Ky hurried to the sword, and pretended to slice her neck. As if she were weak, the blade hung at her side. She took two wobbly steps, dropped the sword, and pretended to die. She lay there a moment, and then at the sound of applause Ky stood and took a bow.
“Well, that was the best performance of their love affair I’ve ever seen,” Limro said, grinning as he clapped.
Ky gracefully smiled, and took her seat next to Cobaaron feeling energized from the approbation in the room. She hadn’t realized how many people were watching. When she met Cobaaron’s eye, she sniggered because of the thrill of performing again. “You’re very skilled with the Telling of the Tales, love. It was amazing that I saw you move so fast again, and you were walking.” He beamed with pride. “I think that time while fighting outside the city of Questidors, before we went to sea, you learned to fight well. I wanted you to adapt and learn, and then you nailed me. You even put the warriors to sleep, and it’s difficult to find those pressure points. If you do the same thing in reverse, it will wake up the men.” Cobaaron nodded in the sleeping men’s direction. Noxis was awakening them.
“Thank you,” Ky said and reached for his hand under the table.
“If that is a precursor of tonight’s events, this will be a great feast,” Noelya said, smiling.
“I’d be very happy if warriors form bonds tonight. I’ve already told them that they must make their union known by asking for my blessing. They’re required to publicly announce their union. I don’t respect secret affairs.”
“Well, more than one in this army has them,” Limro said.
“Yes, I know of a few. Hopefully they’re brave enough to come forward now,” Cobaaron said.
CHAPTER TWO
An elf feast was an elaborate affair with numerous courses, and most hors d’oeuvres displayed magically. Food stacked into enormous edible sculptures circulated under the tent. A volcanic mound of fish called turenicks oozed a cheesy sauce like lava, an elf-shaped figure of fruit and pastries walked about the feast, and a leafy sea creature offered its torn limbs before rejuvenating. An enormous ten-layer cake had a caramel candy tree on the top that continually grew upside down cupcakes like budding flowers, and there was a fountain of sweet grape wine. Every hour new displays of delicious food sauntered around until everyone was stuffed.
While the warriors ate and women offered to hand feed them fruit, Ky noticed the courting ritual, which she could only describe as groping. If a woman approached a man she found attractive, she would first offer anything from a wanton glance, a smile, or flirt by feeding him, dancing, or singing. The warrior would assess her by boldly looking her up and down, and if he wanted her attention to escalate, he would grab her butt and jerk her toward him as if she was meat.
The ritual didn’t delight Ky; to make matters worse Cobaaron explained that if the men didn’t show aggression and dominance by seizing them roughly the other warriors would consider him weak. The men were expected to be assertive, and if they weren’t, the women would be insulted because he showed a lack of sexual interest.
The ritual continued. Once a warrior fondled a woman, she would sit on his lap as they talked and flirted. If he kissed her or begged for sex, the woman could choose to either stay with the warrior or find a better kisser or lover. If she found his conversation boring or his kissing inadequate, she stood and scouted for another man. The women were very picky, typically moving on more than four times.
The majority of the warriors ignored the women. Ram and Parson sat with warriors that disdained the mating ritual, and women left them alone to avoid humiliation. Ky was surprised Tyrus was one of the men, sitting far away from warriors who intended to find a partner, and showed no interest in making a bond when she knew him to be married. She hoped he wasn’t hiding it from Cobaaron. From their body language, it didn’t seem like Ram and Parson were happy with Tyrus. From what she surmised during gift giving with Limro and Noelya, Ram and Parson felt lied to that Tyrus didn’t tell them he was a healer. They weren’t ignoring him completely as Tyrus did most of the talking and Ky wondered if he was explaining why he hid the secret.
