Arcell’s head perked up, the light of his soft green eyes glowing brighter, distracted from his earlier worries. “The odds wouldn’t be so bad. As we saw, the townspeople will be inclined to join.”
“I am not fond of gambling,” Davian shook his head in disagreement. “Yes, there is a chance we would receive aid from the townspeople, but we need to have a stronger base. There have to be others who are willing to join us, not just because it is convenient at the time, but because they want to fight for the same purpose as we do.”
“If only it were that easy.” Arms outstretched, Mathious released a wide, open-mouthed yawn. “Not everyone is to be trusted. The General is an insidious man. He will attempt to have his men infiltrate our ranks in order to bring us down. We will have to be more cautious with our planning than we were this time. Anyone could be Deliao’s spy.”
“Surely you all know people you can trust who might be swayed to help,” Davian stated calmly. He looked confident. Unfazed by the threat of the General discovering their identities. “Start with those closest to you. They are less likely to be the Emperor’s puppet.”
Liurn came to stand at Kaori’s side, his hand resting lightly over her shoulder. She glanced up at him, unsure why he would approach her. She had nothing more to add that hadn’t already been said by the others. “We need Sivar.”
“I beg your pardon?” she blinked. Liurn knew her brother was less than amenable to the idea of a rebellion when the topic was breached before. To speak of it again would only serve to anger him if he became aware that she’d already participated in an act of treason.
“He is a good fighter,” Liurn pressed, squatting down to level his gaze with Kaori’s. “We know he can be trusted and would be a valuable asset to our team.”
“And he is also firmly against what we are doing.”
“Talk to him. Make him see reason.”
“It is not that easy.” Frustrated, Kaori rose to her feet, almost stepping on Davian in her rush to get out of the chair. She was too tired to think about this. Her mind was filled with uncertainties, not only about Sivar, but of everyone she knew. Other than Liurn, there was no one she could trust who would help them. Sivar would turn her away and Therek was an enigma. And while she didn’t doubt that Pehrona would share their passion to do what was right, she was no fighter. “I need to sleep,” she breathed, feeling the room start to spin around her. After everything they’d been through during the day, she required rest in order to get her mind back in order. It was overwhelming. Unreal. Like a dream she knew she was having but couldn’t wake herself from.
“We cannot stay in Whitelyn,” Liurn argued, his hand reaching to steady Kaori. At the sight of her wavering, his expression shifted to one of genuine concern, looking her over for any sign of injury which may have caused her lapse in balance. “I think it is safe to return to my home. There is no reason for us to avoid it, now that our task is complete.”
“Will Davian be safe there as well? He is your cousin. The soldiers may come looking for him.”
“I will be fine,” Davian smiled, rising to stand next to Kaori, lightly taking her hand to help Liurn keep her on her feet. “Liurn, I can keep an eye on her while you ready the carriage. It’s best we use yours. I suspect mine would draw unwanted attention.”
“Yes, I suppose you’re right.” Hesitant, Liurn let his hold slip away from Kaori, keeping close in case she faltered. Satisfied that she wouldn’t fall, he gave Davian a sharp nod. “I will have the horses ready shortly. Gather whatever belongings you wish to take. We have a long road ahead of us.”
Kaori slept away the journey to Liurn’s home, awoken only occasionally by the rocking of the carriage. Once the adrenaline faded, her body felt like rubber, limbs weak, shaky. How she managed to keep her eyes open at all throughout their conversation at Davian’s house was a miracle. She longed for the warmth of her bed, though she knew it would be a long time before she was granted that comfort again. First she would have to figure out how to deal with Sivar. Returning home wouldn’t be so easy without appeasing him. He was a forgiving man, but the upset of her running off remained fresh in his mind.
