Allegiance Sworn (A NOVEL OF THE LIGHT BLADE)

by Kylie Griffin

  “He’s a warrior of strong convictions. Loyalty and doing what is right is important to him.” Imhara set her cup down on the nearest table. “Even if it means going against what he was brought up to believe.”

  “He told you about Davyn?”

  Imhara nodded. Annika grunted softly and for a few moments neither of them spoke. The Na’Chi’s pensive expression deepened, and Imhara waited, the quiet chatter of other conversations drifting around them.

  When Annika finally looked up, the flecks in her eyes were a solid green, and a strong citrus odor deepened her scent.

  “After Arek found that one reference to our shared history, Kalan ordered a thorough search of every history annal and journal in our library.” One side of her mouth quirked upward. “We haven’t found anything as rich or in depth as your ancestors’ journals, just snippets and ambiguous references . . . but in order to make the alliance between the Na’Chi and humans work, Kalan knew we needed information.”

  “To convince your Council it could succeed?”

  “Some of them,” she conceded. “Mostly it was to counteract misinformation spread by the rebels.” Here she took a deep breath. “But we also needed more information about ourselves. The Na’Chi have struck several problems, mostly to do with feeding or controlling our Gifts. . . .” Her gaze flickered to Varian. “There’s a lot we don’t know about ourselves.”

  “As I said, we’d be happy to share information and this includes with the Na’Chi.”

  “You have been so helpful already.” Relief took the edge of Annika’s tension. “Do you realize how relieved I was to hear the truth about blood-addiction?”

  Arek had been the first to broach the subject of blood-slaves. Imhara had wondered at his reason for starting with such a tension-filled topic until Annika began asking questions.

  “Ahh, feeding and blood-bonding.” She smiled. “Rest assured, from your description about what’s happened between you and Kalan, you’ve bonded. You may never be able to survive drinking just animal blood again, but it is not the curse you’ve been brought up to believe. It’s one of the greatest blessings our Lady can bestow upon us.”

  Annika chuckled with more warmth this time. “And here I thought Candra’s teaching accounted for the improvement in my healing Gift.”

  “An experienced tutor helps focus your Gift,” Imhara agreed, “but the stronger the connection between mates, the more the Gift develops. Every bonding is different, but the journey can be incredibly exciting to watch and, in your case, experience.”

  “I am indeed blessed.” She glanced to where Kalan sat.

  Her eyes glittered with joy and love, and her smile, so filled with happiness, felt almost too intimate to be observing. A twinge of envy streaked through Imhara.

  She sought Arek out and found him watching her. The glimmer in his gaze warmed her from the inside out, the sensation as good as, if not better than, a smile.

  “Her plans for us all continue to surprise me.” Annika hesitated a moment, then she nodded to herself. “A word of advice about the Council meeting tomorrow, Imhara. Open negotiations by announcing your intention to share all information freely, regardless of their decision concerning your petition, and you’ll put a dent in any preconceptions about your Clan.

  “Arek’s advocacy will come as a surprise to some on the Blade Council, and it’s likely to stir things up, but every Councilor knows him. There’s no greater catalyst than seeing someone you know, who once opposed the Na’Reish, now supporting them.

  “With the information about Savyr’s Na’Hord, we’re going to need your help whether some of the Councilors believe it or not.” Her soft comment vibrated with a wealth of emotion. “Even though acceptance of them is a gradual process, the Na’Chi have made a huge difference already, and to survive a war with the Na’Reish, the Old Ways need to be resurrected and fast.”

  “Thank you. I’ll take your advice.”

  Annika shook her head. “I should be the one thanking you.”

  “What for?”

  “For bringing Arek home.” She gestured to where he sat with Kalan, Varian, and Kymora in front of the fire. All were deep in conversation. “Losing him was a huge shock. Kymora and Kalan grew up with him. So many others grieved the loss of a friend or warrior they respected.”

  Annika bit her lip.

