The azure glow of Therek’s eyes dimmed, struck by some invisible force far stronger than Kaori’s hands. He made no move to stop her, accepting each strike with incredible resilience, watching her, detached.
Kaori’s arms grew tired, tears streaming down her cheeks from the rush of emotion which overwhelmed her. For the first time since the execution she felt something. The cold, dead, empty void that had settled over her soul was gone. Each blow she delivered made her feel more alive, slowly releasing the pent up anger she’d held onto for so long until there was nothing left, draining the last of her energy, legs trembling, knees weak. As she started to fall, she felt Therek’s hands grasp her arms, helping to ease her onto the ground at his feet. Careful not to jostle her, he knelt in front of Kaori, guilt written over every line of his angular features.
Weak from fatigue, Kaori’s body slumped forward. She didn’t care if it offended Therek that she touched him, the weight of her body sinking against his chest, racked with sobs, new tears forming in place of the old. Through her despair, she barely noticed Therek’s arms come to rest around her, hugging her against him. His hands gently wove through her long ebon hair. Consoling her in silence.
For several minutes they remained locked in each other’s arms. Eventually, Kaori’s sobs began to ease, her mind drifting away from the pain of the past to realize where she was in the present. Her muscles tightened under Therek’s embrace, confused as to how she’d come to be there. He wasn’t exactly an affectionate man. She could only assume it was somehow her doing. Lifting her chin, she stared up at Therek’s somber face, a sharp, painful stab cutting through her chest to see the misery so visible in his eyes. She had hurt him. Something in her words had struck him harder than she ever could have intended. She just didn’t know why.
Feeling her move, Therek loosened his hold, allowing his head to tilt downward to get a better look at Kaori’s tear-streaked face. At the sight of her, he grimaced, averting his eyes to avoid seeing her grief. “I am sorry… Kaori,” he whispered, the sound of her name spoken so informally catching her off guard. It was unlike him to address anyone by their name without a proper title. It seemed more personal. More genuine. The sincerity in his words left her speechless, unable to think of anything to say in response.
Dazed, Kaori leaned back, settling herself on her heels to place distance between her and Therek. It wasn’t appropriate for them to be so close. If anyone had come upon them as they were, it would have raised suspicions that Kaori didn’t have the strength to deal with right now. “Sorry does not bring my parents back.”
“Nor would my attempts to persuade the Emperor have spared them. It does not change the fact that I regret not having at least shown you that I would have done anything to save my dear friends.”
Embarrassed by how she must look, Kaori brought her hand up to wipe a tear from her cheek, struggling to restrain the sobs which continued to jar her body. “Your word would have proved the guilt of the soldiers.”
“The Emperor is aware of his soldiers’ guilt. The motive behind his decision to have them executed was not justice, like he would have his people believe.” Drawing in a deep breath, Therek relaxed, lowering himself to sit in the moist grass of the garden. Arms rested upon his bent knees, his slouched posture looked out of place from his usual regal countenance. “Since their deaths, I have heard him speak on many occasions about his plan for a ‘unification’ of all races. He considered their execution the perfect starting point. A way to make the Vor’shai see the flaws in our beliefs. Regardless of who the guilt lay upon, it presented a more powerful message to execute two respected nobles such as your parents. The incident between you and the soldiers only provided the basis he required to set the wheels in motion.”
“That may be, but how does that make you think he is aware of his soldiers’ guilt?” She couldn’t let it go. It was too difficult to believe that the Emperor would have disregarded the truth so blatantly if he was aware of what his men had done.
Unfazed by the question, Therek sighed, lifting his head to cast a sympathetic gaze at Kaori. “He spoke of it. After the execution, I returned to Eykanua to argue for possession of your parents’ remains. I asked the Emperor if he had even considered the possibility that your story was accurate. That his men were in fact guilty. He advised that his men were questioned and admitted, under duress, to their wrongdoings, but he could not pass up such a perfect opportunity. I felt it best not to press the matter, at the risk of him denying my request to allow your parents a proper memorial.”
