Before Kaori could reach the wagon she sensed someone coming closer, approaching from an angle she wasn’t prepared to defend from. Someone from the crowd. Could it be that some of the townspeople fought in defense of the soldiers? She should have expected as much. The population of Whitelyn wasn’t comprised entirely of Vor’shai. There were humans in their midst, many of which were avid supporters of the Emperor.
Lifting her sword, she spun to face her unknown adversary, gasping in shock to recognize Therek’s face. He fought against them? Her heart thrashed wildly, making it hard to breathe. She couldn’t win against Therek. Of all the men to encounter in battle, why did it have to be him?
Try to stay calm. If she allowed herself to believe she wasn’t skilled enough, she would only make it easier for Therek to defeat her. She had to be confident. Therek had taught her well. And while she doubted her skill was any match for his, she possessed sufficient knowledge to at least hold him at bay.
With every slice of Therek’s sword, she could see him squint, peering into the shadows cast by Kaori’s hood, no doubt searching for the identity of his opponent. Head ducked low, Kaori lunged at him, finding it more difficult to fight him than even she had feared. It wasn’t mere skill that stood in her way. After the initial shock of her predicament wore off, it became obvious that she couldn’t utilize her weapon to the furthest extent of her ability. One wrong strike and she risked killing Therek; and regardless of the fact that he presented himself as an enemy, she couldn’t bring herself to desire seeing him dead. He was a friend – or at least had been one to her parents. She couldn’t in good conscience condemn him.
“Traitor!” she hissed, side-stepping her lunge to avoid making contact with Therek’s blade.
His brow furrowed at Kaori’s strange maneuver, though he revealed no hesitation to advance. “I am no traitor,” he responded in a harsh breath, clearly offended by the accusation. As far as Kaori was concerned, he deserved far worse. As his sword came toward her, she deflected it easily, moving to the side once again to avoid direct combat. “Coward,” Therek smirked, straightening his posture at the realization that Kaori abstained from offensive tactics.
“You are the one who is a coward,” Kaori spat in a raspy whisper, following Therek’s movements as he began a slow circle, both of them refusing to take their eyes off the other, weapons ready. “You defend those who wish to slaughter your people.”
“I defend because I have no choice.” With incredible speed Therek moved toward Kaori, the tip of his sword aimed at her wrist. He was trying to disarm her. A wound to the hand, perhaps, but not a fatal blow. She couldn’t help laughing inside to think that she may have struck a chord in him. No longer did he aim for vital targets. If she pushed a little more, maybe she could sway him to turn on his precious emperor.
“We all have a choice,” she retorted, twisting her arm away from Therek’s blade. “The difference between us is that I choose to defend what I believe in while you choose to help the Emperor in order to protect your wealth.”
A smile played at the corners of Therek’s lips, faint, though noticeable. It was such a rarity to see the expression upon his face that Kaori couldn’t help thinking her mind was playing tricks on her. “You speak with vehement hatred yet you refuse to fight me. If I am such a traitor, why do you not kill me?”
He taunted her. A brave move for a cowardly traitor. “If you prefer death, I would be happy to oblige.” Seeing her chance to strike, Kaori moved in, mimicking Therek’s earlier attempt to disarm her weapon by directing her force toward his sword hand. To her dismay he seemed ready for her, the muscles in his body twitching to life, his right hand extended to grab onto Kaori’s wrist as he twisted his body to avoid the blow. She was in a bad position. He now controlled her arm, his strength overpowering her attempts to break free of his grasp.
Desperately she struggled against him, unsure of what he would do. She couldn’t be certain he would show the same mercy to her that she’d been prepared to bestow upon him. Not that he deserved it. She should have just killed him when she had the chance.
Unable to loosen Therek’s hold, Kaori started to panic, her movement less refined as she brought her left fist toward Therek’s head. If she could get a single blow past his guard, it might be possible to regain control of her weapon. But that was easier said than done. He blocked her punch with ease, his left hand firmly grasping her arm, pulling it down and across her body to pin her sword hand under it. The motion was rough, jerking her forward, closer to Therek than she was comfortable. From such a range it would be impossible to conceal her identity from him. He may be a traitor, but he wasn’t blind.
Afraid of being discovered, she tucked her chin against her chest, head turned to avoid Therek’s unwavering glare. It would be simple to lash out at him with her feet in a final effort to break away but for some reason she still couldn’t bring herself to hurt him. All she wanted was for him to let her go. “Release me,” she demanded, her voice projected in a loud whisper. She had to be careful. If she let him hear her speak, he would know who she was.
“I’m afraid I cannot make it that easy on you,” Therek frowned, dipping his head forward to try and see her face. “While I respect what you hope to accomplish here today, I would be considered an accomplice to treason if I let you go.”
“Then tell them I overpowered you,” Kaori said through gritted teeth, fighting against Therek’s hold once again. He held firm. Unyielding. Steadfast. She hated that she found such traits admirable. “If you have any loyalty to your people, you will release me.”
