Dark Lord of Kismera: Knights of Kismera

by Tamara H Hartl

  Ki lowered her gaze, avoiding his eyes. “You did not mean it. I know you did not. It was the dream. You were fighting the dragon.”

  Drace felt devastated and humiliated and his expression reflected those emotions. When Ki stood, he looked up at her at a loss of what to say. Her gaze was calm now, and he couldn’t face those cool amber eyes so he lowered his head once more He ran a hand through his tousled hair with a shaking hand, and felt a choking lump in his throat. “Ki, I don’t…I’m so sorry.”

  “Do not apologize, my love. It is over now. Will you come lay with me?” she asked concerned.

  “You go back to bed, Ki,” Drace said quietly.

  “Are you coming?” She moved to their bed and removed her dressing gown.

  “Not yet,” he answered while shakily gaining his feet. “Really. Please, go on now, I’m fine. I’m just a bit ashamed of myself and need to regroup. Besides, it’s you I’m worried about.”

  Drace moved to the washbasin and splashed water on his face, then draped the quilt around his shoulders. He went and stood by the window that overlooked the rear courtyard. He felt Ki’s gaze on him and he turned his head toward her. “Sleep, hon. I’ll be okay. I just need some time.”

  Drace could almost feel her relax from across the room and her breath indicated she was finally asleep. He stood and looked out the window for a long time, the shame of laying hands in anger on the one person he held most dear kept him from being able to relax. He finally moved away from the window, bumping a chair in his search for clothes.

  Ki murmured something sleepily from their bed and he shushed her with a soft word. Emotion tore at him as he pulled on a pair of breeches, grabbed his boots and stockings, and then left the room. As she lay there, she heard the back door open and close, then the stable doors open. The sound of Pride’s hooves came next, along with the jingle of his bit chains.

  Ki let Drace go, knowing she could do nothing more that night to ease him.

  Drace had ridden for a couple of hours in the dark in an exercise paddock behind Vashti’s stable, until he felt Pride begin to tire. After cooling and rubbing down the big stallion, dawn found him mucking stalls, sweat running down his bare back.

  When he finished, he rinsed in a water trough, finishing by dunking his head then pushing his hair back. He stood for a moment, dreading going into the house. Finally, the chilly air drove him inside.

  He came in the back way through the kitchen, startling the cook who paused with a knife in her hand, and a kitchen maid who dropped a melon she had been preparing, a squeak of surprise escaping her lips. Drace heard the others in the dining room so he went silently up the stairs to change.

  When he came back down, he was in brown breeches, boots, and a loose white shirt. He had pulled his hair back in a doubled up ponytail, the ends of his hair hidden underneath. He hadn’t bothered to shave, as his hands were none too steady and he thought he might accidentally slit his throat.

  Drace quietly went into the dining room and went directly to the sideboard. He filled his plate, although he wasn’t all that hungry. He sat next to Ki who leaned over to kiss his cheek good morning, and lovingly laid a hand on his arm. He stiffened under her touch and she released his arm. After his first glimpse of the bruise on her cheek, he wanted to slide under the table and then he had caught one look at Cearan’s battered face and was unable to meet his gaze, keeping his eyes on his plate. Drace swallowed a mouthful of eggs past a lump that had formed in his throat.

  Cearan laid his fork next to his plate and looked thoughtfully at Drace for a moment. “If you fight as well awake as you do asleep we will need no other warriors to defeat the southern armies,” he teased and smiled carefully around the cut at the corner of his mouth.

  Drace gave a half-hearted chuckle and felt a sense of relief that Cearan apparently held no hard feelings from last night’s happenings.

  After everyone finished eating, Ki requested Drace to accompany her to Jaron’s shop to check on his sword. Drace nodded mutely, and left with her when she was ready.

  As they left the house, Ki looked up at him. “Drace.”

  “Mmmm?” was all he offered as he kept walking.

  They had walked almost half way when she persisted, “Drace?”

  He stopped and looked at her fully for the first time since the night before. “Yes?”

  “Cearan does not blame you for last night if that is what troubles you.”

