The party approached at a steady, slow pace. The woman kept up on foot, despite the weakness apparent on her face. Weakness and despair.
As they came alongside, Miko addressed the large man. “Good sir.” The fat man stopped as did the others behind him. “I could not help but notice your woman there. Is she for sale?” Miko was speaking slightly different, trying to sound more like an Eastern Karand.
“I am sorry sir, but I plan to sell her in Lornth.” The man looked doubtfully at Miko’s clothing which was obviously inferior to his own.
“Tell me how much you plan to get for her and I will outbid it,” Miko told him as he dangled a jingling purse in the air.
The man’s expression became curious. He seemed to be thinking over whether to believe him or not. “Very well. Twenty golds.”
Miko walked over and examined the woman closely. “Is she intact? She would not be worth it otherwise.”
“She is. My word on it.”
“That is still a high price,” Miko rubbed his jaw. “I know there are some who would pay it so I do not doubt your word, but it is still high.”
“The times are hard,” the man pointed out. “It is difficult to find the things people want.”
“That is true,” Miko agreed. “I will give you twenty-two.”
The fat man looked greedily at the purse Miko held. “Done.”
Coran was sweating. Miko said it was worth a try to buy her first, but he didn’t believe it would work. Coran thought they might get away with it. Miko offered the purse. That was all that was left of their money and they had a long way to go yet. Before the fat man could take it the Anagassi spoke up for the first time.
“You are not of the Anagassi,” he said, looking directly at Coran. His tone was not friendly.
Everything happened at once. The Anagassi had his sword out and swung from his saddle to the ground in a blink. Coran whipped his out only a fraction slower. Miko reached up, grabbed the fat man by the arm and pulled him from the saddle. The sister screamed, and the slave huddled by the horse that held her leash.
Coran couldn’t afford to see what was happening elsewhere. All of his attention was focused on the figure before him. The Anagassi swung quickly, Coran parried, a fist struck him in the face. He was more surprised than hurt. Another swing was followed by a kick to his side. Another swing and blow, Coran reacted in time to block them both. The Anagassi was all over him. Coran couldn’t attack. All his concentration was on keeping that curved, spinning blade from reaching him. A slash followed a swing followed a kick followed a slash. Coran danced backwards in retreat. His opponent came in close and Coran risked a punch of his own, catching the Anagassi in the face. That was the opening he had waited for. He went on the attack using every ounce of skill and knowledge he could muster. His opponent fell back for the first time. Their blades were a blur as they fought.
Finally there came a pause in the action and the man stepped back. Coran did as well. He could use the momentary break to catch his breath.
The Anagassi lowered his curved sword and inclined his head only slightly. “I am Soelidin of the Anagassi. Servant and defender of She’al.”
Coran responded the same way, not sure if this was a ritual greeting or if the man wanted to know the name of the one he would kill. “I am Coran Tyelin. I am loyal to Summerhall and a knight of the Sun Plain.”
Soelidin nodded as if he expected as much. “Midian.” He glanced to the others and Coran risked a quick one as well. The fat man was lying on the ground. He wasn’t moving. The woman raised a knife and tried to stab Miko. The trader grabbed the woman’s wrist and brought his own knife down to stab her in the heart. “It appears that I am unemployed,” Soelidin stated without emotion. “I would kill you for wearing what you should not be, yet...” He glanced at the slave girl. “I do not like that. Tell me Coran Tyelin, why are you here?”
Coran could see only the man’s eyes. They were cold like the rocks of a cave in winter. There was something fatalistic in that gaze that said death did not worry him. “I am here to find out what my enemy plans. He would destroy my home.”
“I have heard many things but I did not know it was time. You are here and you are dressed as you are.” He sounded puzzled. “Why do you do this? Fight here and risk your mission.”
Coran looked at the woman. “I could not do otherwise.”
“That speaks well of you. I will not kill you today.” He said it as if he were doing him a favor. He probably was.
“And I will not kill you,” Coran responded likewise. Soelidin barked a quick laugh.
“Tell me Soelidin, if you do not approve of slavery, why were you traveling with a slaver?”
“I was told to go east. He was the only one who would hire me, and I needed a way across the narrows.”
“Told by whom? Why?” Coran pressed.
“I can only say that I was told to go east, and I would know when to return.” Soelidin’s eyes locked with his meaningfully. “I will return to my home now. There is much that my people must know.” He sheathed his blade. “May She’al fare you well on your quest Coran Tyelin.”
“And you Soelidin.” Coran put his own weapon away. He watched the Anagassi mount, turn his horse back the way he had come, and ride away without a backward glance. Coran had to shake his head at the strange encounter. Soelidin had wanted to kill Coran, then stopped for some reason he could not imagine. Whatever the Anagassi had been sent to find it had something to do with him. What, he couldn’t imagine. Maybe he should be grateful for whatever the reason was, since it kept Soelidin from killing him. In the end he decided that the Anagassi were a strange people, stranger even than the average Karand.
Coran turned towards the remaining two people. Miko had cut the woman loose, she stood alone and obviously scared. Coran went towards her until he was only a few feet away. He held his arms out, empty as not to frighten her.