Letting go of Kaori’s left arm, Therek’s hand went swiftly for Kaori’s face, catching her chin between his thumb and index finger. She grimaced to feel his touch, the pressure painful, forcing her head toward him. The hardened look in his eyes dissipated instantly to see Kaori staring back at him, mouth agape, a sharp inhale revealing his disbelief. “Kaori…”
Ashamed, she closed her eyes, wishing herself anywhere but here. This was a disaster. Of all the scenarios her mind played through the night before, never did she imagine being exposed by one of her own people. He would reveal her identity to the Emperor and have her executed for treason. And unlike the first instance when such charges were brought against her, this time she was guilty. “Why are you doing this?” she whispered, hoping to play off any ounce of compassion Therek might possess. “I was warned that you could not be trusted but I refused to accept it. If you throw me to the wolves, I will know I was wrong to think you my friend.”
Therek looked stung by the remark. A glimmer of hope caused Kaori’s heart to skip at the possibility that she may have succeeded in getting through to him. He released Kaori’s chin, though his right hand remained firm over her wrist, retaining control over her weapon. “I cannot simply release you.”
“They will kill me if you do not…”
“I did not say I wouldn’t,” Therek cut her off before she could finish, his gaze darting from one side to the other, searching the crowd, watchful of any eyes which may be upon them. “If I let you go, we must make it appear as though you did indeed overpower me. Once you have the opening, you must promise to leave immediately.”
“I will not leave the others. We came here to see the prisoners to safety. Until I am satisfied that the goal has been met, I will not run away.”
“Why must you be… as you are?” Therek frowned, scanning the faces in the crowd, the furrow of his brow making it easier to sense his discomfort. “The lieutenant has seen us,” he whispered, tilting his head downward to avoid anyone seeing the movement of his lips. “He is coming this way to apprehend you.”
“But what of the others?” Kaori asked, panicked. Her heart raced faster than she thought possible, trying desperately not to look in the direction Therek indicated. If what he said was true, the lieutenant would become suspicious of their exchange if she failed to keep her attention focused on Therek. They were supposed to be fighting. Any sign that their interaction was anything
else would implicate them both. “Can you see the wagon? Are the prisoners free? Have the others escaped?”
“I cannot see, nor can I look at this moment,” Therek glanced out of the corner of his eye toward the scaffold, shaking his head in frustration. “Struggle against me. Break my grip and attack.”
“Attack?” she gasped. “I am not going to attack you –”
“If you do not attack me, you will be arrested.”
“If the lieutenant is in fact coming, I will be arrested regardless.”
“Not if you strike me,” Therek shook her gruffly, the motion disrupting her thoughts momentarily, barely understanding his words. “When you break free I will expose my left arm for you to hit. Once the wound has been inflicted, run. I beg you.”
“I will not hurt you…”
“You have no choice, now do it!” With his final urging, Therek shook Kaori again, harder this time, her head snapping back from the force. Instinct took over, her free hand reaching forward to push him away, surprised by the ease with which her captured wrist slipped from Therek’s grasp. She stumbled backward from her unexpected freedom, retracting her weapon to hold it protectively, cautious not to let him get hold of her a second time. Therek gave no pause for her to regain her bearings, lunging toward her with his sword. Reflexively, Kaori parried the blade, side-stepping the strike. Her stomach lurched to realize his left arm remained in line of her weapon, held there longer than any skilled swordsman would have allowed. Intentionally leaving himself open.
She didn’t want to hurt him. If he had just kept himself out of the fight, she wouldn’t be in this predicament. Now she stood there, frozen, time seeming as if it somehow stood still, her sword raised, aimed at Therek’s bicep. Somewhere in the distance she could hear a man shouting, calling out for Therek to stop her. The lieutenant. He was coming closer, the volume of his voice louder than Kaori liked. Therek was right. She had no choice.
Fingers clutched tightly around the hilt, she let her blade move toward Therek, the sound of fabric tearing reaching her ears above all else, as if magnified. He made no noise other than a pained grunt, stumbling backward to grasp his injured arm, blood already visible over the pale skin of his fingers where they pressed against the wound. It sickened her to think what she had done. But there was no time to worry about apologies now. She had to run. The lieutenant was near. If she lingered much longer, it would all have been for naught.
Her head swam with chaotic thoughts as she turned away, pushing through the crowd toward the alley where she’d seen Zacari disappear with his wife. Neck stretched, she could no longer see the guards by the wagon, its contents now empty, the remaining soldiers having dispersed into the raging crowd to try and quell the fighting. There was no sign of the others. Right now she could only hope that they had escaped to safety. She couldn’t stay there. Not now. The lieutenant was on her heels.
Lungs burning, she exhaled in relief as she reached the alley, the sound of her footsteps upon the gravel echoing through the narrow opening. Behind her she could still hear shouts from the crowd. An occasional scream cut through the air, sending shivers down Kaori’s spine to think of the fate that would befall those left behind. Anyone still fighting the guards would be arrested, or worse; executed on the spot. But that couldn’t be on her head. She hadn’t asked them to take arms against the Emperor’s men. While their assistance was appreciated, it was their choice to provide it. The repercussions of their actions were on them if they chose to continue despite the fact that the prisoners appeared to have been evacuated.