  Drace hung his head, shame staining his high cheeks. “I know he doesn’t. But for laying a hand on you he would probably like to kill me. I would if someone did that to my aunt, Cerise.”

  “Is that what you are worried about?” she asked in disbelief. “You did not strike in anger against me. It was an accident, a dream, it is nothing.”

  Drace groaned out loud. He turned and continued walking, his jaw working as he clenched his teeth. “I’m pissed, okay? Just plain pissed. I have had this dream twice and I don’t understand it. I know what I did last night was an accident, but I could have really hurt you, Ki,” he ground out. “I’m sorry if I’m someone who gives a shit.”

  Ki hurried to keep up with his longer strides. “Drace,” she pleaded, “Drace!”

  Drace stopped; his back to her.

  “Drace,” she came around to face him, ignoring curious passersby. “Drace, is it forgiveness you want? I forgive you. You did not mean to hurt me. You know this and I know this.” She cut him off when he started to protest. “Please?” She took hold of his arm and this time he did not resist her touch.

  “Please?” she implored. “I love you. We are in this together. Do not be troubled.”

  Drace pulled her into his arms, put his chin on the top of her head, and closed his eyes. “Ki, I’m not upset about that. I just feel something terrible is going to happen and I don’t know what it is. I don’t know what I need to fight or defend against. The not knowing is what’s so hard.”

  He released her and looked into her eyes. They stood silently for a moment and finally she nodded. “I do so love you,” he said quietly.

  They resumed their walk and arrived at Jaron’s as the smith was getting his forge going. “Good morn, my Lady, my Lord. I hear congratulations are in order.”

  Ki smiled at him. “Yes, thank you.” She looked around. “Do you have the sword and dagger ready?”

  “Yes, my Lady.” He reached on a shelf and pulled down the dagger and its sheath. He handed it to her and she pulled the blade free from the sheath, inspecting the craftsmanship. It was a beautiful knife, a black onyx stone in the center of the hilt.

  She gave it to Drace who tested the weight and balance. The grip was perfect.

  Jaron had retrieved the claymore sword while they handled the dagger. Drace handed the dagger back to Ki as he took the sword. It was so beautiful he was almost afraid to touch it “This is incredible.” Drace breathed, taking the sword from its scabbard. The scabbard itself was a work of art, but the blade, he couldn’t believe it.

  It was longer than the sword he wore now and perfectly balanced. There was a large onyx stone on the hilt of this weapon also. On either side of it was a smaller sapphire and then stones that looked like aquamarines. Engraved on the blade below the hilt on one side was the Scottish lion emblem like his tattoo, and on the other, a head of a stallion, neck crested, and ears forward. Below the engraving of the stallion was an inscription that ran partially the length of the blade. Drace looked closer at the beautifully scripted words. He glanced at Jaron, “What does ‘Gefa Slakh’ mean?” he asked, running a finger lightly over the words.

  “It is Werren for ‘foe slayer’,” Jaron answered. He took a small dagger from his belt and then took Drace’s right hand in his. He quickly made a small slash across Drace’s palm. Drace gasped in surprise at the slight sting and the speed of Jaron’s action.

  “What did you do that for?” he asked when Jaron released his hand.

  “Give me the blade.” The elf commanded and took the sword when Drace hande
d it to him. “Now your hand I cut.”

  Drace held out his right hand and Jaron gently touched both sides of the blade to the blood welling from the cut. “This is so the sword recognizes the blood of its master. It is thought by doing this action, the weapon will not allow itself to be used against you.”

  Jaron then took a clean cloth and polished the blade of all traces of Drace’s blood. Only after the sword was clean did he hand Drace another clean cloth for the small wound on his hand.

  Drace wrapped the cloth around his hand and then took the sword back from Jaron. He stepped back and took a couple of swings, then looked at Ki. “This must have cost a fortune.”

  “It is my gift to you; for you as my mate.”

  He looked at her for along moment and then tested the blade again. He buckled on the sword and scabbard, after sheathing the sword, and tucked the dagger into its sheath on the opposite side in his belt.

