by Nesa Miller
Dar muttered, “Yes, ma’am.” Then made a quick escape.
The next morning, Dar made his way downstairs and headed outdoors. Walking past the living room, although aware of Inferno and his clansmen busy at work within the room, he did not acknowledge their presence. At the front doors, he realized he needed Inferno’s help after all. Taking a deep breath, he backtracked and was surprised by the number of people milling about, a testament to the clan’s recruiter. He’d not realized the clan had grown this much.
It might be good business to…
He spotted the scowling face in the crowd. “Inferno, where do you keep your weapons? I have need of a few items, if you don’t mind.”
“What for?”
“Etain's training. I would prefer four scimitars, if you have them.”
“Training, huh? Ya may be right. She’s a fair arm with the sword, but could use the guidance of a master. Aye, I have what ya need. Give me a minute.” Dar followed him outside, but remained in the courtyard. Eventually, Inferno returned with the blades. “When yer done, hand ‘em to me alone.”
“Understood.” He inspected the scimitars with a critical eye. “I have one more request.”
“Cocky bastard this morning.”
“I ask you respect my position as a sword master and not interfere with our exercises.” An intense look passed between them. Dar leaned in, lowering his voice. “I will take great care with her.”
With a grunt, Inferno watched him leave. “I’ll take great care to lop yer bloody head off if ya hurt the lass.”
Dressed in her old leathers and hair pulled back into a ponytail, Etain met Dar at the estuary. He greeted her with a glorious smile. “There you are, my love. Pick your blades.”
She eyed the four weapons on the ground. “I thought we were training with my sword.”
“Let’s start with the basics. It has been some time since I last saw you move with a blade. We will come back to your Nim.”
She shrugged, unbuckled the scabbard, placed Nim at the edge of the grass, and picked up the first two blades.
The other two in hand, Dar stepped back. “Watch closely. You will do this after me.” In slow motion, he swung the blades in a figure eight. “You try.”
“I’ve never worked with two blades at once.” After a few clumsy attempts, she had them moving in fluid motion. “Not as hard as it looks. Whatcha got for me next, big boy?”
“Remind me of your ability.” His swords snapped out in a whirlwind, straight for her head. She dropped one scimitar and gripped the hilt of the other with both hands, swinging up to meet the strike. “Pick up the other. Learn to use them together.”
“You said to remind you of my skills. Didn’t I just say I’ve never used two blades?”
“It’s time you learned. Pick it up.”
She rolled her eyes, dutifully bending over to do just that. Dar took advantage of her compromised position, slapping her backside with the flat of his blade. She yelped, standing up. “What the hell was that for?”
“I am teaching you to use these swords. Remember to keep your eyes on the one you are fighting, but also anticipate their next move. Let’s try again.”
“I don’t see how slapping me on the ass has anything to do with learning how to use these blasted things.” She set her feet in a defensive stance, blades at her sides. Dar came at her, cutting in from the left and right. This time, she blocked his attacks. However, he surprised her with a quick turn and kick to the stomach, knocking her back several steps.
“Good job that time.” He charged again, knowing she couldn’t move in time, but she held her stance. Apparently, she knew it, too. A smile crossed his face, spotting a slight shift in her eyes. At the last second, he leaped into the air, somersaulting over her head. His feet hit the ground resulting in a puff of dirt. She started to turn, her blade in the lead, just as his elbow connected with the back of her head.
Dar dropped his blades, catching her before she hit the ground. He gently smoothed her hair back, an expression of wonder on his face. “This new development changes everything. We have a long road ahead of us, mo chuisle.”
Ignoring the varied degrees of animosity aimed at him as he passed through the house, he carried her to her room and laid her on the bed. With great care, he unlaced her boots, setting them on the floor, then wet a cloth and washed her face and neck. “I’ll leave you in peace, sweet lady. Let you rest.” He left a parting kiss on her cheek.
