“Why does the choice impact so much?”
“Because if I don’t send one of my strongest men, he will think I am trying to play him for a fool by sending him on a mission I don’t even trust my best fighters to do. This requires me to pick from those who hold rank among our military; though, unfortunate as it is, I don’t believe all of our ranking officers fit the mold for this particular task.”
“If you think I am fit for the role, I would like to offer my services,” Gadiel gave a half-smile, sliding his foot back into his boot. Callum shook his head, quickly dismissing the suggestion.
“You were my first choice, but you aren’t well enough to make the journey required.”
“I will find a way to do anything you ask of me. My foot won’t fall off from a bit of walking.”
“But we cannot risk you getting left behind. The Ovatai are not going to care about your past injury. If you’re not able to move with the same ease as their men, they will give little thought to going on without you. The only reason you weren’t left to die in Isavo is because Edric and I were there. Without us, you are subject to their rules, and their rule leaves any fighter behind who might weigh them down.”
Rising to his feet Ehren drew an uneasy breath. “Is that not a similar risk any of our men would take by accepting the mission? Previous injury or not, anyone could experience an unfortunate accident along the way and be left just as easily as Gadiel.”
“That’s why I need to make sure my choice is someone who is least likely to let an injury hold them back.”
“What about Tamas? He is a reliable soldier and his position as commander makes him a suitable choice in convincing Onuric of your confidence in the mission. Anything less than commander might make him lose faith.” Gadiel looked stricken at the realization that he couldn’t help. He offered his opinion willingly though Edric could tell that in his heart, he didn’t think anyone was capable of performing the duty better than himself.
Edric couldn’t help feeling that there was more he could do for his friends. They were looking for a member of the military who could perform the task but what if there was someone else? Edric considered himself more than capable to do what was being asked. It was the least he could do. If he remained in Nahedu, he would only be a distraction to everyone, including Neomi. This would be an opportunity to show his worth.
His head swam with the possibilities. There was more riding on the mission than simply finding the weapon. He wondered if Callum had even considered the reality of what they were planning to do. The unit sent to gather the weapon would have an even greater dilemma once it was uncovered. Someone would have to make the sacrifice Naphul spoke of. One of the men would not return from the mission. Had Onuric thought of this? Was that the reason he specifically wanted Callum to choose a sole fighter to send along? Perhaps Onuric’s goal was to sacrifice the Vor’shai. If he truly believed the Vor’shai to lack strength in comparison to the Ovatai, he would certainly have no qualms about killing one of them to spare the Ovatai warriors for the sake of battle upon their return to Nahedu. But why the strongest Vor’shai warrior? Why would he chance losing a skilled ally… unless he feared a weaker soldier would lack enough energy to satisfy the needs of the weapon. A less worthy fighter might not be able to control the blade with their spirit.
He couldn’t say with any certainty if this was Onuric’s intention. It was more likely that Onuric had failed to consider the detail of who would give their life for the sake of saving their entire race. But if Edric offered to go, and it was revealed to be Onuric’s plan for the Vor’shai to be the sacrificial lamb, it would mean giving himself up to the gods. His heart pounded wildly at the thought. Was he ready to make that kind of commitment to their cause?
The simple answer was yes. Morbid as it may seem, it was what he had been waiting for. A chance to make his mark on the world. To be remembered for greatness. Death wasn’t his preferred method of accomplishing his goal, but he was willing to do it if that was what it took. What more was left for him in this life, anyway? The mere thought was disheartening. He had no place among his people or the Ovatai. Although he knew his love for Neomi to be true, nothing he did could make her family accept him. Right now he couldn’t even be sure Neomi would have him. At least in sacrificing himself for the sake of her people, she would know how much she meant to him. Maybe then he would find some solace in the afterlife.
“I will go.”
It was easier to say than he thought it would be. A lingering fear and doubt nagged at the corners of his mind at what he was about to do, but it didn’t matter. He had made his decision. This was what the gods had sent him there to do. It was his purpose in life to save the Ovatai and in turn protect his own people in Tanispa from the threat of the Avaern.
All eyes turned to him, their uncontained shock evident in their expressions. “Edric, no. I will go myself,” Callum argued, vehement in his decision. “It’s not your place to do this. I am the Captain. If my soldiers are not strong enough to do what is required, then I must do it. It is my duty.”
“Your duty is to command the Ovatai warriors as well as our own,” Edric replied, surprised by the evenness of his tone. “With Onuric going away, you are the one Okivra is counting on to watch over their men in his son’s absence. Let me do this. Please.”
“This is too personal for you.”
“This has nothing to do with my personal feelings,” he lied. “The fact of the matter is that you need someone to go. You cannot and neither can Gadiel. If Tamas is not skilled enough, then I am your only other choice.”
“I will find a way to go, Edric. This is not up for discussion.”
