Lines of Fire (The Guild House - Defenders Hall)

by Walters, Janet Lane;

  Alric nodded. “Keep at it.” At least his former rival, though not a friend, was no longer an enemy.

  Ganor strode inside. “Brought you a present.” He dropped several sand-filled leather bags on the bed. “These should keep strengthening your arm and back muscles.”

  Alric noticed a look of envy on Robec’s face. Was he regretting the loss of a friend? Had he realized Petan had done little to earn that title?

  “So what’s happening outside these walls?” Alric asked.

  Ganor glanced toward Robec. “Several assignments in the works. Requests from the Artisans and Justicars.”

  “That all?”

  Robec leaned forward. “Did the Swordmaster really banish Petan?”

  “He did. At first he tried to keep him but Petan refused to answer the Justicar’s questions. The patrol leaders demanded the banishment be made permanent so the Swordmaster agreed. Didn’t matter. Petan vanished. Didn’t take his steed. Bihorn savaged a stableman and had to be put down.”

  “Good riddance,” Robec said. “Beast attacked me once.”

  Alric lifted one of the weights. “Anyone know where Petan went?”

  “Who knows,” Ganor said.

  “And Kalia?” Robec asked.

  “Haven’t seen her. My mate and Sando’s visited her. They enjoyed the meeting. Patrols are insisting on the bonding.” He clasped Alric’s arm. “Ceremony will take place after you’re discharged.” He walked to the door. “Have to go. They have me working with the trainees.”

  Robec reached for his crutches. “ I don’t like that Petan vanished.” He faced Alric. “Watch your back. He doesn’t like to lose.”

  “I remember his rages during the training exercises. Though he was a year ahead of us his expression of anger was violent. Broken practice swords, bruised opponents. Do you know where he’s from?”

  Robec walked to the door. “He was found near a burned farm by my father’s Right Hand. The sole survivor of a rebel attack. He didn’t know his name or remember anything about the attack.”

  “Was he taken to the Nursery?”

  “My father brought him into our family.” Robec shook his head. “I’d forgotten we were once a family. Petan was afraid of the man who used to be the Left Hand. I was about four or five when he came. A short time later Mother moved to the Women’s Quarters. Petan and I stayed with my father, Petan became as close as a brother.” He turned away.

  Alric heard pain in Robec’s voice. He wanted to ask about Petan’s lines. Had they been dark even then? Though he and Robec had put their animosity aside the other man remained the Swordmaster’s son.

  The Senior Healer in charge of their care entered the room. “Time to check your stitches.”

  Alric lay on his stomach. The Healer and three trainees gathered around his body and removed the dressings.

  “As you see, the healing is well advanced,” the older man said. “Scissors and forceps. I’ll remove the sutures.”

  “I thought they were to stay in seven to ten days,” one of the trainees said. “It’s only been five.”

  “Except for Defenders. They seem to heal faster than others.”

  “Will you remove mine?” Robec asked.

  “I expect to find the same degree of fusion but I want you to use the crutches for another week. You were fortunate the muscle wasn’t completely severed.”

  “Can I leave?” Alric asked.

  The Healer laughed. “No reason to keep you.” He turned to his trainees. “Another thing about Defenders. They don’t like to be confined.” He moved to Robec’s bed and called for clean instruments. “Light duty for both. No duels for at least ten days.”

  “Can I ride?” Robec asked.

  “No reason you can’t but don’t be ashamed of asking for help mounting and dismounting.”

  Within minutes following the departure of the Healers, Alric dressed and pulled on his boots. The moment he found Sando he would ask for a short assignment. Delivering messages or medicines to a distant Healer would allow him to escape the Hall until he sorted through his options. He buckled on his sword and knife.

  “Wait for me.” Robec swung on his crutches toward the door. “Are you heading to the Women’s Quarters?”

  “Why?”

  “To meet Kalia and set a time for the bonding.”

  “I stood as her champion to give her a choice, not to force her into a bond.”