“What is your name?” he asked gently.
The woman scowled. “What do you want?” she almost spat. He realized she was trying to hide her fear with anger. “Am I not now yours to do with as you want?”
“No,” he replied more harshly than he intended. Did she really think he would release her only to still be a slave? “You are free to go as you will. If you want to stay with us I will see you home when I am done with what I came for.”
Her look became softer. She must have been about twenty and her accent might have been of the She’al. “Where do you go?”
“Lornth for now.” Her face became alarmed at the mention of that city. That was where she was to be sold. The slaver might have explained what would happen to her once she reached their destination. “After that I will take you home.”
“You are not going to sell me?” she asked skeptically.
“Of course not,” Coran replied, horrified at the thought.
“I follow She’al,” Miko stated, as he straightened from checking the bodies, for valuables most likely. “We mean you no harm.”
She appeared mollified by his words and glanced a question at Coran. “And him?”
“Do not let the disguise fool you,” Miko laughed.
Coran revealed his face to her. “My name is Coran. I am from Summerhall.”
“A Midian?” she asked curiously and took in his attire. “And an Anagassi let you live? I find that hard to believe.”
“I too would like to know why one of you is not dead?” asked Miko seriously, he expected an answer.
“He said something about being sent east to look for something. Then he said he was going home, like he had found it.” Coran watched the faces of the two Karands closely for any sign that they might understand Soelidin’s behavior. They did not glance at each other, but both of them held guarded looks. “I do not understand it myself.”
“Nor I,” Miko said carefully. Then the trader seemed to snap out of his thoughts to the scene around them. There were still the two bodies to deal with. “We need to dispose of these and leave quick
ly, before anyone happens along.”
They took the bodies into the forest and buried them in shallow graves, they didn’t have time to dig deeper ones. They gave one of the horses to their new companion. The other was added as a pack horse. The packs on their new acquisitions contained some clothing they might be able to use. The woman’s should work for Shirri. That was the Karand woman’s name.
They made camp a couple of leagues back into the woods by a nearly dried up stream. They didn’t dare start a fire. Not until they could be sure no one was close enough to see. They ate some of the dried fruit and meat they had purchased in the last town. The woman asked for more when she was done. After they ate they settled down to tell their tales.
They were surprised to learn that fate had stepped in once again. Shirri was Ruan’s sister, taken on her way home by a patrol of Shiomi Karands from Crecy. The fact that Miko was She’al and that they knew her brother went a long way in gaining the woman’s trust. Apparently, she was going to be married two years ago, but the man was killed by one of the Shiomi patrols outside Crecy. It was difficult to tell if the memory still pained her. She kept her face neutral as she spoke of it.
Coran told her of the importance of his mission, hoping she would understand his need to go to Lornth despite her fears.
“You are doing this to fight the Sha’elt?” she asked with a robe wrapped around her despite the warm night.
He didn’t want to deceive her. “I fight the ones who came across the sea. If it helps your people I don’t know. All I know is that if Midia falls to them than we will all end up as slaves.”
She mulled that over for a time. “All right. Tell me how I can help,” she told him in a tone that said she fully expected to be needed.
He was right when he first saw her, she was a spirited one. “I will appreciate any help you can give. Right now I need to sleep.”
She appeared satisfied with the answer. He hadn’t turned her offer of help down, though she undoubtedly saw it as a chance for revenge.
They rolled into their blankets and lay down on the hard ground. Coran had forgotten what a real bed felt like. Miko sat on a log nearby to keep the first watch. They would sleep for a time and set out again when night fell.
He thought about all the days since he had left Summerhall. Adding them up he figured that today had to be Sun Day, or the summer solstice. It was the biggest celebration of the year for Summerhall, and for all of the Sun Plain. Stemis would have the best bards in the west come to the palace and tell stories and sing songs. Others would do the same on street corners throughout the city as people of all ages listened breathlessly on every word. Everyone would be dressed in their finest clothes and wives would prepare the best foods. In a normal year, the final rounds of the grand tournament would have been held today, and the winner paraded through the streets to the palace. He did not know if it had been postponed or not. Thinking of home he had to wonder what Katelyn was doing right then.
She walked past trees and well tended grass in the gardens of Summerhall. Everything in here was green and healthy when outside the land was turning slowly brown. Water was brought in to keep the same from happening here. There had been no rainfall in a long time, and everyone was becoming worried for this year’s harvest. If the drought went on for much longer Gelarus could be called upon to do something about it. A bad year now could be devastating for the morale of the people, which was already suffering from the possibility of war, and made worse by the cancellation of this year’s tournament. Her father said it could not be helped. Too many worried over a real conflict to risk injury in a mock one. The good news was that one bad harvest would not result in starvation. Her father prudently kept the reserve granaries full for just such an occurrence. As for Sun Day, at least they still had the bards for entertainment.
Her sandals scuffed along the stone lined path. She had her long hair tied back with the familiar length of blue silk. Her dress was a pale yellow with light blue flowers sewn subtly across it. The sun beat down on her and sweat beaded on her forehead. Even the birds who tweeted from the branches sounded sucked of energy in the heat.
