Deragan Sword Prophecy: Book 01 - Kainan

by Rosemary Lynch

  “What about Lothar?” Kainan looked at her.

  “What about him.” She shook her head.

  “No nothing.”

  “Tell me, what you were going to say.”

  “Well people do say he dabbles in black magic. What if it was true, maybe there are more people on this world capable of magic than we give credit too.”

  “What people hiding it you mean?” Arweyn nodded.

  “Why would people hide such a thing?”

  “Well in times long ago it is said that people who had the ability to perform magic were….” she hesitated and lowered her voice. “Burned alive.” Kainan sat up startled.

  “That is disgusting, why would anyone burn people just because they could do magic, where did you hear such a thing?” Arweyn thought for a moment.

  “You know I cannot remember, but I know I have definitely heard that somewhere. Probably a history lesson when I was younger.”

  A grey haired old woman, who was rather stout, suddenly appeared with a large tray, plonking it down on the table with a thud. She took off a jug of wine and some bread and butter and placed them on the table in front of them, followed by two bowls of steaming soup and two goblets.

  “Thank you,” Arweyn said gratefully, smiling up at her. Leaning over the bowl she inhaled deeply, “Mmm, this smells good,” she said, happy to finally have something to eat.

  “You’re welcome me love, now if you need anything else just let me know,” she replied, turning around and waddling her way back to her kitchen.

  Kainan nodded his gratitude to her as she left. Looking across the table at Arweyn, he could see now that she was absolutely shattered. What hell he had dragged her through today. He had nearly lost her. The thought of losing her suddenly made him feel incredibly sick. As he stared at her, he knew he needed to do something.

  “I will be back in a moment, stay here.” Jumping up from his seat he followed behind the old woman and into the kitchen.

  Arweyn watched as he disappeared through the double doors, wondering what he was up to. The two men who sat at the bar, both simultaneously turned around and stared at her, she half smiled at them nervously, pulling at her cloak to cover herself. Turning her attention to the jug of wine in front of her, she poured herself a drink as she waited. A short while later he returned.

  “Where have you been?” she asked, as he sat down across the table from her. Pouring him a drink from the jug of wine she offered it to him, Kainan took it gratefully and knocked it back in one; at the same time stretching his feet out towards the warmth of the fire.

  “Thanks, I really needed that,” he replied, with a satisfied gasp wiping his hand across his mouth. He then tore a chunk of bread from the loaf that was on the table in front of him and dunked it into the soup before stuffing it into his mouth hungrily.

  “I was asking the old woman if she had seen any of the others,” he said, wiping the crumbs away from his mouth and swallowing the bread he had just been chewing.

  “And?”

  “No, nothing,” he shook his head. He knew they should never have split up, but in all the panic everyone had just run for their lives.

  “What are we going to do now?” Arweyn asked, taking some bread. She pulled off a chunk and spread on some butter then dunked it into the hot soup. She licked her lips, her tongue lingering for a second savouring the flavour.

  “Oh that tastes so good,” she purred happily, she had not realised she was so hungry. His eyes widened as he watched her lick her fingers one by one, she was tantalising. She looked up at him.

  “Nothing tonight, it’s too late to travel and I am not risking it out there with you. I asked the old woman if we could have a room for the night.”

  His deep, dark eyes held hers for a moment. “I had to tell her we were joined,” he said softly raising an eyebrow as she removed her last finger slowly from her mouth. “Otherwise she would not have given us the room. I hope you do not mind?”

  She looked at him apprehensively. “No, that’s okay,” she replied, dunking another piece of bread into the soup. She looked at him, her breasts rising and falling sharply at the thought of spending the night in the same room with him, alone. She placed the bread into her mouth and blinked. She was trying so hard not to flirt, not to make it obvious how she felt about him.

  “She has given us a room up in the loft.”

  Arweyn smiled and nodded. She pulled the top up on what was left of her under-dress trying to cover herself, she was a mess.

  “I thought you would probably want some clean clothes.” He looked at her as she fidgeted with her dress, and then glanced over towards the kitchen.