  He knelt on one knee in front of her. “To serve you, my Lady, for as long as I may.” He stood and held out a hand and she took it. Drace pulled her against him and kissed her. “Thank you. The sword is wonderful and I hope to wear it worthily.”

  “That may be my finest sword, my Lord. May it serve and protect you always.” Jaron stated as Drace released Ki from his embrace.

  Drace clasped arms with the elf smith. “It is a fine work of art. I’ll sing your praises, sir. Thank you.”

  Drace’s spirits seemed a little better when they left the armorer and headed back.

  They all spent the rest of the day packing to return home. The main group would detour by Morenta, the dragon’s mountain. Tren and Zol would return directly to Oralia with a group of traders.

  The night passed quietly and Drace slept peacefully next to Ki.

  The party of five set out early the next morning, all armed, the Werre and Drace in chain mail and armor. Even Pride wore his new armor, mane and tail braided to protect the long hair.

  They traveled a day and a half as quickly as they could without overtiring the horses. Drace’s first glimpse of the mountain took his breath away. It was a single high peak that once they were closer, he could see several large cave entrances.

  When they rode closer, two dragons took wing. One he recognized as Nimbus. The second was a smaller version of Nimbus, but was more a shimmering light blue.

  Ki lead the party up a faint path up the mountainside. They entered a room that was set up to house horses. They tied them to rings along the wall and walked into a large cave that opened to the outside. They waited for the dragons’ return. The wait was not long. Nimbus landed first, moving over to make room for the blue dragon. The five people sank to one knee in unison.

  “Greetings, Master Nimbus,” Vashti voiced.

  Nimbus lowered his head and looked at each member of the party. His gaze stopped first at Ki.

  “You are changed, my Lady, but it becomes you.”

  Ki dipped her head in acknowledgement. “Thank you, Lord Nimbus, I am bonded now.”

  Nimbus raised his head slightly. “Oh? That is wonderful news. Would it be Lord Drace by chance?” he asked shifting his gaze to the man in question—already knowing the answer, but enjoying the look of true love shining from within the Lady Ki.

  “Yes, my Lord,” Drace answered, keeping his eyes lowered.

  Nimbus sat back on his haunches, rising completely off his forelegs. He gestured to his side at the other dragon. “This is my daughter, Azure,” he introduced. “She has news from the south. We will discuss this in a moment.”

  Nimbus focused his silver gaze on Drace “I see the most change in you, my Lord. I see the true warrior in you.” Nimbus’ eyes narrowed slightly in thought. “I think you mirror an ancestor who was a great warrior as well.”

  Drace was unsure how to respond. “Thank you, my Lord,” He finally said.

  Nimbus nodded. “Please, will you all follow me?” He rose to his feet and the five people followed suit.

  He went through a large opening on one wall of the cave and into another large cave. This room had a long table and chairs along the inner wall. There was a fire pit next to it, logs lying ready. On the table were goblets and plates ready for them. “Please, sit,” Nimbus invited the group. “Vashti, would you please pour?”

  She nodded elegantly. “Of course, Master.” She poured a rich, red wine for each of them as they all took a seat.

  “What is the news, my Lord?” Ki asked after she took a drink from her cup.

  The light blue dragon came forward. “My Lady, I have brought news that I am afraid is distressing.”

  She settled herself to speak her news. “The southern people have a new king who thirsts for power and lands. He is called Meadon and was the head of the Sunnon councils. He had the old king, Nestor, assassinated and now rules harshly.”

  “I do not understand this!” Ki said, her voice rising slightly in anger. “Their lands have always been vaster and there would be more game and farming if they would learn to manage them.”

  “This is true, but this king, Meadon, is greedy and cruel and has set his eye on the north. He is gathering an army. It seems to be taking him some time. There are not great numbers who wish to take on the clans and their warriors. That would be in our favor as he has not gathered enough forces to march before winter,” Azure said dryly. “If he is successful in raising this army, either by force or bribery, he will be formidable. He has a sorcerer and, even worse, a Blood dragon and a Night dragon.”