“Kaori!” Her name sounded from another alley as she turned down a side-street, whispered loud enough to catch her attention before she could go much further. Turning toward the voice, she felt a weight lift from her shoulders to see Liurn standing there, another man close by his side whose face she couldn’t quite see from the shadows. Without further pause she ran toward them, following Liurn through the alleys to the outskirts of the city. It brought her joy to have him with her again, content that he hadn’t been killed by the soldiers. They had escaped alive. And even if they hadn’t managed to save all of the prisoners, they had at least sent a strong message to the Emperor. No longer would the Vor’shai lay down and let him dictate their lives. Today was only the beginning. A fire had been lit and it would only grow from there.
Safe in the confines of Davian’s cottage, Kaori sat stiffly in a high-backed chair, staring proudly at the faces of those around her. They had been successful. While not every prisoner managed to escape unscathed, they rescued majority of those in captivity, including Davian himself, who now sat on the floor at Kaori’s feet. She was surprised to discover Davian to not be a full-blooded Vor’shai, but an Esai. His mother of Vor’shai heritage, the younger sister of the late Countess of Tialore, Liurn’s mother, Lady Torust. His father had been a human male, deceased long ago due to age. The one undisputed flaw of a romance between a human and a Vor’shai. Human life was fleeting when compared to the years a healthy Vor’shai could live.
Davian’s chin rested in his hands, the soft glow of his honey-colored eyes dimmed as he stared down at the floor. His long brown hair hung loose over his shoulders, reaching down to the middle of his back. In many ways he resembled Liurn. The angle of his facial features were almost an identical match, though his skin possessed more of a sun-kissed tone. “So, what is our plan now?” he asked, lifting his gaze to glance between Liurn and Kaori. “I am a known fugitive. It is unwise for us to spend much time here. We should be on the move soon.”
“We have no plan,” Liurn shrugged. Slowly he began a thoughtful pace across the floor, hands clasped behind his back. “Honestly, I had my doubts we would make it this far.”
“Zacari and his wife have fled to Mialan. If you are concerned for your safety, perhaps you could do the same,” Kaori leaned back, her eyes following Liurn’s hypnotic movement. She was exhausted. Now seemed the worst possible time to discuss further plans. Her mind wasn’t clear. Incapable of producing a sound course of action.
Arcell’s pale fingers fidgeted in his lap, halted suddenly by Mathious as he settled his hand over them. “Do not worry,” he consoled, meeting Arcell’s nervous gaze. “Your daughter will be safe with Zacari until you are able to join her.”
“We don’t know that,” Arcell shook his head, forlorn. “If the soldiers discover her on the road, they will arrest her again.”
“I think there is little concern of that happening.” Kaori knew she couldn’t make any promises, but something inside told her that Arcell’s daughter was safe. Although her name was known by the soldiers, her appearance would be unfamiliar to those men outside the unit which had been in charge of the execution. “They are all traveling under false names. The soldiers they meet along the road will have no way of knowing who they are.”
Liurn paused his incessant pace, turning a worried look in Kaori’s direction. “What about you?” he asked, concerned. “I saw you fighting the Duke of Avishul. Did he see your face? Does he know it was you?”
“Yes,” she frowned, her voice lowered, embarrassed. “I tried to avoid notice but he is incredibly skilled. He overpowered me…”
“Maybe you should think about escaping to Mialan as well,” Liurn unclasped his hands, rubbing gently at his temples, deep in thought. “We discussed our concerns about him before. It is very likely he will provide your name to the Emperor.”
“No,” Kaori stated, matter-of-fact. Despite their earlier concerns, she didn’t think Therek was their enemy. If he was, he never would have allowed her to escape.
Liurn lowered his hand from his face, staring at Kaori in confusion. “No?” he asked, uncertain. “We cannot be so sure of his allegiance. I mean – he fought against us! While others joined to fight for our cause, he opted to take arms against you.”
“Yes, he did, and I will not forget that fact. But he also helped me escape. It seems unlikely he would go through such trouble only to then sell me out to the Emperor.”
“Maybe that is just what he wants you to think. I just…” Liurn’s voice trailed off, followed by a heavy sigh of defeat. “Just be careful, Kaori. I’m not convinced he is on our side.”
“Even so, I refuse to run away. We are in this together, Liurn, remember?”
At Kaori’s words, Davian looked up at her, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “You speak as if you are not finished. Was this not the only rescue you had in mind?”
Letting her muscles ease, Kaori slumped against the back of her chair. She just wanted to sleep. The last thing she desired to think about right now was another rescue mission. “There are others who remain innocent prisoners of the Emperor. Although a second attempt at freeing them will be more challenging, I am of the opinion that we should at least consider the possibility.”
“The problem is that we don’t know where the next execution is to take place,” Liurn added, resuming his pacing once again. “Even if we knew, there are other factors which must be taken into consideration. Numbers being the largest.” Curious, he looked over to Kaori before continuing. “There will be more guards next time. Assuming everyone in this room were to participate, five against fifty is hardly a promising set of odds.”
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Four: In the Beginning Page 29