The older woman covered her face with her hands. “So if I don’t go he might die?”
“Yes,” Rila said.
Kalia’s shoulder muscles tightened. Could her mother buck years of obedience to the Swordmaster’s demands? “Say you will be there.”
“I will creep into the hall.” Kalia’s mother wiped her eyes. “When he demanded the bracelet I couldn’t remove it. He tried but the clasp seemed fused. He intends to send for someone from the Artisans to cut the clasp.” She rose. “I must hide.”
Kalia embraced her mother. “A question. How long has the Swordmaster been so angry and cruel?”
“Began when Alron returned from an assignment where he found the bracelets of many metals. Your father wanted them but his friend refused. Instead Alron used them to bond with his chosen and they made their bond a forever one.”
“Were the Swordmaster’s lines smudged then?”
Her mother frowned. “That happened after our children were born. That boy came. Alron wanted Petan to be fostered. Your father disagreed. There was a duel over that and because your father wanted Alron’s bondmate. Your grandfather was angry when Robar lost. He found a way to banish Alron.”
Questions needing answers flowed through Kalia’s thoughts. What did the bracelets signify? Was there time to search the Archives before the meeting?
She rose and embraced her mother. “I’ll see you in the salle.”
“Will you find Lasara and care for Robec? He sickens like your father.”
“I know. There is a cure. I was tainted but the double heart bond with Alric was the answer.”
Her mother gasped. “So simple yet so hard.”
“I know.” Kalia walked to the door.
Rila followed her. When they reached the hall, Alric and Ganor leaned against the wall. Kalia told them what her mother had said. “We need to know more about those bracelets, the bonds and the Defenders.”
Alric nodded. “There’s time to discover a bit before the nooning.” He motioned to Ganor. “Tell Sando we’ll see him in the refectory. There are things we must research in the Archives.”
“Take care.”
Once they reached the room where the records were kept, Kalia lit several lamps and carried them to the rear of the room. There, she slid aside a tapestry to reveal another room with books and scrolls. She set the lanterns on a small table and pulled aside another tapestry to reveal a window. Sunlight brightened the room.
“I never knew this was here,” Alric said.
“Few people do. These are the oldest records. I haven’t touched the scrolls but the books might tell us some of the things we need to know.” She selected several leather bound volumes. “The pages are fragile and the words faded.”
“We need to know so many things,” Alric said. “Where should we begin?”
“The special bracelet, I think. If we can learn what they mean we’ll know what we should do next. If there’s time we can read about the lines.” Kalia passed one of the books to him.
Alric set the chairs so the lanterns and sunlight could aid their reading. For a time, he carefully turned pages and peered at the fading lines.
He straightened. “Not about the bracelets but this is of interest. Three men have been infected by the sorcerers. They crossed the mists with us. They have been … the following words are too faded to read.” He glanced at Kalia. “The cure was found yet one died. The other two have recovered. Thus we suggest … Again the words can’t be read. Maybe with more light we could.”
Kalia frowned. “Anything more?”
“Half of the page is faded other than for a word or two that make no sense.”
“We may never know. Why weren’t copies of these books and records made?” Her sigh showed her exasperation. She opened another book. “This is the one where I read about the strange bracelets.” Slowly she turned the page. “Here.”
“You read and I’ll write.” He dipped a quill into the inkpot.
“Four Guilds. Four metals. Gold for the Healers. Silver for the Justicars. Electrum for the Artisans. Copper for the Defenders. Wearing bonding bracelets of their metal will enhance their talents. One pair of bracelets with all the metals has been made and will appear when a Guild needs to be reminded of the days of terror beyond the mists.
Bracelets of brass for those who choose no Guild. If any among the commoners show a desire for a particular metal he or she should be trained.
The bracelets of remembrance will appear when there is a need and will guide a particular guild for a time.
Alric put the quill back in the pot. “I wonder where my father found them. Did they guide his desire to see the Defenders return to the ways of the past?”
