Guardian

by Amanda McLaren

  I shrugged it off. “I had a hard time in the village.”

  “I see. Is it really a good idea to go back?”

  “Let’s just camp outside the village and eat the last of our game before we face an enchanted Gryphon.” I said shortly, studying the ground rather than meet her eyes.

  Sanquility glanced my way. Apparently the wolf thought better of asking more questions. “Either way, the blasted cat had venom that reacted more like a Basilisk’s bite than what’s known to its species. Since it was so close to snake venom, I was really hoping Dragon’s Lace and Snakebane would have more effect on the poison than the temple regulation herbs did.”

  “I don’t like what this means, San.”

  What about the priesthood? What would happen when their guards turned on them?

  “Neither do I. Drink this. It’ll give you back your strength. When Redemption returns, we’ll move on since he doesn’t seem to show up until you’re well enough to travel. When I wasn’t healing one of us or sleeping, I patrolled the area. We’re only another ride to the town, so get some more rest if you can.”

  It made me uneasy to see her drink an herbal remedy with me, but I kept my mouth shut. There was no need to say anything at all; she knew. Then a question came to my mind I couldn’t stop myself from asking.

  “Why did you save me if you had to resort to herbs? You could have let me die and still gain my soul.”

  She peered at me with confused, frustrated eyes. “I tried, Kariken. I really did. The bond stopped me. I…I couldn’t let you die. The idea alone was too painful.”

  “Don’t you hate that?”

  “Yes.” She growled. “I hate it with all my being. I hate human emotions. But without the bond we would never have survived. I never imagined these feelings preventing me from being an Azhi.”

  “…I don’t like it either, but…at least it wasn’t your sister.”

  She cocked her head in curiosity.

  “I wouldn’t want to be bound to any other Azhi, Anshumali.” I whispered despite myself. “You treat me alright, though it causes a conflict with your Azhi instincts.”

  “…You used my name.” Sanquility responded very softly.

  “Don’t get used to it.” I rebuked gently, making her burst out in laughter.

  “You’re hard to pin down.”

  “Oh yeah? I bet I can pin you down!”

  “Not at my full strength!” She protested playfully.

  Cocking an eyebrow, I threw myself at her. We rolled around wrestling until I ended up panting on top of her. Then, before I could stop myself, as I gazed into her eyes, I leaned down to give her a hard kiss. Sanquility let it continue until I grabbed at her boob.

  Then she pulled my hand away. “Not yet, Kariken. Your heart isn’t healthy enough, and I’m not strong enough.”

  Sighing, I let myself fall back off her to lie next to her.

  Well, I am rather weak. My heart is beating a little too fast.

  //I’m glad you agree. //

  “Don’t get used to that, either.” I told her with a cocky smile.

  “Yes, I’m sure you won’t get into the bad habit of relenting to reason.” She teased back.

  The rest of the day went on rather slowly, but it was sort of nice to have a moment to relax. Even if it slowed us down on saving Mist Peak Village. For all we knew, we were rushing to save the dead.

  That night, as she slept, I wrote in my journal.

  Early-Summer, Year of the Bear, 200 ATF,

  A number of days ago, Anshumali replaced her magic with the magic that Lyrea used to control my desires. She’s not used it yet, but who knows for how long? That night by the river surprised me, when she stopped when she could have used it. Still…she is an Azhi…and yet…

  She just saved my life from poisoning. Somehow a mysteriously enchanted Mountain Sphinx did it to us when it abruptly attacked us without cause. She could have let me die and still owned my soul when her magic failed to fight the poison, but she resorted to wild herbal medicine she wasn’t entirely sure would keep me alive. When I asked her why she did it, she said it was the bond. She tried, and couldn’t do it. So it’s started – at least for her. She’s starting to fall in love. Am I?

  I don’t know. I’ve only been in love once…and that…that was painful. I don’t want to go through that pain again. Not for an Azhi.

