“Assuming the other outrageous allegations are true, this also makes sense,” Callum nodded. “Ewei hasn’t exactly been discreet about his belief that you and Neomi are close. It would be enough to make me wary of his actions toward you. Power hungry or not, he doesn’t need more reason than a supposition of you violating their Chief ’s daughter to advocate your disposal to the others…” His voice trailed off, the distant look in his eyes returning as if some thought had sparked in the depths of his mind, distracting him from Edric. Brow furrowed, the frown he wore deepened. “If your intention was to kill the Prince of your allying country and you had doubts whether the leader of your people would approve, how would you go about performing the act?”
He considered laughing at the thought. Callum couldn’t be serious. Edric’s mind wasn’t accustomed to such devious planning. “I would never kill the son of an ally leader. The repercussions simply aren’t worth it.”
“Think about it. Put yourself in a mindset where the idea might be necessary. What would you do?”
“Callum, I’m not comfortable with your line of questioning. What are you getting at?”
“A possible reason for our change in course.” Lost in thought, Callum stroked his chin, mumbling quietly to himself. “Now, this is speculation, but if I was to get it in my head to kill a person of note, the first thing to consider is how to do so without drawing attention to what my objective is. Their death would have to look like nothing more than a casualty in a series of unfortunate events. For instance, if I was an Ovatai who is familiar with the area and accustomed to the climate, it would be convenient to deviate off course, asserting the reason to be for safety and avoiding enemy forces or known habitats of dangerous animals, and then leading the target into a harsher environment that he is not prepared to endure. Ewei knows the wildlife in the area. We do not. Between the cold and unusual creatures of Ethrysta, we are at a severe disadvantage which, if we were to fall victim to these things, would appear nothing more than a weakness of our people.”
“You think he intends to kill us?”
“Not by his hand. The Chief would never approve.” Scanning the area Callum searched the crowd of warriors bustling around the temporary camp. “We need to get one of the men to talk to us. I find it impossible to accept that every one of these men follows Ewei willingly, and the further off course we go, the more questions it will raise among them… unless they are all involved in whatever his plan may be, which is unlikely.”
“So we are going to continue following him, even with this idea of what he might be trying to do?”
“As I said, it’s nothing more than speculation. To believe it is true simply because it fits would be foolish. I have maintained a different assumption about our reason for avoiding Nahedu which, given the circumstances of our initial beliefs, still fits – though I wouldn’t discount this new information.”
Edric’s stomach churned uncomfortably. If there was a chance Ewei intended to kill them, it seemed foolish to follow him any further than they already had. “What is your other assumption, then? I’m curious to know what you have pondered since leaving Isavo which has not been enough to make you steer us away from that man.”
At the question Callum’s brow rose, inquisitive. “There are numerous reasons why I haven’t steered us away from Ewei, all of which I think you already know. Your head is clouded by Sahra’s accusations. However, in answer to your question, I have proceeded under the belief that Ewei avoids Nahedu because he knows he cannot return without Neomi. If we are correct and Onuric’s orders were not for his sister to perform the track, Ewei would be under a bit of scrutiny if he returned to the village without the Chief ’s daughter. I cannot imagine he has a desire to explain her absence.”
It made sense. In a way it eased Edric’s racing heart to consider another possibility for why Ewei might linger in the middle of nowhere other than for the sake of plotting their demise. Despite the efforts he made to ignore Sahra’s ridiculous claims, Callum was right. They clouded his head with the vague possibility that her words were true. Certain aspects of the story fit better than he liked to admit while others remained just as flawed as when he first heard them spoken.
Taking a deep breath he steadied himself, nodding to Callum in agreement. “I suppose that’s also likely. But the others would still notice eventually that our course has deviated so drastically. Why has no one said anything to him? Ewei is the only one who faces punishment for the distribution of false orders.”
