Savage Kingdom

by Deanna Ashford

  The man dismounted and bent to examine the trampled ground. “There are at least four or five sets of tracks here, my lord.”

  “A couple of sets look fresher than the rest. I think we should go that way.” Jaden pointed to his right. “The horses were traveling fast, and one bore a heavier burden than the others.”

  “One of them may have been carrying the child,” the soldier replied. “Or maybe it was just a much heavier rider.”

  “We have to be sure we’re following the men who took Brion,” Tarn said, his voice tight with concern.

  “Wait!” Jaden stepped forward and examined the ground close to the entrance of one narrow track. Digging in the dirt with his fingers, Jaden pulled out a small object covered in faded paint. “Look.”

  “One of Brion’s toy soldiers,” Tarn exclaimed.

  Had the child dropped it deliberately in the hope that someone followed him? Brion was very young. Nerya wasn’t sure he would have been able to think that clearly. Especially if he was as terrified as she presumed he must be.

  “Here.” Jaden strode over to Tarn and handed him the soldier. Tarn stared at it for a moment, and then tucked the grimy toy inside his doublet.

  “Listen!” Sarin exclaimed. “Can any of you hear running water?”

  “It seems to be coming from the same direction the mercenaries took.” Jaden sprang into his saddle. “Let’s find out,” he said, guiding his stallion toward the path where he’d found Brion’s toy soldier.

  Finding water would be a wonderful relief. Nerya had only a little left in her water skin, and in this heat they couldn’t expect the horses to go on without an adequate supply. She spurred her roan forward, following Jaden. Within a few minutes, they entered a much larger clearing which had a lake at its centre. The air was even clearer here, and far less oppressive. The terrible, sickening smell which had permeated the forest thankfully faded. She sighed. The tempting water glittered in the bright sunshine. At the far end stood a tall rocky outcrop. Water poured down the rocks and streamed into the lake.

  “We should rest for a short time and replenish our water supplies,” Sarin said as he dismounted.

  “At once, my lord.” One of his soldiers sprang from his horse and strode to the lake. Bending down, he dipped his hand in the water.

  “Wait!” Jaden shouted.

  The still water foamed and exploded with a splash, followed by a loud snap. The soldier jumped back, blood dripping from his fingers.

  “Ye gods,” Sarin gasped. “What was that?”

  “Who knows? There are many strange creatures in Acheron,” Jaden said with a wry grimace. “Are you badly hurt?” he asked the soldier.

  “No, Lord Jaden.” He took a piece of grubby cloth from his pocket and wrapped it around his bleeding fingers. “Thanks to your timely warning.”

  “We’d best collect our water from the rocks.” Jaden guided Barsan around the edge of the lake, toward the rocky outcrop, ensuring he kept well away from the water.

  “Definitely far wiser,” Sarin agreed as he remounted. “Goodness knows what terrible things are lurking in that lake.” He spurred his horse to catch up with Jaden. “How come you appear to know so much about Acheron?”

  “I don’t. Not really,” Jaden said with a shake of his head. Sarin glanced back at Tarn, who just shrugged.

  The rest of the men followed Jaden and Sarin, making sure they too kept well away from the lake. Oddly enough, the horses seemed to sense the danger and not one tried to pull toward the water, even though they must all have been very thirsty. Nerya glanced at the lake, convinced menacing dark shapes glided just below the surface, ready to attack if anything ventured too close to the water’s edge.

  “I pray to the gods we leave this accursed forest soon,” she heard one of the soldiers behind her mutter as they reached the rocky outcrop.

  She dismounted and unhooked her waterskin from her saddle, intending to fill it herself. “My lady, you rest here a while.” Sarin’s tracker smiled and held out his hand. “I’ll climb the rocks and fill that for you.”

  “Thanks.” Nerya stood and watched her male companions. They underestimated females, apart from Jaden, of course. He was learning, albeit slowly. Nevertheless, if they wanted to help her, it seemed crass not to let them.

  It was good to be off her horse. Even she was a little stiff after that hard ride, despite the long days she’d spent in the saddle during their journey to Kabra.

