Warrior

by Joanne Wadsworth

  “I think if he could get any water this far from the river, he would have done so.” Maslin’s water skill was a rare one. I had studied what he did, but his ability didn’t run at full strength since he hadn’t been born of the mated bond, not as I now knew Faith had. I wish I was skilled, but not all were. At times, brothers and sisters born to the same parents differed. One might have multiple skills and the other some, or even none at all.

  Plopping my hat on my head, I bent at the creek’s dry edge. Deep cracks sucked at the remaining water.

  My horse snickered, pushing his muzzle into my back and tipping me onto my knees. “I know, boy. I’ll get you some water.” I pulled him back and removed the water flask from my saddlebags. Setting my palm under his muzzle, I poured out a handful.

  A whinny of pleasure, and he lapped at the clear drinking water.

  “What about barrels of water, Goldie? We could get some of our warriors to set them under the trees at each hole. That might work.”

  She flapped her Stetson in front of her face. “Maybe. We could at least try.”

  I put the flask away. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

  “Uh-huh.” Holding out a handful, she gave her horse water.

  Taking a deep breath, I came around to stand before her. “I met the protector.”

  “What? Why didn’t you say?”

  “I just did, but you’re going to hate this.” Best to get straight to it. “Silas Carver is my mate.”

  Plugging a finger in her ear, Goldie twisted it. “Ah, I must have heard you wrong. I thought you just said the protector was your mate.”

  “I did.” I rolled my shoulders and a bead of sweat slithered down the center of my back. “He’s also Davio Loveria’s cousin, and as Dad said, he knows Faith.”

  “So, I’m not hearing things? Why did Alexo not tell us this?”

  I blew out a breath. “I imagine you would have been on hand to kill him first, and ask questions later.”

  “He’s a protector. Of course, I’d kill him. Alexo needn’t have been so vague.”

  I rubbed my forehead. “Silas said Faith’s ability to mind-merge means her life is tied to Loveria’s. They’d just discovered her skill is a deadly one if she’s kept from his cousin for more than three days. He told me she only survived the ordeal by mere minutes upon her return to Loveria from Dralion. Without the mind-merge, her body shut down. Her lungs filled with blood and she almost bled to death before his eyes. I’ve never heard of such a deathly skill.”

  Pacing, Goldie rubbed her chin with her thumb. “This puts a new spin on things. Did the protector speak of anything else?”

  “He knew no more.”

  She stopped in front of me. “Perhaps this information is all you’ll need from him.”

  “I hope so, because he insisted we end things, but I’ve struck a deal with him first. He wants me to release him from the bond and I said I would, provided he returns Tawson Rivera to us.”

  “Oh.” Her gaze lit. “Will it be done?”

  “He speaks to Carlisio. It’ll be one man’s release for another’s.”

  She took her horse’s leads. “Perfect. Let’s hope you have all the information you need to seek what you must.” She hoisted herself into her saddle. “Let’s head to the river. We’ll speak to Maslin about the barrels.”

  I mounted and we rode, our conversation of Silas not set from my mind.

  He was my mated one, the man soul-bound to me, and he’d told me to find another, that it’d be his pleasure to see me do so. My heartbeat thumped, heavy and hard. Once I gave him my acceptance, our lives would forever change. No more would he be mine.

  What was I thinking? Huh, stupid bond.

  Even though we could walk away from each other–it was rarely done–my soul would still call to his because the bond couldn’t be broken. Still, that’s what we’d chosen. What I’d live with.

  I turned my mind from Silas, focusing on the land as we neared the river. Glorious fields of green, the mighty river rippling in between it all, pulsed with life. Ducks and birds took flight along the waterway, sweeping low into the rushes either side with a cacophony. Thousands of head of cattle grazed into the distance.

  My heart lifted at the sight, giving me a sense of freedom from my desolate thoughts.

  We strived to provide for our people back home when they could not. And for Saunder to have his father back meant I could live with any decision I now made.

  Goldie pointed north. “Maslin’s coming.” She lifted her Stetson and waved it. “Why don’t you talk to him of your idea for the water barrels? I’ll check out the river levels and take a depth recording.”