  I mean, don’t get me wrong; Anshumali is a sexy warrior who’s amazing in bed...she’s far better than her sister and I certainly wouldn’t want another Azhi to invade my soul, but – love? No. Not yet. We’re not even close enough to be friends. We just fight together and fuck – I’m just getting used to that being enjoyable.

  For now.

  I drifted off to sleep, journal still in hand.

  Chapter Six

  Mist Peak Village

  The sun rising over the mountains was beautiful. As it hit the village, it couldn’t compare. The pale stone homes were engraved into the side of the mountain, scaling ever upward until it reached the peak. When there was mist, rain or fog the temple was hidden from sight. In the current weather, we could see the marble temple in all its glory, sparkling white in the dawn’s light.

  The paths were clearly marked with stone boulders piled up like pillars. From here it looked like a stone maze. Each looping to one house or the other. None of the shops were made distinct from homes. There were no signs to show the way. But all would eventually lead to the temple or the bridge. It was the only way out of town. If the bridge were to go down, they would have a raging mountain river to wade through.

  Memories made me shiver at what awaited enemies in those horrid, churning waters.

  With a heavy sigh, I dismounted the great black horned horse. It showed me an image of it grazing in the valley. I nodded, understanding he would wait for us and spirit us home. Sanquility followed me down before removing the pack of food and hide we’d manage to scrounge up.

  “Since we’ve traveled all night, let’s rest – outside of the village.” I glanced uneasily at the village as memories tumbled through my mind.

  “I’d like a bed and a real meal. Don’t they have an inn?”

  “…We could try the inn…” I replied doubtfully.

  “What happened?” Sanquility demanded dryly. “Get drunk and do something you shouldn’t have? Or is this about another prick trying to get further than you were willing?”

  “I was a mercenary when I first came to the village. I wasn’t getting paid enough at Taiyuan. While I stayed here, I of course made some rather unfortunate enemies.”

  “Such as?”

  “The family who owns the inn, most the shop keepers, the head priestess and her husband – who is the militia captain and the village chief.”

  “So everybody important.” She stated irritably.

  “Look, the people here don’t like people who think differently and voice their opinions. Or people who don’t like to follow orders. Or…people who don’t believe in their gods and make it very obvious. So let’s rest, get that thing killed and leave.”

  “Like it or not, we need supplies. We can’t keep going on nothing. We need better weapons, better clothing, medicine and real rest in a bed – or we’ll be no match for an enchanted Gryphon.”

  “Well, okay…but I left my gold on Seishin. I don’t need it much, but here…”

  “What about you being a Templar? Can’t you force your power?”

  “I’ve tried. Since the temple here doesn’t like me it gets me nowhere.”

  She shook her head at me. “I’m sure there’s somebody who can help us.”

  I gave a heavy sigh, running a hand over my face.

  I didn’t want to resort to her, but…

  “There’s this girl – she’s been obsessed with me since I saved her life. Her family knows I’m not interested, so they think it’s cute. But it’s really annoying because she’s always trying to flirt with me.”

  Sanquility snorted. “How many girls want you?”
>
  “Six that I know of.”

  “And you’ve not-”

  “No, Sanquility, I haven’t.” I snapped irrationally. “I tried with her once and I couldn’t, okay? You’re the second girl I’ve ever fucked and enjoyed willingly.”

  “The second?” The jealousy in her voice made me scoff and roll my eyes.

  “Just drop it! I’m not with her and won’t ever be! So leave it alone! If you want to use a girl and her family, fine by me.” I stomped off toward the bridge with a very stunned-looking Sanquility following behind. As we approached the bridge a familiar old man ambled toward us.

  “Here’s the chief. Try to let me do the talking.”

  “When he hates you?”

  “At least I know what to say.” I retorted. “I handled the priest, didn’t I?”

  The men reached us. An older man and two young, powerful men in town guard outfits. “What are you doing back here, Leafsong?”

  “As you can see, we’re Templars. The damn winged horse spooked and took off with all her stuff.” I removed the necklace around my waist to show them the Temple dog tags. It was an old balding man in rough clothing with wise eyes and a walking stick. He gave an abrupt nod.