“If I knew these answers, we wouldn’t be having this conversation,” Callum frowned. “Because of the little evidence we have to support either theory, I must ask that you not separate yourself from the group at any time. Try to stay close by me when possible. In the event that Ewei’s intentions are to arrange an unfortunate accident for you, it’s safer for us to err on the side of caution. Let’s not give him an opportunity to succeed.”
“We give him an opportunity by continuing to follow him.”
“That may be so, but we increase our chances of death by venturing away from the group.” Footsteps in the snow sent both men into silence, heads snapping to look in the direction of camp where the noise came. The sight of Sahra’s slender form approaching came as a relief to Edric’s pounding heart while at the same time he was reminded of his earlier frustration toward her, having no desire to endure her company. Lowering his head, Callum finished speaking, the words barely above a whisper to avoid detection by Sahra. “I will attempt to communicate with the other Ovatai warriors throughout the afternoon. By evening we will hopefully have some more answers.”
“Captain,” Sahra interrupted, her voice hesitant, clearly nervous for intruding.
“Yes, Lieutenant?”
“Ewei sent me to tell you we will be resuming our journey shortly. If the two of you intend to eat, it is recommended you come do so now before it’s time to leave.”
“The information is noted. We will return in a moment.” Turning toward Edric he gave a slight nod, signaling the end of their conversation. “Edric, you and I will discuss this later. It sounds like Ewei is becoming impatient. We should do what we can to avoid his wrath for now.”
A rumble in Edric’s stomach was enough to prevent him from arguing. He was starving. Their diet since leaving Tanispa had been practically nonexistent. The mere mention of food was enough to heighten the hunger pangs radiating throughout his midsection. Saying nothing in response, he fell into step beside Callum, moving slowly across the icy surface toward the others. Hungry or not, his limbs were too numb for faster movements. Ewei would just have to wait a little longer. After all, how much of a rush could he possibly be in to get… nowhere?
Evening came and went without a change in direction, Edric’s arms aching from the constant weight of Gadiel’s body, finding no reprieve throughout the day while trying to keep up with the Ovatai. He was left with no choice than to put his faith in Callum to figure out a solution to their current predicament. While in motion, Edric and Sahra were limited in who they communicated with while Callum retained his freedom to move about the warriors, politely attempting to strike up conversation. The sun had long since set by the time Ewei finally gave the command for everyone to stop and rest for the night.
Exhaustion prevented Edric from adding his own inquiries to Callum’s amongst the others. He couldn’t think clearly enough to put together coherent sentences. It was incredible the difference a slight northward shift had made in the temperature throughout the day and by night it was so cold Edric feared he might never be able to feel his body again. The longer they stayed in the frigid air, the greater their chances were of suffering frostbite, risking permanent damage if they weren’t careful.
He awoke the next morning to discover himself sprawled across the ground, layers of fur wrapped tightly around him to protect against the bitter cold wind. He had no memory of falling asleep. Vaguely he recalled sitting down on the snow, telling Callum and Sahra he would help set up the tents. He ha
d just needed to rest for a moment. That moment turned into hours, the others long retired to their own cold, snowy beds, forsaking the tents entirely. Wiping the sleep from his eyes he let his gaze sweep the camp, finding it peaceful while the Ovatai remained lost in their slumber, the sun not yet high enough to brighten the horizon.
Lying in the silence he let his mind wander over the questions which had haunted him for the past few days. How much longer was Callum going to let them follow Ewei before he decided it was worth the risk to venture out on their own? It seemed equally risky to stay with him, at this point. Constantly on the watch for foul play. It was like being surrounded by the pirates in Luquarr all over again.