  “Sure.” Pressing my knees into the horse, I rode toward him.

  Maslin galloped on his horse with a freedom born of his love of this land, and it was impossible not to grin at his enjoyment. Riding free across plains untouched by civilization was sheer magic. Dralion was of a similar landscape. No high-rises or cities of concrete there. Our people simply didn’t harbor technology as those on Earth did. Instead, we adhered to the older ways, where everyone in the village raised our children. Our people didn’t physically age past our eighteenth year and we lived easily to one-hundred and twenty. Our lives were simpler, yet fuller and enjoyed with more youthfulness.

  Sitting in his saddle, Maslin lifted his stone-colored hat and whooped it up, his bold copper hair blowing in the breeze as he rode in beside me. Breathing fast, he pointed out the new area he’d flooded. “That field will be sprouting strong in two weeks. It will be a beautiful sight. The waterway system is cranking all the way north of here too. The cattle are in heaven.” He slapped his well-worn blue jeans.

  I beamed. “It’s wonderful.”

  The systems were in place to flood the lower fields, but Maslin used his skill to send precious water further inland than what was physically possible. Because of him we’d managed to keep at least eighty percent of the cattle on the station.

  “I should tell you the watering holes are low.” I sat higher in my saddle. “Goldie and I spoke about some of the warriors ’porting in water barrels. Perhaps we could talk more about that strategy tonight at dinner. Will you come?”

  He stared, the freckles on his nose prominent. Then he smiled. “I’ll be there. I’d like to talk to you too.”

  “Sure.”

  He cleared his throat and continued, “I saw Lieska this morning in her search for Guy. I heard about your mother, Kate Sol, and your sister, Faith, as well as the protector foretold to come. That’s not an easy task Alexo’s set you, so if you need help or to talk, come to me.”

  “I will.” Maslin was loyal to Goldie and me. Working together on this station had cemented our bonds. “In that case...”

  My stomach tightened into a tight knot, my thoughts returning to Silas. “I met my mate. He’s the protector.”

  His eyes widened. “Shoot. Keep going.”

  “He spoke of what he knew then he released me from our bond, only before I can accept I made a deal. I’ll let him go, provided he returns Saunder’s father.”

  “Whoa, I don’t know what to say, but you can’t be mated to one of them. Donaldo will never allow it.”

  The wind lifted, blowing blades of green grass in a rippling wave. It was beauty in its purest form, calming my mind a little.

  “Think of the positives.” He wore a small smile. “Imagine Saunder having his father back. That’s a sight I long to see.”

  His words made me smile. “Me too, and I will focus my energy on the job Alexo’s left me. My sister has the ability of mind-merge and Silas told me what he knows. I have to piece together what I can of my mother’s Sol line.”

  “Sol is a common name. That will not be easy.” He glanced toward the river and with two fingers between his lips, sent out a hearty whistle to Goldie. “I’ve measured there, Goldie.”

  Stepping away from the bank, she acknowledged his words with a wave. Back on her horse, she let loose, riding alon
g the bank’s edge. Ducks hidden within the reeds cackled and took flight, their wings brushing the glistening surface as they swept across the river to the other side.

  Her horse’s hooves pounded over the earth as she rode in. “I love this spot.” Her eyes shimmered brightly. “I took the secondary recording down further.”

  “Great. That was the one I missed.” Maslin prodded the horse with his heels and turned his mount. “Back to the homestead.”

  With a nudge to my horse’s flanks, I followed them, my thoughts on Silas. Always on him. When would he return with Carlisio’s decision? Would he bring our warrior with him?

  I picked up speed as Goldie and Maslin edged further ahead.

  Why couldn’t I get Silas off my mind?

  I had to think of someone or something else.

  Maslin. He loved this land as I did. He would be a far better match for me than Silas.

  I’d known Maslin for two years. He was dependable and strong. He was a warrior and my friend.

  We would suit, and Silas had told me to find another.

  I pressed a hand over my heart. That thought hurt.

