by K. C. May
“Most assuredly. I hope you find the criminal quickly and will pray that no harm comes to Lord Tyr.”
What had Arlet told the swordswoman about the sword? The question ran repeatedly through Gavin’s mind as he walked, head bowed and shoulders hunched, through the rain. By the time he arrived at the Stronghammers’ home, his teeth chattered as loudly as his knuckles rapped on the door.
“Oh, Gavin, it is you,” Arlet squealed when she opened the door. “Thanks to Yrys.”
Gavin was prepared to stand on the stoop so as not to track water across her floor, but she took him by the hand and tugged on his arm.
“Come inside,” she told him. “I have much to tell you. Terrible thing happened.”
“So I heard.” Gavin stepped into the greatroom.
Arlet shut the door behind him. “You are so cold. Let me get blanket for you.”
“Don’t bother,” he said. “I just came to ask about Risan.”
“Miss Daia found you?”
“She found me.”
“Oh, praise Yrys,” Arlet said. She put a log on the fire and fanned it with the bellows. “I told her mayhap you would help find my husband. Miss Daia thinks someone kidnapped him. My poor, poor husband. She knew about gems, Gavin. Risan told his friends about how you rescued me in river and truth about gems slipped out. Was accident -- he would not tell them on purpose. But Miss Daia thinks Risan is one who solved runes, not you. I am sorry, Gavin. We promised we would not tell others about you and gems.”
“Did you tell her it was me?”
“No, I did not. Yrys forgive me – I let her think Risan solved runes. I think she would not try to find him if she knows he will not be king.”
Gavin did not think the swordswoman would abandon her search for Risan if she discovered the truth, but he understood Arlet’s reluctance to take the chance. “It’s all right,” he told her. “We’ll find Risan.”
A flood of tears gushed down her cheeks. “Oh, thank you so much. Thank you. I could not bear to lose him. He is only family I have now. You are good man, Gavin Kinshield.” She put her arms around his waist, seemingly unconcerned that he was wet to the skin, and hugged him tightly. “Such good man. You will tell Miss Daia about solving runes?” she asked when she stepped back.
Gavin took a deep breath. Good question. “I think I got to. What about the gems? Are they in the sword?”
“Yes. I am so sorry, Gavin. Your sword was stolen along with my husband.” Arlet wrung her hands. “I do not know what to do. You trusted to leave gems with us, and now they are gone.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll find Risan and the sword.” Gavin reached with a hesitant hand and patted her shoulder. “Arlet, Daia thinks it has some kind of enchantment.”
“It was suppose to be surprise,” Arlet said with a weak smile. “We went to Farthan mage for enchantment. Very powerful ancient Farthan magic.”
“What kind o’magic was it?”
“I am still learning about such things, but it will bind to you when you claim it. Very powerful. It has spell for strength in battle, sharpness and Warrior’s Wisdom. This is all I know. But Gavin,” Arlet said, her forehead wrinkling, “even I did not tell Miss Daia gems are yours, she maybe knows anyway.”
“Why do you say that?”
“She is vusar.”
“What?” Gavin asked.
“I think in common tongue it is con-dit? Con... con-do-it? That is like pipe, yes?”
Gavin shook his head in confusion. Conduit? What did she mean?
“She can make connect with you, but I am not so clever about such things. Farthan mystics meditate and study for whole lifetime in hoping they develop vusar ability. Miss Daia has it herself, naturally. Being vusar means she can funnel strength in others, but strong vusar can do more -- know what others know, even look past boundary of time to see what is on current path in future. She will be great advantage to you, Gavin.”
Gavin already guessed that much, but wondered what being a mystical conduit had to do with finding Risan. He gave a mental shrug and turned to go. “Try not to worry overmuch. You got a friend you can stay with ‘til we bring Risan back?”
“I will be fine here. Thank you so much, Gavin. We owe you everything. May Yrys bless your every breath and footstep.”