Minutes ticked by, an occasional rustle of fabric signaling the warriors starting to stir. Hushed whispers floated on the breeze, the words lost to Edric’s ears, unable to make sense out of what was being said. He couldn’t be sure who was even speaking. Callum was asleep not far from where Edric lay, Gadiel’s motionless form just off to the opposite side. Sahra was the only one who chose to keep distance between herself and the men, set apart from them by several feet, curled into a ball under the heavy fur blankets. In a way he felt bad for her, though he wasn’t entirely sure why. He hated to see a woman look so miserable. And alone. That was the worst part of it all. Her antics since their arrival had left her alienated from the men… her only kin within miles. It was a shame things had come to be the way they were. She was an intelligent woman, possessing a few redeeming qualities which required Edric to maintain a certain level of respect for her. She persevered. Despite the unbearable cold and discomfort, she made no complaints. She endured it with the heart of a soldier. That was worth something, in Edric’s eyes.
A commotion on the other side of camp caught Edric’s attention, pulling him from the thoughts idly running through his mind. Voices. Quiet at first, struggling to maintain control of their volume. Tempers rising, the sound became more sibilant, gradually increasing to a steady tone until Edric was able to determine the source to be two men, though what they were saying was impossible to make out. The Ovatai language, although similar to that of the Vor’shai, was difficult to decipher when spoken with the intensity utilized by the males. The insistence of the argument hastened the flow of their words, making nothing more than a string of graceful sounds floating over the camp.
Sitting up, he pulled the blankets tighter around him, peering into the shadows to try and make out who the voices belonged to. The first was unmistakable. Ewei’s confidence could be heard in every syllable, regardless of the words he spoke, authoritative, disapproving of the other man’s behavior, yet it was the other man Edric took an interest in. Someone was clearly upset about something. Angry enough to confront their fearless leader. Whoever the man was, Edric wanted to find him. His dissent against Ewei made him a possible asset to the Vor’shai.
His interest was piqued. Drawn to the sound, Edric pushed through the tingling of his joints from the cold, stumbling slightly as he tried to balance himself on his feet, the blankets falling to the snow, discarded and forgotten. There would be time to worry about the chill in the air later. Right now he needed to get closer. Weaving his way through the Ovatai now awakened by the shouting, Edric eased his way forward, listening intently to the rising voices. Periodic utterances came through with more clarity, sparking his interest more. Mevuk. He heard the name come from the unknown man’s lips. Did they speak of Neomi? But what could they possibly be discussing in regards to her which would lead to such hostility? And what did her deceased husband have to do with their current situation?
“Is there a reason you eavesdrop, Vor’shai?”
Edric’s blood ran cold to hear Ewei’s voice directed at him. He wasn’t ready for a confrontation. He wanted to hear more of what was being discussed between the men. “It is not eavesdropping if you are speaking loud enough for everyone to hear you. I thought I should come and make sure everything was alright.”
“Did your parents never teach you it is rude to stick your nose into the business of others?”
“My father has mentioned it on occasion. I suppose it’s one of those things we’re still working on.”
“I suggest you learn how to mind your own business if you are going to stay here with me. Now go away. Enapo and I are not finished and we don’t need you.”
“I have said everything I can justify wasting my breath to say,” the other man stated coolly, turning away from Ewei to face Edric with a stern expression. He looked similar to the other men, his appearance revealing nothing unique to make him stand out from the rest. His eyes were the same shade of icy blue, the long strands of his snow-white hair hanging down to the middle of his back, small strands picked up by the gentle breeze to flutter across the sharp features of his face. There was a flash in his eyes when their gaze locked, causing Edric to stare at him in mild confusion, head cocked to one side to try and read what the man’s body language tried to reveal. Whatever it was, he couldn’t inquire of it in Ewei’s company. He would have to wait until Ewei lost interest and found some other means to occupy his time.
Without another word the male walked away, moving toward a small group of warriors huddled together at the northern point of the makeshift camp. Edric wanted to go after him. There was something in the man’s face which indicated a desire to say more. A need to get something out in the open, unable to do so with Ewei there watching over them like a hawk.