  “The old woman said she has a gown you could have.” Arweyn stared back at him. He put his hands on the table and leaned forward.

  “If that’s okay?” he added looking at the surprise on her face.

  “Oh yes that would be great, thank you,” she smiled at him, surprised that he had taken the care and the time to find her some clothes. “These have just about had it I think.” She looked down at her dress. Despite her tugging to pull it up, her breasts were all but bursting out of the broken corset ties. She breathed deeply; she could feel his eyes looking at her and her body trembled inside.

  “Phew, is it me or is it getting hot in here?” Kainan remarked as he felt a hot flush warm his face as stared at her. He leaned back, taking his hands off the table. There was no denying how he felt, how his heart warmed at the mere sight of her. Now he was having real trouble hiding how he felt from her. Pulling up his sleeves he grabbed his goblet of wine, refilling it and taking a drink, desperately trying to distract himself.

  “If you like you can go up first and get ready. I will wait here a while.” He looked away from her. “Give you time to change. Take the bed Arweyn. I will sleep on the floor.”

  “Oh, okay if you are sure.” She pulled her cloak around herself and smiled. “Kainan, do you think we shall find the others tomorrow?”

  “I hope so,” he said with a sigh, turning back and looking at her, before picking up some more bread and munching through it hungrily. “Maybe they will find their way here; you said Pernash had told you about this place. More wine?” He lifted up the jug.

  “Mmm please,” Arweyn murmured and held her goblet for him to fill. She could feel her head beginning to spin, the wine was truly strong. His hand brushed hers and she shivered at the electrical tingle that shot up her arm.

  “Thank you,” she whispered softly as he finished. She brought the goblet to her lips and drank the wine slowly.

  Kainan stared intensely, he knew he was doing it but could not stop himself. Even in her dishevelled state she was still so beautiful. He was beginning to wonder if it had been such a good idea to have arranged for them to share a room. His thoughts were broken as she spoke.

  “Do you think we have got ahead of the Gorzars now?”

  The young Prince took a breath and shrugged his shoulders. His mind paused as he thought, and his head turned towards the door, he had felt something bad before they had come in. Something he was almost certain had been watching them.

  “Kainan?” she questioned, tilting her head. He turned back to her and smiled.

  “I hope so honey. The Keepers Cottage is probably only a day’s hike from here. So we shall find out tomorrow. I am more puzzling as to that Nera creature and if it was all planned at Sandstar by the Gorzars. How did they know we would be going that way?”

  Arweyn rubbed her tired eyes. “Maybe they have someone watching us.” Kainan’s eyes widened at her.

  “Maybe; but why not just attack us, and why didn’t she just kill me when she had the chance?” He thought reluctantly of the only other explanation, maybe he had a traitor amongst his men. His thoughts immediately went to Tolwein.

  “She tried to poison me you know,” she said suddenly. Kainan’s mouth dropped open.

  “What do you mean, poison you?”

  “Back at the tree, she tried to poison me with
something that paralysed me. Luckily I carry an anti-poison and had just about enough time to administer it to myself.” His face looked fraught and he sighed shaking his head.

  “Honey I’m so sorry. If I had been stronger, more alert....” She reached out and touched his hand, shaking her head.

  “Kainan you didn’t stand a chance, she was powerful. It’s done now. Thankfully we both survived.” Kainan scratched his head in thought; she was right, it was no use dwelling on the what ifs.

  “Well there is not much we can do tonight except get some rest.” She nodded agreeing with him, before yawning. “I think I will go up now then, if that is okay? I am really tired, and I may have drunk a little too much wine.” She held her hand to her head as the dizziness began to make the room spin.

  Kainan stood up.

  “Okay, I will wait a while before I come up.” She smiled at him, nodding, as she rose from the table. Grabbing her bag she walked over towards the old woman who was standing behind the bar, drying some glasses. Kainan watched as the two men at the bar turned, staring at her as she walked by. Kainan placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, warningly. The men quickly turned their gaze back towards their tankards, they weren’t looking for trouble.