  The soul-bond was revered. Silas had dismissed me so quickly. Such a jerk.

  Gripping the reins, I urged the horse to a faster speed.

  By the time evening came and I’d showered, my thoughts were still jumbled about in a tangled heap.

  Leaning in, I wiped steam from the mirror in my white tiled bathroom as I held the bath-towel I’d wrapped around me in place. My blond hair was a mess, and my skin overly pink from the bright sunshine. I picked up a brush and worked it through the knots then dried the long strands and set a clip at each side, silver with a small amethyst stone to match my Wincrest violet eyes.

  And being mated sucked. Or at least, being cast aside did.

  “Hope.”

  I froze. Silas.

  “Coming.” I tripped over my towel as I grabbed the doorknob and yanked.

  I stared at him. Gawked really. Oh wow. He looked deliciously edible in tailored black pants and a pressed white shirt, his sword belted low on his hips. His damp hair lay in tight curls and I itched to run my fingers through it. Bad thought.

  Tugging the collar of his shirt, he stretched his shoulders. “How about we talk after you’ve dressed? I can wait. Take as long as you need. Lots of fabric. Cover yourself up.”

  Too cute.

  “Wait here. I won’t be a moment.” I picked up the hem of my towel and crossed to my dressing room. With a shuddering breath, I shut myself in and pressed my back to the door. This was it. He was here with Carlisio’s answer.

  It would be yes. How could it not be?

  I snatched a short blue dress from the rack and pulled it over my head. Crisscrossed panels at the back drew the soft cotton snug around my waist. I added a pair of nude-colored heels then left the dressing room.

  Standing in the same place, his hands now pressed behind his back, he inclined his head. “Are you going somewhere?”

  “To dinner.”

  A tic pulsed in his jaw. “With whom?”

  “My aunt. Her name is Goldie. Some of the warriors on this station as well.”

  “You hang out with the wrong crowd.”

  I smiled and sashayed toward him. “Sorry. Can’t change that. Tell me what Carlisio said.”

  “He granted your request. Your warrior’s freedom for mine. The deal is, you speak your acceptance and I’ll deliver.”

  Oh my goodness. Saunder was going to get his father back. He spoke the truth, but still I asked, “Are you certain?”

  “You know I don’t lie. Speak the–” His gaze shot to the door as if he sensed a presence.

  A knock sounded then Maslin called, “Are you there, Hope?”

  Silas slid his blade from its sheath and drew me toward the door, a finger pressed to his lips. “Who’s he?”

  “Maslin Sol,” I whispered. “One of our finest warriors.”

  He snorted. “You have another man coming to your door? Already?”

  “I invited him to dinner.” I stuck both hands on my hips. “We’re releasing each other. Let’s not forget that.”

  His jaw locked tight. “I know, and now get rid of him so we can finish this thing.”

  I reached for the brass knob. Opening the door wide, I flattened Silas to wall behind so he couldn’t be seen. “Hey, Maslin.”

  Wearing navy pants and a shimmery gray shirt, he held out a snow-white rose, its petals in a tight bud. “It’s from the rose garden at the palace. I know you like these. I snuck back for it so you’d have a little home away from home since you can’t travel there because of Alexo’s request.”

  It was a sweet gesture. I took it from him and breathed in the delicate fragrance. “This is my favorite color. I’ve read white roses signify the beginning of time.”

  “Me too. Yellow roses are for the gift of friendship.”

  “I’ve heard that.” I gave him a smile. “And red, the oblivion of love.”

  He leaned against the doorjamb and chuckled. “My father gives my mother red roses all the time. Too sappy. Are you ready for dinner?”

  Silas raised his blade, which meant no.

  “Not yet.” I pushed Maslin and backed him into the hallway. “I promise I’ll be down shortly. Wait for me there.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.” I reversed into my room and shut the door, releasing a deep sigh. “That was close.”

  Silas sheathed his sword. “This residence is filled with warriors.”

  “Ah, yeah, that kind of happens in a Wincrest home. Not much I can do about that.” I fingered the rose in my hand.

  Silas took it. “Does he bring you flowers all the time?”

