The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Three: Crown of Ice

by Melissa Collins

  “It was,” Enapo scoffed. “Ewei has given new orders, which I am not inclined to follow. The man is a damned fool.”

  The men around them shifted uncomfortably. Enapo’s outspoken temperament had them uneasy at the possibility of Ewei coming back to discover them in talks with Edric against Ewei’s wishes. Still, they appeared intrigued by Enapo’s decision to speak out. Anxious to hear what he had to say. Excitement washed over Edric at having managed to get a response from one of the warriors after so many days of trying to get through to them. Finally they were making progress. “It is unwise to spend so much time away from the village. Our troops remain there. We will not be much assistance in this fight without them and if Ewei continues to mask his intentions from our knowledge, we will be nothing more than a burden to your people. The Captain and I agree that it is imperative we return to Nahedu before attempting further offensive measures against the Avaern.”

  “It is not the Avaern Ewei seeks presently. He spoke of intelligence provided by Moinie that the Ythes may hold important details regarding the beast. He has it in his head to seek out the village of Ilaka, which is known to be a strong Ythes village further west of Isavo.”

  “He cannot possibly think they would be willing to provide that information to him.”

  “Willingly? Ewei does not care what they are willing to do. His intention is to force the answers from them. What he fails to realize is that we are in no position to attack. If he has considered our low numbers and the unlikely chance of victory, he certainly has paid it little mind.”

  “A fight is not his intention,” one of the other men cut in, quiet at first before slowly building his confidence to join the conversation. “He mentioned the possibility of sending the Vor’shai into Ilaka to speak with the leaders. Ewei says we are not to draw our weapons unless they react violently to our attempts at peaceful negotiation.”

  “He wants to send us?” Edric stared at the man, unsettled by the thought. Although it served as a logical plan, he couldn’t help finding the flaws in it which worked to achieve the goals Sahra suggested him to have. Callum and Edric would be bait. An attack wouldn’t be initiated unless the Ythes responded violently. The only outcome of that situation would result in both of them being struck down by the warriors of Ilaka – the perfect result for Ewei. An assassination of Edric without having to get his own hands dirty. It was better to proceed with caution than ignore the chance of his speculation being correct. “The Captain and I are not interested in assisting with any business that is not sanctioned by Chief Okivra or a member of his family.”

  “Nor am I,” Enapo agreed in defiance. “My brother never would have allowed this behavior. I refuse to follow a man who has shown himself nothing more than a hardheaded imbecile. He disgraces everything Mevuk stood for.”

  Mevuk? There was the name again. Clear and unmistakable. So Enapo had spoken of Neomi’s former husband while arguing with Ewei. But why? What was his connection with him? An uncomfortable weight descended upon Edric’s shoulders at the thought. Enapo spoke of his brother in the past tense. Mevuk was dead. Was it possible the two men were one and the same? If that was the case, Edric would have to be careful what he said about his relationship with Neomi. Enapo was the closest thing they had to an ally at this moment. He couldn’t risk Enapo finding out that he had involved himself with Mevuk’s widow. There was no telling how he would react.

  Curiosity got the better of him. He needed to know. “I have heard the name Mevuk spoken before. Is this the name of your brother?”

  “Mevuk Onepa’i. He accompanied Chief Okivra to Tanispa when assistance was sent to aid your people. His reputation is known throughout all of Ethrysta, respected by warriors of every tribe. At one time the Chief ’s daughter even shared his name…until the Ythes cut him down. It is the reason I refuse to meddle with them without a proper plan. They are not a trivial force and we cannot foolishly risk the lives of more men when the Avaern continues to threaten our land. Mevuk would have said the same. Focus on the most powerful foe while you have your strength. The Ythes may be strong, but the Avaern is stronger. Ewei refuses to hear anything that does not coincide with his own plans.”