Today was an important day. Rob had arrived late yesterday with his father, and a strong escort. Three hundred of the Westland guards came with them. It was a sign of the times. She had barely fifty with her when she went to Westland and at any other time ten would have sufficed. That was not why today was important. Today the Tenrells would be told the truth, and if they still agreed, then a formal announcement would be made tonight.
“There you are,” Margery called to her from up ahead. She was dressed in a dazzling red gown for the day. It had to be for Rob’s benefit. Katelyn could tell she was nervous. “Father will be meeting with them soon and he wants us there.”
“Why me?”
“I don’t know,” Margery said, looking away quickly.
Katelyn didn’t push the subject. If Margery knew something she would say so. Her silence had to mean that she had guessed something, and by her face it was not good. The source of it had to be their father. The High King had been sleeping poorly lately and feeling the stress of preparing for a war. Not that the Queen told them of her husband’s problems, but their children were far from stupid. They knew without having to be told. The lack of information couldn’t be making it any easier on him. The other thing her father never mentioned was Coran. He had to be feeling the guilt. No matter how he tried to hide his pain Katelyn could tell. She had watched his face too many times over the years as he watched Coran during his training sessions. It was the pride of a father, or a close uncle, that had always lit up his face. Coran was the son the King had never had.
Mother had him delegating more responsibilities to others and it was helping to a degree, until a couple of days ago. He seemed to be regressing. That fact and Margery’s reluctance couldn’t be a coincidence.
They found Stemis in the council room. Robert was there as well as his son. Oran’s presence was a surprise.
Stemis noticed their arrival with a glance. “Good you are here.” He shuffled through the stack of papers on the table until he found the one he wanted. “There have been some incidents involving Karandi sailors. Some fights in a few ports. Also, two Eastern Karands were found in Sol Tara. They were checking out the defenses. Apparently someone noticed them acting suspicious and the guards picked them up. They took poison before they could be interrogated completely. They were searched thoroughly so they had to have hidden the vials well. We have to close all ports to foreign ships.”
A drastic measure but not unexpected. She didn’t say anything, but it should have been done sooner. “What about the Ithanians? Where do they stand in all this?”
Stemis pulled another paper out from the stack. “The legions of Ithan are on the move as we speak. Ten thousand are marching to Arencia, those are the ones we know about.” “Why?” It was Margery’s turn to ask. The others in the room just looked on glumly. They probably already had this discussion.
“Our best guess is that they think they can take over all of Western Karand. It could be someone has made a deal with the enemy,” the King answered her.
That was very bad news. If they had to fight the southerners as well they were in trouble. They seemed to be running out of allies with the Eastern Karandi, the other ones they had no name for yet, Voltia was always questionable, and now Ithan. The Northerners were not certain either, but they remained their best hope. It could have been worse though. Midia could handle the Karands and Ithan together, even without Voltian support. The question still remained what Elthzidor could bring against them. She had to wonder how her father saw the situation. He did not look hopeful.
“We will deal with Ithan when we have to,” she told the men calmly. Katelyn circled the table to sit beside Oran. She didn’t have to look to see that her sister followed. “I think we are here for more immediate business.”
Oran took that as his cue to leave them. “I will take care of issuing the orders,” he s
aid before going.
Stemis stared at the table for a time. After eighteen years of keeping it secret it couldn’t be easy just to say out loud. “There is something you need to know before any final decision is made concerning any marriages,” he told the Westlanders.
Robert looked more than concerned. “What have you not told me, Stemis.” He looked at the King’s daughters. “Does this have anything to do with what happened in Westhaven? The confrontation between Coran and Torvilin?” He glanced at Katelyn, and his face became sad. “I am sorry Katelyn. He was a good man.” She wanted to tell him that he was not dead, but held back. This was not the time to get into it.
“I am sorry for having to keep things from you Robert, but I had good reason,” Stemis explained, then told Robert the truth. When he was finished, Stemis sat back in his chair. “I hope you can understand why I did what I did.”
“I do,” Robert replied, sounding a bit stunned. “I will not pretend to be pleased by this, but I do understand. I will leave the final decision up to my son, as agreed.”
Rob spoke up without a pause. “I have already made my choice.” He smiled warmly across the table at Margery, who returned it with one just as warm. “I won’t choose any other.”
“Good,” Stemis said, sounding happy to have everything finally settled. “We can make the announcement tonight.” He stood to end the meeting. “Katelyn. I need to speak with you privately.” Margery and Rob left holding hands, but not before her sister offered a pitying look. Robert left next after a curious glance back into the room. Katelyn waited uneasily.
Stemis frowned down at the table. “You know how lucky you have been. To be able to choose who you will marry is a rare privilege for someone of your stature.”
“I know father.”
“You also know why it is important for the question of your betrothal to be settled?”
“I do,” she replied. Now she had a clue as to where this conversation was going, and she could feel her anger growing.
Fire And Ice (Book 1) Page 26