"Stand down! Stone roared, climbing to his feet with one hand on the wall for balance. He shook his head groggily. Why did you do that, Loky?"
Lokynen laughed so loudly the walls vibrated. I heard Kady wanted to see someone knock you into a wall. So I did."
Stone managed a rueful chuckle. You got it wrong, Loky. It was Mohanja who wanted to see someone toss me into a wall and it was Kady who did it."
"Oh. Lokynen flushed and offered his hand in apology.
Malthus scrambled to his feet and fled. He had never seen such physical power before. As much as Lokynen's strength worried him, making him grateful for Stone's intervention; the way that Stone could shrug off a blow like that suggested that there was far more to them both than he had previously believed.
"Same old Loky. Stone ignored Lokynen's hand, and bearhugged him instead, patting him on the back.
Lyncoln Wescot pushed his way through the crowd and extended his own hand to Lokynen. I'd put good money on it to watch you wrestle. I don't know about you two, but roughhousing always makes me thirsty. I just put in a couple of casks of good beer. Would you and Stone like to have a drink with me?"
"I could use a beer. Loky shook hands with Lyncoln and the three of them headed for the suite.
Jocelyn shook her head at them dubiously. Nutters. All of them."
CHAPTER ELEVEN
LAW-ABIDING FOLKS
Qaseem called it an exercise room for Kynyr. The prince called it a private salle.
Kynyr lay on his back, working his legs, doing sit-ups and push-ups. Pain arrived swiftly as his healing muscles protested the exercise. Kynyr tired before he reached the halfway mark of the goal that he had set himself. He forced himself through it until his legs and arms were trembling, and then grabbed the crutches that leaned against a chair and dragged himself to his feet. Kynyr reached the table and sank into the chair. Just over a week had passed since the day that Stone had worked his magic, and Kynyr had recovered to an astounding degree. Far from being content with the improvements, the prince hungered for more.
"You're progressing rapidly, Kynyr. Better than I had hoped."
Stone stood near the door, leaning his shoulder against the wall as he watched Kynyr.
"It's not that I'm not grateful, Stone. But I want to know what you did to me."
"I would explain it, if I could."
"Do you know what it does?"
"In principal. I gambled. Had I not heard that you were telling folks that you would rather be dead than crippled, I would not have hazarded it."
"Could it have killed me?"
"The possibility existed. Stone thought for a moment. There are compatibility issues with Shared Life, especially when the random factor is invoked. It's a chancy thing."
"Have you done it before?"
"Twice. Once it worked and once it failed."
"How did it fail? Kynyr's brow knit.
"She died. Stone's eyes went distant as it touched the memory. She wasn't pretty. Leila was plain. Some said she was ugly. But her heart was gentle and her voice was sweet. I loved her, Kynyr. But I could not save her."
"I'm sorry."
Stone shrugged free of the memory, stirred from the wall with a boneless grace, and joined him at the table, pouring a glass of cold water from a pitcher. You're healing at the same rate that I do. However, there may yet be some side effects that you will find hard to cope with."
"Such as?"
"I'd rather cross that bridge when and if we come to it. You are healing at the rate of a yuwenghau. Because that's what I am."
Kynyr's mouth twisted; resisting an urge to push for more answers, certain that he would not get them. I would prefer you did not mention how much improved I am to anyone. Todd thinks it's best we let the thanes continue to think of me as a cripple."
"Probably wise."
* * * *
Lokynen sprawled in a large chair near the hearth in the cottage he had rented at the north edge of Wolffgard. He had never been much for reading or writing, but he enjoyed the letters that he received from his wife, Amberlin. A war had broken out to the south. The so-called God-Queen of Minnoras, Gylorean Galee, had gobbled up the city-states along the east bank of the Hillora River, taken a savage swipe at Gormond's Reachwhich King William Gryphonheart had managed to defeat at great costand then lunged into Angrim. As a result, Amberlin's couriers were having a difficult time getting through to him. The newest letter, which had arrived yesterday, had been sent a month ago.
My Dearest, Dearest Loky,
How I miss you. Home, they say, is where the heart is; and my heart is with you. So therefore, I have no home when you're away. I wish that you could see our son. Josaerin is growing so fast. He seems to change day by day. He has your hair and eyes.