  There was a collective gasp at this news. Drace felt his blood run cold at the mention of the dragons and he visibly blanched.

  “When, do you think, will Meadon make a move to the north?” Cearan asked, and then drained his cup.

  “If the army gathers, which we believe it will,” Nimbus said, “as soon as the mountain pass clears in mid to late spring.”

  Ki and Cearan both said something rude in the ancient language. Ki leaned back heavily in her chair, one hand over her mouth in thought. Drace watched her, concerned.

  He turned to Azure when a thought occurred to him. “How is the pass now?”

  “It snows heavily in the upper reaches and the lower peaks will have snow soon. I expect the pass to be closed in one or two seven days. “Azure replied. She turned her head toward Drace. “A seven day is one of your weeks,” she clarified for him.

  “Thank you, Mistress, I have learned that,” he returned, formally, nodding politely to her.

  “Did they leave any on this side—a raiding party, perhaps, or scouts?” Ki asked.

  “I do not know,” the blue dragon answered as she lay down, front legs crossing. “It is possible, but if many had come into these lands we would have seen signs. We will continue to scout.”

  “Thank you,” Ki replied, and then rubbed a tired hand over her face. “A Blood and a Night you say?” she muttered from behind her hand.

  “Yes,” was the single reply.

  Ka’Ril looked at Nimbus. “My father has promised aid when the time comes. Two hundred bowmen and at least as many warriors. We have the alliance of Ferndale.”

  “Cearan, I would have you, Ka’Ril and Vashti ride for Fortune and speak to King Gabal. With elves by our side, mayhap the dwarfs will ally with us as well,” Ki hoped.

  “Certainly, sister; we will be better prepared than those of older times.”

  Vashti and Ka’Ril nodded their agreement.

  Ki turned her attention to Drace. “Drace and I will ride for Oralia. We must send out patrols to the south and messengers to outlying areas in preparation. The people need be warned. Harvest must be hurried and stores put up. This time the people will not be starved out.”

  She stood and moved as if to leave. Nimbus halted her. “I must speak with Lord Drace in private, if you would indulge me, my Lady.”

  “Of course, my Lord—we will wait by the horses.” She motioned for the others to accompany her from the room. Ki cast a reassuring smile at Drace before leaving.

  “There is much o
n your mind, human,” Nimbus commented, but his tone was not insulting. “I truly am very pleased that you and my Lady have bonded. She had need of a mate that was her equal. Not many men are.”

  “As a leader or as a warrior? I don’t feel that I am either.” Drace said, still seated at the long table.

  Nimbus looked at him silently—long enough that Drace wanted to squirm under the dragon’s gaze. Finally, Nimbus turned away and walked to a wall of the cave that Drace had not noticed before. “Come with me and see.”

  Drace rose and went to stand by Nimbus, who stood beside a large royal blue tapestry that hung on the cave’s wall. With one huge claw, he moved it to the side and hooked it onto a brass catch hook. Underneath was a large oval mirror in a simple brass frame. “What do you see, human?” Nimbus asked him as he stared at his own reflection.

  Drace gazed at the mirror and saw himself in the new armor, sword and dagger strapped to his waist, the hilt of a second dagger showing at the top of his boot, his hair loose around his shoulders. He was more tanned and a bit heavier muscled. A warrior stared back at him.

  What had happened to the simple man who had entertained tourists? Who the bloodiest thing he might see all day was the gift of a dead mouse an alley cat named Thomas gave him? His hand clenched around the hilt of his sword and his lips thinned in frustration. Is that simple man still even in there?

  “He is there, but now there is someone else to care for. Nothing is ever simple anyway, is it? Think of the responsibilities you faced there. What of the ways of your world? Perhaps life here, while primitive to your eyes, is actually simpler. It is a difficult thing to ponder, I agree,” Nimbus said gently.

  “Am I worthy of her, Nimbus, truly worthy of her over men of her own kind?” Drace’s voice was filled with doubt. He looked away from the mirror to gaze at the dragon. “Am I worthy enough to be with her forever?”