“We may never know.” She closed the book. “When this is done we must return and read all these books.”
“Will take more than two of us.” Alric returned the volumes to the shelves. He reached for her hand. “Time for the nooning.”
Alric held her hand as they walked to the refectory. His presence kept her fears at bay. He chose his usual light meal. Ganor and Sando did the same. So did she. Though she wouldn’t be called on to duel, her stomach knotted because of the decision she’d made. Alric wouldn’t enter the duel without knowing she was his forever. She sipped kafa and listened to the three men discuss different strategies.
Once all had eaten, the patrols walked to the forecourt. Until the gong sounded they performed exercises to loosen their muscles. The activity kept Kalia from thinking of the duel.
The deep and sonorous note drew them into a double line for the walk to the salle. As Kalia entered the large arena she saw the observers from the other Guilds were seated already. Students, unassigned Defenders, unbonded men and women walked behind the four patrols. She looked for her mother but failed to see her. Would she arrive?
The four patrols stood on the sand facing the raised platform. The Swordmaster strutted into the salle accompanied by his Seconds. He strode to the raised platform and raised his hands. “I have made an important decision. There are some among us who act against the Defenders by giving assignments where none are needed. Once I perform a long needed act, a purging will begin.”
Kalia clasped Alric’s hand and sought comfort from his touch. What plans did the accursed leader have?
The Swordmaster leaned forward. “I hereby declare my bond to Saris is broken.” He tossed a bracelet on the sand.
Kalia’s mother rose from a place before the seats of the leaders of the other Guilds. “If you break this bond you will be banished. I am your third mate. Have the long years since we exchanged bracelets made you forget?”
“Truth,” the Justicar said.
“I am heart bonded to you. I will not be cast aside.”
“Truth.”
The Swordmaster’s face turned as dark as his lines. “Then I issue a challenge to any man willing to face me in a duel. Who will stand against me? Where is my heir?”
Chapter 17
Silence followed the Swordmaster’s declaration and challenge. No murmurs rose from those gathered in the salle. Alric’s grip on Kalia’s hand tightened. Would Robec appear? If he accepted the challenge from his father, would the Swordmaster let him live? The silence dragged on. Tension gathered. Alric steeled himself to wait for events to unfold like the dew kissed flowers of the morning star.
Laughter burst from the Swordmaster. Not the merry laughter of a child but a chilling sardonic sound. “Is there no one willing to duel with me? If not, my will prevails.” He snapped his fingers and pointed to the Left Hand. “Bring my former bondmate here.” He drew his knife. “I will cut the bracelet from her arm.”
Kalia’s body shook. She gazed into Alric’s eyes. “Stop him.”
He brought her fingers to his lips before releasing her hand. “If no one else accepts your challenge, I will. Before we enter the circle to duel, I call for Robec to join me. I will not take his place unless he fails to respond.”
From the ranks of the pa
trols, Robec’s name rang out. Once again, the call went unanswered.
“Then the fight is mine,” Alric said. “I made a promise to my dying father to see the Defenders return to the ways of the past. For too many generations the power has collected in one line. To break the change I accept the challenge.”
Kalia stepped to his side. “Before the duel begins, before those gathered here, I say these words. I am heart bound to Alric and will be his forever.”
He held their hands aloft. “As I am heart bound to Kalia. I promise forever.”
The Swordmaster glared. “This foolish gesture won’t change what will happen. We will fight to the death. When I win, the bond to my mate will be broken. Also Kalia, so will yours. You will serve Petan who will stand at my side and be named as my son.” He beckoned to Alric. “I offer you a chance like your father had. Break your bond with my daughter. Take your bihorn and ride as far and as fast as you can before you perish by my blades.”
Alric stared at the older man. His lines of fire barely moved. They appeared as ribbons of black marble. “Among the Defenders are those who can see the lines of fire flowing over a man’s or woman’s skin. The Swordmaster’s are dark and tainted.”
“Truth,” the Justicar shouted.
Scattered yeas spread among the audience. “We see,” rose from the patrols.
