by Linda Mooney
A slight sound caught the doctor’s attention. He glanced over to see Atty setting her bow on the stone floor before draping herself protectively over her husband. At that moment, he realized something was very different about the Battle Lady.
“Atty? You had your baby!”
She smiled in reply. “A little girl.”
“Where is she?”
“I left her with Tory.”
MaGrath frowned. “Was Mattox with her?”
Atty caught his worried look. “No. Was he supposed to be?”
“Shh!” Paas hushed them. The warrior woman got to her feet and tiptoed over to the door, placing her ear against the portal. She glanced at Atty and nodded.
Snatching up her bow and quiver, Atty joined the woman. They waited behind the door, concealed in the semi-darkness, as the sound of footsteps grew closer. The steps paused outside the cell. The bar was lifted from the door, and the door slowly opened.
The Blood guard held the door open as two more guards entered before him. Those guards each lugged a bucket of water. The third guard carried what appeared to be the towels MaGrath had requested. The men with the buckets bent over to set the heavy containers on the ground when Paxton slipped into the room behind them and ran his sword through the third guard’s neck and throat. At the same time, Atty and Paas jumped the other two guards, quickly dispatching them with their knives. The soundless takedown was over in less than a handful of seconds.
“We must hurry before the others realize these guards haven’t returned,” Paxton whispered as he wiped his blade on the back of one of the guards before re-sheathing it. He went over to the Battle Lord, crouched down, and with MaGrath’s help managed to hoist Yulen over his shoulder. Between Atty, Paas, and the doctor, they managed to get the others to their feet and left the dungeon.
Chapter 34
Comfort
As they emerged into the darkness, Atty checked the area first. It was a good thing Mink had decreased the number of soldiers patrolling the perimeter. She couldn’t make out anyone moving along the catwalk. “Coast is clear. Let’s go.” She turned toward the apartments when MaGrath stopped her.
“Where are we going?”
“Back to Tory and Fortune’s place.”
“Why?”
A movement in the distance caught her attention. She gave the doctor a push. “Trust me. Come on.”
Her senses were working overtime. Yulen was hanging on by a thread. She couldn’t feel him. She couldn’t sense him. He was at the bottom of a deep, black well, but there was a spark still there. It was tiny. Fluttering. Defiant. He was fighting. Standing his ground mentally if not physically. She had to get him someplace where he could be kept warm, and immediately.
They made it the back door of the Kalich’s apartment. The door opened as they reached the building, which told Atty that the woman had been watching for them. Tory led them into the main bedroom where Yulen was placed on the bed. Bowls of warm water and a pile of clean towels were already waiting on top of the small bureau.
“Atty, help me wipe him clean. Tory, I need you to take care of Cole and the others. Get some warm liquids into them,” the physician ordered as he doffed his jacket.
As the others left to go into the main living area, Atty grabbed a bowl and a couple of towels, and went to the opposite side of the bed. MaGrath rolled the Battle Lord onto his side to tend to the man’s lacerated back while Atty washed Yulen’s face, arms, and chest.
They worked quickly and silently. She could tell her husband was gradually becoming aware of their presence. At one point a moan escaped him, the sound of it giving her hope.
“Yulen?” Bending over him, she caressed his face and the long scar running from the outer edge of his eyebrow, down to the corner of his mouth. “Yulen, can you hear me?” She looked past his shoulder, over to where MaGrath was smoothing salve over the ragged wounds. “How bad are they?”
“Bad enough.” The doctor cast a glance at her. “So why are we here?”
She managed to grin at him. “Liam, if you discovered that your guards had been killed, and your prisoners had managed to escape, where would you begin looking for them?”
MaGrath didn’t have to think twice. “I’d suspect they’d made their way out of the compound.” He grinned back. “Hiding in plain sight. Smart.”
“But we can’t do this for long. Eventually Mink will think to send her guards out to do a door-to-door search.”
