“I did no such thing,” Okivra huffed irritably. “Ewei presented the idea and I immediately saw it dismissed. Onuric told him if he wished to send someone on a fool’s errand, he was welcome to do so himself. We gave no permission for our warriors to be sent to their deaths. While the location of the Avaern would be beneficial, we do not yet know enough about defending against it to make a track successful.”
“Then I think what we need to focus on right now is why Ewei would provide a false command under Onuric’s name,” Callum nodded. “What would he stand to gain from it? Especially if what you say is true and it was his desire to arrange a marriage between himself and Neomi. Sending her to her death would accomplish nothing.”
Edric lowered his head at the mention of the marriage. It stung him. Worse than before. The mere thought was too painful, knowing that Ewei was more likely to be granted her hand than him. Thankfully the accusations posed against Ewei would hinder the union, but if Okivra chose to ignore Callum’s statement and believe Ewei over all else, there remained a chance that Neomi would be bound to him. But oh, how miserable she would be! Ewei didn’t deserve a woman like her. The only thing he deserved was a single slice of a sword through his neck.
Struggling to find his voice again Edric tried to keep active in the conversation. He couldn’t let the others take note of his despair. It would bring too many questions with it that couldn’t be answered in the presence of the Chief and his son. “Moinie, you were in their company more than the Captain and I. Did he make any attempt to convince Neomi not to go?”
She pondered the question, thinking it over carefully. After a moment she nodded her head, seeming satisfied with something. “He did once. He offered to go in her stead if she would argue in favor of the marriage to her father. Of course she declined. Her hatred toward Ewei runs deeper than my own.”
Suddenly Edric found his head filled with Sahra’s voice, echoing her accusations against Ewei in the privacy of their tent the morning after being discovered in Ewei’s company. Ewei is trying to overthrow Neomi’s father. He shuddered, realizing for the first time that it made sense. It was funny how a single detail could change everything. He had passed Sahra’s warning off as nonsense simply for the fact that Ewei had sent Neomi after the Avaern. But if his intent had never been for Neomi to go, it fit almost too perfectly. Ewei sent them after the Avaern in hopes of Moinie being killed. If Neomi had given in, Ewei might have been able to sway Moinie into going, leaving her body to be the one found in the wake of the Avaern instead of Neomi’s. “Sweet Sarid,” he breathed, shaking his head in shock. “Callum, I think Sahra might have been right.”
“I beg your pardon?” Callum asked, looking between Edric and Okivra, clearly uncomfortable with the thought of bringing up the topic in front of the Chief. “There are too many flaws in the story, Your Highness. We already discussed this. Now is not the time to revisit it.”
“What story might that be?” Moinie raised her brow, clearly curious. Seizing the opportunity Edric ignored Callum’s disapproving gaze. He wanted to force the issue. Regardless of the remaining holes, the suspicion merited further discussion; and Onuric deserved to know that someone might be plotting to kill his family.
Edric found it easier to address Moinie with the information. Okivra’s hardened gaze left him feeling uncomfortable, aware of the anger he already felt toward them after Ewei’s fabricated tales about their time in Isavo. Shifting his weight Edric directed his attention to Moinie, back straight, presenting himself with as much confidence as he could muster while providing such incriminating news. “After we discovered Ewei to have found his way into Sahra’s bed, she came to confide in me some disconcerting things said by him while in her company. At the time I thought it nothing more than lies used by Ewei to seduce her, but now I am not so sure.”
A smirk played over the corners of Moinie’s mouth. “While seduction is a word we understand, it is certainly not a practice used by our people. If Ewei said something to your Vor’shai woman, there would be truth in it. At least to some extent. Tell us what was said and we shall judge.”
“She said he intended to overthrow the Chief,” he replied simply, sparing a glance in Okivra’s direction before returning his gaze to Moinie. “He spoke of his intentions in sending you after the Avaern. His hope was that you would perish while on the mission. With you dead, he would find a means of destroying Onuric. There remain several holes which require more explanation, given the fact that it would take a great deal to eradicate Onuric and your children without drawing suspicion, but if he succeeded in doing so – and was granted the marriage to Neomi – he would place himself in line for the Chiefdom at the time Okivra chose to relinquish the title.”