Refusing to let Ewei’s piercing eyes shake him, Edric stood his ground, shoulders back, chin forward, holding his gaze with an air of pride. Although he had his moments where he questioned himself, he was still the Prince. He wasn’t going to let this foolish man get under his skin. Nose wrinkled in disdain Ewei gave an agitated snort before walking away, leaving Edric alone to ponder what he’d walked into.
His pulse quickened to realize what he had witnessed. It was perfect. A disagreement between Ewei and one of his own men. An outburst of discontent. Proof that the other warriors didn’t follow Ewei blindly. Maybe there was a chance to get back to Nahedu with their help after all. He just needed to figure out the best way to approach the man with his questions that wouldn’t lead to further problems by upsetting him more than he already seemed to be.
Left alone, Edric took a deep breath, glancing to where Callum and the others remained, aroused by the commotion, peering at him through the dim light of the moon still hovering overhead. His first thought was to wait for Callum. He would know what to do and how to handle the man in a way that would guarantee his cooperation. But why? He had come here to learn how to take care of military affairs. He wasn’t going to get any better if he didn’t take some initiative. It was time he tried to accomplish something on his own without relying on Callum’s expertise. Please let this work; he prayed silently. It was a delicate situation. One that didn’t leave room for errors while he fumbled along.
Gathering his courage Edric made his way to where the man had seated himself, aware of the watchful eyes from the other men scrutinizing his every movement. They were wary of him. Their understanding of the Vor’shai people was miniscule, the stories passed along to them from Ewei no doubt leaving a sour taste in their mouths as to whether or not they could be trusted. Edric stood before them now like some ware on display for sale, waiting for the Ovatai to search him for flaws before considering acceptance. The man he sought said nothing, giving only a brief nod of acknowledgement at Edric’s presence.
He wasn’t sure what to say. It had seemed a good idea before he was standing in the middle of them, mind blank. What exactly did he intend to do? He had come there under the belief that the man signaled him to follow, but what if he was wrong? The Ovatai weren’t the easiest to read. Suddenly he found himself doubting whether or not it had been a wise idea to involve himself with this man at all. It was now or never. Polite conversation would have to be a start. It was the only thing he was good at. “Are you the one Ewei referred to as Enapo?”
“Observant,” the man nodd
ed again. At the sound of his response to Edric’s question the other men glanced at him, uncomfortable, though for what reason Edric couldn’t be sure. Whatever it was, they were suddenly alert, checking the area constantly as if making sure no one else had heard.
Not wanting to make his uncertainty obvious Edric held his ground, assuming the man’s reply to indicate that he was correct in his assumption of the name. “I was hoping you might be willing to grant me a brief conversation. If it would not be inconvenient.”
“We have been given orders not to speak with you,” one of the other men stated sharply. The words hit Edric as an insult before remembering who was in charge of the warriors whose company he was now in. It shouldn’t have surprised him that Ewei would give a command of that nature. Conversing with the others might lead to word of their plans leaking to the Vor’shai. Ewei would never want to risk that happening.
Enapo’s arms folded across his chest. He looked angry. Agitated by the man’s admission to their orders. “I refuse to take orders from that man any longer,” he said, the tone of his voice revealing obvious disdain. “He is a disgrace to the title he bears. Better men have served and died more honorably than him… and I will tell that to Chief Okivra’s face if Ewei thinks to take the matter before the It’aryn family.”
Head cocked to the side Edric pondered the man’s harsh words, impressed. He possessed a similar straightforward nature to that of Neomi. A trait he couldn’t help but admire. There was no question on his feelings toward Ewei. The question was in why he felt so strongly against him. “It’s not my place to belittle anyone so I will try to keep my opinion to myself in regards to that man,” he stated calmly. If he could keep the conversation amiable there was a chance he might be able to pull information from his lips without having to pry very hard. “My hope was that someone would be able to shed some light on our current route of travel. I may be unfamiliar with the layout of your country but I know enough to be aware that Nahedu is in the opposite direction from which we now face. Is the village no longer our destination?”
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Three: Crown of Ice Page 60