  “And even though we barely knew each other, Arek and I are blood-kin. After finding out about his death, I felt cheated at having lost him so soon. We never got the chance to know one another, and Davyn refused to speak to me about anything. So to have Arek back, and in our lives again . . . there aren’t words enough to express our appreciation.”

  “There’s nothing more important than family, Annika.” Imhara reached out to grasp her arm and squeezed gently. “I think you’ll find Arek feels the same as you. Shall we go join them?”

  * * *

  “UNFORTUNATELY I was never privy to any of Savyr’s latest war plans.” Imhara’s gaze swept over each of the ten Councilors gathered around the wooden table in the middle of the Blade Council chamber. “I can only presume he felt there was no need to inform me as I would no longer be Na following the Enclave because of my enforced mating.”

  Ignoring the lone seat meant for her on this side of the table, she leaned over the map spread across the top of it. A quick look and she tapped five locations with her finger.

  “These positions are where Savyr will most likely cross into human territory.”

  A silver-haired man with the broad-shouldered build of a warrior sat across from her. He grunted.

  “What makes you so sure?” Brawny arms crossed over his chest. “We want to be certain before we commit patrols or any significant force to a confrontation.”

  “Councilor Witham raises a valid point, Na Kaal.” Kalan rose from his chair and rounded the end of the table to stand by her shoulder. He bent to study the map. “Is there no other way through the Skadda Mountains?”

  “Winter or summer, the range is a natural barrier to any incursion. It’s part of the reason we’ve been able to keep our double life secret for so long. With only one way in and out, the inaccessibility and isolation has made any party easy to monitor and track. By sealing the pass permanently, it forces Savyr north, and if you look at the map, Whitewater Crossing is the first logical location to cross into human territory.”

  Councilor Witham issued a grunt. “Whitewater Crossing lies within Kaal territory.”

  “It does.” More than aware of his unspoken question, Imhara met his gaze head-on. “Savyr could use that point to launch attacks against either of us, so it makes sense that we defend it.”

  The woman dressed in Healer green leaned forward in her chair. “But it would be easier to do so if Light Blade patrols worked with you rather than against you?”

  Imhara inclined her head. “Of course it would, Councilor Candra.”

  A Light Blade entering through the large, wooden doors interrupted their discussion. The young woman paused a respectful distance from the table.

  “Your pardon for this intrusion, Councilors, Temple Elect.” In her hand she held a wax-sealed parchment. “Chosen, I have a message for you from Commander Onson.”

  “Thank you.” Kalan took the missive.

  With a bow the Light Blade took her leave.

  “Go on, Na Kaal,” Kalan prompted, tucking the message into his belt. “You mentioned several other locations?”

  “The next two are places where Whitewater River widens. It becomes shallow enough for an army to cross. The remaining locations, while far north, give Savyr access to villages within a couple of days’ ride of the border. Blood-slaves will be easier to procure from these remote places than those closer and more easily defended.”

  Imhara hesitated before voicing her final insight. She straightened, and inhaled deeply, testing the air. There was little to no sourness tainting the air. Instead a a citrusy anticipation exuded from Kalan.

  She pointed to the final place
on the map and ran her fingernail east. “If Savyr chooses to go north, then he also has a clear run at Sacred Lake if he comes via the Western Isle and across the plains.”

  From the startled looks on several Councilors’ faces, Imhara knew they hadn’t anticipated that strategy. Kalan, Witham, and Benth had, if their somber expressions were anything to go by.

  “Savyr has an army fifteen thousand strong the last time I saw it,” she stated. “Even replacing Yur, it would take twelve days for this army to reach the nearest crossing point and invade human territory.”

  “Twelve days!” The lean-faced Councilor to Imhara’s left was visibly shaken. His pale gray gaze widened. “But it’s been just a week since you fled the Enclave! He could be halfway to our border by now!”

  “We have to send out messengers and recall every Light Blade.” The only other woman on the Council clasped her hands so tightly her gnarled knuckles turned white. “We have to be prepared!”

  Several others voiced their agreement and began listing off tasks needing to be completed.