Going downstairs, again ignoring the evil looks, he went out to retrieve the borrowed blades, returning them personally to Inferno, careful to keep his expression neutral. “If I may, I would like to use them tomorrow.”
Inferno glared. “Wasn’t much of a lesson if you ask me.” He grabbed the swords from Dar’s outstretched hands. “Ya didn’t have to be so rough on the lass. I wonder how ya’d hold up against one who’s yer equal.”
“Don’t worry about Etain. I believe our late night has thrown her off-kilter. She’ll be better by tomorrow.”
Inferno looked him over with an enflamed eye. “What the hell happened last night?”
Spirit made an untimely appearance, purposely stepping between the two men. “Did I hear voices raised in me house?”
Dar had one more thing to say before he walked off. “Let me know when you find my equal. It will be my pleasure to put him in his place.” He could hear Inferno’s heated opinion all the way up the stairs.
Hand to her head, Etain sat up just as Dar entered the room.
“How are you?” he asked.
“I’ve felt better.”
“It will soon pass. After our session today, I think we should concentrate on a few other things before working with your sword.”
“Like how to use the eyes in the back of my head?”
He sat next to her, intertwining his arm with hers, taking her hand in his. “Like how to control the demon within and use it to your advantage.”
She shot him a sideways glance. “Hmph. I know I can be a stinker at times, but isn’t demon a bit strong?”
“I don’t understand why it has taken so long to manifest. Now we know I’ve had the ability to change since I was a boy, I would have thought by sharing my blood-”
“Please, no more thinking today.” She laid her head on his shoulder.
“Today’s lesson was a good start.” Leaning his head on hers, he rubbed her thumb with his. “Inferno’s upset.”
“Can’t imagine why.”
“It may come down to no more than a split second that will determine whether you live or die. You have to think smart, and be quick about it.” He raised his head, looking her in the eye. “I have seen too many rough characters come into this world. They won’t be easy on you. Because of them, neither will I. You must be able to handle yourself whether I'm around or not.”
“Okay, I get it. But did you have to be so brutal on the first day?”
“Etain, I don’t pretend to understand how it’s happening, but the signs are there. You will turn eventually. It’s my responsibility to teach you how to control it.”
She sighed. “Does that mean more training today?”
He pulled her toward him. “Training, aye.” A kiss of apology became a burning desire for more. She brought herself up and straddled his hips, his hands roaming underneath her top. “Perhaps this training will be more to your liking, my vixen warrior.”
His exquisite touch felt like velvet on her skin. Her eyes closed, fingers curling, nails digging into his back. She couldn’t think of anything but this magical moment.
“No more training today, poppets,” Spirit said, peeking around the door. “How goes it in here?”
Etain’s eyes popped open as she scrambled off Dar’s lap. “Uh, fine. We’re…fine.”
Spirit grinned. “You look a bit flushed, but I imagine it has more to do with what’s going on in here than the assault this morning.”
Etain silenced Dar’s retort with a look. “You could’ve knocked.”
“And miss the look on your faces?” She laughed, coming into the room and closing the door. “I did knock…several times. You best watch yourselves. I understand how it is between you, but Inferno, well… He’s a different kettle of fish.” Spirit reached for the knob. “I’ve had a pig roasting most of the morning. Isn't often the whole clan gets together, so we’re making a do of it. Get yourselves straight, and behave.”
After Spirit left, Dar asked, “Make a do of it?”
Etain ran a hand through her hair. “A party, my love.”
He pulled her onto his lap. “Let’s make a do here, just you and me.” Sliding his hands to her backside, he jerked her close, taking her mouth with his.
She groaned, breathless, but pulled away. “What did we talk about last night? We can do later.” She winked and wriggled from his grasp. “Besides, I’m hungry. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to show off my handsome warrior love.”
Dar casually laid his hands over his lap. “You go ahead. I'll be down in a few minutes.”
“Don’t be too long,” she said, leaving him with a kiss.
Grabbing her boots, she took a quick look in the mirror. In moments, she was across the hall, slipped out of her leathers, and into the violet top and skirt.