  Robec reached the door. “Won’t matter about your decision. You heard what your friend said. The patrol leaders insist on the bonding.” Robec caught up. “I wonder why she only visited once.”

  “Probably because of me.” Alric stepped into the courtyard and inhaled a breath of air not flavored by medicinal odors.

  “Where are you going?” Robec asked.

  Alric paused at the entrance to the tunnel. “To the Hall. After I check on Storm Cloud’s injury. Then I’ll find Sando and request an assignment. Don’t like hanging around the Hall for long.”

  “I’ll come with you and avoid a meeting with my father a bit longer.”

  Alric strode along the tunnel between the walls toward Defenders Hall. Why did Robec want to avoid his father? Memories arose. Alric brought his father’s craggy face into view. He wished he could talk to him and ask for advice on how to avoid being burned by the fires set by the Swordmaster.

  Robec’s crutches clicked against the flagstones. Alric wondered why the leader’s son sought his company. At the tunnel’s end he crossed the courtyard to the stable. The sweet aroma of hay clashed with the pungent odors of the stabled animals.

  The sound of Robec’s crutches stopped. “Mist is gone.”

  “Who?”

  “Kalia’s bihorn.”

  Alric turned. “Does that present a problem?”

  “Yes.” Robec groaned. “She threatened to run away. Maybe she did. Or my father might have banished her for disobeying him. Maybe Petan stole her.”

  “Would she go with him?”

  “Not willingly.” Robec hobbled to the door.

  “Wait. We’ll check on her together.” Coldness filtered into Alric’s thoughts. How much control of others did those with the dark lines possess?

  Alric checked Storm Cloud’s hoof. The gash from the embedded nail had closed and there was no tenderness around the area. He threw a handful of apelons into the manger and strode after Robec. By the time they reached the Swordmaster’s office Alric was in the lead.

  Robec knocked but didn’t wait for a summons. He pushed the door open. “Did you banish Kalia?”

  The Swordmaster bolted to his feet. “Why would I do that? She’s sulking in her chamber. Been there since the day following the Ingathering. I ordered her to prepare for the bonding but seems she wants neither man."

  Alric shrugged. “Her choice. And you haven’t seen her since that day.”

  “Did you check the Women’s Quarters?” The Swordmaster resumed his seat.

  “Not yet.” Robec used his crutches to turn. “Come.”

  Alric followed and closed the door. “Why didn’t you tell him her bihorn is gone?”

  “He’d tell us to check the pasture. I’m not up for a walk.” Robec led the way along the twisting corridors to the door of the Women’s Quarters. He rapped on the oak surface.

  A young woman answered. “Robec, I’m so glad you’re healed. Father wouldn’t allow me to visit.” She smiled. “You must be Kalia’s bondmate.”

  “If she will have me.”

  The young woman grinned. “She will.”

  She spoke with more confidence than Alric felt. Until Kalia wore his bracelet the bonding could be refused.

  Robec tapped her arm. “This is Lasara, my younger sister. She’s in her last year of training. Go check Kalia’s chamber. We need to speak to her.”

  “On my way.” She dashed away.

  Robec turned to Alric. “What will we do if she’s gone?”

  “Search for her without creating a commotion.”

  Lasara rush
ed toward them. “She isn’t there. Her pack and some of her clothes are missing. She didn’t take the bonding bracelet Sando’s mate gave her for you. What will you do?”

  “Calm yourself,” Robec said.

  Alric nodded. “Don’t tell anyone, not even your father.”

  Lasara stared. “Do you think she followed Petan to duel with him? He was a cheat. Ilna said Kalia was angry about his banishment. No one believed her.” She gulped a breath and clasped Alric’s hand. “You saved my brother. Thank you. Will you also save Kalia?”

  “I’ll try.”

  Robec kissed his sister’s cheek. “We’ll find her.” He closed the door. “What now?”

  “We look for answers. Could she have gone riding?”

  “My father won’t let her leave the hall without one of his seconds riding with her.”

  “Think of where she might go.”

