by Callie Kanno
Idris had no chance to press the attack, as he found himself facing the androgynous Hunter once again. The Hunter’s injured leg seemed only a slight impairment as the spear whistled through the air in a downward slice. Idris was narrowly able to dodge out of danger’s path.
I think it is time for you to change your methods, Iona advised. At this rate, you will not be able to hold them both off much longer.
I am doing fine, Idris thought grimly.
Fine is not enough in a battle, Iona insisted.
Idris had to keep in motion to avoid being flanked by the two Hunters, who were trying to maneuver him into a disadvantaged position.
What do you expect me to do? Idris demanded. They are wearing talismans to void magic.
Iona considered the situation for a brief moment. Perhaps you can use magic as a distraction instead of an attack.
Idris liked the suggestion. He began to gather his energy in preparation for something flashy. He feinted with his partisan, trying to draw the Hunters into attacking prematurely, but neither of them fell for his ruse.
Then, without warning, both Hunters rushed forward. Idris took several steps backward, raising his weapon instinctually to a defensive position. His surprise caused him to lose his concentration, which resulted in an unintentional burst of fire shooting from the end of the partisan.
The flaming ball of energy rocketed to the ground between the two Hunters, exploding with shocking force. Superheated rocks and dirt shot in a barrage at the Hunters, filling the air with their cries of pain.
Idris stared at his enemies with wide eyes. Of course, he thought, reprimanding himself for not seeing it sooner. We can use indirect attacks.
Get moving, Iona snapped.
Idris spun his partisan in a vertical circle, sending a wall of fire between the two Hunters. He knew that the flames wouldn’t harm them, but he hoped that their natural instincts would still cause them to panic.
Idris dashed through the fire, protected by Iona’s magic, toward the androgynous Hunter. As he had hoped, the Hunter was cowering from the blaze and not watching for additional danger. Idris grasped his partisan just below its head, swinging the shaft of the polearm as hard as he could. With a loud crack, the weapon made contact with the side of the Hunter’s head, sending him/her sprawling to the ground.
The Hunter with the axe recovered more quickly than his partner. He marched purposefully through the wall of fire, relying on the talisman to protect him. As if encased in a bubble of protection, the flames extinguished before touching the Hunter. The squat man grinned without humor, swinging his weapon as he charged at Idris.
Idris pointed the end of his partisan, sending a ball of fire shooting at the ground near the Hunter’s feet. The earth exploded, sending the Hunter flying through the air. Idris caught the man while still in motion, slicing the Hunter crosswise with the blade of the partisan. Idris didn’t know if the wound was fatal, but it was certainly enough to end the fight.
Breathing heavily, Idris turned to see if he could help any of his friends. Several pairs of eyes were fixed on him, staring in shock at his effective use of magic against the Hunters. A slow smile passed over Captain Cowan’s face as he twirled his bo staff in his hands. Then, as if it had been coordinated, a flurry of lightning and fire rained down to surround each of the remaining Hunters.
***
Hildar reached the edge of the Hunters’ camp, keeping a close eye on the sentry circling the perimeter. The other two Hunters were sitting next to the remains of a fire, chatting idly about the state of their food supplies. Savion was nowhere to be seen, but Hildar could sense that he was near.
She moved into position behind the only tent, then waited for the sentry to pass by. She grabbed a fist-sized stone from the ground, listening intently to the sound of approaching steps. As soon as the Hunter moved into view, Hildar cracked him on top of the head with the rock. The man dropped to the grass with a thump, without so much as a change in his expression.
Hildar knew she only had a few minutes before the other two Hunters realized the sentry was missing. She slipped from behind the tent to where the horses were picketed, making soothing noises as quietly as she could. The mounts still shifted nervously at her rapid approach, which forced her to duck down and wait to see if the Hunters had been alerted to her presence.