It was still dark when Liurn helped her through the front door, taking the cloak she wore and hanging it on a rack near the entrance. There wasn’t enough light for Kaori to make out the details of the foyer, caring only about how far the distance was between her and a bed. Her feet stumbled over the stairs, nearly falling until she felt her body lifted into Liurn’s arms to carry her the rest of the way. She was grateful for the help. Head leaned against his shoulder, she curled up to nuzzle his chest, the warmth soothing. When he finally laid her down on the mattress she didn’t want him to let her go. It felt nice knowing someone was there.
Sleep overtook her quickly, helping her to forget about Liurn. The bed was comfortable. Plush blankets surrounded her, soon making up for the disappearance of Liurn’s warmth against her body, lulling her into a peaceful slumber. When morning came it seemed almost too soon, the gentle chirping of birds outside the window easing her back to wakefulness, eyes fluttering open to take in the room around her. She blinked in confusion at first, not recognizing her surroundings. It took several moments before she remembered the trip from Whitelyn, her pulse slowing as she sunk into the cushion of the bed. She didn’t want to get up. If she walked out the door of this room, she would have to face the reality of why she was there. What they had done. She was a fugitive, no different than Davian. Even if the soldiers didn’t know her identity, she was aware of her actions, and that was enough to strike fear into her heart at what would happen if the Emperor learned of her involvement.
Arcell and Mathious had returned home to await further word from Kaori and Liurn about their plans. Although Arcell’s daughter had been among the prisoners, her escape to Mialan helped avoid any concern of the soldiers coming for him. No one knew the part he played in the rebellion. The soldiers could question him, but they couldn’t prove anything unless Arcell gave them the evidence they needed.
With a loud sigh Kaori forced herself to sit up. It was pointless to stay in bed. While she preferred the idea of remaining in the safety of the blankets, she knew there was still much to be done. She had to face the truth that her life was never going to be the same. They had started a ripple among their people. In time, she hoped it would transform into a larger wave until they were able to make the Emperor see that what he did to them was wrong. Having been in his presence, she doubted that would be an easy task.
It took more effort to climb out of bed than she liked. Her muscles were still sore. Stiff. She’d put her body through a great deal. Her climb onto the roof left bruises along her arms and legs while her leap to the ground left her joints aching. Tiny marks could be seen around her wrist where Therek restrained her, each resembling the shape of his fingers. It looked bad. If anyone were to see them, they would ask questions. But that was easy to lie about. No one would suspect a woman to have taken part in such a dangerous endeavor. Except Therek. He didn’t have to suspect. He knew. He’d seen her face. Forget about it; she lectured herself. He won’t tell anyone. He knows what they would do to you…
The hardest part of it all was that she couldn’t be sure. She didn’t know with any certainty if Therek could be trusted. Mystery shrouded him in regards to most aspects of his life. Even his friends knew very little about him. Liurn had known Therek for years – considered him a friend, and even he couldn’t bring himself to believe Therek trustworthy. Not in anything so important. Before the death of her parents, Sivar had made mention of a distrust toward him as well. Mostly in regards to women, but he failed to elaborate. Claiming it was something her feminine ears shouldn’t hear. She couldn’t deny her curiosity was piqued. Something had to be known about him which made Sivar hesitate to allow her in Therek’s private company.
In a daze she wandered the rooms of the chamber provided by Liurn. One of the servants drew a bath, allowing her a chance to wash away the dirt and grime which remained caked on
her skin from the previous day. Sweat caused an unpleasant odor to form around her, unbecoming of a lady. She couldn’t let Liurn see her in such a state. Friends or not, she was still a respectable woman. Appearances were important.
A dress was provided to her once she was clean and dry. A bit old and worn, but sufficient. She didn’t expect Liurn to be in possession of any finery where women’s clothing was concerned. He was a single man, his mother deceased years ago, no longer giving reason to keep gowns within his home. She wasn’t expecting him to have anything for her to wear at all. Simple or not, it would do. The soft green fabric was thin and cool. Helpful, given the warmer temperature outside.
When she finally felt herself presentable, Kaori made her way out of the room, unsure exactly how to reach the main area of the home. She’d been too groggy the night before to retain much of the layout. There had been stairs. She remembered that much. Liurn carried her up them. If she could just find which direction they were, she would be one step closer to finding her way to the foyer.