  “Are you here about the Gryphon, then? He showed up out of nowhere. He’s taking all our livestock and roosted on the Temple. We can’t get close enough to see if the Priesthood is still alive. For some reason, however, all of the Sphinx that guard us and our temple have vanished.”

  Ignoring the comment, I went on. “We’ll check out The Order after we rest a time. We’ve been traveling with almost no supplies since practically the beginning of our journey.”

  “When will you head to the temple?”

  “Look, we’d like some rest.” I told him again, rubbing the bridge of my nose in an attempt to keep my temper. “We’ll start at dusk. Does Sapphire still live with her parents?”

  “Yes. Don’t disturb people and don’t cause any trouble, Leafsong. Templar or not, we don’t like your kind around here.”

  “We’ll be staying there, in case anything comes up.”

  San stepped in. “But somebody better be dying, understood?”

  He glared at the Azhi with resentment. “I wouldn’t consider such brash people for socialization, now would I?” Then the man marched off.

  “Great…”

  “What?” She looked at me clueless.

  I rolled my eyes. “I told you to let me do the talking! I may not be liked, but now that you’ve been rude to the chief, we’re never going to get free supplies.”

  Her lips pursed. “Oh.”

  “We kind of will need food and hopefully better weapons…” I began to head for the road I needed. My guardian trailed behind.

  “Sorry.”

  “It’s okay.” I replied with a deep sigh. “I just hope she’ll let us stay after all, or we’re sleeping on hide anyway.”

  “Why would you put your gold on a horse that flies away all the time?”

  “He’s been good lately, and it weighs me down. I hate carrying money I never even use.” We became quiet as we walked the path.

  I paused at the door, hesitant to knock. Fates be damned, it opened anyway to show a familiar face. She was small in frame, like Fay, with short black hair and dark blue eyes. The moment the girl saw me her eyes grew round with delight. Giving a little squeal that made Sanquility flinch, she hurled herself at me. She was lucky I didn’t slug her in the gut and shove her away. Instead I barely let her arms wrap all the way around my shoulder so she could hang around me like a monkey.

  “Get. Off.” I told her as calmly as I could.

  Her mother came to the door to see us. “I wondered why she’d squealed so loud. Hello Xia. Who’s this?”

  “My wife and Templar partner, Sanquility. We’ve been sent to quell the Gryphon, but wondered if it’d be alright if we could sleep over at your place for a few hours.”

  Sapphire’s entire demeanor changed; her bright eyes and happy smile instantly vanished as tears welled up in her eyes. “Y-you’re married?”

  Uh oh.

  “Err…please don’t cry.” I tried hesitantly, unsure how to take this girl’s tears.

  “But I wanted to marry you!” She screamed and ran upstairs.

  I starred after her in a loss. “Um…miss…should we go elsewhere…?”

  “No, no. I doubt there’s anybody else who’d take you in, and I never recall you ever giving her even one clue that you felt that way toward her. Sapphire’s still young. She’ll be fine.” The mother waved the way in. “We’ll be happy to give you both shelter and food. Though if you need arms or armor, we can’t supply that. You’ll have to get them elsewhere.”

  “Will we need it?”

  //I’m sure we can make due. I don’t think we need the stress of finding it. //

  “I really don’t want to fight a Gryphon with nothing.”

  //But we have no money and I’m not in the mood to argue with human vendors about giving away free wares for no reason. //

  “…true…”

  “All we need right now is sleep and a meal.” I assured her. “I’m very grateful to you.”

  “It’s no problem at all, dear. You’ve always been kind to Sapphire though you weren’t interested, and did a lot for the entire village. I don’t think we’d have ever survived those wolves if you hadn’t cleared them out for so cheap.”

  “No big.” I replied smoothly as I led the way inside.

  She dished out two bowls of stew. The two of us sat down at the table and ate quietly. Sapphire came back down.

  “Your bed is ready.” Her voice was strained. When I glanced back I saw her puffy red eyes. A wet streak lingered on her left cheek.