  They set off to search. By midday they had visited the Archives and spoken to the stablemen. No one had seen her and she hadn’t left by the Defender’s gate.

  Alric turned to Robec. “Rest awhile. I’ll check the other gates. If I learn anything I’ll let you know. I fear she has run.”

  “What should I do while I wait?”

  “Go to the supplier for food packs. If she’s run I’ll follow.”

  “Maybe I should ask my father where Petan would take her.”

  “Not a good idea.”

  Alric entered the tunnel. He felt sure Kalia had fled. He emerged near the Healers’ gate and checked with the guard there. “Did you see a single Defender leave in the past four days?”

  The guard shook his head. “Been no one enter or leave for a week.”

  “Thanks.” Alric returned to the tunnel, he strode to Artisans Hall and paused to ask his question.

  “Matter of fact. Three days ago I was returning from a necessary call. Saw the back of a Defender. Figured someone sent a message. Rider galloped away.”

  “Which direction?”

  “North.” the man scratched his head. “Don’t know why. Aren’t many farms or villages on the north road.”

  “Thank you.” Alric turned back. It had to be Kalia. He half ran back to the Defenders Hall.

  Once there, he sought Sando. “Put me on detached duty, I need to head out for a few days.”

  “What about the bonding? Now that you’re healed, you must exchange bracelets with Kalia.”

  Alric looked away. “I need to find her first. She’s vanished and I believe she left by the Artisan’s gate. Unless you know of someone who was sent that way.”

  Sando scowled. “Did the Swordmaster send her away?”

  “He thinks she’s in the Women’s Quarters.”

  “And you don’t believe him?”

  “Already checked with him. He thinks she’s sulking, but even before the duel she wanted to flee.”

  Sando nodded. “Then detached duty it is. Will you go alone?”

  “Robec wants to come.”

  “Do you trust him?”

  “No, but he loves his sister.”

  The patrol leader walked with Alric to the supplier. “What do you need?”

  “Robec said he would come for the food supplies but I could use a new fire starter, some snares and fishing gear. Also maps of the roads north starting at the Artisan’s gate.”

  Sando called the order to the man at the counter. Alric hoisted the small pack and the rolled map. “See you as soon as I can.”

  “I’ll send Ganor and Rila after you. If you take one of the side roads, leave them a sign. Can’t afford to take the chance this is a trap.”

  “Thanks.” Alric strode toward the stable. He found Robec seated on a bench at the side of the door.

  “Have you any news?” Robec asked.

  Alric nodded. “An Artisan saw her leave by their gate heading north. Sando knows where I’m headed. I’ll leave now.”

  “I have the supplies,” Robec said. “I want to go. You really shouldn’t be alone with Kalia until you exchange bracelets.”

  “You’re welcome to come.” Alric grabbed the two packs from the ground beside the bench. “Are you sure you can ride fast and far? What will your father say?”

  “I don’t care. Help me saddle my steed.”

  Alric quickly saddled both bihorns. He helped Robec mount and handed up the crutches. “You’ll need these.” He led both bihorns into the tunnel and walked to the Artisan’s gate.

  “Why here?” Robec asked.

  “This is the road your sister took. We’ll need to check to see if she remained on the main road or took a side trail.”

  “I guess that makes sense.”

  Alric walked as fast as possible. When would the Swordmaster realize they were gone? He had never allowed Robec to join a patrol. There was bound to be a pursuit. If he and Robec had to leave the main road he would have to leave a sign. Would anyone sent out know the signals?

  Once they reached the Artisan’s gate Alric mounted and set his bihorn on the road to the north.

  When they reached the first crossroad, he dismounted and studied the ground. He saw ruts that meant carts had followed the trail but he also found signs of a racing bihorn. Since there’d been no recent rain to erase the trail, the tracks seemed to have been made several days before.

  “We’ll go this way.” He thought of Kalia and watched his lines of fire move along his hands to point along the trail. Though he wasn’t sure what this meant, he had to hope they traveled in the right direction.

  “Why take this narrow overgrown trail?” Robec asked.