  “Ah, one moment my dear,” she cackled as she bent down behind the counter. “There you go the finest nightgown for such a beautiful lady.” She handed Arweyn a white homespun gown.

  “Thank you kindly,” she replied giving her a grateful nod, and running her hands across the cloth. It felt crisp and smelled freshly laundered. The old woman showed her to the back of the room and pointed to a ladder.

  “Up there?” Arweyn asked, the old lady nodded smiling, and then turned around and went back to her duties.

  She made her way up the ladder, lifted the hatch and climbed up into the loft room. It was only small; probably half of the size she had at home, but it was nice to be under a solid roof for the night. There was a small window with wooden shutters and a table with a broken mirror beside it. Placing the gown onto the rather large bed she then pulled back the blanket and the sheets, and they too were crisp and clean.

  The old woman had left two bowls and two jugs of water for washing with on the table and two towels to the side. Arweyn sighed, what a day! She was exhausted. Never could she have believed so much could happen in such a short time. She slipped off what was left of her clothes. Folding her torn dress she placed it, alongside her mother’s cloak on the floor by the side of the bed. She poured one of the jugs of water into one of the bowls. The water was extremely cold. Looking in the mirror she gasped at her reflection. What a mess! Half her face was blackened where Kainan had rubbed his cheek against hers and her hair looked like matted straw! She placed her hand on her cheek and laughed to herself. Just having his hands touch her when he was tickling her sent such desires through her. She washed herself and dampened down her crazy hair, tying it into a plait. Drying herself she walked towards the bed, picking up the gown she slipped it on. It was very basic, long with an embroidered front, cut low, ribbon ties holding the front together, and thin straps fastened over her shoulders which held the night-dress on. It did feel good to be clean.

  She slipped into bed. The mattress rustled beneath her as she made herself comfortable; it was filled with straw and sounded like corn rustling in the wind. She shivered, it was a cold night. She fluffed up the pillows and sank her head into them, pulling the covers right up to her neck. Then she wondered how long it would be before Kainan would come up.

  When she heard him climb up the ladder she pretended to be asleep, yet her ears were listening to every sound he made. He slid the bolt across the hatch. He did not approach the bed, instead she heard him walk to the window. He stood quiet for a moment, and then closed the shutters. There was a gentle clonk as he removed his belt and sword and threw them to the ground, then she heard the gentle glug of water being poured into the bowl.

  As he climbed into the room Kainan was pleased to see the wash bowl, he was filthy, blackened. Closing the hatch he pulled the bolt securely across the top. He walked over to the window and for a few moments he just stared out. The night sky was a sparkling canopy of stars, he looked over to her and smiled, but even they were nowhere near as beautiful as her. He closed the shutters, shutting out the cold night air, and then removed his sword and wide leather belt. Grabbing his hunting knife he walked over to the table and laid his knife down. Kainan sighed as he looked into the broken mirror hanging on the wall in front of him. He looked a mess; two days’ growth, and his face blackened from the burning dragonere. Slipping off his shirt he poured the water from the jug into the bowl. Throwing the cold water on his face he shivered. Then grabbing the bar of soap he lathered it up and rubbed it all over his face, scrubbing at the black tar. Rinsing it off, he screwed his nose up at the blackness of the water in the bowl. He re-lathered, then picking up his knife he began to shave. He may not have time in the morning, especially if they had to leave in a hurry.

  He glanced over at her; she looked so peaceful lying there asleep. The poor girl must have been shattered, he knew he was. He finished washing, cleaned his knife and walked over to a chair, he shivered again, it really was cold. He undid his boots, kicking them off, took off his socks and slipped of his trouser, leaving his under-shorts on. Picking up his cloak he wrapped it around himself and went and sat down in the chair. He checked his sword was to hand. Placing his knife down the side of the chair stretched his legs and wiggled his toes. Giving a big yawn he closed his eyes, fidgeting to get comfortable. He thought of Arweyn and how he wished he could be lying next to her, keeping her warm.