Yulen moaned again. Straightening, MaGrath wiped his hands on a towel. “I’ve done all I can, but he needs nourishment. He’s severely dehydrated.” Looking over at the partially open bedroom door, he sighed. “I’ll see if Tory has any broth we can try to pour down his throat.”
“I have a better idea,” Atty countered. Climbing onto the bed, she turned onto her side and unbuttoned her blouse. Lifting a full breast to Yulen’s lips, she urged him to take her nipple. “Come on, Yul. Drink. You need the nourishment. Drink, beloved.” Bending her face closer to his, she kissed his forehead. “Drink from me, Yul. Live for me.”
She moved her nipple, teasing his chapped lips with it. The man’s mouth trembled, pursed, and she slipped her breast past his lips. Kneading her breast, she worked herself until her milk began pouring into his mouth. The sound of him swallowing was the most beautiful music to her ears as instinct took over and he drew more from her. Although the pressure on her breast was slight, it was enough to urge her body to keep giving.
MaGrath leaned over and watched as she nursed her husband. “That’s probably the most unorthodox, perfect answer. You’re giving him life. Your warm milk is filled with exactly what his body needs at this moment. Atty, can you sense him yet?”
Closing her eyes, she reached inside herself as she searched for that thread that connected them. To her relief, it was there. Thin and dangerously fragile, but there. She gave a sigh of relief. “Yeah.”
She moved closer to him to share her body heat. MaGrath grabbed a blanket and pulled it over the both of them. “Liam, have the others come in here. We need to discuss strategy.”
He gave a nod. “One other thing you need to be aware of. Mink allowed me to go tend to these men, but she expects me back within the hour. When she finds me gone, she’ll go after Madigan and Iain.”
“I know. That’s why we need to do something now. Hurry!”
Atty drew the blanket over Yulen’s face before the rest returned to the bedroom. She eyed everyone as they limped into the room, taking in their gaunt, pale faces. Paas helped to support her husband, as did Tory with Fortune. She also noticed it was MaGrath who cradled Mistelle in his arms. With the exception of Paxton and the doctor, they all took a seat on the floor around the low bed.
“Our time here is short,” she began, launching into what needed to be said before anyone had the chance to question her. “The first thing we need to do is get Madigan and Iain out of the compound. When Mink finds Liam gone from the dungeon, she’s going to take her anger out on them.”
Paxton straightened. “We’ve been working on a plan. Mink doesn’t know me, but our men do. If I can insinuate myself among them, I can get them prepared for a takeover. I can also get Madigan out of the fortress.”
Atty smiled. “Using Mink’s own plan against her. I like it.”
“We need to get these men out of here, too,” Paas added.
“You’re right. We have to move fast.”
Yulen had stopped suckling. His shallow breathing was even, letting her know he was asleep. Drawing her blouse around her, Atty sat up in the bed to examine the other men, particularly the two Mutah warriors.
“Who are you and where are you from?”
“I am Balinkar. I am lead warrior at Wallis,” the dish-faced man replied.
Atty narrowed her eyes at him. “Before Wallis, where did you hail?”
“Sweet Hope.”
“Sweet Hope? That has to be at least ten days’ journey west.”
“Twelve.” The man grinned.
“Perrault. I’m from Wallis, but before that I was in West Crestin.”
“What brought you both to Wallis?”
“You,” both men replied almost simultaneously.
Balinkar continued. “Your abilities as a hunter are widespread. That, and the treaties you and the Battle Lord were forging between Normal and Mutah compounds drew me to your old home compound.”
“Same for me,” Perrault included.
“Welcome to my world,” Atty dryly responded. If those two men were fighting alongside Yulen, it meant he trusted them. Now, so did she. Taking a deep breath, she looked to Paxton. “Warren, leave now. Go straight to the clinic, but go through the dining hall to the back door. Take Madigan and Iain to the barracks and have the soldiers place them under their protection. Then tell them to watch for my signal. When they see it, they will rise up against Mink’s men. They have my permission to kill at will. But also let them know that Mink herself is mine. They can take her captive, but I want to face her. Got that?”
