Before she reached the gate she heard a familiar voice call out her name, moving closer from outside the gate. Moinie. She would know where Edric was. If she could be convinced to point Neomi in the right direction… “Moinie, where is the Prince? I must speak with him.”
“The Prince?” Moinie peered at her in confusion. “Do not worry about the Prince. You are not in any condition to fight. You may be healed but your body has not recovered its strength. We need to get you back to your room until the fighting has ceased.”
“I am not going anywhere until I have spoken with Edric. Do you know where he is?”
“He is not here. Come. Your father will be displeased if he sees you.”
Not there? That wasn’t possible. It hadn’t been that long since they’d been in each other’s company. She had to be lying. Trying to keep them apart. “I know you are trying to protect me, Moinie, but now is not the time. I have to find him. It is a matter of great import.”
“It has nothing to do with protection, Neomi. He left a short while ago with your brother. They are no longer in Nahedu.”
“Left? What do you mean left?”
“What do you think I mean? I imply nothing beyond the fact that they have departed the village. Onuric took the Prince and Ewei with him to seek some weapon the Vor’shai Captain spoke of. They have reason to believe it may be a key in defeating the Avaern though the source of the information has me skeptical. I wouldn’t believe a word that traitorous Ythes says.”
This couldn’t be happening. She had to find Edric. He couldn’t be allowed to make that journey. And with Ewei! Had they gone mad? “How could you let Edric go anywhere with Ewei? It isn’t safe for them to be together. You know this!”
“He is not alone. Onuric permitted the Prince’s brother to accompany them. Besides, Ewei would not be foolish enough to try anything in Onuric’s presence.”
“Yes he would!” she gasped in disbelief. “Do you not understand? Ewei is not to be trusted. His morals are different from those of everyone else in our tribe. He does not think with honor. It was his goal to see Onuric dead and to ruin Edric – so why now have we allowed him the perfect opportunity to do both? He could easily slay them and no one would ever know the truth. He would claim them to be victims of an attack by the Ythes and we would have no proof to the contrary.”
“Dramatics are not like you, Neomi.”
“I am not being dramatic. Are you telling me the thought has not crossed your mind that your husband could be in danger?”
“You don’t give Onuric enough credit.”
“And you give him too much,” she sighed. Moinie would never listen. She had too much faith in her husband’s ability to defend himself. She wasn’t considering the devious nature of Ewei and how easily he could accomplish exactly what he’d started in the first place. It was foolish of her father to allow him to live but they needed every fighter they could get. “Knowing Ewei’s intent is not enough to protect us from him. He may not have been able to follow through the way he originally planned, but that doesn’t mean he has let go of the possibility. I… I have to get to them.”
Moinie’s arm shot out, gripping Neomi’s wrist with painful precision. “You will do no such thing.”
Staring down at Moinie’s hand Neomi felt her anger rising. She wasn’t in the mood for this. For too long she’d let people order her around. This time she was going to do what she wanted and there wasn’t anyone who could stop her. “Let me go, Moinie.”
With a hard shove she placed her hand against Moinie’s chest, knocking her backwards to break her hold. Unprepared for the strike Moinie stumbled, releasing her grip with a surprised yelp. Neomi didn’t give her a chance to recover. Maneuvering sharply around her friend she continued forward, her legs carrying her as fast as they could through the entrance gates of the camp. All around her she could see their people mingled with the uniforms of the Vor’shai soldiers. Various creatures poured forth, charging into the men, quickly surrounded and detained before they could reach the gates. Volleys of arrows rained down from the watch towers, finding their marks quickly to lend assistance to the troops on the ground.
Prepared to enter the battle she drew her sword. She wasn’t sure exactly what she intended to do. The path Onuric and Edric took would be covered by the footprints left by the warriors while battling the Avaern’s minions. Someone had to know which way they went. Callum? It was possible he might be willing to help her. He was more in tune to the dangers they faced. Moinie’s overconfidence made her impossible.
Finding Callum would be a challenge. There were so many men and women on the battlefield they all seemed to blend into one giant mass of bodies. She refused to let the challenge stop her. Callum had been placed in charge of Onuric’s men in his absence. It was likely that he would be calling orders from wherever he was, commanding the warriors on tactics to take down the beasts. Pausing, she strained her ears, desperate for some sound other than the clang of swords and ferocious growls from the animals.
There. She wasn’t sure on the distance, but she could hear a voice, the words spoken with the familiar accent of the Vor’shai. Locked on the sound she pushed onward, fighting her way through the field. Defense came naturally, the movements of her blade happening without thought, lashing out, plunging through the beasts which crossed her path. By the time she reached the familiar figure of Callum her sword was covered in blood, spatters staining the fabric of her white coat. She could only imagine what she must look like to him. Standing there, blood-covered and desperate, pleading with him silently to help her. He didn’t seem to notice her at first, continuing his courageous display before suddenly taking note of her presence, turning to face her while leaving the beast he was fighting to the other men.
“Neomi. I thought you weren’t supposed to participate in the fighting. Your father said you are not well enough.”