Chapter 25
Brawna paced the length of the garrison, mentally counting off the items she would need for her journey. She had three changes of clothes, an extra pair of boots, two daggers, her throwing axe and sword, some dried meat and fruit, a small sack of dried beans, two loaves of bread and a round of cheese.
She stuffed as much of her gear as she could into her knapsack, and what didn’t fit she bundled together and wrapped in one of her tunics, which she could strap onto her horse. The extra boots would be a problem.
Enamaria walked into the garrison, her boots thumping on the wooden floor. “Are you ready to leave?”
Brawna turned with a grin. “Yeh, I just need to get a couple of leather straps to tie this stuff to my saddle.”
Enamaria picked up the bundle of cloth. “What’s this?”
“Just some bread and cheese and extra clothes in case it rains or—”
“Leave it,” Enamaria said. She turned on her heel. “Grab your pack and let’s go. We don’t have the luxury of bringing our entire wardrobe. One extra tunic, your weapons and some dried food. We can hunt for whatever else we need to eat once we get there. Now come on. And take off your sash.”
Brawna untied her sash and tossed it onto her bed, then grabbed her knapsack and hurried to catch up to her companion. “Where are we going? You haven’t told me our mission yet.”
“Wait until we’re on the road and away from curious ears. Is your horse saddled?”
“Not yet—”
“Brawna, I told you to be ready to leave by the fifteenth hour. For someone going on her first mission, you’re poorly organized.”
Brawna swallowed. “I’m sorry. I was just trying to pack my things and—”
“Never mind. Just hurry up and get your horse. Meet me at the gatehouse. If you’re not there by the time I count to one hundred, I’m leaving without you.”
Brawna sprinted to the stable.
Her brown mare looked up when Brawna entered the stall. “How now, Tripsa. We’re going on our first adventure together.” She quickly readied her mare and then led the mare by the reins through the stable toward the gatehouse.
“Ninety-nine...” Enamaria said loudly.
Brawna quickened her step. “I’m ready.”
The two women mounted and walked their horses to the eastern city gate. Neither of them spoke until they were well past the edge of town. Riding west through rolling farmlands toward the mountains, Brawna could wait no longer. “Can you tell me now?” she asked.
Enamaria grinned. “We’re going to the Rune Cave.”
Brawna gasped. “The Rune Cave? Why?”
“We’re supposed to watch it. Watch the entrance. When we see who goes in there to solve the runes, we follow him, find out who he is and report back.”
“What if he doesn’t come? It could be weeks. Months.”
“We’re doing it in shifts. Galiveth and Vandra are there now. We’ll stay a week, and then someone else will come.”
Brawna chewed her bottom lip. “But why?”
Enamaria tossed her a smile. “Well, think about it. If we find out who our next king is going to be, we can ally with him now -- offer our protection and defend his right to rule once he claims the King’s Blood-stone. The Sisterhood will prosper and grow, and we’ll be heroines.”
Brawna smiled broadly. “Imagine what my brother would say to that.”
It was well past dusk by the time Brawna and Enamaria arrived at the entrance to the Rune Cave. An owl scolded them from its perch above, but the night was otherwise still and silent. Brawna blew on her hands to warm them, then put her palms across her face to warm her nose. She listened for signs of fellow Sisters nearby. “Are yo
u sure they’re here?”
Enamaria cupped her hands beside her mouth and mimicked the whistle of a blackbird. A moment later, the sound of another blackbird replied.
“Is that them?” Brawna asked.
Enamaria called once more with the birdsong. “Blackbirds don’t live in this part of the country,” she said.
A dark form appeared at the top of a hill to the south and waved an arm. “Here,” a woman’s voice called.
Enamaria turned her horse and started up the hill, and Brawna followed. When they neared, Brawna recognized the woman’s face from the compound, but didn’t know whether this was Vandra or Galiveth.
The campsite was closer than Brawna had expected, and overlooked the cave entrance. Hot coals smoldered within a circle of stones. A second Sister was squatting, warming her hands. She stood when Brawna and Enamaria dismounted.