As Ky watched, Ambrosia walked up to Tyrus’s table, wearing a pink dress with budding, little white flowers over the fabric. The same flowers were in her hair among small union bells. Her usually creamy skin was shimmery gold with lotion or paint. She was stunning, and everyone noticed. Ambrosia radiated joy, watching Tyrus as she approached. Tyrus stood, and it soon became clear that he was simply waiting for his wife. When she was near, he skipped the aggressive groping, but yanked her to him and kissed her forcefully and passionately. Neither broke the kiss or shied away from their sizzling display, despite the glaring warriors. Tyrus, in his obvious eagerness to have Ambrosia alone and naked, cupped her butt and pinned her against him; they swayed with his aggression as he squeezed her, but she appreciated his expression of great desire.
Ram and Parson gaped, shocked as they stared at them. All the men at the table watched and scrunched their noses as if they smelled something foul. Tyrus and Ambrosia continued to share a long, erotic kiss, apparently unaware of the disgruntled men, or they simply didn’t care. Their embrace was so lengthy people eventually ignored them.
“I was wondering what Tyrus would do,” Cobaaron whispered in Ky’s ear. “He’ll have a much harder time being chief of this army. There may be retaliation once he becomes chief because of her. But I respect him for not hiding it. I suspect they’re already married. I think you know this, too.”
“Well, with a kiss like that it’s clear something has been going on for quite some time.” Limro sounded pleased to see the young couple in love. “The retaliation on Ambrosia’s behalf will be quickly silenced. They have great futures. He will be chief, and create a new breed of army. He doesn’t say it, but he’s thinking much should change. He dreams of the future a great deal, but all seers know not to share too much. He’s quiet, and shares nothing. In the new age, things will be much better, and he sees glimpses of this. The new army will be stronger because of his laws.”
“So, he does make chief.” Cobaaron watched Tyrus and Ambrosia continue in the showy display that lasted longer than Ky thought appropriate, but maybe it was ritual to exchange long kisses if they intended to marry.
“And he doesn’t get challenged as much as you fear, Cobaaron. Have him lead the legions to the City of Lights, while you and Ky finish the two tasks. He will prove to the army that he’s more than capable of leading.”
“I was thinking of doing that very thing.” Cobaaron nodded.
Tyrus and Ambrosia finally broke the kiss, and then he led the way to Cobaaron’s table. When they stopped in front of Cobaaron, they turned palms up showing him their names and the bond they had formed. “We ask for your blessing.”
“You have it. I hope your union is full and joyous. To prove my appreciation for your honesty, you’ll lead my army to the City of Lights. Ky and I will be right behind you once I have the sword. If you reach the city before us, start to rebuild. Make the cornerstones strong; keep in mind that you’ll defend my city against the kings.”
“Thank you, Chief.” Tyrus bowed, undoubtedly honored that Cobaaron had great faith in him.
“But who will accompany you to the pools of lava, and the city?” Ambrosia asked nervously. “Some things only magic can do.”
“Your womb is blessed,” Cobaaron stated, “and now you’re united with young Tyrus. You’ll be with child long before we could march to either of those places. You may have conceived already. You have done enough for this army, Ambrosia. I need you strong to take the women in your room to the city. The traveling will be easier if the warriors take turns carrying only you.”
“I will not finish the union until everyone knows Ambrosia’s children can only be mine,” Tyrus said. “We have time to follow you, Chief. You have my word to wait.” Ambrosia nodded, in agreement with Tyrus that they’d hold off.
“I know what you fear. You both need to trust that some t
hings have a way of working out,” Noelya said.
Ky glanced at Noelya, certain she was speaking of the poisonous dagger. She then focused on Tyrus and Ambrosia wanting to know if they trusted Noelya’s declaration.
The two gave a curt nod, but Ky didn’t see relief. She would have to talk to them about it and make sure. There had to be a moment that night when Ky could steal them away from the party to her room, and show them the poisonous weapon.
Before Ky mentioned wanting to talk to them later, Tyrus and Ambrosia revisited Ram and Parson’s table, where they were welcomed with congratulations by the two. Less than half an hour later, warriors approached Cobaaron with women at their sides, asking for his blessing. Some wanted to bond with women from other cities and asked permission to fetch their partners; Cobaaron consented. A few admitted having unions for months, and even years. All this time, women continued to entertain the troops. The women with the greatest talent of singing or dancing had quite a gathering of studs. They took their time enticing warriors, ensuring they had several attractive men to choose among the best.