Arms folded across his chest Onuric’s frown deepened beyond what Edric thought was possible for his already stern features. The icy flash in his eyes revealed barely contained anger, stepping forward to address Edric directly. “I will not believe it,” he said through gritted teeth. “Our people have no need for such games. If Ewei sought to argue the It’aryn command, he would make it known without subterfuge. It is cowardly to sneak around behind our backs the way you claim.”
“You have a very high opinion of your people,” Callum stated, lifting his chin to look Onuric over with a scrutinizing gaze. Edric was grateful to hear his voice. His earlier hesitance to discuss the matter had left Edric concerned that he would choose to avoid the topic altogether, leaving Edric to defend the accusations himself. “Your people may not have a history or a tendency toward lies and chicanery but that doesn’t mean you are not capable of it. I would think the Ythes to be proof of that. Was it not their intent to remove Chief Okivra from power as well?”
“Yes, but they did so by attacking our tribe. You imply our people to be skilled in the art of deception to pull off a ploy such as your Prince says.”
“The entire Ovatai race doesn’t need to possess skill in deception for Ewei to be guilty of what Edric lays before you. Perhaps he learned his dishonest methods through an outside means.” Curious, Callum tapped the side of his head, turning to Edric with a questioning gaze. “What was it Enapo said during their argument on our journey home? He made mention of Ewei being a tradesman. Has Ewei spent any time in the trade villages along the borders?”
“He lived in La’oe off the Tanispan border near Siscal for several years before returning to Nahedu.” Concern was evident on Moinie’s sharp features as she spoke, her eyes drifting to Onuric. She looked disconcerted. Uneasy. “What does his time in trade have to do with the current allegations?”
“A number of things,” Callum nodded. “It granted him a significant period of time in the company of foreigners. Outside influences can have a drastic effect on anyone, if they are susceptible.”
“Captain, are you saying you agree with what the Prince states?” Okivra peered at Callum inquisitively.
“I’m saying it’s certainly possible. His interest in a marriage to Neomi lends some credibility to the claim, as does the false order given in Isavo. I found his behavior questionable throughout the entire journey, but in the end it is not my place to pass judgment. It would be my counsel to proceed with caution. One can never be too careful at a time when focus is spread thin and the chance of overlooking a well-disguised assault is heightened. In my experience, if his intent is to strike at the It’aryn family, he will wait until the battle is at its peak and then go in for the kill – when it is least expected and defense is limited.”
Okivra’s gaze was unbending, held fast on Callum, seeming to take in his words with more care than Edric expected. He was listening. That was a good sign. “I am not typically inclined to receive counsel from those outside my people but you speak with a quality which implies knowledge on the matter.”
“With all due respect, Chief Okivra, I believe this may be the one subject which I possess more experience with than yourself,” Callum gave a faint smile, “I spent a number of years in Siscal fighting the Luquarrian pirates
. They are masters in such plans of deception and I had the pleasure of foiling their attempts on more than one occasion. Ewei exhibits many classic symptoms of a traitor. I only hope, for your sake, that it is not the case.”
“I will consider your warning. You understand that I cannot disregard everything he has told me simply on account of this accusation. Your conduct as well as his must be investigated.”
“Of course, Sir. I believe you will discover my behavior throughout the mission to have been exemplary, however. If anyone other than Ewei states otherwise, I would be surprised.”
“And the Prince?” Onuric interjected. All eyes in the room turned on Edric, setting his nerves on edge. He wasn’t sure how to respond. He was no criminal yet his behavior had not been as flawless as he liked to admit.
Before he could respond, Moinie’s calm, level voice broke the silence for him, greeting the question with an indisputable answer. “The Prince acted with impressive skill and bravery throughout the entire trip. Without him, Neomi may have perished. She and I owe these two men our lives. I hope you will take this into consideration when investigating the lies told to you by Ewei.”