The King has taken her army east to the relief of Gormond's Reach, taking Dynarien with her. In exchange, King William has sent his son Rudyard to Rowanhart in a betrothal pact to become husband to her daughter Ellynis Rowan when she comes of age. Everyone fusses over the boy, including Prince Becca.
There has been a lot of unrest in the city since the King's departure, especially in the Triton enclave. I haven't been able to put my finger on what's wrong, but I'm certain that it is not something I can't handle.
Still, I wish you were home. I miss you terribly.
Your loving wife forever,
Amberlin
"I miss you too."
He folded the letter and stuck it in a drawer of the bureau. The thought of his son growing in his absence led to thinking about Darmyk. He wanted to go and see the boy again. Stone had admonished Lokynen that if he chose to return to the manor for visits, he had to be on his best behavior.
"Best behavior, he muttered. Not supposed to whomp Malthus. Not supposed to roughhouse. Not supposed to have any fun. Too many do's and don't's, Stone."
Lokynen had made a habit of walking past the manor everyday, but he had not gone in. He had simply kept hoping to catch sight of the boy, Darmyk, playing or sitting out of doors. In fact, now that he thought about it, he had not seen any children playing in the yard.
That bothered him. He snatched his cloak up and headed for the door, muttering over and over, Don't whomp Malthus. Don't whomp Malthus."
His heavy strides carried him down Main Street. Most myn nodded politely as he passed. Others took note of the frown he wore and simply got out of his way. A rush of children's voices as he passed Locust Street made him pause and look, searching the happy faces for Darmyk even as he knew in his heart that the boy would not be among them. Hamish Scott raced up to Lokynen and grabbed his arm.
"Swing me, Loky!"
Lokynen's frown melted. He loved the sound of children's laughter. Hamish's companions trotted up. Lokynen knew all of them: Cooley, Rory, Sugar Maple, Pieface, Bodi, and Lilac.
He stuck his arms out. All of you! Hang on. Get good holds."
The children locked their hands together around his huge arms and Lokynen turned about, waving his arms back and forth, swinging the giggling children off the ground. The louder they laughed, the happier he felt.
"Hold on tight, he hollered and charged down the middle of the street with them dangling from his arms.
Adults scattered from his path to stand watching him go, shaking their heads and chuckling at the sight. Of all the newcomers in their town, Lokynen had to be the oddest, but they all liked him best.
When Lokynen reached Elmind Street, he ceased his madcap rush and lowered the children to the ground. He surveyed their faces. Have any of you seen Darmyk lately?"
Cooley stared at his shoes for a moment, gathered his nerve, and spoke. He's sick, Loky. He can't play anymore."
"They won't let us see him, either. Sugar Maple's serene face showed no trace of emotion, yet Loky could tell that it bothered her.
Lokynen frowned. I'm going to see him."
He set off again and the children had to trot to keep up.
"Don't scare the thanes again, Lilac suggested.
Lokynen stopped. Is that what I did?"
Cooley rolled his eyes. Terrified is closer. They're as jumpy as rolled johns with a hangover. That old figgity fanny Doherty says you're a menace."
"A what?"
"A menace, said Lilac, patting her pouches. Everyone is saying how far you knocked Stone was scary."
"No, no. The other thing. A figgy whatsits."
Sugar Maple breathed an eloquent sigh. You do not need to know, Loky. It's nasty."
Lokynen scowled at Cooley, making his ugly face hideous. I'm supposed to behave and you're calling him nasty names?"
"I outrank him. I'm a prince. Cooley shrugged.
"Yes, you are, young master. Iswara glided across the street. He had been shadowing Cooley for hours that morning. Is it a problem you are having, Master Lokynen?"
"Cats are sneaky things. Lokynen eyed Iswara closely.
"When needs must. Iswara gave him a polite bow of acknowledgement.
"I need to check on Darmyk. But if I see his stepfather, I'm apt to whomp him."
"Ahh, and that would produce much unhappiness among the thanes and difficulties for Stoneriver."
"Can you help me?"