Taking a guess, she turned to her right, peering into the distance to try and make out any details which might be familiar. All the doors looked the same. Her only hope came in the light which was visible up ahead, appearing to be from an opening large enough to be a staircase. It was all she could do to keep from laughing in her joy to discover the landing, a smile curling over her lips as she stared down into the spacious foyer. Windows rose high along the outside wall, letting in the natural light of the sun to illuminate the area. It lacked the expensive artwork she witnessed in Therek’s home, but that was to be expected. Very few people had the luxury of possessing the amount of money necessary to acquire such things.
“Ah, there you are!” Liurn exclaimed happily from below, his arm extended to wave her down. “Lunch will be ready shortly, if you are hungry.”
Her smile widened to see Liurn there, his mundane clothing from the previous day traded for his usual, more fanciful attire. The doublet he wore was a rich blue velvet, almost seeming to shimmer in the light from the windows. His boots were polished to a perfect sheen, making it easy to forget that anything had happened the day before. He was so calm. Nonchalant. If only I could let it go so easily… “Food sounds absolutely divine,” she replied, a slight grimace contorting her features as she began her descent. The muscles in her legs throbbed with the motion, reminding her with every step that she would need more time to recover from their escapades. “Did you sleep alright? I do apologize if I was any trouble.”
“Nonsense,” Liurn smiled, his hand reaching for hers to assist her down the final steps. “It was a long and tiring day for all of us. Think nothing of it.”
It was a relief to hear his dismissal. She hated to think that after her heroic display in Whitelyn she may have tarnished her image in the eyes of the men. For some reason it was important that she keep their respect. It was so easy for men to think of a woman as weak within their culture. Despite the matriarchal tendencies of the Vor’shai, their women were often doted upon and protected by the men as the foundation of their people. Not exactly encouraging a strong opinion of a woman’s ability to carry her own weight.
She allowed herself to be led into a lush courtyard, a soft, warm breeze wafting through the clearing to gently blow through her long hair. It was refreshing. A welcome change from Davian’s small cottage. The lack of dust and clutter made Kaori feel more at home, though her heart yearned to see her brother again. She hated to think he might be mad. Or worried that something bad may have happened to her. It seemed selfish that she put him through such torment but it was for a good cause. She just had to keep reminding herself of that.
“It is a beautiful day,” she commented as they approached an elegant wirework table positioned in a grassy clearing of the courtyard. Davian was already seated in one of the chairs surrounding it, his eyes brightening to see Kaori.
“Not nearly as beautiful as you, Milady,” he complimented, rising to his feet to greet her properly. In a suave motion he took her hand in his, bending forward in a formal bow as he kissed the skin above her knuckles. “I have you and my cousin to thank for my ability to enjoy this lovely afternoon. I am forever in your debt.”
“You owe me nothing. I only wish we could have freed you sooner.” She blushed as both men reached for one of the chairs, pulling it out to offer her a seat. They looked at each other in mild irritation before their expressions softened to express pure amusement at their behavior. Kaori wasn’t used to having men treat her in such a way. It was proper etiquette, but to this point in her life, there had been little opportunity to experience the company of men in a casual setting.
Working as a team they helped Kaori into the chair, sliding it forward as Davian poured her a cup of tea. She smiled up at him gratefully, cupping it in her hands to feel the warmth against her palms. Content that she was properly cared for, Liurn and Davian settled themselves into their own chairs to relax in the early afternoon sun.
Idly pressing his thumb against the smooth surface of his cup, Liurn stared down into the depths of the drink, the smile on his face fading slightly. “I still cannot believe we did it,” he mused, oblivious to the glances he received from the others. “We must have saved over a dozen of our people, even considering the unfortunate casualties. Gives one a bit of a rush, I must say.”