“Right on time,” she said as she and Enamaria shook hands. The woman looked at Brawna. “Hail. I’m Vandra. That’s Galiveth.”
“I’m Brawna.”
“Brawna the Blade?”
Brawna grinned. “The same.”
“I thought you wore a green sash.”
“I do,” Brawna said.
Vandra looked at Enamaria, who shrugged. “There weren’t any other browns at the compound,” Enamaria said, “and all the blacks are either out on missions or they had students to teach.”
“Aminda would never have sent her,” Galiveth said.
The four of them fell into an awkward silence. Brawna knew that Galiveth’s comment was more about Lilalian’s governing style than Brawna’s lack of experience, but the implication hung in the air all the same.
“Well, I can’t wait to get back to Sohan,” Vandra said finally. “I need a bath in the worst way.”
Galiveth said, “The truth speaks for itself.”
They all laughed.
“Have you seen anyone since you got here?” Enamaria asked.
“Three visitors. First was a bard. That was our second day here.”
“How did you know it was a bard?” Brawna asked.
Vandra and Galiveth chuckled. “We heard his singing from two miles away,” Galiveth said.
“All was quiet until yesterday,” Vandra said. “Then a pair of scholars arrived. We were certain one of them would solve the fourth rune, but both gems were still in place when they left.”
“I heard the rune solver’s a battler,” Enamaria said.
“That’s just a rumor,” Vandra said. “Probably he’s a scholar.”
“Well, at least it wasn’t boring,” Brawna said.
“Three visitors in seven days?” Galiveth asked. “The rest of the time we did nothing but wait. Believe me, it’s boring. The most excitement we had was hunting for food.”
Brawna did not mind. Even if they saw no one else during their week here, she would be content. She was on a mission -- a very important mission.
Chapter 26
When Daia arrived at the inn, packed and ready for travel, Gavin was sitting on the bed, shirtless, lacing his boots. She leaned against the doorway of his room with her arms crossed. “I thought you would be ready to leave,” she said.
He replied with a grunt.
A wooden tag dangled from a leather thong around his neck and lay against his sculpted chest. Most warrant knights were heavily muscled, but this one bordered on unnatural. She found herself staring at his chest, shoulders and arms. His freakish size both revolted and intrigued her.
Scars disfigured not only his face, but his body as well, some faded nearly away, some the sort that would never fade. Each one told a story, and she hoped one day to hear some of them. He’d lived a hard life. She saw it in his eyes as much as in his scars. A life full of pain. Lots of pain.
She reached over and picked up his sword where it leaned against the wall in the corner. “I hope this isn’t your only weapon,” she said when she pulled it from the scabbard. Although the blade appeared well-cared for, tiny pits covered its surface. It should have been replaced long ago. Perhaps it had some sentimental value. “I can see why Risan would want to make you a new sword. How do you keep this blade sharp?”
He picked up his tunic and pulled it on. “It’s sharp enough.” After taking the weapon from her hands, he shoved it back into the scabbard and hung it on his back. He grabbed a leather pouch and gestured her to lead the way. “I’ve got to eat before we go.”
Daia sighed. “Of course you haven’t eaten yet.” She went outside and untied Calie’s reins from the hitching post.
“You found out where they went, then?” he asked, stepping into the sun.
“All I know is they’re headed north. We should start at the Lucky Inn. Where’s your horse? You do have a horse, don’t you?”
“Being dressed and saddled. He’ll be around shortly. How do you know this man’s the one we’re after?” He leaned against the wall while they waited for the stable hand to bring his horse. With his arms crossed, the fabric of his tunic stretched taut across his arms and shoulders, making them look even larger and more muscular.
Daia didn’t want to give him the impression she found him attractive, but found it difficult to look away. “I found the inn where he stayed. He left town right about the time Risan disappeared.”
Gavin shrugged. “Ever hear of coincidence?”
She gave him an impatient look. “Apparently there are some facts you fail to consider, Kinshield.”