“We will see,” Okivra nodded. His long strides carried him across the room in only a few steps, waving Onuric to follow. “I will call for you again when I have the facts necessary,” he said over his shoulder, leaving the rest of them to their uncomfortable silence.
Hesitantly Edric let his eyes meet Moinie’s, grateful for her assistance. She had every reason to be angry with him. She knew the truth about him and Neomi and was capable of destroying him if she chose to do so. Instead, she had argued in his defense. He wasn’t sure what he had done to gain her favor, but he didn’t want to question it in case she changed her mind.
“Watch yourself,” she said sternly, looking between Edric and Callum in turn. “Ewei knows that you two are not to be trifled with and are likely to provide Okivra with the truth. If his goal is to attain power, he would not think twice about cutting you down if you are the cause of his failure.”
“I am more concerned about you,” Edric frowned. While he appreciated her care for his well-being, the truth remained that Ewei’s target had been Moinie. Until the time when Okivra was willing to accept their warning of Ewei’s intentions, he would have a window to complete his goal. It seemed foolish to allow him freedom to roam about the village with such a high charge placed against him. If Ewei believed his plans to be thwarted, it wouldn’t be a surprise for him to turn to violence… much the same as the Ythes had done.
Waving her hand dismissively Moinie turned away from them to follow in the direction Okivra and Onuric had gone, paying little mind to Edric’s statement of concern. Her confidence remained unfazed, pausing only briefly at the door to acknowledge his words. “I do not worry about myself. I know what he is capable of. My fear is that he knows the land better than you and if he decides to lash out, he will utilize every tool in his power to see you both dead; and our people cannot afford to lose you.”
Before he could say anything in response she slipped through the door, the sound of her feet echoing dully along the corridor, slowly fading into the distance. Edric watched the door, wishing there was more he could do. Ewei was a threat to everyone, Vor’shai and Ovatai alike.
“Come,” Callum’s voice broke through Edric’s thoughts quietly, the gentle pressure of his hand coming to rest on Edric’s shoulder. “Let’s return to the camp and brief the other officers. We will heighten our watch and prepare ourselves in case of an attack. Let us show Ewei that our people are not easily intimidated. If he chooses to fight, he will discover us stronger than he accounted for and not quite so easily defeated. In a way – I hope he tries. To do so would be all the proof Okivra needs of his treachery.”
“We just have to hope we survive the attack long enough to see our victory,” Edric nodded, allowing Callum to guide him through the door. There was nothing to be done now but wait. In time Ewei was bound to make a mistake. They just had to hope they were ready to catch him when he did.
The flickering light of the lamps stung Neomi’s eyes as they fluttered open, barely recognizing the walls of her own home around her. She had no recollection of how she got there. The final memory within her head was of the veswar chasing her. Her chest ached to remember the pressure of ice and snow slamming against her body, pinning her to the ground, acting as a shield against the veswar’s attack while leaving her helpless and unable to get away. How had she gotten free? No one could have seen her from under the concealment of the broken snow. Yet here she was. Alive.
Struggling against the final waves of unconsciousness she shifted her weight on the table where she lay, vaguely aware of a figure standing at her side. “Edric…” His name came to her lips before she could stop it, realizing too late that it was not him who kept vigil over her. The face was too stern. Too pale. The long white hair surrounded the familiar face of her father, his eyes meeting hers at the sound of her voice.
“Neomi,” he smiled, brushing away a strand of hair from her cheek. “We have been waiting for you to awaken.”
“Father, what happened?” she asked, her voice cracked and hoarse from her long slumber. She couldn’t determine how much time had passed. How long had she been asleep? And what of the Vor’shai? Had Ewei succeeded in his plans? Was Edric dead? “Where is the Vor’shai Captain and his men? Has Ewei returned with them?”
“The Captain and his men are with our warriors just outside the village. We have found our walls under attack over the last several days.”
“Ythes?”