“A rush doesn’t begin to describe it,” Davian shook his head. “I have never seen such a thing in my life. So many people finally standing up to the Emperor. And Lady Kaori… You are incredible. I’d wager the Duke of Avishul was the most dangerous adversary there and you managed to hold him off. Not many could have done that.”
“It really isn’t as grand as it seems.” Discouraged, Kaori slumped forward in her seat, avoiding Davian’s gaze by watching the motion of her spoon as she slowly stirred her tea. “After he discovered who I was, he did not try very hard to defeat me. Hardly what I would consider a victory.”
“But you were the victor. You managed to escape him.”
“Only because he let me.”
“Let you?” Davian’s brow raised, curious. “Dare I ask what relationship you have with the Duke which would compel him to let you win in such a manner? You were committing treason. His assistance makes him an accomplice. The Duke isn’t the kind of man who would sacrifice himself for another. He enjoys his power too much.”
Liurn scoffed at the remark, lifting his eyes from his drink for the first time since they sat down. He looked irritated. Almost angry. “I fear the Duke has acquired some sort of affection toward her. You and I both know what that means,” he met Davian’s eyes, holding his gaze steady. Davian’s lighthearted expression faded, replaced by one of unmistakable concern.
“Affection? This is not good at all.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Kaori laughed nervously, lifting her cup to her lips in hopes of appearing calmer than she felt. She didn’t like the men discussing her relationship with Therek in such a way. They didn’t understand the circumstances under which she and Therek tolerated each other. Their interaction certainly didn’t imply affection by any means. “You jump to conclusions, Liurn. The Duke was a close friend of my parents. He merely abides my company out of respect for them.”
“The Duke does not abide anyone’s company that he does not wish, regardless of who their parents are,” Liurn frowned. “I know him, Kaori. Better than you. I could see it in his eyes when your brother introduced you to him at his party. The way he stole you away for a waltz against the request of your parents.”
“You don’t understand. There was a reason for that…”
“What about the way he touched you while showing you how to utilize a bow the day of our ride.”
“We were just talking, Liurn. I was aware already at the time that my parents may be in danger and was attempting to seek his counsel on the matter.”
“He took incredible care in tending your injury that day,” Liurn continued, unwilling to let the topic go. He seemed set on making
a point, though to what purpose, Kaori couldn’t be sure. “When your parents were taken prisoner, he went to the Emperor personally to arrange an audience for you. It takes more than respect for your parents to get him to risk the Emperor’s ire.”
“My parents were going to die!” Kaori exclaimed, placing her cup down on the table with more force than she intended. The liquid inside splashed over the edge, creating tiny puddles around the saucer on which it came to rest. “How can you tell me that Therek would be cold enough to stand by and do nothing while two of his closest friends are put to death? His actions were to help them, not me.”
At Kaori’s outburst Liurn settled back in his seat, the tone of his voice lowering. “I am not trying to upset you, Kaori. But you cannot deny the oddity of his behavior, even after the execution of your parents. He has paid numerous visits to your home, many of which Sivar indicated Therek’s interest was in speaking with you, and you alone. He wasn’t there for your brother’s company. He was there for yours.”
The truth struck Kaori like a punch to the stomach. Liurn was right. Throughout Therek’s visits to Rothdara, he rarely attempted to make conversation with her brother. He made small talk with Sivar only when Kaori refused to speak, but she couldn’t argue his interest in conversing with her. The day he happened upon her in the courtyard with the bow, it was her he was looking for. Alone. “Say it is true,” she speculated, turning a challenging gaze toward Liurn. “Why does everyone hold such distrust toward him in regards to women? You speak of his possible affection toward me as if it were some sort of curse.”
Davian and Liurn shared a troubled glance, but it was Davian who chose to respond. “The Duke has a bit of a disreputable past when it comes to women,” he shrugged. “Unlike your brother, if you were my sister, I never would have let the man near you.”
“But why?” she insisted, unable to hold back her curiosity. She wanted to know. For too long the questions had tumbled about inside her head, unanswered. If Therek was a threat, she needed to know.
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Four: In the Beginning Page 30