  “There’s a small pool just the other side of the rocks,” Sarin said as he joined her. “The water’s quite clear, and we’ve ascertained it’s safe, so we can water the horses there.” He smiled warmly at her. “I’ll get one of my men to see to your horse, Nerya. Here!” He beckoned to one of his soldiers. The man stepped forward, took the reins of her mount and led the animal away.

  To her relief, Sarin moved to join the other men. He was very charming, but for some foolish reason he often made her feel a little uneasy. Nerya stretched her arms. How good it was to be away from that foul-smelling forest, even for a short while. She wandered over to a small group of rocks and plonked herself down on one, brushing a small, buzzing insect away from her face. Behind her, to her right, was an area filled with tall grass-like plants, some with large, white, filmy heads. Dotted here and there were clusters of pale lilac, poppy-like flowers. Circling above each flower head were multitudes of miniscule white butterflies. Keeping half an eye out for any snakes slithering from the cover of the long grass, Nerya slipped off her doublet and pulled the sweaty linen shirt away from her body. With luck, the breeze would help dry it off.

  Jaden and Tarn were deep in discussion. Goodness knows what those two men found to talk about all the time. All of a sudden, Jaden turned and smiled at her. Nerya’s heart did a tiny somersault. He had the strange ability to unsettle her with just one seductive look.

  As Jaden turned and strolled toward her, it struck her that he seemed to become even more attractive as every day passed. Nerya sighed. She had to accept he was an addiction she could not resist, and she wanted to be with him, despite the fact he’d told her so many lies. He’d not been happy about her accompanying him on this rescue attempt, but she’d insisted. She would rather take her chances in Acheron with Jaden than remain safe at the camp without him. She’d made him promise to tell her the truth from now on, but a small part of her wondered if Jaden ever told the entire truth to anyone.

  Jaden stopped dead in his tracks. “Nerya,” he said in a low voice. “Don’t move. Stay perfectly still.”

  She tensed. The lightness of the moment died in an instant. Her warrior senses told her danger approached. Then she heard the low menacing growl and got a whiff of a musky, feral odor. The hairs on the back of her neck prickled, and her blood ran cold. How close was the creature? She stared with anguished eyes at Jaden, who stealthily drew his sword. Damnation. She should have her sword with her, but she’d left her blade in the sheath attached to her saddle.

  The odor became more pronounced, and the dry grass rustled as the creature moved even closer to her. Nerya’s arm slid slowly down her side, her fingers reaching for the dagger affixed to her upper thigh.

  “To your left. Now!” Jaden yelled, sprinting toward her.

  Throwing herself to the left, she hit the ground, rolled and sprang to her feet, her dagger in her hand. She was just in time to see a flash of rusty brown fur as the creature sprang at Jaden. His blade slid deep into the creature’s chest while it was still in midair. It collapsed to the ground with barely a sound, Jaden’s huge sword lodged between its massive ribs.

  The beast had the shape of a mountain lion, but it was far larger. With its massive back legs and shorter, smaller front legs, it had an oddly misshapen appearance. Its pointed ears stuck out from a broad forehead, while a mass of thick whiskers decorated its elongated snout. The matted and moth-eaten, rusty-brown-and-black-striped pelt smelt of rotting corpses. In the last throes of death the mouth of the creature fell open to reveal long, yellowish fangs
almost half the length of her dagger blade.

  Jaden placed his foot on the beast’s body and tried to pull out his sword. The creature had twisted as it had fallen, and the blade seemed to be lodged between its ribs. That had been close for them both. Much too close for comfort. She owed her life to Jaden. Thank the gods he’d survived without injury. The sooner they left this damnable forest the better. Her heart pounded. “We should leave.” She spoke with obvious urgency. “Let’s get out of here. It doesn’t feel safe.”

  “I agree,” Jaden muttered, pulling even harder at his sword. “Just as soon as I can free this damn blade.”

  The grass behind Jaden moved and a long, rusty brown snout and cruel yellow eyes emerged. “Behind you,” Nerya screamed.