“No,” Okivra shook his head. “Our enemy of late has been nothing more than the local wildlife. We have reason to believe the Avaern somehow has gained control of the animals, guiding them into war against us. Their constant charges do nothing but whittle away at our strength and our numbers. In time we suspect the Avaern will show itself again. But this time it plays its games closer to home than I like. It is only a matter of time before it attempts to destroy Nahedu the same as it did in Isavo.”
“And the Prince? He has gone into battle with the Captain?”
Her father’s brow rose, gazing at her, inquisitive. “Yes. Why do you worry so much about those men?”
She didn’t know how to respond. If Ewei had returned with them to Nahedu, it was possible she was mistaken in her beliefs about him. Maybe he had been telling the truth about the orders he brought from home. It would have been foolish of him to deliver the Vor’shai safely back to their men had his intentions been so deceptive. If he was innocent, then it was possible she was incriminating herself by her constant inquiries regarding Edric and Callum. Her curiosity would not slip past her father’s notice. Much the same as it was already piquing his interest. “Moinie and I were concerned that they might not make it back to Nahedu. I am merely surprised to discover they returned safely.”
“They returned far safer than you did… and with somewhat distressing news. It is my hope that you will be able to answer a few questions.”
Neomi’s heart nearly stopped in her chest. Distressing news? So their return had heralded questions after all. But what kind of questions? Did they have to do with the Avaern or had Ewei brought with him the accusations against her and Edric that he so wildly proclaimed while in Isavo? She wasn’t prepared to answer such things to her father. Not yet. “I will do the best I can, Father. I am not certain my memory is to the clarity I would like.”
“It was clear enough for you to recall concern for the Vor’shai men. Tell me, Neomi. What was your reason for chasing after the Avaern? You could have been killed.”
Blinking her eyes she tried to clear her vision. Was this some kind of trick? Her father should be aware of her reasons for going after the beast. Ewei implied her father to have been involved in the decision to perform the track. “Did the orders not come from you and Onuric?” she peered at him. His expression remained firm, saying nothing, drawing her curiosity more. “Ewei told us he was sent with ord
ers from Onuric that Moinie and I were to conduct a track on the Avaern. To determine where it might hide when not wreaking havoc upon our people.”
Okivra’s frown deepened, his teeth clenched angrily, though what sparked his discontent she couldn’t be sure. Could it be that the Vor’shai were right? Did the orders not come from her brother?
“You are certain these were the orders given by Ewei?”
“As he said they were presented by you and Onuric to bring with him to Isavo,” she nodded. The act of moving her head hurt. The muscles in her neck stiffened, causing her to grimace from the discomfort, reminded for the first time of the trauma her body suffered. A rush of panic came over her, trying to lift her arms in a desperate attempt to deny the truth of her injury. She didn’t want to admit that she had failed so miserably in her task. To her dismay she found the pain excruciating, her father’s hand reaching out to pin her arms back at her sides, staring hard into her eyes.
“You are severely wounded, Neomi. The only reason I allowed you to wake was so that I could speak with you on the matter of Ewei’s behavior while away from the watchful eyes of myself and your brother. I suggest you remain still or you will undo everything which has been done to assist in your healing.”
Her heart beat wildly, the throb of her pulse noticeable in her veins where she lay. At the mention of her injuries she became suddenly aware of the discomfort she felt, taking note of the stabbing pain in her chest and sides, shooting through her shoulders and arms where she tensed the muscles. A soft cry escaped her from the pressure of her father’s hands against her skin, his grip quickly releasing at the sight of her suffering.
Deep breaths. She needed to regain her composure in order to ease the pain. The more she thought about it, the tension in her muscles would make the discomfort worse. Inhaling through her nose she felt her lungs expand, the sharp pain returning from the slight movement. Unable to maintain the breath she let it out, sinking dejectedly against the table, realizing for the first time where she was. She wasn’t in the comfort of her room. She was in the infirmary. A room not commonly utilized by her family, made obvious by the lack of furniture and decoration along the snowy walls.
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Three: Crown of Ice Page 69