  She lay still in the bed, so very cold. Turning over she saw him in the chair, he was fidgeting, he looking really uncomfortable. She sat up, calling over to him.

  “Kainan,” she whispered, almost not wanting him to hear, but he was not yet fully asleep and jumped up grabbing his knife and sword.

  “Arweyn what is wrong?” he asked concerned, walking over to her.

  “Nothing, it’s just silly you sleeping in that chair.” She looked at him, her eyes widened as he drew nearer to her and she realised he was only wearing his under-shorts. She tried not to stare at his strong muscles that rippled across his chest, or at his athletic legs and his firm body. She hesitated as she spoke. “It…. it is such a big bed I am sure we could share it. Besides I am cold and is it not better to have the heat from two bodies than one?” She added remembering what he had told her in the cavern on the first day they had met.

  Kainan grinned.

  “I didn’t mean.” Arweyn blushed and looked away.

  “It’s okay, I give you my word I will behave myself.” He winked at her. “And you are right of course, two bodies are always better than one.” His eyes sparkled at her.

  “Well fine, then you may come in.” She pulled back the covers and watched as he sat down on the edge of the bed. He placed his sword beside him, and his dagger under the pillow. She felt her heart pounding as she looked at his back; she wanted to touch him, to run her hands across his firm body. Taking a sharp breath she looked away as he slipped into the bed, causing the mattress to rustle beneath her.

  “Goodnight Arweyn,” he whispered turning to her. She looked back at him; slowly he leaned forward and kissed her brow. “Sleep well,” he added moving her hair out of her eyes.

  Arweyn’s chest heaved as she took a deep breath. “Goodnight Kainan,” she whispered as she lay down turning her back on him. She didn’t dare to look at him anymore, not after that kiss. Maybe he could behave but she was not sure she could trust herself with him being so close. She longed for him just to grab her, to take hold of her and kiss her. She lay for a few moments, feeling the heat from his body gently warming her, she closed her eyes. Finally she felt safe, and with the sheer exhaustion of the day she fell into a deep sleep.

  The young Prince lay awake for a while. He turned onto his side to face her, this was the second time he had lain down beside her, alone and his he
art pounded. What this woman did to him was beyond just passion, it was like their souls were entwining with every day they were together. The straw rustled as she moved, he could feel the warmth of her against his body, how much longer he would be able to resist her he didn’t know. It took all his strength to hold back from taking hold of her, kissing her, loving her. He closed his eyes. For now it would just have to be enough to be this close to her. He too was exhausted and soon fell into a deep sleep.

  “Good morning sleepy,” Kainan whispered in her ear. Arweyn yawned as she opened her eyes; he was sitting on the side of the bed smiling at her. He was already up and dressed and by the mug he was holding in his hand had obviously been downstairs.

  “Morning,” she replied, smiling back at him.

  “Here hot tea, courtesy of the landlady.” She sat up in the bed and he handed her a steaming mug

  “Thank you.” she said gratefully. He gently moved her hair from her eyes.

  “Drink that and get yourself dressed, when you are ready come downstairs I have something to show you.”

  “Show me, what is it?”

  Kainan stood up. “You will see,” he replied mysteriously and giving her a wink. He walked towards the ladder. “I will see you in a while.”

  She nodded and took a sip of the tea, it was lovely and hot. Shivering, she reluctantly got out of the bed, it was still so cold. Holding the mug, warming her hands, she walked towards the dressing area, and there hung over the chair was a dress. Arweyn looked around, was that for her? Where had he got her a dress from? She put the mug down on the table and picked the dress up. It was basic but pretty, blue with a simple black ribbon corset fastening. She placed it against her body and looked into the broken mirror; it looked like it would fit. Slipping off the nightgown she picked up her under dress looking at it. It really was not in a very good state, but it was cold outside. She slipped it on and managed to make do tying it on. Picking up the dress Kainan had given she put it on over the top, and surprisingly it was a good fit.