  “Twelve days minimum, Councilors.” Imhara broke in over the top of the chatter. “I quote that as an estimate only so you understand one possible time frame. However, I doubt the Na’Rei will move that quickly. Finding a successor for Yur will take time. Savyr will not want just anyone as his Second.”

  “How much time?” Candra asked, her dark eyes solemn.

  “Yur’s death is a blessing in disguise.” Annika shifted in her seat, a grim smile lifting the corners of her mouth.

  “The Na’Rei needs to find a loyal supporter.” Imhara met Annika’s gaze and nodded. “Not an easy task with a den full of ambitious Clan Commanders vying for the position.”

  “Cutthroat politics,” Annika muttered.

  Imhara’s grin held little warmth. “That’s an accurate description.”

  “So this should buy us some time,” Kalan mused. His statement lightened the bitter odor of fear in the room. “Let’s take a break. We’ve covered a lot of ground so far. When we return, I’d like to talk to your Gifted Clan members, Na Kaal.”

  Heavy satisfaction saturated Kalan’s scent, as if he were pleased with the reaction her information had provoked. Imhara wondered at the timing of the recess break. She glanced once more at the map, then the Blade Councilors.

  Some were already talking amongst themselves, mostly about the threat of Savyr’s imminent invasion. Was Kalan giving them time to deliberate about the actions that needed to be taken?

  Shooting him a sideways look, she discovered him watching her. One dark eyebrow arched. She blinked.

  Outnumbered by the Na’Hord, his Light Blades would need all the help they could get. With the variety of skills the Gifted members of her Clan could provide, his request to speak to some of them became clear.

  Imhara almost smiled.

  “I’ll let the others know you’ll be needing them shortly.” Stepping back from the table, she gave a half bow. “They’ll be ready to answer any of your questions, Chosen.”

  Chapter 43

  AREK paced the length of the rug in the center of the main room in his apartment, his mood as somber and anxious as the Kaal Clan members gathered there with him. Taking her ancestors’ journals with her and accompanied by several Light Blades, Imhara had left the apartment over an hour ago to meet with the Blade Council.

  Needing fresh air, he headed out onto the balcony and leaned on the low wall looking out over the compound, taking in but not really seeing the training session going on over at the parade grounds.

  His request to attend the meeting with Imhara had been denied. Considering the importance of the information, Arek wanted to be there so the Council could understand the significance of what Imhara had sacrificed to get it. His deepest fear was that they wouldn’t see past her Na’Reish heritage.

  The irony of what he felt wasn’t lost on him. Kalan had to have experienced the same fears and range of emotions for Annika as he did for Imhara.

  “You’re worried.” Rassan’s deep-voiced comment came from the doorway behind him. “Should I be concerned for the safety of my Na, Light Blade?”

  “Concerned?” Arek straightened and turned to face the Na’Chi warrior. “No. Sanctuary has been granted. Imhara is safe.”

  “Then why does your scent reek of apprehension?”

  “I hoped to sit in on the Council meeting with each of you, but I’ve been denied permission.”

  “Why?”

  “My friendship with three of the Councilors is no secret.” He shrugged. “I’m guessing Kalan is trying to give the impression of impartiality.”

  “Your Chosen seems like a fair man.” Rassan strode over to join him at the wall. “I was impressed with the way he questioned and listened during our conversations yesterday when your friends visited. They all seemed open to what we had to say.”

  Arek nodded. “Annika and the Na’Chi’s arrival at Sacred Lake helped open a lot of people’s minds. The simple fact is we need to change if we’re to survive in this war against the Na’Reish. But more than that, we need people who are willing to initiate it, not just be led along. Kalan made changes on the Council to try and do that, but it’s still a long journey.”

  In the short time he’d been absent from the city, a lot had changed. Kymora stepping down as Temple Elect had shocked him, and to hear she’d suffered at the hands of rebels left him furious. Yet her ordeal and the Na’Chi’s role in her rescue had created a greater acceptance of the half-bloods. That and the decline in the rebel movement gave him hope for the outcome of the Blade Council.