  It was too late. The cat pounced on Jaden. This one was so big that Jaden all but disappeared beneath the huge, shaggy creature as it slammed him into the ground. With a bloodcurdling roar, it sank its teeth deep into Jaden’s shoulder.

  She would have run forward to help him if she hadn’t heard the low, feral growls coming from just behind her. Not more! Nerya’s hand tightened on her dagger as she swung ’round. Two slightly smaller members of the same species loped toward her. They didn’t launch themselves at her. Instead, they circled her with menacing intent. She backed away from them, holding the dagger out in front of her, even though the tiny weapon would be of little use if they sprang at her. A loud scream of agony from Jaden made her blood run cold. Her gut twisted in fear and distress. May the gods protect him. Her breath came fast and anxious. Fear gripped her in its relentless embrace for a moment. No! She had to survive. She needed to help Jaden. Visions of him lying dead and covered in blood flashed through her mind as sweat beaded her brow and dripped into her eyes.

  Growling, one of the creatures bared its teeth and crouched, ready to pounce.

  “Nerya.” Tarn grabbed her and shoved her protectively behind him.

  In a daze, she watched Sarin attack one creature and Tarn the other. The cats snarled and tried to get away as the two men stabbed at them, inflicting a number of deadly wounds. Nerya didn’t wait to see them die. She had to help Jaden. Swinging ’round, she lunged toward him.

  “Stop!” a voice yelled. “Duck, Nerya.”

  She slithered to a halt and crouched as half a dozen crossbow bolts skimmed the top of her head. They met their target, thudding into the creature attacking Jaden. The bolts stuck out of the creature’s back at crazy angles like distorted spines. The beast didn’t give up, it gave a low growl and sank its teeth in its victim again. Jaden gave a faint groan of agony as Nerya lunged toward him.

  “Jaden,” Tarn shouted. Shoving her aside, he attacked the beast slaughtering his friend. He grabbed its head, heedless of the snapping jaws, and thrust his sword deep in its throat. The animal thrashed about, then gave a strangled gurgle, its life blood pouring onto Jaden as it collapsed atop him.

  Nerya froze, watching in wide-eyed horror as Tarn and Sarin seized hold of the beast. It took their combined strength to drag the weighty corpse off Jaden.

  “Oh! No,” Nerya gasped when she at last saw him clearly. Jaden lay semi-conscious and covered in blood. The creature’s claws had rent his clothing, and long, raking gashes covered his arms and chest.

  She was barely aware of the soldiers firing more bolts into the long grass, where the other members of the pack still lurked, gradually driving them back into the forest again. All she could see was Jaden lying half-dead on the ground.

  She crouched beside him, horrified by the depth and extent of his wounds. Even through his clothing she could see huge jagged rents in his chest, exposing bloody flesh and sinew. There was so much blood, she didn’t know what had belonged to the beast and what was his.

  Sarin shook his head as he stared at Jaden. “Nerya, I doubt he’ll surv—”

  “Don’t say it,” she pleaded.

  To her astonishment, Jaden gave a loud groan and tried to sit up.

  “No.” Tarn gently pushed him back. “Don’t move, Jaden. You’ve lost too much blood already.”

  One of the soldiers, crossbow at the ready, placed a blanket on the ground. Trying to be as careful as possible, Sarin and Tarn lifted Jaden upon it. He gave a faint groan and appeared to lose consciousness as Nerya, with shaking fingers, eased aside his leather doublet. Using her dagger to cut open his shirt, she examined his chest, terrified by the size and extent of the great gashes in his flesh, some so deep she could see the whites of his ribs in places. Horrible teeth marks gouged his shoulders and arms.

  “Here.” Someone handed her a bag containing their small cache of medical supplies.

  There was nothing inside but some strange-smelling ointment, a bottle of fluid to cleanse wounds, some pads of clean fabric and rolls of bandages. They were so ill-prepared there wasn’t even a needle and gut to sew the wounds together. Jaden’s injuries were so bad she doubted she could have sewn him up anyway. He needed a qualified surgeon to attend him.

  Nerya’s fingers trembled as she tried to clean the terrible wounds. “Just do your best for him,” Tarn said.