Paxton hurried out of the room, and Atty turned to Paas. “Can you make your way out of the compound and alert the rest of the troops?”
“Going now.” She and Mastin exchanged hasty kisses and a hug, and she slipped out of the room.
“What should we do?” MaGrath asked. “We can’t stay here.”
“For the moment you must. Any moment now, Mink will discover her dead guards. I need to get away from here and signal our men to begin the attack.” Atty gazed down at her husband’s still form. “We have to provide enough agitation to prevent her from finding the rest of you here.” She paused as she realized something the physician had said. “Liam, what do you mean, we have to get Madigan and Iain out? What about Mattox? Where’s Mattox?”
“We don’t know!” Tory burst out. “I haven’t seen him since that woman—”
“Mink has him,” Renken stated in a dead voice. “She had her men threaten to kill the boy, run him through with their spears right before Yulen’s eyes. That’s why Yulen gave her the compound. He did it to save your son. That woman has Mattox somewhere in hiding, and you know as soon as she discovers us gone, and you signal the attack, she’s going to use that child as bait because she’ll know it’s the only card she’ll have left to play.”
Chapter 35
Orders
Mink has him. Atty had never felt this much anger well up in her so fast in her life. Clenching the blanket in her fists, she took several deep breaths to quell the roiling in her stomach. She couldn’t afford to throw up. Neither could she allow her fear to paralyze her. It took great effort not to imagine what that Blood woman would do to her son.
A hundred thoughts whirled through her mind. A hundred protests tasted vile on her tongue, but she bit them all back. Throwing the blanket aside, Atty got out of the bed and buttoned up her shirt.
Mastin sat up. “What’s your plan?”
“I’m going to get my son back.”
“How?” MaGrath questioned.
Atty pulled on her coat and tucked her braids underneath her cap to disguise her hair. “Somebody knows where Mattox is being held. I’m going to find where he is, I’m going to get him back, and then I’m going to signal our men to rise up against that bitch.” She pointed at the men sitting on the floor. “You’re staying in here with Yulen. So far, Mink has no reason to suspect Tory for anything, right?” She glanced at MaGrath. “Right?”
The doctor nodded. “Right.”
“Where can I find Mink? Do you know?”
“She’s taken up residence in your lodge.”
“Then that’s where she’s holding Mattox.”
“How can you be so sure?” Mastin inquired.
“If he’s her ace, she’s going to keep him close to the vest. All right, while I’m gone, the rest of you remain in this back room and protect Yulen. If anyone tries to enter this apartment, and you don’t recognize him, kill him. Those are my orders.” Grabbing her bow, she looped her quiver over her shoulder. Atty bent over her husband and kissed his temple. “Be well, beloved. This is going to end soon.”
She started around the bed when Renken held up a hand to block her. “You can’t go out there alone,” he started to protest.
“None of you have the strength to finish this fight. I appreciate your offer, Garet, but you all know as well as I do that if you tried to go out there in the condition you’re in, it’ll be suicide. No.” She gave a single shake of her head. “I need you here more than I need you outside. I cannot think of anyone I trust more than you men to defend the Battle Lord. Do not disappoint me.” It was almost an order.
Mastin managed to get to his feet. “I will protect Yulen until my last breath. You know I will, Atty.”
She gave him a small smile. “Yes, I do. Thank you, Cole.” She gazed at the others. “Thank you all.”
Tory stopped her before she reached the door and hugged her. “Liam and I will protect your daughter.”
Atty squeezed the woman’s arm, flashed another smile, and left the room. After checking the area, she exited through the back door.
The ringing in her ears had finally ceased, much to her relief, but the feeling of ants crawling all over her skin persisted. As long as she remained within proximity of the Bloods, the feeling would continue to irritate and warn her.