“Then maybe you should tell me what they are, Saberheart.”
She pressed her lips together, trying not to smile. “Shall we trade information then? I’ll answer your questions and you answer mine.”
“Awright. What makes you think this man’s involved?”
“As I said, I saw him at the Lucky Inn the night I heard about Risan. He heard the same tale I did,” she replied. “Afterward, he got up and left.” At Gavin’s doubtful look, she added, “I saw his face, Kinshield. He had the look of a man with intent. My question: what’s special about the sword Risan made for you? Why would the Nilmarion take that one and no other?”
Just then, the stable hand came out leading a giant gray horse, saddled and dressed in leather armor. His every hoof-step probably made chandeliers tinkle as far away as Tern.
“How now, mule,” Gavin said, stroking the gray face.
“By Yrys, that has got to be the largest horse I’ve ever seen. You aren’t going to ride that thing, are you?”
“Yeh.” Gavin took the reins.
Suddenly the big gray reached toward Daia’s face. She jerked away, out of the animal’s reach, her arm shooting up reflexively to block its massive head.
“Golam,” Gavin said, grabbing the bridle.
“Watch it. If your horse bites me, he’ll be sorry.”
“Don’t worry. It’s not biting he wants to do,” Gavin said, grinning. “He’s fond o’the ladies. Likes to take their ears between his lips.”
Great. Even his horse was lecherous. She hoped Golam’s owner had sense enough to keep to himself, since the horse obviously did not. They started walking toward the market, leading their horses by the reins.
The cobblestone streets in the market district were wide but heavily populated with merchants crying their wares and townsfolk buying their day’s food and essential goods. Red-faced children in dirty clothes ran screaming and giggling through the crowd. Daia clutched her coin purse against her hip, afraid of losing it to a thief.
“What tale did you hear about Risan?” Gavin asked.
“Wait. You didn’t answer my question.”
“I did. You asked if I was going to ride Golam, and I said yes. What tale did you hear about Risan?”
“Kinshield, that did not count as my question. I asked you about the sword.”
“You asked three questions, so the choice o’which to answer’s mine. Ask again when it’s your turn,” he said with a grin.
“Filthy rotten cheater,” she muttered. “I heard that Risan’s the one solvin
g the King’s Runes. Now tell me about the damned sword.”
“It’s enchanted,” he said.
“Damn it, I know that, Kinshield. I’m the one who told y—” She stopped when she noticed his wicked grin, realizing that he was teasing her. Dolt. She lowered her voice back to normal volume. “What else is special about the sword?”
He hesitated, watching a passerby until the man was out of earshot. He leaned toward her to answer. “It has some gems embedded in the hilt,” he said, his voice so low as to be barely audible. “The thing’s worth a mountain of gold. What did you want with Risan?”
Gems embedded in the hilt? The blood drained from Daia’s face. Did Risan give the Rune Stones to Kinshield? No, he couldn’t have. That was ludicrous. But if they weren’t the Rune Stones, where would Kinshield have gotten them? With his bedraggled appearance, he did not seem wealthy enough to have purchased valuable gems, nor did he have the manner of someone who cared about such things. Had he received them as payment for helping someone? Found them? Was the origin of the gems in his sword the secret Arlet tried to protect? “Where did you get them?” she asked, not sure if she wanted to know the answer.
“Ah-ah! My question. What did you want with Risan?”
“I want to rescue him from his kidnapper.” Two could play his game. “Where did you get the gems?”
“That’s not what I asked. I asked what did you want with him. Meaning afore he was kidnapped.”
Daia sighed. “Only to offer my service in the name of the Sisterhood. To form a relationship with him and offer protection when he claims the King’s Blood-stone, and defend his right to rule.”
Gavin fell quiet. They stood in the market and looked around. Shops huddled along the street as patrons swarmed about. People became aware of Gavin as they passed, and gaped up at him. Daia understood why; he had a rare and powerful presence that commanded attention. He seemed not to notice their stares, or perhaps he was simply used to it.