The Swordmaster laughed. “Not tainted.”
“False.”
“The lines I now bear give me unlimited power. You do not know how matters with the Defenders progress. Speak no more. My years of experience and the number of duels I’ve fought have darkened my lines.” He gestured to his Seconds. “Will you who have followed my orders for many years stand with me? We can defeat this challenge and keep the Defenders strong.”
Alric waited for the answers. Tension crept along his spine like the movement of inchworms across the ground. How many years had passed since the leader faced a true challenge? The Swordmaster’s father, grandfather and several greats had ended their role as leader in a sham duel. If Robec appeared, would the Swordmaster permit his son to win?
The Left Hand bowed. “I will not stand with you. A change is sorely needed. You have neglected to order the patrols into the east sector to capture the outlaws terrorizing the people we swore to protect.”
The Right Hand rose. “I will not stand with you. Since the day your closest friend was banished we have walked together. On that day I remained silent for I wanted his place. I can no longer remain at your side. You did nothing to protect my daughter from the wiles of your favorite. Your son has always been second in your esteem. The child I foolishly rescued has taken Robec’s place. Alron was right. Petan should have been fostered.”
The Swordmaster’s face turned as dark as his lines. “When I win I’ll challenge both of you.” He stood taller. “Now I banish you both. Leave the Hall.”
In the stands, nine men rose. The leaders and seconds of the other Guilds faced the podium. The Justicar raised a hand. “You issued a challenge and were answered. Until the duel ends you have no right to banish anyone. You know the rules set by the Defenders when they crossed the mists. Those rules were designed to fight the sorcerers lest they rise again.”
Alric straightened. Had a sorcerer followed them or had one risen from among the commoners?
“Then I will fight but not alone,” the Swordmaster shouted. “Robec, come forward and join your new found power to mine.”
A stir moved through the audience. Alric turned a full circle searching for the leader’s son. He spotted a man entering the salle. His hands tightened on the hilt of his sword.
“Robec won’t come,” Petan said. “He is a coward and fears what was given to him by one, more powerful than we are. Swordmaster, I’ll stand at your side only if you promise when Alric dies, Kalia will be mine and I will be your successor.”
“Since Kalia was promised to you before her ill-chosen match, the promise of her as your mate stands.” The Swordmaster’s lip curled into a cruel smile. “As for the other, when the duel ends I’ll declare you my heir once there is a grandson of my line.” He moved to the Seconds. “Make the circle double.”
When Ganor stepped forward, Alric shook his head. “You don’t have to stand with me. I’ve fought two before.”
“But I will. My decision comes from within. Neither man will follow the formal patterns.”
Kalia pressed her lips to Alric’s. “You must and will win.”
“I hope so.” He removed his vest and shirt. While she folded them, he removed the chain holding the bracelet. “When the duel ends we’ll exchange the common bracelets for this one until copper ones are made.” He bent to kiss her.
“Fight wisely,” the patrol members shouted.
Alric took his place in the circle and studied his opponents. The lines of fire on the Swordmaster’s skin barely moved. Petan’s flowed but not with the vitality as Alric’s and Ganor’s. The circle was formed to the largest size. Alric and Ganor stepped over the sand filled leather sacks marking the boundary.
“Ready?” Alric asked.
“As ever.” Ganor replied. “I’ll fend off the Swordmaster. You see to Petan.”
The Justicar and the Artisan examined the swords and knives of the men. Then the pair mounted the raised platform to act as judges. The Chief Healer and his Seconds stood at the edge of the circle.
“Begin.”
Alric nodded to Ganor. They separated and slowly advanced. The Swordmaster and Petan stood less than a sword length apart. Both men charged forward. Alric moved toward Petan. He knew Ganor would take the Swordmaster, especially with the sluggish movement of the leader’s lines.
Petan’s lines of fire telegraphed his coming actions. Alric drove the other man back. Ganor and the Swordmaster exchanged a flurry of blows. The older man retreated and stepped too close to his partner. On a back swing Petan struck the Swordmaster’s abdomen. The older man stumbled and fell. Blood pooled around him. Petan leaped aside.
