back to their chamber.

  The next week passed in a blur of activity. The Fireray scouts reported daily on Rhysin’s progress. He was making good time. People grew tense. Some of the warriors wanted to meet him at the base of the mountains and stop him there. Jarod thought it fragmented their forces, but he was outvoted.

  It was decid
ed that those unable to fight, especially young mothers and children, would be sent with the brood mares and studs to the camp at the spring pastures. The warriors would remain to defend Heulwen from Rhysin. The women objected. They wanted to stay to defend their homes. Everyone was packing and scurrying around trying to gather everything at once.

  Meanwhile Vaeryn and the Sages drilled Ariana. She stayed isolated concentrating on her studies. The only way to stop Rhysin was to open the gate. Then he would follow her and leave the clans alone. Every night she stumbled back to bed and the comfort of Jarod’s arms. But when he was asleep, she stared up at the ceiling. The hours passed slowly. What if she couldn’t open the gate? What if Rhysin got there first and killed everyone?

  Then it was time for the exodus to the spring pastures. They were usually a four-day ride away. But for a party of children and laden pack animals it would take ten days. The morning of the journey the air was filled with the shrill cries of children and the muffled sobs of the women as they said goodbye to their men. The healers and warrior clans had stayed behind except for the pregnant or elderly but no one was unaffected. Lorena and Geneth came to Ariana to say goodbye. Lorena’s eyes were red and she looked old as she grasped Ariana’s hands.

  “Child you’re as dear as my own. Stay safe. I pray we meet again when this is over.” Abruptly she hugged Ariana, they were both crying. With a final almost brisk nod she turned away. Ariana felt her stomach cramp with tension.

  “Geneth,” Ariana’s voice broke. “Be safe. I’ll miss you. You’re like my little sister.”

  “I wish I could stay with you.” Geneth sniffed skin blotchy from tears. ”Please say I can stay.”

  “No. This is something I have to do by myself. It’s too dangerous. I can’t concentrate thinking you’re in danger. Besides they need your help in the camp.” Ariana said.

  “I suppose.” Geneth’s lips trembled.

  “Geneth, promise me you’ll leave. Swear it.” Ariana said sternly. “This is not like Leudwen, Rhysin will kill you. He enjoys causing pain.”