“I did not come here to fight,” she shook her head, stepping closer to Callum, praying he would sense her distress. His features softened, reaching his hand out to rest on her shoulder in an attempt to console her.
“What is the matter? Has something happened?”
It was working. He was playing into her hands. “I must find Edric. Moinie tells me he has gone and that he is in the company of Ewei. Please tell me that is not so.”
“You look about as pleased with the idea as I am,” he frowned. “Unfortunately it is true. Onuric led them westward no more than a quarter of an hour ago. I sent Prince Ehren to accompany them but that does little to ease my mind. I don’t understand why your father continues to allow Ewei his freedom. It is a risk, and one which is unnecessary to chance at a time like this.”
“Our people operate based on honor. He will not go unpunished, but my father recognizes the need for any able swordsmen in this battle. Under any other circumstance he would have been immediately imprisoned and sentenced to death or banishment from Ethrysta. Given our predicament, it is expected of Ewei to attempt restoration of his honor after his treachery was discovered. He has been granted a second chance and though I have witnessed such things work in the past, I do not believe Ewei to have any honor left within his bones. Exposed or not, he will not stop until he has accomplished his goal of overthrowing my father.”
“If I could have accompanied them, you know I would have.”
“This is exactly why I must beg of you to tell me which way they have gone. I must find Edric before it is too late.”
Callum’s chin lifted, clearly curious by her insistence. “Edric?” he mused. “I assumed your desperation to find them was for the safety of your brother.”
He was observant. More so than she gave him credit for. “I worry about my brother, yes, but I have more reason to seek Edric. I dislike the idea of him being so far away and out of range for me to protect him if things go awry. If he is injured, you know my brother and Ewei will leave him behind.”
His eyes became distant, staring off at something she couldn’t see. For the first
time since she approached, she realized there was something about his mannerisms which implied discontent. Her words seemed to intensify his unease though she wasn’t sure exactly what would worry a man like Callum. He didn’t let things get to him easily.
After a moment he lowered his gaze to hers once again, side stepping with her to avoid nearly being knocked flat by a stumbling soldier. “If you are sincere in your desire to go after them, I must tell you it would bring my mind peace if you did so. I am concerned for Edric’s well-being, but not at the hands of Ewei as you are. I – how do I put this – I think he has taken to heart whatever hardship the two of you experienced. It is my fear that he intends to take the place of the shaman Naphul spoke of… if there is any truth to the story at all.”
“Take the…” her voice trailed off. She didn’t want to accept what he was saying. Was it possible? Would Edric sacrifice himself for the sake of her people? For her? Her heart jumped painfully, nearly choking her from the quickened pace of her pulse. “We cannot allow him to do that.”
“I know,” he nodded emphatically. “Having you there might be enough to convince him not to do it. He claimed he wouldn’t do anything stupid but I know him. He’s too passionate. His heart is filled with you and if he has come to the conclusion that killing himself will somehow help, then nothing is going to convince him otherwise – except you. So, please… tell me, Neomi. Are you serious about going after them? If so, I will point you in their direction this instant and see to it that no one stops you.”
“I could not be more serious.” She held his gaze steady. If only he knew just how serious she was.
Taking her by the arm Callum scanned the area, searching for signs that someone might be watching. Careful not to draw unwanted attention, he called out an occasional order to the men while they walked, keeping his presence known to not create suspicion by his sudden silence. When he spoke Neomi ducked her head, stepping away briefly to slice at one of the creatures in their path, finding her way back to his side with ease. She was impressed by how quickly they crossed the battlefield. It wasn’t long before she found them staring out at the open expanse of land, Callum’s hand lifting to motion her in a northwestern direction from the camp.
“You will find traces of their passage along the terrain northward. They discussed avoiding possible ambushes by the Ythes in heading north from Nahedu and shifting westward in a few days. Their goal is to pass north of Ilaka and ignore the Ythes villages altogether… Just promise me you will stay close to them. It is foolish of me to let you go alone. Regrettably my hands are tied. Your father expects me to command the men here.”
“I will be fine,” she rested her hand against Callum’s cheek, hoping it would be enough to assure him when her own head was filled with doubt. There was no guarantee for anything anymore.
Sniffing the air around her she smiled, detecting a hint of Edric’s scent lingering in the area. They weren’t far off. Their pace would be slow. If she moved quickly she could be on their heels within the hour. She just had to hope that was fast enough. You have time, she assured herself. Ewei wouldn’t be stupid enough to strike so close to the village. He would wait until they were further out, with less chance of anyone discovering the bodies. She gave a final inhale, stepping away from Callum to follow the trail brought in by the breeze. She needed to move fast. There was no time to offer further promises to Callum when every second that passed could be detrimental to Edric’s safety. Callum would just have to trust that she wouldn’t fail; and she had no intention of doing so.
Having been back at the camp for so long, Edric had forgotten how miserable the landscape was to traverse. Snow kicked up with every step, falling into his boots to soak into the bottoms of his feet, drenching his socks until he could no longer feel his toes. With fewer people, their stops for rest were less frequent. Onuric was insistent that they make it north quickly. The strikes on Nahedu were coming with more fervor than before, leading everyone to believe the Avaern was building up for a large scale attack very soon.