“No.” Edric stood his ground. There was too much at stake if Callum went. It was more than a matter of who would command the men. Gadiel was capable of keeping the Vor’shai soldiers in line and Okivra could easily choose a new war leader. The problem was in the promise Edric made to Cadell and Aiva. If Onuric’s intention was to sacrifice whoever they chose to send on this mission, it placed Callum in exactly the position Edric swore to prevent him from getting himself into. Cadell was aware of his son’s noble heart. It was obvious to Edric now that Callum knew very well the full risk being taken by the one to accompany Onuric. That was why he didn’t want to send anyone else. He knew that in sending Gadiel, it would be sending his friend to his death. His choice would be a sentence of execution. And in his usual selfless fashion, Callum was prepared to make that sacrifice for the sake of the cause. The same way Callum had been willing to die to save his men from the divastru those years ago on the Vai’ld Sea… exactly the way Cadell pleaded with Edric to make sure he didn’t do again.
“I said this is not up for discussion. Let me figure out how to deal with the issue of leading the Ovatai warriors.”
“If you insist on going, I will go with you, whether you like it or not. It would be better for everyone if you simply stayed behind and let me do this with your blessing.”
“There is a chance you could die!”
“And there is less riding on my death than there is with yours!”
The two men stared at one another, locked in each other’s gaze, neither one yielding to the other. Edric wasn’t going to back down. Too many times he had let Callum make the decisions because he believed his friend to know what was best, but in this case Edric knew his own choice was in the best interest of their people. The Vor’shai couldn’t risk losing their Captain. Callum had an entire military of men counting on him to lead them to victory so they could return to their families. He had a wife at home carrying his child. He was to be a father. The King. Edric had nothing waiting for him back home. The choice seemed obvious.
“I can’t let you do this,” Callum stated quietly, shaking his head, dejected. “How can I know that you won’t sacrifice yourself? We may be here to help the Ovatai in this battle, but this is not our war. It’s not your place to die for their people. The reason I question your ability to make a clear decision in this mat
ter is the fact that you hold such passion for a particular woman here. You are a good man, Edric, but I can’t trust you not to let your emotions cloud your judgment.”
“My judgment is not clouded, Callum. I know what I’m doing.” Emphasizing his words, Edric jutted his chin forward, defiant, praying Callum would realize that he wouldn’t give in. If he had the power, he would order Callum to concede. Regrettably, Callum was the only person he held no command over. “Sending me with Onuric will solve all the troubles you have named in regards to the decision. If you’re willing to send the son of your King and Queen on this mission, it will prove that you trust the information is worth the effort. At the same time, it grants you the ability to stay in the Chief ’s good graces by doing as he asks and leading his men in battle during Onuric’s absence. I fail to see how you can argue with me when it’s so clear.”
He could see the pain in Callum’s eyes. The internal struggle he waged, knowing Edric was right but not wanting to accept it. For a long moment he said nothing, fighting against himself. As Captain he knew it was the right choice. As Edric’s friend, he didn’t want to let him take such a risk. Finally his shoulders sank forward in defeat, shaking his head in dismay. “If I let you go, I must insist on sending someone with you.”
Sending someone with him? That went against Onuric’s request. “We don’t have the luxury of adding members to this travel party.”
“I’m not going to give Onuric a choice. If our Prince is to go anywhere, he must have an escort. I refuse to accept anything less.”
“If you send anyone else, he will argue why that person doesn’t make the journey on their own.”
Callum looked between Gadiel and Ehren, a slight nod indicating a decision he made in his mind. With strained confidence he made his way to Ehren, resting his hand on his shoulder. “If you accompany your brother, they will not question it,” He stated calmly. “Are you willing to do this, Ehren? Can you go with Edric and make sure he doesn’t do anything foolish?”
Panic rushed over Edric at the thought of Ehren making the journey. It was too dangerous. He wasn’t comfortable placing his brother at risk over this nonsense. Ehren should never have been allowed to venture into Ethrysta to begin with. “I’m not going to do anything foolish, Callum. Don’t risk my brother’s life over your distrust in me.”
“If your brother is there, you are less likely to do anything which will leave him alone with the Ovatai. His presence is the only guarantee I have in making sure you return with the men when they have retrieved the weapon.”
“He is not ready for this.”
“Either he goes with you, or you both stay and I take the mission myself. These are your only options and I will not change my mind. The decision is yours. Make it quickly or I will make it for you.”
He needed to think of something. If Ehren was uncomfortable with the idea, it was possible Callum might be convinced to let Edric go alone. “Perhaps you should let my brother give his decision on the matter before you assume he is okay with being sent on a mission of this nature.
“Our parents would want us to watch out for each other. If I can be of assistance, it would be an honor to accompany the men.” Edric cursed silently to himself at his brother’s response. He should have known. Ehren shared the sense of duty that their parents had instilled in all of their children. Even if Ehren hated the idea, he would never let anyone know the truth, though Edric found it hard to believe Ehren felt anything other than excitement at the thought of going. He was very much like Edric, in a way. Their days at court were long and tedious. This was like an adventure to him. If only he knew just how much was riding on them all.
Callum’s lips formed a half-hearted smile to hear Ehren’s confirmation, nodding in approval. “There you have it,” he motioned toward Ehren, victorious. “What have you to say? Will you accept my compromise?”