  Sarin, his brow creased in a concerned frown, stared down at Jaden’s prone body. “We could build a fire,” he suggested, “and try to cauterize the wounds with the blade of a knife.”

  “Many of the wounds are so huge, it may not be possible,” she said with rising anxiety.

  “No.” Jaden opened his eyes, his voice far stronger than she’d ever expected. “Just bandage me up and let’s get out of here. We need to find Brion.”

  “You’re not fit to travel,” Nerya insisted.

  “Like to bet on it?” Jaden muttered through gritted teeth, wincing in agony as he hauled himself into a sitting position.

  Jaden lay on a blanket staring into the darkness of the night. Only a short distance away, his traveling companions sat around the campfire. The worst had passed. He was in pain, but it was an agony he could easily bear. There was still great discomfort and a strange tightness in his chest, but the fiery, almost unbearable, lancing pains diminished as the hours passed.

  How he’d got on his horse and ridden away from that clearing, he’d never know. Let alone how he’d managed to stay upright in the saddle until they stopped for the night. Copious amounts of blood had seeped through his hastily applied bandages, turning the shirt he wore over them a bright scarlet.

  Tarn had to lift him down from his horse, and almost as soon as he touched the ground he’d fallen asleep, or maybe he’d just passed out. He’d come to only a few minutes ago to discover his bandages had been changed and he wore a clean shirt. They were out of the forest and camped on a large plain. Here, they were safe. The most dangerous creatures never ventured out of the jungle onto these wide plains; there wasn’t enough food for them here.

  Delicious smells drifted toward him. Someone had been hunting. He must be recovering, as the smell of roasting meat made him hungry. Even though it was dark, as soon as a figure moved away from the campfire he knew it was Nerya coming to check on him.

  “You’re awake.” There was immense relief in her voice, making him even more aware of how close to death he must have been. “How are you feeling?”

  “Hungry.” He let his head fall back on the rolled-up blanket which served as a pillow as she sat beside him.

  “I should check your bandages.” She placed the lantern she carried on the ground beside him and brushed his hair tenderly back from his face. She leaned forward to kiss his forehead. “I feared you’d not survive when I first saw your terrible wounds.”

  He grinned. “It takes more than that to kill me.” Sliding his arm around her waist, he tried to pull her toward him.

  “Jaden, don’t,” she protested, just managing to stop herself falling against his chest. “You’ll hurt yourself.”

  “I said I was hungry, but I didn’t say I was hungry for food.”

  “Just one kiss then.” She pressed her lips to his, but when he thrust his tongue into the warm moist depths of her mo
uth, she pulled away from him. “That’s enough. You’re badly wounded and you’ve lost a huge amount of blood.”

  “I’m feeling much better.” His desire for her was still strong in his mind, but he knew she was right; he was being foolish. He didn’t have the strength to make love to her, even if he wanted to, yet he was heartened by her obvious concern. He’d come to accept that not only did he desire her, he cared for her as well. It appeared she also cared for him a little, regardless of her efforts to hide her true feelings from him up to now.

  “Jaden. I was so scared.” She sniffed, almost as if she was holding back tears. That wasn’t at all like the Nerya he knew.

  “So was I, as it happens,” he admitted with a wry grin. “I thought I was going to die when that thing leapt on me.”

  “Don’t look so damn pleased when you speak about dying.” She frowned, but her expression reflected concern. “It’s nothing to make light of, Jaden.”

  “Perhaps not,” he conceded as he brushed his fingertips against the back of her hand.

  “I’ll sleep beside you tonight. Just in case you need me.” She stroked his cheek in the selfsame way his mother had when he was a small child. It was a strange and rather moving gesture from a warrior such as her. “But only sleep, mind. I don’t want to awake in the night finding you entering me,” she said with a smile.

  “That’s a joke, I presume?” he teased. “Didn’t know you were capable of them.”

  “There’s lots you don’t know about me, Jaden of Iberim.”

  “It appears we’ve both hidden things from one another,” he said as she lay beside him.

  “Then let’s hide nothing more,” she murmured, snuggling closer, being careful not to touch his damaged chest.