Hildar could hear that their conversation had paused. They were aware that something had happened, even if they weren’t sure exactly what it was. Her chance to catch them by surprise was dwindling rapidly.
With a small sigh of displeasure, Hildar pulled out the two throwing knives she kept in her boot. She launched herself out from behind the horses, sprinting in the direction of the Hunters. She had not been training to throw knives for very long, so her aim wasn’t as accurate as she would’ve liked. The first blade grazed the nearest Hunter’s arm, while the second blade landed firmly in his shoulder.
Hildar had been trying to hit both Hunters, but her attack was enough to accomplish her purpose. The injured Hunter was distracted enough to offer little resistance as Hildar barreled past him to tackle his companion.
Using a series of quick blows with her fists, Hildar sent the youth—merely a boy, really—sprawling to the ground. A powerful downward kick was aimed at his stomach, then she finished him off with the sweep of her boot across his face. He laid where he had fallen, unmoving.
By this time, the wounded Hunter had recovered sufficiently. He pulled the knife from his shoulder, turning it back on Hildar. The young woman eyed her opponent warily, wondering how she was going to manage without a weapon of her own.
Call me to you, Savion whispered in her mind.
Hildar gritted her teeth, doing her best to ignore the dagger’s pull. The distraction was just enough to slow her defense as the Hunter lunged forward with the knife. The blade slashed into her side, sending shocks of pain through her body.
Hildar tried to spin out of the way, but the damage was already done. She grabbed at the wound, trying to feel how deeply it had been cut, but she was unable to give it her attention. The Hunter was pivoting on his feet, using the knife to come at her again.
Hildar grabbed the Hunter’s arm, stepping to the side and using his momentum to bring him forcibly against her raised knee. The man grunted painfully as he tumbled to the ground. Hildar aimed a punch at his head, but the Hunter rolled out of her reach.
He brought himself to his knees, brandishing the knife as Hildar pressed the attack. Using the dancing skills that had been forced on her as a youth, Hildar darted to the side then used a sweeping kick to knock the blade from the Hunter’s hand. Then, with a graceful spin, she roundhouse kicked him in the face, knocking him out.
Savion’s disappointment was a bitter tang that seeped through her mind. That took twice the effort than it should have, and you were injured in the process. Why do you not allow me to help you?
Hildar suddenly felt as though she might vomit. She swallowed back the bile with some difficulty. “Where are you?” she asked aloud.
Buried in the fire, was the dagger’s petulant answer.
Hildar grabbed a stick of firewood, using it to push aside the embers in the pit. The dagger gleamed at the bottom, hardly appearing sullied by the ashes. Without considering her actions, Hildar reached down and grabbed the dagger by the hilt. In spite of its location, the weapon was cool to the touch, as she had somehow known it would be.
Well, we are reunited, Savion said in a spiteful tone. What do you propose we do now?
“Now,” Hildar answered with words that felt heavy in her mouth, “we find a way to cleanse your taint.”
***
Idris walked wearily through the forest, back toward where Lenora had been left with the horses. He had volunteered for the task, but now he was wishing that he had taken the opportunity to rest and recover with the others.
You know you would not have been easy without knowing that Lenora was safe, Iona reminded him, sounding kinder than usual
.
“True,” he murmured in response.
He knew that he was getting close, but he wasn’t exactly sure where the rune circle was positioned. He was about to call out, but Lenora’s sudden appearance made it unnecessary. She burst into view, running to throw herself into Idris’s arms.
“You came back,” she gasped, sounding emotional.
Idris reflexively returned her embrace, but his jaw dropped at her disregard for her usual propriety. “Did something happen while we were gone?” he stammered.
Lenora shook her head, her face buried against his neck. “No,” she admitted, “but I thought I would never see any of you again. Your goodbye seemed so…final.”
The shock Idris had experienced began to fade, replaced by the warmth of affection. He held her closer. “We would not just leave you to fend for yourself, you know.”