She didn’t want to think it possible that a man could be so cold and heartless as Therek painted the Emperor. Had she not witnessed his self-serving nature for herself, she may have been convinced Therek’s words were nothing more than lies to try and make himself less responsible for the death of her parents. Deep in the back of her mind she knew what Therek said was true. He had done too much for Kaori’s benefit since the start of this mess. Therek was under no obligation to be there even now, yet here he was, soaking the fabric of his trousers with the dew still visible on the grass, consoling her in his own strange way. While Kaori was justified in feeling anger and hatred, it was wrong to direct it at him.
With a final sniffle Kaori forced herself to stand, staring down at the ground, ashamed. What a fool she’d made of herself! She had assaulted the Duke of Avishul, one of the most prominent men in all of Carpaen, and then wept like a frightened child in his arms. If he possessed even an ounce of respect for her before this day, she had lost it. She wouldn’t blame him if he never came to call on her again. “I am sorry, Your Grace,” she whispered, distracted by the sight of the bow lying on the ground at Therek’s feet. Afraid that it might somehow get damaged she stepped forward, stooping low to retrieve the weapon, examining it while moving backward once again. The wood was unmarred. Only slightly dampened from the moist grass.
Therek remained on the ground for a moment before seeming to register that Kaori had moved. “There is no need to apologize,” he shook his head, gracefully rising to his feet. “Your feelings are only natural. I only wish there was more I could do to ease your sorrow.”
Eyes locked on the bow in her hand, she felt the corners of her mouth twitch into what she thought was almost a smile, disappearing too quickly for the expression to fully mature. There was something Therek could do. The question was whether she could convince him to agree after her earlier outburst. “What of your offer to teach me the sword?”
Head cocked to the side, Therek gazed at her in fascination. “The sword?”
“Yes,” she nodded, lifting her face to reveal the determination in her eyes. “You said you could teach me.”
“And you said you did not think it wise.”
“I do not always know what I am saying.” Chiding herself for her stubborn nature, Kaori hoped she could find some way to retract her earlier anger. Therek was the most suited to teach her. His reputation spoke for that fact. “While it is inconvenient that your home is so far from my own, I should not have been so quick to dismiss the idea.”
Thoughtfully, Therek brushed the dirt from his legs, looking himself over to make sure his appearance was to his liking. He was quiet for a moment, thinking over his words carefully before speaking them out loud. “If you truly desire to learn at a hastened pace, I suppose I could be persuaded to remain in the area for a short while. Perhaps Lord Torust would allow me to stay in Tialore for an extended visit.”
“You are always welcome to stay in Rothdara,” Kaori added, her excitement blinding her to all the reasons why her offer was too forward. Especially when made to one of Therek’s station. He paused, lifting his chin slowly to stare down at Kaori from over his nose.”
“That may not be the most sensible choice,” he replied. His tone was calm. Deliberate. If he was offended by Kaori’s brazen request, he hid it well. Drawing his shoulders back he gave a sharp nod as if coming to some great decision of which only he was aware. “I will make the proper arrangemen
ts this afternoon. While I cannot guarantee a lesson every day, I will do my best to accommodate your eagerness.”
“Words cannot express my gratitude, Your Grace,” Kaori fought to contain her joy. He had bent to her wishes more easily than she anticipated. It was best not to press the matter and risk him changing his mind.
In a debonair gesture Therek took a step forward, bowing low as he took Kaori’s hand in his. He was the perfect image of an aristocratic gentleman, lightly brushing his lips over the back of Kaori’s hand, pausing briefly to stare at the smooth surface of her skin. She watched him, curious. Perhaps a bit nervous. There was something about him which always made her feel anxious. He was the only man she had ever met who made her confidence falter the way it did when he was around.