He didn’t have a choice. Callum had backed him into a corner. His only options were to place his brother in danger or let Callum take the fall. At least if Ehren was with him, Edric could watch over him for most of the journey. He trusted Gadiel to be capable of looking out for Callum in his absence. Unless the Avaern surfaced while Edric was away, there was little danger in Callum staying behind. Animals were no threat to the Vor’shai military. Their worst foe came in the form of the veswar and precautions were already active to prevent too much devastation from another attack. “Very well,” he replied begrudgingly. “I will pack my things and make my way to the gates. Gadiel,” he looked to his friend sternly, grateful now for his stubbornness in staying in Nahedu when Cadell had tried so hard to get him to return home. Without Gadiel there, Edric would never have been able to make this journey without fear of Callum’s safety. “Watch over your Captain while I’m gone. I made a promise to his wife that he would be returned to her in one piece.”
“You can count on me, Your Highness,” Gadiel lowered his head in a respectful nod. He seemed disheartened at the thought of sending Edric away. No doubt clinging to his own disappointment in being unable to carry the burden himself. His discouragement would mend in time. Once all was said and done, he would realize why it was better this way. Gadiel had much to live for yet. He was destined to be the next Captain. His survival was almost as important as Callum’s. This duty was Edric’s to perform, and his alone. He would just have to be more careful if he hoped to complete the task without placing his brother’s life in danger as well.
Neomi was grateful for the privacy of her room. Her mind had been racing since the meeting with Enapo, making it impossible to think clearly about anything. She needed to get herself together. It wasn’t like her to let things shake her the way everything seemed to do these days. Nothing made sense anymore. When she first went to Edric to tell him they couldn’t be together, it was the best choice for them both. Now she wasn’t so sure. He had a way about him which made her question everything. When he held her, he made her feel as if it was worth the risk. It didn’t seem fair that he was willing to chance whatever punishment he received while she chose to run away. Edric deserved so much better than that. He deserved someone who was strong enough to stand by his side.
Still, his words stung her, reminded of the implication he made, publicly denouncing her as a heartless wretch. If only he knew! That night in Isavo haunted her, even now. She longed to be back in his arms; to forget about everything that threatened to keep them apart. Although she claimed it meant nothing, she couldn’t deny her own heart, knowing that her time with Edric meant more than anything she had experienced in her life. His face filled her thoughts, day and night, feeling his arms wrapped around her waist, the soft touch of his lips against hers… it was perfection. Pure bliss. So why did she subject herself to this torture? He made it clear that he was willing to accept her, even after the horrible things she said.
Burying her face in her hands she lowered herself on the fur blankets lining her bed, sinking into their warmth. Why did everything have to be so confusing? Before Edric came to Ethrysta, she’d had her life figured out. She was content to be alone for the rest of her days, performing the duties required by her family. Now all she could think about was running away. Her father asked too much of her by bargaining with Enapo. There was little she wasn’t willing to do for her family, but to loan her body to a man was beyond duty. She had to draw the line somewhere or she would spend the rest of her life being taken advantage of.
So what would she do? Deny her father? Deny Enapo? It was her only chance at regaining a position of peace within her people. She just couldn’t justify the means in which she would attain it. Allowing Enapo into her bed was no worse than sleeping with Edric, other than the fact that Enapo was at least of her own tribe. But did that really change enough to be worth it? If she was unable to provide the child Enapo required, she would be left, worthless and used, no better off than she was now. Rumors would abound, worse than those she already suffered, whispering about the impropriety between her and Enapo without the bond of marriage.
Her chances of obtaining another husband were slim, but if word slipped out about the arrangement with Enapo – as it was sure to do – no man would want to come near her. If they did, it would be on the same terms, requiring a period of experimentation before accepting her hand. She would be nothing more than the village whore.
And then there was the issue of Naphul. She had let her anger get the better of her. To think of that man having held the blade which took Mevuk’s life… it sickened her. He deserved a more painful death than she granted him. It troubled her to think she had been merciful toward him. She could have let him live. To allow him a chance to discover that he had divulged the deepest secret of his people, only to then find himself the fool. But he would never know. His body would rot for eternity for the things he had done, released from the torture of his prison at her hand. What would she tell her father? He would demand an explanation. He would demand to know many things that she couldn’t tell him. She placed Edric and Callum both in unnecessary danger by leading them to that cell. Her stubbornness could be the downfall of them all despite her efforts to save them from her father’s wrath.
Someone was outside her door. She heard no footsteps to signal their approach yet she knew they were there, listening. Moinie? It was only a matter of time before she came to find her. Once she discovered the prison empty aside from Naphul’s corpse, she would seek Neomi for answers.
Rising to her feet she straightened her shirt, making sure she looked presentable. Calm. Collected. Running her fingers along her cheeks she made sure there were no tears to belie her cool demeanor, satisfied to find her face dry, the mud still caked on her skin from their spectacle in the cell. Quickly she grabbed a corner of the blanket, scrubbing at her cheeks vigorously. It would have to do. There was nothing to be done about the dirt in her hair until she was able to clean herself more thoroughly.
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Three: Crown of Ice Page 78