“You would not have had a choice if you were dead,” Lenora retorted.
A grin spread across Idris’s face. “Fair enough.”
Lenora pulled back, taking his face between her slender hands. “Promise me you will not leave me like that again.”
Idris wasn’t sure how to respond, but the princess didn’t appear to expect an answer. She pulled him to her, pressing her lips against his. A shock of warmth jolted through his body, making his thoughts fuzzy.
Idris had never been so surprised in all of his life. He was unable to recover his facial expression by the time Lenora stepped back away from him. She laughed merrily when she looked at him. “Come on,” she said, not acting demure in the slightest. “Help me gather the horses.”
Chapter Thirty-Three: Bunarat
It took six days for the group to travel to the capital of Roshum, but the time flew by for Idris. Lenora had returned to her usual proper behavior, treating Idris as no more than a friend. However, there were times when the two of them shared glances that sent Idris’s heart skipping. His head felt light, and there were times he couldn’t stop himself from smiling.
Why not simply announce what happened to the entire group? Iona had teased him the day after Lenora had kissed him. Your face all but tells the story anyway.
After that he had made a greater effort to act casual, but he still noticed occasional amused looks from Aherin. Thankfully, Idris was not asked anything directly. He wasn’t certain he’d be able to prevent himself from blushing.
Bunarat was an enormous city. Idris could see its sprawling outline before he realized what he was seeing. The city was more than twice the size of Marath, which was exciting to Idris as they approached. He had never before seen a city so large, and he couldn’t wait to tell his family about it.
All of the main roads that led into Bunarat were walled in, which forced travelers to walk to the center of the city before going on to their destination. The result was that the layout of the Bunarat was like a wagon wheel, with King Lot’s palace in the middle.
“What a strange way to build roads,” Idris commented to Lenora.
“It was done as a courtesy to travelers,” Lenora told him, pointing meaningfully over the road wall.
If Idris had been walking, he wouldn’t have been able to see what was on the other side of the wall. But while riding horseback, he was just tall enough to see over when he stretched his neck.
The outer ring of buildings that surrounded Bunarat appeared to be slums. The houses were only half-built, leaning up against each other. Filthy children picked through heaps of garbage, while equally filthy adults sorted what was found. The smell of the area was strong enough that even the road walls couldn’t hold it back. Idris covered his nose and mouth with his hand.
“They built walls around the roads so people would not have to look at the poverty in the city?” Idris asked, incredulous.
Lenora nodded. She didn’t say anything, but her flashing eyes and narrowed lips spoke volumes of her disapproval.
Idris was ready to voice his own outrage, but he was interrupted by the approach of a small group of well-dressed men and women. The woman in the lead spoke, bowing low. “Bunarat is most honored to welcome Princess Lenora of Breen, granddaughter of the illustrious King Hernan, Roshum’s most valued friend.”
Lenora nodded graciously in return. “I am grateful to be received with so much courtesy, given the sudden nature of my arrival. King Lot is truly the soul of kindness.”
The woman bowed a second time. “Your arrival, while not long planned, has been much anticipated by the royal court of King Lot. It is the dearest desire of the king to welcome you with a formal reception tomorrow evening. However, that is only if your highness is feeling well enough rested. The comfort of your highness is of paramount concern to King Lot.”
“I would be honored to attend the reception,” Lenora answered. “My travels have not been taxing, and I am looking forward to conveying my personal thanks to the king and queen.”
The woman bowed a third time. “We have taken the liberty of bringing the Breenite ambassador with us to welcome you,” she gestured to a short man standing to the side of the group. “King Lot would have been deeply gratified to offer your highness accommodations during your stay, but the honorable ambassador suggested you would be more comfortable in separate housing.”
“King Lot is truly generous,” Lenora said delicately, “but I believe my mother has been in contact with the ambassador to make arrangements.”
The woman bowed a fourth time. “It is, of course, as you wish, your highness. We again extend our most sincere welcome on behalf of King Lot.”