  “What do you plan to do now that you’re home?”

  Arek shot a sideways glance at the warrior, more for the neutral tone he used than the question he’d asked. It wasn’t like him to be indirect. “Speak plainly, Rassan.”

  Violet eyes flecked with green met his. “Will you stay and resume your life as a Light Blade?”

  Arek stared down at his boots, brow creased as he considered the question. Honestly, he hadn’t thought past surviving the Enclave, then getting the Kaal to Sacred Lake.

  He could imagine settling back into the ranks of the Light Blades; it was what he knew. His passion for serving the Lady remained, and She would always play a central role in his life, but the motivation driving him had changed.

  In some ways he was like Kymora. His focus had altered. For the better.

  While some of his transformation could be attributed to Annika and the other Na’Chi, much of it could be accredited to Imhara. She’d unveiled the last of the lies controlling his life, then cared enough to lend him her strength to piece it back together.

  “I don’t know.” And that was the Lady-spoken truth. It felt odd admitting that. “Being a Light Blade is my calling, but I suppose it depends on the outcome of the meeting. If the Council agree to the truce, I think I’d like to return with you to Kaal Fortress, to help ensure the transition.”

  For the first time, he wanted more than a life of fighting and serving others. He wanted Imhara involved in it.

  “So you would return out of duty to your people? Not because of Imhara?”

  Arek grunted at his directness and scuffed a boot on the flagstone. He didn’t know if he was ready to have this conversation.

  “I haven’t really thought about this, Rassan.”

  A deflection at best, and a sidelong glance assured him he hadn’t fooled or deterred Rassan.

  “You’ve thought about it enough to bed her. A huge leap from wanting her dead.” The Na’Chi tilted his head, arms folding. “And I haven’t seen her with a lover in five years, so she cares for you, Light Blade.”

  The words pricked at Arek. His stomach clenched. Well, he had asked for directness.

  Neither he nor Imhara had discussed their relationship. Not the longevity of it, or any commitment beyond the moment. It was probably a backward way to go about conducting themselves, but then nothing in their relationship had been normal.

  At least, not
for him.

  And despite the warrior’s assurances Imhara cared for him, discussing their relationship without talking to her first didn’t seem right, yet Rassan deserved some sort of an answer.

  “If you want to know if I have feelings for her, yes, I do. But if you want me to explain them, I can’t.”

  It was the best he could do.

  “Matters of the heart aren’t easy to define.” Rassan’s dark lips curved at the edges. “Yet judging by your scent, your heart already knows what it wants.”

  His scent.

  Arek’s head snapped up. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “You’ll figure it out.” The warrior’s smile widened. “Eventually.”

  Arek was about to demand he explain when footsteps sounded from inside the room.

  Jaclan appeared in the doorway. “Arek, there’s a Light Blade at your door asking for you on behalf of someone called Davyn.”

  “My grandfather?” Arek glanced to Rassan. Their conversation wasn’t finished. He wanted to know what the Na’Chi meant by his last comment, but he also wanted to see Davyn. There were questions he wanted to ask. “I need to see him.”

  The warrior nodded. “Then go see your kin, Arek. I’ll let Imhara know where you’ve gone when she returns.”

  * * *

  “SO, you’ve risen from the dead.”

  The raspy growl came from somewhere to Arek’s left and held a familiar sharpness that never failed to grate against his nerves. He stood in the doorway, waiting for his eyes to adjust from stepping into a darkened building from direct sunlight.

  “Word travels fast in this compound,” he replied, his tone as dry as Davyn’s. The Light Blade who’d accompanied him to the prison beneath the barracks remained outside with those on guard. “Especially to places you least expect.”

  Cool air brushed against his face as the darkness receded. Several lanterns hanging on hooks around the room illuminated it enough to see his grandfather seated on a bench pushed against the stone wall in his cell.

  Davyn’s prison lay belowground, and besides the iron bars that divided the room in two, a visiting area with a simple table and chair, the other his cell, the place could have been mistaken for a storage facility.