Keeping her head down, she made her way to the inner perimeter of the main area of the compound. Her bow remained slung across her shoulder, giving the impression that she was on duty. By keeping her weapon out of her hands, anyone she encountered would not feel threatened. It was the same for soldiers bearing swords. The blades remained in their scabbards and were drawn only in the event of a confrontation.
She rounded the side of one row of apartments when she grew aware of a commotion coming from the direction of the center of the compound. A Blood appeared in the distance, running toward the hubbub. It spotted her and changed direction to confront her.
“Halt there! Identify yourself!” The creature stopped directly in front of her, barring her from continuing on her way.
Atty held up her hands to show they were empty. “I’m on patrol.”
The Blood hunched over slightly and peered more closely at her. “You are one of them. You are one of this compound’s soldiers,” it bluntly announced. “You have no business out here. Your kind was ordered to remain indoors.” Lifting its pike, it brandished the weapon threateningly.
Atty backed away. “Sorry. I thought I was scheduled to walk the perimeter at this time.”
“Go home,” the Blood ordered. “Her Most Holy says all of you go back to your homes and stay there until she summons you. Go!”
Several shouts interrupted them. The Blood looked away from her as the sudden uproar caught its attention. Atty pulled her Ballock from its sheath and, with a backward swipe of her arm, sliced the creature’s throat. The Blood shuddered, then slumped to the ground. Grabbing the creature, she hurried to drag it around the corner where the night’s shadows would keep it from being discovered before daybreak.
Straightening up, she caught sight of a rope ladder lying against the side of the building, and a big smile broke over her face. Having seen similar ladders in use in Wallis, and realizing their advantage, Yulen had ordered the ladders attached here in order for their archers to be able to ascend to the rooftops in the event of an invasion by air.
Or by land.
Grabbing the rope, she hurriedly climbed up onto the top of the row of buildings. Keeping low, she advanced toward the center of the compound as the noise grew louder and more persistent. She made her way over the shingles and tried to keep from being noticed by someone glancing upward. Luckily, the racket managed to drown out any sound she made.
The shouting grew louder as she neared the bell tower. Atty got down on her stomach to crawl the last few feet to the edge of the building.
Mink stood in front of the dais. The woman was barking orders and
gesturing wildly. Blood soldiers were running around in no apparent order, but Atty could tell why everyone appeared to be in a state of panic. The three Blood guards she, Paas, and Paxton had killed were laid out in front of the woman.
Atty glanced at the lodge. The time to strike was now, while Mink was trying to find out who had killed her warriors. From where she was, it was difficult to tell if anyone was guarding the front door to her home. It didn’t matter. There was more than one way to get inside the lodge.
She hurried to the end of the row of apartments and pulled her signal arrow from the quiver. Drawing back the string, she aimed it directly overhead and pointed it in the direction where her troops were waiting. The arrow arced over the open field. The specially-carved projectile—one of Cavender’s inventive ideas—gave out a loud, shrill whistle as it zipped through the air.
Atty was on the ground and running, another arrow nocked and ready to fire, before the signal arrow went silent. She stayed close to the wall, deep in the shadows cast by the thirty-foot-tall logs. She came across only one other Blood soldier, but he never knew what hit him when her arrow pierced his skull through his ear.
She managed to get to the main gates without further incident. As she expected, at least six Bloods were half-ass guarding the giant doors to prevent anyone from opening them up. It was clear Mink believed the enemy was waiting for someone from within to give access to those waiting outside. Either the woman had no knowledge of the various entrances and exits all around the compound, or she felt they weren’t important enough. Yulen always kept those portals guarded and secured, but Mink didn’t have the number of soldiers Yulen did. She had to be selective where to assign her troops. As for Yulen’s men, Mink was keeping them confined, more likely imprisoned, within their barracks, but not for long. At this very moment, Atty was aware of movement coming from the direction where the barracks were located. They’d heard the signal and were converging on the square.