"Not directly. However, if I might make a suggestion?"
"Make it."
"When you go to the door, ask for Lady Regina Devlin. You will find her helpful."
"I'll do that. Lokynen set off without another word.
This time the children did not follow. Instead, they danced around Iswara chanting Don't scare the thanes."
The closer he got to the manor, the more edgy Lokynen felt. He repeated his chant from earlier in an attempt to remain calm. Don't whomp Malthus. Don't whomp Malthus."
He reached the manor and noted the wary looks in the patrolling guardsmyn's eyes. Maybe I did scare them."
Giving a shrug, Lokynen went to the door and knocked. It opened and a slender nibari greeted him. Yes?"
"I'm here to see Regina Devlin. I promise not to break anything. I just want to talk to her."
Isbeth smiled and gestured for him to enter.
She led him through the hallways and up to the second floor to the Rose Room.
* * * *
Regina had begun using Aisha's desk in the Rose Room for her work. The chamber had become a peaceful spot within hours of Jocelyn fleeing Lyncoln Wescot. Every morning without fail, Lyncoln arrived for tea and scones with Merissa and Emma. The mistresses were in such dread of his whimsical audacity that they had begun sending Regina notes, rather than bring their demands in person and risk encountering him.
She cast a dubious glance at the big mon that Isbeth let into the room, rose, and went around the desk with her hand extended politely. Is there something you need, Lokynen?"
Regina could not get the image of Stone hitting the wall out of her head and finding herself alone with the man-mountain who had struck the blow left her feeling uneasy; however, she had no intention of letting him know that. Lokynen was not as tall as Stone, but much more powerfully built.
"Just Loky, if you don't mind, Lady Devlin. He glanced away like a schoolboy expecting a scolding. I'm on best behavior. I won't break anything."
"I'm sure you won't. And you may call me Reggie, if you like."
Lokynen's eyes lit upon the saber she wore at her hip. My wife favors the saber."
"Your wife has trained?"
A deep chuckle bubbled from Lokynen. Only one she can't whip is me."
"Are you sure? Regina found his laugh infectious. What about Stone?"
Lokynen considered for a moment. Well, maybe not Stone, but I bet she'd carve her name on his forehead."
"She sounds impressive, Loky."
"Oh, she is. Amberlin's the toughest battlemage out there."
"I'm certain that you did not come to talk about your wife. She pointed at the largest chair in the room, which also happened to be the one that Lyncoln used, and hoped it was big enough. What can I do for you?"
Lokynen settled into it with exaggerated care, and gave the arms a cautious pat that suggested to Regina that he had had chairs break beneath him before. Iswara said you might help me."
"Well, tell me what it is and I'll try."
"I haven't seen the little boy in awhile. His friends said he doesn't play anymore. I got worried about him."
"You mean Darmyk?"
Lokynen nodded. I don't like his stepfather, but I promised Stone I wouldn't whomp him."
"Before I decide whether to help you, would you answer a few questions for me?"
"Ask."
"Why are you so interested in Darmyk?"
"His dad and I... Lokynen's brows knit as he tried to decide how to answer. Well, you see, we have a mutual friend. She asked me to look out for him. His dad is worried about him."
"You know, Loky... Regina seated herself on the sofa and ran her gaze across the tapestries. Many sa'necari-born males see having lycan offspring as abhorrent, a disgrace."
"And? Suspicion crept into Lokynen's voice.
"Isranon repudiated Darmyk. Merissa still cries about it."
"It's a lie. A nasty god-fecking lie."
The vehemence in his voice set her aback. Isranon and Nevin wrote letters to that effect."
"Dawnreturning would never do anything like that."
"Dawnreturning? That caught Regina by surprise. The rumors and tales of the mon had been reaching legendary proportions over the past two years, ever since he destroyed a small army of demons to rescue King William Gryphonheart. She struggled to wrap her mind around it. His father is Dawnreturning? The first Mage-Paladin to Kalirion in centuries?"
"That's him. Kalirion and I might have our differences, but he would never take to a mon who would repudiate his own son."
The way that he said it sounded so personal that Regina was thrown off-stride again. You've met the Sun-God?"