It was strange to think of the beast having conscious rational thoughts of stratagem. Edric spent so long believing it to be nothing more than a large animal but he was rapidly becoming aware of how intelligent it was. He found himself pondering Naphul’s story during the silence of their journey. In the past the Avaern was said to possess less power than it did now. Could it have something to do with the spirit of the shaman which had been infused into it? There were so many possibilities… none of which could be proven. The beast itself had been nothing but myth until it appeared so suddenly. There was no way for anyone to know facts about a creature that no one knew existed in reality for centuries. Those who fought it in its original form were long gone from the realm of the living.
At times he would find himself turning to speak of his thoughts to Callum, disappointed to remember that his friend wasn’t there. He had Ehren, but that wasn’t the same. Callum always knew exactly what to say to quell his unease. He was so knowledgeable about battle strategies that he could work through almost anything if given enough time. Edric wasn’t used to being without him. Ever since they arrived in Ethrysta he had been right by his side. To have him gone now felt unusual. Desolate.
He was impressed by how well his brother was holding up under the harsh conditions. Ehren made no complaints about the dampness or the cold, pushing onward with his chin held high, trying so hard to keep up with the other men despite the misery he must be in. This was his first time away from home. Away from his twin sister. He and Sidonie did everything together. Edric wondered if his brother shared a similar feeling in being separated from his sister the way Edric experienced in being apart from Callum. Both were accustomed to having someone to confide in and now they were left with only each other. It was disheartening to think that they were brothers yet had never really grown as close as it seemed they should have over the years. The difference in their age made it hard. When Ehren was born, Edric was already a man, released into society for nearly a decade. Aiva was the only one of his siblings whom Edric shared his childhood with and because of that, they both found themselves set apart from the rest of the Levadis children.
Guilt began to creep over him for the things left undone and unsaid back home. He intended to meet his demise at the end of this journey and still there was much he wished he could have done. If only he had known how this would play out when he departed the palace that morning. He would have said so much more to Aiva in those final moments while trying to console her. He might have given young Audri the brotherly advice about life that he never had a chance to tell her before her birthday. So selfish he’d been over those last few months. Wrapped in his own troubles, too absorbed in himself to have paid the attention to his family that he should have. There were things he wanted to say to his mother. And his father… what would he do when he heard the news of Edric’s death? Edric was with the King in Luquarr when news was brought of Aiva’s supposed demise all those years ago. Their father was devastated. Edric had never seen his father look so wretched in all his days. He might blame himself. But it wasn’t his fault. Edric would have to make sure to pass that message along to Ehren before he died. It would perhaps lend some comfort to his father’s heart.
His largest concern was Callum. He wasn’t sure how his friend would take the news. There was no doubt in his mind that Callum suspected his intentions. To have allowed Edric to go when he knew the possibility that Edric wouldn’t return – it would crush him. Callum never would have understood the reasons why Edric had to do this. He was the best choice. The one who had the least in this world to cling to. While he loved his family, he was doing this for them. His death would assure their safety and Neomi’s. It seemed more egocentric for him to try and accomplish this mission without sacrificing himself. There were only four of them. He couldn’t allow Ehren to take the fall and the Ovatai needed Onuric. The only other option was Ewei and he would never agree to give up his life. Time was of the essence and they didn’t
have a second to waste trying to convince a man as hardheaded as Ewei. It was better this way. Edric was willing and that alone would hasten the return of the others to Nahedu with the weapon.
A gentle hand on his shoulder slowly pulled him from his thoughts, reminding him of Ehren’s silent form at his side. It hurt to look at him, knowing what was going through his head. Ehren had no idea what was going to happen. Edric hated the thought of what it would do to his brother to be present for his death.
“You look troubled, Edric.”
“I’m fine,” he forced a smile, resting his hand over Ehren’s. His heart broke to feel his brother’s touch. But he was doing this for him. His sacrifice would allow Ehren to live. “I have just been thinking about our family. It has been so long since I saw them last.”
Ehren nodded in agreement, his hand slowly slipping away from Edric’s shoulder. “They miss you,” he replied quietly. “Aiva asked every day if there had been correspondence from you or Callum. Mother has been so sad since you two left it has brought a sort of depression over the entire court. She worries about you. Father does his best to comfort her but there is only so much he can say when we all know he shares similar concerns. I have sent a couple letters since my arrival in hopes of easing their spirits but I have not had a chance to write in the last few weeks. Most of my time has been spent fighting.”
“Well, if this weapon exists and does what that man claimed it will, you and Callum will be home very soon.”
“We all will be,” Ehren smiled. Struck by the innocence in his brother’s eyes Edric looked away. Ehren didn’t know. The underlying concerns which had been masked during the conversation with Callum were lost to him. He would never suspect what Edric intended to do. His mind was too young. Inexperienced. Rose-tinted by his days at court which presented little need for him to consider the darker aspects of reality.
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Three: Crown of Ice Page 80