That seemed to be the cue for the Breenite ambassador to take over. He was a round man with thinning hair, but his face was lively. He took his turn bowing to Lenora, which she acknowledged with a nod.
“Welcome to Bunarat, your highness,” the ambassador smiled. “If you would be so kind as to follow me, I shall lead you to the manor where you will be staying.”
The entire procession continued along the walled road, as there was no other option at the moment. The Breenite ambassador walked at the front of the group, while King Lot’s representatives walked in the back. Idris wasn’t certain if it would be considered proper for him to ride next to Lenora, since he was posing as her personal guard. He looked to Captain Cowan for guidance.
Cowan gave his head a small jerk, indicating that Idris should fall back with Hildar and Aherin. Then the captain moved his own horse forward to ride just a fraction behind the princess. It was completely natural for the captain to be the one closest to Lenora, but Idris couldn’t suppress the twinge of regret that passed over his mind.
He suddenly became very aware of what their arrival in Bunarat meant for their little group. Lenora intended to stay as a guest of the king for a few weeks before returning to Breen. She would not be remaining in their group as they continued onward to reforge Hildar’s dagger. Idris’s heart dropped down to his stomach. It would soon be time for him to say goodbye.
You knew that this would be happening, Iona reminded him, not unkindly.
I know, Idris responded somewhat defensively. I just did not realize how little time was left.
Iona’s voice was surprisingly sympathetic. Yes, we never have as much time as we would hope.
Idris stared moodily over the walls surrounding the road, watching the slow progression of the city from slums to shops. The buildings became nicer as they approached the center of Bunarat, but everything still seemed dirty and worn. Marath was neat and well cared for by those who lived there. That is what Idris had expected to see in the capital of Roshum.
It wasn’t until the shops gave way to a residential area that Idris began to see a change. Here the houses were replaced by opulent manors, in Idris’s view, which is when Bunarat began to shine. It was as if only the wealthy cared about the appearance of their property.
The walls along the road came to an end once King Lot’s palace was in sight. Its golden domes glittered in the fading light of day, looking dazzling among the native trees that populated the palace’s grounds. I
dris would have loved to take a closer look, but the Breenite ambassador turned off the main road and kept walking.
He led them along a smaller road that wound through the heart of the rich manors surrounding the palace. Eventually, they came to a house made of sparkling white stone with black roof tiles and a manicured garden. A trio of musicians was seated on a stone bench beneath a tree, plucking at stringed instruments for the enjoyment of those in the vicinity. Idris didn’t see anyone listening at the moment, but the musicians carried on regardless.
A groom appeared, as if out of nowhere, to hold Lenora’s horse while she dismounted. The other’s followed her lead, allowing the man to take the horses away. The ambassador waved them toward the house with a smile on his face. “This way, if you please.”
The interior of the house was also white stone, which made their steps echo. The ceilings were intricately carved with forest scenes, featuring a wide variety of animals. A servant was in the process of lighting the lamps along the walls, while others were setting up the dining room.
“I assume you would like your…guests…to be in rooms near your own, your highness?” the ambassador asked.
Idris noted the man’s shrewd glance and knew that their pretense of being Lenora’s guards had not fooled him. The ambassador knew that something else was going on, but he didn’t require any details.
“Yes, thank you,” Lenora said simply.
They were taken upstairs to a series of elaborate rooms. Lenora was given the one at the end of the hall, which was clearly reserved for the most important visitors. Hildar was put in the room to the right of the princess’s, while Cowan was put in the room to the left. Kurag and Aherin were given the next pair of rooms, and Idris was placed nearest to the stairs.
Idris stood in the doorway of his room, staring at the luxury before him. The floor was carpeted with beautifully woven rugs, jeweled lanterns illuminated the delicate pieces of art scattered throughout the room, and the large canopied bed was filled with down pillows and fur blankets.