“Time,” the Justicar called.
Alric wondered if Petan’s action had been an accident or deliberate. He kept his gaze on his opponent and moved aside to drive the action away from the fallen man. Ganor dragged the Swordmaster to the edge of the circle where the Healers waited.
Petan charged. Alric focused his attention on avoiding a singing blade and a jabbing knife. During a feint Alric knocked Petan’s knife from the circle. Alric sliced his knife across his opponent’s thigh near where he hoped was the place Kalia had stuck her knife days before. A lucky blow cut across Alric’s knife arm. He danced away and took a moment to halt the bleeding.
The slash on Petan’s thigh made his gain awkward but he continued to attack. His lines of fire grew sluggish. Alric saw his chance to end the duel. He battered Petan with a series of blows driving the man back until Petan fell over the sandbag barrier onto the sand beyond the circle.
“Duel ended,” the Justicar and Artisan shouted. “Alric is the winner.”
“Send Petan to the Isle,” a man shouted.
Alric lunged after Petan and nearly landed on the barrier. Petan ran toward the exit. “This isn’t over. I will return and face you again. My master wants the Defenders to be mine.”
Alric watched Petan vanish. Though Alric wanted to end the threat the other man posed, by the time he made his way through the people milling around the Swordmaster his enemy had vanished.
The Justicar raised his hands. “A new Swordmaster now guides the Defenders. What sentence will you pronounce on the defeated?”
“None not already in place,” Alric said. “Petan was vanished weeks ago. The Swordmaster’s fate isn’t mine to judge.” He left the circle and walked to where Kalia argued with her mother.
“You will not touch him,” the older woman said.
“Mother, I can stop the bleeding. If the flow isn’t halted he will die soon.”
“He has chosen his own fate. He’s mine and I will decide how and when he crosses the abyss.”
“Meral.” The Swordmaster’s voice rasped. “I bind my heart to you as I should have done years ago when I desired what my friend possessed.”
She knelt at his side. “I can heal the blight now but it’s too deeply embedded to spare your life.” She pressed her lips to his.
Alric gasped as the Swordmaster’s lines slowly cleared. Each one flared scarlet for a moment before vanishing. So did the matching lines of his heart bound mate.
Kalia stepped forward. Alric caught her shoulders. “You can’t help.”
She turned and pressed her face against his chest. “Why not?”
“The choice isn’t ours. We haven’t been asked for our help.” He drew her closer. “I failed to help my father for the same reason. He never asked me to spend his lines to heal him.”
The last bit of darkness left the Swordmaster’s lines. Kalia’s mother laid her head on her bondmate’s chest. Kalia’s tears soaked Alric’s chest. He raised her chin. “He is at peace and so is she. The bodies must be prepared for internment.”
Robec raced toward them. Had he been in the stands the entire time refusing to answer his father’s call? Alric looked at the other man’s lines of fire and saw they hadn’t changed since the last time he’d seen them. He released Kalia to her brother’s arms and turned to the Seconds.
“Will you banish us for our failure to support the Swordmaster?” the Left Hand asked.
“You did what you thought was right,” Alric said. “I thank you for standing aside.”
“Will you remove us from our roles?” the Right Hand asked.
Alric shook his head. “Until I learn more about how the Defenders were in the first days after our arrival, I’ll need your help and experience. Until I find others to stand at my side I hope you will remain.”
“What about Ganor and Sando?” the Left Hand asked.
“Neither wants to leave the patrol.” Alric smiled wryly. “Neither do I.”
The Right Hand nodded. “I will serve. My father told me a tale. Once there was a council made up of the Swordmaster, the Seconds and all the patrol leaders who were in the Hall.”
“Then after a day of grieving I’ll call a council to meet. Thank you.” He turned to Kalia and Robec.
Lines of Fire (The Guild House - Defenders Hall) Page 18