  “No.” I snatched it back. “No one’s given me a flower before, unless you count my father and the gardener at the palace.”

  Leaning in, he speared me with a narrowed look. “You want to explain why Maslin Sol did?”

  I shoved one hip to the side. “Yeah, I think he said it’s a little bit of home away from home. You truly do have a hearing problem.”

  He blew a breath into my face. “No, I have a mated-bond problem. You.”

  “I’m not a problem.” I stared him in the eyes.

  His nose touched mine, his gaze fixed. “I want to kiss you so bad.”

  “What?” I froze.

  “Do you have a hearing problem?”

  I dragged air into my lungs. “I think I have a mated-bond problem. You.”

  His nostrils flared and he backed up. “Give me your acceptance we end our relationship now. I need to walk away.”

  I touched my lips. “Um, I’m liking the kissing idea. Do you think we could do that? You know, kiss. Just this once?”

  “Hell, no.” He paced, clicking his fingers. “I’m waiting.”

  “For my acceptance?”

  “Bingo, Miss Bright-spark.”

  I smirked. “Right, Mr. Hot-head.”

  “Are you being smart?”

  With a silly grin, I crossed to him. “Absolutely. Now, your acceptance.” It was best to get on with it. “Silas, I wish for you to live and to love...to find the woman of your dreams.” I reached out and tweaked his nose. “For her to be completely nosy and anyone other than me. Okay, how’s that for our agreed release?”

  “Damn near perfect.”

  “Okay, you have your freedom. Go and be happy.” My vision swam. Oh no, I was not going to cry. This was good he was going.

  Wiping his thumb across my cheek, he drew away a tear. “You’re crying.”

  “Tears of happiness.” I plastered a smile on my face.

  He searched my gaze. “Your sister will be my constant reminder of you.”

  I clutched the rose tight. “I hope she takes a blade to you, and sets you in your place. After she does, know I wish it were me.”

  He laughed. “Jeez, she would slice me up quick-smart if she could. But at least I will be safe from you.”

  Squeezing my ey
es shut, I breathed out. “Goodbye, Silas.”

  His lips pressed to my forehead then a soft breeze fluttered.

  He was gone.

  A knock sounded on my door.

  “Just a second.” I set the white rose on my bedside table. It was time to live. Without my mate.

  Maslin offered his arm and I took it. “I was in the hallway. Sorry, I couldn’t leave, not when I thought I sensed another in your room. I was worried it was the protector, and I’m afraid I heard parts of the conversation. Do you need to talk?”

  “I don’t want to talk about him. Ever. Talk about something else. Anything else.”

  He directed me down the stairs. “I was there the day Goldie moved through her rising. You have the same strength she does, though you hold no skills. Your decision to absolve the bond was right.”

  At Goldie’s rising a massive crowd had gathered and packed the spectator’s seating, eager to see what level of strength Donaldo’s daughter held. Down on the sandy-floored arena, Goldie had worn her skin-tight black combat leathers and knee-high boots. With one’s rising came three-times the strength, and her power that day had been phenomenal.

  One’s rising was the most spectacular event to watch, and Goldie’s just so, as she’d drawn her sword around in an arc of precise movements. Dad, the best, had trained her.

  “Hope, the choice you just made will return Saunder’s father to him.”

  I dropped my chin as we walked. “I need some time to get over Silas.”

  “I’ll give you a day.”

  My gaze darted to his. “Huh? A day?”

  “That’s right.”

  We entered the wide-open foyer on the first floor, my heels tapping on diagonal tiles of midnight blue. Recessed lighting showcased rich burgundy walls filled with breathtaking landscapes of Dralion. I always slowed to admire them, and Maslin did the same. I stopped before my favorite.

  “The black granite cliffs of home.” Maslin studied the fine piece of work. The cliffs, an impenetrable force and a natural wonder beside the ocean, stood like sentinels and ran unbroken for ninety miles either side of the palace. “During training, we practiced on the edge of those cliffs. I love being near water.”

  “Tell me about your water skill. Something I don’t know.”