Straightening his posture, Therek gave one final nod of farewell, the pressure of his hand around hers loosening as he finally brought himself to release his hold. “I will return tomorrow for your first lesson,” he stated matter-of-factly, not giving Kaori a chance to argue before he turned away. Not that she intended to. Tomorrow was perfect. The sooner she was able to learn how to defend herself, the better. Next time the Emperor or his men decided to make an example out of her family or friends, they would find their task a much greater challenge. She would make sure of that.
Standing in the lush grass of the garden, Kaori watched the door in anticipation, anxious to see Therek’s strong, muscular form appear. From the moment he departed Kaori’s company the day before, she found herself unable to think of anything but his return. She was going to learn how to fight. Not just from the shadows the way she had as a child. For once she would be the student. Despite the number of times she watched her father demonstrate the techniques, Kaori had never found an opportunity to pick up a sword. Mimicry of the motions wouldn’t be enough to take on General Deliao’s men. There was a great deal to the use of a blade. More precision. And danger. When utilizing such a weapon, death would be a greater fear.
Right now her biggest fear was her brother. If he became aware of what Therek was coming there to do, he would never allow it to continue. And while he held no authority over Kaori to tell her she couldn’t do something, Therek was too much of a gentleman to go against Sivar’s requests, regardless of who held the power to make the decision. If Sivar interfered, she wasn’t sure what she would do. Her last hope would be Liurn, though she knew he lacked the same skill and finesse which Therek was rumored to possess.
Unable to keep still any longer, Kaori tightened her grip around the wooden practice sword in her hand, bringing it up to position it in front of her. Carefully, she adjusted her feet, the words of her father’s lessons to Sivar ringing in her mind with surprising clarity. Although it had been years since she spied on their practices, she remembered every detail. Parry. Thrust. Watch the guard. She needed to be more mindful of her left hand. It may be empty but it remained perfectly useful in other methods of striking. Grabbing the opponent’s weapon if she managed to trap them. Every part of her body had to be prepared.
“I thought you said you never used a sword before.”
Kaori’s heart felt as though it came to a stop in her chest at the sound of Therek’s voice. Abashed, she lowered her arm, turning to face toward the house. She could see Therek there, calm, unmoving. So casual in his stance that she had to wonder how long he’d been watching before making his presence known. “I am sorry. I did not know you were here, Your Grace.”
“Apologies are unnecessary,” Therek moved forward with his usual grace, unclasping his cloak from around his neck to discard it on the ground. He looked regal. Dressed in such fashion that Kaori thought him more suited for a visit to court rather than a grueling lesson in swordplay. The intricate pattern of his doublet displayed the expensive damask fabric used in its design, each golden shape contrasted by a rich black, matching the durable laces which held it together down the front. His sleeves were long, adorned with a slight ruffle around the wrists. In his presence, Kaori wasn’t sure how to greet him without seeming impolite. A mere curtsy felt not enough for a man of his standing, though to bow before him hardly seemed appropriate.
Trembling from nerves, Kaori dipped into a low, formal curtsy. The same gesture her mother had once told her was fitting when in the company of the Emperor. She could feel his eyes on her. No doubt amused by her behavior. She was acting ridiculous. Why did he make her so uneasy? “Much like with the bow, I have been present while others were instructed in the art of the sword, but I have never used one myself. I… I did not know you were watching.”
Therek nodded, motioning toward the wooden sword in Kaori’s hand. “Your skill is exceptional for one who has never held a blade before. From what I witnessed, you are aware of how to properly move your feet in conjunction with the weapon. That will make today’s lesson easier.”
Flustered by the compliment, Kaori tried to ignore it. Desperate for anything she could say or do which would change the subject, her eyes fell upon the other wooden sword she had gathered for the lesson, lying atop a bench a few feet away. Quickly, she moved to retrieve it, rushing forward to offer the weapon to Therek. “I was not sure if you would have a practice blade. You are welcome to use this one. It belonged to my father.”