  He didn’t think it was possible for him to feel any more discomfort than he did, yet somehow Enapo’s words added to the churning of his stomach tenfold. So it was true. This was Neomi’s former brother-in-law. But it was the age which struck him as odd. Mevuk had been with Okivra in Tanispa? The war against the Ven’shal was well over eighty years past. Neomi didn’t seem much older than Edric though her husband was a reputable warrior among the Komoa before Edric had even been born. The gap in age between Neomi and Mevuk must have been significant. Perhaps a factor in their failure to produce a child…

  Averting his eyes from Enapo, Edric let his gaze sweep across the other men, surprised to find them still there, listening intently, staring at him with interest. There was a glint of what almost looked to be hope in their eyes. Enapo had mentioned the discontent of the others. Now they sat, silently observing the discussion with the unspoken desire to see Edric and Enapo come to a decision regarding the situation with Ewei. “There are a few options we can look into,” Edric replied, eager to change the topic from Neomi and Mevuk. He didn’t want to think about Neomi with another man. It was easier to pretend her previous marriage had never taken place. “The Captain and I cannot make the journey to Nahedu on our own and at this point have no desire to continue under Ewei’s direction. In the interest of everyone here, I move to suggest that you accept the task of seeing us safely to the village where our men remain. Ewei will argue, but I would accept responsibility for any repercussions which might befall you for going against Ewei’s orders… if it becomes an issue with the Chief.”

  “You ask me to directly disobey an order given by our war leader?”

  “You seem predisposed to the idea without need of me pressing it.”

  Enapo rose swiftly, his gaze moving from face to face around the small group, reading their expressions. Their usually hardened features were set on Enapo, softened by their silent attempts to communicate, urging him, needing no words to make their opinion known. “Very well,” Enapo stated calmly, lifting his chin proudly. “What exactly do you suggest we do? Convincing Ewei to divert from his current path is out of the question. I have already tried.”

  “If your brother’s reputation says anything of your skill, I trust you to be more than capable of leading us. What is there to discuss with Ewei if we simply decide to separate from him?”

  Edric watched Enapo carefully. At the compliment he could see a glint of something in his eyes. Pride. His ego stoked by the comparison to his brother. Good. It was the exact effect Edric was hoping for. The Ovatai preferred to think of themselves as superior. To add fuel to their already high opinions of themselves was the best way to convince them to do what Edric wanted. The bait had been set. All he could do now was wait and hope that Enapo was angry enough with Ewei to accept it.

  Jaw clenched, Enapo remained silent. Although he said nothing, it was obvious that his mind raced over what would happen if he did what Edric asked. It was what he wanted to do. The way his eyes brightened at the mere mention of standing up to Ewei was all Edric needed to know that Enapo’s decision was already tipped in his favor. “How quickly can you have the rest of your people prepared for departure?” he asked, his tone even, devoid of the hesitance he had exhibited only moments before. Satisfied with the response Edric couldn’t help the smile which tugged at the corners of his lips. He had done it. But it was too soon for arrogance. Too many things could still go wrong which might prevent them from completing their plan.

  “I need only say the word and we will be in line behind you.”

  “Then say whatever word you must to your Captain and return to me immediately. Ewei is not going to let us go without a fight and we need to be moving before the sun has completed its climb over the horizon. I require no preparation, so make yours quick.”

&nbs
p; Nodding his head Edric turned away from the men, confident in the work he had accomplished. Image was important. He couldn’t let the Ovatai read the questions on his face which raced through his head. How much of a fight would Ewei give if they tried to leave? Their numbers were too few if the rest of the warriors chose to follow orders and strike at them.

  Callum was already aware of Edric’s approach, his eyes following him across the camp, moving to meet him with long strides to shorten the distance between them. Edric was surprised he had stayed away. Callum preferred to be involved when military business was being discussed. It was unlike him to have remained on the sidelines. “Edric,” he greeted, beckoning him to move faster. “Has something happened? I see the men have chosen to speak with you. I was afraid if I interrupted they might change their minds.”

  “Get Sahra and Gadiel ready to leave. One of the men has agreed to break from Ewei and lead us to Nahedu.”

  Callum stared at him, hopeful that what Edric said was true while held in place with the lingering doubt that there was a stipulation left unspoken. His muscles twitched, starting to turn away, the questioning look burning in his eyes as he settled them on Edric once again. “You are sure of this?”