Let’s see what you do with this, mister.
12
Distraction
Etain breathed in the sweet aroma of roasting pork, wondering how she had missed such a delicious smell. She walked through an empty kitchen and out to the rear grounds. Aromatic smoke billowed from a huge barbeque pit and a huge pig rotating over a fire. Several long tables held an assortment of treats, while others were set up for dining. And not too far from the barbeque lurked Felix and Ruby.
People were scattered throughout the garden…some in conversation, a few playing horseshoes, and two engaged in swordplay a distance away. Inferno slipped up next to her and wrapped an arm around her waist. “If I’d a’known we’d invited a goddess, I’d a’worn me besties.”
Etain playfully elbowed him in the ribs. “Ha, ha. Aren’t we the comedian tonight?”
Laughing, Inferno gave her a squeeze. “Let me introduce ya to a few of the newer clansmen.” He dragged her to the first group. “Ya know Bad Man. Sakai and Vipercat are fair new. This is our Etain. Damn near like a daughter to me.” No sooner had they exchanged hellos when Inferno led her away.
They crossed the garden toward the two men making a show of their skill with a blade. One had the unruliest hair she’d ever seen, and the other was a dark-skinned elf. “Wolfe, Elfin, I'd like to introduce you to someone.” The two stopped their practice, lowering their swords, sighed at one another, and turned to their chieftain. Upon seeing the beauty on his arm, their annoyance at having their practice interrupted melted into admiration. “This is Etain. She's family ya haven't met.”
Each bowed with a flourish, speaking in unison. “It's a great honor to meet such a lovely lady.” Deep in their bows, they looked at each other and laughed.
Wolfe punched Elfin in the arm. “You dog! You know I'm the gentleman of the clan. My thunder shall not be stolen.”
Elfin punched him back. “Gentleman? All I see is a lecher looking for a good tumble.” With a snort, he skipped back a few steps when Wolfe presented his sword.
“En guard, ye swine.”
Inferno laughed. “A mischievous lot they are, but I'd have them watch me back any day.”
“Such delightful people,” she said, hearing the provocative strains of an Irish jig. Her eyes lit up. “Oh, Inferno, you remembered.” She rewarded his thoughtfulness with a kiss on the cheek. A young man of around six-two, brown hair curling about a face that was almost handsome but for a nose too long for his face, weaved through the crowd. Inferno draped an arm across her shoulders, beckoning the fiddler closer. Eyes as deep as the early evening sky extended his greetings with a wink.
“Etain, I don’t think ya’ve been formally introduced to me right-hand man and part-time recruiter, ZornKetahl. Don't let his fiddlin’ fool ya. He’s a right terror with a sword, and shows no mercy in a game of chess.”
ZornKetahl dipped his head, circling around the group without missing a note. Some got up to dance. Etain grabbed Inferno’s hand and dragged him toward the dancers. “Let's be pagans, milord, and invite the spirits to celebrate with us,” she said, laughing, twirling about, hands overhead.
Dar stepped out the back door just as Etain met the fiddler. He frowned, sidling up to Spirit, his eyes on the stranger. “Who's that?”
“Who, love?”
“The fiddler.”
“That’s Zorn.” With a laugh, she jabbed him in the ribs. “He’s nothing to fret about.”
With a discernible “hmph”, Dar strolled over to the dancing couple, nodding to those he passed along the way, and tapped Inferno on the shoulder. “May I?”
“She's all yours, mate. I'm knackered,” Inferno gasped.
Etain twirled into Dar’s arms, a brilliant smile on her lips.
“You are a vision,” he said.
With a gleam in her eye, she left him breathless with a saucy kiss. “I thought I was a vixen.”
“Aye,” he laughed, spinning her around and bringing her close again. “That you are.”
When the tune ended, Spirit called everyone to eat. Filling their plates with delicious treats, the guests settled in various places around the garden. Dar and Etain chose a perfect spot underneath a large oak. Sitting comfortably, she remembered. “Dar, we need drinks.”