One woman was very beautiful. She had gorgeous auburn locks that curled to her waist. She was covered less than the other women. Her triangular shirt twinkled in gems that matched her hair. Her short skirt had strands of gems that shook with her hips and exposed her crimson panties. As she sang and danced, the men stared. As if she were the pied piper, luring grown men, she enchanted warriors in with her voice:
“My father’s wealthy from making virgin wool.
A union with me would be profitable.
I will make you promises while in your bed.
You will not look back to this moment with dread.
I promise to love you with all that I am.
You can be my lion and I will be your lamb.
I’m submissive like a perfect woman is.
I will never stray as long as I am his.
In return, please give to me all that I ask.
All my wishes be your desire and task.
I’d find this a fair bond, if your heart were mine.
Unite with me. Let’s join like a braided vine.
Don’t worry I have sisters if you don’t win.
If you need me—have to have me—slap my skin.”
As the young woman mentioned her sisters, they rushed to her side as the song continued. She belted out her melody:
“Get my attention if you desire love.
All other women, you’ll need to dispose of.
I come second to no one that’s why I’m alone.
That also means, another man I’ve never known.
Raised by a strict father, I was saved to bond.
I never turned when men wished I would respond.
My sisters and I grew beautiful with age.
Size up each of us, and our beauty you can gauge.
See for yourself, then make your decision clear.
Slap our behind, and then ask our father Teer.”
When the song was over, men were arguing heatedly, and each sister received vigorous smacks to their backside. “Those women will cause more chaos than Vergara would have. It doesn’t help they vowed virginity.” Cobaaron shook his head, disgusted.
“It’s untrue, of course.” Limro stood to regain order. He spoke loudly to get the attention of the warriors who were busy groping women. “My guests of Opalace,” Limro’s deep voice cut though the chatter, “surely you don’t believe lies of virginity. They’re simply women from Tougas, with a poor father, and possess nothing but beauty and mild talent. At this time I’d like to introduce a woman named Arla. Where is she? I’ve seen visions of her meekness. That is a trait men look for in a partner.” Limro searched the room. “I saw Arla sitting by the sweet sugar waterfall. Where is she? She’s shy, but a wonderful match, I assure you. Any man will find that she is a wise choice as a homemaker and a lover.”
A woman, blushing as bright as her red hair, stepped from behind the waterfall. She bowed, thanking Limro for the honor. The envied gesture was what Vergara and every other woman at the party desired. Though she was thin and small, the dress she wore covered her curves. If she was meek, she was also modest. Her peach dress even covered her shoulders, and the bottom hung below the knee. Every inch of fabric was covered in opal flakes.
“Arla has a lovely singing voice, and she pours an excellent glass of wine. Why don’t you serve the men wine, Arla?” Limro catechized, and Arla immediately fetched a flagon.
When Limro sat, he leaned toward Cobaaron and lowered his voice: “She’s nowhere near as beautiful as the singer, but that will halt the quarreling.”
“Let’s hope she does pour wine well. She looks too shy to speak,” Cobaaron jested.
“I may have fibbed on that. Though, her singing is quite pretty, but only her mate will hear it.”
Limro asked Noelya if she wanted to announce the first dance. While everyone ate the early dinner, the elf king and queen danced. The music was earthy and different. The instruments mimicked nature sounds like trickling water, howling wind, crackling fire, and chirping birds, forming rhythmic, beautiful music. Because it was hard to dance to, few chose to join Limro and Noelya in the awkward choreography.
As the night progressed, warriors wishing to ask Cobaaron for the blessing of a union formed a line in front of him. Ky sat idly, listening to warriors’ requests. Most men formed a blood oath before Cobaaron. Hours passed while men with beautiful women confessed instant attraction and a certainty they could learn to love.