  “I am positive,” Edric nodded, urging Callum to go. “He is waiting for us as we speak. We cannot waste time.”

  Trusting Edric’s word Callum hastened toward the others, the fingers of his left hand snapping in a commanding gesture toward Sahra where she lay, startled by the sudden noise, rising quickly to her feet. “Get up,” he ordered, waving her toward the grips of Gadiel’s cot. He didn’t need to say anything for her to know what his intention was. In a rush she moved over to the packs, gathering up the furs scattered about on the ground which had been their beds, folding them to stuff the heavy material into the travel bags before hoisting them onto her back. Once her shoulders were weighted with as much as she could carry she handed the remaining bags to Edric, staring up at Callum in wait of further command.

  In his usual polite manner in regards to his soldiers, Callum removed one of the packs from Sahra’s arm, draping it over his left shoulder to lighten her load. “Help Edric get Gadiel off the ground…”

  “Captain, the Ovatai have not yet given the order for departure –”

  “We are not leaving with Ewei’s group,” he stated matter-of-factly, nodding his head in Edric’s direction. “It seems Edric has made a bargain with one of the others to see us back to Nahedu. Getting to the rest of our men is all that matters at this point.”

  Coming to stand at the head of Gadiel’s bed, Edric leaned forward, grimacing from the discomfort that remained in his midsection. A constant reminder of the final afternoon they spent in Isavo. It had become second nature for him to ignore the pain. Complaints did him no good. If he focused on the torment every movement caused, it would surely drive him mad. Compared to the others, he had gotten off easy. It could have been him on the cot instead of Gadiel. To have survived the Avaern’s assault was enough to make the pain worth it.

  When Sahra positioned herself at Gadiel’s feet they gave a strained heave, lifting the device between them. The burden of Gadiel’s weight would lengthen their trip, forcing them to travel at the slow pace which had already set them behind. But at least they would be heading in the right direction.

  Their activity was drawing the attention of others. Edric was aware of the eyes following their every movement, curious, watching to see what their intentions were in gathering their belongings before Ewei gave the command for anyone to go anywhere. Enapo stood perfectly still, waiting near the other men he had been sitting with before. Edric was surprised to find them at Enapo’s side, tense and alert, their belongings strapped to their backs in preparation to leave. They were coming with them. It was comforting to consider. Given the condition of their party, it wouldn’t be safe for them to venture the rest of the way to Nahedu without a few others who were capable of fighting.

  As Edric and the others drew closer to Enapo a voice rang out across the camp, sharp and precise, making no attempt to hide the displeasure evident in each crisply pronounced syllable. “What do you think you are doing?”

  “Exactly what we should have done days ago,” Callum responded, motioning for Edric and Sahra to continue walking. “You can continue about your business in whatever way you desire. We are returning to Nahedu.”

  “You? Returning to Nahedu? You will freeze to death before you find your way back,” Ewei scoffed.

  “They will do fine under my direction.” Enapo stepped forward.

  Ewei’s laughter rang through the morning air, catching on the breeze to echo in the distance around them. “Don’t be ridiculous. You dishonor your brother by betraying me. You don’t have it in you. Now, get this nonsense out of your mind and help me get the rest of the men together.”

  “I would dishonor my brother more by following you any further, Ewei. You may come with us if you like, but I have no intention of accompanying you beyond here.”

  “If you do not accompany us willingly then I will have to see you taken by force. I do not tolerate treachery –”

  “And I do not tolerate fools!” Enapo shouted. “To these men you may be a war leader but to me you are nothing more than a tradesman who happens to know how to use a sword. You know nothing about the duties required of you, nor do you have a single inkling about how to direct anyone in war.”

  “You are simply bitter that your brother’s title was bestowed upon me instead of you.”

  “I could not care less about the title. What I care about is what the person who holds it does with the responsibility and you have proven yourself a failure.”