  “Sapphire, I’m sorry.” I told her gently. “I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.”

  “I-it’s okay. You don’t see me often, and you’re not the settling down type.”

  “Did your mom tell you that? Because you’d be surprised.” I cocked an eyebrow.

  She gave a half-hearted smile. “Then would you stay in the village?”

  “What in the world would I do with my time?” I gasped, dropping my spoon mid-bite.

  She giggled. “You’d be a town guard, silly. You’d be the best of ‘um, too. I bet you could even be the general! We could even arrange to have a couple of kids!”

  The thought of a child sent a spike of pain through me. I stared at my food without interest and said very quietly. “You’re right. I don’t think I’m the settling down type.”

  Sanquility joined Sapphire and her mother as they laughed. I elbowed her in fun. There was still tension in the air, and all of it held the quality of falsehood, however; it felt almost political. When we’d finished our meals, we headed up to bed.

  “Are you okay?” Sanquility asked as we came into the room. “When Sapphire said something about a kid, you –”

  “Just leave it alone.” I tried to sound angry, but just felt empty.

  “But Xia-”

  “Anshumali, please. I don’t want to talk about it.”

  I felt her mind tumble, but we dropped it. The only reason I fell asleep several minutes later was because of the hard journey here.

  Lips pressed against my neck, drawing me from sleep. I peered groggily up at Sanquility. “It’s time to get up, beautiful. We have work to do.” The Azhi purred in my ear.

  I turned to give a powerful kiss, enjoying her little groan of enjoyment. Our hands began to stray as the door creaked open. I turned over to see Sapphire watching in rapt hunger.

  “Did you need something?” I asked uneasily.

  Sanquility looked over me and quickly covered us as the child’s cheeks flushed scarlet. She whirled around. “Momma said to get you guys up. The Gryphon’s awake and the town guard is worried he’ll come after the villagers next.”

  “We’ll be out in a minute, okay?” I smiled at her softly.

  Sapphire marched out of the room, leaving me feeling rather guilt
y.

  “Why do you feel so bad? You never liked her.”

  “I know how it feels to know somebody you like doesn’t feel the same way. I just…couldn’t. Even with Sapphire.”

  Sanquility gave me a peck on the lips. “Don’t worry about it, Xia. She’s young enough to find somebody who likes her back. Now I’d love to lie here and fuck, but we have a Gryphon to kill.”

  Sighing, I sat up and dressed, watching Sanquility hungrily. She looked back to wink at me, making me blush and whip around. The two of us headed downstairs as soon as we were ready.

  “Thanks. I appreciate the hospitality ma’am.”

  “No problem. Have anything to say to Sapphire?” She indicated her daughter, who was staring at me with the saddest eyes I’d ever seen.

  I met that pouting gaze. “Sapphire, you’re a great girl. You’re gorgeous, fun and stubborn. I’m sure you’ll find somebody who fits you like Sanquility fits me. If I can find somebody, so can you. I wish you a happy life with a lovely, smart woman who can handle you and as many children as you wish.”

  Then I left without waiting for a response. Sanquility blinked at me. “That was a great speech. Did you mean any of it?”

  “All of it. You do fit me; you’re a great warrior who is bound to my soul. You’re an excellent healer who can mend my wounds and you only get in my way when it’s better to not let me go forward. If I would have been assigned you as a Temple partner I wouldn’t have had so many missions mentioned as botched because of one dumb rule or another.” I gave her a sexy smile. “As an added bonus, you’re great at sex and not nearly as evil as the other Azhi I’ve run into.”

  “Like my sister?”

  “Yeah. Like your sister.” I replied soberly. “I’m lucky she’s with the palace because we couldn’t become partners.”

  Sanquility peered at me as if she were peering through me.

  “What?”

  She shook her head. “I hate this damned bond.”

  “As do I. Let’s just get this done with. I miss Fay.”

  “At least you don’t miss Lyrea.”

  “Stop talking about her already.” I snapped at her angrily. “I don’t like to think about that bitch.”