“I’ll fetch them,” he said, handing his plate over.
“No need, Lord Dar. I just happen to have an extra tankard or two of the best ale in the kingdom.” An unusual blonde-haired elf grinned at the couple. “I hope you don’t mind my escorts. They seem rather dogged in their duties.”
Felix slinked round, taking a seat at Etain’s side, while Ruby sniffed at the elf. Giving him a tentative snort of approval, she sidled over to Dar, positioning herself between the two men.
Dar looked up into a familiar face. “Linq.” The elf handed mugs to Etain and Dar, then held out a hand to the Krymerian. Jumping to his feet, Dar gave the elf a sound slap on the back. “Tartarus, man. How long has it been?”
Etain considered the ferocious look of the elf. He was as tall as Dar. His fair hair, skin, and blue eyes marked him as a golden elf, but he wore his mane in a single thick strip across the top of his head and plaited down his back. On his otherwise shaved head were remarkable markings.
The men shared a warm handshake. “Too long, I'd say.” His eyes moved to Dar’s companion.
“Linq, this is my lady, Etain.” Dar held out a hand, helping her to her feet. “My love, this is Linq. He may not look it, but he's a very old friend.”
Etain stuck out her hand for a solid Texas handshake, but Linq drew it to his lips, placing a respectful kiss on her knuckles. “It’s an honor to meet you, milady. By the sea and stars, how did this ugly brute win the attentions of such a beautiful woman?”
Dar nudged his friend. “I'm not so much the brute nowadays.”
“He’s not so bad once the lights go dim,” she teased. “Hi, Linq. Nice to meet you.”
“Join us,” Dar said.
“I'll catch up later. I must speak with Inferno before he’s too far in the drink. Etain…” He bowed his head, “it was a pleasure.”
The couple settled in, enjoying their meal. “How old a friend?”
Having just shoved a piece of pork into his mouth, she had to wait until he swallowed the morsel, followed by a gulp of ale. “It was before I joined the Alamir. Sometime after that, he joined UWS, but he and Inferno had a falling out and he left the clan. Never said why. We would get together now and then, teaching each other new techniques. He taught me the somersault move I used on you earlier.”
She ripped a piece of bread in half, a steely-eyed gaze on the elf. “Remind me to thank him.”
“Would you mind if I leave you for a minute or two? I want to as
k of his plans,” Dar asked with a hopeful raise of a brow.
Etain shooed him away, Ruby in tow, and relaxed against the tree. Felix inched closer, laying his head in her lap. She laughed. “Wrangling your way into my good graces, are you? Sorry, bud. There’s nothing left.” Scratching his ears, she watched the merriment around her. For the first time in her life as an Alamir, she felt truly happy.
The clearing of a throat roused her from her thoughts. “May I sit with you?” The young fiddler accepted her slight shrug as assent and sat down. “Hello, Felix,” he said, giving the hound a pat. “So, you're the Lady Etain. I’ve heard stories but I wonder that we didn’t meet when you were with the clan.”
“There’s no wonder, really, when you know Inferno.”
He nodded, grinning. “Something we have in common.”
She relaxed and smiled in return. “Then you know how protective he is, ZornKetahl.”
“Please, call me Zorn.”
“Zorn.” Etain stroked Felix’s head. “Inferno found me at a clan gathering, one where they were campaigning for new members. He was determined to have me join UWS. At the time, I had no idea why he was so adamant, but I found it very hard to say no.”
Zorn laughed. “Inferno is definitely a determined man.”
“He mentioned you're an impressive warrior, as well as an accomplished violinist.”
“I'm just good with strategy.” He shrugged. “And I spend a lot of time sparring with Wolfe and Elfin.”
Etain grinned at the memory of their introduction. “Aye, a charming pair.”
“They disguise their knowledge with charm. It seems to give them an edge.”
“So, Zorn, how did one so young become Inferno's right-hand man?”