  Alric looked up. “The bihorn tracks appear to be made at the right time and overlay those made by some carts.” He stooped and bent a branch of a shrub in a way he knew his patrol members would notice.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Letting the ones Sando sends after me know which way we went.”

  “Why would he do that?”

  “For safety.”

  Robec shook his head. “What about my father’s men? Will they know the signs?”

  “They might. But it’s best to leave our direction. We were both injured and might fall into trouble, especially if Kalia met up with the peddler.”

  “What if the peddler had a bihorn?”

  “The tracks would be beneath those of the carts.” Alric wondered if he should tell Robec about the reaction of the lines of fire when he thought about Kalia.

  “But the steed could be tied to the cart.”

  Alric shook his head. “The depth of the tracks indicates a rider. Few peddlers can afford a riding bihorn. Didn’t you buy yours?”

  “My father gave the animal as a gift.”

  “Fortunate for you. For my first tour I rode a stack steed and saved to purchase my own. During the return to the Hall we stopped at a farm that breeds bihorns. Storm Cloud’s dame had problems. I helped the farmer save her and he gave me a deal on her colt.”

  For a time they rode in silence. Alric noticed places where the carts had torn brush and weeds from the side of the lane.

  Robec drew even. “Do you think my sister has joined the peddlers?”

  “She was at least a day behind but unless she finds a different road she will meet them.”

  “Will they harm her?”

  “I don’t know.” Alric’s shoulders slumped. Had he chosen the right road? Though his lines of fire had indicated this was her route, how could he be sure? Three days was a long lead.

  At dusk they came upon a forest glade. The fire circle and the tracks showed the site was well used. Alric dismounted and helped Robec to the ground. Lines of pain etched his face.

  “Leg hurting?” Alric asked.

  Robec closed his eyes. “My rear, too. I’m not used to riding for hours.” He groaned. “Have we really found Kalia’s direction?”

  “I believe so. I want you to try something. Hold out your hands. Think about her and watch your lines of fire.”

  “Why?”

  “See the direction they p
oint.”

  For a moment Robec stared at his hands. “I see what you mean. Don’t ever tell anyone you can do this.”

  Alric laughed. “Not until the time is right.” He added meat and vegetables to the bubbling pot. Once the stew thickened he dished it into two bowls. “Eat and then sleep.”

  By the time they spread their blankets, the fire burned low. Alric closed his eyes. Was Kalia safe? How long before they found her?

  * * *

  A touch on his shoulder followed by a hand pressed to his lips woke Alric. “Who?” he whispered.

  “Ganor. Rouse your companion quietly. Bihorns are saddled. Packs loaded on Storm Cloud. Swordmaster sent Right Hand and selected men after heir. About half hour away. Head through the forest to the main road north. Rila and I will follow and then we’ll set our plans to find your mate.”

  Alric pulled on his boots and donned his sword and knife. After rolling his blanket, he woke Robec. “We need to leave. Your father sent men.”

  Robec groaned. “Can’t. Leg swollen. Find Kalia and send her back alone.”

  “The pair Sando sent will follow. Are you sure you can’t ride?”

  “Yes. I’ll delay them.”

  Alric bolted to his feet. He grabbed Storm Cloud’s reins and led the bihorn away from the glade. Would Robec manage to delay the searchers? What would he tell them about the reason for choosing this road?

  * * *

  For two days after leaving the peddler, Kalia rode from dawn to dusk heading through the forest hoping to find the main road north. She believed she was far enough from the Hall to ride through a more settled area. As she rode, she puzzled over the identity of the driver who had seemed familiar. Finally she remembered. He was the Defender who had drilled Petan and Robec before they became trainees. He had also vanished from the Hall but she didn’t know why. Had he recognized her?

  Near sunset she crossed a rushing stream and saw a fire pit in a clearing beside what she hoped was the road she sought. After unsaddling Mist she started a fire and stared at the flames. What was she going to do? She had no idea where she was or where she headed. She had planned to join the rebels, but how could she find them?