While becoming increasingly bored, Ky seized an opportunity to speak with Tyrus and Ambrosia when she saw them leaving the feast. “I’m going to step away for a few minutes. I won’t be longer than half an hour,” Ky said to Cobaaron, and then got up and hurried to her friends when he gave a nod.
They were crossing the arched bridge when she caught up. They spun around, hearing her hurried approach. “Can I steal you for a moment?” Ky asked.
“Of course, we were about to head down to the river, but what is it?” Ambrosia asked.
“I have something I need you to inspect. I left it in my room,” Ky whispered. Without another word, Tyrus and Ambrosia followed. Once they were alone, Ky explained the conversation she had with Noelya and her suspicions. Then she retrieved the dagger from under a few leaves. “What do you make of this?”
As she held the handle out to Tyrus, she accidentally brushed the blade, and instantly her fingertip became numb. As he studied the dagger, Ky touched her finger and rubbed it, amazed how she lost all feeling.
“Have you seen anything like this?” Ky inquired as they continued to carefully inspect it. By their guise, neither was impressed.
“No, this is new to me,” Ambrosia admitted.
“It’s dark magic; that is certain. See the deep blue liquid. If it weren’t evil in nature, it would shine like light. Good is light, while evil is dark; that much has always been clear.” Tyrus flipped it over, staring at the churning fluid, while shaking his head. “And Noelya gave this to you?” He shook his head again. “I don’t know, Ky. Strange an elf would ever handle something wicked in nature. For an elf or goblin, who is much more powerful than a healer, to handle dark magic is a scary thought. The entire reason they have a treaty is to give others peace that they won’t take over the world. This is a risky and dangerous move. This could cause war if a goblin saw her give this to you. Let’s hope there are no spies in the elf light.”
“A goblin wouldn’t think of entering elf territory, just as elves don’t approach goblin land,” Ambrosia said to Tyrus, and then spoke to Ky adding, “Tyrus is right, though. There is no light in that poison. Odd she would give you dark magic to cure Cobaaron of his mortality as a human. She was honest about the lava killing him. Not good news, but we were thinking that Cobaaron needed more of your blood, much more. Your blood transformed him to light. In theory, it could turn him into a Star. He’s halfway there as light. At least legend says being light is close to being a Star.”
“Don’t confuse me. Tell me what to do. I am petrified of making the wrong decision. It’s clouding my judgment. I love him, and every option I have feels like I’m about to lose him,” Ky implored.
“Neither Ambrosia nor I profess to be great healers. I went without my family crest for years, and Ambrosia rarely studied. I will try to figure something out, to make sure Noelya is not unknowingly working for a goblin or one of the kings.” Tyrus made the weapon hover out of her hands, and then he commanded the dagger to strike, but it didn’t move. “At least it isn’t charmed to kill him.” He lowered the dagger, and she grasped it firmly.
Noxis burst into her room, and spied the weapon. “You are planning to kill my brother!” He flung his sword at Ky; she barely sidestepped in time and collided into Ambrosia from Tyrus’s forceful push.
“Noxis,” Tyrus growled and promptly stood in front of Ky, protecting her, “you can’t possibly believe we meet in secret to plan Cobaaron’s death.”
“It makes sense to me,” Noxis snarled. “A man, who shows no magical ability, curiously has it. She makes friends with the only healer in the group that might stop her. She was even friendly with Oella before she died. She brought my brother back from death twice, flew us all to the king’s castle, single-handedly killed a warrior, and during the Telling of the Tales she defeated three warriors with ease. It wouldn’t surprise me if she controls you to make you look like you perform magic, young Tyrus. Step aside or I will be forced to kill you.”
“You’re paranoid, Noxis. Tyrus is the only son of Viansky the Terrible, a horrible witch who caused the residents of nearby villages to die with black lungs because they wouldn’t allow her goats to eat their crops. Tyrus killed her by burning down his childhood home, because his mother killed his healer father. Ky is a Star! You misunderstand why we’re here. Ask Noelya, and she will tell you she gave this dagger to Ky,” Ambrosia said reasonably.
The Coming Dawn Trilogy Page 65