“Ah, yes,” a faint smile spread across Therek’s lips. The expression looked out of place on his sharp features. Almost strained. As if the muscles in his face were unfamiliar with the action. “I was hoping you might have an extra. It seemed unwise to request one of Lord Torust. He may have become suspicious.”
Careful to make sure Therek had a firm hold on the weapon before she stepped away, Kaori hastily moved back to place distance between them again. She wanted to know what the first lesson was going to be. After the praise Therek had already given her, she was afraid she might fumble in her technique and lose his respect. If it was even respect he felt for her. Many times she wondered if it was her he wanted to help or if it was only out of his friendship with her parents that he did anything to her benefit. Or worse… pity.
Returning to her stance, Kaori took extra care in her form, nodding to Therek in indication of her readiness to begin. He continued to watch her, the smile on his face widening slightly. “What is so humorous?” she inquired, never easing her stance. She wanted to be ready in case he chose to test her.
“You,” he replied, shaking his head with a soft laugh. “I never know what to expect. It is tempting to forego the lesson I planned and challenge you to a match in order to better assess how much skill you truly possess.”
“I possess no skill, I assure you…”
“Your stance and the way you hold the weapon says otherwise.”
“Trust me, Your Grace. I have never used a sword before in my life.”
“We will start slow, then,” Therek’s smile faded, his muscles tensing with the rise of his own blade. “You have at least the knowledge in your mind of how to utilize the weapon. Combined with your knowledge of how to fight, which I am fully aware that you possess, the technique should come somewhat naturally.”
“Then you have more faith in me than I.” Kaori watched as Therek came closer. She was petrified. He wanted to fight her? Without any basic lessons? How could he possibly expect her to know what she was doing? Her body stiffened, rigid in preparation of what Therek might do next. If he chose to strike, she wasn’t sure what she would do. She was certain to make a fool of herself. “Could we not review first? It has been some time since –” Her sentence was cut short by the sight of Therek lunging toward her, the dulled tip of his wooden sword aimed directly at her chest. Reflexive in her motions she parried it away, crying out in surprise.
Therek wasted no time in following up, recovering to bring the sword at her once again. Kaori met each strike with her own blade, losing her breath at the clash of wood against wood which echoed through the garden. With every blow she parried, Therek increased his speed. His movements were impressive to watch. His lithe body twisted and turned, side-stepping in attem
pts to gain a better angle from which to bypass her guard. No words were spoken between them, both focused on what the other was going to do and how best to achieve an advantage. Kaori’s heart raced, face flushed, unable to regain control of her breathing. She wasn’t used to strenuous exercise. It was becoming apparent that endurance would be her biggest obstacle when it came to battle.
He was closing in on her fast. Kaori could see it happening, though she was powerless to stop him. His strength was superior. Despite her efforts he continued to push forward, easily breaking through her guard to grab onto the wrist which controlled her weapon. Determined not to lose, Kaori fought against Therek’s hold, reaching out with her free hand to grasp Therek’s arm, struggling to prevent him from delivering the final blow. Her own arm shook under the strain, feeling it slowly pressing closer to her body. Adrenaline coursed through her veins. Invigorating her. With a burst of newfound strength she pushed against Therek’s arm, teeth gritted, desperate to keep him from winning. What she lacked in skill, she made up for in gumption.
In a flurry of motion Therek made his move. Kaori was barely aware that he was no longer in her grasp before he brought his leg behind hers to disrupt her balance, keeping a firm grasp of her arm to prevent her from regaining the use of her weapon. There was nothing she could do to keep from falling, her free hand flailing wildly in the air before connecting with the ground in hopes of absorbing some of the impact to protect her body. Within an instant Therek’s knee was upon her stomach, pressing her hard into the grass, the wooden tip of his sword securely planted against her chest above her heart. She gazed up at him, horrified to find herself on the losing end, though unable to catch her breath long enough to speak in her defense.
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Four: In the Beginning Page 24