Lokynen's mood shifted mercurially with a laugh. Knocked him across his own garden once."
"Who are you, Loky? Regina's mind raced. The mon was immense and powerful, but hitting the Sun Lord created a dichotomy of astonishment and confusion.
"Lokynen Willidar."
"Oh. Regina's voice dropped to a whisper. He was yuwenghau, the demi-god son of Badonth, God of Aggressive Warfare and Vengeance. She ran her eyes over him again, and it made sense. Does Stone know this?"
"About me? Yeah. About Darmyk's dad? I don't know."
"Do you mind if I tell him?"
"Nope. Go ahead."
The rest of Regina's questions had vanished from her mind in reaction to the revelations Lokynen had given her. He had swept away all her doubts about him; and Regina could see no reason to delay him. Would you like to see Darmyk?"
"I would. Lokynen followed Regina, who led him along the corridor to Darmyk's room.
The boy lay beneath a wealth of quilts and comforters. His color was off and his eyes had an odd glaze that worried Lokynen.
"Hello, Little Bear. Lokynen spotted the largest chair in the room, pulled it close to the bed, sat and leaned forward. They tell me you don't feel well."
Darmyk shook his head. Tired."
"You'll get better. Lokynen patted the boy's hand.
"What in Hell's name is going on in here? Malthus stalked into the room, and flicked a wary glance at Lokynen seated hunched on the edge of a chair with his back to him. Regina, I won't have you making a circus of Darmyk's illness ... bringing people in here without asking me first."
"I simply brought a friend to cheer him up. There's no harm in that. Regina kept her voice even.
"That oaf is no friend of mine, Malthus snapped.
"He's your son's friend."
Lokynen ignored Malthus, muttering sotto voce, Don't whomp Malthus."
"Would it be too much for you to ask first before bringing people here? Malthus gestured at Darmyk. Did you ask Merissa first?"
Darmyk whimpered, retreating further into his blankets. The harsh exchange between the adults frightened him.
&nbs
p; Regina glanced away, and Malthus knew he had been right. You will get my permission before doing this again."
"I don't need your permission, Malthus. Regina stiffened, her eyes flashing. In case, you've forgotten, I run the household."
"I haven't forgotten, he sneered. Johfrit's not a week in his grave and you're already remarried."
Regina went from stiff to tense as Malthus parroted things she had overheard both Clennan and Jocelyn saying about her. I did what I had to do."
"Slutting it up to Stone's second in command to further your own agenda."
"That's enough out of you. Lokynen straightened and rose to his feet, turning with a glare. I promised not to whomp you ... but that doesn't mean I won't thump you."
Malthus stopped short. Stone had assured him that the big mon would not touch him again, but seeing the savage look on his face rattled Malthus, causing him to take a step backwards. He lowered his tone, clinging to a semblance of righteous indignation. I told Mary Sinclair that I did not want people disturbing my boy. It is hard enough on Merissa as it is."
Regina's eyes blazed and emotion pushed her midway into her transitional form. Her mouth edged toward becoming a snout and fangs appeared. I know what's hard on Merissa. She is my friend."
"And I am her husband."
Lokynen's face tightened in fury and he took a step toward Malthus. Get out of here."
"As you wish. Malthus retreated to the door. However, I will speak to Stone about it."
Then he turned and left.
"I hate that mon, he treats her shamefully, but she allows it, Regina snarled.
Lokynen was silent for a moment, watching her calm a little. Promise or no promise, I just might whomp him."
Regina gave a sigh. If Merissa weren't so ill..."
"Say the word and I'll rip his head off."
"You really mean that...."
"Of course. Lokynen blinked, wondering how she could even doubt it. It would scare the thanes again. He considered for a moment, and an unexpected chuckle emerged. Darmyk's friends followed me through Wolffgard this morning, chanting don't scare the thanes. But I might have to."
* * * *
Malthus sat in his study with Clennan and Vertram. Regina and Mary had chased him out of the suite as soon as Merissa went into labor. She was near enough to term that Mary Sinclair had assured Malthus there would be no problems with it. However, he could not stop worrying. Merissa had become so fragile over the past few months, and birthing twins presented its own share of difficulties.
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