  Eyes narrowed, Ewei lowered his head, nostrils flaring in his quickly growing rage. Edric’s eyes shifted uncomfortably between the two men, unsure of what to do if they took to fighting. His intention had never been to spark further dissent than that which was already evident. Combating one another would do nothing to help against the threats they faced. Boldly Ewei moved forward, covering the distance between him and Enapo, his hand resting on the sword at his waist. Before he could reach his target Edric felt his heart leap in his chest at the sight of Callum stepping in the middle, the scrape of his blade sounding through the area as he drew it from its sheath, pointing the tip outward to prevent Ewei from coming any closer.

  “Out of my way, Vor’shai!”

  “I will not move,” Callum held his ground, unwavering. “You have come between me and my men long enough. Up until now I have been more than tolerant but if you so much as think to harm a hair on this man’s body, I will separate your head from your shoulders.”

  Ewei paused, his fingers playing over the handle of his sword, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “You threaten me?” he smirked. “You are a cripple, Vor’shai. I am not afraid of you.”

  “I’m not interested in your fear. I only demand a bit of respect. When your people came to our aid, my father granted them freedom to make their own decisions. We did not come here to be at your beck and call. Your Chief requested our presence to aid your people and all you do in keeping me from my men is place your kin at greater risk. Now, step away from this man. I have wasted enough time on your foolishness.”

  At the sound of Ewei’s blade being pulled forth Edric nearly let the handles of Gadiel’s cot slip through his fingers. This couldn’t be happening. Callum was in no condition to fight. His dominant arm was injured. Incapable of wielding a weapon. If a fight between the two men was instigated, he would be at a severe disadvantage… and Ewei would not hesitate to kill him. That had been made perfectly clear during their altercation in Isavo. “Callum, don’t…”

  Afraid of losing his grip, Edric lowered Gadiel to the ground, the sensation of the movement directing Sahra to do the same. Reflexively he went for his own sword. If Ewei insisted on a fight, Edric would have to step in. But it couldn’t possibly be allowed to get that far. Enapo would stop them. If not him, one of the others would surely inte
rcede.

  To his horror Ewei lunged at Callum, aiming for his left wrist in attempts to disarm him. Before he could call out, Callum retaliated, the clash of metal resounding through the silence which had fallen over the men. No one moved to stop them. It was as if the Ovatai watched with curiosity to see a Vor’shai take on their leader. A challenge of skill.

  Heart racing Edric moved to enter the fray, stopped by Sahra’s slender arm reaching across his chest, blocking his path. He glanced at her, angry at first, appalled that she would have the audacity to get in his way after everything she had done. He had half a mind to chastise her, but now wasn’t the time. There were more important things to worry about. His friend was going to get killed if he didn’t get to him. Pushing at Sahra’s arm he tried to move forward again, finding her resilient in her attempts at holding him in place.

  The clash of swords continued. Letting his gaze shift from Sahra he forced himself to look back to the battle, mouth agape at the scene he saw before him. Callum pressed forward with incredible ease, utilizing his left arm to parry and thrust, deflecting Ewei’s strikes to counter with his own, the finesse he displayed giving no indication that he was at any disadvantage in the fight. Every slice of the blade was made with perfect precision. The expression on Ewei’s face revealed his obvious disbelief at Callum’s ability to keep up with him in his injured state, stumbling backward in attempts to maintain efficient technique.

  Intrigued, Edric couldn’t bring himself to interrupt. Coming between them risked distracting Callum. Until an opening came between them, there was nothing to be done than watch and pray.

  With practiced ease Callum followed Ewei’s every step. The difference in their style of combat was apparent. Although he possessed significant grace, Ewei’s strikes utilized brute force while Callum came at him with incredible agility. Every move perfectly thought out and controlled, manipulating angles and timing to his advantage. Through it all, Edric became very aware of the aim Callum maintained. He didn’t appear to be trying for a vital hit. Just enough to disarm his opponent and prove himself the better fighter. A show for the sake of appearances in front of the Ovatai. There was always talk about needing to prove themselves in battle. This seemed a perfect opportunity for them to do so. Edric’s only fear was in the fact that Ewei didn’t exercise the same caution. He aimed to kill. The Ovatai knew no other outcome in battle. There was no mercy among their kind.